Refrigerator Ice Maker Maintenance

August 14th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Hot days create a need to have plenty of ice on hand for iced tea, lemonade and other cool, tasty beverages. Nothing makes this easier than having a built-in ice maker in your refrigerator. Most models come equipped with at least the option to have an ice maker added to the freezer for quick and convenient ice access. Still, these devices do require maintenance and repair to keep the ice flowing on those hot summer days.

Ice Maker Maintenance

Like any appliance which works day in and day out, your ice maker needs regular maintenance. This is especially important since you are ingesting the ice made by your device. Some regular maintenance items include:

  • Cleaning the supply lines. Every few months you should flush and inspect your water supply lines. You can do this by disconnecting them and checking them for cracks or pinched areas on the line, then rinsing them thoroughly with hot water. You can disinfect them by adding about a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of hot water and pouring it through the lines, then rinsing.
  • Replace the water filter. Many ice makers have a built-in water filter which needs to be replaced to keep ice tasting great. Check the manufacturer’s information to determine how often to replace, usually about every six months. If you do not have a water filter for your ice maker, talk to your local plumber about adding one to improve the safety and taste of your ice.

If your refrigerator did not come with an ice maker, but has the option to add one, your plumber can help you get a kit installed and plumbed into your water supply. In no time at all, you will have fresh, ready-to-use ice for all your cold beverages.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic & Sewer

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Major Problems Start With Minor Leaks

July 10th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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When it comes to plumbing leaks, a minor leak is a ticking time bomb. What may be only a small drip today could become a gushing pipe in a matter of weeks, days or even hours. Even a drip can cause major damage, especially when located in walls, above floors or any other part of a building’s structure. There are several good reasons to get a leaky water line  repaired immediately, including:

  • Water damage. A small amount of water can cause expensive damage to drywall, floor coverings and other materials. Even putting a bucket under a drip does not stop the damage, since the excess moisture can lead to harmful mold growth.
  • Leaks only grow. A leak is not going to go away on its own; in fact, it is most likely going to get bigger, sometimes very fast. Don’t procrastinate too long, or your minor leak will become a big headache.
  • Repair cost. Calling in a plumber to fix a minor leak may seem expensive. Still, it’s much less expensive than waiting until you have a major leak or worse, water damage.
  • Water waste. On top of impending damage that a leak can cause, a minor leak can lead to hefty utility bills and wastes one of our most important natural resources. Even a dripping faucet can waste several gallons or more of water each week.

The best solution at the first sign of a plumbing leak or dripping faucet is to call in your local plumber to have the problem fixed. Waiting can lead to costly water damage and a higher plumber’s repair bill when the minor leak becomes a major problem.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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Is Your Water Pressure Too High?

May 27th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Most of us enjoy high water pressure, especially when taking a hot, relaxing shower. However, high water pressure can have its drawbacks, creating excessive stress on your plumbing fixtures and appliances, plus lead higher energy and water bills. A pressure reducing valve (PRV) can manage your water pressure, creating the right balance to save you money.

Dangers Of High Water Pressure

When water pressure is too high in your home, it can cause damage to almost every fixture, appliance and hose that water encounters. This daily damage can lead to premature failure of appliances, bursting water lines and hoses, and many other problems which can cost you a small fortune. Consider these points:

  • Appliances. Your dishwasher, water heater and washer are all high-priced appliances which can be damaged over time by high water pressure. Keeping a lower pressure can reduce wear on these expensive items, making them last years longer.
  • Hoses and pipes. High pressure can make hoses and pipes weak, leaving them vulnerable to bursting. Once a hose or pipe cracks, it can quickly cause thousands of dollars of water damage in your home.
  • Water bills. Higher pressure means more water used, causing your water and energy bills to skyrocket.

Most homes should strive to have a water pressure between 50-70 PSI. However, many municipal water supplies can have pressures close to 200 PSI. To find out where your water pressure is and whether you could benefit from a PRV, call your local plumber to have your water pressure tested. It could save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on water bills, water fixture replacements and other damages.

 Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

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High Water Bills Can Be A Sign Of A Leak

May 27th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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If your water bill has increased over recent months, it may be a sign of a water leak in your home. Not all leaks are immediately apparent; they may be inside your toilet, under your home or even in your walls. A slow leak can cause your water bill to rise, and it is only a matter of time before that slow leak becomes a major one. If your water bill is higher than normal, it is time to investigate the reasons why before major water damage occurs.

Sneaky Leaks

There are several places where plumbing can leak water without you necessarily noticing. Even a small drip or leak can add up to gallons of water lost every day. Some common leaks that go undetected include:

  • Toilets. Although a running toilet is usually noticeable, there are minor leaks that can be almost silent. Two of the most common toilet leaks are due to either a leaking stopper valve or a fault ball cock valve.
  • Interior pipes. Most of your plumbing runs in between walls and under floors, making it hard to detect leaks. These can be the most damaging, as they may be causing water damage to your home without you knowing it is happening.
  • Exterior water supply lines. It is possible that water is leaking out into the ground before it ever even gets into your home. A small leak in your water line will eventually result in a burst pipe if not found and repaired.

Of course, there are many reasons your water bill may have increased which may not involve a leak, such as higher usage and rate hikes. However, if nothing else has changed, you may want to call your local plumber to schedule a professional leak inspection on your plumbing before the problem gets worse.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic & Sewer 

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Three Good Reasons To Have Your Water Tested

March 26th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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It’s easy to take the water coming from your faucets for granted. We assume that it’s safe, especially those who use a water filtration device for their drinking water. However, there are good reasons to have your water periodically tested, even if you are using filtered or bottled water for drinking.

Contaminants can also effect the food you prepare, adding harmful bacteria and other substances to your body. In addition, your water may causing damage to your plumbing, which could cost you plenty down the road. Here are three good reasons to schedule a water testing with your local plumber.

  1. Toxins – There are toxins that can get into your water supply, even on city supplied water. Nitrates from fertilizers, lead from old pipes or even excess chemicals used at treatment plants can taint the water you drink. Having your water tested can ensure that it is safe for your family to drink and use for cooking your food.
  2. Bacteria – One of the main reasons to have your water tested is to identify any harmful bacteria that may be in your water supply. Testing for total coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria should be performed regularly to ensure that your water is safe for consumption.
  3. Protecting your pipes – Many minerals and bacteria can cause harm to your pipes over time. Excess levels can corrode the interior of your pipes and lead to expensive broken water pipes as well as water damage in your home.

Water testing can be expensive if you don’t refine what you are testing for. Talk to your local plumber about what environmental elements are common problems in your region to narrow down what you should be testing for in your water.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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Why Is My Water Bill So High?

March 26th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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In general, property owners of residential properties see their water bills stay relatively consistent for most of the year unless there is a rate hike of they are using more water than normal to irrigate their lawns  or keep their swimming pools full during dry spells in the summer.  In some cases property owners may notice either a gradual or dramatic increase in the their monthly water bill.

When experiencing increased water bills for no apparent reason, the first thing to suspect is a water leak between the water meter and the inside of the house.  The best way to check for this is to make sure that all of the faucets are off, the dishwasher and washing machine are off and there are no running toilets.  Next go to the water meter, which is usually just being the curb and open the lid.  If the meter is running, then you have a leak somewhere between the water meter and the house.  In a vast majority of cases, the homeowner will be responsible for making the necessary repairs on a leaking water supply line between the water meter and the house.

A qualified and experienced plumbing contractor will be able to make the necessary water line repairs quickly and economically saving the homeowner money in the long run by promptly making the necessary repairs and not incurring high monthly water bills.  In many cases, even a slight leak will get worse over time and can ultimately result in a total failure of the water line.  Depending upon their homeowner’s insurance policy, the homeowner may be able to recover the costs of the repair as well!

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing

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Protect Outdoor Water Pipes From Freezing

February 12th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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One of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face during the winter months is the possibility of frozen pipes. The most vulnerable pipes are those which are located outside the home, like outdoor faucets or those located in an unheated storage building or garage. These water lines are exposed to more extreme cold, typically are not heated and need extra protection to keep them from freezing and bursting under pressure.

Insulating Exposed Pipes

Any pipe exposed to the elements needs insulation to prevent freezing. During cold weather, outside faucets should have the water valve turned off and all water drained before insulating the pipes. All pipes should be wrapped in insulation or heat tape to keep them protected. A secondary precaution is to wrap plastic over the insulation to protect the pipes from moisture.

In addition to pipes which are directly located outside, make sure to protect pipes in garages, out buildings and even those in the home which are on an outside wall. It only takes one cold night to freeze a forgotten pipe, and cause damage to your plumbing. Make sure you check and insulate all pipes that have even the slightest exposure to the cold weather outside.

Even insulation does not always prevent all frozen pipes. If you suspect that a pipe is frozen, you need to shut the water off to the affected pipe before thawing. The pipe may be already cracked, so when it thaws, the water can flow out of the crack unchecked. This can be dangerous if you use an electrical device to thaw the pipe, and can cause severe damage to your home. In such cases, it’s best to have a professional attend to potentially frozen pipes in order to avert the worst of the trouble.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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Burst Frozen Water Lines

January 16th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Unusually cold winter weather can often result in an unpleasant surprise for unwary homeowners:  a burst water line.  Water expands when it freezes and the outside air temperature gets cold enough, your water supply line or the water lines in your house can burst if the water in the line freezes.   The problem is more common in areas that usually don’t experience extremely cold temperatures.  In northern states, water pipes are usually installed such that they are not susceptible to freezing since cold weather is the norm.

In warmer climates, less care is taken to protect water pipes against freezing and as a result, a period of unusually cold weather can result in an outbreak of broken water pipes.  If you are concerned about your water pipes freezing, there are few steps you can take to help prevent it from happening.

First, if cold weather is expected, leave a faucet running very slowly.  Moving water takes longer to freeze than still water so even a trickle of water though your pipes can help prevent the water from freezing.  In addition, leaving a faucet slightly open allows any pressure to dissipate in the pipes between your faucet and the frozen spot.  This can also help prevent a burst pipe.

Leave kitchen and bath room cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially if they are located on an exterior wall.  If your water pipes run through an unheated garage, basement, attic, or crawlspace, consider installing pipe insulation or electric heating tape to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Finally, if you have a sprinkler irrigation system, water feature, spa or swimming pool, be sure to properly drain and winterize the system in the fall to prevent water freezing in the pipes and cracking them.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

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Water Leaking Problems In Apartments and Multi-Level Homes

December 20th, 2013 Posted in Water Line Repair
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If you live in an apartment, there’s a good chance the bathroom of your upstairs neighbor is positioned directly above your own. This is a very common layout strategy for apartment buildings, since it allows all plumbing functions to be efficiently aligned for water and waste to flow through the pipes.

Water leakage is the most common enemy in this equation. When bathrooms are stacked on top of each other, there are multiple water sources which can become potential issues. The first obvious sign of  possible water damage occurring is the presence of dripping water from the upper bathroom through the ceiling of the lower bathroom. If water is slowly seeping through your ceiling, this is a sure sign you’re in need of a plumbing professional. Water bubbles and discoloration in the ceiling’s paint surface and the appearance of buckling sheetrock may also be visible.

Call your local plumber immediately to schedule an inspection to diagnose plumbing problems and leaks. By the time a leak becomes visible, water may have already caused extensive unseen structural damage.

Your local plumber can find the root of the problem, whether it’s a toilet with a damaged wax ring, a leaking water pipe, or another source of unwanted moisture and water collection. If the problem is addressed immediately, the cause can be identified and corrected. With the attention of a professional, your bathroom will be back to it’s normal state in no time. If the problem is avoided or not dealt with, you may find yourself required to replace rotting wood, deteriorated sheetrock or manage a problematic mold colonization.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

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Damage Caused By Leaky Pipes

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in Water Line Repair
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You may think that dripping or leaky pipe is just an annoyance, one that can wait for water line repairs. However, by just putting a drip pan underneath and waiting to get it repaired, you may be setting yourself up for bigger plumbing problems. A drip or small leak can quickly become a large problem if not fixed, and cause extensive damage that’s both costly and possibly dangerous.

Small Drips Can Lead To Big Problems

Many times, a small drip is only a small problem and easily fixed. A worn out washer or old pipe sealer just needs to be replaced, and the problem is gone. However, there are other times a small leak or drip can lead to bigger and more expensive problems if they’re left unattended. By ignoring it or just putting a bandage on the problem, it can become a burst pipe that can cause significant damage to your home.

Pipes rarely burst when we expect it. A small drip can become a gushing water pipe when you are at work or worse, gone for the weekend. The damage can be extensive when this happens, including:

–        Home water damage. A burst pipe can ruin flooring, ceilings, walls and many other items in your home. This can cost thousands of dollars in damage in a very short period of time.

–        Mold problems. A dripping pipe can cause excess moisture in your home and lead to high humidity and mold problems. Once mold is present in your home, it can cause health problems and be difficult to remove from your home.

Don’t wait to get a drip or leak fixed. Call a professional to get the problem resolved right away and avoid expensive and possibly dangerous damage to your home.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

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