Plumbing & Appliances Archives - Page 2 of 4

Do I Need a Belly in Sewer Line Repair?

March 19, 2024

A pipe belly in your sewer line is a serious problem that can happen when a pipe sags or drops out of its original positioning. This isn’t something that can be ignored, as it could lead to severe consequences for your plumbing and the soil surrounding your home. In this article, we’ll dive into what a plumbing belly is, why it happens, and what to do if it happens to your home. Understanding Sewer Line Bellies When a plumber tells you they’ve found a belly in sewer line repair inspections, they’re referring to a sag or low spot in the pipe. The pipe is still intact (in contrast to channeling, another issue in which the bottom of it has eroded). Normally, a sewer pipe has a positive slope that transports waste away from your home using the force of gravity. The guidelines for sewer line design are quite specific; a sewer pipe must decline at least 0.25 inches per every foot of horizontal distance. This guarantees gravity can move wastewater into the municipal sewer line, but a belly disrupts this process as the slope is no longer adequate because a bellied pipe no longer has a positive slope. It bows

Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners vs. Professional Drain Cleaning

March 15, 2024

Homeowners often use chemical drain cleaners to resolve clogged drains. However, the repeated use of these harsh products can result in persistent clogs and damage to your plumbing. It may seem easy enough to go to the store and buy a liquid drain cleaner. But hiring a plumber in the first place can save you money in the long run. Drain cleaning services can permanently resolve the issue at its source. The Risks of Chemical Drain Cleaners If you use a chemical drain cleaner, it may be doing more harm than good. There are many reasons to consider hiring a professional to address the problem. Some of the risks of chemical drain cleaning products include: Not All Types of Clogs Are Fixed: The type of clog a drain cleaner can clear depends on its formulation. If you have mineral scale buildup from hard water, a blockage caused by paper, or a clump of hair or grease in a pipe, using the wrong cleaner won’t fix the issue. Also, a drain cleaner won’t work if the clog is caused by pipe damage. The Effects Are Only Temporary: A chemical drain cleaner will not address the underlying problem if you experience frequent

Why You Should Never Skip Your Annual Plumbing Inspection

August 31, 2023

Whole-house plumbing inspections should be scheduled once every year. Although much of the plumbing in your Boise, ID home is hidden away, it has a major impact on the health, safety, and all-around usability of your living space. These visits give plumbers the chance to catch and correct minor problems early on. They’re also key to maintaining the all-important protections provided by your home insurance plan and other policies and warranties. Read on to find out why you should never skip these appointments. Identify Slow and Hidden Leaks Not all leaks cause visible water damage. In fact, most fester for months at a time behind drywall or at the backs of water-reliant appliances. Whether behind your dishwasher or washing machine or in one of your crawlspaces, a hidden leak can leave you struggling with pervasive mold problems, flooring issues, foundation issues, and more. Scheduling a plumbing inspection each year ensures that slow and hidden leaks are always spotted and resolved within a timely fashion. Maintain Compliance With the Requirements of Your Home Warranty Home insurance plans and home warranties that cover plumbing systems are both mutually binding agreements. Just as companies promise to pay for covered damages, you agree to

4 Simple Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Drains Clear

August 21, 2023

Whether in your sink, shower, or toilet, having a clogged drain can be a huge inconvenience. It disrupts your daily routine and can lead to property damage if left untreated. While calling a plumber is always an option, you can sometimes take simple steps to clear your drains. Learn how to clear your drains and when to call a plumber to do the job instead. 1. The Plunger Method The plunger is a tried and tested tool that works on many smaller clogs. It’s the first tool that comes to mind when your toilet or sink is clogged. It creates pressure and suction, pushing or pulling the blockage out of the way. First, you need to choose the right type of plunger for the site of the clog. A cup plunger is best for sinks, while a flange or accordion plunger works best on clogged toilets. Next, remove as much water as possible from the sink or toilet bowl, and place the plunger over its opening to form a seal. Then, holding the handle firmly, push and pull, creating a vacuum effect. Repeat the process until the clog is cleared. If you think you’ll be clearing clogs on a regular

How Water Softeners and Water Filters Differ

March 17, 2023

Water softeners and water filters are fairly common in our area. Both of these systems treat the water that enters your home, but they do so differently. Homeowners choose these systems because they care about the quality of their water since water is essential for life. A water softener can take some of the minerals out of the water, which can reduce the problems associated with hard water. In comparison, a water filter is designed to remove various impurities and contaminants from water which can enhance its quality. If you’re wondering whether you need both a water softener and a water filter, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure about what type of systems they need for their homes. Since we all get our water from different sources, it’s difficult to come up with a generic answer. It all depends on what your untreated water is like and what your preferences are. To help you make an informed choice concerning the type of system you need, it is fitting to compare how they operate. The Problem of Hard Water Some households contend with hard water. Hard water is water that has a high level of minerals. Minerals that are commonly

Bathroom Faucet after Water Filtration Service in Boise, ID

Essential Maintenance Requirements for Water Conditioners and Filters

March 13, 2023

Water conditioners and filters are two essential systems for treating the water in your home. Water conditioners remove hard water minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, while water filters remove contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and sediment. While they serve different purposes, they can work together to provide optimal water quality for your household. Benefits of Water Softeners Versus Water Filters Before discussing how to maintain water softeners and water filters, it is important to discuss how the role of each differs in your home. Some homeowners believe that if they have a water softener to filter their water, their water is safe to drink. Unfortunately, this is a misunderstanding. Although water softeners may make your water more pleasant to drink and look clearer, they do not clean water. On the other hand, the benefit of a whole-house water filter is that it removes pollutants from water for bathing, drinking, and cooking. Besides making your water taste better and more visually appealing, water softeners have other benefits. If you have ever cleaned a bathroom in a house with hard water, you know how difficult it is to remove mineral buildup on fixtures such as shower heads and faucets. These minerals

Pipe Leak in Residential Copper Pipe in Boise, ID

How to Find a Leak in Your Pipes

December 20, 2022

A leaky pipe can be anything from a mild annoyance to something that could end up causing some serious water damage over time if left alone. Finding a leaky pipe can be difficult once you suspect that you have a leak somewhere inside or outside the house. Thankfully, there are a few clear signs that might lead you in the right direction when you think there’s something wrong with your plumbing. Here are what you need to keep a look out for to know when it might be time to call a plumber. Low Water Pressure The first major sign of a leak is if you start noticing a drop off in water pressure. Depending on the severity of the leak, the pressure change might be subtle if it’s only a minor leak or even unnoticeable. Larger leaks will have a bigger drop in pressure, possibly leaving you with just a little water trickling out of your faucet as the rest is pouring out of a leak somewhere in your piping. If you see a big drop in pressure, turn off the faucet to prevent water from leaking further. If you get no pressure at all and water doesn’t even

8 Ways to Winterize Your Plumbing

November 20, 2022

As the temperature drops and the colder months approach, it’s time to prepare your plumbing to overcome the harsh winter conditions. Without proper preparation, you could spend a significant amount on plumbing repairs and property damage. Typically, when water freezes, it expands and becomes ice due to the frigid temperatures. The expansion increases pressure within your plumbing system, leading to leaks and breaks. You can prevent these problems by winterizing your plumbing. This is a process of preparing your home’s plumbing system for the significant drop in temperature during the winter. Here are some tips from our experts at to ensure your plumbing in Boise, ID works efficiently, even on cold days. 1. Insulate Pipes The exposed pipes in your home are prone to freezing due to the low temperature outdoors. Therefore, ensure these pipes are properly winterized to minimize the chances of a pipe freezing, which can easily lead to it bursting. Call a plumbing expert to wrap the exposed pipes using heat tape or foam insulation. By involving an experienced professional, you will also ensure that the pipes aren’t covered with insulation in a way that can trap condensation and lead to mold growth. 2. Disconnect and Drain

Is a Water Softener Necessary in Idaho?

September 19, 2022

Hard water is a big problem in some parts of the United States. The Southwest generally has the hardest water in the country, but many places in Idaho also encounter this issue. Hard water can create serious problems for your appliances and your plumbing system, which is why we recommend that everyone in Boise and the surrounding areas have a water softener. To understand why, let’s look at how hard the water is in Idaho and the benefits you can enjoy by installing a water softener in your home. Understanding Water Hardness in Idaho Water hardness is a measure of the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium particles in the water. The U.S. Geological Survey has established guidelines for measuring water hardness. This system is based on how many parts-per-million (PPM) of calcium and magnesium particles are in the water. Scientists measure how many milligrams of calcium carbonate are in one liter of water (mg/L). Between 0 and 60 mg/L is considered soft water, and between 61 and 120 mg/L is classified as moderately hard. Between 121 and 180 mg/L is considered hard, and anything above 180 mg/L is very hard. Most of Idaho falls under either the moderately hard

Category: Plumbing & Appliances