Category: Plumbing

Plumbing

The Importance of Leak Detection

Heather Munger

Unexplained wet spots around your property could be a sign of a leak. Hiring a professional for early leak detection can prevent future problems, including high water bills and structural damage.

If you suspect a leak, find your water meter and check the dial to see if it’s moving (make sure no water is being used during this time). You can also take a meter reading and wait 1 or 2 hours. Contact Leak Detection Atlanta now!

A leaking pipe can waste thousands of gallons of water before you even realize it. That’s why tracking your water usage and looking for signs of a leak, such as a high water bill, is important. On average, a hidden leak wastes 11,000 gallons of water annually. That’s equivalent to more than 70 loads of laundry or 290 five-minute showers.

Skyrocketing bills are the most obvious sign of a hidden leak, but there are other clues. If you notice a damp floor or drywall, see signs of mold and mildew, such as clumps or patches, or hear running water in the walls or ceiling, it’s time to call a professional for a leak test.

Hidden leaks are a major cause of water wastage and can lead to costly repair costs. Not to mention the environmental damage caused by contaminated water. This is why investing in a leak detection system is essential to minimize the risk of leaks and protect your property.

In addition to saving on water, a leak detection system will save energy and money. Water that escapes through a leak can cost more to heat, cool, and flush than it does to use. A leak detection system will monitor your water flow 24/7 and detect any water loss.

Research in leak detection has progressed rapidly over recent years, with new and innovative technologies becoming available. The selection of papers in this paper presents an abundance of technologies, demonstrating that many options are available for use in leak detection systems. In particular, acoustic and tracer gas technology are prominent in this literature selection.

However, this variety of technology also introduces the possibility of false alarms, which can drain the workforce and resources. This is especially true of acoustic hardware, which can pick up noises and vibrations unrelated to a leak and thus create false alarms (El-Zahab et al. 2016).

A courtesy leak adjustment adjusts your extraordinary water usage to the lowest tier of rates, but it doesn’t reduce your bill to “normal.” It still costs your PSD the same amount to produce and distribute your water, whether consumed in a leak or used for normal consumption. Therefore, detecting and resolving leaks as quickly and effectively as possible is crucial.

Water damage from leaks can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing structural damage and leading to mold and mildew that can threaten the health and safety of those living in or visiting the property. Water damage from untreated leaks is the leading cause of homeowner insurance claims, and many insurance companies (including Chubb) offer a premium discount to policyholders who install a user-friendly smart flow-based home water shut-off device.

Untreated plumbing leaks can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Leak detection technologies can help minimize leaking and detect problems in their early stages when they’re easier and less expensive to fix. Additionally, leak detection technology can alert you to issues like a drop in water pressure or unexplained wet spots on the ceiling or walls before the problem becomes severe and expensive.

Leak detection systems can also help protect water infrastructure, such as preventing gas pipeline leaks, minimizing the impact of water on the soil under highways resulting in sinkholes, and ensuring safe drinking water for communities. Pipeline leak detection is a rapidly growing research field and industry driven by the need to save precious resources, avoid environmental and economic fallout from catastrophic events such as oil spills or flooding, minimize damage to infrastructure and the surrounding environment, and improve operational efficiency.

Another key application of leak detection is in manufacturing systems, where the unintentional release of materials or gases can significantly affect production and quality control. Manufacturers can quickly identify problems and reduce overall waste by using leak detection systems.

The sensitivity of leak detection sensors can also be tuned to accommodate specific applications, such as detecting vibrations in machinery or monitoring environmental conditions for hazardous contaminants. Additionally, advanced leak detection technology can be used to measure the temperature of liquids and gases, detect changes in pressure, and monitor airflow and humidity.

Untreated leaks in your home or business can significantly impact resale value. If there’s extensive mold or water damage, it can deter potential buyers and make the property more difficult to sell. With the cost of water damage from leaks rising yearly, it’s important to proactively invest in leak detection and repair services, especially in areas prone to leaks, such as under sinks, behind toilets, or in the basement.

When mold spores find a damp area, they can start to grow. They can cause problems such as a musty odor, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. They can also damage the surfaces they grow on. If the problem is not dealt with quickly, it can deteriorate the structural integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings. It can also contaminate furniture, clothing, and other possessions. Molds produce allergens and irritants, and some can even release toxic mycotoxins. Inhaling mold or touching it can result in allergic reactions, including hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and itchy skin (dermatitis). If you have asthma, mold can be very dangerous.

A sudden increase in water bills, the sound of dripping water, or wet spots on walls and ceilings are signs that you might have a hidden leak somewhere in your home. The best way to know is to contact a professional plumber for an inspection.

Leaking water pipes are often found behind walls or under flooring and can go undetected for a long time. Mold can then grow if it is not discovered and removed promptly.

Mold is usually dark in color, but there are over 100,000 species of mold. Some come in lighter colors, such as orange or yellow. This can make it difficult to distinguish mold from a water stain on a ceiling.

If you spot a water stain on the ceiling, shine a beam of light across it to see if any mold is growing. Mold can be hard to detect because it can hide in crevices and under carpets.

Mold thrives in moist areas and can be found on almost any surface, including wallpaper, wood, and floor joists in the basement. It also grows on cellulose materials such as fabric and paper. It prefers warm, humid conditions and needs constant moisture to survive. It can also spread very quickly. A dehumidifier can help lower the area’s humidity levels and reduce the risk of mold growth. It is important to keep humidity below 60 percent.

Draining water from a leaky faucet can be more than annoying—it’s costly and wasteful. This type of inefficient water use can lead to high utility bills, property damage, and environmental concerns. Leak detection systems help reduce unnecessary resource usage by promptly identifying and fixing water leaks.

Water is a precious commodity that needs to be conserved. Leaking pipes and faulty equipment can cause wastewater that would otherwise be used to provide for human and animal consumption, wash clothes, bathe, and perform other essential functions. Early leak detection systems allow for identifying water leaks before they cause serious damage or waste money.

Identifying and repairing leaks also helps to prevent the contamination of water bodies, soil, and air. These contaminants can harm ecosystems, causing long-lasting impacts on the health of living organisms. Moreover, they can introduce harmful substances into the environment that can also negatively affect humans.

Also, leaking pipes and faulty equipment can create stagnant water environments that foster algae growth and unwanted vegetation. This can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life. Lastly, the contaminated water can find its way into groundwater and rivers, causing further harm to wildlife.

The acoustic and tracer gas methods of leak detection are effective at minimizing these types of environmental impacts. These techniques involve pressurizing nontoxic and insoluble gases such as ammonia, halogens, or helium to detect leaks by observing the seepage of these substances. These systems also offer the advantage of reduced energy usage and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.

Another important benefit of implementing an early leak detection system is that it can help to maintain or increase the value of your home or business. Potential buyers may hesitate to purchase a home or business with a history of leaks and water damage. However, with prompt leak detection and repair, you can avoid these issues and keep your property value intact.

Leak detection is an integral component of many industrial systems that rely on sensitive components and equipment with the potential to be damaged by external contaminants. By incorporating the latest technology into your leak detection systems, you can ensure the safety and security of your employees, equipment, and the surrounding environment.

Plumbing

5 Most Common Plumbing Issues in Your Home That Plumbers Tackle

Kathleen Williams

A plumbing emergency can happen anytime, especially when you’re getting close to the holiday season. Whether it is an actual plumbing emergency or something you forgot to do before you left, knowing some of the most common plumbing issues can help you plan for them properly. Some of the most popular plumbing issues are leaky pipes and clogged toilets, clogged drains, low water pressure, and an improperly running toilet. All of these problems require a unique solution, which will hopefully cover them all in this article.

Leakage in your water heater is another common plumbing problem that plumbers resolve by caulking or patching the area. Sometimes, the leaking water heater issue is related to improper sealing around the tank, which is easily fixed. Other times, the plumbing issue is with a leaking pipe. Plumbers with experience will be able to determine the problem, why it’s happening and how to fix it.

A clogged drain is a very frustrating problem since you’ll have to call a plumber and waste money on repairs. One of the easiest ways to solve this issue is by using a high-pressure water heater drill. This works by filling the sink with water and activating the valve to let the water out. If you’re dealing with a small drain, this may not be the best solution, but it’s certainly possible if your sink is larger than your water heater. Just make sure you use the right tool for the job.

The second most common plumbing repair is a broken water heater. These are usually fairly easy repairs because most water heaters have a built-in safety mechanism preventing water from spilling. If you’re dealing with a newer model, check to ensure the regulator is properly seated, as it can cause your heater to work improperly if it isn’t seated properly. This can prevent the heater from working when it’s necessary, so make sure you check yours regularly.

Another common plumbing emergency leaks in your water heater tank. It is important that you immediately check for any visible damage, as it can be an indication of a more severe problem. An example would be sediment leaking into the water heater tank. If you don’t notice anything at first, place some paper towel or newspaper underneath the water heater tank to catch any sediment as it leaks into the tank. If you find sediment on its own, the leak is likely coming from one of your heating elements, so replacing the element will fix the problem.

One of the most common plumbing issues people face is leaking faucets. These leaks can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from a weak seal to damaged parts. If you have determined that the source of the leaking faucet is a faucet, the easiest way to fix it is by replacing the assembly. Some common faucet repairs include replacing a single faucet, repairing a gasket, replacing a single handle or repairing a pair of leaking faucets.

If your plumber doesn’t think your plumbing issues are serious and that they can fix them by making a few minor changes, by all means, go ahead and hire them to do the job. However, if you want to save some money, you can fix the issue yourself and save the fee that a plumber would charge you. In addition to saving money on expensive repairs, you will also find it to be less time-consuming. Many plumbing issues can easily be fixed by reading online articles, watching videos or talking to a qualified plumbing professional.

Leaks and clogs in the heating elements of your home are another area that plumbers address by changing or installing a new heating element. While some elements such as furnace burners and fireplaces are designed to be replaced annually, others will need to be replaced more frequently. It’s best to talk to a heating specialist to understand how often your heating elements should be changed. Additionally, they can help you identify which parts of your heating system may need to be replaced, and recommend the best left and new parts for your particular system.

Plumbing

Why You Should Call an Emergency Plumber

Kenneth Mendoza

emergency plumbing

Emergency plumbing can be a very frustrating experience. It happens when you least expect it, like in the middle of the night or on a holiday weekend. You’re probably tempted to call the first plumber you see, but you might want to consider other options. First, it’s essential to know that emergencies are often the result of preexisting plumbing issues. Keeping up with regular plumbing inspections can prevent plumbing emergencies before they begin.

Emergency plumbing services can arrive quickly and fix the problem quickly, which is important in an emergency. The plumbers that arrive quickly and work efficiently are highly trained to handle different situations. They should have items on hand to fix the problem and get you back on track as soon as possible. In an emergency, this can save you money and time. In addition, emergency plumbers can solve the problem faster, which helps minimize the damage caused by water.

Another common emergency that requires emergency plumbers is a clogged drain. Clogged drains are frustrating and expensive. The most common cause of clogs is hair. Hair and other debris can clog drains and cause them to run slowly and become backed up. To avoid this problem, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Water damage from burst pipes is another common cause of an emergency plumbing call. Burst pipes can be caused by a variety of factors, but it’s especially dangerous in winter when frozen pipes are prone to bursting. The damage caused by a burst pipe can cause a house to flood, so it’s important to call a plumbing professional right away. In addition to fixing the leak, an emergency plumber can also check for further problems that may have caused the problem.

Low water pressure may also be a sign of a plumbing problem. This may be due to a cracked pipe, a broken pipe, or erosion in the waterline. A plumber will quickly diagnose and repair the problem. A plumber can also repair clogged pipes in your home and fix it quickly. A plumber can help you save money on water bills and keep your plumbing in good condition.

If you are experiencing an emergency plumbing situation, it’s important to research several plumbers before hiring one. Even though the emergency plumber you call will be expensive, it’s better to know what you’re getting into and what to expect. Make a list of questions to ask the plumber before hiring one. In addition to researching the plumber, it’s important to compare their prices. The price range between emergency plumbers can vary dramatically.

If you don’t have any plumbing experience, repairing a minor plumbing problem on your own may not be a good idea. Even if you’ve fixed some other plumbing problems yourself, you’re still best off calling a plumbing contractor. A plumber can help you with a variety of plumbing problems, from a leaking toilet to a clogged drain.

Emergency plumbing services are especially important during the winter, when freezing temperatures can cause frozen pipes. If your pipes freeze, the water can no longer flow through them and cause flooding in your home. A plumber can make sure that the problem is fixed quickly. It is also important to take extra precautions to prevent clogged drains, such as insulating the pipes and drains.

You should always ask for an estimate for emergency plumbing services, and make sure to clarify any details that may be unclear. For instance, an emergency plumber may ask for a service call fee, even if the issue is minor. You should inquire about this fee in advance and request that the price be a minimum. If it is substantial, however, you can often get it included in the cost of the job itself.

A leaky pipe in your home can cause serious health problems. It can lead to the buildup of airborne contaminants and even to illnesses. It can also cause major inconvenience if you don’t have access to clean water. This can affect your ability to wash dishes, take showers, and do other things. In addition to water damage, backed up sewers can cause raw sewage to back up through your sewer line, a health hazard. Emergency plumbers can help you fix the problem and restore your water supply.

Toilets and sinks are other plumbing emergencies that can be difficult to deal with. Toilets can overflow for a variety of reasons, including a clogged pipe or a broken float mechanism. In some cases, these problems can be manageable until business hours, but major problems can lead to major property damage and even render your plumbing completely useless.

Plumbing

Why Won’t My Toilet Flush?

Heather Munger

A toilet that won’t flush is frustrating, but here’s the good news: It’s probably an easy fix.

Our team of experts at Len The Plumber has put together the following guide to the most common reasons a toilet won’t flush. Depending on the issue with your toilet, you may be able to solve the problem yourself without needing to call a plumber.

The Lift Chain Has Too Much Slack

If you push down the handle and feel no resistance, the lift chain inside the tank, which connects to the flapper and releases water, has probably shifted, resulting in too much slack on the chain.

Solution: Remove the tank lid and shorten the length of the lift chain until there’s no longer slack between the flapper and the handle.

The Toilet Is Clogged

If someone in your family used too much toilet paper, dropped an item like a toy into the bowl, or flushed a sanitary product, a clogged toilet is almost inevitable.

Solution: You might be able to fish out items like toys on the surface. However, for absorbent materials, such as sanitary products or diapers, try to plunge out the clog or use a toilet brush to clear it.

The Water Level Is Low

When there isn’t enough water in the bowl, your toilet can’t flush. The float ball in your tank might have been misadjusted — signaling to your toilet that there is not enough water to flush properly.

Solution: Lift open the tank lid. The float ball should be floating 1 to 2 inches below the overflow tube and fill valve. There might also be a line etched into the porcelain indicating what level the float ball should stay at. Adjust the float ball to remain at that level.

The Flapper Is Warped

If you notice your toilet is running often, the flapper might be warped. The flapper is connected to the lift chain and opens when you press the toilet handle. Over time, a rubber flapper can bend or warp, making it unable to seal the flush tube hole and release water to flush the toilet.

Solution: Purchase a new flapper at a hardware or home improvement store. They are inexpensive and easy to find. Turn off your water main, drain the toilet tank, and replace the warped flapper with the new flapper. Turn your water back on and try flushing the toilet again.

There’s a Drain Line or Sewer Problem

If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and your toilet still won’t flush, it’s probably time to call a professional to check your plumbing and sewer system for major backups. The biggest sign that you have a drain line or sewer system issue is when there are clogged drains throughout your home, not just in your toilet.

Solution: Call a licensed plumber who has the tools and expertise to find clogs without needing to remove pipes. When there’s a drain line or plumbing issue, the problem is no longer something that a DIY solution can fix. Your plumbing professional will probably use video pipe inspection as well as long-reaching augers to make the necessary repairs.

Call Len The Plumber for Plumbing Repairs in the Mid-Atlantic Region

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic region and would rather a professional take a look at your toilet, contact Len The Plumber. Our expert, licensed plumbers have the experience and expertise to provide same day service, seven days a week.

Call Len The Plumber today at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 or contact us online, and we’ll send a certified plumber to fix your toilet as soon as possible.  

Plumbing

Plumbing Resolutions For The New Year

Heather Munger

According to a study done at the University of Scranton, of the 45% of people who make New Year’s resolution, only 8% successfully achieve their goals. While this number is quite low, we’re encouraging all of our customers (new and old) to at least consider our New Year’s resolutions. This year we hope you consider the following resolutions:

1. Be nicer to your garbage disposal.
This year, try to make a more conscious effort about what you’re throwing down your disposal. Here’s a great reference to see what you should and shouldn’t put down your disposal.

2. Give your water heater a little T.L.C.
Just like the oil in your car, your water heater needs regular maintenance as well. Our technicians will ensure your system is running properly by flushing the system making sure to get rid of any buildup or sediment.

3. Save Water.
If you’re in the market for a new toilet, consider installing low-flush toilets. This will save you water and money on your next water bill.

4. Keep your pipes warm.
Winter temperatures can affect your pipes. Make sure they’re properly insulated to avoid pipes bursting in your home. Follow these important tips to winterize your plumbing!

5. Get your home’s plumbing system inspected.
When we’re in your home, you’re entitled to a free home plumbing inspection. While some people decline this service, we encourage you to allow our technician to make sure everything is in good working order. You never know when that hidden leak could start costing you a lot of money!

6. Fix plumbing issues sooner rather than later. 
Keep your eyes and ears open for leaks, drips, noisy water heaters, running toilets etc.

This year, we hope that you’ll make your first resolution to get a hold of us as soon as you think you have an issue with your plumbing.

Waiting until it’s too late to fix a plumbing problem can be a costly headache. Since we’re here for you 365 days out of the year and don’t charge extra for service on weekends and holidays, give us a call at any time!

plumbing
Plumbing

The Benefits of Hiring Plumbing Contractors

Jessica McLeod

The days of the handyman are a thing of the past. You could always find one in any small town. Typically, this guy was a retired person working at the local hardware store. Back then, plumbing, electrical wiring, and carpentry were much more straightforward. Today, you need to know more about these things and have advanced equipment to do them correctly. Handymen often specialize in one area, like plumbing. If you are looking for a more extensive and more profitable service, consider hiring a plumber.

plumbing contractors

To be a licensed plumbing contractor, the company must get a license from the state. You may need to obtain a license from multiple states depending on the state. Regardless of the number of states you intend to serve, you must obtain a state-issued plumbing contractor license in order to conduct business. Some states also require that plumbers be officers of the company. Visit Website to find a licensed plumbing contractor.

Plumbing contractors can have a variety of jobs. A plumber can maintain a home’s water supply, fix a broken faucet, or even serve as a consultant during the planning stages of a new home. They can even make sure that new construction follows the building code and is ADA-compliant. Many plumbing contractors also oversee the plumbing work during construction. However, you need to be sure that the plumber is licensed in your area.

Plumbing contractors must be licensed by their state. Some states require that all plumbing contractors have a construction crew management license. This way, they can better manage the team. This will help the project and the service. If you aren’t a licensed plumber, then you should hire one. If you don’t know where to start, you can always look for a licensed plumbing contractor through the Internet. It won’t take long to get the license you need to become a licensed plumber.

A plumber must have a license from their state to do plumbing work. It must have the knowledge, skills, and experience to do the job. You can hire a plumber with a construction crew management license if you have extensive experience in the trade. They can also help you find a plumbing company that will meet your needs. Once you hire a plumber, the process of setting up the right water pressure system will be a breeze.

Plumbing contractors can also install water and gas lines, and troubleshoot and repair any problems. Whether you’re building a new house or renovating your existing one, a plumber is an essential part of the building’s structure. If you’re having plumbing work done, a plumber can help you get the job done. They can handle anything from simple leaks to large projects. You can also hire a plumber to work on your home.

In addition to plumbing contractors, you can also hire a plumber to do inspections on your property. You may want to hire a plumber to check for leaks, or to install a new water heater. Depending on the type of service, plumbers can also do any kind of plumbing repairs. Some states require that plumbing contractors have a license from their state. You should also check if a plumbing contractor is licensed in your state before hiring one.

Plumbers should be licensed by their state. Some states require that plumbing contractors be incorporated as a business. Some states even require that plumbers be officers of the company. As you can see, a plumber is a specialist in plumbing. If you’re planning to hire a plumber, you should be sure they have the proper qualifications. They will need to be licensed in your state to work as a contractor. Aside from licensing, plumbers must be qualified in the area they work in.

Plumbing contractors must be licensed by their state. Typically, plumbers need to be licensed in a certain state before they can work in another. It is also important to check the licenses of other plumbing professionals. Some of them may have the same name. There are also many states that require plumbers to be licensed as officers in their businesses. A business should have all the necessary licenses to do business in your state. Its scope of work will depend on the type of work the contractor does.

Plumbing

How To Remove & Replace a Stuck Showerhead

Heather Munger

You’ve just purchased a new high-pressure rainfall showerhead. Now, the only thing that stands between you and relaxation is the old, calcified showerhead you want to replace — and it won’t budge! Don’t worry. Our expert team at Len The Plumber has put together this guide so that you can remove and replace your stuck showerhead like a pro. You’ll be relaxing in no time.

Tools You’ll Need To Replace Your Showerhead

  • A tarp or garbage bag
  • A wrench or pliers
  • Plumber’s tape
  • Vinegar
  • A gallon bag
  • Steel wool

How To Remove, Replace & Maintain Your Showerhead

Protect Your Bathtub & Other Bathroom Fixtures

Replacing your showerhead starts with preparing the bathroom area. First, turn off your water supply to help prevent any surprises. Then, lay a tarp or garbage bag in your bathtub. Rust shavings can make a big mess, and ensuring falling metal won’t scratch your tub is always a good precaution.

Remove Your Old Showerhead

Before picking up your wrench or pliers, try one more time to remove your showerhead by hand. If it’s still not twisting off, wrap plumber’s tape around the sharp teeth of your wrench or pliers so that you reduce the rust, mineral, or metal shavings that drop while you work. This will also help you preserve your showerhead in case you want to keep it or install it elsewhere.

With your wrench or pliers, try to twist the showerhead now that you have more leverage. Once the showerhead is moving, you can finish removing it by hand.

If it still doesn’t budge, fill up a gallon bag with vinegar, tie it around the showerhead, and leave it soaking overnight. The vinegar will eat away rust and other minerals, making it much easier to remove your showerhead the next morning.

Clean the Shower Pipe

Now that your showerhead is removed, it’s a great time to clean the pipe threads so that your new showerhead won’t have any immediate corrosion issues. Scrub the pipe threads with steel wool and vinegar, ensuring every crevice is free of rust and mineral buildup.

Install Your Showerhead Replacement

To prevent showerhead leaks, wrap the clean pipe threads with plumber’s tape and install your new showerhead according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Test your new showerhead by turning your water main back on, pulling back your tarp, and trying the shower. Look closely for any leaks. If you’re still experiencing leaks, unscrew the new showerhead and add another layer of plumber’s tape.

If plumber’s tape doesn’t eliminate the leaks, you might have a more complicated plumbing problem that only a professional can diagnose.

Maintain Your Showerhead With Vinegar Cleanses

To keep your showerhead replacement clean and working properly, set a reminder to perform a quick vinegar cleanse once a year. Just tying a bag of vinegar around the showerhead and leaving it overnight will dissolve any rust or mineral buildup that causes leaks to develop.

Trust Len The Plumber for Showerhead Replacement in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Would you prefer to have a professional replace your showerhead? Our certified plumbers can install or repair any showerhead brand, make, or model. When you contact Len The Plumber, you can expect exceptional service from an expert plumber who arrives quickly and has the tools and expertise to solve any plumbing issue in our first trip.

Call us at 800-950-4619 or schedule an appointment online, and we’ll be happy to replace your stubborn showerhead.

Plumbing

When to Invest In Drain Cleaning Services

Heather Munger

If we had to guess, we would say that it’s unlikely you think about your plumbing drains too often. That’s okay! Most folks don’t think about them at all—that is, until they have a stubborn clog or a smelly sink.

It’s important to keep your drains in great shape. Otherwise, they can cause a number of problems for you. It’s also important to know when it’s time to call for professional drain cleaning, so you can keep your plumbing system as efficient and healthy as possible. Read on as we uncover some of the most common signs that it’s time for you to call for professional plumbing in Glendale, AZ, and invest in drain cleaning services.

Slow Drainage

It’s rare that a clog will form in one of your drains without warning. Most of the drain clogs we treat have formed over time, as waste such as FOG (fats, oils, and grease) in the kitchen sink or hair and soap scum in the bathroom drains stick to the walls of the pipe and build up. As this buildup increases and worsens, the drain becomes less likely to allow for the free flow of water, and you’ll notice backup as a result.

If you do discover that one of your drains is draining slower than it used to, it’s a good indication that it’s time to call for drain cleaning services.

And no, before you ask, you shouldn’t use that bottle of drain cleaning “solution” you bought at the store for situations “just like this.” These chemical-laden liquid drain cleaners are highly caustic and can do more harm than good. They’re only able to dissolve certain clogs, leaving behind residue that just builds up on other clogs, defeating the purpose of the solution. Plus, the chemicals corrode the pipes they sit in, eventually leading to leaks and subsequent plumbing problems.

Foul Odors

This is another common indication that you need professional drain cleaning. If the smells are coming from your kitchen sink drain, then it’s likely a buildup of food and other waste stuck to the inside of the drainpipe. If this is coupled with slow drainage or at least a delay in drainage (you may see water bubble for a moment before it goes down the drain) then it’s likely you have a problem brewing in the drainpipe.

If you’ve recently had your drain cleaned and still smell foul odors, it is possible to treat the odors yourself. Many people use a combo of vinegar and baking soda, or if you have a garbage disposal system, you can cut up some citrus peels and put them down the drain. Be careful not to get excessive here, as then you could end up causing a drain clog.

You Haven’t Had Drain Cleaning Done in a Year

Drain cleaning should be part of your annual preventive plumbing maintenance. Drain cleaning using video camera inspection to find any trouble spots, followed up with a drain snake or hydro-jet, will help keep your drainpipes in good condition. And now is the perfect time to have this service done, right before the holidays when you’re sure to have a lot of cooking byproducts going down your kitchen sink and guests using your bathrooms and showers.

Contact The Trusted Plumber for the plumbing services you’re looking for this fall and winter.

Did you miss our previous article…
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Plumbing

What’s the Lifespan of My Home’s Plumbing?

Heather Munger

Your home’s plumbing works hard every day and while some of your products and fixtures may need to be replaced sooner than others, it’s no pipe dream to have your home’s pipes and fixtures perform well for decades. Caring for your home’s plumbing can keep yours running past the average life span. Here’s an idea of how long your home’s plumbing should last.

Pipes: Know What You Have

Knowing the type of plumbing in your home makes a difference in knowing how long you can expect it to last without starting to be compromised. Your home inspection report or your new home’s documents and warranties will give you a good idea about the type of plumbing system you have and when it was installed. You can also pay for a thorough inspection of your plumbing system to get a true status of its viability.

On average supply pipes that are brass, iron or steel can have a viable lifespan of 50-70 years; copper is 70-80 or more years. PVC piping has a shorter lifespan of fewer than 50 years.

Some homes in the Mid-Atlantic build in the 1970s-90s used a briefly popular product called polybutylene piping which was thought to be easier to plumb because it was made from pliable plastic. The product became susceptible to breaking and is often removed from a home as a preventative measure. An inspection can determine if your polybutylene piping is failing.

Hot Water Heaters

Your water heater cranks every day to make sure you get that hot shower in the morning. While the number of people in the home makes a difference in your hot water heater’s workday, here’s a look at how long you can expect before replacing your hot water heater.

Tankless hot water heater: 20 yearsTraditional hot water heater: 12 yearsHeat pump water heaters: 10 years

Toilets

A malfunctioning toilet can be a major home meltdown. Toilets can last nearly 50 years but that doesn’t mean all its internal components. A toilet operation is fairly simple, but it does contain about a dozen moving parts. It isn’t unusual to have to replace some of the components during the lifespan of the toilet but cracked bowls or issues with successful flushing may mean it’s time for a new toilet.

If your toilet is manufactured before 1994, it might be a good idea to proactively swap it out. Older toilets use more gallons of water than necessary causing your water bill to inflate. A new toilet may offset the cost of that high water bill.

Faucets

Kitchen faucets have evolved with smart technology and touchless technology, but we can all agree a functioning faucet is a major necessity in the kitchen. Over time faucets can create a build-up of mineral deposits from the hard water we use in our homes. A simple cartridge repair can do the trick. But, if you find rust coming from your faucet or consistent leaking, it might be time for a new faucet. A faucet’s useful lifespan can vary depending on manufacturer, but the average is about 12 years.

Sump Pumps

One of your home’s plumbing MVPs is the sump pump. Designed to keep your basement dry in the event of heavy rains, your sump pump’s average lifespan is about 10 years. If you suspect yours is approaching that age, it is best to get it inspected. A non-operating sump pump can put you in a lot of hot water, fast.

Well Pumps

If your home is on a well, your well pump is the most important component to keep your water running. A well pump can last 8-15 years, depending on your water usage, number of people living in the house, sediment levels, and your area water levels.

Putting off plumbing repairs or replacement is never a good idea. Failed plumbing can lead to major home damage meaning that small replacement job just turned into a major insurance nightmare. At Len The Plumber, our expertise helps you know whether your plumbing issue is one that can be repaired or if replacement is the best solution.

Plumbing

How To Check Your Outdoor Hose Bibb For Leaks

Heather Munger

We’re happy to report that warm weather is ahead, and we can (hopefully) put this past winter behind us. If you’re planning on doing some spring cleaning outside this month, you’ll more than likely need to turn your outdoor faucet (commonly known as a hose bibb) back on.

The winter weather temperatures may have caused some models of hose bibbs to crack. If the problem isn’t caught early enough, all that water leaking from your outdoor faucet can result in water damage and allow for mold to potentially grow inside your home – not to mention all the wasted water and energy!

Follow These Steps Before Turning On Your Water

Steps To Check Your Hose Bibb

Follow these simple steps to see if your hose bibb was damaged this past winter:

Place your thumb over the spigot. If you have small thumbs, you may want to use your whole hand to cover the opening.Turn the water on.If you can hold the water in, with your hand or thumb, that means there is a crack somewhere in the piping and water is leaking out.However, if you feel a lot of pressure and you can’t hold back the water, you should be fine!

Hose Bibb Repair & Replacement

If your hose bibb is leaking, either visibly or based on our thumb test, you’ll likely need a professional to locate the source of the problem and resolve it. This can mean repair of specific components of your hose bibb or the pipes leading to it, or it could mean needing to replace the entire structure. You may have to choose between repairing and replacing your hose bibb, depending on the severity of the damage. Repairing costs less, but may leave worn components in place where they will fail in subsequent winters.

To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Len The Plumber at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 or schedule online

What to Do If Your Hose Bibb Is Still Leaking

At Len The Plumber, we’ve seen all too often what can happen to outdoor faucets affected by cold winters, and the problem doesn’t always reveal itself until spring. A leaky hose bibb or cracked supply line can result in damage to your home and also an increase in your water bill.

If you suspect that you have a water leak, give us a call today to diagnose the problem. We can even install a frost-proof outdoor hose faucet and our technician will teach you how to properly winterize your new fixture.

We’re here to provide you with same day service, seven days a week – and remember, there’s never an extra charge for evening or weekend service.