Do You Have an Interior Water Pipe Leak?

Inside your walls and under your floors water is flowing through the many water pipes that run throughout your home. Although you can’t see them, they are constantly doing their job, day in and day out, transporting water to and from your bathrooms and kitchen. But just like any water pipe, these interior lines can sprout a leak, which can cause major water and mold damage to your home. To protect your investment in your home and the health of your family, be on the alert for these signs of an interior water pipe leak.

  • Mildew smell. Does your home smell like you live at the beach, yet you are many miles from the nearest waterfront? That musty or mildew smell could be coming from inside your walls if a water pipe has a leak. Try to pinpoint where the smell is originating; if it is coming from a wall containing a water pipe, it may be time to call a plumber.
  • Water bill rising. You should always monitor your water usage if you are city water. Even a small leak can add up to hundreds of extra gallons of water used each month. If your water usage has increased, yet your lifestyle has stayed the same, you might want to get an inspection of your plumbing.
  • Water stains. The most obvious sign of a water leak is water stains on your walls or ceilings. This could mean a plumbing leak if it is near your interior water lines.

If you think it is possible you have a water leak, do not hesitate to call your local plumber. A water pipe leak can cause extensive and expensive damage to your home if not repaired quickly.

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

Is it Time for a New Boiler?

As fall begins, it is time to consider whether you are prepared for winter. If your home uses a boiler, the last thing you want is for your boiler to breakdown in the middle of winter.  Although you may not want to think about the expense of replacing your boiler, it is better to be proactive than reactive. Here are a few signs it may be time to talk to your local plumber about a new boiler installation:

  • Your boiler is at least 10 years old. While age alone is not necessarily reason to replace a boiler, once a boiler is past a decade old, you should be on the alert for signs of failure.
  • Water temperature issues. Is your water not getting hot enough or only getting hot when the heat is on? These can be signs of issues with your boiler.
  • Home heating issues. Did you have issues last winter getting your home warm? Older boilers can lose efficiency, using more energy yet not heating properly.
  • Strange noises. If your boiler is talking to you, banging, hissing or popping, it may be time to listen and call your local plumber.
  • Leaks. Even a small leak is a sign of trouble in your boiler. Call in a plumber at the first sign of leaking.

Although a new boiler installation is a hefty expense, you may be surprised how much in energy costs it can save you. Many older boilers are running at 70% lower efficiency than newer models, so your new boiler may make a large difference in your monthly utility costs. Schedule a boiler inspection this fall with your local plumber to get a better idea of whether you should start saving for a new boiler.

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

Hot Trends for the Perfect Kitchen Sink

Are you looking to update your kitchen? One of the focal and functional areas of your kitchen is the sink. This key element is where you wash your fruits and vegetables, fill your pans with water and clean up the mess after a fantastic meal. The boring stainless steel kitchen sink is functional, but if you want to update your kitchen, you will want to consider some of these hot trends in kitchen sinks.

  • Undermount sinks. For easy cleanup with a large sink for pots and pans, the undermount sink is a wonderful design. This works in kitchens that have solid counters like granite or marble, with the edge of the sink below the counter line.
  • Apron sink. The apron sink is reminiscent of the farmhouse kitchen, yet new versions give these old favorites a modern twist. Beautiful bamboo or classic porcelain are a few options to give your kitchen an updated style.
  • Integrated stone sink. If you are adding granite, marble or natural stone counters in your kitchen remodel, consider adding an integrated stone kitchen sink. These are seamless in design, creating a sleek, modern style for your updated kitchen.
  • Island prep sink. In addition to your new kitchen sink, adding a prep sink into your island is perfect for the home chef. This can save you time when preparing those large meals for your family.

Choosing the right sink can make a big difference in the style and functionality of your kitchen. Your local plumber can help you choose and install the perfect kitchen sink that will meet both your practical and aesthetic needs for your kitchen.

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

5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

It is easy to take your water heater for granted. Year after year, it continues to give you hot water when you need it, even with little or no maintenance. However, just like any mechanical equipment, eventually parts will begin to wear out and you could be left with only cold water for your morning shower. Here are some warning signs that your water heater made need maintenance or repair.

  1. Water is not getting as hot as it did before. If your water is not heating to the same level, the thermostat may need to be replaced. It also may need to be flushed to remove mineral deposits.
  2. Banging noises. If your water begins making banging noises, it may need annual service to flush out the mineral deposits from the tank.
  3. Leaks. Any leak around the water heater is a critical warning sign to call your local plumber. A small leak can turn into a large disaster in your home, causing major water damage and mold.
  4. Running out of hot water. If you seem to run out of hot water quicker than normal, it could be a mechanical or electrical problem.
  5. Rusty water. If your water has rust, it may be time for a new water heater. Most water heaters only last between eight and fifteen years, so if you have an older heater, it may be time to invest in a newer, more efficient model.

To extend the life of your water heater, it is prudent to have annual maintenance performed to keep the tank clean and to inspect all the parts.   To prevent future problems, talk to your local plumber about scheduling a routine maintenance service, even if have not had any signs of trouble.

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