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The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Plumbing System

Is your spring cleaning in full effect yet? When you start making your ultimate spring cleaning checklist, don’t forget to add your plumbing system to the list! We’ve made it easy for you, and listed out the most important “to-do” items to start checking off. Here are the top 6 items to add to your spring cleaning checklist.

1. Check For Toilet Leaks

First on the list, make sure you are checking your toilets! Toilets can leak for days or even weeks without you knowing because the leaks aren’t always very obvious. While spring cleaning, try the “food coloring” trick. Drop some food coloring into your tank and wait about 30 minutes. If the water in your toilet bowl doesn’t run clear, that means you have a leak and should have a professional plumber out to your residence quickly.

2. Make Sure Drains Are Cleared

Next, check your drains. If you have any blockages or clogs in your drains, it can cause poor water flow and other problems. While tempting, avoid using chemical drain cleaners or bent wire hangers to clear the blockages and clogs yourself. Homemade contraptions can actually cause more harm to your pipes. Instead, invest in professional drain cleaning to help clear your drains quickly, effectively, and safely.

3. Maintain Your Water Heater

Once a year, you should plan to have your water heater professionally drained, flushed and maintained. As the water runs out of the tank, so will the sediment that has accumulated and built up inside. This can eventually cause your tank to rust and corrosion, which will impact your unit’s efficiency. That’s why it’s so important to invest time and money into having your water heater maintained.

4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

April showers bring may flowers. They can also bring flooding if you’re not careful! Before any rain makes an appearance, check your sump pump’s ability to operate. Over time, gravel, pebbles an dirt can get caught in your pump and make it unable to operate efficiently. You can have a professional plumber assess its condition this spring. Your plumber should also be able to tell you any additional things you should consider adding to your sump pump in order to avoid flooding.

5. Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal works hard for you – now is the time you work hard for it! Garbage disposals are designed to break down waste, but over time, it can collect food scraps, bacteria and other debris. Not only can this cause your garbage disposal to work inefficiently, but it can also cause your kitchen to smell. A simple garbage disposal cleaning will help keep it working well for you. However, remember to never put your hand down the disposal – even if it’s off!

6. Check Your Pipes

Your toilet isn’t the only thing that can experience leaks. Make sure you’re checking all the pipes around your house – inside and outside – for any signs of visible leaks. If you spot anything off, such as musty smelling rooms, wet spots, foundation cracks, mold and mildew, high water bills, or damaged ceilings, walls, and floors, don’t wait. Contact a professional right away.

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

We are here for all your plumbing 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 plumbing appointment by visiting us online here.

The post The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Plumbing System appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

Believe it or not, the official start of spring is here. When seasons change, many homeowners will begin to realize some of the effects the winter months had on their home—broken pipes, cracked hose bibbs, sump pump failures, etc. After a cold winter, you may be ready for warmer weather, but most importantly, is your home’s plumbing?

Here are a few quick tips for you to consider this spring:

1. Clear debris from places such as your downspouts and any area surrounding your sump pump discharge line.
   • With any additional snow melting and upcoming rain, it’s very important to inspect your sump pump discharge line to make sure nothing is clogged or blocked.
2. Test your sump pump! All too often, we see flooded basements due to sump pump malfunctions. We advise that you follow these tips to test your system.
3. Inspect your property for blockages or obstructions that could prevent any remaining melting snow from draining.
4. If you can, clear debris, such as leaves, twigs, etc., from your gutters so water can drain appropriately.
5. Visually inspect your outside pipes for leaks and damage.
   • This is especially important for your hose bibb, also known as an outdoor faucet, although it might be a little early to turn your outside water back on. Once the weather gets a bit warmer, this is definitely something you’ll want to keep in mind.

While this is a short list of spring plumbing tips, they’re important to keep in mind! If you need a plumber this spring, you know who to call. With Len The Plumber’s many service locations, we provide same day service, seven days a week, with no extra charges for evening or weekend appointments.

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

If you own a commercial property, one of the things you absolutely want to avoid is water damage. It’s costly and unsanitary, and it can bring your business grinding to a halt.

What if you do encounter an alarming plumbing problem in your commercial building? Here are our recommendations.

1: Water Waste

If your water usage is higher than you expect, an expert in commercial plumbing in Orlando can help to track down where that water’s going and whether you have a leak. They can also recommend low-flow fixtures that reduce water use dramatically.

2: Leaking Fixtures

Wear and tear at faucets can lead to minor leaks, and those drops add up. Ten drips a minute will use 500 gallons of water in a year! Having fixtures tightened helps immensely.

3: Worn Connections

The most vulnerable points in your plumbing are not the pipes themselves, but the places where pipes are connected. If these connection s wear out, a prompt replacement can save you from major water damage.

4: Broken Pipes

This is less common, but it does occur. If you suspect that a pipe has broken, turn off the water to that part of the building if you can, and call a plumber immediately.

5: Slow Drains

If this occurs throughout your building, it may be a system-wide issue that only a professional plumber can diagnose and treat. Video pipe inspection to pinpoint issues or hydro jetting to clear the whole drain system may be called for.

6: Blocked Sinks

If a single drain is blocked, you can try using a sink plunger or hand-cranked drain snake to sort it out. If that doesn’t work, a plumber’s tools are much more effective, such as a motorized auger that is like a superpowered version of your drain snake.

7: Clogged Toilets

This is one of the most distressing problems a property owner can face. If there’s any risk of overflow, shut off the water to the toilet immediately. A plumber can sort out the immediate problem as well as make recommendations for how to reduce the risk that it will happen again.

8: Water Heater Issues

There are strict legal requirements about hot water temperatures in commercial buildings and even stricter ones for buildings that contain food service establishments. If your water heater is leaving something to be desired, a plumber is the person for the job.

9: Expansion of Plumbing

If you’re adding a bathroom, updating a kitchen, or expanding the plumbing in your building in any other way, our team can help you with the planning and installation so you get the results you want.

10: Gas Line Work

Plumbers don’t just work on water pipes! Many of the same tools and skills are required for gas plumbing, and it’s critical for your safety and for adhering to legal requirements that your gas line work is done by licensed professionals.

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

The post 10 Common Commercial Plumbing Problems and What to Do first appeared on Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. Blog.

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

When it comes to plumbing, you probably think immediately of drains, pipes, faucets, and wrenches. You might know that plumbers service water-related items in your home such as your water heater.

But did you know that addressing issues with water quality is another skill in a plumber’s toolbox?

When you think about it, it makes sense that plumbers would be concerned about the quality of your water. That’s because problems with your water can cause damage to your plumbing system and appliances.

Even more concerning is the fact that poor water quality can contribute to issues with your health and your home comfort.

Learn about the various water treatment options that are available in your home. A plumber in Clifton, NJ can check the quality of your water and recommend a system to improve it if needed.

Reverse Osmosis

A whole house reverse osmosis system works by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane to remove any contaminants and impurities. This is the same technology that a desalination plant uses to turn saltwater into freshwater. Reverse osmosis systems can remove lead, pesticides, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, bacteria, and arsenic. 

The main benefit of this system is that it’ll make your drinking water–and your cooking!–taste a lot better. Hard water deposits on your faucets, showers, and countertops will be eliminated.

Your washing machine and dishwasher will do a much better job of getting your clothes and dishes clean. A reverse osmosis system will also protect your plumbing and appliances from the effects of hard water.

Water Softeners

A whole house water softener system tackles the hard water that is found in much of New Jersey. Hard water has too much calcium and magnesium which is apparent in your tap water. It’ll taste faintly metallic and although these minerals aren’t harmful, they don’t taste great and can affect your cooking.

It’s difficult for soap to dissolve in hard water. That’s why homes with hard water have crusty, hard water deposits on shower heads, faucets, and countertops that are aesthetically unappealing. It’ll also cause soap scum buildup in your showers, tubs, and sinks. Your clothes won’t feel as clean because the laundry detergent can’t dissolve as well as it should. That’s also the reason for those spots on your dishes. 

UV Water Purifiers

UV water treatment systems utilize ultraviolet light. These simple systems are installed at the apex of your household water supply. This allows the water treatment system to purify your entire water supply through the use of ultraviolet light.

Your home’s water is protected from bacterial contaminants and other dangers even if the civic water system were to become compromised. However, UV water purifiers can only kill off microbiological pollutants such as viruses and bacteria. Inorganic solids and chemicals are not removed with this type of system. 

Trust A Professional Plumber With Your Home’s Water

Only an experienced plumber can install a water treatment system in your home. We can advise you on the best type of system for your home after testing your water. We’ll also be there for any maintenance and repairs your new water treatment system may need. 

For your water system needs, contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today.

The post Water Treatment Options For Your Home first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

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

Purposefully burst a pipe? Why in the world would you do that?

Well, for those not familiar with different plumbing procedures, it’s easy to see why you might take this view. As strange as it sounds, though, bursting pipes is actually a very effective method for repairing them. Basically, pipe bursting is a procedure of pipe repair, that doesn’t involve digging trenches.

Just as its name suggests, the repairer of the pipe intentionally breaks the existing pipe using mechanically applied force. The resulting pipe fragments are forced into the ground, and a new pipe is then pulled in to replace the original one.

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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