What Needs To Be Done For A Burst Pipe
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What Needs To Be Done For A Burst Pipe

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No homeowner ever wants to have to deal with burst plumbing pipes. However, unfortunately, it is all too common for pipes to burst, which causes serious damage and flooding. There are numerous reasons why a pipe might burst like a pipe that freezes and expands and then bursts, a crack in a pipe caused by too much pressure, or a corroded pipe.

burst pipe

If you do end up with a burst pipe, then it is very important that you know how to prevent even more expense and damage.

The following are tips for what you should do when you have a burst pipe occur:

1. The very first step you should take when you notice you have a burst pipe is make sure to turn your main water supply off. You can either turn the water off a the main water valve in your basement or at your water meter.

2. Your next step is draining the water system to prevent the water from flooding your home to cause even more damage. This can be done through turning all the taps off in your house and flushing the toilet. That will help water drain a lot more quickly from the pipes. If water is coming in from the ceiling and a bulge is being caused, then a hole can be made in the bulge and a bucket can be held underneath it order to catch any excess water.

3. If there is leaked water close to any electrical appliances, then it is critical that the electricity be turned off since that can be dangerous. Remove the right fuse if there is any water close to a light switch or fixture.

4. Turn the water heater and central heating off. After the water heater is off, then turn the hot water taps on in order to reduce pressure inside of the pipes. This will help to drain the water also.

5. After there isn’t any more water leaking into the house, and there isn’t any danger of water getting into the water heating system and appliances, then you can search for what the source of your pipe burst is. This will allow you to give important information to your plumber when you call for emergency services to be done at your home.

6. Call a plumber. Any time you have a burst pipe that is a serious issue and a professional plumber needs to repair it. Plumbers have the tools, experience and knowledge to conduct quality repair jobs correctly.

Call a Plumber To Fix a Broken Pipe

You shouldn’t use joint compound or Teflon tape to try to repair a burst pipe since it will just end up bursting against. Electrical wiring damage also may be dangerous, so a professional should be called to perform any necessary repairs.

After a pipe bursts, it is critical to efficiently and quickly take the necessary steps to prevent any further damage from occurring. After you have taken the appropriate steps for minimizing threats and damage like leaking water on live wires, it is critical to contact a professional plumber.

Call a 24 Hour Pipe Repair Plumbing Service

Our plumbers understand that emergencies may occur at any time of the night or day, so that is why they offer 24 hour emergency service. Also, since burst pipes are serious emergencies, it is critical that the repair be made by a profession to make sure there are not any more problems in the future.

A plumber also can inspect the pipes to make sure there isn’t any additional damage that you might not have noticed. They also can ensure the system is operating correctly once the repair work is finished.

Water Heater Installation Tips

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When the water heater was invented it represented one of the greatest comforts that modern technology has ever brought to humans. There is really nothing more comforting than a hot shower or bath on a cold morning in order to wake up your sleepy body and mind. It also helps to clean your skin through removing excess dirt and oil. Due to all of the benefits that it offers, people have been wiling for generations to spend a good amount of their hard earned money on installing water heaters in their homes.

water heater installation

The following are some useful tips on how to have an efficient water heater installed and repaired in case you ever need those services someday.

Water Heater Installation

Whenever you are having a new water heater installed, the first thing that need to do is select the one that is best for you. Water heaters can be either fueled by gas or electricity. At times a gas water heater will cost less than an electric one to operate however this will vary depending on your area so you need to check the rating on the water heater you are interested in installing. If there is no gas service to your house then electric will be the only reasonable option that is available to you.

Measure the dimensions on the cold and hot water pipes the currently exist on the house to check the plumbing and be sure that your new heater fits properly. Depending on how old your house is you might need to buy some couplers so that the pipes fit correctly.

Before doing anything be sure that all utilities that are attached to the unit are turned off whether they are electric or gas. After they have been turned off, then you can drain your hot water tank and the cold and hot water pipe connections can be disconnected. In order to drain water from our tank, hook a hose up to the outlet that is on the bottom of the tank and then drain the water into a drain or to outside.

Once the old unit has been drained completely of water and disconnected successfully, then it can be taken out so that there is room to install the new unit. The next thing you will want to do is install any fitting onto your new unit such as the pressure relief and temperature valve if they aren’t installed already.

Next connect the water lines to ensure you are using the right procedures so that you don’t end up with leaks when filling the new tank. You can then connect it to the power source, either an electric or gas line. If a gas line is the fuel source then you will need to attach a flue vent to ensure it the fumes are directed properly out of your house. After you make all of the connections, you then can add cold water to fill up the water heater and turn your new unit on.

A water heater tank blanket can be used for insulating your water heater tank. This can help to reduce your costs and your water kept hot.

Hire a Plumber To Install Your New Water Heater

Although installing a new unit yourself is possible, the best option is usually to hire a plumbing professional. In the long run, it will save you lots of money and time, unless you happen to be experienced in plumbing repairs.

Warning Signs That A Boiler Needs To Be Replaced

Boiler heating systems may account for as much as 50% of energy bills. Therefore, you need to ensure that you get the most use for your money.

boiler repair

For boilers that are more than 20 years old, it is a good investment to replace it with a new high-efficient model. It will pay for itself very quickly. When you replace your boiler with a new one it reduce the amount of environmental damage that your home is doing and also lower your overall energy bills.

Also, any boiler that was already installed in your home before you moved in definitely needs to be evaluated to determine whether it needs to be replaced or not.

Putting off replacing such a critical component as a boiler is never a good idea. If you leave it unattended, even a small issue that related to your boiler may turn into a large one, which can put your home and family at great risk.

Signs Your Boiler Needs Service or Repair

Bad Smells

If you start to experience odors being emitted from your boiler, have your furnace inspected immediately. An oil or gas leak from your boiler can turn into a huge problem. It is dangerous and can also end up costing you lots of money due to lost fuel. Also, carbon monoxide, which is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas can kill you, and may be due to the unit having a broken ventilation system.

Leaking Water

A boiler might end up having pools of water leak out of it and gather around the unit’s base. The water that is being lost constantly makes it very hard for the unit to be able to heat the water inside to the right temperature, which means you will be using a lot more fuel.

Your unit will have to work at maximum capacity for doing minimal work. If this issue is left unattended it can result in a huge rupture that may lead to even more extensive water damage problems than you have already.

Incorrect Temperatures

If your water is either too cold or too hot, often there is a circulation problem. The water isn’t been heated evenly, which leaves you with water that might be too cold or too hot. That might be cause by buildup or leaks inside of the unit, and need to taken care of before the problem gets too serious.

Hissing Noises

Hissing noises frequently are associated with sludge or iron deposits which cause uneven water distribution. This can result in a boiler either shutting down or overheating. When your hot water boiler is allowed to overheat constantly is significantly adds to the cost of fuel and limits usage of your unit. Therefore, if you are hearing noises you should get your unit inspected.

Call a Local Boiler Repair Service

Don’t wait until the problem gets too serious and it’s too late. Take care of whatever problems you might have now, so they don’t turn into huge problems in the future.

Instructions On Turning Off Your Main Water Line

As a homeowner, it is crucial that you know how to turn off the water to your fixtures as well as to the whole house. When there is leak or breakage in the water line, everyone in your household should know how to do this easy task so expensive water damage can be avoided.

main water shut off

Turning Off The Water Supply to the Entire House In Charlotte

Leaks can happen suddenly due to a breakage in the pipes, the water heater, or for other reasons. When you know where to turn off the water supply to your house, you can prevent extensive water damage that can result in very costly repairs. You can turn off the water to your whole house by finding the main water line and turning the shut-off valves.

Typically, you can find the first shut-off valve at the main water line to the house on an outside wall located in the crawl space beneath the front of the house or in the basement. If your house was constructed on a slab, you might find the water line in the garage or near the water heater. When you find the shut-off valve, use your hand and turn the handle of the valve clockwise. This will shut off the entire water supply to your house.

There is a secondary shut-off valve located at the water meter. To shut off this valve, you will need to use a specialized key or a set of channel lock pliers.

Sometimes there is a third valve buried underground at the perimeter of your house near the street, in front of the water meter. If the source of the leak is at a part of the water line that is outside of your house, you will have to turn off the water at this valve. You might be able to turn this valve by hand. If not, you’ll need to use the special key or some channel lock pliers to get the job done.

If you can’t shut off the valve because you don’t have the appropriate tool or you don’t know the location of the valve, contact a nearby plumber or your water department for assistance in turning off the water.

Turning Off the Water To A Fixture Inside the House

Each fixture in your house has its own shut-off valve for the hot and cold water supply. If the fixture has a leak, you can shut off the water just to this fixture at this valve.

The water line that supplies water to the fixture is a branch of the bigger main water line that feeds water to your house. The line at the fixture level has a shut-off valve called a stop.

You should learn where the shut-off valve is for each fixture in your house. If there is leak at one of these fixtures, you can quickly shut off the water supply to the fixture by turning this valve, thus minimizing potential water damage.

How To Maintain The Shut-Off Valve

At least two times a year, you should check the water lines and the respective stops for each of your fixtures. Make sure the valve can be opened and closed smoothly. Doing this a couple of times a year will prevent the valve from sticking when you have to turn off the water due to a leak. If you see a leak due to damage on one of your valves, contact us immediately for a replacement.

Three Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

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You have had a long day working and cannot wait to get back home to take that hot shower. You get home, only to discover that the water heater stopped working. This can be quite frustrating and inconvenient for you. A broken water heating system will also interrupt the regular activities of the house, such as laundry and dishwashing.

water heater repair

The good news is that this does not have to happen again, since there are some signs that you can look out for, to help you determine if it needs repair or replacement. Below are some of them.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs To Be Fixed By a Plumber

Fluctuating Water Heat

If the water temperature has been fluctuating, maybe turning cold within minutes, then that could be a clue that something is wrong. It may mean that some mineral deposits have built around the heating elements of the heater or that the heating elements need to be repaired or even replaced.

Unusual Noises

Having a little noise from the water heater is reasonable since it is an appliance after all. However, if there are loud bangs or cracking sounds coming from it, then it means that you should have it professionally checked out. A reason for these loud noises could be the mineral deposits building up, causing it to overheat to keep water hot.

Leaking Water

Leaks can be hazardous if they are ignored. A small leak can grow into a big one with time, leading to water damage or even mold growth in the home. You should check for any leaks, no matter how minor they are to prevent any problems from developing.

If you have noticed any one of these signs, then it is time to consider a repair or replacement of your water heater.

Toilet Problems That Need To Be Repaired

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If you aren’t already familiar with the inner workings of your toilet, it is worth learning more about how the flushing process works. Once you understand how the components in the toilet tank work, you will be in a much better position to identify toilet-related problems.

toilet repair

The best way to learn more about your toilet is by watching it in action. Begin by removing the lid from the back of the toilet tank. Then, flush the toilet. As you do, you will see that the toilet handle is attached to a chain that lifts up a flapper valve. This opens the flush valve opening, allowing water to drop down from the tank into the bowl.

As the new water enters the toilet bowl, the dirty water and the waste is forced down the drain pipe. Once all of the water has been removed from the tank, the flapper valve drops back into position, blocking the exit and allowing the tank to fill up again. Once the float ball reaches the correct height in the tank, the water shuts off.

After seeing all of these steps in action, it will be easier for you to identify problems so that you can have them repaired.

Toilet Problems That Need Plumbing Repair

A Bad Flapper Valve

If the flapper valve on a toilet becomes cracked or gets too brittle over time, it will no longer seat properly around the opening in the bottom of the tank. As a result, water can continuously seep down from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to run all of the time. Another common symptom of this problem is if it sounds like there is a pipe banging when the toilet finishes filling. This is an easy repair that our experts will be more than happy to help you make.

Upgrading Your Existing Toilet

If you have a standard toilet in your home, you may want to consider upgrading it to a larger model. Bigger toilets are generally more comfortable to use. Although it may not seem like comfort should be a big factor when choosing a toilet, it is actually an important consideration. If you are ready to make a positive change, contact us today so that we can help you find a toilet that is sized properly for your needs.

Other Toilet Issues That Require a Plumber To Repair

Some of the other toilet problems that can occur that require professional assistance include the following:

– Leaking water
– Cracks in the tank of the toilet
– Pools of water around the base of the toilet
– Problems flushing the toilet
– A handle that is stuck or that is too loose

Regardless of what type of toilet problems you are experiencing, our professionals can help. Reach out to us today for expert assistance.

Three Signs Your Plumbing Is Broken

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Whether you’ve just purchased your house or you’re a longtime homeowner, plumbing is one of the most common parts of the home to forget about. It’s all too easy to take for granted that you’ve got working pipes until something goes wrong. What might seem like a sudden disaster on your end has actually taken a long time to build up, and there are plenty of warning signs you may have missed.

plumber snaking a drain

We’ve put together a list of some surefire signs that something is amiss with your plumbing. These issues might seem small, but even just one of them is reason enough to get in touch with a professional plumber right away.

The longer you go without addressing these tiny plumbing problems, the sooner they might balloon into something much bigger.

Call a Plumber If You Experience Any Of These Problems…

No Water From Your Sink

This one might seem obvious, but it’s no joke: If your sink doesn’t let out any water when the knobs are turned, something is wrong! There could be many reasons for the lack of water flow, from a blocked main to a major leak somewhere in the pipes. Whatever the cause, it’s sure to lead to stress in a busy household. You should call a plumbing company immediately upon noticing this.

Constant Toilet Overflow

Listen, we all know that clogged and overflowing toilets happen. If you’ve flushed a lot of waste at once, it’s totally normal and understandable for a clog to happen. In these cases, you can just grab the plunger and get to work. Generally speaking, the problem will take care of itself after a few pushes of the plunger, and you don’t need to worry about it further.

Where an overflowing toilet becomes more problematic is when it happens all the time and for no apparent reason. For example, if you’re flushing down only a small amount of waste, or even no waste at all, and the toilet still struggles as though you’ve clogged it, something is wrong.

In many cases, this might mean there’s a problem with backup deeper within the piping that your sewage runs through. Just using a plunger won’t be much help with an issue like that, but a professional plumber can take care of it in a snap. Be sure to get in touch with a professional who has access to high-quality drain clearing materials.

No Hot Water

Here’s a nightmare scenario: You hop in the shower one morning, flip the switch and prepare for some nice, warm water, only to be met with a freezing cold stream. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than a cold shower, and you’ll also be unable to perform other important household functions like washing the dishes.

If you’re having trouble getting hot water from your faucets, there’s probably something going on with your water heater. Your house may be in need of a water tank or heater upgrade, or you may just need to get the pilot light up and running again. Either way, you should contact a plumber to check it out and determine what’s depriving you of warm water.

Give Us A Call Today For Immediate Plumbing Help

When it comes to something as vital as plumbing, you need a group of professionals you can rely on. Our team of experts can provide the highest quality of service for all your plumbing upgrades, repairs, and other needs. Call us today to get all the details and schedule an appointment.

The Importance Of Fixing Water Leaks

How annoying is the sound of a dripping kitchen faucet? It is far from being just a harmless leak that finds its way through the sewer. It is a time bomb that can trigger severe consequences. Many people tend to ignore such leaks, considering them minor problems, and never getting to fix them.

burst pipe

 

In fact, minor leaks are fairly easy to patch, provided that you catch them on time. We are going to share with you a few good reasons why you should get to those leaks sooner rather than later, and how to fix them without causing any damage in the process.

How A Leak Can Affect Your Health

A leaky pipe or faucet is a sign that there’s a problem somewhere in your house. Even if you can’t see it, the problem is there. There are many causes of a leaky pipe such as cracks, clogs, and corrosion.

If your house is more than two decades old, chances are rust and corrosion have attacked the pipes, making them more prone to breaking down. Also, rust and lead may get released into your water supply, affecting your long-term health and well-being. Lead is known to have toxic side effects if ingested, so you shouldn’t allow it to find its way into your drinking water.

Main symptoms of lead poisoning include fatigue, headaches, nausea, constipation, fertility problems, impaired cognitive abilities, and slower brain development in children.

If there’s a hidden leak anywhere in your house, you may not be able to detect it until it’s too late. For instance, a pipe that’s leaking inside a wall will remain hidden until it causes water damage.

If there’s water damage, you can rest assured mold and mildew have also found their way to your building. Both of them are harmful, as they can cause severe respiratory problems. This is why you should conduct regular inspections to ensure your plumbing system is in good condition. Such inspections should reveal even minor leaks in their early stages, when they are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix.

The Sooner You Patch That Leak, The more Money You Can Save

Even small leaks can lead to wasting a lot of water. According to some estimates, over 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted every year in the US due to hidden or ignored leaks.

That’s more than a harmless leaky pipe or faucet! You could cut your water bill by 10 percent by fixing that tiny leak you’ve ignored for so long.

A minor leak may also lead to a burst pipe. This is a major problem that will cost you a lot more to fix. Water damage may affect your walls, your floors and your furniture. It could make your home an unsafe place to live in. Don’t allow this to happen!

Who Should Fix Your Leak?

We can do it!

Our experienced plumbers are specialists in detecting and fixing all types of leaks, regardless of their size or positioning.

We also have the right tools to detect even hidden leaks. Thorough home inspections are among our most requested services, as many people prefer to catch the leaks before they become major problems.

We’ll perform a thorough inspection of your home, in order to detect any internal pipe damage and address it before it gets bigger.

The Proper Frequency Of Professional Drain Cleaning

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To ensure that every drain in the house is functioning the way it should, routine drain cleaning is essential. When it comes to large drains, basement drains and sewer lines, it is suggested that inspections be done every 2-3 years, depending on the presence of tree root systems and the age of the pipes. Adhering to such a schedule will help make certain that the pipes and drain system can last as long as possible.

clogged drain

There is a wide range of reasons why a drain could become clogged. However, most clogs are attributable to buildups of hair, grease, dirt and grime.

Drain Cleaning Products

Many homeowners turn to commercial drain cleaning products as a means to solve this type of issue. It is admittedly a convenient, cost-effective answer. All that must be done is to purchase the product, pour some down the drain and allow it to sit.

However, there are health concerns involved in such methods. Chemical products of this sort are corrosive and can harm skin that is put into contact with them. Fumes emitted from the products are also potentially dangerous, particularly to those with sensitive respiratory systems.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Nobody wants to be confronted by an emergency clog. It is also possible for the main sewer line to develop problems due to things such as tree root infiltration and the convergence of a series of other drains. If there is a particular drain in the house that is prone to clogs, this could be indicative of a more significant issue in the main sewer. Professional assistance is necessary in such scenarios.

Modern drain cleaning techniques are very efficient and can work wonders. Water jets that utilize high pressure levels can make a big difference in residential and commercial drains. However, not all local cleaning companies have invested in this type of equipment. As such, it really does pay to conduct a bit of research to identify drain cleaning professionals in the local area able to provide a high level of service at a great price.

The difference in functionality after a thorough drain cleaning is conducted will more than make up for the inconvenience of doing this type of legwork. Emergency clogs will be a thing of the past, provided routine maintenance and cleaning is performed.

The Cause Of Water Backing Up In Your Shower

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When it’s time to get clean, you usually hop in the shower or bath. The sight of a backed up shower drain full of dirty water can be quite a shock. A problem in the sewer line is usually the cause of backed up water in a shower, and it’s not something that can be easily fixed with a simple home remedy or a plunger. Bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks are all connected to the sewer line, which then feeds into the sewer system or a septic tank.

water backing up in shower

If Your Sewer Is Backing Up It May Cause Water To Back Up Into Your Shower.

What Exactly Is A Sewer Line And What Is Its Purpose?

In your home’s plumbing system, the sewer line or sewer main is an important part. The sewer line carries dirty water from your home to either the city water authority or the septic system outside your home. A clog is generally what causes water to be backed up in the shower, and this dirty water should never be touched by human hands, unless you’re a trained individual with the proper equipment.

Plumbers have special professional training that lets them deal with the dirty water safely. They can clean the areas where the dirty water has gone, while limiting their own exposure to it and avoiding the chances of contaminating anything else. The risk of being exposed to pathogens and bacteria in the water can rise if you don’t have the right training to deal with it.

What Causes A Sewer Line To Clog?

There are many things that can cause a sewer line to clog. When there is an accumulation of grease in the kitchen sink, a clog can occur. Items being flushed down the toilet that won’t flow easily through the pipes can cause a line clog, and clogs can even be caused by the growth of tree roots into the sewer line.

A skilled professional like a plumber can find out where the clog is coming from, come up with a good solution to fix it, and tell you how to keep clogs from happening again.

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