Is Leaking Plumbing Inviting Pests into Your Home?

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

5 Reasons to Hire a Plumber

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

Residential Water Heaters

Some homes are equipped with gas or electric tankless water heates, but most water heaters in the United States are traditional tank type water heaters that heat water utilizing either electricity or gas.  A thermostat with a factory preset controls the temperature of the water, however, the temperature can be adjusted as well.  There is also a setting that can be used to turn down the temperature while the owner is away on vacation.  This prevents the continuous heating of the water in the tank.

The size of the water heater will vary depending upon the number of bathrooms in the home as well as the anticipated load.  Often newer homes with 2-3 bathrooms will have a 50-gallon water heater, while homes with the same number of bathrooms will have a 75-gallon tank, if they have a soaking tub.  Equally important to the size of the tank is the recovery time of the tank.  This is the time that it will take the tank to heat up the water once the existing hot water is used.  A smaller tank with a quicker recovery time is preferred in many cases.

Water heaters usually have a long life span, but they do go bad.  Often the first sign of trouble is water leaking from the tank.  Usually the reason for the leak is either the tank leaking or the water being released via the overflow pipe due to a build up of pressure in the tank.  It is critical that a professional plumbing contractor determine the cause of the leak.  The contractor can make the repair if it can be repaired or install a new water heater.  The repair or replacement is a straightforward job for a qualified plumber and can be accomplished at a very economical price in less than a day.

Replacing Your Water Heater

Most people don’t give much thought to replacing or upgrading their water heater until it breaks.  Typically, water heaters quietly give good service for years until they suddenly give out.  Ten to fifteen years is a normal life span for the average water heater.

Water heater problems generally fall into one of two categories.  They will eventually either stop heating the water or start leaking.  If your water heater is leaking, it’s definitely time for a new one.  Water heaters eventually corrode through the tank and start leaking, and when they do they are not repairable.

On the other hand, if your water heater has suddenly stopped heating water, you may consider having it repaired.  First, check to make sure that the problem is not simply an interruption in your electric or gas service.  If not, then a reputable plumber who handles a full range of plumbing services may be able to repair the problem.

However, keep in mind that as mentioned above, all water heaters eventually rust through and need to be replaced.  If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it with a new energy efficient unit rather than having it repaired.  You may actually save money in the long run.  A reputable plumber will be able to determine what’s wrong with your water heater, how much it will cost to repair, and help you decide whether repair or replacement is the better option.

When shopping for a water heater, consider how much capacity you need.  A 40 gallon tank is the norm, but you may need a 50 gallon tank for a larger family or if you have higher hot water needs such as for a whirlpool or a hot tub.