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Sometimes, homeowners aren’t sure whether or not repairs are warranted. A minor problem, or one that develops gradually, might be easy to overlook. While some things seem like obvious concerns, like a puddle of water below your water heater from a leak, other necessary repairs might be postponed because the problem isn’t as clear.

For the record, if your water heater is leaking, you definitely need to have it serviced.

Here are four subtler problems you might encounter that indicate that you should have a technician service your water heater.

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1: Reduced Water Pressure

If you remember having a strong flow of water from your shower or faucets and you’re not able to get that pressure anymore, it’s time for water heater service in Winter Park, FL. The most likely cause is scaling, which is a buildup of minerals from the water lining the tank or piping of your water heater. This narrows the paths the water flows along, making it nearly impossible for as much water to reach your fixtures. The solution is pretty simple: your technician will flush your system with a descaling solution, which is non-toxic and dissolves the mineral deposits.

2: Discolored or Smelly Water

A reddish discoloration is usually caused by rust. An unpleasant smell generally means there is bacterial growth in your water heater. Either or both of these can be the result of a corroded anode rod because the job of the anode rod is to eliminate rust and bacteria. This is a component that can be replaced, and it’s important to do that as soon as possible. This can help stop the rusting and avoid the need to have your whole water heater replaced because of corrosion.

3: Strange Noises

Have you been hearing odd or surprising sounds from your water heater? Many sounds, such as gurgling, banging, popping, or whining, can be caused by that same mineral problem that also narrows your pipes and reduces your water flow. When minerals settle to the bottom of a tank water heater, they affect how the water moves around the heating element, resulting in odd noises. However, if you hear a sizzling noise, it’s more likely to be a water flow problem or a condensation issue.

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4: Fluctuating Temperature

While you’d certainly consider a complete lack of hot water a serious problem, more minor difficulties in keeping a steady temperature are easier to ignore. Many issues can cause water temperature fluctuation, including a broken dip tube, a malfunctioning heating element, or even that same mineral scaling we keep mentioning. A qualified technician can properly diagnose the cause and provide you with a solution to resolve the problem.

If you have concerns about how your water heater is performing, it’s better to get prompt service and avoid having a small problem worsen. Repairs are always simpler and less costly than letting your water heater deteriorate until it needs to be replaced.

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

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Sometimes a homeowner is hesitant to call for plumbing services out of embarrassment. There’s a problem with their plumbing and they think it’s their fault and want to try to fix it themselves to avoid having to call us

While these fears are unfounded, there have been instances where user error definitely caused the problem.

Every plumber has a story about a service call where they discovered something truly unusual clogging a drain. Here are some examples of items that are out of the ordinary, but that are unfortunately more common than you’d think.

By reading these cautionary tales, you can hopefully avoid the need for plumbing repairs and a potentially embarrassing moment.

Children’s Toys

Children’s toys are small and portable and kids love engaging with them in all sorts of imaginative scenarios. For example, sending those action figures down the sink on an adventure or flushing model cars down the unwinding road that is a toilet.

It’s great fun for the kiddos, but not so much fun for the grownup who ends up with a major clog in their drains. Luckily, professional plumbers can easily remove these items and hand them back to an adult who can then decide if they go back to the kids.

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Smartphones

Speaking of things that often accompany us to the bathroom, many people have accidentally dropped a smartphone down the toilet, although few of us would care to admit it. A smartphone that’s been tucked into a back pocket can easily slip and fall into the toilet while taking care of business.

In some cases, the unlucky person doesn’t even know what’s happened until an attempt to flush is made. A plumber can unclog the toilet but there’s no amount of rice that’s going to save the smartphone. To avoid this type of plumbing problem, try to avoid taking your smartphone into the bathroom.

Bathroom and Kitchen Items

Our furry four-legged friends are adorable, but sometimes their behavior isn’t so cute. Cats in particular seem to have a penchant for knocking items off tables, desks, and countertops. They’re especially fascinated by bathroom and kitchen sinks because they’re drawn to faucets and flowing water. You know where this is going…

Plumbers have found odd items such as tweezers, nail clippers, Q-tips, jewelry, sauce packets, and mouthguards in bathroom and kitchen drains, leaving a perplexed customer wondering how on earth they got there. After a process of elimination, it’s determined that it had to be Mr. Whiskers who was to blame.

Cat Litter

Speaking of cats, another common culprit is cat litter. With litter boxes usually placed in bathrooms, their proximity to the toilet can be awfully tempting to cat owners who need to dispose of litter. But flushing cat litter or cat feces down the toilet is a bad idea.

Cat litter is designed to clump when it comes in contact with cat urine, but the same thing happens when it comes in contact with water. You should never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.

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

New year’s resolutions are a chance for you to set new goals and develop new habits. While you may be thinking of your personal resolutions, and how you can take better care of yourself this year, why not think about how you can also take better care of your plumbing system? Here are the top 6 new years resolutions for your plumbing system.

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1. Be Careful What To Flush Down Your Toilet

A toilet is designed to handle two things and really two things only: toilet paper and waste. Avoid flushing anything that’s considered “non-flushable”, like cotton balls, hair, toys, garbage, paper towels, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. You should also consider refraining from using “flushable” wipes because they don’t break down as easily in your sewer system and can clog your pipes.

2. Fix Leaks Right Now

Do you have a small leak you’ve put off fixing? Make the new year the time to have it fixed! A leaking faucet or weird sounds from your pipes can all be small signs of a much bigger problem. Fixing leaks and addressing problems, no matter how big or small, will help you avoid high water bills and water damage.

3. Throw Out Your Chemical Drain Cleaners

Start the new year off right by throwing away all store-bought chemical drain cleaners. These are no good! Most drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that are not only harmful to your health, but can also be harmful to your pipes. No matter how tough your piping material is, these drain cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while trying to clear the clog. Instead, hire a professional for routine drain cleaning – like Cool Touch!

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4. Flush Your Water Heater

Make sure you are flushing and draining your water heater frequently. This can help prevent malfunctions, costly repairs, and even breakdowns. Flushing your water heater can help remove any mineral, dirt, or sediment build-up that has accumulated over time.

5. Pay Attention To Your Water Quality

Do you notice your skin drier than normal? Your hands feeling cracked? Your hair not feeling clean no matter how much you wash it? Does your water taste funky, and do you notice stains on your dishes? You may be dealing with hard water and poor water quality. One way to resolve this problem this year is to invest in a water filtration system.

6. Be Kind To Your Garbage Disposal

Treat your garbage disposal better this year. It’s important to remember that garbage disposals aren’t a replacement for a garbage can. Refrain from putting items, such as coffee grounds, bones, grease, fat, oil, pits, fibrous vegetables, potato peels and more down the drain. These items can cause damage to your blades, or lead to clogs.

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

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If you’re having problems with your kitchen plumbing, and it seems like nothing you do about individual issues manages to address the root of the problem, you might be wondering how to go about replacing all of the plumbing in your kitchen. Repiping is a big decision, and there are a variety of factors you’ll want to consider before you decide whether it’s the right choice for your kitchen.

Leaks

Of course, plumbing leaks simply occur sometimes. It’s one of those unpleasant yet unavoidable facts of life. However, if you keep developing new leaks as first one and then another fitting or segment of pipe gives way, it’s a sign that the whole system is on its last legs.

Low Water Pressure

This can be caused by a blockage in a specific area or it can be caused by the gradual narrowing of the pipes over time. This occurs when minerals from your water are deposited along the insides of your pipes. It’s called scaling, and it happens more quickly when you have hard water, but over the course of many decades, it can happen regardless.

Corrosion

Signs of corrosion on the inside of your pipes include discolored water and the presence of dark specks in the water. Corrosion on the inside doesn’t just affect your water quality. It’s also a sign that the pipes are losing their structural integrity, which is probably a factor in those leaks mentioned above.

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Age

How old is your home? Has it ever been repiped? Do you know what your kitchen plumbing pipes are made of? If the house was built before 1970, chances are high that your pipes are made of galvanized steel and/or cast iron. (What’s even more shocking is that sewer line piping was commonly made of clay!) While steel and iron were very reliable in the short term, they do have some weaknesses that are exposed after many decades of use. They are more susceptible to internal corrosion than the materials modern plumbers use. And that corrosion leaves a roughened surface on the inside of the pipes that help mineral scaling to build up faster.

Modern Solutions

At Modern Plumbing Industries, we provide cutting-edge solutions to the decades-old plumbing problems found in older homes. Video pipe inspection is one of those high-tech options, giving us the ability to see directly inside your pipes. This way, we can locate and diagnose problems without taking anything apart. If the problems with your kitchen plumbing in Orlando do warrant repiping, we’ll provide you with a clear plan and estimate, and we’re happy to discuss the details and find ways to cut down on costs for you. When we do put in your new pipes, they won’t be made of galvanized steel or cast iron, because copper and plastic will provide many more decades of plumbing functionality than outdated materials ever could.

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

One of the most common questions we get from our customers is: how do I know when my furnace needs to be replaced? There’s no standard answer for every homeowner. There’s lot of factors to take into consideration.

There are some major indicators that you’re likely to need either a furnace replacement or furnace repair in Wayne, NJ. One of these indicators is the age of your furnace.

A gas furnace has an estimated lifespan of 10-15 years. An electric furnace has an estimated lifespan of 15-20 years. If your furnace is approaching or past this timeframe, this will help you learn the furnace red flags to watch out for.

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Furnace Age

A furnace’s age is a big factor in determining longevity. Furnaces that are operating at the end of their lifespans will start to deteriorate rapidly. It’ll lose its efficiency and won’t heat your home as well as it has in the past. It could break down altogether without much warning.

At that point, you’ll need to consider repair or replacement. A good rule of thumb is if a repair costs more than half the price of a replacement, it’s better to go with a new model. Why throw good money away on a system that’s past its lifespan and will cost a lot to fix? Don’t pay for expensive repairs for a furnace that’s on its way out.

Safety Concerns

This is especially important if you have a gas furnace. An outdated gas furnace has the potential to be a safety hazard due to gas leaks. A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to seep into your home. Although most furnaces come equipped with carbon monoxide sensors, over time those sensors can fail.

Your furnace doesn’t need to suffer a major breakdown to still be considered dangerous. Because outdated heating equipment loses efficiency, it can emit small amounts of carbon monoxide due to incomplete combustion. These emissions might be too low for your carbon monoxide sensor to pick up but still high enough to be harmful to your health over time.

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Efficiency is Down and Your Heating Bill is Up

Paying more money on a system that isn’t heating your home effectively is a frustrating situation. A furnace that is losing its efficiency can be due to a number of things in addition to the furnace’s age. If it hasn’t had annual maintenance or if its air filter hasn’t been changed regularly, all this neglect will make itself readily apparent.

It’s possible that a repair or a maintenance service will take care of efficiency problems in the short term, but for an older furnace, this could just be a band-aid fix. There aren’t many repairs or maintenance inspections that can really fix it since wear and tear and diminished efficiency are normal for old systems. Why continue to invest in a furnace that only keeps giving you diminishing returns?

Find Peace of Mind

Sometimes it’s best to replace a struggling system with a new, robust unit that’ll ensure your home comfort for years to come.

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

If there’s one problem that every homeowner dreads, it’s the prospect of discovering faulty or damaged pipes somewhere on their property. Whether it’s a water or sewer line, broken pipes can cause a number of problems if they’re left unattended for too long.

Traditionally, the digging required to repair or replace these sewer pipes was a major undertaking that could last for several days and inflict significant property damage. Today, however, trenchless pipe repair technology allows experienced plumbing contractors to do the same work in a fraction of the time with minimal digging during a sewer repair.

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Preparing your outdoor facet for the Ottawa winter can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the area. The key is to take the necessary steps to ensure your outdoor space is protected from the harsh elements of winter. By taking these preparatory steps, you can help your outdoor space last through the cold temperatures and snowfalls of Ottawa’s winter climate.

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20 ways to prepare your outdoor faucet for the Ottawa winter:

1. Check your outside faucet for any signs of damage or leaks and make repairs if necessary. Leaks can lead to water freezing in the pipes, which can cause them to burst when temperatures drop too low.

2. Cover your exposed outdoor pipes with insulation or foam pipe covers to help keep the cold out. This will prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter.

3. Disconnect hoses and store them inside during cold weather. If a hose is left attached, it can cause water to freeze in the pipe, which can lead to a burst pipe.

4. Drain your faucet completely by turning off the valve and opening up the faucet. This will ensure that any water left in the pipe is removed and prevent it from freezing and causing damage.

5. Install a freeze-proof outdoor faucet to reduce the risk of having your pipes burst in frigid temperatures. These faucets are designed to withstand cold temperatures without freezing or bursting, making them a great option for colder climates.

6. Wrap your outdoor spigots in foam insulation or use a frost-free hose bibb to protect them from the cold weather. This will help keep the water inside the pipes warm and reduce the chance of a frozen pipe bursting.

7. Make sure that any exposed faucet valves are insulated with foam pipe coverings to ensure they don’t freeze during winter months.

8. Inspect all exterior walls, windows and doors of your home for any gaps around them where cold air can get in and freeze pipes near by. Seal up any cracks or holes you find with caulk or weather stripping.

9. Install heat tape on any exposed pipes that may be at risk of freezing during the winter. Heat tape is an electrical cord that wraps around pipes and helps to prevent them from freezing by regulating the temperature.

10. Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris to ensure proper water drainage away from your home, preventing any chance of flooding or water seepage into walls which can freeze and cause damage.

11. Install a humidifier in your home if you’re worried about humidity levels being too low in the wintertime, as this will help keep moisture in the air and reduce the chances of frozen pipes bursting due to dry conditions inside the house.

12. Place electric space heaters near exposed pipes to help keep them warm during cold spells and prevent freezing or bursting.

13. Ensure that your home is well insulated to keep cold air out and warmth in, which will help reduce the risk of pipes freezing or bursting during winter months.

14. If you have an irrigation system, make sure to turn it off before winter sets in as leaving it running can cause water to freeze in the pipes, leading to a burst pipe when temperatures drop below freezing.

15. Check for any low-lying areas around your faucet or hose bibbs where water may be collecting and causing potential freezing issues during wintertime. Make sure these areas are cleared of standing water or snow so they don’t become frozen over and cause a problem.

16. Keep faucets slightly open when temperatures drop below freezing to allow a tiny bit of water to flow and prevent it from becoming completely frozen in the pipes.

17. Make sure to keep an eye out for icicles forming around your outdoor faucet, as this can be a sign that there is a cold air leak or blockage somewhere in the area and can lead to burst pipes if not addressed.

18. Make sure your home’s sump pump is in good working condition and has back-up power if needed, as this will help avoid any flooding issues due to melting snow and ice during winter months.

19. Have your furnace tuned up before winter sets in each year to ensure it is working properly, as this will help reduce the risk of pipes freezing due to lack of heat in the house.

20. Finally, check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure it covers any damage from frozen or burst pipes during winter months, as this can help you save a lot of money if an unexpected problem arises.

Following these steps will help ensure that your outdoor faucet is ready for the Ottawa winter and reduce the risk of pipe bursts and other related issues. Taking proactive measures now will help protect your home from any costly repairs down the road. Stay safe and warm!

These are just some tips on how to prepare your outdoor faucet for the Ottawa winter – but be sure to contact a professional plumber or home inspector if you have any specific questions or concerns. They can provide you with more detailed advice on how to properly and safely prepare your outdoor faucet for the cold temperatures. Good luck!

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In general, it is safe to use chemical drain cleaners. However, it is always important to read the product label and follow the directions carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your local Ottawa hardware store or plumber. Never mix different chemicals together, as this can create a dangerous reaction. Always keep products out of the reach of children and pets. Additionally, chemical drain cleaners can produce harmful fumes and should only be used in a well-ventilated area. If inhaled, these fumes can cause serious health problems. It is also important to wear protective clothing and safety glasses while using the product.

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But that being said,

Here’s 10 important safety tips for using chemical drain cleaners:

1. Always wear protective gloves, eye protection and clothing when using chemical drain cleaners.

Refusing to wear protective gear can lead to severe skin or eye irritation. There are countless stories of people accidentally splashing these products on their skin and suffering serious burns as a result. If this happens, immediately flush the area with cold water and seek medical attention.

2. Read the product label carefully before use and follow all instructions, including safety precautions. Ignoring them can be dangerous.

By reading the product label, you will reduce the risk of health hazards and potential injury.

3. Never mix different drain cleaners together as this can create a dangerous reaction that could cause serious injury.

Mixing them can also create fumes that can be hazardous to your health. Plus, it can damage your pipes and fixtures and that’s a costly repair.

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4. If the chemical drain cleaner contains acid, it is especially important to read the label carefully and use caution when pouring and handling the product.

As mentioned above, always wear protective clothing and safety glasses while using this type of product.

5. When pouring a chemical drain cleaner down a sink or toilet, make sure to do so slowly and carefully.

It is also important not to exceed the recommended amount of product on the label. People in Ottawa and around the world have been known to pour too much down the drain which can cause serious damage to pipes.

6. Always keep chemical drain cleaners out of the reach of children and pets.

If necessary, store them in a locked cabinet or room away from any living areas that are accessible by children or animals.

7. Never use chemical drain cleaners on a clogged toilet or sink, as this can cause a dangerous overflow of chemicals and water out of the pipe.

8. Use only enough product necessary to get the job done; excessive amounts may damage pipes or fixtures.

9. After using chemical drain cleaners, flush the area with plenty of clean water.

Be sure to rinse the drain out thoroughly to remove any remaining residues.

10. In the case of severe clogs, it is best to contact a professional plumber if you are unable to clear it with an appropriate chemical cleaner.

Following these safety tips will help make sure that you use chemical drain cleaners safely and effectively. Remember, it is always important to read the product label carefully before use and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer. Taking these steps will ensure that you can safely unclog your drains without any potential health risks or accidents.

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Your home’s plumbing system brings clean, fresh water into the house and then carries out used water through a sewer line. When a sewer line breaks, however, this flow comes to a screeching halt. Early detection can help manage a broken sewer line, but prevention remains the best way to keep your drains clear, clean, and flowing properly.

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When most people hear the word “fireplace,” they envision a traditional masonry hearth fireplace that burns wood. Although this setup has been keeping homes warm and toasty for centuries, there are other appealing options that provide both heat and a wonderful ambiance.

More and more homeowners are making the switch from wood-burning fireplaces to gas-burning fireplace inserts. A gas fireplace combines the benefit of heat from a fire with energy efficiency and no clean-up due to the fact that they don’t burn wood logs.

Whether you want to have a gas fireplace installed where you previously had a wood-burning fireplace, or you want a simple gas log insert, we’re the team you can rely on. If you’ve been wondering what’s the best fireplace for your Wayne, NJ home, read on to learn more about the benefits of gas fireplace inserts.

They’re Convenient To Operate

Imagine flipping a switch and having a warm, glowing fire appear before you. Now think of all the hassle that’s involved with building a wood fire. You need to chop wood and kindling. Even if you purchase logs, you still need to lug them inside and get the fire set up.

Once the fire is lit, you need to keep an eye on it and stoke the fire to keep it going with more and more wood. Then when you’ve let the fire die down, eventually you’ll need to clean up all the ashes. With a gas fireplace, a warm, comforting fire can be achieved with the press of a button–with no messy cleanup afterward.

They’re Low Maintenance

Gas fireplaces require a lot less cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep than wood-burning fireplaces. The only thing you’ll need to do is clean it and the glass doors 1-2 times a month. When it comes to maintenance, you can leave that job to the professionals. With a wood-burning fireplace, there’s a lot more daily cleaning and maintenance involved.

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They’re Aesthetically Pleasing

Gas fireplaces produce realistic flames to help achieve that amazing ambiance that only the heat and light from a fireplace can provide. Thanks to advancements in technology, gas fireplaces that are being sold today have more natural-looking colors to the flame similar to the flames created by wood-burning fireplaces.

They’re Incredibly Versatile

Gas fireplaces are known for their versatility. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces which require a chimney, you can have a gas one installed just about anywhere in your home, so long as you have a natural gas connection. More and more homeowners are having natural gas fireplaces installed in rooms that traditionally don’t have a fireplace such as a bathroom or a bedroom.

Hire Professionals for a Gas Fireplace Insert

If you’re convinced that gas fireplace installation is for you, there’s only one rule that you must follow: the installation must be done by professionals. Any work in your home that involves natural gas lines should always be handled by technicians that have the proper training.

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