Why You Need an Emergency Plumber

The worst time to choose a plumber is during a plumbing emergency. When you have a broken water pipe or a sewer backup into your home, you do not have time to do the necessary research to vet a plumber. The best approach is to choose an emergency plumber that you can trust before a plumbing emergency occurs. For most homeowners, it is not if, but when, they will need to call a plumber. Here is why you need to have an emergency plumber on speed dial and how to choose the right one.

For one, not all plumbers offer emergency service. They may advertise they handle plumbing emergencies, but that does not mean they will be available at two o’clock in the morning when you find a broken water pipe. You want to ensure that the emergency plumber you choose is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Even if it is Thanksgiving Day or another major holiday, you want to know your plumber will be there when you need them the most.

You need a plumber you can trust, an experienced, reputable company that will handle your plumbing emergency quickly and affordably. Having an emergency plumber can give you peace of mind when the inevitable plumbing issue occurs. Knowing the crisis will be handled and you will not get any unexpected surprises when it comes time to pay the bill can help reduce the stress of an emergency plumbing problem.

When choosing your emergency plumber, make sure to check their credentials. How long have they been in business? Are they licensed and insured? Do they handle both plumbing and sewer/septic emergencies? Do your research when you have time to do it right; then, put their number in your phone so when you have a plumbing problem, your emergency plumber is right there at your fingertips.

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

Should You Drain and Flush a Water Heater Yourself?

Your water heater needs regular maintenance to keep it working great and to extend the time before replacement. Like most appliances, it can benefit from regular service to reduce wear and tear on the mechanisms. One maintenance service that should be done annually is a drain and flush of the tank. However, is this a DIY job or should you hire a plumber?

Draining and flushing your water heater tank is important to limit corrosion inside the tank. Minerals can collect in the tank and cause rust and corrosion. This can lead to leaks in the tank and a premature replacement of the water heater, which can cost thousands of dollars. Draining and flushing can remove these minerals and extend the life of your water heater.

You can drain and flush a water heater on your own, but it does take some know-how. There are several hundred gallons of water that must be carefully removed; a wrong move could cause water to flood your home, putting you at risk for water or mold damage. If you decide to attempt this procedure, make sure you research it carefully to ensure you do not cause more harm than good.

Another option is to schedule a tune-up or service for your water heater with a local plumber. Not only can they drain and flush the tank, they can inspect the other components on your water heater. There are many components that can need replacement over the years; proactive replacement can prevent water heater malfunctions and emergency repairs while extending the life of your appliance. If it has been more than a year since your water heater tank has been flushed, call your local plumber and schedule a service.

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

Top 3 Signs You Need New Bathroom Fixtures

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home and one of the largest consumers of your water supply. Your guests visit this room regularly, making it important to keep it looking stylish; plus, you want to ensure you are not wasting water with older, less efficient fixtures. Here are three signs it is time to replace your bathroom fixtures.

  • Faucets leak or drip. Do you constantly have a shower or sink in your bathroom that drip or leak? While it may be something as simple as a washer that needs replacing in the faucet, it may be time to replace the shower or sink set completely.
  • Your water bill is high. Look at the amount of water your family uses each month. If it is too high, you may want to consider more efficient fixtures. The bathroom is a good place to start; replacing showerheads and your toilet with efficient models can save hundreds of gallons per day.
  • Outdated design. Sometimes, you just want a new look for your bathroom. Changing the fixtures in your bathroom is a cost-efficient option to improve the appearance. If the old faucet or sink is stained or outdated, opt for a newer design to give your bathroom a makeover.

If you are ready to replace your bathroom fixtures for efficiency or a new style, call your local plumber. Fixtures like your toilet or sink should be installed by a professional to ensure it is done right the first time. It can save you time and money in the long run to trust a professional plumber for your installation.

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

Do You Know Where to Find Your Plumbing Shut-off Valve?

A plumbing emergency can happen at any time. If you have a burst water pipe or one of your faucets starts spurting water, do you know how to turn off your water flow? If you don’t, a small plumbing emergency can turn into a large home repair. Water is constantly flowing into your pipes and plumbing throughout your home. If there is a break or other issue that water will keep flowing into your home, possibly causing thousands of dollars in damage, unless you shut off the main water valve.

Most homes have plumbing that has several shut-off valves and one main valve. The individual valves can be to larger water appliances like your toilet, washer and water heater. You may also have separate valves under your kitchen or bathroom sink. These can be used to shut off water to these fixtures when you need to do a repair or replace parts, or in case of a plumbing failure. Simple turn the valve to the off position and the water is stopped for that area.

When a pipe bursts or no shut-off valve is available, you need to turn off the water at the main pipe entering your home. If you have city water, this will usually be located at the front of your house or on the side nearest your water meter. For homes will wells, the main shut-off valve should be wherever the main pipe enters the home from the well.

The first thing you should do in a plumbing emergency is shut off the water to the fixture or use the main shut-off valve for the home. Then, call your local plumber for an emergency repair.

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

3 Things You Shouldn’t Dump Down Your Drain

Many plumbing problems could be avoided through simply choosing not to allow certain items to go down your drain. It may convenient to dispose of almost any liquid or food item down your drains, but it may not be the best option. Just because something can go down your drain does not necessarily mean it should. In the long run, it can cost you more in time and money if you dump these three things down your drain.

Grease

It may be easy to rinse those greasy pans out with hot water and watch the fat go down your kitchen sink drain, but it can be a big mistake. Shortening, butter and animal fats congeal when they become colder, often sticking to the inside of your pipes. This fatty substance grabs onto debris and can eventually cause a stubborn clog in your drain.

Chemicals

You should be careful of the chemicals you put down your drain. While some household cleaners are perfectly safe, chemicals like turpentine, paint, solvent-based cleaners and automobile fluids should not be allowed to go down the drain. They can be harmful to the environment and may damage your plumbing or septic system.

Foods

You may have a garbage disposal, but that does not mean all food should go down the drain. Even chopped up, hard produce peels, potatoes, egg shells and coffee grounds can all produce nasty clogs in your drain. Some starches like potatoes like create a glue-like substance that grabs ahold of other debris and makes a solid, stubborn clog in your plumbing.

Avoiding putting these three things down the drain can protect your plumbing. However, if you do get a clog, call your local plumber to help you clear your drain the right way.

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

3 Reasons to Replace Your Toilet

When it comes to updating appliances and fixtures in your home, the toilet may not be at the top of your list of items to buy. However, it is something you use several times a day and is a very necessary fixture in your home. If you have an older toilet, it may be time to considering replacing it for a newer model. Here are three great reasons why.

  1. Water efficiency. The top reason to update an older toilet is to conserve on water. Newer, low-flow toilets can save hundreds of gallons of water a day in many households. The new designs allow for less water needed to flush while still efficient in eliminating waste. It can save you money on your water bill and it is good for the environment.
  2. Design. It may not be a loveseat or dining room table but there are differences in the designs available in toilets. There are different options in the styles of toilets. Many prefer toilets without a floor base – this makes it easier to clean under and around the toilet. You can change colors and models to match your style.
  3. Features. Make your bathroom visits more enjoyable with some of the incredible features available on modern toilets. Heated seats, music, bidet features and much more are available, with some toilets allowing for customization between users. This is the ultimate luxury – you may never want to use a regular toilet again.

If you are ready to update your bathroom with a new toilet, talk to your local plumber. They can help you install the latest, greatest toilet for your bathroom and ensure that it is plumbed correctly.

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

3 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber

Too often, hiring a plumber is done without much forethought. Many times, you may not know you will need a plumber until a plumbing emergency occurs. If possible, you should find a reliable plumber BEFORE the need for one arises. Picking the first one you see when you do a quick search for a plumber or open the phone book is a bad idea. Take a few minutes now to find a plumber that you can trust and ask these three questions before you decide you will hire them for your next plumbing problem or project.

Are licensed and insured?

You would expect that any plumber you see advertised in licensed and insured, but that is just not the case. You want to ensure that any business you hire to work in your home or business has these basic requirements.

What level of experience do your plumbers have?

You don’t want an inexperienced handyman doing your plumbing project. Make sure the company you hire has experienced, expert plumbers on staff that will be performing the work you need.

What types of plumbing issues can you handle?

You want a plumbing company that can be there when you have any type of plumbing problem. This includes septic or sewer issues. Some plumbers only do basic repairs; you want a company that you can call for a simple clogged drain or a major septic issue, covering all your needs.

Don’t wait until you have a plumbing emergency to find a reliable source for plumbing issues. Research your options and find a local plumbing company now that will be able to fix your future plumbing issues as they arise.

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

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