It can be argued that plumbing does the most important work in your home. It not only brings in fresh water for drinking, bathing and brushing your teeth, it also, removes the smelly waste which could be harmful to you. Knowing the life expectancy of your plumbing can help you be prepared for when it starts breaking. Or, better yet, to now when to pre-emptively strike and have it replaced before there is a busted pipe or major leak. Pipes To know the longevity of the pipes you have in your home, it is necessary to know exactly what kind ...
Read MoreCaulking is used in every home. It is usually used where water is used. The caulk creates a water-tight seal which prevents water from getting behind or between things. Without caulk there would be all types of mold and pest activity between your cabinets and and behind your walls. Caulk is also used on windows, cabinets and just about anywhere there is a seam which needs to be sealed. Caulk not only prevents water exposure but it keeps out bugs. Caulk, like all things, wears down over time. The passage of time sees the substance degrade on a molecular ...
Read MoreThis is Florida. We are very close to sea-level and would be wading around in marsh land most of the time if it weren't for elaborate canal systems and drainage ditches. Everything has to run smoothly as far as the canal system goes to keep flooding from occurring, especially after rainstorms. This holds true for your home plumbing system as well. Some people may experience their drains backing up after a heavy rainstorm. This is not normal. This means something is not working properly in your home plumbing system. Your sewer drain is allowing a backflow of water which it ...
Read MoreWe all know the disappointed feeling when the water is not draining as fast as usual. Its a clog and you have been down this road before. After you get the clog resolved you think to yourself "I will try harder to prevent that from happening." But what steps can you really take to prevent a clog from occurring in your shower drain? 90% of shower drain material is hair. This protective part of our skin keeps the sun from damaging us, it keeps us warm, and helps regulate body temperature. So, if it does all these things then it ...
Read MoreBeing in this business for several decades, we have pretty much seen it all. Some of the problems people face with their household or residential plumbing is very common and we see it all the time. Other, more rare occurrences, do happen. But we are saving that topic for another blog. Today we want to list and discuss the most common calls we receive. As you can imagine, they have to do with plumbing wear and tear. Dripping Faucets - The dripping faucet has been a problem to most everyone who has ever lived on Earth. It starts as just ...
Read MoreFlushable wipes became popular on the market about 15 years ago or so. They offer "extra cleanliness" to the user. Many companies that make these products tout that they are just as safe as regular toilet paper to flush down your toilet. But are they? The bottom line is that regular toilet paper is made thin and is fully biodegradable. The flushable wipes are made thicker and have chemical additives that keep the wipes together and moist. They will eventually break down in the sewer or septic system but they do not break down right away. If there is a ...
Read MoreAny type of water leak should be addressed right away. When water leaks onto floors many things can occur as a result. Long term water exposure can damage flooring and other items which the water is in contact with. Also, mold spores can begin to form right away. Mold can be toxic and cause serious long-term health issues. If you notice water leaking from your water heater, you should take the following steps: Torn Off Power Source - Making sure there is no electricity running to the water heater is the first step in dealing with a water heater issue. ...
Read MoreWhen you own a home you want to keep your expenses down anyway possible. This goes for the short and long-term. Pipes eventually go bad in a home and replacing them can be very expensive. In this article we will go over methods to keeping your pipes lasting as long as possible. Checking Water Pressure This is a big one. Too much water pressure is bad for your pipes. Just a few PSI above the recommended level doesnt seem like much, but over years time it can do serious damage. It is suggested that you keep your PSI below 85. ...
Read More90% of all toilet clogs can be solved with the standard toilet plunger. This is an item you can buy at the dollar store and is worth its weight in gold when you really need it. But there are times where you have a clog and the plunger isn't working. This is a terrible feeling but remain calm. There are some steps you can try before you have to call a professional plumber. In this article we list the step you can try on your clogged toilet before you have to call in the pros. Below are those steps: (more…)
Read MoreA floor drain backing up can be very frustrating and annoying. They can be baffling too. People will run all types of drain cleaners and potions through their floor drain trying to get it to work properly. But it may not be the drain itself that isn't functioning properly. It may be your plumbing system. The floor drain is the lowest drain in the home so this will be the first place waste water will go if there is a problem with it exiting the premises. In other words, a clog elsewhere may be causing the floor drain to back-up. ...
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