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Plumbing Issues to Look for When Buying a New Home

December 13th, 2018 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance

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If you are contemplating buying a new home, you may be looking at many houses, trying to find the right fit for you and your family. When you narrow it down to a few that have the right attributes you are looking for, it is important to check for any hidden problems. Plumbing issues are often not apparent, especially during typical walk-throughs and even inspections. Here are a few things you can check to identify any possible problems.

Check the Fixtures

When looking at the kitchen and bathrooms, go beyond looking at the features and use the fixtures. Run water in the sinks, flush the toilets and turn on the shower. Watch for any drips or leaks when using these fixtures; it may not be a deal-breaker, but it is good to know if they have been maintained.

Look for Leaks

Keep an eye out for brown or water stains on ceilings or walls. This could indicate a plumbing leak that has occurred, which could also mean mold and other damage you cannot see. Look under the sinks and check for any signs of leaks.

Check the Drains

When you check the fixtures, use enough water to check how quickly the sinks and showers drain. Slow drains can be an indication of a clog, or even bigger issues in the main sewer lines.

If you do notice any problems with the plumbing, it may be worthwhile to hire a plumber for a more thorough inspection. It is better to know ahead of time if anything will need repair; you may be able to have the seller fix these issues as a condition of your sale or negotiate a lower price to encompass the needed plumbing repairs.

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

Clogged Drain Lines, Locating Water Leaks, Pre Purchase Plumbing Inspection

Is Leaking Plumbing Inviting Pests into Your Home?

December 13th, 2018 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance

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Most people want to keep their homes free from pests, but plumbing problems can be inviting them inside. Ants, mice, rats and many types of insects are drawn to moisture, seeking places that are damp to make their home. If you have leaking pipes in your crawl space, basement or other areas in your home, there is a good chance that pests are trying to invade. Fixing those plumbing issues can help minimize mold and water damage, as well as minimize the attraction to pests.

Small Leaks Can Create a Big Pest Problem

It doesn’t take a broken pipe or large leak to attract pests. A small amount of condensation or slow drip is enough to create a moist environment that cockroaches, mice, termites and other types of pests, love. These leaks can be happening in inconspicuous places but could be at the root of your pest problem. Here are a few common leak areas:

Around water heaters
Under your home in crawl spaces
In your basement
Under sinks
Behind walls and under floors
Around appliances with water hook-ups

Look for mold, mildew, water stains or rotting wood; these are signs of too much moisture that may be derived from plumbing leaks. Not only does it damage your home and cause possible health issues, it puts out an invitation to pests to make your home their home.

If you have a pest problem, look for possible plumbing leaks that can be making the issue worse. Call your local plumber to have these issues fixed to help make your home less attractive to insects and rodents, as well as prevent further damage to your home.

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

Leaking Water Heaters, Leaking Water Line, Leaky Sink Repairs

3 Tips to Improve Your Plumbing and Shower

December 13th, 2018 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes

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Showers can do a number on your plumbing and creating other problems. They are notorious for causing clogs in drains and pipes, and long showers can quickly empty your water heater, leaving the rest of your home with cold water and increasing your energy bill. By making a few changes, you can improve how your shower impacts the rest of your home. Here are three tips to make your shower hot water and plumbing-friendly.

Drain Cover. Every time you take a shower, it is likely you are losing hair that is flushing down the drain. Whether you have short or long hair, those strands can add to existing clogs occurring in your pipes. Add a drain cover to catch hair and other debris from going down the drain and reduce the chance of clogs.
Liquid soap. Did you know that most bar soap is made from fats that congeals and can cause clogs in your plumbing? Even when it is lathered up, the residue causes soap scum on your tub and shower walls. Small pieces can go down the drain and contribute to clogs. Switch to liquid body soap for a cleaner tub and less chance of clogs.
Tankless water heater. Do you run out of hot water in your home at shower time? Switch to a tankless water heater to have on-demand hot water and reduce energy bills with more efficient water heating. Talk to your plumber about the option of installing a tankless water heater.

A few changes can help reduce the chance of clogs in your plumbing and hot water issues from your shower. Follow these tips and enjoy your shower, for as long as you want, without worrying about running out of hot water or having clogs.

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

Bathroom Plumbing, Preventing Clogs, Tankless Water Heater

Signs it is Time to Replace Your Plumbing

December 13th, 2018 Posted in Plumbing Piping

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Some things are easy to see when they need replacing in your home. Carpet that is worn or an air conditioner that no longer cools the air is simple to identify as needing replacement. Plumbing is not as straight-forward; pipes can corrode, and other issues can occur behind walls and under the ground that cannot be seen. Knowing the signs of plumbing issues can alert you to when your plumbing may need replacement to protect your health and the investment in your home.

Changes in Your Water

One of the signs of old plumbing that may need replacement is changes in your water. If you have well water, you may have some discoloration or odors in the water, usually when your filtration system needs updating. But in most cases, water should be clear and odorless. When you start noticing changes, like darker water or odors, there could be an issue in your pipes. There could be rust, bacteria and other issues in the plumbing that are causing the changes to your water, signs that the pipes might need replacement.

Water Leaks

A drip in your faucet doesn’t mean you need to replace your plumbing, maybe just a washer or the fixture. However, leaks occurring in pipes in your home or underground are signs of problems. Water stains on walls or ceilings, damp areas in the lawn or rotting floor boards can alert you to leaks and possible pipes that need replacement.

Plumbing can last for decades, but it does eventually need replacement. If you notice changes in your water or your home that are signs of plumbing issues, call your local plumber to have your plumbing inspected.

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

Faucet Repair, Pipe Replacement Experts, Well Water Plumbing

Unclogging a Toilet

November 15th, 2018 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes

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The last thing anyone wants to deal with in their home is a clogged toilet. The prospect of digging around to find the cause of the clog is not a pleasant thought. However, to avoid a worse outcome, like an overflowing bowl, it must be dealt with immediately.

Do not pour chemicals into your toilet. They are mostly meant for sink drains. You do not want corrosive materials in your bowl if they do not clear the clog.

The obvious first step is always plunging. Most of the time plunging the bowl will clear the drain. Be sure to position the plunger completely over the toilet drain and plunge a few times to loosen the clog. A plunger with an extension flange on the end is the most effective and is designed specifically for toilets. Keep the seal of the plunger for several plunges while you try to clear the clog.

If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet snake may be necessary. A toilet snake is a long metal coil that is inserted into the toilet. It has a corkscrew tip that is meant to snag onto the clog as it is twisted and grab the material that is causing the blockage. Most clogs occur after the first bend of he toilet so it won’t go far into the drain line.

If neither of these tools clears the clog, it may be necessary to call in the experts. An experienced plumber can clear clogs quickly and they have the tools for even the worst blockages. Most plumbers have emergency services, so they can be reached at any time should you have the need. There is nothing worse than a clogged toilet in a one bathroom home!

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

Clear Clogged Toilets, Toilet Snake, Using a Plunger

What is Green Plumbing?

November 6th, 2018 Posted in Water Conservation

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The word “green” gets thrown around a lot when referring to environmental issues. Living green is choosing better options for the environment when buying products, using natural resources and disposing of waste. When it comes to plumbing, there are a few ways you can “go green” and make your home or business more environmentally-friendly. Here are some options that are available for green plumbing to reduce water and energy waste that can help sustain our planet.

Tankless water heaters. The standard tank water heater uses gas or electricity to keep hundreds of gallons of water hot 24/7, whether it is being used or not. This can waste natural resources and cost more on energy bills. Tankless water heaters are “green” due to their on-demand heating of water, using much less energy.
Low-flow fixtures. You can reduce the amount of water your household or business uses by simply changing your water fixtures. Low-flow toilets, faucets, shower heads and other fixtures reduce the amount of water you use throughout the day. This can save hundreds of gallons of water used without changing your normal routine.
Efficient appliances. Upgrading your dishwasher and clothes washer to more energy and water-efficient models can help reduce waste in your home. These green options often have the Energy Star certification to make it simple to find a good choice for your water appliances.

If you are interested in options to reduce water and energy waste around your home or business, talk to your local plumber that specializes in green plumbing. They can help you identify areas in your plumbing that can be improved or upgraded to reduce waste and help you install new green plumbing options.

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

Green Plumbing, Tankless Water Heaters, Water Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

How to Prevent Common Plumbing Emergencies

November 6th, 2018 Posted in Emergency Plumbing

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No one wants to call a plumber for an emergency repair. Clogged drains, busted pipes and water heater leaks can cause extensive problems and damage in your home. Yet, many of these issues can be prevented with proper plumbing maintenance. Here are a few tips to prevent these common plumbing emergencies.

Clogged drains. Clogs are caused by items that go down the drain that adhere to the inside of your pipes. Not allowing these items to go down your drains is the best way to prevent clogs. In the kitchen, avoid putting grease, fibrous peels, egg shells and coffee grounds down the drain. In the bathroom, use drain strainers and avoid flushing non-biodegradable items.
Busted pipes. You may not be able to prevent all busted pipes, but those that burst due to freezing temperatures can be prevented. Insulating pipes in garages, crawl spaces and outdoor faucets can help prevent freezing in unexpected cold weather that can lead to a plumbing emergency.
Water heaters. Tank water heaters have been the source of many plumbing emergencies. Leaking tanks can cause extensive water damage in homes. Keeping your water heater maintained to prevent tank corrosion and leaks can help prevent these issues. Another option is investing in a tankless water heater that doesn’t hold hundreds of gallons of water that can flood your home.

Using preventive measures can help reduce the chance of a plumbing emergency. But when a leak or clogged pipe occurs, make sure to get the help you need as quickly as possible to avoid more damage to your home by calling a professional plumber for your emergency.

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

Causes of Clogged Drains, Tankless Water Heater, Water Pipe Insulation

What to Do About a Stinky Kitchen Sink

November 6th, 2018 Posted in Garbage Disposals

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Have you ever had a bad odor in your kitchen, but you are not sure where it is coming from? You take out the garbage, look for spoiled food in the fridge and spray disinfectant, but the odor still hits you from time to time. Often, that stinky smell is not in your garbage or refrigerator, but in your sink. All the food particles that go down the drain don’t always make it out of the plumbing. You can have rotting food in your pipes or garage disposal, causing a nasty smell in your kitchen. Here are some tips to freshen your kitchen drains and get rid of the stinky odor.

Clean your garage disposal. Often it is not your drain, but your garbage disposal, that is the source of the smell. To avoid kitchen sink stink, put about two cups of ice and a cup of salt down the drain and run the water while turning on the disposal until the ice is gone. Do this once a week to clean out any debris.
Cleanse your drain. The curvy pipes under your kitchen sink are often where food particles get stuck, creating a bad odor. Cleanse the drain with a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar once a week. Let this mixture do its job for at least ten minutes, then rinse it clean with boiling water.
Add a little fresh scent. To deodorize after cleaning, you can put some very small lemon or orange rinds down the garage disposal and grind them up to add a pleasant odor.

Sometimes, the bad smell is more than just a few pieces of rotting food under your sink. If cleansing your disposal and drain does not eliminate the odor, call your plumber. You may have a bigger problem, like a larger clog or sewage backup that will only get worse and cause more than just an odor if not fixed soon.

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

Clearing Clogged Drains, Drain Odor, Smelly Garbage Disposals

Top 3 Things That Clog Your Drains

November 6th, 2018 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes

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Clogged drains are the most common plumbing problem that occur. While many clogs can be quickly removed with a plunger or snake device, not all are so simple to release. Even if most of a clog is cleared, residue can be left to start building a new barrier in your pipes. Knowing the common items that cause clogs and keeping them out of your drains can help prevent these annoying plumbing problems. Here are the top three things that can clog your drains.

Fats and grease. The leftover fat in a pan after cooking may be in liquid form when you pour it down the drain, but it doesn’t stay that way. The grease coats the inside of your pipes and congeals as it become colder. This thick lard grabs food debris and other items that go down the drain, creating a solid clog. Avoid allowing grease to go down your drains by wiping out oil and fat from pans and dishes before you rinse them in the sink.
Hair. In the shower, bathtub and bathroom sink, hair combined with soap is a major cause of clogs in drains. This is easily remedied; a good drain strainer will catch hair and can be cleaned out and thrown away to avoid clogs.
Coffee grounds and hard food items. Even if you have a garbage disposal, hard food items can get lodged in your pipes and make a formative clog. Coffee grounds should not be dumped down the drain; they can create a solid wall in your pipes. Also avoid hard food items like egg shells and tough produce peels.

Some other common culprits of clogged drains are feminine hygiene products, cotton balls/swabs and “flushable” wipes. If you have a tough clog that won’t let go or keeps recurring, call your local plumber. They can completely clear a clog and the leftover residue.

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

Causes of Clogged Drains, Clogged Drain Cleaning, Clogged Plumbing Repairs

3 Ways to Maintain Your Sewer Lines

September 20th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Line Repairs

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You probably don’t think much about your sewer lines. Those large pipes that transport waste and used water from your home quietly do their job year after year, often with no care at all. But if they do have a problem, it can be a messy, expensive issue. There are ways you can maintain your sewer lines and help avoid sewer backups and emergencies. Here are three ways to maintain your sewer lines and keep them working like they should.

Watch what you put down your drains. Sewer line clogs don’t usually happen overnight. It is months, even years, of fats, grease, hair and other items that go down the drain that accumulate in the pipes. Use hair traps in your bathroom drains, don’t dump grease down the sink and don’t flush down non-biodegradable items. Have clogged drains repaired by a plumber before your pipes are permanently affected.
Protect your sewer lines from damage. Driving over sewer lines can cause damage. Make sure you know where they are in your yard. Also, tree roots pose a risk to sewer lines. Plant trees away from sewer lines to avoid root infestation that can break your pipes.
Routinely clean your sewer lines. Your local sewer/septic service can clear your sewer lines of sludge to avoid clogs. Schedule routine cleanings using hydro-jetting to remove tree roots and accumulated debris in your sewer lines.

Just doing a few maintenance tasks can go a long way in protecting your sewer lines. You can also have your sewer lines inspected with a digital camera to proactively repair problems before you have a backup. With some care, you can avoid many sewer line problems and the possibility of a sewer line emergency.

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

Clear Clogged Drains, Sewer Line Camera Inspections, Tree Roots in Sewer Lines