Plumbing issues come up over the course of time. Whether you have a brand new home, or you’ve inherited a home built 100 years ago, chances are, you’re going to have to hire a plumber at some point during your homeowner adventure. It’s important to ask the right questions when contacting a plumber to ensure they’re qualified, capable and reliable. Experience is Key It’s a general rule of thumb that the more experience you have, the better you are. Sure, there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, an experienced plumber is a good plumber. If you […]
Read more »Your water bill is high. Again. You know you’re not using nearly as much as the water company says you are, and, more importantly, is asking you to pay for. There are no new people in your house. You didn’t just fill your pool. You’re not showering 10 times a day. So why is the bill so high? Here are a few questions to ask before calling the water company. Are you neglecting that leaky toilet? We’ve written about leaky toilets before. We know how much of a pain they can be to fix, and how some members of your […]
Read more »Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, so be prepared! Homeowners who know what to do when plumbing emergencies occur can protect their property and avoid expensive repairs. Common Plumbing Emergencies Every plumbing emergency will have different symptoms. Here’s some of the most common problems to look for: Sewer or main line clog: You’ll see filthy – and smelly – water coming up through drains. If this happens, immediately stop using all water in the house and turn off all water-using appliances like the dishwasher and the washing machine. And don’t flush any toilets. Drain clog: ater may […]
Read more »Old plumbing fixtures can make problems in the bathroom. As a homeowner, it’s important to know when to replace your bathroom fixtures with models that are up-to-date and modern. These tips will help you decide when and how to replace your fixtures, to make the process easier. Signs Your Fixtures Need Replacement When plumbing fixtures age , they begin to suffer from a variety of issues. While repair can sometimes improve the situation, the most efficient way to fix the problem is to replace the fixture altogether. Below are some of the common issues that fixture replacement can fix. Water […]
Read more »Are you expecting guests for New Year’s Eve? If so, getting your plumbing ready is an important way to be prepared. Frozen pipes, broken water heaters and pipe clogs can all cause massive problems for your home’s plumbing. These tips will help you keep your pipes in good condition during this happy season. Protect Your Pipes From the Chill Frozen pipes can cause a variety of problems. At best, a frozen pipe will stop working until it thaws. At worst, a frozen pipe can burst and cause hundreds of dollars in damage.To protect your pipes from cold weather, follow these […]
Read more »As the seasons change, so can your potential plumbing problems. Now that winter is nearing, you may face a variety of cold weather and holiday activity. Knowing the most common winter plumbing problems and how to avoid them can help you take care of your plumbing this winter. Grease in the Drain Pipes Holiday feasts make grease a common problem in sink drains and garbage disposals. Grease that solidifies in drains can cause clogs and blockages. Luckily, there are a variety of things you can do to prevent this from being a problem. Throw grease away. Cool grease in […]
Read more »Your home’s plumbing faces a variety of natural hazards each day. In most cases, these natural hazards can be avoided. Knowing what the hazards are and what you can do about them can help you take care of your home’s plumbing and avoid costly clogs. Rust Metal pipes, especially cast iron, can rust over time. While pipes are no longer made from cast iron, many older homes still have these types of pipes in their walls. In addition, many older sewer lines are made of cast iron as well. When pipes become too rusty, they can burst, leading to major […]
Read more »It is never fun when rusty water appears in your sink or tub. Fortunately, there are things you can do to eliminate nasty rusty water from your pipes. Knowing the source of rusty water, the health effects of drinking rusty water and what you can do to fix the problem can help you take action . Where does rusty water come from? Rusty water can come from sources inside or outside of the home. Common causes of rusty water include: Rusty pipes Sediment in the water Damage from construction Break in the water main Sometimes determining the source of rusty […]
Read more »The decision to install a single or double sink can be a difficult one. Each type of sink has advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the pros and cons can help you decide which model makes the most sense for your life. Single Sink: Advantages and Disadvantages Single sinks have one basin for washing and rinsing. People who have a single sink must grapple with logistical problems like where to rinse and where to dry their dishes. If the sink is full of dishes, it can be difficult to find a place where pots can be filled with water and vegetables […]
Read more »Limescale can cause big problems in the bathroom. It can fill pipes, reduce water pressure, make shower doors cloudy and detract from the overall beauty of your bathroom. Limescale comes from water that contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium, also known as hard water. For obvious reasons, keeping away limescale is a priority for many homeowners. These tips will help you keep your home’s bathroom fixtures free of limescale. Vinegar Vinegar is slightly acidic, which means that it can easily eat through limescale and keep your fixtures looking shiny and new. Homeowners who have hard water problems will […]
Read more »