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When we flush the toilet, we expect everything to go down the drain and everything to work correctly. Yet, there are times when the toilet will not flush correctly, or it requires multiple flushes to clear the bowl. Before you start troubleshooting why your toilet will not flush correctly, it is important to understand essential toilet plumbing parts and components that allow a toilet to work.

Toilet Tank

On the back of the toilet is a tank that holds water until you flush it. Inside the tank are several separate parts and components that work together when you pull the handle or push the button on the exterior of the tank.

Flushing Mechanism

Whether you have a water-saving flush mechanism or a conventional flush mechanism will determine what parts are inside the tank. With a water-saving flush mechanism, when you pull the handle or push the button, it is connected to a cable that raises the flapper and allows water to flow into the toilet bowl.

As water flows into the toilet bowl, it forces the water in the bowl down the drain and through the drain trap, where it then moves into the home’s main sewer line and flows out of the home. Next, the flapper closes, and water refills the tank until the float mechanism is raised and shuts off the water.

With a conventional flush mechanism, the mechanics are the same, except that there is a chain connected to the handle that lifts when you pull the handle to open the flapper. There is also an overflow tube the flapper connects to, which prevents the tank from overflowing.

Toilet Bowl

The toilet bowl holds water and waste until you flush it. The toilet bowl is secured to the floor or wall with bolts. At the end of the drain trap pipe that connects to the sewer line, there is a wax ring that prevents leaks at the base of the toilet.

When the toilet doesn’t flush correctly, it could be caused by one or more of the following reasons:

1. The cable or chain connecting the flapper is broken.

Since the flapper cannot be raised to allow water into the bowl, the toilet won’t flush.

2. There is no water in the tank.

If there is a leak around the flapper that allows water to constantly drain into the bowl, there will be insufficient water to create the necessary pressure to flush the toilet.

3. There is a clog in the drain trap or sewer line.

If you used too much toilet paper or tried to flush things you shouldn’t, like diapers, sanitary napkins, paper towels, etc., it could create a clog and prevent the toilet from flushing.

4. The overflow tube is broken or is cracked.

If the overflow tube is damaged where water can drain down it, then there will not be enough water in the tank to flush the toilet.

5. The water to the toilet is turned off.

If the water got shut off, then the tank cannot refill after you flush the toilet, so it will not flush correctly the next time. Check to see that the water is turned on at the shut-off valve under the toilet tank.

6. The wax ring needs replacing.

If you flush the toilet and the water flows from under the toilet bowl and onto the floor, this is a good sign the wax ring needs to be replaced.

Once you figure out why your toilet won’t flush, or if you need help, remember MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning is here to help. Call our expert bathroom plumbers for toilet repair services at 281-994-6698 today! We service the greater Houston, Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Spring, and The Woodlands areas.

The post The Top 6 Reasons Why Your Toilet Will Not Flush Correctly appeared first on Met Plumbing.

Have you noticed a pool of water around the base of the toilet? There could be several causes for the leaking toilet. The first thing to do is to stop using the toilet until you can locate the source of the leak. The second most important thing is to not ignore the toilet leaking at the base.

If you continue to use the toilet, more and more can get under the toilet. If the water is leaking from the toilet bowl, it can contain bacteria, smell bad, and create a sanitation issue. Plus, all that water must go somewhere.

If it isn’t going down the sewer drain, then it will seep in between the flooring and subflooring. To further complicate matters, not only will you have to deal with potential water damages, but you will also have to address issues with mold and mildew.

Finding the Source of a Leaking Toilet

A toilet leaking around the base does not always mean the leak is at the base. To find the source of the leak, you will need to do a little investigative work.

Step 1:

Start by shutting off the water to the toilet. The water shutoff should be under the toilet tank. Turn it until it is closed.

Step 2:

Clean up the water from around the base of the toilet. Remember, this water could have come from inside the bowl, so make sure to wear protective gloves. If you mop the water up, wash your mop head in hot water and bleach to kill germs and bacteria.

Step 3

Once the water is cleaned up, check for leaks coming from underneath the toilet tank. Water leaks from the tank can run down the back of the toilet and make it appear like there is a leak around the base.

Slow leaks can be harder to detect. Open the lid on the tank and verify there is water inside. If the water level is low, then the leak is probably coming from the tank, not the base.

Step 4:

If the tank is not leaking, the next step is to see if the toilet bolts are loose. The toilet bolts are normally at the back of the base and have a plastic cover over them. Remove the plastic cover and use a wrench to see if the bolts are tight. Do not overtighten the bolts, as this could crack the base.

Step 5:

If the bolts are tight, and the tank is not leaking, then it might mean the wax ring that connects the toilet to the sewer line needs replacing. Replacing the wax ring can be a messy job and does require having a general knowledge of bathroom plumbing, as well as the right tools and parts.

You will need to drain the toilet tank and remove the toilet from the floor. If you do not feel up to this task or are worried you will create more leaks or damage the toilet, then it is better to call a professional bathroom plumber for help.

While the toilet is removed, this is a good time to clean under the toilet and check the flooring and subflooring for water damage, mold, and mildew. If you discover water damage, you need to allow the affected area to fully dry out and then make any necessary repairs before reinstalling the toilet.

For help replacing the wax ring and finding the source of toilet leaks, shower leaks, tub leaks, toilet repair, toilet replacement, or other plumbing repair and replacement services, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698. We service the greater Houston, Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Spring, and The Woodlands areas.

The post What Causes a Leaking Toilet to Leak at the Base? appeared first on Met Plumbing.

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

You don’t need anyone to explain to you why mold in your house is bad. Mold anywhere is bad, with the exception of culturing certain types of cheese. When you notice mold growing in your house, it’s important to have remediation done to prevent harm to the property and possibly the release of toxic mold spores. Not only does the mold need to be removed, but the source of it needs to be fixed. Often, it’s the plumbing at fault.

There is a range of plumbing troubles that may lead to mold growth. Below are the ones we deal with often. Prevention is the best tool, but you can always call on great plumbers in Surprise, AZ from The Trusted Plumber to make the repairs behind the mold.

Hidden Leaks

The leaks you can’t see are the worst, because you won’t know you need to have them fixed. Even pinhole leaks in the pipes inside the walls and ceilings create significant water waste and building damage. The rise in moisture invites in mold and mildew, and both chew through mildew quickly. You can spot signs of hidden leaks, such as a rise in water usage in the house, discolored spots on the walls and ceilings (look out for a spreading ceiling stain beneath an upstairs bathroom), or the water heater turning on and off at strange time. We also recommend scheduling routine leak detection every few years as a preventive measure.

Leaking Under the Sink

You can have leaks under the sinks in your bathrooms and kitchen and not realize it because you store cleaners and other products in these areas. Slow drips can accumulate and warp wood and lead to mold. These leaks can come from the p-trap (the curved drainpipe section), a loose feed line, or from the edges of an old sink where the caulking is gone. If you notice any odd smell from the below-sink area or see water anywhere, clear out the area and find out if there’s a leak. Call our plumbers if there is.

Standing Water

The slow drain in the shower or bathtub is annoying. But it can cause worse problems than you know. Leaving too much standing water in the bathroom is a big cause for mold, even if you always wipe down the shower or tub after using it. Always move fast to fix slow or clogged drains, and sometimes this requires calling a professional plumber.

Flooding

We don’t usually have to deal with flooding damage due to weather. But any house can suffer from flood damage because of a plumbing disaster, such as an overflowing toilet or broken pipe. It’s not enough to just mop up this water—it gets down into building material and is tough to remove. If left long enough, mold sets in and does major damage. In the event flooding because of plumbing issues, always call a professional plumber to handle repairing the problem before the water gets deep down into your house.

You can trust in The Trusted Plumber. Call for service in Glendale and the surrounding areas.

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

Often, it is tempting to concentrate too much on the garden, lawn, and cleaning the house during the spring and ignore the impact that temperature changes have on our plumbing systems. Reviewing your plumbing system once every year will help you catch and address any problems earlier on and avoid expensive repairs down the line.
This article explores the ultimate spring cleaning plumbing checklist.

1.Check your appliances

Check appliances such as the water heater, dishwasher, and washing machines for any signs of leakages due to worn out parts. Experts recommend that you flush out your water heater once every year to prevent sediment buildup and subsequent corrosion.

2. Inspect your faucets and plumbing pipes for leaks

Water stains on your ceiling or walls could be due to a hidden leak. Moisture stains under the sinks could also be due to a leak. Make sure you check exposed pipes in any crawl space and more so in your basement. Dripping faucets should be repaired or replaced immediately.

3. Ensure your drains are working perfectly

Soap buildup and other debris can ultimately lead to blocked drains. If you notice a backed up sink or bathtub, have a professional inspect and clean the drain lines. Avoid using chemical-based cleaners as they could not only damage your plumbing system but are also harmful to the environment.

4. Inspect any outdoor faucets and irrigation system

A home with an irrigation system or outdoor faucets is highly susceptible to invisible leaks. To establish whether there is a leak, note down the water meter readings and turn off all faucets and appliances for an hour or two. If the readings are different, it’s highly likely that there’s a leak.

5. Check the septic system

If you have a septic system, the spring is an ideal time to have it inspected and drained if necessary. Once the winter snow melts, it could make the water table rise higher causing your tank to overflow. Therefore, a septic tank inspection cannot be overemphasized.

6. Remember the sump pump

It is also vital to check on your sump pump’s efficiency during the spring. Simply pour a few buckets of water in the sump pump pit to establish whether it’s working optimally. Problems with the sump pump are best handled by a qualified plumber.

While you may fix some minor problems on your plumbing system, call in a professional should you come across a serious issue. You can also have a professional perform a detailed plumbing inspection of your home or commercial building.

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

Storage water heaters may be the norm, but they are far from your only option. In fact, you may be considering installing a tankless water heater. You’ve heard the upgrade will result in energy savings, but is a tankless water heater really the right choice for you? Here are the top benefits and things to know before going tankless.

Tankless Water Heaters Save Energy

This is where tankless water heaters shine. They only heat water when you call for it, eliminating the standby heat loss associated with storing hot water 24/7. Powerful electric or gas-powered heating elements come to life when you turn on the hot water faucet. Only then does the tankless water heater use energy.

If your household consumes 40 gallons of hot water or less per day, this enhanced operation can increase efficiency by 24% to 34%. Even if your family uses closer to 80 gallons of hot water daily, you can still enjoy 8% to 14% energy savings.

Tankless Water Heaters Provide Endless Hot Water

With a storage water heater, you have to wait at least 10 minutes between each shower for the hot water supply to replenish. Showering immediately after running the dishwasher is also out because this activity uses up a lot of hot water and drains the tank significantly. It’s also impossible to take long, hot showers if your tank is undersized.

In contrast, tankless water heaters require no wait time between hot water activities. Heating water on-demand means you have an endless supply of it. Your entire family can take showers back to back and never run out of hot water.

Just be aware that tankless water heaters have a lower flow rate. Compared to the 7.5 to 9.5 gallons per minute that storage tanks can pump out, tankless units average flow rates between 2.5 and 5 gallons per minute. This reduces the ability to perform hot water activities simultaneously.

Fortunately, it’s easy to counter this disadvantage. Simply avoid showering while the dishwasher is running, or install smaller point-of-use tankless units in the kitchen and bathrooms. Another advantage of doing this is that the water heats up almost instantly, limiting water waste at the tap.

Tankless Water Heaters Boast a Long Life Span

Storage water heaters only last about a decade. Once you hit the 10-year mark, it’s time to start considering your replacement options. However, tankless systems often come with a 12-year warranty and easily last 20 years or longer.

This impressive life span—combined with the energy savings you enjoy year over year—helps you recuperate the higher upfront cost required to purchase and install a tankless water heater. If you’re unsure about your return on investment, your plumber can help you crunch the numbers before you make your final decision.

Tankless Water Heaters Have a Small Footprint

Traditional water heaters are usually 5 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter. They take up precious storage space, especially if you live in a small condo or townhouse. On the other hand, tankless units typically measure about 20 inches wide by 28 inches tall by 10 inches deep. This means, instead of taking up 15.7 square feet the way a storage tank does, a tankless hot water heater only takes up 3.2 square feet. Plus, the unit mounts to the wall, getting it up and out of the way.

Ready to Replace Your Water Heater? Contact Us Today!

After learning more about tankless water heaters, you may be interested in installing one in your home.

To request tankless water heater installation in the MD, DC, VA, PA, or DE area, please call Len The Plumber at 800-950-4619. We offer same day visits and emergency services for no extra charge!

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

Most homeowners don’t think much about their water until they notice something out of the ordinary. While it can be easy to dismiss unusual odors, it’s important to remember that bad-smelling water is a telltale sign that there’s a problem in your water supply. Strange odors don’t usually go away on their own, and left untended, you might even grow accustomed to the smell and not realize that it’s getting worse. It’s best not to take chances when your tap water smells bad.

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You may not realize it, but your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. After all, it must keep water hot and ready to use 24/7. It’s easy to forget this because your water heater works silently in the basement, garage, or utility closet.

If you’ve noticed your water heater popping or making other strange sounds lately, you might be concerned—and rightly so! Here are some common water heater noises and what they might mean.

Water Heater Popping Sounds

Do you hear loud popping, cracking, clanking, or other similar noises coming from your water heater? Mineral buildup is the most likely cause. This is the result of hard water depositing calcium and magnesium carbonate over the years.

A popping water heater could be warning you that a thick layer of sediment is building up on the bottom of the tank, blocking heat transfer and lowering water heater efficiency in the process. Ignoring this problem could increase your water heating costs and shorten the life span of the appliance, leading to premature failure.

Fortunately, a plumber can fix this problem by performing water heater maintenance. We recommend this once a year to help your hard-working appliance operate efficiently and reliably for many years.

Water Heater Hissing Sounds

Electric water heaters are prone to making this sound. It’s another sign of mineral deposits, as the heating electrodes may hiss when they heat up if they’re covered with sediment.

Water Heater Banging or Booming Sounds

If you hear banging or booming at startup, turn off your water heater and call a plumber right away for an emergency repair. These sounds could mean that the gas or oil is reigniting when the burner starts, a dangerous situation that increases the chance of explosions.

Sometimes, banging or booming sounds simply mean your water heater is experiencing higher-than-normal thermal expansion. When this is the case, the noise usually occurs when the appliance has to reheat a large quantity of water, such as after the tank has been depleted or turned back on after you get home from vacation. When in doubt, call a plumber to take a look. It may be necessary to add an expansion tank to make the noise go away.

Water Heater Screeching or Whistling Sounds

These strange noises may be unnerving, but the cause is usually harmless and easy to fix. First, check for a partly closed control valve at the water heater inlet. Then, consider the size of the exhaust flue. It might be causing a resonant frequency, creating an unpleasant noise when you turn up the temperature on a tankless water heater. A plumber can resize the exhaust system if necessary to eliminate the sound.

Water Heater Clicking, Ticking, or Tapping Sounds

In most cases, these noises are considered normal. They are the result of thermal expansion as the water heater operates. The sounds most likely come from the heat trap installed in the hot water supply piping downstream from the water heater itself.

If the noises are bothersome, you may want a plumber to check the routing of your hot water piping. If hot water must pass through too-small openings, excessive clicking, ticking, or tapping may occur. Expanding the opening may help.

Schedule Water Heater Repair

Whether your water heater is making a popping noise or some other sound, Len The Plumber can set things right. Plumber is in our name, and it’s all we do! Our fully trained, licensed, and certified professionals can fix any water heater problem, so call us with complete confidence in our abilities. If it turns out the appliance has reached the end of its life span, we can suggest a suitable water heater replacement.

To schedule water heater repair in the MD, DC, VA, PA, or DE area, please call us at 800-950-4619. We offer same day visits and emergency services at no extra cost!

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

Furnaces are some of the most affordable and efficient heating systems we have available. A furnace can be installed and run for an entire year at half the cost of some other heating systems, depending on the climate and the model. This means your furnace should be well-maintained, professionally installed, and quickly repaired whenever a problem arises.

All that being said, sometimes there are problems with a furnace that can ultimately make them cost more than they’re worth. Hopefully, if you weren’t aware of these few furnace issues, we’d like to take some time to ensure your furnace is running as affordably and efficiently as possible. Remember, if you think your furnace is consuming more fuel than you believe it should, or if it’s just costing more money than what it used to for comfortable heating in your home, call our team for furnace service in Clifton, NJ.

Keep Your Bills Low

When we mention your heating bill, we’re talking about the amount of money you pay each month for fuel or energy that your heater uses to run. A poorly running furnace, or a furnace that isn’t correctly installed will end up costing more even in monthly heating costs than your average well-maintained furnace. Let’s take a look at why.

The Wrong Fuel Source

We typically service two types of furnaces, gas and electric. The major difference between these two systems is the price of fuel or energy that your system will need to run. Natural gas tends to be cheaper but requires gas piping in order for you to appreciate the affordable comfort. Electric furnaces just require electricity, which is convenient but can end up costing more in running costs than a gas furnace. So, if you’ve got an electric furnace, you might see a more expensive heating bill. Call a professional if you think it’s time to switch the type of furnace you have, or at least explore some other efficient options like radiant heating.

Outdated Technology

Furnaces typically run anywhere from 10-15 years before they’re seriously outdated. When we say outdated, we don’t just mean more prone to breaking down—we also mean that it will run less efficiently. Don’t be surprised if your 20-year-old furnace still works, but costs twice as much to run each month than a replacement system would. If your furnace is getting up there in age and you suspect that this could be related to your heightened heating bills, give a professional a call today.

Neglected Maintenance

Furnaces require routine maintenance every year. This service is valuable because it allows for a trained service technician to inspect your system, fix any minor issues, and tell you when there is an upcoming repair. Without this service, you’ll be gambling with the life and efficiency of your system, and your heating bills might increase as a result.

Regardless of what you think the problem is, a professional HVAC technician will always be able to pinpoint the problem with your high heating bills and provide a solution.

Contact the team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for your tailored home solution to any heating problems.

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

So, you want to do your part in conserving water? Great! You’ve certainly come to the right place. Our team is your go-to for all things plumbing, and we’ve got plenty of knowledge to share!

There are many reasons why homeowners wish to conserve water — perhaps they’re thinking about the environment? Or maybe, they’re concerned about their high water bills? Either way, we can help because saving water is a lot easier than you might think!

There are a number of ways that you can cut back on your water usage, and below, we have outlined some of them for you. All you have to do is keep reading to find out more (and, of course, remember to schedule your plumbing installation services in Orlando with our team!)

Here’s What You Can Do

There are plenty of ways to conserve water, including:

Schedule leak detection

If you find that you are paying more and more for water, it might just be that you’ve got a leak. Since it’s difficult to know for certain that you have a leak until there’s water all over your floors, you’ll need to call a professional plumber for leak detection. The sooner this is done the better as it makes gallons of difference.

Upgrade to a low-flow toilet

The toilet uses more water than any other fixture inside your home. In fact, it can account for 40% of indoor water use! Therefore, installing a low-flow toilet is a great way to save water. Rather than using 3 gallons of water per flush, like a normal toilet would, a low-flow toilet only uses 1.28 gallons per flush.

Install low-flow fixtures

Why not go crazy with installing low-flow plumbing fixtures in your house? Not only can you install low-flow toilets, but you can also add low-flow showerheads and faucets to your plumbing system.

Only run the dishwasher with full loads

You might have heard that a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes and utensils by hand. This is true, and the newest models of dishwashers are even more efficient at water use. However, you’ll end up wasting money if you run only small or half loads at a time. Let the dishes fill up the dishwasher racks before running a load.

Shorter showers

Yes, you’ve heard this one before. But it bears repeating because people often let the idea go because—well, long showers are the best! But, each minute you can cut off your shower time will save 2 ½ gallons. If it helps, set a timer!

Ask a Professional for Help!

Of course, if you are interested in installing any low-flow plumbing fixtures in your home, or if you are looking for even MORE ways to save, then do not hesitate to contact a professional plumber for help! Trust us, any reputable plumbing company will be happy to help you save water and save money! So, what are you waiting for? Get on the phone and contact a pro today! You won’t regret it.

To learn more about water conservation and how you can do your part, contact the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. A trusted plumbing company in Central Florida. 

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