Distinct Sounds of Plumbing Issues

August 2nd, 2017 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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You know what to look for when it comes to plumbing problems. A pool of water under the sink or a water spot on the ceiling below a bathroom are obvious visual signs of a plumbing issue. But do you know what to listen for when it comes to plumbing problems in your home? Here are some sounds that could be alerting you to call in a plumber.

  • Banging in the pipes when water is turned off. Do you hear banging or knocking in your water pipes when water shuts off? This is often called a water hammer and can be an issue with a water valve in your plumbing system. A valve that closes quickly can cause these noises, alerting you to pressure being exerted on your pipes. A plumber can add an absorber to the valve to reduce damage to your pipes.
  • Water turning on and off. If it sounds like water is turning on and off by itself, you may have a leaking toilet. The seal or flapper at the bottom of the tank may be leaking, causing the toilet to refill over and over, even when it is not in use.
  • Banging or pounding when the water is on. If your pipes make sounds when the water is running, it can be a few different issues. If you are on city water, it could be a pressure issue. It could also be coming from your water heater, echoing through the pipes.

Any strange noises in your plumbing is worth a call to your local plumber. Get the problem diagnosed and fixed before it becomes a bigger issue like a burst pipe is always a good idea.

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 Have a Clogged Drain in Your Future?

August 2nd, 2017 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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It is easy to take your kitchen sink drain for granted, rinsing food debris down the pipes. Grease from pans, coffee grounds from the bottom of your pot and all types of food morsels can end up going down into your pipes. While one rinsing session will not usually clog a drain, over time all those food particles can accumulate in your plumbing. If you have bad kitchen sink habits, a clogged drain could be in your future.

Many people think their garbage disposal will save them from plumbing clogs. Unfortunately, having a garbage disposal can foster bad habits and lead to even more plumbing problems. Just because this device will chop food into smaller pieces doesn’t mean you can put anything down your kitchen sink drain. When those chunks of food encounter grease or fat pockets in your pipes, a major clog can happen.

Preventing Kitchen Drain Problems

To prevent a clogged kitchen drain, start changing your habits. Start by not rinsing food residue down the drain. Scrape plates and pans into the garage or compost bin. Wipe grease and fats away with a paper towel. This will eliminate a large amount of fat that ends up coating the interior of your plumbing pipes.

When it comes to the garbage disposal, remember that not all food is meant to go through the grinder into your drain. Keep fibrous fruit and vegetable peels out of the disposal. Never put egg shells, coffee grounds or bones down the sink drain – these are too hard to dissolve and can get caught in your pipes.

By practicing good kitchen habits, you can avoid many clogs that could have plagued you in the future. If a clog does happen, call in your local plumber to clear your pipes and plan on better habits going forward.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

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Dirty Dishes? How to Troubleshoot Dishwasher Issues

August 2nd, 2017 Posted in Dish Washers
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When you start noticing your dishes are coming out dirty after a cycle in the dishwasher, you may assume it a problem with the appliance. In most cases, this may be the problem, but there can also be kitchen plumbing issues to blame. To troubleshoot the problem, here are a few tips to get to the cause of the cleaning issues.

  • Clean your dishwasher. If your dishes are left with specs of debris or spots, you may just need a good cleaning of your dishwasher. Sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your empty dishwasher and put a small cup of white vinegar in the rack. Run a full cycle and wipe down the interior once it finishes.
  • Check the drain. Sometimes food debris can clog the drain inside the dishwasher. Make sure the drain is clear and allowing dirty water to clear before the rinse cycle. Remove any particles and try running the dishwasher with only a few dishes to see if they come out clean.
  • Test again. If the drain is clear and the dishwasher is clean, try running a test cycle with a few clean dishes inside. If the dishes have debris on them when it is finished, you may have a clog in the plumbing that is backing up during the dishwasher cycle. This will require the help of a plumber to remove the clog so your dishwasher can work properly.

If your dishwasher is clean and there is not a plumbing clog, it is most likely a mechanical issue within the appliance. It may need repair or replacement, depending on the issue.  Call your local appliance repair shop for help.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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Preventing Frozen Water Pipes

August 2nd, 2017 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Burst water pipes from cold weather are not just a problem in the colder regions of the country. In fact, homes in warmer regions can be at higher risk for frozen water pipes due to lack of preparation for unexpected cold weather. Even areas in the deep south have had freezing temperatures in recent years, making it necessary to plan for the possibility of a cold snap wherever you live.

Insulating Your Plumbing

In cold areas of the country, plumbing is wrapped and insulated to help prevent frozen pipes. Even with insulation, pipes burst when there is no heat in buildings or structures with plumbing that is active. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are rare, you should inspect your plumbing. Especially check pipes that are:

  • Under the house or in crawl spaces
  • In attics
  • In garages or rooms without heat
  • Part of your outdoor plumbing

Hardware or home improvement stores have insulation for plumbing that can help protect your pipes. This extra layer of protection can prevent thousands of dollars of damage to your plumbing if you get hit with a cold snap.

Keep Pipes Warm

Even pipes inside can burst if not kept warm. Remember to keep the heat on in your home if cold weather is moving in. If you are out of town, call a relative or neighbor that can access your home and turn on the heat to avoid frozen pipes.

Even with preparation, if the weather turns very cold, you can experience frozen water pipes. As soon as possible, turn off the main water valve to your home if you have ice in your pipes. Then call your local plumber to fix the issue before a pipe bursts and causes more damage to your home.

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

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