Should You Do Your Own Faucet Repair or Replacement?

Replacing or repairing a faucet is not rocket science, but it can be more difficult than you may think. Many do-it-yourselfers will attempt a faucet project, especially if they have replaced a faucet in the past. However, not all faucets are the same and many of the newer models are more complicated than the simple versions of the past. Here are a few things to consider before attempting a faucet repair or replacement on your own.

Do You Have the Right Tools?

There is nothing more frustrating than getting into the middle of a plumbing project and realizing you don’t have all the right tools. Your new faucet may need different size wrenches or sockets to tighten parts than your old one. Needing to buy different tools can be an added expense.

Unforeseen Problems

It is a common issue to start a plumbing project and realize there are bigger problems than you initially realized. Once started, you often cannot stop until the job is done without losing access to your sink or tub. Make sure you are ready to tackle whatever plumbing issue may reveal itself during the project.

Protecting Your Investment

If you are upgrading your faucet to a newer, more expensive model, you want to ensure it is installed right. It may be worth it to hire a plumber that guarantees their work to protect your investment; damaging an expensive new fixture or needing to replace it down the road due to improper installation are common issues with DIY plumbers.

Even a smaller plumbing project like faucet repair or replacement can benefit from the expertise of a professional plumber. Save yourself time and trouble by hiring a professional to get the job done quickly and correctly.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Three Strange Sink Sounds Which May Be Signs of Trouble

Normally, your sink is a relatively quiet fixture. Except for the whooshing sound of water going down the drain and the occasionally hum of the garbage disposal, it mostly remains silent. However, if your sink does start speaking up, it’s usually is a sign something’s amiss. Here are three strange sinks sounds that should get your attention:

Gurgling Sounds While Draining

A gurgling sink usually means there’s air trapped in your pipes. The cause can be debris from your garbage disposal which has created a clog that’s trapping air behind the blockage, or you may just need a vent added to your pipes. Either way, a gurgling sound is a good reason to call a plumber.

Whining Faucet

If your sink’s faucet makes a whining noise when it is turned on, there are a few different reasons for this noise. It may be something as simple as a loose washer or air in the pipes. It could also be a problem with the valves located under your sink.

Clinking or Thumping

A clinking noise when you turn on the water in your sink can be an easy fix. Most of the time, a loose washer which can easily be tightened or replaced is the culprit. However, if this isn’t the issue, it’s best to call a plumber to inspect your faucet and pipes.

If your sink is talking to you with any of these or other sounds, listen to what it’s saying and call your local plumber. Most issues can be quickly and inexpensively remedied, provided they’re caught before they become major problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

Preventing Mold In Your Bathroom

There are thousands of varieties of molds which can invade your home, especially your bathroom. Mold grows best in warm, moist environments, making your bathroom the ideal places to flourish.  Mold can stain your bathroom fixtures, plus can be a health hazard. Although there is no way to eliminate mold altogether, you can take steps to prevent its growth. 

Fortifying Your Bathroom Against Mold

There are several ways you can protect your bathroom and family against mold. The key is to reduce excess moisture and places for water to hide, which can lead to accelerated mold growth. By completing just a few preventative steps, you can greatly reduce the chance of having your bathroom become a Petri dish for mold spores. 

–        Wipe down showers and bathtubs after use. A quick wipe down of your shower walls and bathtub after each use will eliminate excess moisture. Educate your family about using their used towel to absorb the water left in the shower or tub after each use.

–        Fix drips or leaks. A dripping faucet or leaky bathroom pipe keeps moisture at a high level all day long. Call your local plumber to have these issues fixed, and reduce the moisture to prevent bigger plumbing problems down the road.

–        Grout and caulking. The grout around tiles and the caulking around the edges of your shower need to be maintained to reduce moisture seeping into cracks. Make sure your grout is properly sealed, and that caulking is sealing all seams.

–        Use your bathroom fan. An exhaust fan in your bathroom can reduce much of the moisture left in the air after a bath or shower. Make sure the fan is turned on during every shower or bath to remove the moist air. 

Preventing mold is much easier than trying to get rid of it once it invades your bathroom. With a few preventative measures, you can keep your bathroom clean and healthy, free from nasty, harmful mold.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

Keeping Your Sink Fixtures Looking Like New

Sink fixtures have become an important part of the décor in both kitchens and bathrooms. It is not just about function; these fixtures are the final accessories which can bring the whole room together. While faucets and aerators are fairly simple to clean and maintain, they do need some special attention to keep them looking beautiful and working correctly. Here are some tips to maintain those expensive fixtures:

  • Cleaning. Keep in mind that most expensive faucets and other sink hardware may feature finishes which require special cleaning. To keep water spots at bay, make sure always to wipe away any moisture from fixtures, polishing any water spots with a dry cloth. Never use harsh cleaners with scrubbing compounds or corrosive agents on fixtures; these cleaners can destroy the finish.
  • Mineral deposits. For areas with hard water, mineral deposits can leave spots on your fixtures and even clog the head of your faucets or aerators. A solution of half warm water and half white vinegar can help remove these mineral deposits, just wipe down the fixtures and the faucet heads.
  • Aerator. The aerator on your kitchen sink should be cleaned every few months to prevent clogs in the fine water holes in the head. Simply disassemble the aerator and soak for a few hours or overnight in the same vinegar-water solution used for mineral deposits.

Some faucet maintenance may require a little more work, or the help of a plumber. You may have washers which need replacing or other components in need of minor repair. For leaky faucet repairs, call in your local plumber to get the problem fixed properly.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing