Use All Your Senses to Detect a Gas Leak

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Gas Leak Detection
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If you use natural gas as an energy source in your home, you should always be aware of the dangers of a gas leak. Although rare, a small leak could put you, your home and family in grave danger. Not only is gas toxic, it can cause an explosion that could be a devastating tragedy for your family. It is important to know how to use all your senses to notice signs that you may have a gas leak in or around your home. Teach everyone in your family what a gas leak may look, smell and sound like to avoid a disaster. 

Signs of a Gas Leak

If you have a gas leak, there may be signs you can see both inside and outside your home. Keep an eye out for:

  • Inside your home. Is there debris, water or dirt that appears to being blown into your home? This can be coming from a leak in a gas line. The gas may be invisible but other debris can be coming out into the air with the gas.
  • Outside your home. Gas lines generally run under your lawn or yard to reach the main supply source. If there are dead patches in your lawn or vegetation above where these line run, a gas leak may be below.

You also may hear the sound of a gas leak. A hissing or whistling sound can be what you hear when gas is escaping from a pipe.

One of the most reliable and noticeable signs of a gas leak is the door. The sulfur-like smell is very distinctive, but not everyone can smell this odor, so looking and listening are also key.

If you think you have a gas leak, you need to evacuate the home immediately and call 911 or your gas company. To have the gas leak repaired, local plumber specializing in gas leak repair are the professionals to call.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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How Green is Your Plumbing?

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Water Conservation
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Recycling, conserving water and efficient energy use are all part of the green lifestyle. Finding ways to reduce waste is an important goal for everyone to strive for, especially homeowners. You can drive the more energy efficient car, be very conscience of recycling and have other green behaviors, but if you home is not green, then you are missing a big step. One area that can make a big environmental impact is your home’s plumbing. Here are a few ways to ensure your home is conserving water and energy by using these green plumbing options:

  • Tankless water heaters. Stop wasting energy around the clock with an old tank water heater. Tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s used, saving a ton of energy and money off your utility bills.
  • Low-flow toilets. Did you know that less efficient toilets can waste an extra 4,000 gallons of water a year compared to water-efficient models? New low-flow toilets work just as good as the old models, yet save thousands of gallons of water.
  • Showerheads. Another big use of water in the home is the shower. You need a showerhead that limits the flow of water to give you enough to get clean without wasting this precious resource. WaterSense offers a great efficient showerhead that can save about half a gallon of water every time you or someone in your family showers.

The nice thing about living green is it often can save you green in the long run. While it may cost a little now to upgrade the plumbing in your home to greener options, most of these fixtures and appliances will save you money off water and energy. Talk to your local plumber about transforming your plumbing to green options.

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

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Do You Have Old Polybutylene Piping in Your Home?

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Polybutylene Pipe
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If you home was built in the 1970s, 80s or 90s, there is a good possibility that the pipes in your home for plumbing were made from polybutylene. This piping was an economical option that was used for decades for interior and exterior plumbing. The pipe is known for its blue or gray color, and also for its unreliable nature. Unfortunately, after this piping was used in the building of thousands of homes, it was pulled from the market. If you have this piping still in your home, you could be facing possible plumbing problems. 

Polybutylene Piping Problems

The issue with polybutylene is the material reacts with chlorine that is in many city water supplies. This reaction causes the pipes to corrode and weaken. Over time, the pipes can begin to leak, or worse, rupture and cause substantial water damage to homes. Due to this major issue, the manufacturers of the piping were forced to stop making the product and were required to pay billions of dollars in damages to homeowners. 

So what should you do if you still have this piping in your home? The best solution is to have the piping replaced before it begins to leak or bursts. Water damage is an expensive home repair. It can ruin walls, flooring, ceilings and cause mold issues throughout the home. It is a wise investment to replace this piping before it becomes a much larger and more expensive problem.

If you are concerned that there may be polybutylene piping in your home, call your local plumber for an inspection of your pipes. Your plumber can offer solutions for replacing any old polybutylene piping with new safer piping options.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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5 Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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For decades, every home had a large tank-style water heater hidden in the basement or in the corner of a laundry room. Twenty-four hours a day, hundreds of gallons of water is kept heated, ready for use in these large tanks. But is this really the most efficient method? Why heat water when you are at work or on vacation? Tankless water heaters are the more efficient option available, for several great reasons. Here are five benefits of owning a tankless water heater: 

  1. Less energy. First and foremost, tankless water heaters only heat water on an as-needed basis so they use less energy. This can be a substantial savings each year and through the lifespan of the equipment.
  2. Less Space. Free up that corner in the laundry or pantry that stores your large tank water heater. Tankless heaters are much smaller- some can even be mounted outside the house.
  3. Long lifespan. Many tankless water heaters last longer than the tank variety. Tanks tend to corrode and rust from water storage. Tankless water heaters eliminate that component, extending the life of the equipment.
  4. Tax savings. Since tankless water heaters are considered an energy-efficient option, there are often tax breaks for switching to a tankless variety.
  5. Smaller chance of water damage. Leaking water heater tanks can cause extensive water damage to your home. Tankless water heaters do not store water so they are unlikely to flood your home. 

If you are ready to replace your old tank water heater, talk to your local plumber about the options available in tankless water heaters. For most homes, these new more efficient models are the best solution.

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

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Do You Need a Pressure Regulator Adjustment or Replacement?

May 5th, 2015 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Many people are unaware that there home is equipped with a pressure regulator valve, even though it is one of the most essential parts of their plumbing. If you are on a municipal water system, the water pressure coming into your home is usually too high for residential plumbing. The pressure regulator reduces this pressure to make it safe and tolerable for your water lines and appliances. But what happens when this valve needs to be adjusted or replaced?

Signs of Pressure Regulator Problems

In most cases, the water pressure coming into your home should be less than 75 PSI. If your pressure regulator valve is working correctly, you should never even know it is there. However, if it is not adjusted properly or has stopped working, there are signs that you may need it replaced, including:

–          Hose problems. Have you needed to replace your washer or outdoor hoses recently due to ruptures? This is a sign that the pressure is too high for these devices, often due to a malfunctioning pressure regulator.

–          Water line issues. Does it seem like you are having more plumbing problems than usual? Maybe it started with a dripping pipe under the kitchen sink, then another leak in the ice maker in your refrigerator. High pressure may be damaging your plumbing lines. This can become a very expensive problem if a larger water line bursts in your home.

If you are concerned that your pressure regulator may not be working as it should, call your local plumber. They can test your water pressure and install a new regulator if necessary to protect your plumbing and home from further damage.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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How Green is Your Plumbing?

May 5th, 2015 Posted in Water Conservation
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You want to do your part to live a green lifestyle, conserving energy and reducing waste. One of the most valuable natural resources we have is clean, fresh water. It is easy to take this resource for granted when it flows so freely into your home. However, there are ways to reduce water waste by upgrading to green plumbing in your home.

Green Plumbing Upgrades

Water efficiency is not only good for the environment, it can also be a way to save money off your utility bills. Using less water and heating less water both can save money every month, plus it is a great way to do your part to conserve natural resources. To upgrade your plumbing to a greener approach, here are a few ideas:

–          Faucets and showerheads. Start with the small fixtures that are inexpensive to replace. Water efficient faucets and showerheads can reduce your water usage by gallons per day.

–          Efficient toilets. You are literally flushing money down the toilet if you have an older, inefficient toilet. New models like WaterSense can save 4,000 gallons of water a year while performing as good, or better, than older models.

–          Water heaters. Do you still have a tank water heater that keeps water hot 24/7, wasting energy? Upgrade to the greener option of a tankless or on demand model, saving you up to 50% less energy for hot water.

Almost all water appliances and fixtures now come in water efficient models that can reduce the waste in your home. To get a green plumbing makeover, talk to your local green plumber to discuss replacing your toilets, water heaters and other water appliances with more efficient options.

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

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When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain

May 5th, 2015 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Clogged drains are a normal occurrence in most homes. In the bathroom, the sink, shower and tub drains are commonly clogged with a combination of hair and soap residue that can slowly plug up the drain pipe. In the kitchen, food is the culprit, especially fats and grease that cling inside the pipe and trapped large food particles to fill the drain line. Many of these clogs can be removed or cleaned without professional help, but when should you call a plumber for a clogged drain?

Reoccurring Clogs

Are you constantly removing a clog, just to have it reappear in a week or two down the road? You may be only removing the top of the clog and leaving the majority of the problem in the pipe. Try using a snake or auger to clear out the entire clog. If it still comes back, call in a plumber to clear out your drain for good.

Multiple Slow Drains

If you have several drains that are slow, it is most likely a major pipe that is clogged, even a sewer pipe. This is not something you can usually fix with a plunger or auger. You may have a broken sewer line, or a sewer pipe that is clogged under the ground outside your home. A plumber with sewer line experience should be called to find and fix the problem

Foul Odors

Is there a foul odor coming out of your clogged drains? There could be some sort of sewer backup occurring. Whether you are on a city sewer or septic system, you should have a plumber come inspect your pipes and get to the root of the issue.

Most clogs can be removed with a handy plunger and a little elbow grease. However, for those bigger clogged drain problems, call in a plumber for professional assistance.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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Do You Need a Water Line Repair?

May 5th, 2015 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Your home has water lines all throughout the interior, many hidden from view inside walls and under your flooring. Any of these pipes can spring a leak or rupture, causing thousands of dollars in water damage to your home. If left unchecked, even a small leak can release enough water to create a serious mold problem in your home without even alerting you to the problem before it is too late. However, there are signs that you may have a water line that needs repair.

Stains on Walls or Ceilings

A major leak in a water line is very obvious, but small leaks are not as noticeable. Keep an eye out for stains or changes in color on walls or ceilings. This can be a sign there is a small leak that is seeping water into the surrounding materials.

Mold or Mildew

Mold and mildew love moisture and thrive when there is water line leak in your home. If you are noticing higher levels of these fungi in your bathroom or other areas of your home, there is a good chance there is a water pipe leak somewhere.

Musty Odor

If your home smells like a musty beach home, yet you are miles from any water, there may be a water leak in your home. That musty smell is old standing water accumulating somewhere out of sight, probably causing damage to your home.

Any of these signs are a good reason to call in a plumber for a leak inspection. The longer you ignore it, the more damage that may be occurring inside the structure of your home. A water line repair is much less expensive than replacing walls, flooring and ceilings due to water or mold damage.

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

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