How to Avoid Clogged Drains
Having a clogged drain is a pain and can lead to wastewater coming into your home and lead to you not being able to use your sinks, showers, or toilet. Thankfully, there are many ways that you can avoid having a clogged drain.
Ways to Prevent Having Clogged Drains
Here are several different things that you can do to avoid a clogged drain.
Lint catcher
Installing a lint catcher on your washing machine hose can help you to avoid getting a clogged washing machine drain. When you wash clothes, pieces of fabric, lint, and other debris can quickly clog the drain. This lint trap is put on the end of the drain hose and will keep this debris from entering the drain line.
Use bacteria
Use bacteria drain cleaners to get rid of organic matter that may clog your drains. If you notice the drain getting slow, you will immediately want to reach for this drain cleaning bacteria.
Never dump grease
You should never dump grease down your drain line. Once the grease cools down, it will harden and form a clog. This can lead to a very expensive repair bill.
Catch hair before it goes down the drain
Hair and soap can cause a nasty clog that can be hard to get out. Use a mesh screen or hair catcher in each of your drains to ensure that hair does not cause any clogging issues.
Never put food down the drain
Never allow any food to go down your drains. Food that goes down the drain can clog the pipes. Consider starting a compost pile for all your food scraps.
Toilet paper
When you flush your toilet, the only thing that you should be flushing down is toilet paper and waste. Never put sanitary napkins or anything else down the drain. You will also want to check your toilet paper to ensure that it is septic tank safe. If not, you may want to consider using a trash can for your toilet paper. After a while, the toilet paper can create a tremendous clog.
Replacing drains when necessary
If you live in an older house and you know the drains were made with cast iron piping, you should consider replacing them. Cast iron piping will break down over time, and when this happens, it can create clogs and backups.
Do not use chemical drain cleaners
When you see your drain getting slow, you may want to use a chemical drain cleaner. While chemical drain cleaners can remove a clog, the reaction that happens can also damage your pipes.
Plumbing maintenance
Getting routine plumbing maintenance like getting your septic system cleaned can help you to ensure that there is nothing wrong with your drain pipes. A plumber can come out and inspect all your plumbing to ensure everything is in good shape. They can also offer drain cleaning services in Chantilly that will help to clean out your pipes.
Hiring A Good Plumber
In addition to doing all the tips above, you will want to have a good plumber on standby. You can do all the things above and can still get a clog. While minor clogs you can get out yourself, there are some bigger clogs that will require a professional. If you try to remove a clog yourself, you may end up damaging the pipes or even making the clog worse.
Doing all that you can to prevent your pipes from being clogged is imperative. If you do notice that your drains are getting slow or notice that they are clogged, call out a professional plumber so that they can help you to remove the clog and restore the functionality of your drain system.
Why Do I Need a Professional for Plumbing Work
Getting a plumbing service is something that no one ever expects to need at some point. Even though plumbing is an essential component of our homes and workplaces, we rarely pay attention to it unless it becomes necessary. The problem is that when something unexpected happens, we don’t have a plan in place for what to do in an emergency.
Unfortunately, we are then faced with a costly problem that must be resolved, and we are unsure where we will obtain the funds to pay for it. In the end, we all underestimate the importance of local plumbing services until we desperately need their assistance.To save money, many people will turn to unregistered or unqualified plumbers in an emergency if they have a plumbing problem. Even though using such services can frequently expose one to additional problems, some people cannot resist the allure of saving money. Moreover, if you’re dissatisfied with the work performed by an unregistered plumber, you’ll be at a loss for what to do to correct the situation.
This is where many people get burned, and they end up having to pay for additional local plumbing services in Chantilly from a real, licensed, and bonded plumber in their area. Any money that may have been saved in the first place has now been thrown out the window along with the rest of the capital.
Even though you can’t always predict when a plumbing emergency will occur, you mustn’t simply hire the cheapest plumbing service that you come across. The process of finding a suitably qualified professional to fix your plumbing problems may be stressful and time-consuming, but it is necessary. So, how do you go about finding a licensed plumber in Chantilly? Of course, the most straightforward method is to make use of the technology you already have at your disposal and conduct a quick search on the internet.
If you want someone who you know will complete the job to your complete satisfaction, another option is to ask family and friends for recommendations on the best plumbing service that Chantilly has to offer. They’ll be able to provide you with recommendations based on their previous experiences.
When looking for a new plumber, you should have a list of questions prepared to ask them before hiring them. Using this information, you can decide which plumber you want to hire. First and foremost, you should inquire whether the plumber will charge you for the time it takes to come to your home and assess the situation.
Once you’ve completed this step, you must meet with him or her to determine their legitimacy. Inquire as to whether the plumber can provide you with all their relevant documentation, as well as references from previous jobs. By taking your time to complete these tasks, you can rest assured that you will receive the best service that a plumber has to provide.
Methods for Obtaining the Best Local Plumbing Services
It only takes one bad experience with a plumbing contractor to convince you that you should avoid them at all costs. Unfortunately, the high demand for plumbing repairs can quickly make you forget about the disaster that the previous company left you in when the work is completed. It doesn’t matter if it’s an obstructed drainpipe, a broken pipeline, or a broken boiler; finding an inexperienced local plumber can make a terrible situation much worse.
A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners encounter. The mess may be complicated to wash, but that is not the most challenging problem. If this backup is important, you may experience significant water damage. A large number of people attempt to resolve their plumbing issues on their own.
Unluckily, this may exacerbate the situation and result in a higher repair bill overall. The most effective option is to hire a highly skilled and qualified plumber to complete the job correctly.
Unexpected emergencies are not the only instances in which you may require the services of a professional plumber in your area. A qualified professional’s expertise is also needed when installing a new washroom or kitchen component, replacing old pipes, or installing a new boiler and central furnace.
It is also recommended that combi-boilers and major heating systems undergo routine maintenance inspections on a regular basis. Besides lowering the likelihood of many issues occurring in colder weather, this may also help improve your system’s overall performance by reducing the possibility that they will appear.
Most plumbers recommend scheduling this type of service call during the summer months, well in advance of when you will need to turn on your boiler.
You’ll want to make sure that the local plumbers are licensed in their field of expertise – whether it’s general plumbing or gas equipment installation. Taking the time to double-check that the provider is listed on the certification or licensing directory for your country or state is well worth your time! Choosing someone from one of the online classified websites may seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that this person will be living in your home. All employees working in your home should have a good reputation and be well-trained and professional.
Don’t put it off for too long before getting it fixed when you have a plumbing problem. A drain may be slow for a couple of weeks. You might want to put off the purchase because you don’t want to incur the expense. When a drainpipe backs up into your house, it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars more to have it repaired. There is a plethora of excellent local plumbers to choose from. The key is to figure out who you can rely on and who you cannot.
How to Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious
A home’s bathroom should be a luxury zone. While a bathroom may seem strictly utilitarian on its face, the reality is that bathrooms are where homeowners go to relax, unwind and shake off the day. Bathrooms also set the tone for the day by providing a setting for getting showered and prepped! It’s no wonder why more and more people are seeking to add touches of luxury to their bathrooms.
Bathrooms don’t just make life more satisfying. According to Zillow, a bathroom remodel yields the biggest return in terms of boosting your home’s resale value! Yes, renovating what is often the smallest room in a home actually delivers the biggest value boost! It works out to a value increase of $1.71 for every dollar spent on a bathroom update. It’s hard to deny that a bathroom renovation is a win-win decision. However, knowing how to choose updates that really bring the luxury is a whole different game. When planning a bathroom remodel, it’s so important to marry function with style in a way that makes everything flow. Take a look at 11 ways to add luxury to a bathroom!
1. Add a Tiled Shower
Tired of staring at a dull fiberglass or acrylic shower? It’s hard not to get excited by those “dream showers” full of large tiles peppered with rich mosaics. Here’s a look at the best tiles to add to shower walls:
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Glass
- Marble
- Natural Stone
There are two ways to approach this update. The first is to tile an existing walk-in shower that has all of the right “bones” even though it’s bland. The second is to install a new walk-in shower with beautiful touches like a glass door and waterfall shower head!
2. Install a Double Vanity
According to experts, a home’s en-suite bathroom is almost as important to buyers as the home’s kitchen. When reimagining an en-suite bathroom, the trick for instant luxury is to swap a one-sink vanity for a two-sink vanity! This update ensures that there’s never any fighting over the sink! Deep sinks cut into marble or granite counters drastically boost a bathroom’s luxury rating!
3. Add Recessed Lighting
While most people rely on fixtures for bathroom lighting, a luxury-creating option like recessed lighting is tragically overlooked. The perk of adding recessed lighting in a bathroom is that it ensures light reaches every corner. That’s a plus when grooming! In addition, the way overhead light bounces off a bathroom’s beautiful tiles makes the space seem huge!
4. Hang an Oversized Mirror
Once a new vanity has been added, the way to really give it some oomph is to hang an oversized mirror! A larger mirror accentuates the size of the vanity. It also makes the entire bathroom look bigger. As a bonus, guests love being able to check themselves out in a mirror after ducking into the bathroom!
5. Add a Towel Warmer
Luxury is in the little details! A heated towel rack ensures that a fluffy, inviting towel is always waiting on the other side of a hot shower. A high-end heated towel rack is a safe, reliable addition to a bathroom that’s integrated into a home’s main heating system. These towel warmers are also very energy efficient.
6. Install a Bidet
Anyone who has ever visited a high-end hotel or luxury resort knows that bidets are signs of prestige. What many people don’t realize is that it’s fairly easy to have a bidet installed in any bathroom. In fact, a renovation that involves reimagining the layout of a bathroom presents the perfect opportunity to install a bidet because this project can be done when plumbing is being retrofitted for the new layout.
7. Get Futuristic With a Floating Vanity
Floating vanities are pretty much the only vanities that high-end builders are installing these days. Designed to be fixed to the wall without the use of supportive legs, floating vanities are incredibly sleek. While it may be tempting to think that the value of a floating vanity is purely aesthetic, the reality is that this design makes cleaning a bathroom incredibly easy because there’s no worry about grime and moisture being trapped under the vanity!
8. Install a Frameless Glass Shower
No, those frameless showers that are all over Instagram and Pinterest aren’t optical illusions! A frameless glass shower lacks the lip or edge of traditional walk-in showers. The step from bathroom floor to shower is completely seamless! However, an airtight door prevents moisture seepage! Ideal for anyone who has difficulty stepping into a traditional shower or tub, these showers often have built-in seating!
9. Add a Steam Shower
The days of needing the budget to build a separate room for a personal sauna are over! Steam showers allow people to enjoy relaxing steam sessions using built-in steam generators accompanied by vapor barriers. The best part is that electrical heating elements work with a home’s existing water system to deliver steam!
10. Design a Mosaic Rug
Why just add new tile floors when a bathroom floor can be a work of art? People looking to create custom, high-end bathrooms are installing tile rugs. Tile rugs are simply mosaics done to look like square mats. They can be placed in the center of a bathroom, in front of a shower, in front of a toilet or in front of a vanity to add a very rich accent!
11. Add a Heated Floor
This might just be the most luxurious touch possible for a bathroom! While most people assume that bathrooms with heated floors have special heated tiles, the truth is that ordinary ceramic and stone tiles are used in conjunction with a heating system that’s placed under the floor. It’s actually a radiant heat source creating those warm, soothing tiles that feel like heaven against the pads of the feet on a chilly morning.
Creating a Bathroom Fit for Royalty
Everybody deserves a bathroom that pampers. If you’re looking for bath remodeling services Chantilly homeowners can use to create show-stopping bathrooms, these 11 luxury touches are just the beginning. Book your consultation to discuss how to add luxury and value to a bathroom!
8 Secrets to Becoming a Successful Plumber in Fairfax
Fairfax, Virginia is the name of a pleasant city that is close to Washington, D.C. There are an abundance of homes and businesses available in the community. That is why it makes total sense that its residents and professionals require first-rate plumbing services. If you want to thrive as a plumber in Fairfax, there are quite a few things that you can do. These eight secrets can all help you get on the right plumbing track.
1. Get Suitable Training
A strong educational and training background is imperative for people who want to do well as plumbers. It is essential to take technical classes that can teach you all that you need to know about diverse topics such as:
- water heating systems
- pipe cutting
- plumbing codes
You must do what you can to get licensing and all the essential qualifications, pronto.
2. Secure a Coveted Apprenticeship
It can help you significantly to land an apprenticeship that can give you the chance to watch a seasoned plumber in action. Apprenticeship durations are typically anywhere between two and five years in total. Reaching out to trade schools can often help aspiring plumbers pinpoint beneficial apprenticeship opportunities that may be accessible.
It can also help you to drop a nearby plumbing company a line. If you do so, its employees may be able to tell you about apprenticeship openings that exist at the moment.
3. Pass the Plumbing Test
If you want to confirm that you can do well as a plumber, you must first pass the test. Doing so can open you up to finishing contract assignments in a legal way. If you want to be able to get your hands on plumbing jobs and not have to work alongside another professional, this test is the first step.
4. Round Up All of the Essential Supplies
Plumbers understandably must be equipped with all of the latest and most advanced equipment pieces and supplies. It is up to you to dazzle locals with your expertise. It is up to you to dazzle them with all the most contemporary tools as well. You should read up on all the biggest advancements in your field.
Doing so can help you impress and secure more loyal local customers for life. The last thing you want is for potential customers to think that you use plumbing tools and methods that are outdated and therefore nowhere near as effective and dependable.
5. Learn About the Area
You may or may not be a Fairfax aficionado. If you are decidedly not a part of that category, then you must change that right away. Getting well acquainted with the city, its residents and its businesses can help you do well in working there. It is critical for you to learn about the things that customers in the community want out of plumbing services.
Learn about widely known sites, climate factors and the whole nine yards. The better you understand the city, the better you will be able to serve all of its friendly faces.
6. Spread the Word
It is essential to promote your plumbing specialties to people who are in Fairfax and in nearby areas. You can do so by setting up an official website and by putting together an effective and solid online presence through social media, too. Your primary aim should be to make it a piece of cake for potential customers to track you down any time they need five-star plumbing work.
7. Care About Customer Service
There is a plenitude of plumbing companies in and near Fairfax. The ones that do not care about customers naturally do not do well. If you want to stand out and thrive in plumbing, then you should go above and beyond to shine in the customer service department. Treat customers like gold by giving them superb results. Be prompt and detail oriented.
8. Concentrate on Online Reviews
Reputations matter in the plumbing industry. You should take the time to zero in on reviews of your services on the Internet. If you notice any inaccuracies, do what you can to change them as soon as possible.
These eight secrets can help you to thrive as a plumber in Fairfax. If you want some more information on these secrets, or if you are looking for plumbing services, contact us today!
How to Find a Local Commercial Plumber in Chantilly
Plumbing matters can be a huge hassle. It does not matter if you are at the helm of a household or a business. The need for a professional plumber occasionally is inevitable. Issues such as sluggish drains, toilets that refuse to flush, water leakage and water discoloration can always rear their ugly heads, after all. If you are trying to find a capable and talented commercial plumber who serves Chantilly, you do not have to go into panic mode. If you are detail-oriented and thorough, landing the assistance of a commercial plumber who can get you out of your rut is 100 percent realistic.
Do a Lot of Online Research
Securing five-star help with commercial plumbing in Chantilly is in many cases as simple as performing a classic online search. You can search for reputable plumbers in the area by combing through:
- official business websites
- Internet review platforms
- social media
Once you get the names of Chantilly plumbing companies that pique your interest, you can move forward. You should start by meticulously assessing all reviews you find yourself. Look for companies and commercial plumbers who consistently receive strong feedback from past and present customers.
If you come across reviews that talk about commercial plumbing experts who do not seem trained or seasoned, look elsewhere without any delay. If you track down reviews that talk about employees who are always tardy or disrespectful, do the same exact thing. Look for plumbing company reviews that go into courteous staff members, punctuality, first-rate equipment, contemporary techniques and the whole nine yards.
Seek Out Recommendations From the People You Know
You may be able to discover impressive commercial plumbing experts simply by reaching out to people close to you. Ask your family members, coworkers, neighbors and buddies if they can give you the names of highly regarded companies that specialize in commercial plumbing in the area in general. Tell them about your criteria as well.
If you are looking to hire a commercial plumber who knows how to handle tough clogs of all sorts, make that fact abundantly clear. If you are looking to recruit a commercial plumber who can talk to you at length about suitable regular maintenance practices, make that fact obvious as well. The better people understand your preferences and requirements, the easier it will be for them to point you in a company direction that makes total sense.
Interview Attractive Plumbing Company Candidates
If you can round up a strong list of commercial plumbing companies that seem promising, that is a terrific start. Note, though, that you should never make the common mistake of giving the “okay” to a plumbing business without first talking to its staff members at length. You should take the time to perform interviews with professionals who represent these plumbing companies that seem dependable to you.
Ask them all of the right questions as well. Do not be too intimidated to ask about prices, timeframes, equipment items, techniques and anything else along those lines. If you get a lot of accurate information, then it will simplify the decision process for you in a big way.
Trust Your Instincts
Remember, no two individuals are the same. If you come across a commercial plumbing company review that is positive, you shouldn’t assume that you’ll have an identical experience. A commercial plumber who knows how to handle school plumbing well may not be as strong in a food service environment, and vice versa. That is the reason that it’s so critical to go with your gut.
When you interview plumbing company representatives, you should think in detail about how they make you feel. Do they seem confident? Do they seem trustworthy? Do they hesitate to give you honest and in-depth responses? Trusting your gut may help you avoid hiring a commercial plumber who falls short.
Contact Our Plumbing Team A.S.A.P.
Are you waiting for unparalleled commercial plumbing service in Chantilly? If you are, call our renowned company as soon as you can to get a quote from our hard-working team. We are always ready to answer all your commercial plumbing questions and beyond.
Qualities of a Good Plumbing Company in Arlington
It’s important to know the signs of a good plumber in Arlington if you need work done. Choosing an established, reputable plumbing business gives you peace of mind because you know that your job will be done properly, on time and on budget. However, you may not know how to find a good plumber in Arlington. Take a look at the eight qualities of a good Arlington plumbing company.
They’re Certified
Don’t allow anyone to touch your home’s plumbing, pipes or septic system without proper certification. Plumbers should have state certifications and licensure. In addition, you want to make sure that the company you choose is registered as a business in the state.
They’re Bonded and Insured
In addition to being licensed and certified, a plumbing business should be bonded and insured. This is simply part of doing business as a contractor in Arlington. A contractor bond is a form of underwriting that provides backup funds in the event that something goes wrong during a project that prevents the customer from paying. Liability insurance for contractors protects you and your property against liability for any damage caused to your property by a contractor. If something goes wrong, you’ll be able to file a damage claim with the contractor’s insurance company to be compensated.
They Are Eager to Show You Previous Work
Reputable plumbing companies should be willing to show you examples of previous work. In most cases, they have photos of past work completed for clients displayed on a business website for you to browse. You should also feel free to ask a plumber to see photo examples of specific types of projects if you don’t see what you’re looking for on a website. This will help you to see the “finished product” that is similar to the type of project that you need done.
They Have Good Reviews and Customer Testimonials
A company that’s been around for a while should accumulate a fair number of online reviews. Check around to see if a company has mostly positive reviews posted online. If a company excels at customer service, you will often see real customer testimonials posted on the company’s website or social media pages. It’s okay if not every review left for a plumber is a glowing review. In fact, a plumbing business that only has extremely positive reviews may be using “fake” reviews. It’s statistically likely that even the best plumber will receive some negative feedback.
They Provide Clear Estimates Before Beginning Work
A reputable plumber will conduct a full assessment to provide you with a clear estimate before beginning work. Plumbers should always have your consent before beginning any work. Here’s a look at what should be worked out in a plumbing estimate:
- Hourly labor rates.
- Rates for parts and equipment.
- The estimated time needed to complete the project.
While plumbers can’t know how long it will take to complete a job down to the minute, they should be able to provide a fairly accurate assessment of the time needed to finish a project based on their experience with similar projects. An estimate is designed to allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not you’d like to move forward with a project. Keep in mind that a plumber should also ask your permission to work on anything that is not within the scope of the estimate if they uncover new problems after beginning the project. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends reading your estimate carefully and checking warranties before giving your approval for a plumbing job.
They Show Responsiveness
You can learn a lot about how much a plumbing business values a customer’s time very early on. Most plumbing companies are very responsive because they know that many customers are contacting them about plumbing emergencies. If you’re having a hard time getting a hold of someone, the company you’re trying to contact may not be a good fit for you because it doesn’t have the bandwidth to respond to new clients. A slow response can also be a sign that a plumbing business doesn’t prioritize customer service.
They Don’t Bother With Jargon
When a plumber shows up for an estimate, the goal should be to explain their findings to you in a way that’s as clear and easy to understand as possible. Be wary of any plumber who uses complicated phrases and technical terms that are impossible to understand without a plumbing background. You should feel like you’re receiving an honest assessment that’s designed to help you make the best decision possible.
They Know Building Codes and Permits
A confident plumber is highly familiar with all state and local building codes and regulations that apply for your property. When you ask questions about permits, your plumber should be able to provide answers about what’s needed before a job can be started. They should also be able to tell you about general costs and wait times for specific permit types.
Find the Best Plumber in Arlington
Use these tips to find an expert plumber in Arlington! While you may be tempted to choose the first company that you find online, taking just a little time to go through reviews and photos of past projects will help you to know what to expect. Tracking down plumbing contractors that specialize in the type of work you need done can also save you time.
Common Plumbing Issues Found During A Home Inspection In Chantilly
When it comes to purchasing a new home for you and your family, you will want to have a home inspection to ensure that the home is in good shape and that you will know about any repairs that need to be made.
One of the most common issues that are found during a home inspection is problems with the plumbing. When it comes to the plumbing, you will want to make sure that all these issues are found because if left untreated, you could have some serious and very expensive problems.
Piping Issues
There are many issues that can be wrong with the pipes of your potential new home. These include:
- Galvanized pipes. Galvanized pipes were common in homes that were built before 1960. These pipes usually have a lifespan of around 20 to 70 years. Once these pipes start to corrode, they can increase the level of lead in your drinking water, and they can break down to the point of where they burst or leak.
- Polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene pipes first came on to the market in 1978 and were in production until 1995. Unfortunately, this pipe did not stand the test of time. The most common problem with this piping was that the polybutylene would interact with the chlorine in the water, causing corrosion which led to breakdowns. This type of piping is no longer allowed in newly constructed homes.
- Rusted cast-iron pipes. Cast iron piping was common in homes that were built before 1970. Cast iron piping can be perfectly fine, but when it does become rusted, it can lead to leaks and failure of the plumbing lines.
- ABS waste piping. This drain piping was used from the 1980s to the late 1990s. This kind of drain piping is prone to cracks, and if it is found at your new home, you may want to consider replacing it to avoid future issues.
- Uninsulated plumbing pipes. It is common to find uninsulated plumbing pipes during an inspection. This can lead to the pipes being exposed to freezing temperatures. When the pipe freezes, it can crack, causing a leak.
Clogged Sewer Lines
Another common issue found in home inspections is that the sewer line is clogged. Clogged sewer lines can lead to raw sewage coming into the house. This can do a lot of expensive damage to the home, not to mention the risk of illness.
A clogged sewer line can be caused by several things, including tree roots growing into the drain lines, something being flushed down the toilet that should not have been, and failure of the main sewer line. If this is found in the inspection, it should be taken care of quickly.
Issues With The Water Heater
There are several issues that may be found with the hot water heater upon inspection. These include:
- No hot water. There may be several reasons why there is no hot water including that the hot water heater may have failed.
- Inconsistent water temperature. This is an indication that the water heater element is not working as it should.
- Leaking water heater. A water heater can leak from the pressure relief valve, the liner, or the water inlet and outlet valves. If you find that this is the case, you will need to get a water heater replacement before you move in.
- Very old water heater. If the house you are moving into has a hot water heater that is over the age of ten, it is a good idea to go ahead and replace it.
- Sulfur smell. If during the inspection, a sulfur smell is detected, there is a build-up of bacteria in the water heater, and it needs immediate maintenance.
Low Water Pressure
In some cases, your inspector may find that you have low water pressure issues. If this is the case, you will want to find out the cause of the issue. Low water pressure can indicate the following:
- Supply line leaks. There may be a leak somewhere in the main supply line.
- Water source issues. If you have low water pressure, you may have an issue with your water source. Check with your water provider to ensure that there is no problem. If your house uses a deep well, you will want to have the inspector check the well pump.
- Leaky faucets. If there are leaky faucets in a bathroom or the kitchen, this can be the cause of water pressure issues. This issue is a simple one and can easily be fixed by a local plumber.
If your inspector finds any plumbing issues, it is imperative that they are fixed as soon as possible. While some issues are not major ones, the fact is that they can become huge and very expensive problems.
A small leak today could easily become a major leak in the future that causes a lot of damage and the risk for mold build-up. Find a local plumbing company in your area to come out and correct all these issues for you. You will save money and rest easy knowing that your plumbing is in good shape.
5 Common Health Concerns If You Have Plumbing Issues
When it comes to problems with household or commercial plumbing Chantilly residents understand that it’s important to take action before small issues become huge ones. That’s the nature of common situations like cracked pipes, leaky drains, stopped-up toilets, and more. What begins as an almost insignificant annoyance can turn into a costly, downright dangerous emergency if it’s ignored.
What kinds of health problems can spring up from typical plumbing challenges? The following is a very short list:
- Hepatitis
- Chronic headaches
- Gastroenteritis
- Skin infections
- Asthma complications
- Respiratory illnesses
- Bacterial infections
Just about any kind of plumbing situation can lead to health problems. Here’s a close-up look at five of the most frequent health concerns that directly result from plumbing problems:
- One: Gastroenteritis
This severe infection of your intestines, as well as the stomach, can mean a trip to the hospital. Typical symptoms include uncontrollable vomiting and severe diarrhea. The culprit is often contaminated water in raw sewage.
- Two: Severe Allergies
If you have asthma, even a minor plumbing issue can wreak havoc with your health. That’s because people who have asthma are susceptible to pick up infections from dozens of contaminants in standing water, especially pools of water that contain sewage and bacteria-filled substances that come out of leaky pipes. - Three: Mold-Caused Respiratory Illnesses
Mold, in all its forms, is a real enemy of good health. This single substance has the potential to cause a whole host of physical maladies, including fevers, red eyes, fatigue, skin rashes, sinus problems of many kinds, respiratory illnesses, throat irritation, sneezing, chronic coughing, breathing problems, and more. Often, mold builds up in moist areas of a home where leaky pipes have deposited water slowly over a long time. - Four: Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a serious infection of the human liver that can lead to dozens of minor and major symptoms, including vomiting, joint pain, fever, and worse. One of the easiest ways to contract hepatitis is by being near dirty water, especially the kind that pools from a backed-up plumbing system. - Five: Severe Headaches
If you’ve ever had a migraine headache, you know how debilitating the condition can be. While most plumbing issues won’t cause you to have a migraine, almost all forms of dirty water and mold can lead to excruciatingly painful headaches. Some headaches last for several days after exposure to mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, raw sewage, and human waste.
Don’t Get Sick, Get Plumbing Problems Fixed ASAP.
If your home or office is the site of a plumbing problem, even a minor one, call a professional and get it taken care of immediately. Be wise and take a proactive approach. It’s the best way to forestall costly plumbing bills and what could become rather serious health problems as well.
5 Signs A Water Heater Needs Repair
Water heaters often give off warning clues when something is wrong. There are some obvious signs that a water heater is about to go that all homeowners need to know about! This is important because broken water heaters can create some very serious collateral damage impacting the rest of the house when they do go. Take a look at five signs a water heater needs repairs.
1. The Water Only Reaches Lukewarm Temperatures
If the water exiting a faucet is tepid even though the knob is cranked to maximum heat, there’s a potential malfunction somewhere in the system. With an electric system, this could mean a heating element has gone out. With gas, a burner may have gone wrong.
2. The Hot Water Doesn’t Last
While hot water may still be pouring through the pipes, the hot water runs out very quickly. Like the lukewarm issue, short-lived hot water could be a sign of a malfunctioning burner or element. Many other components could be responsible for producing ice-cold water in the “hot” setting.
3. Strange Noises Coming From the Water Heater
In most cases, some subtle noises coming from a water heater won’t indicate a problem. It’s not uncommon for older heating units to produce mild buzzing or humming sounds. Even rumbling sounds don’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
However, certain noises are telltale signs that something is about to go very wrong. Have a water heater checked out immediately if it’s making the following sounds:
- Popping
- Banging
- Cracking
In most cases, these unsettling sounds are actually caused by sediment deposits that have accumulated on the bottom of the tank. The constant heating and reheating cycle that the unit goes through hardens that sediment over time. Yes, this can ultimately break a water heater.
However, it will cause tons of trouble under the radar long before that happens. Sediment buildup in a water heater reduces a unit’s efficiency. That means higher heating bills while getting a reduced performance.
4. Leaking
The hardest sign to ignore, leaking can also be the most serious red flag that something is wrong with a water heater. The danger with an untreated leak is that it can quickly do serious damage to a home. If there’s moisture or pooling water near a water heater, get the unit looked at by a professional right away.
Homeowners should regularly inspect for these types of leaks as part of routine home maintenance. It’s one of those small things that can save thousands and thousands of dollars by preventing damage and dangerous mold that will require costly time-consuming remediation.
In addition to contributing to long-term remediation costs, a leak is probably already pouring money down the drain. According to the American Water Works Association, homeowners lose $1 per month for every drop per second caused by faulty or improperly maintained water heaters.
That’s why Energy.gov recommends fixing leaks as one of its 15 ways to save on your water heating bill.
5. Rust-Tinged Water
Seeing rusty water coming from pipes can be a very disconcerting experience. Getting to the source often requires some investigation. In some cases, a home may have corroded pipes that are discoloring the water. It’s also very possible that the root of the rust is inside the water heater.
If this is the case, the heater may be on the verge of bursting.
Don’t Ignore Signs of Trouble With a Water Heater.
Any sudden change or fluctuation in performance can be a sign that a water heater is in distress. The good news is that addressing a problem before a water heater bursts or breaks down can prevent severe and costly damage. Homeowners who are proactive about having water heaters routinely inspected and repaired enjoy peace of mind with the added perk of saving money by running efficient units! Please make an appointment for water heater repair Chantilly residents count on to keep their systems in top condition today!
Why You Need A Plumber To Install A Sump Pump
If you’re tired of dealing with a flooded basement, then you may be in the market for a sump pump. However, before you attempt to DIY on your own, you should first consider hiring a plumber. Here’s why you need a plumber to install a sump pump in your home.
You Don’t Know What Type of Sump Pump to Get.
Looking through the various sump pumps available on the market, you’ll quickly realize that there are three main types of pumps. They include:
- Pedestal pump
- Submersible pump
- Battery Backup
Can you be sure that you know which one you need? If not, a plumber can tell you. The last thing you want to do is invest in a sump pump only to realize that the flooding is still happening. A plumber can help you decide on the pump that works best for your situation.
You Don’t Know What Size You Should Get.
When it comes to sump pumps, size does matter. If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, then you may need a larger sump pump than you realize. If your pump is too small, then it won’t be able to remove water quickly enough.
Plumbers can perform the necessary calculations for you. They understand how much water the pump can move at a given time and then help you choose the size that’s appropriate for your home. You won’t spend too little or too much on a pump that doesn’t solve your problem.
You Don’t Know Where to Put the Pump.
You can’t just perform sump pump installation Chantilly anywhere. It needs to be strategically placed in the lowest area of your basement. A plumber can find that spot and install the pump.
It can be challenging to find the lowest spot in your basement, especially if it seems like the entire basement is level. A plumber has the tools and expertise to find that spot and mark it for installation.
You don’t want to install the pump in the incorrect location, only to have to dismantle it and install it again elsewhere. You could destroy your basement in the process. You may even damage the sump pump.
A plumber will save you time and spare you from a headache.
You Don’t Know How to Use the Equipment Needed to Install a Sump Pump.
Installing a sump pump isn’t easy. It requires specific tools to be attached correctly. One of those tools is usually a jackhammer. The pump needs to cut through the cement of your basement to be installed. If you’ve never used a jackhammer before, then it isn’t the time to learn. Jackhammers can lead to serious injuries if used without experience.
Plumbers have that experience. They also have the skills to handle other pieces of equipment necessary for the job.
Attempting to install the sump pump with tools you’ve never handled before can result in an injury for yourself. It may also damage the pump.
A plumber will ensure the installation process is handled smoothly. Through their installation process, the pump will be installed correctly and work efficiently.
A Plumber Saves You Money.
You’ll likely end up spending a lot more when you attempt to DIY a sump pump installation rather than just hiring a plumber. Don’t waste your money by accidentally damaging the pump in the process, either. Leave the installation to professional hands.
Professional Sump Pump Installation Today
If your home frequently floods, then it may need a sump pump. Our experts can help you choose the right pump and install it for you. Give our team a call today to order your sump pump installation.