Quick Tips On How To Repair A Water Pipe
There’s wisdom in repairing water pipes when you have the tools and expertise to do so. Plumbers typically charge a flat rate for a service call as well as a per-hour fee, so you’re sure to save a few bucks by doing the job yourself. For water pipe repair Chantilly homeowners and property owners often do minor repair work themselves.
Of course, you need to make sure that you know the basics and don’t damage the pipes in any way. The good news is that a simple water pipe repair is not a complex chore. There are three strategies for getting the task done, and none calls for high-level plumbing knowledge. The common DIY approaches are:
- Tape (with complete repair kit)
- Epoxy
- Clamp/Patch
Here’s what you need to know about each of the methods:
Tape
Tape kits are available in most retail and specialty stores at reasonable prices. The advantage of using a tape kit is that you don’t have to hunt around for any extra items. Everything for a common water pipe repair job is included.
The first task is turning off the water supply, standard practice for virtually every DIY plumbing repair. Next, follow the information on the kit for activating the adhesive portion of the tape. Then, carefully wrap the fiberglass tape around the portion of the pipe where the leak is located.
One of the benefits of kits is that the tape is so flexible you can even apply it to bulky fittings, and it will still adhere to the surface of the pipe. Plus, some kits are priced a bit higher and include special tape that is self-adhering.
Epoxy
When using epoxy to repair a leaky water pipe, it’s essential to shut off the water source first and then drain the problem pipe of residual water. This is necessary so that the epoxy can do its job. It won’t adhere if the area is wet or dirty.
Always follow directions on the product container. Epoxy is a pretty simple substance to work with. Measure enough for the pipe leak or break. Then, knead the putty for a few minutes until it feels ready to apply. Please leave it in place according to the written directions. After that, test the seal by turning the water on and observing the result.
Clamp/Patch
A clamp-and-patch kit can work well for larger jobs where the pipe is split open or completely ruptured. Turn off the water source. Use a metal file to smooth the pipe if there are rough spots. Carefully place the patch and clamps in place. Turn the water back on to test the integrity of the seal.
Getting the Help You Need
If you can’t do the job yourself, either because it’s too complex or you don’t have the time, contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible. Leaky water pipes can do a lot of damage to your home, so it’s imperative to take care of the situation as quickly as possible.
How Do You Repair A Leaking Gas Line
If you smell rotten eggs in the most unlikely places in your home, then you may have leaking gas lines. This is one of the ways professional plumbers identify a gas leak. You may notice this when you call for gas line repair Chantilly services.
Detecting a Leaking Gas Line
A gas leak is no laughing matter at home. It can become a threat to your family’s health and safety if left unattended. It would be best if you kept an eye on the symptoms of gas leaks in your house. You may find it helpful to take note of the following signs of a gas leak.
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- eye and throat irritation
- breathing problems
- fatigue
- pale skin or blisters
The most notable sign of a leaking gas line is when your entire family experiences difficulty in breathing. Professional plumbers use Mercaptan to detect a gas leak. You can hardly smell leaking gas at all. If you notice your family getting these symptoms, you might need to get a technician to check your leaking gas lines.
Safety Measures for a Leaking Gas Line
When it comes to repairing a leaking gas line, health and safety experts do not recommend doing it yourself. Healthline published an article on their website about the cause of a leaking gas line. They provided a list of do’s and don’ts when you suspect a leaking gas line in your home. They do not even suggest that you try to find and repair the leak.
- Do not turn lights on and off.
- Do not use household appliances that may cause ignition.
- Do not keep your doors closed.
- Do not make phone calls from your house.
- Let an inspector locate and fix the leak.
- Evacuate the building or get out of the house.
Medical professionals prescribe these health and safety measures to protect the lives of everyone living in your home. It can be pretty dangerous to try and repair a leaking gas line on your own. It may grow to become a disaster if not appropriately addressed. You need the help of a professional to fix those damaged pipes.
Seven Steps to Fix Your Broken Gas Line
While it is best to let professionals do the work, it would still be helpful to know how to do your gas line repair. You need to take immediate steps to prevent further damage when you suspect a gas leak in your home. If you can locate the source of the leak, then you can begin treating those damaged pipes as you wait for your plumber to arrive.
Consider the following steps for your gas line repair. Make sure to observe the safety measures when you do these steps to keep yourself safe and protected.
Step 1 – Switch Off the Gas
First things first. Working on a broken pipe with your gas source turned on is quite dangerous. A tiny spark can easily catch fire. Inhaling the fumes is also a threat to your and your family’s health. Make sure to turn off your gas supply before you begin your gas line repair.
Step 2 – Find the Leak
This step is best performed by a professional, but if you can do it yourself, make sure to keep yourself protected. Wear a mask and gloves as you remove the insulated covering of the leaking pipe. If you cannot locate the leak’s source, it is better to call your utility company for assistance.
Step 3 – Get Rid of Extra Gas
A leak will usually occur if there is too much pressure on the pipe. You may need to replace it with a stronger pipe that can hold higher pressure. Disconnect the leaking gas line from the regulator to stop the leak. You will need some plumbing tools and skills to do this step.
Step 4 – Clean It Up
Here comes the dirty work. Over time, your gas line goes through wear and tear. Rust and other impurities may build up, causing the gas to leak. Keeping your gas line clean and free from impurities can prevent spreading gas. Scrub the pipe with sandpaper to even out the surface. Then use acetone to wash off those impurities.
Step 5 – Seal the Leaks
You can use epoxy to seal the leaks on the gas pipe. Make sure not to fit the pipes too tight when you reinstall them. Remember that too much pressure can cause a leak.
Step 6 – Test the Lines
Now that you have completed all those steps, it is time to test those gas lines. This is an important step in the gas line repair process. Make sure to test the gas lines before putting back the protective covering so that you can easily seal those leaks.
Step 7 – Replace the Covers
When you are sure that you have sealed all the leaks, it is time to put back the covers to protect your gas lines. Having done well with all these gas line repair steps, you should now be confident that your gas system is safe. If you still experience symptoms of gas leaks, it is best to get professional help.
In residential areas like Chantilly, many homes use natural gas to power their water heaters and home appliances. These households are pretty vulnerable to leaking gas. While some say natural gas leaks are rare, gas line repair services are widely offered. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, you can call these professional plumbers for help.
Health and safety experts recommend regular inspection of your gas lines to prevent leaks. Old pipelines and appliances can cause leaking gas. If you don’t attend to a leaking gas line, it can become life-threatening to everyone living in your home.
Awareness of leaking gas hazards is essential to keep your family healthy, happy, and safe in your home. Remember the safety measures when you suspect a gas leak at home. You can attempt to fix the leaking pipe, but it is better to get professional help.
Do I Need A Plumber To Install A Garbage Disposal?
Have your friends ever complained that your kitchen smells? Such a situation is absolutely embarrassing. If your sewage isn’t defective and you don’t have a garbage disposal, the main culprit is the garbage bin. If you’re lazy to place your garbage outside after washing the utensils, waste materials such as leftover foods, peels, rotten veggies, and others can smell sour and rancid. The resulting odorous smell will linger forever if you don’t find a solution. Speaking of a solution, why not try having a garbage disposal system installed?
I Know What A Garbage Disposal Is. The Question Is, Can I Install It Myself?
Installing garbage is very easy if you’re an experienced DIYer. Put your attention on the term “experienced.” By saying experienced, we mean that you don’t need our help if you already know how to align the garbage disposal on the sink tubes, install it in a wobble-free way, and have channel-type tools pliers, hammer, screwdriver, and wrenches.
In contrast, if you’re in the dark about how to do it, professional plumbers like us can significantly help. Not only do we help you install the garbage disposal safely, but we also help find the proper garbage disposal system for the sink if you allow us. Understand that choosing between the numerous garbage disposal systems largely depends on the design of your sink tubes and your washing habits.
Do I Really Need A Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposal system installation falls on the grayline between expensive or cheap. That’s why we’re with you if you’re hesitant to have it. The common question is whether or not you really need a garbage disposal. To answer straightforwardly, aside from making your house odor-free, a garbage disposal system is a cleaner way of disposing of wastes than putting them in a separate bag and throwing them outside.
To continue, you might not need garbage disposal if you’re a clean freak – meaning that you’re one of those homeowners who diligently throw solid waste on the kitchen garbage bin to the dump. Personal preference is the basis of whether to have it installed or not. With that being said, we can’t really force you to do it if you’re fine with your kitchen smelling bad.
What Are The Advantages of Having The Garbage Disposal Installed By Plumbers?
You have to invest money if you employ plumbers to do the garbage installation for you. However, this is fine because the cost outweighs the benefits. This section provides you the concise and comprehensive reasons as to why it’s better to hire plumbers.
Avoid Damage To The Sink Tubes
Installing a garbage disposal system requires the tweaking of the sink tubes. To integrate the garbage disposal to the sink, the sink tubes might have to be modified via cutting. Doing this is very risky if you know nothing about plumbing. The potential damage that might occur is leaking, bent sink tubes, or clogging.
But with plumbers, the problems that we mentioned can’t occur. Plumbers carefully integrate the garbage disposal to the sink meticulously via specialized tools and adhesives. Others even use replacement sink tubes that are specifically made for garbage disposal systems.
Avoid Damage To The Garbage Disposal System
Installation might damage the garbage disposal system if not done by experts. Such damage might be due to the incorrect attachment of the integral components to the kitchen sink tubes. Usually, parts that suffer from malfunction due to haphazard installation are:
- The dishwasher connector
- The knockout
- The upper hopper chamber
- The waste line connector
Plumbers help you avoid damage during installation. It’s because they know how to install a garbage disposal properly on the kitchen sink regardless of its design and type. Moreover, they also look out for possible causes of damage, such as existing factory defects on the garbage disposal system or the components that comprise the kitchen sink.
Find the Right Garbage Disposal System For You
Garbage disposal systems vary in features and specs. For example, some models don’t mind taking large bones, while there are models that broke quickly if you put even the tiniest pieces. Specifically, garbage disposal systems vary in motor power, motor durability, motor electrical consumption, impeller and flywheel design, and dishwasher and waste line connector design.
If you seek their help and instruct them to do it, plumbers will be on the move to find the proper garbage disposal system for you. A lot of plumbing companies can directly get the garbage disposal system that you need from the manufacturer. This cut costs because it diminishes the additional cost for purchase that third-party sellers put.
Aside from cutting costs, having the plumbers get the garbage disposal system that you need is advantageous because what they provide comes from leading brands. Furthermore, you can also request a refund if the garbage disposal system they provide fails to work well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposal Installation
How many plumbers will install the garbage disposal system?
Most plumbing companies send one plumber to do the installation. However, in some cases, if the service includes sink tube replacement, cleaning, or declogging, plumbing companies send two plumbers to your home.
Is garbage disposal system installation available in winter?
Plumbing companies offer garbage disposal installation in winter. Garbage disposal installation service is an in-house job. Therefore, there’s no reason for plumbers to refuse you. However, you have to know that pricing in winter is more expensive than the pricing in summer.
How long does garbage disposal system installation take?
It usually takes 2-4 hours for plumbers to install a garbage disposal. Factors that affect the installation period are the current condition of the sink, the design of the sink tubes, and the design of the garbage disposal system itself.
Can one garbage disposal system take care of two sinks at once?
Yes and no. The garbage disposal system can take care of dual-type sinks if the sink tubes connect at a single point (meaning that they connect to the same sewage pipe). If the opposite is true, then you might have to get at two garbage disposal systems installed.
Where to get the best garbage disposal installation service?
Doherty Plumbing provides the best garbage disposal installation Chantilly. We even provide one of the best garbage disposal repair and replacement services in the area. Please send an email now or call us so that we can show you a trusty installation service.
Fixing A Broken Faucet: A Comprehensive Discussion
The anxiety that a leaking faucet makes you suffer is as problematic as the anxiety that a cheating partner brings. That constant ticking sound makes it hard to sleep at night. Moreover, the spillage is very messy. Never settle for less. This applies to your house’s faucet. As soon as it leaks, consider replacing or repairing it right away.
So Why Does Damage Happen To A Faucet?
A faucet gets damaged due to a lot of factors. The first is time. Of course, if the faucet has been around for many years (say 10-20 at most), it will get busted sooner or later. Regardless of the type of faucet, its brand, and the material that the manufacturer used for making it, a faucet will only last for 15-20 years on average.
The second factor is water pressure. To stop the water from flowing, the faucet only holds or keeps the water from flowing out. If you can’t picture it, think of a faucet as a dam and the water from the pipe as a river. If the water pressure is too strong for the faucet, it gets damaged because the water pressure loosens the fittings. Normally damage occurs on the knob, o-rings, seat and springs, ball valve, etc.
The third factor is the elements, especially heat and rust. Heat and rust can make the faucet develop cracks on its outer and inner components. Water then goes through these cracks. The cause of leaking is minor at first. However, if left alone, it will eventually wreck the whole faucet system.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix A Leaking Faucet?
Increased Water Bills
Since a leaky faucet doesn’t effectively shut off the water flow on your sink, it’s only proper to associate increased water bills with it. The simplest slightest leak can generate an additional $20 on your bills. Twenty dollars isn’t that pricey but accumulate that per day the faucet keeps leaking, and you’ll shake your head in disbelief. Also, aside from money, you are wasting water, which is an insult to 790 million people who don’t have access to an efficient water supply.
Damaged Sink and Countertop
A leaky faucet constantly wets the sink and, sometimes, the countertop. Such constant wetting causes these to develop rust or moss. Such rust or moss damages the sink or countertop by making them more susceptible to denting and cracking. Sometimes, they also cause the sink and countertop to smell.
What Is The Fastest Way To Fix A Leaky Faucet?
The fastest way to fix a leaky faucet is to get it replaced. You can do the replacement. However, please call the plumbers if you’re not very familiar. Sometimes, DIY leaky faucet replacement can cause damage on the hose that attaches to the faucet once it’s being installed. Other reasons why you should call for replacement are:
- the design and construction of the shape make it hard to install
- avoid a lacking flow of water after installation
- avoid breaking the faucet during installment
- avoid the task of finding the right faucet yourself (plumbers already have the best ones in-store)
Still, if you don’t want a faucet replacement service because you don’t want to do the installation process again, go ahead to fix the faucet.
How To Fix A Leaky Faucet?
First of all, if a faucet is leaking, don’t immediately assume that it’s busted. The first thing you have to think about is minor complications that might make the faucet look like it’s leaking. For example, it might be that the water line’s pressure is too intense, someone just forgot to close the faucet properly, there’s leaking on the roof that’s directly above the faucet, etc.
If none of the above causes leaking, the culprit is the faucet, and then these are the steps you should do to fix it:
Turn The Main Water Line Off
Turn the main water line off before starting. While fixing, what you don’t want to happen is to have a sudden stream of water flowing out after removing the faucet, which comes from the pipe that connects to it. If you don’t do this, not only will reinstalling the faucet be challenging, but you and the whole place will get wet.
Remove The Faucet
The second step is to remove the faucet. Doing this is case-specific based on the brand and type of faucet you are about to fix. Still, the most common approach is to loosen the screws or the knot that locks and attaches the faucet to the pipe under it.
Dismantle the Faucet and Clean Everything
Dismantle the faucet after detaching it from the pipe. Again, how to dismantle is case-specific and depends on the brand or type of your faucet. Commonly, the first thing to do is to remove the handle or knob from the faucet since it acts as the lock that binds all other components. After removing it, taking the faucet apart will be easy.
After taking the whole faucet apart, clean everything such as valves, inner hoses, ball valve, cam, packing, etc. Why clean anyway? You have to assume that dirt is the reason why the faucet is malfunctioning. After cleaning, assemble the faucet and reattach it to the pipe to see if there’s no leaking anymore.
Replace the Parts
If the leaking persists even after you have cleaned the faucet’s components, dismantle it again and check for defects on the components. The part of the faucet that commonly suffers from damage is the gasket. When damaged, the gasket shrinks or becomes thin. You can buy a gasket online or in break-and-mortar stores. Bring a sample for size reference.
Conclusion
To repair a faucet by yourself is easy. However, it’s best if you call our faucet repair Chantilly service. We have all the expertise and the essential parts for making your faucet work again. Furthermore, we do everything safely and quietly so that we won’t bother your living space while we’re working. Ring our customer hotline now because we’re waiting.
When To Call A Local Plumber To Fix Plumbing Issues
Plumbers are always ready to help 24/7. Even so, plumbers won’t come unless you request them. Notwithstanding if it’s minor or major, plumbers will always be happy to take on any repair project provided that it falls within their expertise and their available resources.
Nonetheless, calling plumbers when the plumbing problem can be fixed by yourself is a waste of money. As local plumber Chantilly, we want future clients to contact us when they need help. With that, we’ve made this article that provides a round-up of plumbing issues that require a local plumber’s attention.
Leaking That Leads To Flooding
You can fix those leaks by yourself if they only result in minor wetting such as trickles or droplets of water going to the house’s floor or ceiling. However, if the leaking makes your home look like it’s soaked in the Amazon, consider calling a plumber right away.
Flooding that leaking causes is very dangerous. It risks your house to fire and electrocution. This is because the electrical wirings that are near to the floor might have been wet. The existing water in the specific location of your house might then conduct electricity. If you attempt to fix the plumbing in this area without knowledge about safety procedures, you’ll likely be electrocuted.
You Don’t Have The Tools
It’s only proper to call the plumbers if you have the right tools. This agrees with the analogy of not going to the mountain if you’re not wearing hiking equipment or not playing golf if you don’t have golf clubs. You might think that winging it might work on minor plumbing issues. However, this isn’t the case. Tools are always needed when it comes to plumbing. Tools ensure they prevent further damage while the repair is ongoing.
The Gas Pipes For The Heater Are Defective
You can fix leaky water pipes if you know how to do it. But for heater gas pipes, leave the rest to the plumbers. Gas pipes are always tricky to fix. Finding where their issue is coming from requires specialized equipment that analyzes the surrounding air to determine how severe the leaking is and where it’s coming from.
Moreover, gas pipes can lead to fires if you make a mistake. This happens when you fail to isolate the leaking gas while repairing the heater gas pipes yourself. As for plumbers like us, we have a few tricks in our sleeve, preventing this dangerous situation from happening.
The Water Heater Isn’t Working
Call the plumbers if the water heater isn’t working after you’ve done the basic troubleshooting tips. Aside from diagnosing and fixing pipes, plumbers also know about diagnosing and repairing water heaters. They can even make a few recommendations if your water heater is in a state of disrepair. Possible accidents that might happen if you decide to do otherwise are fire breakouts (when repairing gas heaters) and electrocution (when repairing electric heaters).
By the way, plumbers also do water heater installation. This is a task that you can do yourself. However, for the best installation job that doesn’t expose your house to hazards, call plumbers because they evaluate the house to determine the most desirable locations where the water heater should be installed.
The Main Pipes Outside of The House Are Broken
Major pipes are impossible to fix by yourself. Fixing them needs thorough professional evaluation and the use of special plumbing techniques and equipment. The most common fix for broken major pipes is pipe relining. This is something that not all can do since it requires using a large pipe relining device. Note that you can buy this pipelining device online or in brick-and-mortar stores. However, its cost is higher than the repair service that plumbers offer.
If pipe relining won’t work, then pipe replacement is another option. Still, this is something that you can’t do by yourself. Processes involved in pipe replacement are excavation, pipe placement using heavy machinery, and pipe installation. Doing this requires a team of construction workers and plumbers.
A Foul Odor Is Lingering In Your House
Having a foul odor in your house means that the sewer pipes might be experiencing problems. Fixing sewer pipes is a dirty job. Therefore, rather than being parsimonious, it’s better to call the plumbers who can fix those sewer pipes without making a mess of the worksite.
In connection, aside from odor, consider letting plumbers fix those pipes if the toilets of your house won’t drain. This is a messy task that’s better done by professionals, even though expensive. We’ve seen homeowners who did otherwise and found themselves in a very unpleasant situation. Note that plumbers might decide to come if the toilet’s mess became unmanageable due to a failed DIY repair.
The Plumbing Issues Happened During Winter
You might think that it’s justifiable not to call plumbers if the plumbing issues happened in winter since they can’t get to your house quickly. However, winter is when everyone should call for a plumber’s help. Many of the issues that we discussed here become more severe in wintertime.
For example, winter makes the sewer pipes more problematic because it makes the smell more dominant. This happens because the house’s windows can’t be opened to at least let some of the odor escape outside. Another disturbing thing is when the toilet fails to drain, and there are no other toilets at home.
The same also applies to flooding. The water that floods the house in winter due to piping issues can reduce the house’s heat levels. This could also potentially lead to other types of damage that promote cold drafts entrance from the outside.
Conclusion
Local plumbers are always ready to help. We’re only one call away for clients who need immediate plumbing service. Our time of arrival depends on how far your home is from us. Nevertheless, rest assured that we will try to arrive ASAP so that you won’t experience unnecessary delays.
How Plumbing Contractors Fix A Burst Pipe In Your House
If you’re a homeowner, you probably know a thing or two about plumbing problems. Most property owners encounter common challenges like clogged drains, toilets that constantly run, odd noise coming from basement pipe systems, and much more.
It’s possible to fix many minor plumbing problems yourself, including things like slow-draining bathtubs and sinks, but a burst pipe needs professional attention from a licensed plumber.
Burst Pipes are Serious Problems
But what about a more serious event like a burst pipe? Unlike most of the more common plumbing problems, burst pipes can quickly turn into major expenses, create a huge mess, and end up making you wish you had attended to the situation when you first noticed it.
How do professional plumbers fix burst pipes in residential homes? Here’s a quick look at what a licensed contractor might do when they arrive on the scene in response to a “burst pipe” call from a homeowner:
- Cut the Electricity: One of the first things a plumber does is turn off the electricity in the area where the burst pipe is likely located. This is a general safety measure and is why many plumbers use lighted battery-powered headgear.
- Locate the Leak: Experienced contractors know where to look for typical bursts. This essential second step is where the real “plumbing” work begins because the contractor often has to get down into the home’s flooring or walls to identify the precise location of the leak.
- Shut Off the Water: Once the burst location is found, the plumber knows whether the entire home’s water supply or just a portion of it needs to be cut off. Regardless, the third major step of fixing a burst pipe involves shutting off the water supply to the damaged area.
- Do Necessary Repair Work: The fourth and final step pertains to the burst pipes themselves. An experienced contractor knows immediately whether the job will be a minor “fix it” situation or calls for replacing entire sections of pipe. Even the most talented DIY enthusiast should not attempt to replace broken pipes. This is what licensed plumbers do every day and why you should call them.
Like most plumbing problems, you can save a lot by taking care of a burst pipe as soon as possible. Typical expenses to repair a burst pipe can be surprisingly low if you catch the situation early. Waiting can be a costly move, especially if your home is older and is already in need of other plumbing work.
How Do You Know When a Pipe Has Burst?
It’s easy enough to understand that burst pipes are a top priority. But, how can non-professionals know whether their home is suffering from such a dilemma? Plumbers say that there are several common signs of a burst pipe in your home. Be aware that not all of them are obvious, so it’s essential to pay attention to any plumbing-related issues that come up.
When a pipe bursts, you’ll usually notice one or more of the following “symptoms.”
- Noises: Do you ever hear banging, clanking, or squealing noises coming from your home’s pipes? Anything but silence can mean there’s a problem afoot, and you should make a note of where the sounds are coming from and how often you hear them. Have a plumber check them out during an inspection.
- Smell: If your household water smells strange, “rotten,” or downright awful, the likely culprit is plumbing-related.
- Discoloration: In addition to odors, make a note of what your water looks like. Is it discolored in any way? If so, you’ve probably got a plumbing problem on your hands. Be careful never to drink, cook with, or bathe in discolored or smelly water.
- Low Pressure: A more subtle but still grave issue is low water pressure. A broken pipe often leads to a general reduction of household pressure.
- Stains: Do you have water stains on your walls, ceilings, or floors? Unless it’s the result of a spill or a roof leak you already know about, there’s a high probability that the staining is plumbing-related. Call a professional asap.
Get Professional Help
It’s important to contact a plumbing contractor Chantilly residents know and trust when your home suffers a burst pipe. Don’t wait. Even a short delay can turn a small, inexpensive repair job into a major expense and a huge headache.
Be attentive to the general health of your home’s plumbing system. If you notice any of the telltale signs noted above, call a plumber for a thorough inspection. When it comes to plumbing, being proactive is the key to keeping your home’s pipes in tip-top shape.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Your Drains
Are your drains making your life unbearable? It’s amazing how something as simple as a clogged drain can turn a sunny day into a frustrating one. When it comes to drain cleaning Chantilly residents can opt for the DIY approach or call a plumber.
When one of your drains stops working, it’s a helpless feeling that might end up with a call to the plumber. The good news is this: even if you can’t unclog that stuck drain all by yourself, hiring a professional is often the best way to prevent a recurrence and prevent a small problem from becoming a much more costly one.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a go-to list of easy ways to resolve plumbing problems on your own. That’s just common sense. But if the DIY techniques don’t work, never hesitate to bring in the pros and get the job done right.
Here are some practical ways to unclog a stuck drain:
DIY Drain Cleaning Methods
Remember to opt for the simplest, least forceful technique first, so you don’t put undue stress on the entire plumbing system’s pipes. Wear safety goggles to avoid getting chemicals in your eyes, and use waterproof work gloves to protect your hands.
- BS&V (baking-soda and vinegar): Pour a few cups of boiling water into the clogged drain. Then, pour one cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Next, prepare a mixture of one cup white vinegar and the same amount of water in a large plastic container. Heat the mixture in your microwave until it’s near the boiling point. Pour the super-hot stuff down the drain and let it sit for two hours. Test to see if the clog is gone by running hot water into the drain.
- Hanger: Take a wire clothing hanger and uncoil it completely. Use pliers to make a half-inch fish-hook on one end. Place the hooked back into the drain and wiggle it every which way, being careful not to force it in. Pull it up occasionally and throw debris into the trash. Repeat until the clog is gone or quickly rinses away with hot water.
- Plunger: Plungers are good if you know how to use them. Try putting some Vaseline on the rim to help create a suction lock. And use smaller plungers for small drains like sinks and tubs. Give five or six good plunges and wait one minute. Repeat this process five times, and then pour a cup of hot water into the drain to see if it’s clear.
- Fizzy Cola Soft Drink: The Pepsi/Coke drain cleaning hack has been around for more than a century. It works in many cases but can also hurt your pipes. So, please don’t use it as the first line of attack. Pour one cup of cola into the clogged drain and let it sit for a full hour. Pour warm water in and see if the clog is gone.
- Wet-Dry Vac: This method is a bit tricky but works well if you can create a suction opening around the drain. You can remove a plunger end, place it over the drain, and apply the vac to the hole. However you do it, let the vac run for a few minutes before testing your success with a cup of hot water in the drain.
- Dishwashing Liquid: This stuff works better than you might suspect, especially on sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets. Pour a cup of boiling water first, followed by eight ounces of dishwashing liquid. Plunge lightly to mix up the contents. Wait for a half-hour and test the drain.
- Plumbing Snake: You can buy snakes at local home stores, but they’re best avoided for DIY. We list them here as a caution, something not to use. Why? They can seriously damage your pipes, especially if you live in an older home.
- Washing Soda: Sodium carbonate is stronger than baking soda by a country mile. Run hot water into the drain, followed by a cup of washing soda. Let it stand for about 10 minutes, and then dump a few cups of boiling water down the drain.
- P-Trap Removal: Of DIY methods, this is usually the last resort, and for a good reason. It’s messy, and you need pliers and a bucket, which means crawling around on the floor. Use the pliers to loosen the lock rings on the small, curved pipe under your sink. Clean it out, and put it back on. Make sure to have a bucket underneath the line while working.
When You Need More Than a Plunger
If quickie DIY strategies don’t work as you wish, call (703) 570-6992 and let one of our team members know the problem. We dispatch help right away in emergencies, or you can book an appointment for a non-emergency call. Plumbing problems have a way of getting worse before they get better, so take action to avoid a significant mess.
What To Expect Once Your Pipe Starts To Thaw Out
Most know what happens when pipes or a section of them freeze – lack of water supply, presence of cold drafts in the house, bubbling noise (a rare case), and an odorous stench (in case sewage pipes froze). However, many are not aware of what happens after they thaw out. So, is it happily ever after the pipes unfreeze? Probably not.
What Happens After Pipes Thaw Out?
Generally speaking, after unfreezing, the pipes exhibit complications that are not discernible while they were in a frozen state. Of course, the degree of damage to the pipes largely depends on the degree of their freezing and how they thawed out – natural or mechanical (more on this later on).
For an insider tip, know that if you have frozen pipes it is best to call a plumber and arrange a plumbing service for a later date – specifically, the beginning of spring. Know that you are not the only client whose pipes have thawed out. Therefore, plumbers will be very busy, and getting an immediate service might be difficult.
Going back to the topic, these are the possible scenarios that happen once your house’s pipes thaw out.
Leaking
When pipes freeze, the liquid inside them expands. It can cause the linkages of the pipes to loosen, thereby causing leaks. Since ice does not drip, you cannot notice the presence of leaks while the pipes are still frozen. However, as the pipe thaws out, the ice returns to liquid form. It will then exit via the loose linkages of the pipes, and leaking becomes apparent.
Even more of a headache is that leaking does not happen to one section only. Leaking, which loose linkages cause, happens to several sections at once. There is no other way to get around except go for a pipe relining service (if the pipes are still serviceable) or go for pipe replacement service.
Cracking
If the pipes’ linkages did not loosen, then the leaking might happen via the cracks on the pipe. Cracking occurs whenever frozen pipes suddenly unfreeze. Factors that cause this is the sudden increase in the environment’s temperature or immediate thawing using a high output heat gun or room heater.
Compared to loose linkages, cracks do not result in the gushing of water from the pipes. You can do a few things to minimize the problem that they cause.
The first thing that you can do is apply pipe sealants on the cracks to stop the dripping before the plumbers arrive to repair them. You can also place carpets or buckets under the cracks so that the water does not go to other house locations and cause unnecessary hassle.
Prepare To Move Out Of Your House
Often, the leaking that happens once the pipes thaw out is not limited to little water drips that can only wet the room where the pipes are. The leaking is as strong as the flow of water from a faucet. Therefore, resulting in pools of water that affect the whole house.
The severity of the leaking depends on the design of your house. For example, if your houses have two floors, and the frozen pipes are on the second floor, the first floor will probably rain with water. Hence, this will result in wetting the living room, the hallways, etc.
Prepare to move out when this happens. The leaking will not stop anytime sooner. Moreover, living in a wet house is dangerous. Due to the wetting, house appliances, especially those on the floor, might short circuit and cause fires while sleeping or doing something.
How To Thaw Frozen Pipes?
The pipes will thaw on their own once spring comes. However, waiting for spring is not ideal because prolonged freezing leads to further damage. Therefore, it is best to thaw the pipe early. These are the simple tricks to thawing with everyday items in the house.
Use The Blower
This method works once the pipe has only started freezing. The blower method is also people for the smaller pipes in the house. Any blower will do, but it is best to use the ones that have high heat output. Using a blower is that it gradually thaws out the pipe, which does not result in further damage.
Use A Portable Room Heater
The room heater has a similar effect to the blower. However, compared to the blower, the room heater is more suitable for thawing several sections of a pipe in the same location. The best portable heater to use is those that use infrared technology. It provides heating to the room and the pipes, thereby resulting in efficient and effective thawing.
Use Lukewarm Water
Using lukewarm water will do the job. Note the emphasis on the term lukewarm and not boiling. You do not want to use boiling water because it will cause the pipes to expand and develop cracks. To use lukewarm water, pour it on the frozen sections of the pipe at intervals. Also, get a bucket to catch the drips of lukewarm water that goes to the floor after pouring.
What To Do When The Pipes Thaw Out?
Turn off The Main Water Line
You might want to turn off the main water line to lessen the leaking effects of the pipes. By turning off the main water line, you cut the water supply on the pipes, thereby reducing the flow of water in them. It makes leaking more problematic because the drips will only come from the unfrozen water inside the pipes.
Conclusion
Pipes that thaw out can lead to more complicated things aside from affecting your house’s water supply. Thawing isn’t a sign that the problem is over. Once the pipes thaw out, they call for more attention and care. That’s why call our plumbing services Chantilly now. Our company will restore the original integrity of your pipes as if they were never frozen.
Remodeling Tips for Your Kitchen
Kitchen is one of the most commonly used and most important rooms for any home. Each one of us would like it to be in the best of condition. While cleanliness and appearances are of importance, as the kitchen adds years to its age, there could be the need for giving it a new look. You also may have more members in your family and this may require a bigger cooking space and kitchen.
Therefore, kitchen remodeling is becoming quite common. But, remodeling a kitchen requires some preparation, and also having some good ideas.
As the homeowner, you could be the best person to decide on the type of kitchen remodeling ideas that you are looking for. Once you have zeroed in on a few kitchen remodeling ideas, you could move forward with the actual remodeling. However, it is quite obvious that you will not be able to do the remodeling on your own.
You have to look for the services of experienced, capable and professional kitchen remodeling services Chantilly contractors. You can start looking for them only after you have a reasonably good idea about various useful kitchen remodeling tips. We are listing down a few tips that are proven and could help to give a facelift to your kitchen apart from adding more utility and value to the kitchen.
Don’t Rush Into Remodeling Your Kitchen
When you get into the job of remodeling your kitchen, make sure that you do not act in a haste. Don’t be in a hurry to invest big money on your remodeling, without understanding what exactly you need. You will come across many remodeling ideas and each one of them may look quite interesting and exciting.
However, you need something that is a perfect combination of looks, appearances, and most importantly the remodeling should offer you utility and value for money. It would be a good idea to get started with an island. It will for sure increase the cooking space, but may limit space for people moving around in the kitchen. Using an island will be a cost-effective way of testing the waters before you move forward with full-fledge remodeling of the kitchen.
Have A Temporary Kitchen In Place
When you remodel your old kitchen, you can be sure that you will not be able to use it till it is ready. Hence, make sure that you have a temporary kitchen in place before you start work on remodeling your kitchen. You could make use of some old countertops and cabinets for building a makeshift kitchen. Don’t go for something fancy and expensive. Make sure that it is functional because the makeshift kitchen will be dismantled once the remodeled kitchen is ready for us.
Have A Clear Idea About The Way In Which Your Remodeled Kitchen Will Be Used
There are many who would like their kitchen to also be used as an office. Hence, before you spend money and get into the actual act of kitchen remodeling be sure as to how you would like to use it. In case you want a mini-office in your kitchen, have the right infrastructure for the purpose. If the space is small, make sure that you make intelligent use of it.
A small workspace with table and chair with facilities for using laptop or PC could make it complete.
Keep The Future In Mind
When you remodel your kitchen, it is quite possible that you could be using a certain size of refrigerator, dish washing machine or microwave oven. These may be enough for today but a few years down the lane, you may require something bigger. Hence, you must always remodel your kitchen in such a way that you have enough space for bigger and larger fixtures and fittings.
For example, you certainly need a bigger sized refrigerator as the days and years roll by. Make sure that the space that you have earmarked for refrigerators, dish washing machines, microwaves and other such things have enough space for expansion. The same is the case with kitchen wardrobes and countertops.
Even if the space available is small, always remodel the kitchen keeping the next five years in mind. You cannot expect to spend money repeatedly on remodeling and go through the grind all over again.
Go In For Measured Cabinets And Countertops
Once the remodeling blueprint is ready, only then should you go ahead with the ordering of countertops, cabinets and kitchen wardrobes. Though there are readymade cabinets, countertops and wardrobes, it is always better to go for customized ones because they fit well and they also look much better, compact and add to the overall look and feel of the remodeled kitchens.
Importance Of Counter Space
At the end of the day, it is quite obvious that any remodeled kitchen should be a perfect combination of looks, appearances, utility and functionality. Never compromise on the last two requirements. Pay attention to the details and make sure that you have enough counter space because you will be using it regularly for your day-to-day cooking activities.
Install Storage Racks Intelligently
Space is a constraint in many homes and therefore when you are spending money on remodeling, you must make sure that you are making good use of each and every inch of space that is available. For example, you must not underestimate the importance of under-cabinet storage racks. You can use this to keep your cooking utensils and other such things.
It will help your kitchen to look spacious and will avoid that cluttered look. You could either go in for readymade racks or customize the same. The latter is more expensive but is worth it because these racks will fit in snugly and offer you very good value for money.
Pay Attention To Lighting
Kitchen should look bright because it adds to the positivity of the entire space. Make sure that the lighting is intelligently thought out and the lighting should not go waste. Do not, however, overdo the lighting part because it might become glaring and may not match with the overall ambience of the home.
Conclusion
The above are a few tips that could help in converting your old kitchen into something modern, modular and great looking. It also will ensure that you have the right mix of functional advantages and looks. However, you have to do your research and hire the right kitchen remodeling contractors. You cannot do it on your own even if you have the skill set and ideas.
Questions to Ask a Plumber
Here are some 10 questions to inquire about BEFORE employing a commercial plumber Chantilly.
License
Does your company have a license? Should be the first question to ask your plumber.
Plumbing companies require to be authorized in two distinct kinds. First, one has to make certain that they have a license and they are enlisted with the state. You can search if the company is licensed or not by doing an easy investigation on the state’s official website.
Next, the plumbing company must have licensed plumbers. If it seems to be a problem with any of the two licenses, this should be seen as a red flag that there may be something off with the business and must be investigated further.
Insurance
This is a big and important question among all the others. A plumbing company should have liability or harm insurance with a range that is sufficient enough to wrap up any possible loss of the capital on which it is working.
For instance, A high peak office room may only be 1100 square feet, but it is on the 14th floor. A water toll on this kind of space could handily cost $1,000,500 once it’s bombed the floors with water below it. If the business isn’t well insured for a comprehensive penalty, one could find itself left with compensating for the water loss and following repairs.
The next insurance a business requires is Workman’s Compensation (generally known as Worker’s Comp). This insurance drapes a worker if they are harmed during their job. If a business has badly organized workers (like if they are given money under the table) then they might not have this kind of insurance.
Employee’s screening or background check
Remember that the person you hire is the person you will allow into your home with your possessions and your family. Sadly, in today’s era, no one knows what kind of a person could be, particularly if they have entry to your house without supervision.
Work experience
Every experienced person is once a novice, but when there’s a plumbing case that is unusual or more complicated. You should expect a company that assigns highly skilled plumbers that have handled a related problem, not the person who just inducted his first tap this week.
Protection of assets
Will they utilize shoe covers and drop cloths to maintain your grounds? What efforts will the company take to avert undue harm to your possession during a repair or installation? Will they clean up when they are done or leave you with a messy bathroom, toilet or sink?
While this is one of the various questions to inquire before employing a plumber, remember that it’s ok to ask a plumbing company.
Local references
It may deem a bit weird asking for some references but do it nonetheless. Once you get what you need, call the sources and inquire about any doubts that you may have regarding the company. Many people are glad to advise you whether they retained a wonderful experience or had a problem and how it was dealt with.
Proper equipment
There is nothing terrible about having to employ another plumber to complete a task because the early one didn’t possess the adequate equipment.
“What type of tool do you retain for this kind of plumbing work?” is an essential concern to inquire before employing a plumber.
Guarantee and warranty
A guarantee or warranty is important for any installations or repairs. Make sure that what they have done on your plumbing system is covered for any issues that may arise in the next months or year.
Customer reviews
While there are however a few senior organized plumbing businesses that may not possess a website but it is unusual. If they don’t possess a website and one can’t get any reviews at all, this could indicate they either not well known or could be someone aiming to cheat you out of your money. Reading customer’s experience with the company is a considerable way to attain faith and assurance before you hire a plumber.
Upfront pricing
Some plumbing companies may have hidden charges. A good plumbing company will indicate what the charges are for and will not surprise you with any unnecessary expenses.
Conclusion
Hope this article about “10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber” assists you to hire the perfect person for the plumbing demands.