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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Spring Maintenance for Home Plumbing

April 8th, 2015 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Now that spring is officially started, it is time to begin preparing your home for summer. This may mean doing some deep cleaning, pulling out the patio furniture from storage or planting flowers in your garden. It should also mean that it is time to do some home maintenance, including inspecting your plumbing. Even if you made it through the winter without any plumbing mishaps, it still is a good idea to do a thorough inspection on all your water fixtures and appliances. Here are some areas to cover:

  • Water heater. Water heaters should be inspected and flushed once a year to keep them working properly. Listen for strange sounds and inspect parts for leaks or rust when draining your tank, or call your local plumber to have an annual tune-up performed.
  • Outdoor faucets. Check your outdoor faucets to ensure there are no cracks or leaks from the cold winter weather. Turn them on and watch for any noticeable leaks, both outside and inside your home.
  • Outdoor drainage. Clean out all your gutters and outside drains that may be clogged with debris from over the winter.
  • Underground leaks. Spring is a good time to inspect your yard for any areas of water accumulation. A wet spot in your yard could mean you have an underground pipe that is leaking. Call your local plumber if you see any signs of leaks.

While you do your spring cleaning, also check all your indoor plumbing fixtures and appliances. Look for faucet leaks, slow flushing toilets or condensation on visible pipes. It can save you a large repair bill later if you can catch small issues before they become big plumbing problems.

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

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5 Reasons to Hire a Plumber

April 8th, 2015 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Even the most resourceful DIY homeowner will eventually come across a plumbing problem that they cannot fix. Although many minor plumbing issues can be resolved with a trip to the hardware or home improvement center and some elbow grease, there are times when a professional should be called. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or just an average homeowner, here are five situations when you should hire a plumber:

  1. Water heater failure. If your water heater is no longer providing hot water, or worse, is causing a flood in your home, you need to call a plumber. Most likely you will need a new water heater installed which should always be done by a professional.
  2. Sewer line backups. Are all your drains backing up? You may have a sewer line clog. If the clog is underground, you will need a professional plumber or sewer company to fix the problem.
  3. Low water pressure. If your whole home has low water pressure that is not due to an external supply issue, you may need to call in a plumber. You can check the main water valve, but if that is not the problem, it may be corroded pipes or a failed PRV.
  4. Burst pipe. Whether it is due to a deep freeze or just worn out piping, a burst pipe is a good reason to hire a plumber. They can fix the problem and inspect the rest of your plumbing for possible issues.
  5. New installation or remodel. If you are spending money on adding a new bathroom or installing a shower, make sure it is done right by hiring a plumber for installation. It could save you money in the long run.

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

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Are You Wasting 40,000 Gallons of Water a Year in Your Home?

March 24th, 2015 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Water conservation should be important to everyone; not only is water a limited and vital resource, it’s also something we all pay for in our homes. Unfortunately, many homes waste thousands of gallons of water every year, due to poorly functioning appliances. It’s estimated that a family of four can use an average of 146,000 gallons of water a year, most of that going right down the drain. However, water-efficient appliances can greatly reduce this amount, averaging a savings for the same size family of 40,000 gallons a year.

Water Savings With Water-Efficient Appliances

There are a few different appliances which can offer substantial water-saving benefits to your home, cutting down waste and reducing your water bill. Here are the top four worth investing in for your home:

  • Low-flow toilets. A low-flow toilet that’s flushed 15 times a day can save up to 24,000 gallons a year over a normal flow toilet.
  • Efficient showerheads. For each person in your household who takes a 15 minute shower every day, you could save an estimated 24,000 gallons a year by using a low-flow or efficient showerhead.
  • Low-flow faucets. Just changing your faucet to a low-flow model can save a 1,000 gallons of water per faucet that’s run for four minutes a day.
  • Water-efficient washers. Doing only two loads a week, you can save 2,000 gallons of water by changing to a water-efficient washer.

Every fixture or appliance in your home that uses water has a low-flow or efficient version, which can save thousands of gallons of water per year. Talk to your local plumber about what other fixtures and appliances, like your water heater or dishwasher, can be replaced to save even more water every year.

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

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Well Pumps

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Water wells are used in suburban and rural areas throughout the United States to supply water to a variety of commercial and residential properties, where municipal water is not available.  While wells are generally very effective in meeting the water needs of the property owner, their weak point tends to be the pump, which transfers water from the bottom of the well to the storage tanks in the house.  If the pump fails for any reason the result is no water for bathing, flushing toilets, drinking or washing clothes, which makes the home virtually uninhabitable.

Well pump issues tend to include a variety of electrical issues involving the power supply to the pump such as no power, tripped breakers, bad switches, loose or broken wires and low voltage.  In other cases, the motor itself is compromised with either a bad pump impeller a bad motor starting capacitor or the pump itself is burned up.  Once obvious electrical issues above ground are ruled out, the next diagnostic step is to pull the motor out of the well and begin to trouble shoot the problem.

Depending upon the problem identified, the plumbing contractor will either repair or replace the pump.  In most cases the contractor will have in stock or otherwise have available critical well pump parts, as well as a variety of replacement pumps. This is considered to be an emergency situation by most plumbing contractors that offer well pump service.  As a result, well pump service companies will often have technicians available on call 24/7, as these problems always seem to happen after hours!

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

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Little Known Plumbing Facts About Common Household Products

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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There are many common products which may be in your home, posing a risk to your plumbing. In fact, some of these products are even designed to be used with sinks or toilets, yet can be damaging your plumbing every time you use them. To protect your plumbing and avoid the necessity for expensive repairs and replacements, here are a few facts about some household products that may be harming your plumbing.

  • Soap. Yes, you read that right. Your everyday hand soap can be damaging your plumbing fixtures. When you wash your hands and grab the faucet with your soapy digits, that soap left on the handle can be ruining your hardware. Ever see little bubbles or peeling fixtures? This can be caused from soap; wipe off the faucets after you use them with soapy hands.
  • Toilet tank cleaners. Those little in-tank cleaners for your toilet may not be cleaning anything at all. Many of these products only bleach the deposits, and don’t remove them. So while you think your tank and toilet are being cleaned, they are accumulating build up. Take the time to scrub down your tank and toilet instead.
  • Chemical clog removers. Most plumbers will agree that the chemical clog remover is one of the most harmful products you can put down your drains. These chemicals can damage your plumbing while doing little to completely remove any clog. Use a plunger or snake to remove clogs, or call in a professional!

Ask your local plumber about other little known facts regarding your plumbing which may surprise you. These professionals have seen it all when it comes to plumbing problems, and can offer you some money saving advice!

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

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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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Get Your Plumbing Ready For Summer

June 18th, 2014 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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You may be ready for summer, but is your plumbing? With the warmer weather comes more outdoor activities, landscape maintenance and other activities which can cause added stress to your plumbing. Before summer gets here, plan ahead to make sure your plumbing can handle everything you will need from it over the next few months.

Outdoor Water Fixtures

Now is a good time to check all your outdoor water fixtures for leaks, drips and functionality. This includes outdoor water spigots, hoses, sprinkler systems, pool/spa plumbing and water features. A small leak could cost big money if it’s allowed to waste water all summer long, so make sure all your outdoor water fixtures are in good condition.

Indoor Water Fixtures

Even though you will be spending more time outdoors, some of your indoor fixtures will be getting more use, too. With kids out of school and more active, there’s bound to be more laundry, at least. Prevent washer breakdowns in the height of summer by checking hoses and plumbing for leaks, bulges and cracks. Call your local plumber to have any plumbing repairs completed before the summer fun begins.

Another indoor fixture that gets a workout during the summer is your garbage disposal. With so many tasty fresh vegetables available, it’s easy to forget and put some of those peelings down the drain. Remind everyone in the family that fibrous vegetables like artichokes and celery should not go into the disposal, nor peelings from almost any vegetables or fruit.

No one wants to spend the summer dealing with plumbing problems. Have any issues you notice now fixed by your local plumber so that you can spend the beautiful summer months enjoying time with your family.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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Minor Plumbing Repairs

May 21st, 2013 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Every home will need minor plumbing repairs and preventative maintenance from time to time, even if it is a new home.  Common plumbing repairs include clogged drains, leaking water pipes, stopped up toilets, leaky faucets and toilets that run all of the time.  While most are an inconvenience, they can be expensive and result in property damage, if not repaired properly.  Preventative maintenance includes such things as draining down outside faucets before the first freeze and periodic faucet cartridge replacement.  As with minor plumbing repairs, if periodic maintenance is not done, it can lead to expensive repairs.

Often homeowners are tempted to do the repairs and maintenance themselves but often fail because of the lack of expertise, lack of the proper tools and lack of the correct parts.   Plumbing is a very specialized trade with plumbers needing 4-5 years to learn their craft thru trade school or an apprentice program.  Most people have no idea how to do the work.  As far as tools are concerned, many plumbing tools are specialized and may never be used again once purchased.  Everyone has experienced the 3-4 trips in a single day to the local big box building supply store for a mysterious plumbing part.  Do you really want to spend 5 hours at the local big box hardware store searching for plumbing parts?   Most people will find that it is not a good way to spend a Saturday morning!

In most cases, the homeowner will find that it is more economical in the long run to hire a qualified, professional plumber to make repairs and perform routine preventative maintenance.  In addition, it is the best way to make sure that the repairs are done properly, in order to protect your mot valuable investment, which is your home!

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Managing a Plumbing Emergency

February 26th, 2013 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Few household maintenance issues carry the same level of urgency as a problem with your plumbing. When problems with your plumbing arise, they often require immediate attention. Water flowing unchecked from a damaged pipe or leaking water heater can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your walls, ceilings, floors and personal property, while any problems involving sewage or septic systems should be considered a health emergency.

Being prepared for a plumbing emergency can help you mitigate much of the damage until a professional plumber arrives, so knowing basic information like how to shut off your water supply to a damaged fixture or how to operate the shut-off valve for your entire home is a smart move. It’s also a good idea to establish a relationship with a reputable, licensed plumber in your area so that you know exactly who to call when you’re in need. Many plumbing companies do offer emergency services around the clock, but combing through the phone book or an online directory in search of one when minutes count is a major inconvenience that could increase the level of damage done to your home.

After your plumber has been reached, and you’re sure that someone is en route, make the most of the situation by mopping up as much of a major leak as possible. Not only will this help you to manage cleanup more easily after the repairs are finished, but also to clear the way for your plumber as much as possible. If the leak is one that involves untreated sewage, you’ll need to remember that it should be treated as a biohazard to avoid the health risks associated with waste. Managing a plumbing emergency is never fun, but the process can be simplified greatly by simple emergency preparedness.

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