4 Causes of Shower Problems

When your showerhead only gives a trickle of water or water is slow to go down the drain, your shower may be difficult to use. Since most people use their shower every day, you want to find the issue and get it fixed as quickly as possible. There are a few common causes of water pressure, leaks or drain clogs that can help you identify problems and avoid issues in the future.

  1. Hair clogs. One of the most common issues in showers is hair clogs. Everyone loses hair, especially when in the shower. You or a plumber can remove the clog with a snake, but to prevent further clogs, add a drain strainer.
  2. Switch from bar soap. Clogs are more likely when you use bar soaps that are made from solidified fats. The soap can buildup in the drain and can also leave more residue on your shower walls, making it more work to keep your shower clean. Liquid body soap can be a better option.
  3. Low water pressure. If you only have a trickle coming from your showerhead, it could be simply that there is mineral residue clogging the showerhead. Cleaning the aerator can often fix this issue.
  4. Leaks. If your showerhead or faucets drip or leak, they may need a new washer, or the fixture may need replacement. These are minor leaks that can be fixed quickly by a knowledgeable bathroom repair plumber.

Most shower issues are quick to fix and can often be done by a handy homeowner. However, if you have major leaks or a backup caused by draining problems, you want to call a plumber to handle these larger shower issues.

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

6 Quick Ways to Reduce Water Use in Your Home

There are many reasons to limit the amount of water you use in your home. Water conservation is good for the environment and can also be good for your bank account. Excess water use can cost you more in utility bills, put extra stress on a septic system and deplete natural resources. There are many ways to reduce water use around the home, but here are six ways you can start today. 

  1. Stop running water down the drain. Whether you are brushing your teeth or rinsing dishes, avoid running water directly down the drain. Shut it off between uses.
  2. Take shorter showers. Each shower uses several gallons of water. Keep showers short, or better yet, turn off water while you lather up your hair and body, then rinse off.
  3. Only do full loads of laundry. Small loads of laundry add up to more water used than one full load. Only do laundry when you have a full load.
  4. Only do full loads of dishes. Just like the clothes washer, only turn on the dishwasher when it is completely full.
  5. Water grass and gardens morning/night. Less water is needed to water outside when it is cooler, so set the timer on your irrigation for morning or night.
  6. Fix leaks. A leaky faucet or shower can create gallons of water waste every day. Call a plumber and get those leaks fixed today.

You can greatly reduce your water use with these small tricks, helping with conservation and reducing the cost of water use in your home. Talk to your local plumber about installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures to reduce your water use even further.

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

Do You Know Where to Find Your Water Shut-Off Valves?

If you have a plumbing leak or emergency, one of the first things you will need to do is turn off the water. This is not the time to learn about where your water shut-off valves – you should know where to locate them quickly to stop water flowing into your home. Here are some tips to help you locate the different shut-off valves so you know where to go when you have a plumbing leak.

Sinks

Most sinks have their own shut-off valves. Look under the sink or behind the plumbing stand for a small shut-off valve. This is useful if the problem is with a sink fixture or is you are replacing components on the sink.

Toilets

Toilets also have their own shut-off valve. Look for a valve attached to the water line coming to the toilet tank. This can be used to stop water if the toilet will not stop running or if you need to replace the toilet, components or wax ring.

Appliances

Hot water heaters, dishwashers and washers may each have their own valves to turn off the water to the appliance. If there is not a separate valve, the main water valve will need to shut-off the water supply if there is a leak or for repair work.

Main Water Valve

For major plumbing leaks, the main water shut-off valve should be used. This is usually located where the main water line coming from the city water supply or well comes into the house. It can be outside, in a crawl space or in the basement.

It is important to know where all your water shut-off valves are in case of a plumbing emergency. This can stop the water flow until a plumber can come to your home to fix your problem.

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

Can I Install My New Dishwasher Myself?

It may seem like an easy task to install a new dishwasher, especially if it is a replacement. However, it may not be as easy as it looks, and it is often worth the investment to hire a professional plumber for your dishwasher installation. There are complications that can occur, both during and after installation, that can be avoided with a professional installation. Here are a few good reasons to hire a plumber for the job.

The Right Fit

Although you may buy the same size dishwasher, it is likely to fit differently than your previous model. Hookups can be in different places and it may need some alterations for it to be installed correctly. Unless you have extensive plumbing experience, it can be complicated and require the right tools and parts to make it fit properly. Plus, a plumber can usually install a dishwasher in a few hours or less; you may find yourself spending several hours or even days trying to install your appliance, making a mess of one of the most frequently used rooms in your home.

Leaks Can be Expensive

If not installed right, dishwasher leaks can occur that can mean serious damage to your home. A leak under or behind a dishwasher can go undetected, causing extensive water damage to walls and flooring in the meantime. This can be much more expensive to repair than just paying for a plumber to install your dishwasher correctly in the first place.

If you are buying a new dishwasher, contact a local plumber to inquire about scheduling installation. You want to make sure it is installed correctly to last for many years to come. It can make the process go quicker and prevent many problems in the future.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 884-4678