Tag: faucet repair

How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet

Jul 14, 2021

Jul 14, 2021

How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet

  • Plumbing Services
faucet repair

A leaky faucet can be a frustrating problem, especially when you can’t seem to find the source of the leak. Damaged faucets, however, can cost you $20-200 every year in wasted water, and can lead to much more expensive water and structural damages. It might be a pain to call a plumber in for a damaged faucet, but properly maintaining your faucets saves you money and protects you from an electrical hazard. Knowing what exactly to do can be tricky, as your plumbing is complicated. If your home has a damaged faucet, it helps to know whether you need to repair or replace your faucet.

How to Know if Your Faucet is Damaged

Plumbing services take up your time and can cost a great deal of money, which is why it’s important to first determine whether your faucets are damaged or not. If your faucets are damaged, you should call a licensed plumber as soon as possible. If you’re struggling with your faucets, the problem might not have anything to do with your faucet, as your home’s plumbing is complicated. If you think your faucet is damaged, however, here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

  • A dripping faucet. A leaky faucet can be a common plumbing problem, but if you notice your faucet is constantly dripping, then you have a damaged faucet. Constant dripping is usually caused by high water pressure or a broken valve.
  • A spitting faucet. Faucets that function normally, should release a consistent stream of water, but if your faucet has an irregular water flow, there could be some damages. A spitting faucet is usually caused by some sort of internal damage done to the faucet.
  • A squeaking faucet. If your faucet’s handle squeaks when you turn the water on, there could be damages that need urgent repair. Sometimes a squeaky faucet needs a little grease applied, if that doesn’t work however, then it’s time to call a plumber.

When It’s Time to Repair Your Faucet

Your faucets are generally built to be durable, lasting 10-20 years. Determining if it’s time to repair your faucet will usually depend on the damages and cost. How hard your home’s water is, can also determine whether you need to repair or replace your faucet. Simple repairs are generally preferred as they usually cost less than a full replacement. If you’re unsure if your faucet just needs a repair, here are a few things to consider.

  • The type of faucet. There are several different types of faucets, and some faucets have more parts than others. Faucets, such as ball faucets, have several different parts that can be susceptible to damage.
  • If you have a high-end faucet. A renovated bathroom or kitchen usually includes a high quality faucet, which could be very expensive to replace. If your home has high-end faucets, it might be best to repair the damages versus replacing the entire faucet.
  • If you have a dripping faucet. A leaking faucet can usually be fixed with a repair than an entire replacement. Most leaky faucets are fixed by simply removing the handle and tightening the adjusting ring. A leaky faucet can also be resolved by replacing the O-rings on the cartridge when they’ve worn out. If any internal parts are too worn out, however, then it’s time for a replacement.
  • If your faucet handle squeaks. Usually a squeaky faucet doesn’t warrant a replacement, but a simple repair. Removing the appropriate parts to grease them usually solves the problem.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Faucet

Faucets aren’t built to last forever, and your faucets will break down from use over time. The older the faucet, the less likely it can run efficiently which can result in expensive water bills. If your home runs on hard water, that can cut down on your plumbing’s lifespan drastically. Replacing your entire faucet, however, can be costly, which is why it’s important to determine when your faucet needs a replacement. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

  • The age of your faucet. A good rule of thumb for replacing any appliance is by its age. Faucets are generally built to last for 15-20 years. If your faucet is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be time to consider a replacement.
  • If your faucet constantly needs repairs. One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your faucet is when it needs constant repairs to function. A few repairs here and there are usually always cheaper than a full replacement, but if the repairs start to add up, you might as well save your money and replace it.
  • If you want a more efficient faucet. Older faucets can waste a lot of water, running anywhere from 3-5 gallons per minute. If you’re trying to cut down on utility costs, modern faucets don’t run any more than 2.5 gpm.
  • A damaged sink or counter surface. There may be nothing wrong with your faucet, but if your sink or counter surface is damaged, your faucet may need to be replaced as well. Some materials, such as ceramic, ages poorly, and can result in cracks and scratches.

Never Underestimate the Problems of a Damaged Faucet

A damaged faucet is much more than a plumbing nuisance; it can severely damage your home if left untreated. Knowing when to repair or replace a pesky faucet, can be tricky, which is why it helps to have some professional help. A licensed plumber can not only determine what the best course of action is, they can ensure your plumbing works properly. If your home has some damaged faucets, don’t wait to call a plumber today.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

By zachadmachinescom


Hearth 310x610

Cleansing Your Sewer Line and Drains This Spring

Apr 15, 2021

Apr 15, 2021

Cleansing Your Sewer Line and Drains This Spring

  • Plumbing Services
Nothing is more important than cleansing your sewer line and drains this Spring.

Cleansing Your Sewer Line and Drains This Spring

Nothing is more important than cleansing your sewer line and drains this Spring. Much like any other system in your home, both of these systems are prone to problems, especially clogs. A clog usually occurs when there is some sort of blockage found within your pipes. 

Thankfully, there are ways around these series of backups. If you follow the following steps, you can keep your pipes running smoothly this season. 

Typical Causes of Sewer Backups

Sewer backups can lead to In terms of residential backups; there are many contributing factors. These include:

  • Tree Root Intrusion 
  • Grease Accumulation
  • Improper disposal of paper products

If you do have a sewer line clog, follow these following steps to clear the blockage.

How to Remove a Sewer Line Clog

Use a pipe wrench to loosen the cap on your main drain line before you open it entirely. Once the cap is loosened, open it and let the buildup drain out. Once the cap is opened, make sure to step out of the way. If there is any waste caused by the clog, the backflow will spill out of the main line drain. Make sure to let it run off entirely before attempting any further repairs. 

Next, feed the auger cable down the drainpipe. Each auger, or plumbing snake, is different, so be sure to follow the instructions that come with the tool for best results. However, the general principle is that you should gently feed the auger cable into your drainpipe until you hit the clog. You’ll know when you’ve hit it because the cable will get progressively harder to move through the pipe. Allow the auger to run until the clog has been removed. You’ll be able to see when it happens because the water level in the drainpipe will begin to gradually decrease and then drain out entirely.

That said, don’t stop running the machine as soon as the clog disappears. There could still be smaller pockets elsewhere in the pipe, which may cause additional problems down the road. Once the clog has been removed, spray the hose down your drainpipe at full blast. Doing so will simultaneously remove any lingering debris that is stuck in the pipe and clean off the auger. 

Afterwards, pull the plumbing snake out of the pipe slowly. You most likely want to hose the auger cable off a few times before winding it back onto the machine. When you’re done, place the cap back on your drainpipe and use the pipe wrench to tighten it up. 

Avoid Clogging Your Drains

While grease is the absolute worst substance you can put in your drain, there are other objects that should be avoided all together. This is especially pertinent if you have a garbage disposal unit as part of your drain system. These items include the following:

  • Bones
  • Fibrous fruits/vegetables: This includes celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce
  • Coffee Grinds
  • Fruit Pits: Includes avocado pits, peach pits, etc.
  • Corn Husks
  • Egg Shells
  • Potato Peels
  • Pasta, Rice and Grains

If these items much like grease or oil, can clog up your drain or prevent the garbage disposal blades from working properly. If the blades are jammed, this can also increase the buildup in the disposal drain.

If you do experience a clogged drain, there are ways to remedy it. 

Cleansing Your Drains

If your drains do have a clog, there can be a number of indicators. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent drains from clogging. 

  • Run hot water through the sink after each use. Hot water keeps oils in food products running down the drain, rather than building up on the interior surface of pipes, which can make drains sluggish and lead to clogs.
  • Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow it with hot water. Baking soda is a terrific cleaning agent, and it’s also great for absorbing foul odors and leaving your drainpipes smelling like a rose. Okay, maybe not like a rose, but a lot better than they otherwise would.
  • Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes; then chase it down with very hot water. Vinegar is a wonder cleaner. It contains acetic acid, which acts as an excellent organic solvent in removing an organic buildup of crud in pipes. 

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today to schedule your faucet repair!

By zachadmachinescom

7 Reasons You May Seek Faucet Repair

Sep 28, 2020

Sep 28, 2020

7 Reasons You May Seek Faucet Repair

  • Plumbing Services
faucet repair in Chicago by Quality Plumbing Services

Faucet Repair in Chicago 

Quality Plumbing Services, Inc.

First, it started small and was easily fixed by turning your faucet knob or nozzle a bit tighter. Then you noticed that the leaking resumed, but it couldn’t be fixed by tightening the nozzle this time. In spite of you yelling at it when it awoke you from a perfectly refreshing sleep, the faucet still didn’t stop leaking.

What’s Your Next Step? 

While you likely need to services of a qualified plumber, don’t rush off to phone one quite yet. Instead, take a step back and think about how you want to communicate with this professional. Doing so can save you a huge headache — and possibly even a dollar or two. 

What Can You Expect if You Don’t Know What’s Causing Your Faucet to Drip?

Did you know that a faucet that drips continuously brings with it numerous pains besides annoying you? There are a host of issues that you might face if you continue to live with a leaking faucet.

Unsightly water stains — that can also be difficult to remove without regular maintenance — are often one of the most visually arresting issues that you will face. If you are like many homeowners, you simply won’t feel like your sink is clean unless it is stain free then you’ll be particularly bothered by this fact. Having to remove the water stains each time you clean your sink will also increase the time this chore takes you.

If your sink’s drain is blocked by either food or dishes, or if the stopper is down, that continuously leaking faucet can take an unexpected turn and become a small flood. Imagine coming home after a long day at work only to discover that a waterfall has erupted in your kitchen and provided you with an increasing pool of water on your floor. 

One of the most painful issues that you might face when it comes to a leaking faucet is the increase in your utility bills. Some homeowners are unpleasantly surprised at the fact that something they thought was pretty harmless actually carries a rather large price tag. 

Benefits of Fixing a Leaking Faucet

Like most other issues in your home, the more quickly you address your leaking faucet, the better. By knowing the cause of your faucet’s continuous dripping, you’ll have peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about coming home to a small flood, for example. The money you pay to have your leaking faucet repaired can be recouped in lower utility bills. 

The 7 Common Causes of a Leaking Faucet

1. Damaged parts

Your faucet is designed with several important parts that — if they’re damaged — can cause it to leak. Compression type faucets are those that have a separate hot and cold handle as well as a washer, often sustain damage to their stem assemblies that can cause them to leak. 

2. Worn out cartridge

Cartridge faucets are designed with a stem cartridge that is movable. When that cartridge begins to go bad, it can lead to the faucet leaking. 

3. Water pressure

A reduction in the water pressure of a particular faucet is often caused by a broken pipe. If you’ve ruled out other possible causes, it could be that a broken pipe is interfering your water pressure with the result being that you have a leaking faucet. A professional plumber should check the integrity of your pipes. 

4. Broken pipe or fitting

In addition to broken pipes, a fitting that is not in good repair could also cause your faucet to leak. Clips and valve assemblies that are worn out can allow water to drip continuously from your faucet. 

5. Hard water build-up

Hard water can affect more than the look of your clothes. The chemicals that are contained in it can wear away at the rubber washers that are designed to help prevent water leakage. 

6. Failing O Rings

Your faucet handle is held in place with a stem screw that has a small disc, or O ring, on the end of it. Over time, that O ring can become damaged, loose or even wear out, and make your faucet leak. 

7. Loose handles

There’s no doubt about it — your faucet handles get a great deal of use. Over time, you might find them becoming loose with you having to readjust them over and over again. Eventually, you might even notice some moisture near the handles that then turns into a telltale leak. 

A leaking faucet isn’t usually considered an emergency issue by professional plumbers. It is, however, a chronic problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Doing so can help give you peace of mind while saving you time. 

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today to schedule your faucet repair!

By zachadmachinescom