Month: February 2023

Top 6 Signs You Have A Slab Leak And What To Do About It

Many leaks are easy to identify. After all, it’s pretty difficult to ignore water pooling around your toilet or sink. However, a lot of leaks could be hard to identify – such as slab leaks. Slab leaks are hidden under a layer of concrete. Because they’re more difficult to spot, it’s important to pay close attention to the warning signs. Here are the top 6 signs you have a slab leak and what you can do about it.

1. Increasing Water Bill

Do you notice an unexplained spike in your water bill? Water bills can increase for a number of reasons, but one of the most common ones is that you have a leak somewhere on your property. When you have a slab leak, it means that water is running all day, every day. That being said, it’s no wonder you might see your water bill increasing.

2. Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure has decreased, it’s worth looking into. Slab leaks, for one, can be a cause of this. To test if you have a slab leak, turn off all your fixtures and look at your water meter. If you water meter still runs even though there’s no water running through your home, then you could have a slab leak. Watch it for about 15 minutes though to be absolute sure.

3. Foul Smells

A musty smell often means there’s mold and mildew. Mold and mildew grow best in moist, humid and dark conditions and really only need 24-48 hours to start growing. If you have water leaking underneath your home due to a slab leak, it’s common for moisture to get trapped under the floors, causing mold growth. Because mold is harmful to your health, it’s not something you want to just ignore. Check for signs of leaks if your house starts to smell musty, or you notice visible signs of mold and mildew.

4. Damp Flooring

When you have a leak that is severe enough, or doesn’t get addressed quick enough, can cause damage throughout your home. If you find that your floors are damp, or appearing warped, then you may have a leak under your home. With carpet, be aware of random damp spots that are unexplained. With hardwood or laminate, be aware of a warped appearance that is also unexplained.

5. Water Around Your Foundation

Unless it’s a wet day, or you have a water source close by (like a garden hose), then you shouldn’t notice any water around or under your foundation. Standing water around (or under) your home’s foundation can be a sign of a slab leak.

6. Water Is Continuously Running

Do you hear water running underneath your floors, even when your plumbing appliances and fixtures are turned off? This isn’t a good sign, and could be an indication you have a slab leak.

What To Do If You Have A Slab Leak?

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to contact a plumber right away. The faster you contact someone, the faster you can resolve the issue and avoid extensive water damage to your home. Many plumbing companies will specialize in slab leak repairs.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Slab Leak Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your slab leak needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Top 6 Signs You Have A Slab Leak And What To Do About It appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Natural gas is used in many homes nationwide for heating and cooking. It’s found in the ground, often in conjunction with petroleum. It consists of methane and trace amounts of gases like carbon dioxide, propane, ethane, and butane. It’s a flammable gas, but it’s very safe and convenient when used appropriately in homes.

Uses for Natural Gas in the Home

Popular for its efficiency and affordability, natural gas is generally seen as a superior fuel source for residential heating and cooking. It can be used to power many heating and cooking appliances, including the following:

• Cooktops, ovens, ranges, and grills
• Furnaces, fireplaces, and boilers
• Clothes dryers
• Water heaters
• Swimming pools and hot tubs

Benefits of Natural Gas

There are many benefits to using natural gas over other fuel sources, but the most common reasons people turn to natural gas are below:

• Less expensive than other fuel sources
• Burns cleaner than other fuels
• Reliable and efficient fuel source

Signs of a Failing Gas Line

Although natural gas has many benefits, it can be hazardous if your gas line is compromised. Ensure your home and family are safe by keeping an eye out for these signs of a failing gas line:

• You smell an odor like rotten eggs
• The grass is dying where your gas line runs
• Gas-powered appliances aren’t working as they should
• Your gas bill is inexplicitly higher

If you suspect you have a gas leak, leave your home and call 911 and your gas company immediately. If you need a gas line repair, our experienced and qualified team is here to help ensure your family’s comfort and safety.

Choose Len The Plumber

With over 25 years of industry experience, Len The Plumber is here for all your gas line installation, replacement, and repair needs. We understand that you need immediate assistance if there’s a problem with your gas. That’s why we offer same day service, seven days a week, and 24/7 emergency gas plumbing repair for no extra charge. When you trust us with your plumbing needs, you can expect a local team with fully stocked trucks and upfront estimates. We promise zero surprises!

If you think your gas line is failing, don’t wait to contact the professionals at Len The Plumber.

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

Having a blocked or damaged drain can be incredibly inconvenient, not to mention potentially hazardous. Trying to fix it yourself may seem like the easiest and most cost-effective solution, but this approach is often more hassle than it’s worth. If you’re looking for a reliable long-term fix, then hiring a professional drain specialist is your best bet.

The benefits of hiring a qualified drain specialist are numerous, from their expertise in dealing with all kinds of drainage problems to their use of high-tech equipment and materials which ensure that the job will be done correctly the first time around. Here are 5 reasons why you should hire an experienced drain specialist for your repair needs.

Why Experience Matters: 5 Key Reasons to Hire a Skilled Drain Specialist for Your Repair Needs

1. Drain specialists have the expertise and experience to quickly identify problems in your drainage system and provide a long-term solution.

Drain specialists are professionals who have expertise and experience in handling various types of drainage systems, including residential, commercial, and industrial. They have the necessary tools, techniques, and knowledge to quickly identify problems in the drainage system, assess their severity, and provide a long-term solution that addresses the root cause of the problem.

One of the key benefits of working with drain specialists is their ability to diagnose problems accurately and efficiently. They use specialized equipment such as CCTV cameras, probes, and sensors to inspect the drainage system and identify any blockages, leaks, or structural damage. Based on their findings, they can recommend the most appropriate course of action, whether it is a simple drain cleaning, pipe relining, or a complete system replacement.

Relevant: How Does A Camera Inspection Work?

2. Drain specialists have access to high-tech equipment and materials that guarantee a high-quality repair.

Drain specialists use cutting-edge technology and specialized tools to diagnose problems and ensure the highest quality of repairs. As already mentioned, they use advanced CCTV cameras to conduct detailed inspections of the drain system, even in hard-to-reach areas like underground pipes and sewers. Additionally, they can also use probes and sensors to detect any underlying issues or structural defects that could cause further damage if left unaddressed.

And with access to quality materials such as epoxy lining, patch liners, sewer relining solutions, non-invasive drain cleaning solutions, etc., you can be sure that your problem will be fixed for good.

3. Drain specialists can handle a wide range of drain and sewer problems, from clogged drains to collapsed pipes.

From simple blockages and debris buildup to more serious issues such as collapsed or damaged pipes, root intrusion, tree root penetration, and broken seals, an experienced drain specialist has the tools and know-how to identify the problem and provide an effective solution. They are also well-versed in repairing all kinds of drainage systems including sewers, septic tanks, French drains, rainwater collection systems, etc.

4. Drain specialists use eco-friendly solutions that protect your health and environment.

Drain specialists understand the importance of preserving our environment and use methods that prioritize safety for both people and the planet. They use eco-friendly solutions such as non-invasive drain cleaning techniques and patch liners to repair drains without causing any harm to the environment. This ensures that your drainage system functions properly while also keeping your family safe from potential health risks associated with chemical-based treatments.

5. Drain specialists can provide tailored maintenance plans to keep your drain in top condition for years to come.

In addition to providing repairs, experienced drain specialists can also help you develop a tailored maintenance plan for your drains and sewers. This will ensure that all ongoing problems are addressed promptly and that preventive measures are taken to prevent future issues from occurring. A quality maintenance plan will not only prolong the lifespan of your drainage system but also help save costs by reducing the need for frequent repairs.

By hiring a drain specialist, you can rest assured that your drainage system is in safe hands and that the job will be done right the first time. So if you have any kind of plumbing problem related to drains or sewers, make sure to call a professional drain specialist today! They can help identify the root cause of the issue and provide an effective solution to keep your drains functioning properly.

When heavy rains strike New Jersey, your home is prone to flooding in its lower levels.

Sump pumps are essential in our area to combat flash floods and the ensuing water damage that can occur.

If your home doesn’t have a sump pump, you can rely on our plumbers in Clifton, NJ for fast and professional sump pump installation. 

A sump pump is one of those things that you may only need once or twice in a lifetime. But when you do need it, you really need it.

It can be a lifesaver when extreme weather or a home disaster hits and you need to arm yourself against flooding and water damage.

Here’s what you should know about sump pumps and why they’re so important. 

What Is a Sump Pump?

The word “sump” is defined as a pit or hollow in which liquid collects. A sump pump is a pump that’s installed in this pit.

When there’s heavy rain that brings about flooding, or if you have a slab leak or a burst pipe, there’s the potential for water to collect at the lower levels of your home.

The sump pump’s job is to pump out this water before it can do any damage.

A sump pump automatically knows when to switch on and start doing its job. That means you don’t even have to be home to turn the sump pump on.

When the water level in the tank reaches a certain level, the sump pump automatically starts pumping it out of the house and into the wastewater system. 

Where Are Sump Pumps Installed?

A sump pump will be installed in the basement of your home or for homes without a basement, at the lowest point in the crawlspace.

That’s where the floodwaters will accumulate and the spot where the sump pump can do the most good.

A technician will need to connect it to a power source and set up a venting pipe to remove the excess water from your home.

How Is a Sump Pump Installed?

Installation depends on the type of sump pump you want. There are two basic types of sump pumps. The aptly named submersible sump pump is submerged or placed under the water line in your sump pump basin. They’re usually hidden from view since they reside inside the sump tank. 

Pedestal sump pumps are placed on a pedestal (another apt name) and are positioned with the motor outside of the pump pit above the sump basin. Pedestal pumps are best for small basins, as the base is submerged but the motor isn’t.

A Smart Decision for Your Home

Any homeowner who’s had to pay for water damage remediation knows just how costly and inconvenient it can be. A sump pump can guard against multiple types of flooding in your home due to moderate flooding factors. Although a sump pump can’t guard against severe flooding, you’ll get peace of mind knowing it’s in place and ready to go when it’s needed.

Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today for your sump pump installation!

The post Why Your New Jersey Home Needs A Sump Pump first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

If you’re in the market for a new water heater, there are a lot of things you should consider. One of the decisions you can make that will get you well on your way to finding the right water heater is whether you want a tank or tankless system. While tankless water heaters are the best choice for some homes, others would be better off with a tank.

What factors should you weigh when you make your choice? Here are some of the major features of tankless systems and how those can be pros or cons depending on your situation.

Size

A tank water heater, sometimes called a storage water heater, constantly stores 40 to 80 gallons of water or more. A tank this large takes up a lot of space. Tankless heaters don’t keep any hot water on hand. They simply heat it as it is called for. With no tank, they hardly take up any room. In a small home, this could be a big selling point.

Energy

How can you decrease your utility bills without decreasing your quality of life? Storage water heaters constantly use energy to keep a large amount of water at a consistently high temperature. Tankless water heaters only use energy when you use hot water. Depending on the amount of hot water you use, the Department of Energy calculates that you can cut the amount of energy used for heating water by up to a third.

Supply

This feature is a pro in some situations and a con in others. With a storage water heater, the tank’s hot water supply can be used up by a particularly long hot shower. There is a period when there simply isn’t hot water, as the tank has had to refill with cold water and begin the heating process again.

A tankless system is different. The flow rate of various models can be as low as two gallons per minute or as high as five. The hot water supply will never be “used up,” but if you are calling for more hot water at one time than it can provide, the water won’t feel hot enough. This can happen with multiple people showering at once, or from the use of the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time, and is much more likely to happen in a larger household with more than four members. 

Cost

The simple fact is that tankless systems are more expensive than storage water heaters. The cost of installation can be higher as well, particularly if you are switching from a tank to a tankless system and modifications need to be made to the gas line or water pipes. If the initial investment is your biggest concern, a tank water heater is a more affordable option. However, if you have the option of considering the long-term cost, that efficiency will add up. And it will keep adding up because while a storage water heater may work well for ten years or so, a tankless system can last for up to 25.

If you need water heater service in Orlando or if you have any questions about whether tank or tankless is the best choice for your home, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today and reach professionals with the training and experience your home deserves.

The post All the Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters (and Why They’re Not for Everyone) first appeared on Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. Blog.

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

Love Is in The Air: Top 6 Indoor Air Quality Tips For Valentine’s Day

Love should be the only thing in the air this Valentine’s Day. If harmful pollutants are causing you and your Valentine to feel sick (and no, we don’t mean lovesick), then it’s time to take action. Here are the top 6 indoor air quality tips for a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day.

1. Use Exhaust Fans

6. Invest In Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Maintaining clean air quality is an important part of preventing aggravated asthma, allergies and contagious illness. There’s nothing like being sick to ruin a romantic evening. Consider investing in indoor air quality solutions. Cool Touch offers a variety of indoor air quality services, such as air cleaners, humidifiers and UV germicidal lights.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Indoor Air Quality Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your indoor air quality needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your indoor air quality appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Love Is in The Air: Top 6 Indoor Air Quality Tips For Valentine’s Day appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

The process of fixing municipal sewer pipes can be complicated. Given that there are so many aspects that can affect the process of repairing sewer lines, there is no golden rule for pricing a standard municipal sewer pipe lining repair project.

Sewer repair prices change on a case-by-case basis, as do the techniques used to repair pipe lines in the first place.

Let’s dive into all you need to know about municipal sewer pipe lining and associated costs for these kinds of projects in California.

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On Groundhog Day this year, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. That means we’re supposed to get 6 more weeks of winter, much to the chagrin of people in the northeast.

But before you get too disappointed, just how accurate are Phil’s “predictions?” Can a groundhog in Pennsylvania really affect your heating in Montclair, NJ?

Let’s take a look at just how accurate Phil’s prognostications are.

Although you shouldn’t decide on whether to get heater maintenance based on whether a groundhog sees his shadow, we’ll also discuss the many benefits of heater maintenance.

Groundhog Day in a Nutshell

Groundhog Day stems from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition and ceremonies are held all over Canada and the US. The most famous and highly attended ceremony is obviously in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and the star of the show is the beloved groundhog, Phil.

The tradition states that if Phil sees his shadow (in other words, if it’s sunny that day), it means six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, supposedly spring will come early.

Just How Accurate Are Phil’s Predictions?

Groundhog Day has been celebrated and recorded since 1887! Since then, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club has held firm to their belief that Phil’s predictions have been accurate.

However, other sources have confirmed that Phil’s not that great at predicting future weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that only 39% of Phil’s prognostications are accurate. It’s a good thing he’s so cute.

What Can Groundhog Day Tell Us About Heater Maintenance?

Here’s a fact about Groundhog Day that you can count on to tell you something about your heating system. Groundhog Day falls about halfway between the December solstice and the March equinox.

Or in the world of HVAC, about halfway through the heating season. That means if you haven’t had heating system maintenance in the last year, there’s no time like the present to get it done.

The Heater Maintenance Myth

Many people believe that heater maintenance has to occur before the heating season even starts. Although that’s the ideal time to do it, your heater will benefit from maintenance at any time during the heating season. This is especially true if you haven’t had your heater maintained in a while.

Heater Maintenance Facts

Here are some of the many benefits of mid-season heater maintenance:

• Reduce the likelihood of repairs: Avoid unexpected repairs or even worse–a total breakdown in the system–through maintenance. It’s estimated that 85% of repairs a heater may need during its lifetime can be avoided through regular maintenance!
• Save energy: Did you know that when a heater is maintained regularly, it’ll operate at a rate of 95% efficiency?
• Extend the lifespan of your heater: Supposedly Phil is fed some magical juice that extends his life. Well, annual maintenance is the best way to help your heater reach the tail end of a heater’s life expectancy of 15-20 years.

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

You’ve seen them on your hardware store shelves: plastic bottles labeled liquid drain cleaner. And if you have slow or clogged drains at home, it’s understandable that you’d be tempted to buy some and pour it down your sink. But should you do it? Definitely not!

There are a variety of reasons why liquid drain cleaner is a bad plan, and they fit into three main categories: your health, your plumbing, and your clog. We’ll give you some information about all three, to help you understand why we feel so strongly about it. Then, we’ll offer some alternatives.

Liquid Drain Cleaner and Your Health

The pH scale ranges from being acidic at the lowest numbers (with battery acid at zero) to extremely alkaline at the highest numbers. At the highest end, substances are so alkaline that they are referred to as caustic.

Merriam-Webster defines this as “a substance that burns or destroys organic tissue by chemical action,” and according to the EPA, the pH of drain cleaner is 14, at the highest end of the scale. This makes it more caustic than bleach or oven cleaner. If you get drain cleaner on your skin, even a tiny amount can cause painful burns. And it’s not just the liquid that’s hazardous. The fumes coming from the liquid can cause major irritation to your eyes, nose, and respiratory system.

Liquid Drain Cleaner and Your Plumbing

The material your pipes are made of can depend on the age of your home (or when your piping was most recently redone). Many homes still have plumbing made of galvanized iron or steel, which is vulnerable to corrosion.

Modern plumbing is mostly copper, which holds up better over time. Due to the extremely caustic nature of drain cleaner, it can even cause corrosion in your copper pipes, degrading them and leading to bigger problems. Having your drains professionally cleaned might seem like a bit of a bother, but it’s a walk in the park compared to having your home repiped.

Liquid Drain Cleaner and Your Clog

This clog is driving you bonkers! Might it be worth the risk just to get rid of it right now? No, and here’s why. That corrosion it can cause in your pipes leaves a roughened surface, which makes it even easier for obstructions to develop. At best, liquid drain cleaner is a very short-term solution. What’s more, it’s not great at dissolving all types of clogs. For example, you see that the bottle it comes in is plastic, and it hasn’t dissolved that. If there are any inorganic materials in your obstruction (and you might have no idea that there’s a plastic picnic knife or a child’s toy lodged in your drain) they’ll be unaffected by the drain cleaner.

Safe Drain Cleaning Options

A plunger, disposable plastic drain snake, or hand-cranked auger might help you to dislodge your own clog. But if you need professional drain cleaning, our team has access to the most effective modern methods. Video pipe inspection will allow us to find that picnic knife, a motorized auger accomplishes much more than the hand-cranked models, and hydro jetting can clear your whole plumbing system of all accumulations with just the power of water.

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

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There are household chores, and then there is cleaning the toilet. Check out these dos and don’ts when it comes to doing the job right.

Don’t Fall for the TikTok Fabuloso Hack

While scrolling through TikTok dances and how-tos, you might have come across a TikTok video suggesting the use of cleaning agent Fabuloso inside the bowl to self-clean your toilet with each flush.

Tempting to imagine your bowl cleaning itself, but the reality is that placing a large bottle of cleaner inside your toilet tank can do more damage than good.

The constant chemicals can damage toilet parts like seals and gaskets made of plastic and rubber. That damage can cause your toilet’s inner workings to leak and fail. In addition, the bottle inside the tank displaces water used to adequately flush the toilet. That can lead to clogs and backups.

So, while a clean toilet is fabulous, leaving a bottle of cleaner inside your toilet tank is not.

Don’t Use Drano in Your Toilet

When you have a clog in your toilet, you want it gone quickly. Here’s the right way to unclog your toilet instead of using chemicals to do the job.

Harsh chemicals like traditional Drano use bleach, an active, caustic ingredient, to break down a clog. The chemicals are flushed down the drain as it works.

In the case of the toilet, the chemicals can get trapped in the S-shaped part of the bottom of the toilet, called a trap. The toilet, including the trap, is made of porcelain. The chemical process of the Drano emits heat in the process, which can crack the porcelain.

In addition, if you used the chemical to clear the clog and also used a plunger, you risk splashing the dangerous product onto your skin, which can cause skin irritations or burns.

Don’t Flush Cleaning Wipes

Disposable cleaning wipes are a convenient way to clean your toilet quickly, especially for getting rid of bacteria on the toilet handle and seat. However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency urges homeowners not to flush anything but toilet paper.

Cleaning wipes and even sanitary wipes labeled as “flushable” should never be disposed of down your toilet because they don’t break down in the sewer or septic systems and can damage your home’s internal plumbing and local wastewater collection systems.

So, go ahead and try that latest dance challenge, but be cautious of those toilet-cleaning hacks that might cause damage to your plumbing system.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com