Preventing Bathroom Plumbing Problems

October 28th, 2014 Posted in Drains
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Bathrooms are one of the most common areas for plumbing problems, especially clogged drains. You may be taking a shower one day and notice that your shower is quickly becoming a bath as the water collects in your tub. You may notice after brushing your teeth that the water in your sink is still slowly draining several minutes later. Even worse, a toilet may suddenly overflow. Although some plumbing problems cannot be helped, there are ways to prevent many of these bathroom clog issues.

  • Use drain covers. In bathrooms, the biggest culprit clogging drains is hair. In both the shower and sink, make sure to use a drain cover to collect as much hair as possible before it goes down the drain. Make sure to physically remove collected hair and throw it away.
  • Don’t flush plastic. Anyone on a septic system should know not to flush anything plastic or non-biodegradable down the toilet. This should also be adhered to in homes on city sewer systems. Wrappers, feminine hygiene components and other items can quickly clog a toilet, causing it to back-up.
  • Avoid chemical de-clogging products. As tempting as it is to use chemical clog removers, avoid these products. Instead, use a plunger or other clog removing devices. These chemicals rarely remove the entire clog and can be harmful to your plumbing, possibly causing bigger problems down the road.

Of course, there are some other plumbing issues which will occur, such as a leaky faucet, toilet or shower. Your local plumber can help get these issues resolved quickly and will also be there to remove tough clogs that just will not budge.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Reoccurring Slow Drains

October 28th, 2014 Posted in Drains
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Once again, your kitchen or bathroom sink is draining slowly. You have tried to use a plunger or snake to clear the drain, maybe with some success. However, after a few weeks or months, the same old problem is back again. There are a few things which may be happening down in your pipes that need altering to get that clogged drain clear for good.

What Is The Problem?

In most reoccurring slow drains, there is a good reason that it keeps becoming clogged. Either you did not completely clear the clog in your previous attempts, or there are new clogs being formed each time. If these are new clogs each time, it is probably due to something you or one of your family members are putting down the drain.

  • Kitchen sinks. The most common issue in kitchen sink clogs is grease and food particles. Make sure your family members aren’t putting any oil, fat or grease down the drain of your sink. Clean out pans and dishes before rinsing, wiping them out with a paper towel, rather than washing fats and oils down the drain.
  • Bathroom drains. Hair and soap are the common drain cloggers in bathroom drains. Make sure you have a drain cover on your sink and shower, removing any collected hair or soap particles after each use.

While these preventative measures can stop clogs from forming, they’re not effective in addressing existing issues. The best solution may be a professional drain cleaning to remove any residual clogs. While your attempts to remove the clog may have been partially effective, there may be residue on the lining of the pipes still remaining. This residue can collect any debris which comes down the pipe, resulting in another clog. Your local plumber has professional equipment capable of clearing your pipes to get those clogs which are causing your slow drains gone for good.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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Dangers Of Delaying Old Water Heater Replacement

October 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Water heaters tend to be ignored until they cause a problem. They do their job, day in and day out, year after year, often with few or even no problems. However, they do have a limited lifespan which will eventually end. Unfortunately, many homeowners find out too late what happens when water heaters are kept beyond this point. The result can be expensive water damage that can cost a small fortune to repair.

Water Heater Leaks

Over time, tank water heaters will collect minerals inside, causing rust and corrosion. Although some of this can be minimized by regular maintenance, such as draining and part replacement, there’s always the chance that corrosion will still occur. Most water heaters last about ten years, even with proper care. As these appliances get closer to their demise, there in an increased chance of a water leak.

Once a seam breaks or a hole rusts through the tank, a small leak can become a large household crisis very quickly. If this happens when you’re away from home or not in that area of the home, the damage can be extensive. Many water heaters hold 70 or more gallons of water, which can come rushing out into your home. This amount of water can damage your flooring, furniture, walls and cause mold problems.

The best way to avoid water heater leaks is to replace your water heater before it deteriorates to that point. Have annual maintenance and inspections performed on your unit by a qualified plumber; once it begins to approach the end of its lifespan, discuss replacement options with your plumber. Putting off the inevitable can be much more costly than doing a preventative replacement of your water heater.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

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Appliances That Should Be Installed By A Plumber

October 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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We all love to save money when we can, especially when it comes to home repairs. There’s nothing wrong with being a do-it-yourselfer, as long as you have the knowledge to do the project correctly and safely. However, there are times when it can be worth the extra money to hire a professional, especially with plumbing appliances. One mistake when installing these appliances could cost you a small fortune down the road in repairs or replacement, making it far less efficient to attempt the installation on your own.

  • Water heaters. A new water heater is a major purchase, and needs to be correctly installed to work properly. There are several steps to ensuring the water heater is ready to use, including adjusting the pressure valves and temperature. It’s best to have a plumber install your new water heater to avoid any damage to the new unit, or to your home.
  • Kitchen appliances. New kitchen appliances which require plumbing, such as dishwashers, refrigerators with icemakers or garbage disposals, should be installed by your local plumber. Your plumber can ensure all the plumbing to and from the new appliances are in place, plus give you tips on how to care for your new purchase.
  • Toilets. Installing a new toilet takes patience and experience. Setting the seal between the toilet and floor is tricky, and if not done correctly, you may have leaks which can damage your home and even cause contamination. Thousands of gallons of water go through toilets each month, making it vital to ensure your new toilet will not spring a leak. Let a plumber with the right tools and skills install your new toilet to avoid any future problems.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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Do You Have A Hidden Water Leak?

October 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Most plumbing leaks are out in the open and quite easy to detect. A dripping faucet or pipe quickly becomes apparent, making it easy to diagnose and get repaired. However, there are water leaks which can occur in places that are not so easy to notice, causing significant damage over time. A water line leak or a small pipe leak in the basement wall or under your home can go undetected for months. The danger is that a small leak never stays small. Eventually, it will grow and cause bigger problems. Finding these hidden leaks quickly can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Here are a few hints you may have a hidden water leak.

  • Water bill increase. Has your water bill gone up for no apparent reason? Check the water usage and compare it to previous bills. Even a small leak or drip can increase your water usage by a 100 gallons or more. If there have been no other changes in your water usage, a higher water bill could indicate a leak in your plumbing.
  • Water spots, mold or moisture. Keep an eye out for any signs of excess moisture around walls, floors and ceilings. The leak may not be saturating through drywall or other building materials, yet still be causing signs of moisture.
  • Wet areas around the yard. Random wet spots in your yard, especially close to the house, can be signs of an underground water leak. This could be from your main water line or a sewer pipe. Call in a plumber right away to investigate the problem.

A water leak can be very expensive if not repaired quickly. Your home and property can be damaged from water and mold, which can possibly be harmful to your family’s health. At the first sign you may have a hidden leak, call in a plumbing professional to ensure the leak is quickly repaired.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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Five Fall Plumbing Maintenance Tips

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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As the year eases from summer into fall, it’s time to start getting your home ready for winter. This includes maintaining your outdoor plumbing. Even in regions with mild winters, there are still times when the temperatures can drop below freezing, so it’s important to protect your plumbing and fixtures from cold weather damage. Here are five tips to maintain your plumbing through the months ahead. 

Hoses. Unscrew your outside hoses and drain them completely, storing them in a garage or other insulated area. Hoses with any moisture in them can freeze, cracking the rubber or plastic and rendering them useless when spring weather arrives.

Sprinklers. Make sure to drain or blow out your sprinklers and irrigation system to remove all the water from the pipes and heads. An early cold snap could freeze your sprinklers, causing expensive damage to the entire system.

Insulate all exposed pipes. If you have outdoor spigots, pipes or any other plumbing, make sure to cover and insulate them before winter. Even some open pipes in garages which are not heated may benefit from insulation. Look for areas where cold air can reach pipes, sealing or insulating these drafty spots.

Water heater maintenance. Fall is a good time to do an annual tune-up on your water heater. Your local plumbing company can perform a routine maintenance check to ensure your water heater is ready for the colder months ahead.

Water main education. Winter is a common time for burst pipes. Everyone in your household should know where your water main is located, and how to shut it off in an emergency. A single large pipe can funnel as much as 10 gallons of water into your home a minute if it bursts, causing extensive water damage to your home. Keep your local plumbers number easily accessible for these types of emergency situations.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

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How Safe Is Your Drinking Water?

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Water Filtration
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It’s easy to take clean, safe drinking water for granted. It’s easy to enjoy the convenience of having water ready to use, right from the tap, without giving it a second thought. Even households which use bottled water or a filtered water pitcher for drinking often still use tap water for cooking and watering their pets. However, there could be contaminants entering your water supply without your knowledge, bringing harmful substances into your home through your faucet. 

Testing For Water Pollutants

The only way to know for sure your water is free from contaminants or pollutants is to have it tested. Whether you are on a private well or use a city water system, it’s prudent to have your water tested at least once a year. Old pipes, agriculture chemicals and other pollutants in the ground can cause your water to become tainted, and unsafe for consumption. 

There are home water tests available if you want to test your water on your own. However, some of these tests many only detect a few common contaminants. Most plumbing companies offer more comprehensive water testing, which will scan the water for a variety of substances, including lead, e-coli, trihalomethanes (THMs), chemicals and many other harmful agents. Your plumber can also suggest water filtration options which can keep your water safe between your annual testings to ensure your family has clean, safe water all year round. 

Having safe water is essential to your family’s health. If you have not had your water tested, call your local plumber and schedule an appointment today. It is worth the investment to ensure that you and your family are not being exposed to harmful pollutants in the water you use every day.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

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Adding An Extra Bathroom To Your Home

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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Many older homes were not built with today’s needs in mind. While homes these days tend to be designed with two or more bathrooms, many older homes only have one or one-and-a-half. Adding another bathroom to your home can offer convenience for your family, and is also an investment which goes a long way toward increasing the value of your home. Even if you don’t think you have the space, there may be areas which could easily be converted into a second or third bathroom. 

Bathroom Addition Ideas

Take a look around your home. Is there any space which could potentially be better utilized as an extra bathroom? The ideal locations will be near existing plumbing, adjacent to rooms like the kitchen or laundry room. Some ideas for spaces which can be remodeled to serve as extra bathrooms include: 

  • Closets. For a half-bath or guest bathroom, often a closet can be converted. Using the closet space, along with borrowing a little extra square footage from another room, can be plenty to add a small bathroom.
     
  • Pantries. Usually located near the kitchen, pantries can be a great place to add an extra water closet.
     
  • Laundry rooms. If you have a spacious laundry room, part of that room could be transformed into a bathroom.
     
  • Basements. Tired of running upstairs to go to the restroom from your basement living area? Although a bit more tricky, adding a bathroom down in your basement is possible. In many homes, it will require the addition of an ejector pump to propel waste up to your sewer lines. 

Before starting a bathroom addition project, talk to your local plumbing contractor. They can access your home and give you ideas about determining the easiest places to connect to your existing plumbing to add the extra bathroom you have always wanted.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

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Preventing Mold In Your Bathroom

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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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

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Top Trends In Kitchen Sinks

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Kitchen Sinks
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If you are considering a full kitchen remodel or are just looking to update your kitchen, what type of sink you want is an important decision. The sink is one of the most used features in your kitchen, necessary in almost every aspect of cooking a meal. Whether you are a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to cook or just a heat-and-eat kind of person, you will want a sink which offers the best features for your needs while adding style to your kitchen.

 Three Popular Trends In Kitchen Sinks

For a kitchen remodel, one of the first decisions you will need to make is what type of sink you will be adding. The size and configuration can affect the countertops and other aspects of remodeling your kitchen. There are many options available to homeowners when it comes to kitchen sinks, beyond the old one or two basin basic sinks. Here are three of the most popular trends on the market today when it comes to kitchen sinks: 

  • Deep one-basin sinks. Large, country-style apron sinks with one basin have become very popular in modern kitchens. These deep sinks allow room for large pots and pans, perfect for cooks who prepare meals for large families or get-togethers.
     
  • Natural stone sinks. Adding marble, quartz or granite countertops? Integrate your sink seamlessly into the design with natural stone sinks to match your counters This adds a modern flare with a cohesive design which adds elegance to your kitchen.
     
  • Prep sink. If you love to spend time in your kitchen, a prep sink will make cooking so much easier. Adding a small prep sink to your kitchen island or prep area is one of the most popular trends in contemporary kitchens. 

Regardless of what type of sink you choose for your kitchen, you will want it professionally installed by a professional plumber. It will not matter how beautiful your new sink is if it’s not plumbed correctly. Your local plumber can also offer suggestions on sink placement. and options which can be useful before you begin your remodel.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

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