Month: January 1970

Common Plumbing Problems and Who Should Handle Them!

Plumbers get calls about all kinds of plumbing problems, from the simple to the complex.

While it is frequently possible for homeowners to remedy basic problems on their own, plumbing services are sometimes required when the basic solutions fail to yield results.

These are just a few of the more common plumbing issues that homeowners deal with and how they can be handled.

Problems that persist afterward and demand the attention of a plumbing company suggest a deeper issue that requires special equipment and the skill needed to operate it. 

  • Clogged Toilets - Plungers and special preparations designed to clear toilets are the normal starting point. If these don’t work, the blockage might be further along in the sewer line and require attention from plumbers with a drain snake or auger to clear it.
  • Dripping Faucets - Dripping or leaking faucets are usually caused by dislodged, damaged, or missing washers within the faucet mechanism. If taking the faucet apart or finding a replacement part is an issue, a plumbing service can take care of that problem quickly. 
  • Slow Draining/Clogged Tubs or Sinks - Residue, hair, or other debris can slow the passage of water down drainage lines or stop it altogether. When chemical drain cleaners don’t help, plumbing companies can handle tougher blockages with equipment to locate and then dislodge them.
  • Stuck Garbage Disposal - Disposals come with specific instructions on how to clear them. As these appliances can be dangerous to deal with, plumbers should be called when the manufacturer’s instructions for homeowners fail to resolve the problem. 
  • Signs of Leaky Pipes - Simple leaks due to a loose nut fitting can be easily fixed with a wrench. Leaks noticed in the walls, behind appliances, or elsewhere may require the expertise of a plumbing service. 
  • Low Water Pressure - A common issue that plagues owners of older homes, low water pressure can be caused by something as simple as mineral buildup in faucet fixtures or as complex as leaks somewhere in the plumbing system. Plumbers have special equipment to search for hidden leaks when the easy solutions of cleaning shower heads and faucet filters do not resolve the issue. 
  • Sewer Backup - Whether due to tree roots growing into the line, a blockage far down inside, or some other cause, wastewater backing up into the house is an unfortunately common occurrence in some older homes, too. It is also a plumbing service emergency to be resolved by professionals.

Dealing with any of these common plumbing problems? Homeowners can try the simple solution first.

If those do not resolve the issue, a call to a plumbing company will handle it and get things flowing once again!

Water Heater Failing? Here Are The Signs!

A broken water heater is a common homeowner problem that always seems to happen at the worst possible time.

Water heater repair is not always possible and putting in a new one can sometimes take days!

Though no appliance lasts forever, it is possible for homeowners to prepare for the possibility of needing a water heater replacement by knowing the signs that theirs is experiencing problems.

  1. Running Out of Hot Water - The first sign that hot water heater repair might be necessary is that there used to be more than enough hot water and now there is not. If usage habits have not changed and the water heater is not keeping up, it may be wearing out or encountering some other problem that prevents it from heating fast enough.
  2. Fluctuations in Water Temperature - If the unit does not produce enough hot water one day and then the water is too hot the next, there could be a problem with the thermostat that controls the water temperature. A common sign of broken water heaters is when the heating is sporadic and the water temperature fluctuates from day to day. Fortunately, water heater repair to replace the thermostat might be all that is necessary.
  3. Leaking - Leaks are a very obvious sign that water heater repair is necessary. Since many of these units will rust after a number of years, it is a good idea to undergo water heater replacement if the heater is 10 years or more in age and no longer covered by the warranty.
  4. Knocking or Tapping Sounds From the Unit - The predecessor to leaking is the knocking and tapping sounds that some water heaters will make when they are experiencing problems. Those noises are typically caused by a buildup of sediment that affects how the unit functions and can also cause small holes and tears in the unit that turns into leaks. The good news is that if water heater repair is done promptly once those taps and knocks first start up, it is sometimes possible to have the unit drained and flushed before the damage can occur.
  5. Cloudy or Smelly Water - Cloudy or foul-smelling water that comes from the hot faucet usually means there is a problem with bacteria and debris buildup in the water heater tank. If the anode rod built into the tank has failed, the contents of the tank may be contaminated.

When experiencing any of these broken water heater issues, making a call for water heater repair as soon as possible is the best solution.

Caught early, a water heater replacement can be arranged before the unit quits working altogether, lessening the length of time the house will be without hot water!

Advice For People Trying To Do Their Own Plumbing

You've done it – you are ready to handle your home's plumbing services.

What perfect timing!

You probably have tons of questions on how to start and what to do, but fear not, this article can help you.

Listed below are some tips that will help you get started with your plumbing aspirations.

Tip #1 – Avoid Plumbing Problems to Begin With

Do not stop up the toilet!

Some common items that will stop up a toilet include: toys, hair, paper towels, birth control items, and feminine personal products.

Do not flush these items down your toilet unless the instructions say otherwise!

These can stop up your toilet - to the point that nothing else will work except calling a plumbing contractor!

Tip #2 – Do Not DIY – Call A Plumber

To help you repair a leaky water line, you should hire a plumber.

A leaking water line can be a problem because it could lead to a flood.

The best way to fix this problem is to hire a licensed plumber who is trained to repair leaking pipes.

Tip #3 – Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

Do not put cooking oils, fat, or grease, down your drain as these fats cause clogs by solidifying in pipes.

To properly dispose of fats, put them in a bowl with a lid that you can dispose of.

Once it gets hard, throw it in the trash or compost bin.

Tip #4 – Cushion and Anchor Water Pipes

If you have noisy pipes, you can cushion them with a rubber blanket or add additional anchor straps.

Banging pipes are usually caused by loose pipes, water hammering to a stop as you turn it off, or hot water pipes shifting in their position.

All of these problems can be solved by cushioning and anchoring the pipes.

Now You Are Ready!

Now you should be much more prepared when it comes to plumbing solutions.

If you thought that you were ready before, well you should now be an expert!

The tips that were given should have provided you some advice that can help you get started with any plumbing solutions you might need in your home.

Watch Out for These Costly Foundation Repair Myths!

One of the most costly problems that a homeowner can face is a damaged foundation in need of repairs.

If not done correctly, the problem will not only remain but it could worsen.

Foundation settlement repairs can range from simple and affordable to complex and expensive, so the right one must be used based on the existing issue and what is really causing it.

What Are Some Foundation Repair Myths?

Unfortunately, many misdiagnoses and myths about foundation wall repairs cost homeowners extra while many times failing to correct the problems.

These are some of the top myths relating to foundation repair and what is really going on!

  1. Cracks Can Be Permanently Repaired With Epoxies - Although the newer epoxy and polyurethane crack filler adhesives do adhere very well to cement and concrete block to seal cracks, most times this is not a permanent foundation repair. If a crack is wide enough to need filling with epoxy, the chance is high that unless the source of the cracks is addressed, more cracks will appear elsewhere. Epoxy bonded into a foundation crack cannot prevent the soil from shifting and the foundation from cracking because of it.
  2. Concrete Block Foundations Are Weaker - Many people erroneously believe that a foundation made of concrete block is weaker than one made from poured concrete due to the cement joints holding the blocks together. Although concrete block foundations do commonly require foundation wall repairs, the reason is not that they are weaker but because the ground around the foundation is not fully supportive of the foundation. In most cases, a poured concrete foundation will need the exact same foundation settlement repairs if the soil is not properly prepared, there is poor drainage, or other soil issues exist, the same as it would happen with a block foundation.
  3. A New Foundation Is Better Than Repairing An Old Damaged One - Replacing a foundation rather than doing proper foundation settlement repairs may seem like a better idea but in fact, it is extremely expensive and more likely to result in continued damage. The reason lies in the fact that new concrete is not as strong as older concrete that has aged. Proper site correction and foundation wall repairs end up being more beneficial since the original concrete stays in place.

Before falling for one of these myths and investing in costly foundation settlement repairs that will not actually fix anything, homeowners should speak with a dependable and experienced foundation repair service first.

A trustworthy contractor will properly diagnose all issues, then render the correct foundation repair to prevent it from happening again.

Efficient Deck Staining Tips

Decks are a great place for entertainment and leisure purposes. Since they are exposed to outdoor environment and other external elements they require proper maintenance for a longer run. The proper staining of deck can enhance its beauty for a longer period. Read more to know about how to stain your deck.

PREPARATION OF THE SURFACE:

First of all make sure that the surface is free of dust and dirt particles. Moreover make the surface dry so that the stain will adhere well with deck surface. Cabot Problem solver wood cleaner can be used to clean the wood. Once it is applied rinse off with clean water and wait until it get dried.

SELECTION OF RIGHT STAIN:

  • Cabot is the best brand for high quality wood stains. Click here to get overview of the stains.
  • Wood Toned and clear stain:- Theses are transparent stains through which most of the wood grain and texture can be seen.
  • Semi Transparent:- These are lightly pigmented and more darker than previous one but allows the wood to be seen.
  • Semi Solids:- They provide semi opaque finish masks for most of the wood grains but sill allows textures to be seen.
  • Solids:- They gives dark and opaque finish which completely covers the grains.


STEPS FOR APPLYING STAIN:

It is always preferable to go for natural bristle brushes for efficient staining.At first coat the open end grain of boards and brush two to three boards at a time. On new decks apply only one coat of stain. One important thing to be noted is that leading edge should be kept wet. Moreover more stain should not be applied as it may lead to cracking when exposed to moisture.For decking made from recycled plastics follow the recommendations of manufacturers .

MAINTENANCE OF STAIN:

Since decks are exposed to lot of external elements it will be necessary to reapply stains at particular intervals. The condition of the stain can be verified by seeing whether it repels water. If it do so then there is no requirement of re staining.

To know more about deck staining visit this site.
 

Starting a Mobile Power Washing Service As a Home Business

Thinking about ideas that you can do as a side business or a home based business? There are many out there and there are also some really unique ideas that you can do as a stay at home parent that needs income but also wants to work flexible hours. One business that you can start from home is a mobile power washer. You go around to other people's homes and using your power washer; you can wash the homes, driveways and anything else that they may want to have cleaned at their homes. 
  
To Get Started 
  
First thing you will want to do to get started with this business is to become legal, think of a catchy name for your business then register with the state or county. You will need to have a business license. Since your work will be done at other people’s locations, you will probably need to make sure that you are insured in case of any accidents or incidents. You will need to start a business checking and also have invoices and receipts printed up with your business name on it. You will be handing out invoices or receipts to every customer and you will want them to look professional. 
  
How to get Customers 
  
You will want to advertise. Online is a great place that you can advertise for next to nothing. You can also make flyers and business cards that you can hand out to everyone you come in contact with. Word of mouth will be efficient way to get the word out about your new business. Going to businesses will also get you some business. Once you get the word out that you are in the mobile power washing business, you will be able to always have jobs to do. 
  
Equipment that you will need 
  
You will need a pressure washer and chemicals that you will need to use when you are washing the home or at the place of business. You will also need to have a truck or a car with a hitch and cart to haul the power washer. 
  
Starting a business as a mobile power washer can produce great income and give you the flexibility to working the hours that you want to work. There are many people who are in need of this service and are willing to pay for the service that you will be providing. 
For more information about power washing services click here. 

Benefits of Heating & Cooling Repair

Perhaps you’re experiencing problems with your air conditioner system. When you wait till last minute to repair your unit, or till something terribly goes wrong, you may be making a very big and expensive mistake. Just like any other mechanical equipment, the cheapest or most cost-effective means of getting the most of the air conditioner is through proper care and regular maintenance plus repair. You can read more on why you need heating & cooling repair. 

Checking on the HVAC unit it needs professional maintenance and repair may in the long run help you save a lot of money. Air conditioning repair have several benefits, including: 

Reducing energy costs 
Preventing costly breakdowns 
Extending the equipment’s life 
Improving the unit’s performance and 
Making the system safer 

You can go online for other comprehensive benefits of heating & cooling repair. 

Little steps may go a long way in saving you some money and keeping off heat stroke in the middle of summer, when your system goes out. For instance, cleaning and replacing air filters may have some positive impact on the performance of your air conditioning system. Clean filters make the most of its airflow. This makes it easier and improves its operation and efficiency. Changing the filters reduces also the consumption of energy in your house and at the same time helps the environment. See all about repairing your system when you visit this site. 

The most significant reason why you should keep your HVAC unit maintained is that it provides you a peace of mind. Several health risks are linked with poor air quality. But these can be eliminated or reduced with proper and efficient air conditioning repair and maintenance. It’s vital for not only your safety but also for the safety of your entire family. Therefore, you need a professional heating & cooling repair to benefit from a well-functioning unit. Go online to get more of these benefits. 

What You Should Know Before Replacing a Heater

Prior to hiring a local contractor for heater replacement services, homeowners have to know who the top local service providers are. Due to the fact that there are dozens of local contractors you can turn to, all claiming to be the most qualified local team to do the new install work, how do you know who is truly the best? It can be difficult to make the right decision is all you are relying on is the company's word, and the claim they are making to be the top local heater replacement and installation company in the area. So, why would you rely on their claims when you can visit this site and actually learn about what other locals in your area have to say? Not only will you find reviews about local companies here, you can also rule out the local companies you do not feel comfortable hiring once you do visit our site, and compare the quality of the work they do, and reviews other locals in the area have left.

Because you want to know the work is done properly, you have to hire a heater replacement company that is fully licensed to remove your old heater and install the new one. Further, you want to hire a company which is qualified to perform the services, will do it in a timely fashion,and will do the work for you at the most affordable price point possible. Click here to compare top local licensed companies and contractors. Not only will this site help you decipher which contractors you can rely on versus those which aren't a good choice, but you can also read reviews from others who have hired local companies, to help you in the decision making process when you want to hire the best service techs locally.