Category: Uncategorized

Not all toilets are created equal. A few high-quality brands are built to provide 20+ years of hassle-free comfort. Many other builder-grade products have a much shorter life span and require constant maintenance. if your toilet falls in the latter category, here are a few factors to consider when determining your need for a new one. If you frequently see a puddle of water around your toilet, this could be more than a simple leak. You could have cracks in your tank. If the toilet appears to be working properly (flushing, not clogging, not running). But there is water around the bottom of it. That could mean there are cracks in the bowl. Regardless of whether your toilet is working properly. If you have had the same one for decades you should consider replacing it. Older toilets are likely to be less efficient than new ones. Which means they could be driving up your water bill. Advancements made in the past few years have resulted in toilets that use significantly less water. Current Federal law requires residential toilets (flush tank type) manufactured and sold in the U.S. after January 1, 1994, to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush,

How Do I Know if I Need a Water Heater Replacement? You won’t need to actually look at your home’s water heater to know that you need a replacement. You’ll know the second you try to wash your hands and can’t get any hot water. While water heaters are generally resilient (and they have to be – you use them multiple times a day!), they don’t have an infinite life expectancy. We proudly stock all major brands of water heaters and offer all of our sold water heaters with a 5-year warranty. Contact us today for a free estimate on repairing or replacing your water heater. Signs Your Water Heater May Need Repair or Replacement No hot water Your water may take a very long time to heat or reheat Water leaking around the base of your water heater Off-colored water Insufficient levels of hot water A foul odor (kind of like rotting eggs) A popping noise What is a Tankless Water Heater? Tankless Water Heaters are a new phenomenon these days. The water in tankless water heaters is heated on demand, whereas traditional water heaters store warm water within them. The Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater: An endless

Clearing a clogged or slow-draining sink, toilet, or shower is certainly a chore. If you don’t have the patience to plunge the drain or use a drain auger to snake it, finding the best brain cleaner is your top priority. A liquid drain cleaner can be a good alternative to calling a plumber, but you must be careful about which one you choose. Some contain corrosive chemicals that do more harm than good. But here, we’ll help you find the best drain cleaner to use. How to Pick the Best Drain Cleaner There are three types of liquid drain cleaners to choose from, the best liquid drain cleaner depends on your specific needs: Enzymatic Drain Cleaners A non-corrosive formulation with bacteria that produce enzymes that break down soft material like paper or hair. Enzymatic cleaners aren’t as effective on grease or soap scum and can take up to 24 hours to work. They usually have no irritants or harmful toxins. Examples of enzymatic drain cleaners include Green Gobbler Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover (also works with grease) and Bio-Clean, a multi-purpose cleaner that comes in a can. Caustic Drain Cleaners Sodium hydroxide or other alkaline chemicals turn the material

Bang! Pop! Schreeeeeeechhh! Is that what your pipes sound like? Then you likely have a water hammer. While many plumbing issues exist, water hammers can likely lead to severe damage and costly repairs. The noise isn’t only disrupting, it’s a sign of excess strain on your pipes that should be dealt with sooner rather than later. Why Does Water Hammer Happen? The banging sounds in your pipes happen because of hydraulic shock. A shut-off valve serving your high-pressure water line closes abruptly, causing fast-moving fluid to slam up against it. The result is a shock wave that affects the entire pipeline. Pump failure can trigger water hammers as well; a sudden failure causes fast changes in fluid velocity. Downstream of the failure, fluid continues to flow, creating a vacuum. Water hammer often occurs with washing machines. When the machine fills up, water quickly rushes in from the pipes until the drum is filled to capacity. This triggers the washer valve to close while fast-moving water is still flowing through the pipe. Due to an intense surge in pressure, the pipes physically move and bump up against other pipes, wall framing, and other building materials. How Does Water Hammer Damage My

Perhaps one of the most useful skills to have, knowing how to snake a drain is the knowledge that pays dividends over time. While you can probably clean a trap or grab a plunger first, these methods aren’t effective for every type of clog. If they don’t work, you’re next best option is to use a plumber’s snake, or drain auger. Snaking a drain can clear things up quickly, with a little practice. Here is a quick guide on how to snake a drain. How to Snake a Drain Obtain a Plumber’s Snake A drain auger is a useful tool to have around the house. You can find one at a home improvement store. The options range from smaller manual models made of plastic to longer, sturdier metal coils. High-end electric models are available as well. Owning an auger can avoid spending money on a plumber, but you also have the option of renting one from a local home improvement store. Insert the Snake into the Drain Opening You should have a pair of rubber gloves and goggles on. If you used a chemical drain cleaner, it can very well spew up and irritate your skin and eyes. Also, have