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Basement flooding is all too common in the Mid-Atlantic—especially with the amount of rainfall we experience! It is important to guard your home against flooding and a cost-effective way to do this is by installing a sump pump and a backup system. However, for those homeowners who already have a sump pump and backup as the first line of defense, it’s important to make sure your system is working before it’s too late.

How To Check Your Sump Pump

Here are a few tips for you to check if your sump pump is working.

• Locate the outside pipe that catches the water as it drains from the pump. Make sure the inside of the pipe doesn’t have any dirt or debris clogging the drain.
• Fill a 5-gallon bucket or a large cooking pot with water. Slowly pour the water into the sump pit and watch the water level within the pit.
  • The float on the sump should rise and the pump will kick on well before the water reaches the top of the pit. As the pit empties, the system should turn off.
  • If the float doesn’t rise or the pump doesn’t turn on/off automatically the pump should be further inspected.
• This may seem like common sense, but make sure the pump is plugged into a working outlet. Sometimes damp areas of a basement can cause electrical outlets to trip.
• Repeat these steps every 2-3 months!

What Happens If the Power Goes Out?

It’s also important to know that sump pumps rely on electricity to operate.

If the power goes out your pump will not work so consider installing a battery-powered backup system. This will kick on as soon as a power outage occurs—a charged backup system can last up to 7 hours. Installing a battery-powered backup system is like getting extra insurance on your system. It’s always a good idea to have a backup in case of a power outage! You can also consider a water backup system. We install both kinds of sump pump backups and are happy to help you decide which option is best for your home.

Install a Sump Pump in Your Mid-Atlantic Home

If you don’t already have a sump pump, and you’re tired of mopping up water and propping up your basement belongings to prevent water danger—not to mention the associated problems with mold and excess humidity—then you should consider installing a system.

To help protect your home and belongings, contact Len The Plumber today. And as always, we’re here when you need us 7 Days A Week, with no extra charge for evening or weekend appointments.

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

These days, we take it for granted that when the water runs from our taps, it’s clean and safe to drink or wash with. But this wasn’t always the case. In fact, until fairly recently in history—less than 100 years ago—most people couldn’t drink their tap water without fear of illness because they didn’t know what was in there or how to treat it.

Nowadays, most developed countries like Canada have strict regulations about what can be put into public drinking water systems and how often these regulations need to be met with testing; but even if you live in a country with no such laws on the books, you should still think twice before drinking your tap water or taking a shower! Here are some of the reasons why:

 

• The pipes leading to your home may be corroded.
• Your city’s water supply has been contaminated by a spill or other incident.
• The treatment plant could have malfunctioned due to an outage, equipment failure, or even sabotage!

 

No matter where you live, whether in Canada or elsewhere around the world, it’s best to assume that your drinking water has not been treated or filtered in any way. If you’re at all concerned about what could be lurking in your tap water, use a special pitcher or filter to treat it before drinking!

The same applies to the shower – if it’s something you drink from occasionally, then you probably don’t need to worry too much about what you’re putting on your skin. But if you’re someone who takes long, hot showers every day, it’s best to be aware of what they could be doing to your plumbing and the environment.

 

Okay, so we’ve established that taking a hot shower isn’t bad for you; but are there any habits you should avoid?

Let’s take a look at:

5 bad shower habits that have an effect on your home’s plumbing and the environment:

 

1) Using the wrong amount of shampoo/conditioner

Use the amount of shampoo or conditioner that’s recommended on the packaging. Using too much or too little interferes with the effectiveness of your product, which can cause your hair to appear dull and lifeless or make it feel more oily than usual. It can also leave soap scum in the shower and lead to buildup on the fixtures. Allow any shampoo that you use to fully rinse off before turning on the water for washing, so that extra shampoo doesn’t get into the pipes!

 

2) Using too much body wash/soap

The same goes for using too much soap in general; be aware of how much you’re using so that there’s not a significant amount left over after getting dressed! Otherwise, this could lead to:

• Soap scum buildup on shower walls and the tub itself.
• Mold growth due to excess moisture, which can be bad for your health!
• Your skin being dried out over time with a decrease in natural oils  (your own built-in moisturizer!)
• A build up of soapy residue from products that contain sulfates (esp. sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS) which respond negatively with wet tiles and grout.

Too much soap can clog your pipes.

3) Keeping a window open during a hot shower.

If you have to take a hot shower because of an injury, illness, or allergy flare up, then it’s perfectly fine to leave the window open. But if you’re taking a hot shower simply because you like it hot, then consider closing the window – and even using a fan to keep the moisture in! Doing so reduces humidity from your home (which is great in cold weather), while helping to reduce your overall energy consumption (it takes a lot less power to heat up water than to warm up the air around it!).

 

4) Leaving taps on.  

It may seem ridiculous that anyone would do this without meaning to, but there are stories of people who get distracted by their pets or children and forget that they left the bathtub faucet running when they go back into another room. If you can’t walk away from a sink without turning the water off, install a flow restrictor on your faucet so that it stops after a set amount of time – or even better, have an automatic shut-off feature installed if you can afford it!

This is not an ideal solution for older homes where there is no plumbing to connect the shower head to, but if you’re having trouble remembering to turn the water off in your bathroom and kitchen sinks every night before bed, then consider installing a device that will automatically do it for you.

 

5) Not letting the water run long enough after using it.

This habit not only wastes even more water than leaving taps (and bathtubs!) running, but also doesn’t get all of the soap out of your hair and skin. When you get out of the shower, turn off the water from the tap (or bathtub faucet), then stand there for a few seconds and let the remaining soap run down your body before turning it off completely.

With these habits in mind, hopefully you can be a little more conscious of your actions when you’re taking a shower.  You may even save yourself some money on plumbing bills. If you have an alternative practice for something listed here, I’d love to hear about it – just comment below with your experiences, as well as any other interesting tips and tricks that people should know about showers & their plumbing!

Air conditioners do a lot of heavy lifting for residential homes as summer heats rise. Unfortunately, that workload means that even the best air conditioning units wear out and require replacement over time.

Most air conditioners don’t completely break down overnight. Instead, they start wearing out over time, and developing new problems that forewarn homeowners that they’ll soon need a replacement for their air conditioner. But exactly when is it time to replace a central air conditioner—and what are the signs homeowners should be looking for?

Read on to learn about five tell-tale signals for when to replace your A/C unit.

1. Your A/C Unit Isn’t Keeping Your Home Cool

It’s one of the clearest signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced: If your unit can’t keep your home cool in warming temperatures, it isn’t meeting your household’s needs.

While it’s normal for some A/C units to struggle to meet demand in extremely hot weather, your air conditioner might be ready for replacement if it’s regularly unable to keep your home at your desired temperature.

2. Your Energy Bills Are Soaring During Hot Weather

As air conditioners age, they become less efficient. This means they end up using more energy to adequately cool your home. For this reason, you might notice a spike in your energy bills as your air conditioner is relied upon more regularly during the hotter months of the year.

If you’ve lived in your home for multiple summers, you can compare your current energy bills to your charges from the same months in prior years. If your bills are rising compared to your historical payments, it could be a sign of a depleted A/C unit.

3. Your Air Conditioner is Producing a Bad Smell

When your A/C unit is running, a bad smell is never a good sign. The source of the smell dictates the kind of smell you’re noticing. If the smell is musty or sour, it could be a sign of mold in the A/C system, which could be a serious problem for both your own internal air quality, and for the A/C unit itself.

If the smell is metallic or burning, it could be a sign that something’s wrong with the mechanical components in your air conditioner. If this smell develops, shut off the unit and contact an HVAC professional immediately.

4. Your A/C Unit is Making Loud or Unusual Noises

Grinding, screeching, or clanging noises could signal a need for repairs on your air conditioner. If the unit is allowed to continue running while this sound is being made, small, fixable damage could grow into major mechanical problems and failures that require a replacement for your air conditioner.

As with a bad smell, turn off your A/C unit if it starts making strange noises, and contact an HVAC service professional to figure out the root problem.

5. Your Air Conditioner is At Least 10 Years Old

When should you replace your air conditioner? In some cases, it depends on the age of the air conditioner, and the manufacturer’s estimated life expectancy for the appliance. If your A/C unit is less than five years old but showing clear signs that it needs to be replaced, you might want to first check its warranty before replacing the appliance.

That said, most air conditioners are built to last 10 to 20 years. While the exact life expectancy may depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home and the manufacturer’s advertised life expectancy, any air conditioner over a decade old is a prime candidate to need replacement, depending on the issues it develops. While it’s possible for an A/C unit to properly function for 15 or 20 years—or even longer—homeowners should be prepared for their unit’s eventual breakdown.

Do I Need a New Air Conditioner?

Air conditioners aren’t cheap, which is why many homeowners are eager to repair the appliance and extend its life even when its performance and/or efficiency have declined. While this can make sense for some households—particularly if you just need time to save up for the cost of a new unit—delaying an A/C replacement can end up being the more costly move.

If the unit is still running but consumes a lot of energy, you’re paying extra on your utilities bill that could be put toward payments on a new air conditioner. Once you get a clear sign your current A/C unit is about to go, weigh the upfront cost of that appliance against the overall cost of overpaying for utilities, paying for repairs, and eventually paying to replace that appliance. The difference in cost could be persuasive in convincing you it’s time to change out your air conditioning unit.

The decision to replace an A/C unit may be a tough financial pill to swallow, but taking action fast could help you save more money over the long run—and you’ll be more comfortable in your climate-controlled home, too. If you upgrade your air conditioner, you might even end up with a more powerful and efficient appliance than you’ve had in the past.

The post 5 Signs That Its Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Old, they say, is gold. Many people love vintage homes for their craftsmanship and intriguing architectural details. From arched doorways to crown moldings and glass-stained windows, older homes have many features that attract homebuyers. However, regardless of the charm they exude, older homes can come with a host of maintenance challenges.

Plumbing is one such challenge. Even a general home inspection before you buy may not uncover every problem – or potential problem. Hiring a professional plumbing inspector is an investment that could save you from purchasing a “money pit” should extensive problems be discovered – or, at least, let you know how much to budget for repairs or use as a bargaining chip to negotiate the sales price down should you decide to proceed.

At Adams and Son Plumbing, we want our valued customers to make wise decisions. That is why we have put together some plumbing issues that you should be aware of if you are planning to buy a house that is older than a few decades. And if a vintage house is already your home, here is what you need to keep your eyes open for.

Piping Problems in Older Homes – Quietly Ticking Time Bombs

Pipes are usually out of sight and out of mind. Unfortunately, old homes tend to have pipes that are near the end of their useful life, or are made of materials that have proven to be a health hazard or prone to premature deterioration. The good people at Express Sewer & Drain, Rancho Cordova, CA, provide a comprehensive list that includes the following.

Old piping – Homes built before the 1990s could have outdated, hazardous piping material no longer approved by state building codes.

There are three types of outdated pipes that you may come across in an old house:

Lead – In the past, sewer lines and water main lines were generally made of lead. One of the oldest metals used for piping, lead was the most common material prior to cast iron – and was also used to solder copper pipe fittings. However, lead was eventually proven to be highly toxic. There is no safe level of lead exposure – especially for pregnant women and children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even at low levels, lead has been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention and academic achievement. Making lead an even more insidious threat is its difficulty in being detected, as you cannot taste, smell or see it. 

Our blog post – “Are Lead Pipes Contaminating Your Water?” – covers the dangers of lead pipes in greater detail. The United States restricted the use of lead since the 1920s and banned it completely in 1986 by amending the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Galvanized – Made of iron with a coating of zinc, galvanized pipes were commonly used for water lines in houses built before the 1960s. Zinc erodes over time, leaving the pipe to corrode and break. Though these pipes are durable (they can last for 60 years), they start clogging much sooner due to rust. Minerals present in the water react with the pipe, resulting in mineral build-up. This, in turn, results in corrosion. Our blog post – “How to Tell if Your Pipes are Corroding” – covers issues with galvanized pipes (as well as polybutylene pipes) in further detail.

Polybutylene –Polybutylene pipe was introduced as a replacement for copper lines in the 1970s, and saw widespread use throughout the 1980s. Unfortunately, the manufacturer was forced to pay out millions of dollars after a class action lawsuit alleging the pipes were defective. Although the manufacturer never acknowledged a defect, oxidants in public water systems caused a chemical reaction with the plastic, leading it to flake, become brittle and crack. Although it was used mainly in mobile home installations, any home constructed or remodeled in the 1980s and early 1990s may have the plastic pipes somewhere. No longer manufactured or rated by U.S. building codes, any existing polybutylene pipes should be replaced before they fail.

Bellied pipes – Most of your home’s plumbing runs under your house. Your home shifts and settles over the years, causing your pipes to slope or belly. When the pipe shifts downward, it creates a negative slope, restricting the flow of water and creating bends where waste and sediment collect over time. When left undetected, bellied pipes can cause blockages and leaks.

Defective sewer line – A defective sewer line can cause sewage to seep into the ground or back up into your home. Our blog post – “Common Sewer Line Problems and Their Causes” – covers this issue in greater detail, but old homes are more prone to have a sewer line that’s shifting or damaged by tree roots. In addition, vintage homes were built before the invention of today’s popular appliances – such as dishwashers and garbage disposals – which put extra demand on a sewer line. The situation can be made worse if your home has had extensive renovations that include plumbing fixtures.

Old Fixtures and Connections That Can’t be Fixed

Sinks, tubs and toilets all have a useful life – as do faucets. The first three are known in the trade as “fixtures,” while faucets, shower heads, shower valves and shutoff valves – basically, any device designed to control and guide the flow of water – are known as “fittings.” Our blog post – “Why You Need to Upgrade Your Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings” – covers this topic in greater detail.

As a blog post for All City Plumbing, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, states, “In addition to lacking in style, outdated plumbing fixtures and connections also pose a more serious risk of falling apart, causing leaking and even flooding. This is especially common when significant amounts of limescale have built up on your fixtures over time.”

Express Sewer & Drain adds this observation: “Corrosion and general wear and tear can lead to restricted water flow, broken knobs, and leaks that make simply using water in the house an inconvenience at best and an expensive disaster at worst. While many people try to simply ‘get by’ with failing plumbing, things have a way of breaking at the worst possible time.”

Botched Amateur Repairs by Previous Owners Throughout the Years

Previous owners may have tried their hand at DIY repairs in an attempt to save money. As Scott Sidler writes for The Craftsman Blog, “When you buy an older home, you’re buying into the repairs the previous owners may or may not have done. For better or for worse, new homeowners are at the mercy of what previous owners have done to the plumbing system. The older the home, the better the odds that significant repair work has been done. 

“Particularly for vintage homes without proper documentation, it’s not obvious to know exactly what kind of work has and hasn’t been completed. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a plumbing professional stop by to evaluate the condition of the entire plumbing system.

“An experienced plumber can provide much-needed insight into the health of your existing system and offer guidance on expected maintenance requirements. Without their expertise, homeowners may be flying blind into serious plumbing challenges.” 

The Take-Home Message

Thanks, Scott! We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves! Keeping the plumbing of your old house in top condition is essential in keeping it a comfortable, enjoyable and healthy home for you and your family. If you’re looking for an experienced plumber, our master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing have 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 Common Plumbing Problems in Old Homes appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Baltimore, MD (August 11, 2021) – Len The Plumber, LLC, a Mid-Atlantic-based plumbing company, celebrated the graduation of its first class in the recently established Len The Plumber Academy (LTP Academy). LTP Academy houses the company’s Apprenticeship Program, which focuses on developing driven and capable individuals who are passionate about a career in plumbing and who want to become industry leaders. Len The Plumber’s vision merges the desire to restore honor and tradition to the trade while providing individuals with no plumbing experience a path to career success.

On August 3, 2021, the first five students of LTP Academy graduated from the Apprenticeship Program after successfully completing all required curriculum. LTP Academy curriculum is composed of lab, e-learning, and in-field training, with a goal of instilling the confidence and leadership necessary for plumbers to work independently in the field after graduation.

Led by Program Director and Master Plumber Michael Vettas, LTP Academy offers an environment where students can train and grow professionally. Training areas are outfitted with complete plumbing system simulations for Apprentices to practice and hone their technical skills while being mentored by Master Plumbers. In addition, they are coached on the soft skills needed to deliver the 5-star customer service that is at the core of what Len The Plumber exemplifies.

“A career in the trades is something to be proud of, and LTP Academy is designed to be a beacon in the community of what is possible with a career in the plumbing field. We are extremely proud of our graduates and excited to see them thrive in their careers with our company,” says LTP Academy Program Director Michael Vettas.

About Us

Len The Plumber is a locally operated Mid-Atlantic plumbing company with over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing inspection, installation, and repair services. The company prides itself on upfront estimates and same-day service from an army of experienced plumbing professionals. More information is available on the company website.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Brown, Director of Marketing

Phone: 410.247.9970

Email: [email protected]

 

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

You are probably pretty familiar with the pipes under your sink or the drain in your shower, but you’ve likely never given a second thought to the pipes that connect your home to the public water and sewer system. Those pipes pull heavy duty for your home. Check out these five signs you have a problem with your home’s main water line.

1. Your water bill increased significantly.

Summer water bills are often higher than normal because of watering the lawn, filling the pool, and even showering more frequently. But, if your water bill seems out of the ordinary, you may have a leak in your main water line.

2. You are hearing strange sounds coming from several of the pipes in your home.

Are your pipes talking to you? If you are hearing gurgling from your sink when you flush the toilet or the reverse, that’s a sign of a more systemic plumbing issue.

3. You’re finding sinkholes or cracks in your foundation?

A leaking main water line can be the cause of major damage to your home’s structure and a source of erosion of your landscape.

4. Your home has low water pressure at all the faucets.

Low water pressure can be a sign that your main water line is clogged. Clogs can happen from household waste and also from tree root infiltration. Both a clog and tree roots can put pressure on these pipes and create cracks. If not addressed these cracks can evolve into a full break of the line. Did you know the repair of a water line break outside your home is the homeowners’ responsibility?

5. Your water is cloudy.

While there are a few different causes of cloudy water which can include a problem with that particular fixture or issues with your water heater tank, cloudy water can also be caused by disintegrating or damaged pipes.

If your home is experiencing any of these issues, you might have a problem with your home’s main water line. At Len The Plumber, our experts can get to the root of the problem using diagnostic cameras and the most advanced plumbing tools. And, we have the experience to make sure we repair or replace your main water line quickly to minimize the damage and restore your confidence.

Contact us to schedule a main water line service today. From D.C. to Baltimore, Northern Virginia, Delaware and the Philadelphia area, just call Len The Plumber, your local plumber with same-day service, 7 days a week!

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

Eventually, there’s going to come a day when you’re going to need to replace your home’s pipes. If you’re starting to feel like the pipes in your home are giving you continual problems, then we’re the team that you should get in touch with.

If your pipes are on the newer side, then you can probably get away with repair services. If you live in an older home with older pipes though, it might be wise for you to replace them. We specialize in pipe replacement in Orlando, FL. We always work to make sure that the process is as easy as possible for you. It’s easy as long as you’re with our professionals.

Watch Out for These Signs

These are the signs that you need to replace your home’s plumbing:

Discolored Water

Have you noticed that your water has changed in color? Your water should always be completely clear, taste perfect, and be odorless.

Discolored water is a major sign that you’re having trouble with your home’s plumbing system. Typically, your water becomes discolored because you’re noticing flaking from your plumbing system’s pipe. This is due to buildup throughout the pipes. Don’t think that you’re bypassing plumbing problems by ignoring this. The problem is only going to get worse the longer you let it persist.

Old Age

As we mentioned in the intro, old age is a real problem. Having an older home is fantastic, but there are certain parts of your system that suffer over time. Your plumbing system is one of them. Make sure that the pipes you have are up-to-date and ready to perform for you.

Low Water Pressure

You might notice that your water pressure drops off suddenly. Decreased water pressure is a sign that you have a major problem brewing right underneath the surface. There’s probably a deeper issue with your plumbing system and it could be that your pipes are incredibly worn out. If you need help getting your system back on track, then we want to be there to help you.

Cracks

Having you noticed cracking throughout your home? This is a sign that you need to replace your pipes in your home. You’ll notice cracks typically by wet spots throughout your home. This problem quickly leads to water damage and subsequent mold growth. Make sure that you address this problem as soon as possible and you get in touch with a professional to get to the source of the issue.

Imperfections In Home

You might notice some imperfections in your home if it’s time for you to replace your home’s plumbing system. Watch out for things like this:

• Warm spots on your ceiling, walls, or floor
• Discolored spots on ceiling, walls, or floor
• Mold
• Mildew
• Foul scents throughout your home that you can’t pinpoint
• The sound of running water even when all your faucets are off

These are all imperfections in your home that indicate real trouble with your pipes. We can help you iron out the details.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.

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

‘Tis the season for heatwaves! We’ve been bombarded with weather advisories about thunderstorms and heatwaves, and unfortunately, that’s probably going to happen until halfway through September. Heatwaves are a reality of living in an area like ours where we experience all four seasons.

However, it’s becoming more and more clear that these can be scary and uncomfortable weather occurrences. We’re not trying to be alarmist, but we want homeowners to have access to the right information so people remain safe and comfortable in their homes during a heatwave. These tips can also be great ways to keep pets, children, and the elderly safe and comfortable as well. So, let’s focus on keeping your home a sanctuary for the summertime.

Don’t forget to call us for air conditioning repair in Montclair if you experience a breakdown during a heatwave. We’re available to help!

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

This is a no-brainer, but we need to cover all of our bases and mention the most important aspect of living through a heatwave. Hydrate! Human beings require a lot of water, especially when we’re sweating during an exceptionally hot heatwave. We lose a lot of that water through sweat, breathing, and other means, so it’s important to hydrate.

Make sure children, the elderly, and our furry pets have access to clean drinking water as well. Dogs and cats especially can run into problems on a hot day because they don’t have the ability to sweat!

2. Wear Sunscreen and Limit Sunlight Exposure

While things might be hot overall during a heatwave, they’re exceptionally hot in direct sunlight. Some people can even cook an egg on surfaces that are heated by direct sunlight!

It’s important to both wear sunscreen and limit the amount of sunlight exposure you experience. It will dry you out, warm you up, and also cause other problems through prolonged exposure. Sunlight will also increase the temperature of your home in rooms with windows, so be sure to use curtains and shades to lower the sunlight exposure.

3. Don’t Set the Thermostat Too Low

This might seem counterintuitive but hold on. Your air conditioner can only reasonably cool the temperature of your home about 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. Beyond that is asking too much of your system, since it will try to cool more but fail, while stressing out the components and consuming more energy. If it’s consistently hitting 100 degrees, set your AC to 80 and use other means to cool off.

4. Invest in a Dehumidifier and Ceiling Fan

Dehumidifiers and ceiling fans are great ways to reduce heat in your home. Moisture can hold heat better than the air, which means more humid conditions will feel hotter. Also, a ceiling fan helps circulate conditioned air, making rooms feel a lot cooler than they actually are!

5. Stay on the First Floor

Heat rises, which means that your second story will usually be hotter than the first. Try to ease the burden on your air conditioner and remain cool by staying on the first floor or enjoying some time in your finished basement.

Do you need help with your air conditioning? Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

The post 5 Prevalent Heatwave Tips first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

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

A few weeks ago, you noticed that your drains were draining extremely slowly. Now, you’ve waited long enough for this to develop into a full-blown clog. The clog snuck up on you at the worst time possible and you’re trying to deal with your plumbing issue on your own. The only problem is that you’re getting more and more tempted to use chemical drain cleaners. Today, we’re here to talk you off the ledge.

Your plumbing in Glendale, AZ is more delicate than you may imagine. You should treat your plumbing system with care. We know that chemical drain cleaners seem like they’re a great option, but today we want to break down why they’re not the best choice. Heed our warning and save your home’s plumbing system.

Why You Should Avoid These Drain Cleaners

Here are a few reasons to avoid chemical drain cleaners:

They Hurt Your Plumbing

The main problem with chemical drain cleaners is that they’re too harsh. Liquid drain cleaners are full of caustic chemicals that really shouldn’t be used in your plumbing system. If you notice that you’re struggling with the efficacy of your home’s plumbing, then proper plumbing care is the answer. Chemical drain cleaners might seem like the quick and easy fix, but what’s actually going to happen is that your plumbing will likely corrode.

The chemicals in the drain cleaners do work to eat away at a clog. They might even eat away at most of the clog. The bigger issue is that there’s no level of discernment with a chemical drain cleaner. You run the risk of the cleaner corroding your pipes as well.

They’re Ineffective

Now let’s explore the other end of the axis here: what if your chemical drain cleaner doesn’t solve the clog? It’s a more common occurrence than you think. If you’ve had success with chemical drain cleaners in the past, then it’s likely because what was in your home’s pipe was a F.O.G. (fat, oil, or grease)-based clog.

If you have anything in your drain that’s more than this, you’re going to notice that the problems persist. Your chemical drain cleaner can’t handle anything more than this. This type of drain cleaner isn’t going to be able to get the job done. Professional service is actually a faster and more cost-effective way of getting to the bottom of the issue.

They’re Potentially Toxic

Another huge issue with chemical drain cleaners is that they’re potentially toxic. The chemicals in those drain cleaners are known to be caustic and corrosive. The fumes aren’t good for you or anyone else in your home. This is especially true when you start using the brands that are even cheaper or off-brand from the name brands you recognize.

We don’t think it’s a good idea to ever play with your health. It’s important to keep your plumbing system in proper shape with proper plumbing service. We’re always available to help you with what you need.

Contact The Trusted Plumber for your home’s plumbing services. We’re available when you need us.

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

Drain clogs are inconvenient, we don’t need to convince anyone of that. But did you know that they’re also very bad for the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system? Materials that solidify in your drain to cause clogs will keep growing over time, becoming more of an ordeal. Depending on the materials that make up these clogs, you could see the corrosion of your pipes, infiltrating tree roots, critter problems, and more.

You’re always better off calling for a professional plumber in Wayne. We’d like to take our blog post today to discuss why drain clog prevention should be a necessary goal in every home. The more time and money you spend now trying to prevent clogs from occurring in the future, the less likely you are to be inconvenienced by an obnoxious clog on a holiday while paying for a plumber’s overtime fee.

Well, let’s get to it!

Clog Prevention Prevents Disasters

Clogs form slowly over time. They’re not the same as a leak, since they only start becoming a problem when things have been bad for a while. That’s why the best way to fight against drain clogs is to prevent them from forming in the first place. So, here are just a few great reasons why you should start protecting your home from drain clogs.

1. Convenience

We mentioned at the start of this blog that drain clogs are inconvenient. This isn’t just an opinion, it’s what we see when homeowners don’t think about their slowing drains until it’s too late. It could be Christmas Day or the Fourth of July when you’ve got a party scheduled, and all of a sudden that clog has finally plugged your entire kitchen drain. Not only are you short on time when this happens, but you need to use this appliance! Why not avoid this nightmare scenario with routine drain cleaning?

By investing in our drain cleaning service every 1-3 years, you’ll make sure that your drains don’t clog when you need to use them.

2. Hygiene and Safety

Drain clogs happen in the dark parts of your plumbing system so they might not seem like that much of a problem while they’re forming. But the truth of the matter is that they’re an issue for the hygiene and safety of your home.

Just because you can’t see it forming doesn’t mean it isn’t there. The materials like food waste, grease, hair, and hygiene products need to be deposited away from your home. The longer they stay in your drain, the more likely they are to release foul odors or cause a backup in your sewer system.

3. Saving Money

Emergency drain cleaning services can cost a lot. Especially when your drain clogs at inconvenient times, or often, you’re just losing out on money that you should be saving.

With routine drain cleaning appointments and plumbing maintenance performed by our team, you can actually spend less by scheduling preventative services that cost less. Think of drain cleaning like you would think of brushing your teeth, it’s cheap and goes a long way towards the health of your plumbing system!

Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for plumbing services that help your home remain safe and comfortable.

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