Ways You Can Tell Your House Has Hard Water

Hard water is a common problem affecting residential water supplies. Even the best water treatment plants can’t prevent it, since most hard water minerals enter the water after it has left the treatment plant and is on its way toward homes. The minerals of hard water (primarily magnesium and various calcites) seep through the ground and into the freshwater pipes.

Hard water isn’t unhealthy to drink. In fact, you want some amount of these minerals in your water because they’re essential minerals for good health. But too high a level of these minerals is bad for the plumbing in a house and creates inconveniences with cleaning and bathing. It can even wreck important water-using appliances; the water heater is especially susceptible to damage due to hard water. 

The Signs of Hard Water

Fortunately, hard water leaves a number of telltale signs. If you notice these signs of hard water in your home, we recommend calling us. We’ll test your water to determine its hardness level, and if necessary can equip the plumbing with a water softener in Glendale, AZ to bring the mineral levels down.

• White, flaky residue: Hard water leaves behind calcium deposits on fixtures. If you see a white, flaky material on your faucets and showerheads, this probably means the mineral level is too high.
• Crazy water sprays from showerheads: Has your showerhead started to send water sprays out in odd directions and become generally unreliable? You can find plenty of advice online for how to clean it out, but this ignores that the reason the problem is happening is there is too much limescale from hard water building up in the showerhead.
• Soaps suds take hard work: Do you find that it’s hard to get up a good lather of soap suds when you’re trying to clean around the house? This is a major warning of hard water because soap cannot dissolve easily with such a high mineral content. Instead, the sodium salt in the soap binds to the minerals and turns into soap scum.
• Film on glass surfaces: If you notice a film over the glass of the shower, or other glass surfaces that you’ve washed, this is the soap scum layer from the soap not dissolving in hard water. You may also see this occur in glassware put through the wash. 
• Stringy, limp hair and itchy skin: Soap scum from hard water will also affect you when you bathe or shower, resulting in hair that is lifeless and limp and skin that feels itchy and unclean even after you’ve washed.
• Faded colors from laundry: Hard water tends to cause colors of clothing and other fabrics to fade after they’ve gone through the wash. The soap scum will also give cloth a starchy, coarse feeling.

Don’t try to just “live with” any of these problems, because you may soon end up with clogged pipes and a broken water heater! You want hard water brought under control, and our plumbers can help you do this.

Trust to The Trusted Plumber for all your plumbing needs in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

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

A clogged sink or toilet doesn’t have to bring your home to a grinding halt. Here are some simple tools to keep on-hand to fix a minor clog.

Toilet Trouble

With more time spent at home recently, your toilets are pulling extra duty (catch that?). There’s no time for a backup (there too?). The good news is oftentimes a clogged toilet is an easy fix with the right tool depending on the reason for the clog.

A plumbing auger or drain snake is an inexpensive tool that can be found at a local hardware store and is often times just what you need to dislodge that clog, snag it and bring it out of the drain. That means you can recover that favorite Lego or action figure. If you can see part of the object, you can also try creating a homemade auger by bending a hanger but be careful not to scratch your bowl with the metal wire.

A toilet plunger and some muscle may be enough to do the trick for a clogged toilet. A good one creates a tight seal around the toilet bowl drain. Remember to turn off the water first then using the plunger and a downward vigorous motion to plunge until the stoppage is released and the waste and water flows down. Flush to be sure it stays that way. Repeat if it does not. Unsure of which plunger is right for you? Check out our Exhaustive Guide to Plungers.

Natural cleaners made with a concentrated mix of bacteria can also break down the waste in your toilet without harming your pipes. Keeping a bottle on the shelf and using it periodically can help avoid a clog and clear a minor one. Be patient, the enzymes need hours to work.

It may be tempting to dump liquid drain cleaners for a quick fix, but chemicals found in those cleaners can actually damage your pipes. Acidic ingredients used in the cleaner to break up the clog you are facing may also eat at your pipes especially if you have an aging plumbing system.

Sunk Sink

Kitchen sinks are in the precarious position of being around a lot of products that have no business being put down the drain.

A blocked garbage disposal is often at the root of the problem when it comes to a clogged kitchen sink. First, check to see if there is an issue with your garbage disposal. A broken or overheated garbage disposal can block up your sink.

A household plunger can also help to dislodge a clog. It’s best to designate one plunger for the kitchen separate from the plungers you use in case of toilet clogs.

Sometimes the clog is in the curve under the sink. You can use a wrench to unfasten the P-trap and a bucket to catch the water and muck that falls out of it.

A clog can form in no-man’s land between the sink basin and the P-trap or farther down the system. This could be a good time to use that plumber’s snake or auger to break up the clog.

Minor clogs in your home are often times a simple DIY fix if you have the right tools. Drains that are repeatedly clogged or slow may be the sign of a bigger problem. Our experts at Len The Plumber are ready to respond to your plumbing issue with skilled same-day service from kitchen sinks to main line sewer stoppages.

Before your minor clog creates a major plumbing issue, call the experts at Len The Plumber at 800-950-4619 today.

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

The popular disclaimer “Do not attempt this yourself” applies to many situations other than high-risk stunts – plumbing repairs and projects, for example. In fact, you’re more likely to try to replace a pipe than launch yourself over an open drawbridge on a skateboard. Although you won’t risk life or limb in the process, you could easily risk botching the job and making the situation worse by causing additional damage that winds up being much more expensive to fix than it would have been had you called a plumber in the first place.

With all that said, there can be some confusion about what DIY jobs you can handle, and when to acknowledge you have to call a pro. As we often note, most people are confident in their ability to replace a toilet flapper. But when that confidence extends to other areas, you may be facing trouble. In the interest of consumer education and preventing panicked emergency calls to the plumber, our Adams and Son Plumbing team offers the following guide to DIY plumbing jobs you should never attempt yourself.

Reasons Why Homeowners Attempt Plumbing Jobs Themselves – and Why They’re Wrong

There are two main reasons homeowners attempt plumbing repairs – money, and as previously mentioned, overconfidence. Even in a non-emergency situation, plumbing repairs typically aren’t figured into the budget. And nowadays, especially, people are looking to save money any way that they can. However, trying to save it on plumbing repairs is false economy, for the reasons mentioned in the first paragraph.

We readily admit that plumbing services are not inexpensive, but you do get what you pay for – which is the extensive education, training, experience and state certification that a professional plumber brings to every job. Our Adams and Son Plumbing team is unique because – unlike most other plumbing businesses – it is comprised entirely of master plumbers.

So what’s the difference? A master plumber will be able to not only install pipes and plumbing systems, but will also be able to draw up the plans to do so. A master plumber can completely re-do systems that have become too old – as well as make structural improvements.

Which brings us to the next reason homeowners try to make their own repairs and/or installations: overconfidence.

Maybe you’re good at general household repairs, and think that plumbing shouldn’t be much of a stretch. Or you get the impression that it’s just a matter of following instructions. This is understandable, considering that the websites for big box home improvement centers provide DIY videos for all manner of plumbing projects. Of course, YouTube videos are plentiful, implying that anyone can successfully replace a water heater or tackle other jobs that have the potential to end in disaster.

The problem with DIY videos is that they don’t cover every possible scenario – or may not even adequately cover every step of the process. Depending upon the job, they can’t anticipate what odd piping configuration may be hidden behind your walls or under your foundation slab. Your house may have had a bad retrofit or repair in the past that you wouldn’t know about unless you uncovered it while trying to make a new repair. A professional plumber would be aware of such a possibility, and be ready to address it with the right materials and expertise. Would you?

What the Pros Have That You Don’t

You may have a can-do attitude, but that’s no guarantee you can figure out or work your way through plumbing issues if the situation isn’t what you had assumed it was. Here is what a professional plumber brings to the job that makes the difference:

• Professional-quality tools for every task – Your few basic tools from the home improvement center probably aren’t professional grade, or don’t include the correct tool for more demanding repair jobs. According to The Clog Dawg, “Using the wrong tool for a job can cause frustration, at best – and serious damage, at worst.”
• Professional skill and experience – As previously mentioned, plumbing is a highly skilled trade. Plumbers have a thorough knowledge of plumbing systems and the different types of pipe used in them. This allows plumbers to make a proper diagnosis to assess the cause of your problem. What you think may be causing your specific issue could actually have a different source.
• The ability to assess repairs that are dangerous for a non-professional to perform, and to do the job safely – Repairing gas and sewer lines is dangerous work. Rerouting pipes is also no job for anyone other than a plumber. Protective equipment is also required for such jobs, which homeowners aren’t likely to own.

Avoid the Trap of Deceptively Simple DIY Solutions – Plus the Repair Jobs You Should NEVER Attempt Yourself

Some repairs may seem easy enough to take the DIY route, but looks can be deceiving! Our colleagues at Wagner provide this list of repairs and projects you may think are safe to tackle, but have the potential to go horribly wrong:

• Snaking your own drain – Many homeowners believe a wire hanger or a DIY home-snaking tool will solve your drainage problem. However, you should not put any foreign object down your drain without consulting a professional. Avoid pouring drain cleaner down your drain as well – many over-the-counter chemicals will do more harm than good to your pipes.
• Unclogging your toilet – You may think the average, everyday clogged toilet is a breeze to fix. But what if the problem is something bigger? Before grabbing the plunger and risking a toilet overflow, call a professional. Definitely call a pro if you’ve already tried to unclog your toilet without success.
• Tightening or loosening pipes – If something has fallen down a drain and you want to loosen a pipe underneath the sink, think again. Just because you own a wrench or pliers does not mean you should use them on your plumbing. Many times, DIY plumbing solutions turn into a larger problem, costing you more money down the road.
• Replacing faucets, showerheads or handles – The best way to replace an old showerhead or faucet is to call a professional plumber, who can install it quickly and correctly. Too often, homeowners overlook crucial steps, forget to install an important part and get stuck, or install a new handle just plain wrong.

Now for the jobs that are the equivalent of that extreme stunt of leaping over an open drawbridge on a skateboard. The good people at ABC affiliate KTEN, Denison, TX, provide this helpful list:

Clearing a clogged sewer line – When sewer lines get clogged, your whole plumbing system is affected. This can also cause sewer backup, which can damage your floors, walls, electrical systems, furniture, etc. Leave this to the pros to avoid an unsanitary disaster that will have you filing a claim on your homeowners insurance.

Fixing a burst pipe – You may be able to fix a leaky pipe on your own. But a burst pipe is an emergency problem, which means you need to call a plumber. And it isn’t because pipe patches don’t work. It’s because patches are for leaks and they’re temporary fixes. For burst pipes, the best solution is pipe replacement, which requires safely detaching old pipes before installing new ones.

Any underground plumbing repair job – Do you have special tools for working with underground infrastructure? If so, do you have a permit from local authorities to start digging? You have to satisfy both conditions before you take on underground plumbing repair jobs. If your municipality finds you’ve been doing such repairs without a permit, you may be forced to get a permit with double or triple the fees. Or, they may shut down everything and leave you with a huge problem.

Replacing your water heater – Here’s one rule every homeowner should follow. If it involves electricity, it’s not a job for the average DIYer. Since water heater installation and replacement involve electricity, you should leave it to a professional. Risking serious injury – and worse – is not worth it when an expert can do the job safely and quickly.

Repairing a gas line – If you suspect a gas leak, your immediate thought shouldn’t be, “I have to fix this problem myself.” It should be, “I have to evacuate everyone including pets from the house.” Once a certified inspector confirms that the leak is due to a faulty gas line, professionals will be called in. To prevent this from happening again, consider having your gas pipelines inspected every year.

The Take-Home Message

Our master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing believe the more you know about basic plumbing care and maintenance, the better you’ll be able to recognize when it’s time to call a professional to prevent even more serious damage and major expense. We’ve proudly served Central Florida homes and businesses with the highest level of quality and experience for over 60 years. We are family-owned and operated, and all of our plumbers are state-certified master plumbers. Contact us to get – and keep – your home’s plumbing in top repair.

The post DIY Disasters – Plumbing Jobs You Should Never Do Yourself appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

The drains in your home are something that you likely don’t pay much attention to until they’re acting up. When everything is going smoothly, your drains should drain quickly and easily.

Sometimes, though, a number of signs popup that indicates that your drain health is subpar. It’s important to listen to these signals, as they can sometimes be indicative of bigger problems or future potential issues.

Are you wondering if it’s time for you to call a drain repair professional?

Let’s take a look at seven signs you’re in need of drain repair services.

1. Bad Smells

Bad smells coming from your drain are never a pleasant thing to deal with. There are a number of different possible causes, many of which require that you call a drain repair company.

One of the simplest explanations is that bacteria and other gunk have built up in your pipes. Lots of substances other than water end up going down the drains, including dirt, hair, and food particles. Over time, these substances can get stuck and buildup, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Another possible cause is that the water in your P-trap has evaporated. This can happen when a sink isn’t used for a while. When your P-trap is empty, sewer gas is allowed to waft up the pipe, though, the drain, and up into your home.

Other potential reasons for that nasty smell are clogged or missing vent pipes, having too many pipes that drain into your sump pump, or rotting food in your garbage disposal. The smell of sewage in and around your home could mean there is a sewage leak somewhere, so you’ll definitely want to call a plumber or drain repair service to check it out.

2. Slow Drains or Backups

The drains in your sinks, shower, tubs, and toilet should always drain easily. If they are backing up or draining slowly, you’ll likely want to seek drain repair services. This is most likely happening because you need clogged drain repair.

If there is only one drain in your home that’s draining slowly, that means the issue is isolated to a clog in that particular pipe system. However, if there are multiple slow drains in your home, it indicates that you might have a more serious problem on your hands.

Slowly draining drains throughout your home might mean that there are issues in your main sewer line, your home’s system of drain and vent lines, or in your septic system.

No matter what the cause, calling a plumber or sink drain repair person can ensure that you don’t have to deal with slow drains anymore.

3. Yard Changes

Have you noticed that one particular patch of your yard is lusher than the rest? If so, it’s possible that there’s an issue with your plumbing system and the yard is being fertilized by your septic system.

Also, if you’ve noticed pooling water in your yard, this could also indicate that there is a pipe leak or sewer leak somewhere near the surface of your lawn. This type of issue can get worse if you ignore it, so you’ll want to call a professional right away.

4. High Water Bills

Of course, it is typical for utility bills to fluctuate from month to month. However, if you aren’t changing your water use drastically, your water bill shouldn’t skyrocket out of thin air.

If it does, you likely have a problem. This might mean that your pipes are leaking somewhere. Not all plumbing leaks are obvious, so it’s important to call a drain repair company so that you can figure out where the problem is and repair it right away.

5. Critter Infestations

The last thing any of us wants is to see are bugs or rodents coming through their plumbing lines. If you have noticed an infestation in your sink, shower, or another drain in your house, you’ll need to call a professional to find out if there is a break in your sewer lines or pipes.

A plumber will be able to help you find where there are breaks in your pipes and close them up. While your first thought might be to call an exterminator, what you actually want is a sink drain repair plumber for this purpose.

6. Water Flooding

If you’ve noticed water pooling near a floor drain or in your basement, it could indicate that there’s a clog in your system. If you don’t deal with this problem promptly, it can become a much more serious issue.

If you notice standing water, you’ll want to get a professional drain cleaning or repair service right away. This can help to make sure that the situation doesn’t get any worse and result in costly repairs and clean up.

7. Moldy Drains

No one wants to find mold anywhere in their homes, and their drains are no exception. One of the most common causes of mold growth in your pipes, though not the only one, is a blocked drain.

Even if you can’t see mold in your drains, you might be able to smell it. If you smell a moldy or a musty smell coming from your shower, you’ll want to hire a reputable shower drain repair company.

Mold thrives in places that are dark and damp. That means that the drains of your plumbing system are the ideal places for mold to grow in your home. If your mold growth isn’t due to a blocked drain, it’s possible that there is a leak in your pipes somewhere.

Drain Repair in Toronto: Anta Plumbing Is Your Go-To Plumbing and Drain Services Company

Having drains that are acting up can be unpleasant, but it’s important to act on these issues when they are still small. Otherwise, something that only seems like a small nuisance can transform into a giant headache. If you’ve noticed any of these signs that you need drain repair professionals, you won’t want to wait too long before getting on top of the issue.

The post 7 Signs You Need Drain Repair in Toronto first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog. This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com

You’ve got a clog and you’re thinking of the age old solution—the drain snake. You’ve recently come across some information letting you know that this isn’t the best possible solution though. What’s there to do?

You should consider hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is the right solution for your home because it’s highly-effective while remaining low-impact. It’s not going to hurt your drain in the way that drain snakes can. This is specialized work. You should always contact our professionals for hydro-jetting in Orlando, FL. Our experts are always here to help you with the plumbing services you need.

The Benefits of Clean Drains

Are you wondering what the benefits of clean drains are in your home? Here are a few:

Higher Efficiency

When you have your drains cleaned, you might start to notice that things move a little better afterward. You might notice faster-moving drains, higher pressure coming from your showerhead or your faucets, and even lower water bills. This is because hydro-jetting clears out all the debris that’s in your drain system and leaves little room for it to come back.

Drain snakes work, but they often leave a ring of grime inside your drain that becomes the foundation of your next plumbing problem. You don’t want this.

Elimination of Foul Odors

Do you notice foul odors wafting up from your drain every time you stand near your sink? Hydro-jetting is sure to get rid of this every time. Foul odors are common when you’re having plumbing problems. Hydro-jetting uses highly-pressurized water to get all the grime off the walls of your pipes.

Less Noise

Your pipes make a ton of noise. You turn on your faucet and you hear things banging around in your walls. Although this is a problem all on its own, a clogged or even dirty pipe can make this problem so much worse. A dirty pipe allows for a disruption that’s often noisy.

Common Issues That Cause Clogged Drains

Now let’s backtrack a little bit—what caused the clogged drains in your home? It’s always good to have this moment of reflection to prevent future plumbing problems. Here are a few potential causes of a clog:

Hair

If you haven’t invested in a drain cover that captures all your hair so you can pick it up and dispose of it, take this as your wake-up call. You don’t want your hair flowing down your shower drain. It’s one of the easiest ways to cause a clog.

Soap Scum

Soap scum is the product of your soap mixing with hard water. Although this might seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s actually something that can build up and deeply affect your drain.

F.O.G.

F.O.G. stands for fat, oil, and grease. These are all substances that start as liquids and settle and become clog-forming sludges. Make sure these substances end up in the trash rather than down your drain.

“Flushable” Wipes

We know that plenty of wet wipe manufacturers advertise their wipes as “flushable.” We know that this is a luxurious experience, but it’s also an easy way to create a clog.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. for your hydro-jetting services.

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

How badly do you need to brush your teeth every night before going to bed? Or how badly do you need to replace the oil in your car every few thousand miles? These questions are a lot more complicated than they seem, and each person is going to answer them differently. Unfortunately, you’re better off listening to a dentist tell you about how often to brush your teeth, and you’re better off listening to us tell you about how importance furnace maintenance is.

Maintenance is a furnace service in Clifton NJ that can easily stop a majority of a heater’s repair needs before they surface. It’s a proactive way to look at your heater, just like brushing your teeth is a proactive way to avoid cavities. If you’re invested in the health and longevity of your heating system, and you’d like to avoid unnecessary repairs, then read on.

What’s the Point of Furnace Maintenance?

Furnace maintenance might sound like it’s an optional service, but it’s really not. Your furnace needs to run effectively, efficiently, and safely. Though, the more you neglect it and the more you resist having it maintained each and every year, the more likely that all of those categories will suffer. Your heating system might not feel as good, it might not run as affordably, and it might cause some safety hazards in your home.

Annual furnace check-ups can prevent over 70% of all furnace repairs and increase your system’s efficiency by up to 16%! Think about the amount of money you’ll save on repairs or monthly bills by just investing in one service like this.

Here at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc., our maintenance plan involves a 16 point inspection and tune-up that allows us to pinpoint areas that might need adjustment and repair them before they become a problem. We’ll ensure your system is running safely and efficiently, so that you have nothing to worry about for the rest of the year!

Additional Perks of Maintenance

When you sign up for maintenance with our team, you also get access to 10% off standard prices and priority service. This might sound like us trying to sell you a service, but it’s really our team trying to reward homeowners that want the best for their heating systems. The more proactive you are by signing up for maintenance and working with us, the more money you’ll save down the line and the better you’ll feel.

Make a Smart Decision

Look, we understand that nothing comes cheap in this world. Maintenance costs money, and homeowners look at that price tag and are instantly turned off by the idea of preventative service. But the important thing is to think about the future as well as the present. Paying for surprise repairs, higher energy bills, or the maximum price on a repair bill because you didn’t want to pay money earlier in the year is something that’s avoidable. Work with us to get the most out of your heating technology and save the most money on HVAC services.

MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. has your back with comprehensive maintenance. Call us to sign up!

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

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

If you notice a water stain on your ceiling, your first instinct may be simply one of annoyance. It’s ugly and seems to come out of nowhere. How are you going to cover that up? Maybe it will just go away when it dries.

We want to tell you how serious ceiling water stains can be. You should never ignore them. And you shouldn’t focus on what to do to cover it up, because the source of the stain may continue to be a problem, and the water damage might be enough to weaken the flooring—and that’s not something that a bit of plaster can fix. You don’t want to wipe the stain from your mind only to have part of the ceiling cave-in months later, possibly bringing down part of the room above it!

The Source of the Water Stain

The source of the stain may be immediately obvious to you, such as one near the roof of the house after a long period of rain. You’ll need to have repairs done to the roof to seal it and then the water damage remediated. 

But these stains can occur in other parts of the house, and that means leaking plumbing. Most of the time when these stains appear on the ceiling of the first floor of the house, they occur beneath an upstairs bathroom. Bathrooms have a high concentration of plumbing pipes and appliances, more than any other room in the house, so leaks coming through the ceiling are likely from the bathroom plumbing. 

Leaks from bathroom plumbing can come from a range of sources: it doesn’t necessarily have to be a leaking pipe that let massive amounts of water down onto the drywall. One of the sneakier and long-term leaks from a bathroom is from the caulking around the shower or tub. If the caulking starts to dry and crack (which can occur after ten years), water will begin to seep around the sides and down into the walls and floor. It can take months before you notice the effects, and at this point it may have created serious mold and mildew problems. 

Another source of leaks is from the shower pan, which is the waterproof barrier made of lead or vinyl that’s underneath the floor of your shower or bathtub. It’s there to catch water that might escape through cracks or grouting and then routes it to the drain. A vinyl shower pan can decay early and allow water to seep through.

Finally, there are standard pipe leaks, which can come from deteriorating at the joins or because of corrosion. Even copper pipes can suffer from corrosion, and tiny pinhole leaks are enough to allow water to begin to build up until they create noticeable ceiling stains.

The short version: When you see a water stain on the ceiling, you don’t know how long the problem has been going on. But it means there is an immediate problem that must be addressed. Call us for plumbing in Peoria, AZ to locate the source of the leak onto your ceiling and have it fixed.

Trust to The Trusted Plumber! Serving Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

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

With the right irrigation plumbing system in place, your lawn should be getting uniform watering on a regular basis. A properly installed system is incredibly helpful when it comes to keeping your yard healthy. 

The best part of an effective irrigation system is that you don’t need to drag your hose around and water your grass by hand or constantly adjust your sprinkler attachments. However, as with any plumbing and irrigation system, your yard could be costing you a lot of money by inflating your water bill. 

Plus, a faulty system can diminish the health of your lawn and hurt its appearance. This is why you need to be proactive in detecting and addressing common plumbing problems you can spot in your yard. 

5 Irrigation Plumbing Issues in Your Yard You Need to Address

A major cause for concern when it comes to irrigation problems, aside from your high water bill and poor lawn health, is the impact it can have on the structure of your home itself. Residential plumbing requires consistent monitoring and maintenance to prevent serious damages to your home. 

For example, let’s say you sprung an irrigation leak near the foundation of your home. This leak, when left unchecked, can cause serious structural damage to your property. 

To address a rising water bill and prevent long-term damage to your home, look out for these five irrigation plumbing issues:

1. A Leaking Hose 

Your hose is obviously an essential tool you need to keep your lawn hydrated, as well as manage all kinds of yard maintenance, like clearing debris, cleaning out gutters, and more. Unfortunately, as wear and tear builds up over time, your hose is at risk of ripping and tearing. 

This can cause leaks that can disrupt your outdoor chores while also causing significant water waste. Over time, even small punctures that cause minor leaks can really compound and increase your water bill dramatically. 

Fortunately, fixing a leaking hose is pretty easy. Depending on the severity of the damage, you can embrace the following DIY solutions:

• Fix small pinholes, which can be caused by sharp objects puncturing the hose, by turning off the water, then applying electrical tape to the hole. Overlap the tape several times around the hose to ensure it is properly sealed for the long term. 

• When larger tears occur (e.g., your hose is snagged by a bush or the hot summer days cause cracking), you can simply turn off the water, cut the torn section out with garden shears, then attach the cut ends to a hose mender. The mender has two collars that attach to each cut end. Once you tighten the mender, turn off the water to ensure any leak is sealed. 

• Couplings tend to leak, so when you notice one that is bent or damaged, you can simply replace it with a new hose coupling. Use a hose cutter to remove whichever coupling needs to be replaced, then insert the exposed end of the hose into the new coupling and twist the collar until it’s tight. Turn the water on to test it for any leaks. 

Stay proactive with your hoses. There are plenty of ways to extend the life of your hose, like storing it in your garage to avoid exposure to extreme weather or using a hose cart to keep your hose lightly coiled and easy to transport.  

2. The Pool Heater

Heating your pool is a must in the colder months of the year. Whether you use natural gas or propane, you can expect your home energy costs to increase for obvious reasons. 

Simply put, the more your pool temperature drops, the more energy it takes to raise the temperature to your desired level. This will cost you even more money on energy if you don’t have a pool cover to keep the heat trapped. 

To prevent skyrocketing utility bills, make sure you cover your pool at night or whenever it’s not in use to trap warmth. This way, your pool heater isn’t using a lot of energy to constantly increase the temperature of your pool. You can also adjust your desired temperature to a lower setting to reduce the amount of heat your heater needs to produce.

3. Irrigation Leaks 

Water hose leaks are easy enough to find by simply inspecting your hose, but when you have a leak somewhere within your irrigation plumbing system, it might take you a little longer to find and address the issue. 

The first step in identifying if you have an irrigation leak is to look at your water meter, specifically the low flow indicator to see if it’s moving when it’s not using water. If it is, you definitely have an irrigation leak. 

Next, turn off your main sprinkler valve, then look at your low flow indicator on your meter again. If it keeps moving, your leak is likely inside your home. And if the indicator stopped moving, the leak is coming from your main sprinkler system pipe.

To do a visual inspection, turn the sprinkler system valve on again, then wait a few minutes for the main pipe to refill with water. Turn on one zone using your controller, then go to that zone. You will either hear water running or see it bubbling from the ground and pooling water. 

Inspect the sprinkler head too so you can find out if you need to replace or repair the sprinkler head. This is a simple process that most homeowners can complete on their own. Repeat this inspection process until you find which zone is being impacted by your irrigation leak. 

Once you find the leak and confirm that it’s not just a misaligned sprinkler head, turn off the valve and contact a professional plumber who can help. They can ensure you fix your leak correctly. If you try to do this yourself, you run the risk of not addressing the root cause of the leak. 

4. Lateral Line Leaks 

Another common problem that is driving up your utility bill could be your sewer line. Within your sewage system on your property, the lateral line is the pipe that carries the waste from your house to the public sewer main line, which is typically located in the street in your neighborhood.

When a sewage line leak goes undetected, this can lead to significant damage to your property. Over the course of time, that leak can cause sinkholes around your home, on sidewalks, or even in the road. 

There are plenty of ways to detect a lateral line leak. First of all, you can simply find the smell of waste. A broken lateral line means sewage is being distributed underground somewhere. That odor will be detectable if the leak is significant. 

You can also find pools of sewer water on your property, which will present a bad odor. If you’re experiencing drain clogs on a consistent basis, that also indicates a broken sewer pipe. 

In order to determine the exact location of where you need sewer line repair, you should hire a plumbing company that provides residential plumbing leak detection. They can use a camera to navigate the sewer line to locate the leak, then fix the leak accordingly. 

5. Overwatering

Finally, one of the most common problems is overwatering your property, which can be attributed to your sprinkler system. Overwatering can lead to weeds, insects, and diseases that will hurt the health of your lawn. 

The most common signs of overwatering your lawn include:

• You see water running off your lawn down the street.
• You see too much thatch, which is a layer of partially decomposed plant material.
• You notice more bugs hiding in your lawn.
• You feel a sponginess on the surface of your yard.  
• Your lawn shows signs of discoloration, which is likely fungi. 
• You spot an excessive amount of weeds, like crabgrass.

Depending on your sprinkler system, you need to look at several aspects that may cause overwatering. For example, your runtimes may be too long, or you may not have the rain sensor turned on.

Start to adjust the amount of time you run your sprinkler system, then gauge it over the course of a few weeks. It’s best to reduce the amount upfront, then adjust as you see fit. 

More Ways to Save Money on Irrigation 

The faster you identify the aforementioned irrigation issues, the more you can save. And you can be even more proactive and make updates to your current irrigation plumbing system. 

Invest in Pipe Bursting 

This is a newer plumbing technique that incorporates machines that split your existing pipes. It pulls a pipe bursting head through the existing pipe to split it, while pulling the new pipe inside. 

Pipe bursting replaces your existing pipelines without actually removing the old ones. This process is way less destructive to your yard, and it can be used to even upsize your pipelines, which increases the amount of flow capacity in your irrigation system.

Invest in Trenchless Pipe Lining

You can adopt this trenchless approach to upgrade your current systems in a way that doesn’t damage your yard. The trenchless pipe lining process is fast, so you don’t have to worry about downtime. 

Plus, the new pipe lining is smooth and comes with an extended lifespan. Depending on the plumbing company you hire, the resin that is applied as a new pipe liner can come with a guarantee of at least 50 years. 

As you can see, some irrigation plumbing issues can be addressed quickly and on your own. But others are far more complicated and involved, which requires plumbing experts. You can also invest in updating your current irrigation systems using pipe bursting and trenchless pipe lining, saving you big on preventative maintenance over the long term.

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

The toilet is the most heavily depended-upon plumbing fixture in the home. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the most essential fixture. Because its performance is usually so reliable, it’s easy to assume that your toilet will last forever. However, like everything else, toilets have a finite useful life – and it’s to your great advantage to recognize the warning signs that indicate it’s time for a new one in order to prevent a very unpleasant surprise.

While our team of state-certified master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing can handle any plumbing emergency (or plumergencies, as we call them), we prefer to help people keep their pipes and fixtures in good repair to avoid unnecessary expense – not to mention unsanitary messes and water damage!

The Toilet is the Workhorse of the House

Not to be crude, but residential toilets get a heavy-duty workout on a daily basis. According to statistics, the average person flushes the toilet five times a day – although this seems like an underestimate. While most homes have more than one toilet, the use that each fixture gets takes its toll over time. Toilets can last up to 50 years under typical conditions, but the main factors in determining how long a toilet will last is how many people use it and how often it is flushed. A large household can expect to replace at least one toilet far sooner than the half-century mark.

Also take into account changing lifestyle patterns. As working from home becomes – and perhaps remains – more prevalent, adults are no longer out of the house for eight hours a day. Same for schoolchildren who are learning remotely. Greater demand results in greater wear-and-tear on a toilet.

When to Put the Workhorse Out to Pasture

Detecting when a toilet nears the end of its useful life can be difficult. Being a relatively uncomplicated fixture, basic repairs and part replacements may be successfully performed even by people with very rudimentary DIY skills. Many feel confident in their ability to replace a worn-out flapper valve – the most common cause of a toilet tank that fills spontaneously – or replacing the “guts” – which includes the flapper valve and the fill valve.

In most cases, these fixes will solve the problem, and your toilet will continue to perform dependably for the next few years. But look out for signs that it’s time to put the workhorse out to pasture! We acknowledge our colleagues at Talmich Plumbing and Heating for the following helpful information.

There are cracks in the tank – A puddle that forms around the toilet’s base can indicate cracks in the tank. You can start with your own inspection. Examine both the inside and outside of the tank. The location of the crack determines whether a repair will suffice. If it’s below the water line, you may need a toilet tank replacement. At that point, most homeowners replace the entire toilet, as it is more cost-effective. Keep in mind that tank cracks aren’t always visible – especially if it’s a hairline crack. If you can’t find a visible crack, call a plumber to perform a thorough inspection.

The toilet leaks – Unlike the pooling water that tips you off to a cracked tank, toilet leaks aren’t easy to detect. A leak may go unnoticed for several months. While you may not see the water itself, look for a sudden increase in your water bill. As our blog post – “Is Your Toilet Causing Your Water Bill to Overflow?” – covers, an undetected leak can run up your water bill and damage the surrounding floor and/or subfloor – as well as waste a valuable resource. Depending upon the source of the leak, the water may also be contaminated, creating a health hazard. Again, replacing the toilet is the more cost-effective remedy.

The toilet clogs frequently – Assuming that young members of your household aren’t flushing toys (or worse, Orbeez water beads) down the toilet, making frequent use of the plunger is another trouble sign. Before blaming the toilet, however, be sure you’re not flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed – such as baby wipes, tissues, paper towels, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, etc.

Our blog post – “It’s 4 0’Clog! Here Are The Top 4 Causes of Clogged Toilets” – covers other possible causes of toilet clogs. Tree leaves, sticks and animal nests can block your plumbing vents and prevent them from funneling air into your plumbing system, resulting in toilet clogs and low-pressure flushing. Tree roots are another factor, as they can block or reduce water flow, cause overflow of sewer contents or damage pipes. Blocked sewer lines are also a possible cause – as well as a major health concern, since they contain bacteria and many other toxic substances.

In addition, first-generation models of low-flush toilets tend to clog, as they have too little water pressure to clear waste into the drains. Ultimately, the only way to determine the cause of frequent clogs is to call a plumber.

The toilet requires repair frequently – As mentioned earlier, your toilet is not a complicated fixture, but it still consists of several parts. Most toilets don’t need every part replaced at the same time. However, you should consider the cost of parts and your time. If you’re spending at least one weekend a month performing some DIY task – or frequently calling a plumber – replacement is more cost-effective, and will give you a trouble-free fixture that you can rely on for many years.

Your toilet is old and not water-efficient – Although toilets have a near-human lifespan, consider replacing an old model that doesn’t use water efficiently. According to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, toilets installed after 1994 are required to have a flush volume of 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). Many older toilets still in use today have flush volumes of 3.5 gpf and up to 5.0 gpf. If saving money and water are important to you, replacing your old, water-guzzling water closet is recommended. Look for an EPA WaterSense-labelled toilet, which can save you more than $110 every year in water costs – adding up to $2,200 over the life of the toilet. Which leads to our next section.

What to Look for in a New Toilet

One major advantage of being able to recognize a worn-out toilet is the luxury of time in shopping for a new model. If you don’t have to replace your toilet in an emergency situation, you can decide the style and features that best suit your bathroom – and your personal preferences for comfort. Atlanta real estate agent Rosanne Dorfman provides the following list of what to look for in a new toilet.

Consider water use – Different toilet models come with different flush options. As previously mentioned, today’s standard toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. Low-flush toilets may use as little as 1.28 gallons. Although often more expensive to install and maintain than traditional toilet fixtures, low-flush models can also save you a significant amount of money over time. As the bathroom is the most-frequently used room in the home, and the toilet the biggest water user, choosing a new toilet with care will pay off in the long run.

One-piece or two-piece – If the toilet and tank are fused together without any joints, the toilet is known as a one-piece (or single-piece) toilet. If the toilet and tank are separate and joined using fittings, it is known as a two-piece (or coupled) toilet. Because a one-piece model is easier to clean, it’s recommended for families with young children. It’s also more sleek and stylish, making it a good choice for those upgrading their bathroom during remodeling. For this reason, it’s also somewhat more expensive than the traditional two-piece model.

Measure the size before you buy – The hole over which the toilet will be mounted and the distance from the wall to the center of the hole is called the “rough-in.” This distance is 10, 12 or 14 inches. Take the rough-in measurement before you head out to buy a new toilet to ensure it will fit.

DIY or Hire a Plumber?

Some people have hands-on experience in remodeling and renovating homes, and may feel comfortable and confident in their ability to replace a toilet. However, this is not a job for those who feel inspired by home renovation TV shows or YouTube videos. Most plumbing repairs and replacements need to be performed by a professional. Even if you have DIY experience, you may encounter unanticipated problems that could result in damage or uncover a situation requiring more extensive repair than you’d expected.

When you need a reliable and professional plumber, look no further than Adams and Son Plumbing. We respond quickly and efficiently, preventing further damage and future repairs. Plus, we are one of the few companies that send a state-certified master plumber every time. View our full list of services, or contact us to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you!

The post How to Tell When it’s Time for a New Toilet appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.