Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

Knowing when it’s the right time to call upon the expertise of a plumber can be difficult.  While some sounds in homes are normal, it can be unnerving to hear noises that might be related to plumbing problems.  If you are unsure whether or not to its time to call a plumber, here is a list of common plumbing sounds you might hear and what they could mean.

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises coming from sink or tub drains could be a sign of needing plumbing repairs.  The gurgling noise happens because of a blockage in the drains that isn’t allowing water to drain properly.  This means the drain vents aren’t working properly.  Without proper venting, air bubbles get into the drain, block the water from draining correctly, and cause a gurgling sounds.  Call an experienced plumber to come out and vent your drains to remove air bubbles and allow water to drain quickly without being slowed down by blockage from an air bubble.  If necessary, a plumber can also replace drains when needed.

Shaking Sounds

Running water often causes pipes to shake, so this isn’t always an indicator of a major problem.  However, if the sound is so loud that you can hear it throughout the house, it could mean your pipes aren’t fastened securely.  Loose pipes can cause extensive damage if they were to break or require repairs.  Check the mounting straps and tighten them if necessary.  Replace any old or worn part pipes to ensure everything is in proper working order.  If you are uncomfortable performing plumbing repairs on your own, call on the experts at Peaden to tighten straps or replace parts.

Whining Sounds

Turning on a faucet only to hear a whining sound when the water comes out is never a good sign.  This sounds usually means that a part within the faucet is broken.  The best solution is to install a new faucet. If this is not your area of expertise, contact an expert to remove the broken faucet and install a new one to get rid of the whining noise that happens when the faucet is turned on.

Banging Sounds

Loud banging sounds are probably one of the most common sounds you might hear when turning on running water.  This noise is caused by the water hammer.  Water hammers open and close, stopping water from flowing.  The water hammer opening and closing often can cause damage to pipes and loosen parts which might lead to needing repairs.  If you hear a continual banging sound, it could be the water hammer banging against the pipes as it opens and closes.  To avoid more costly repairs in the future, contact a professional plumber to come and inspect the source of the banging noise and make any necessary plumbing repairs. 

Don’t let unnerving plumbing noise cause constant worry that a plumbing issue is going to arise at any moment.  Contact Peaden for all your plumbing needs.

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There are many obvious signs that you should call a plumber for a repair or inspection. And then there are those signs that are a bit more subtle than water spraying uncontrollably from a pipe or a large puddle that could only be caused by a leak. While subtle signs that you should call a plumber can be a challenge to detect, you should still make note of these and never ignore them. Here we’ve listed just a few of the signs you should call a plumber, so you can look back to it for future reference.

You Notice an Increase in Your Water Bill

Even if you don’t see where a leak is coming from or notice it at all, you will still have to pay for that additional water that is being released, and you’ll see this on your water bill. When your water bill keeps going up and you don’t know why, call a plumber to complete an inspection. Once they have detected the trouble spot, the plumber will provide you with a solution.

A Steady Drip Is Coming from Your Faucet

If you have a small and steady drip coming from your faucet, you are letting money go down your drain in a few different ways. Once again, you’ll be responsible for the water you’re losing on your bill. Plus, you’ll have to replace your fixtures more often, and you’ll notice that you have to clean the corrosion more often around the handles and spout.

You Detect Extra Moisture Under the Sink

If you detect extra moisture in places like under the sink that it shouldn’t be occurring, it’s time to call a plumber. The extra moisture can be from a leak that you don’t see, or it could just be occurring when you turn the water on and not when you’re rummaging under the sink. Extra moisture will cause problems in the future such as mold and deterioration of the structure, so be mindful that you correct this issue before it becomes more expensive.

Showers and Sinks Are Running Out of Hot Water Quickly

When the hot water in the shower runs out faster than normal or you notice that you can’t get through a round of washing dishes without it turning lukewarm, then a plumber needs to inspect your hot water heater. In some cases, a simple tune-up or adjustment will do the job, and in others, you’ll need a replacement or repair.

Water Sputters Out of the Faucet

If a few air bubbles escape your faucet every time you turn it on, you should call a plumber to detect the underlying problem before it gets worse. Water sputtering out of the faucets may occur if the water has been shut off for a little while or if you don’t use the faucet routinely, but if it happens multiple times a day, let the expert plumbers get the situation resolved for you.

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There’s nothing fun about needing a plumbing repair, and that’s why it’s important you take proactive steps to prevent them. While some plumbing repairs can’t be avoided and have more to do with the age of the pipes, whether the installation was done properly, and the materials used, there are some that can be avoided. To help you avoid plumbing repairs and keep your systems working at optimal levels, here are a few tips.

#1: Keep Up with Small Plumbing Repairs

When you notice that your plumbing isn’t flowing like normal or your water bill has noticeably increased, then call a plumber to get to the root of the problem. A simple plumbing repair could easily be the solution. The sooner you catch an issue with plumbing, the better your chances of avoiding a more major repair. When plumbing goes wrong, it can not only cause damage to the pipes and components, but also to the structure around the plumbing.

#2: Know When to DIY and When Not To

There are certain times that you can DIY your plumbing, and that’s one reason every grocery and hardware store has a plumbing section. However, if you want to avoid plumbing repairs, then you’ll need to know your limitations. Professional plumbers are trained to identify the root of the problem and not just slap a band aid on the area that’s leaking. When a plumbing repair isn’t completed correctly, then a plumbing emergency can happen.

#3: Keep Up with At-Home Maintenance to Prevent Burst Pipes

The cold weather can cause a lot of plumbing problems in the home, so it’s important to stay ahead of it. Take care of at-home maintenance like disconnecting the water hose, keeping cabinets open that have pipes underneath them to let warmer air circulate and have a steady drip on when the temperatures drop below freezing.

#4: Have Routine Water Heater Service

Make sure you are calling a plumber to inspect and perform maintenance services for your water heater and plumbing. They’ll detect any issues that could be a problem in the future and correct them, and they’ll make sure that everything is cleaned and working properly. If you’ve just moved into a home or are planning to buy one, you should have a plumbing technician inspect everything to ensure it is in prime condition. By taking advantage of plumbing maintenance service once a year, you’ll prevent countless plumbing repairs and save time and money.

#5: Know the Signs That You Need a Plumbing Repair

It’s important to know the signs that you need a plumbing repair and keep these in the back of your mind. Refresh yourself from time to time, and get the whole family involved. Not being able to reach water temperature, problems flushing the toilet, low water pressure, water that is discolored, and other signs will alert you to call the plumber. When something seems off, it’s better to bring in the experts to get the issue resolved before it becomes a plumbing emergency.

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Toilet repairs are necessary from time to time for both commercial and residential property owners, and it can wreak havoc on your day when you have to wait to get the situation resolved. Depending on how severe it is, it can cause you to close your workspace or rely on public restrooms until the situation is resolved. However, there are a few ways to prevent emergency toilet repairs, as well as the minor ones by staying proactive. Here we list just a few of the things you can do to prevent toilet repair.

#1: Only DIY When You Know What You’re Doing

Almost all homeowners, at one time or another, have tried to repair their own toilet and correct a plumbing issue. And this is okay because there are certain elements that most people can DIY when it comes to toilet repair. However, it’s important that you only repair a toilet when you know what you’re doing and that you understand the elements you’re working with. You don’t want to make the problem worse (and more expensive) by attempting to fix an issue that was a little over your head.

#2: Call in the Pros When You Notice a Leak

If you notice a continual leak, then don’t just put a towel under it and let it sit, or turn off the water unless you’re using the toilet. Call in the pros because a leak can be an affordable repair when it’s dealt with promptly. Plus, you’ll prevent an emergency from occurring when you ignore problems like this. In some cases, you may hear the leak and not see it because it is behind a wall or under your home. Look to your energy bill to see if you notice a rise in cost because an unnoticed leak can be the culprit.

#3: Pay Attention to Your Toilet

When you know how your toilet performs in prime condition, you’ll notice the signs that it’s starting to age and needs attention sooner than if you ignore this part of your home. Toilets age just like other aspects of your home and will need updates from time to time. If you see that elements are rusting, then often you can repair them yourself. However, when you start to notice that water flow is poor, or that your toilet doesn’t fill or flush all the way, you need to get an expert involved.

#4: Choose the Best Toilet Repair Company

There are some people that claim to be a handyman that can fix everything from your roof to your plumbing to your flooring, and then some. However, you want to be sure you go with a licensed, insured and certified technician from a reputable company when it comes to plumbing and toilet repair. Preventing future toilet repairs means having quality repairs in the past, and the plumber you choose will have an impact on how well your bathroom performs.

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There are times when you can handle a home improvement project that includes plumbing, and then there are times when you need to call in the pros. It can be tough to decide where that line is because you want to save money, but you also want to ensure that the project is completed with quality materials and durable plumbing. And sometimes a professional plumber is the only one that can guarantee that. Here are five times when you need to call in an experienced plumber to get the job done right.

#1: Remodels or New Additions

If you’re remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, or are adding an addition to your home that will require running water, then you need to call in the experts. Plumbing will get a little more complicated and detailed during large home improvement projects, and having someone on your side that has the training and skills will help keep everything moving on schedule.

#2: Plumbing Repairs Beyond Your Scope of Knowledge

If you find yourself questioning each step you’re taking when repairing your plumbing, then get the pros involved. Plumbing repairs that are beyond your scope of knowledge should always be left to people that are certified in the industry. Each person will have their own depth of knowledge when it comes to plumbing, so be mindful that you don’t overestimate your abilities. Plus, calling in the experts will give you your weekend back and take a chore off of your honey-do list!

#3: Plumbing Projects Outside Your Home

When you have external plumbing issues that you need to get resolved, then it can take more than a quick online tutorial to get the job done right. If you have to dig up your yard or get to an external pipe in your crawl space, the professionals will need to be involved. They have the proper equipment and techniques to ensure that the job gets handled and repaired correctly, and they have a better understanding of how the different elements of plumbing work together.

#4: You Notice the Signs of a Leak

Leaks can be tricky, and even if you believe that you’ve fixed one or you think it’s natural condensation, you may notice that your water bill is still on the rise. Plumbing leaks can happen in areas that you don’t see or notice, but they can have a negative impact on water costs and water flow. Take the time to look under sinks and turn everything noisy off in your home so that you can listen to your plumbing to see if it sounds normal. Don’t wait on this one – dangerous mold can form as a result of an ignored leak.

#5: You Need Large Water Connections Shut Off

If you need a large water connection turned off for any reason, it needs to be done by a plumber that understands the pipes and how they should be handled. You don’t want to attempt this yourself if you don’t have an in-depth understanding of the lines that should be turned off because it could result in burst pipes – and that can get very expensive. Take the time to call in a plumbing expert and your next project will run much smoother.

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