Don’t Ignore Soggy Areas In The Yard

September 21st, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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If you notice a soggy or mushy area in your yard that can’t be attributed to recent heavy rain or some other obvious source, don’t just ignore it and hope it will go away.  A wet or soggy area of the yard is often a sign of a plumbing, sewer, or septic problem.  Ignoring it will only allow the problem to get worse.  It’s important to find out what’s causing the problem before there is further damage.

The most common causes of soggy spots are leaking water service lines.  If the soggy area is located between your house and the water meter, there is a pretty good chance that a leaking water line is the cause of the problem.  Another indication is an unusually high water bill.  You can test for a leaky water line by shutting off all of the water in your home, then writing down the reading on the water meter.  Check the meter again after an hour and if it has moved, then your water line is leaking.

If the problem is not your water service line, it’s time to start thinking about other sources.  If you have an irrigation sprinkler system, a cracked or broken line can cause a soggy spot.  Swimming pool plumbing can also create mushy areas of the yard depending on how they are plumbed.  You could have a cracked water line for your automatic pool filling system, a leak in the pool itself, or a leak in the plumbing for the filtration system.

Finally, if your home is on a septic system, mushy areas near the leach field can be a sign that the leach field is failing.  Have the septic system checked out by sewer-septic contractor before the problem gets worse.

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No Reason To Avoid Low Flow Toilets

September 21st, 2012 Posted in Toilets
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Since they were first introduced in the early 1990s, low flow toilets have had a hard time shaking the reputation as poor performers to be avoided if at all possible.  To be honest, the poor reputation was well deserved at the time.  Toilet manufacturers were unprepared for government water conservation regulations that took effect in 1994 limiting the maximum amount of water that toilet could use to 1.6 gallons per flush.

Instead of designing new toilets that worked well with only 1.6 gallons of water, most toilet maker simply modified existing designs to reduce the amount of water that would flow out of the tank during each flush.  Unfortunately, most toilets that performed well using 3.4 gallons per flush didn’t flush well when limited to less than half the usual amount of water.  There was not enough water to clear all of the waste out of the bowl and the toilets were prone to frequent clogging.

Fortunately, the performance of low flow toilets has improved considerably since then and there is no reason to avoid low flow toilets any more.  Toilet manufactures have responded to consumer complaints (and declining sales) by redesigning their toilets to operate efficiently using only 1.6 gallons of water.  In fact, some new toilets use even less water and work just as well as standard toilets.

Experience has shown that redesigned low flow toilets flush fully and don’t clog any more frequently than older standard toilets.  Low flow toilet prices start as low as $100 and considering the money you save on water, they can pay for themselves in just a few years.

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Low Flow Toilets Save Water And Money

September 21st, 2012 Posted in Toilets
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Water conservation is important for many reasons.  Not only does reducing water usage conserve fresh water supplies, but it reduces the pressure on water and sewage infrastructure.  As the population increases, your local water authority has to build larger water treatment facilities, more pumping stations, install miles of water and sewer lines, and add more storage capacity.  In addition, by conserving water we can reduce the amount of energy needed for pumping water and for operating water treatment facilities.

On a personal level, water conservation not only reduces your water bill, but can also reduce the amount of energy used for water heating.  If you are on a septic system, lower water usage will help your septic system work better and last longer.

There are many ways we can save on water usage such as turning off the water while shaving or brushing our teeth and catching the water that would otherwise go down the drain while waiting for the shower to warm up and using it for watering plants.  However, an more effective way to save tens of thousands of gallons of water per year without even thinking about it is to replace an older standard toilet with a modern low-flow toilet.

If the toilets in your home date back to before 1992, they most likely use at least twice as much water per flush than modern low flow toilets use.  By replacing these old toilets with low flow toilets you can save about 3,000 gallons of water per person per year.  For a family of four, that’s 12,000 gallons of water!  You will not only conserve water, but depending on water and sewer rates in your area, you could also save $50 to $100 per year on your water bill.

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Dealing With Low Water Pressure

September 21st, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Does the water pressure in your home does seem to be lower than it used to be? Low water pressure can be an indication of a plumbing problem sit it’s best not to ignore it. If the water pressure is low at a single faucet or showerhead but the rest of your fixtures have good pressure, the problem may be as simple as a buildup of debris or mineral deposits in the fixture.  Remove the showerhead or faucet aerator and clean out any debris.

If the pressure seems low at all of your faucets, you can test the water pressure in your home with a water pressure gauge available at most hardware stores.  Follow the instructions for use and contact your local water authority to determine if the water pressure in your home is the right pressure for your area.  If not, then you should call a good plumber and have the problem identified and repaired.

Possible problems include a faulty water pressure regulator, a broken water supply line, or a clogged water supply line.  Water pressure regulators are located near where the water supply line enters your home and maintains a constant pressure inside your home.  The pressure may need to be adjusted or the regulator may have malfunctioned and need replacing.

Depending on the type of water  line, it may be corroding in the inside which will constrict the water flow and reduce pressure inside your home.  A broken water supply line will also cause a drop in water pressure.  With a broken water supply line, you may notice a wet area in your lawn or a higher than normal water bill.

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Touchless Faucets For Residential Use

September 21st, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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You’ve probably used a touchless faucet in public restroom or commercial building, but did you know that touchless faucets are available for residential use too?  Touchless faucets (also called electronic or automatic faucets) are slowly catching on as people discover the advantages that these types of faucets have in the home.

A touchless faucet turns on and off automatically instead of using a handle.  Sensors on the faucet detect your hands or an object such as a glass or dish under the faucet and the water is automatically turned on.  When the faucet senses that you are not using the water, it turns the water off.

The two main advantages of a touchless faucet are water conservation and hygiene.  Since the water flow stops whenever you are not using the water, touchless faucets are estimated to use up to 70% less water than a traditional faucet.  This is the reason why you see them in so many public facilities.  They use much less water than a traditional faucet.

Hygiene is another plus for touchless faucets.  Since you don’t have to touch the faucet handle to turn it on or off, germs are not transmitted the way they would be by a traditional faucet.  The spread of contaminants if reduced by using touchless faucets.

Touchless faucets use either battery power or electrical power from a wall outlet to operate and are somewhat more complicated to install and set up than a traditional faucet.  Faucet installation and initial adjustment of a touchless faucet should be handled by a licensed plumber.

 

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Tips for Dealing With Emergency Plumbing Problems

September 21st, 2012 Posted in Choosing a Reputable Plumber
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There is never a good time to have plumbing problems, but when a plumbing emergency pops up, knowing what to do can help keep an ordinary emergency plumbing repair from turning into a plumbing disaster.  Water flowing out of control in your home can quickly cause a lot of damage to your property including walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, furniture, and other personal property.  In addition, if the problem involves untreated sewage you could have a serious health issue on your hands.

One of the most important things you can do is establish a relationship with a reputable local plumber.  When water is gushing out of a broken pipe or sewage is backing up through your drains, you don’t have time to be checking references or calling friends and family for a referral.  You want to have the number of a trusted plumber at your fingertips.

Do all your homework ahead of time and have the plumber come out for a routine job such as replacing a leaky faucet or clearing a clogged drain.  Once you find a plumber you are happy with, program their number into your cell phone or keep it posted somewhere handy such as on the refrigerator.

Before you even call the plumber, contain or control the damage if possible.  If you have an overflowing toilet, turn off the water supply by shutting off the valve located at the wall under the toilet tank.  For broken or leaking pipes or fixtures, you can stop the water flow by turning off all of the water in the house.  Most homes have shutoff valve located near where the water supply line enters the home.  Locate this valve before you need it so you will know where it is when the time comes.

Once your plumber is on the way try to keep the damage to a minimum by mopping up spilled water with a mop or some towels. This will help prevent damage and make it easier for your plumber to get to work.

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Is Your Water Line Leaking?

September 13th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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A broken or leaking water supply line can waste thousands of gallons of water in just a few days.  If you don’t notice that your water line is leaking, you could be socked with unnecessarily high water bills month after month. In addition, water line leaks can cause underground erosion and damage your driveway, foundation, or landscaping features. By being alert to the warning signs of a water line leak, you’ll know when to investigate further to find out if your water line is leaking and arrange for water line repairs if needed.

Those high water bills are the first sign of a water leak for many homeowners.  If you water bill has gone up significantly from last month, you may have a broken water line.  If you have a swimming pool or if you water your lawn, it is normal for your water usage to climb in the summer.  Check your water usage against the same month last year to see if the recent increase is out of line.

The other clear indication of a water line leak is a soft or wet spot in the yard.  If there is an area of your yard that never seems to dry out, it is a pretty good sign of a water leak in your water supply line unless the area has a foul odor in which case it is more likely to be a problem with your sewer line or septic system.

To confirm a leaking water line, shut off the water supply inside your home and take a look at the water meter at the curb.  Take a reading of the meter and compare it to the meter reading an hour later.  If the number has changed, you water service line is probably leaking.  Have it checked out and repaired by your local plumber.

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Do You Need Insurance For Your Water Supply Line?

September 13th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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A water supply line is the pipe that runs between the water meter, usually located near the road or street in front of your home, and your house.  This line supplies all of the potable water to your home from your municipal water source.  Your municipal water authority is responsible for repairing and maintaining the water main and the pipes that run from the water main to your water meter, but many homeowners are unaware that the homeowner is responsible for maintenance and repairs to the water line between the meter and the home.

If the water line breaks or begins leaking, the homeowner could be facing a water line repair bill that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  Some warranty companies offer insurance that covers water line repairs.  This is separate from your homeowners insurance which does not cover routine maintenance such as water line repairs.  These companies offer coverage for a few dollars a month to cover repair or replacement of a water line.

The insurance sounds like a great deal, but before you sign up, be sure you understand what you are getting into.  Most water supply lines work for decades without any leaks or breaks.  The exceptions are galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe.  These types of water lines are prone to leaking after 10 to 20 years.  If you have one of these types of water lines, insurance might not be a bad idea but be sure to examine the policy carefully to see if these types of water lines are excluded from coverage.

Also, in the unlikely event that a copper, PVC, or polyethelyne water line fails, it can usually be repaired for a few hundred dollars.  A total water line replacement can cost thousands of dollars, but these types of water lines don’t usually require replacement.

Finally, check on the insurance company to see if there have been any complaints against it and to make sure it is sound.  Your insurance will not be a bargain at any price if the company is out of business when you need them or has a history of denying claims.

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Best Pipe For Water Supply Line

September 13th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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If you are installing a water supply line at a newly built home or replacing a broken or leaking water line at your existing home, you have several types of materials to choose from.  Years ago, water supply lines were usually galvanized steel or polybutylene.  Neither of these types of materials are used today for water supply lines because they had a very high failure rate.

Instead, plumbers today usually use copper, PVC, or polyethylene pipe for water supply lines.  Copper is generally considered the best material for water supply lines.  It is easy to work with, durable, and strong.  Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive option.  Also, copper pipe is available as either rigid pipe sold in ten or twenty foot sections or a softer version that comes in coils.  Rigid copper pipe is put together will connectors and each connection is an opportunity for a leak to develop.  Flexible copper pipe is sold in coils and has far fewer connections where leaks can develop.

PVC pipe is less expensive than copper and also very easy to work with, but it is not quite as durable as copper.  In addition, like rigid copper, PVC is sold in sections and leaks can develop at the connections.

Polyethylene pipe is inexpensive like PVC, but has the advantage of being a flexible type of pipe that is sold in rolls.  Polyethylene pipe can be installed more quickly because it does not need to be joined every ten to twenty feet. Fewer joints means fewer spots where leaks can develop.  In addition,it’s flexibility also means that it can be routed around corners and obstacles easily.

Your plumbing professional can help you choose the right type of pipe to fit your needs and budget.

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Broken Water Supply Line – Repair or Replace?

September 13th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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If your water supply line has broken or started leaking, you will be faced with the choice between replacing the pipe or repairing it.  A repair is usually much less expensive than a water line replacement, but before you fix that broken or leaking water supply line, there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, find out what type of material the leaking or broken water supply line is made of.   If the water supply line is galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe, don’t waste money trying to repair it.  Polybutylene and galvanized steel pipes were both used for water supply lines in millions of homes constructed from the 1960’s to the mid 1990’s.  Neither one is used today because both types of pipes are known to have a high rate of failure.  In fact, with either type of pipe, it’s not a matter of if it will fail, but when it will fail.  Once it fails, the entire pipe should be replaced.  If you try to repair it, the pipe will soon fail again at a different location.

Most other types of water supply lines such as copper, PVC, or polyethylene pipe can be repaired.  However, if the break or leak is under a driveway, sidewalk, or a landscaping feature, you may be better off replacing all or part of the pipe.  Compare the cost of replacing the entire water line with the cost of the repair combined with the cost of replacing the section of driveway, sidewalk, or landscape feature.  Another option to consider in this situation is trenchless pipe replacement.  Your plumber may be able to replace your entire pipe or the section that is difficult to reach without digging.

Finally, consider why the water supply line broke.  In some cases, replacing the line and re-routing it will prevent future problems.

 

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