Tag: Quality Plumbing Services

Don’t Forget to Check These 4 Plumbing Fixtures Before Buying Your Next Home

Jul 21, 2021

Jul 21, 2021

Don’t Forget to Check These 4 Plumbing Fixtures Before Buying Your Next Home

  • Plumbing Services
plumbing fixtures

Buying a new home can be a really exciting time with big plans, big dreams . . . and if you’re not careful, a really big bill to fix up anything that was missed in a home inspection. Fortunately, there are quick and easy ways to ensure that 4 major plumbing fixtures are up to snuff before you sign on the dotted line — saving you major money in emergency bills! Add to your peace of mind and let your excitement flow freely by checking out your sewer system, water heater, toilets and pipes before you make the final commitment to buy a new home. 

Save Yourself Some Suffering

Sure, there might be a slight upfront cost in getting someone qualified to come take a look at the plumbing fixtures, but that’s nothing compared to some of the pains you’re likely to experience if you give this step a miss:

  • Wasted Time. What could possibly be more fun than sitting at home and waiting for a repairman to show up and fix your plumbing? Probably just about everything other than major dental surgery. 
  • Daily Annoyances. Some people would argue that the inability to take a shower for several days while you’re trying to get on someone’s repair schedule is a bit more than an annoyance — and we agree! Don’t give up the little conveniences like the ability to wash your clothes, hair and dishes due to broken pipes.  
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs. Plumbing problems can be incredibly expensive, making it important to add on any necessary upgrades or fixes to your contract for the seller to pay for before you decide to purchase a new home. Putting your family in the situation of having to take out a loan to pay for new toilets is not going to make you very popular in your home. 

Keep Your Plumbing Fixtures Flowing Freely

When you work with a qualified plumber to determine what (if any) fixes are needed for your home before you purchase, you’ll see some real benefits such as:

  • You’ll rest well at night knowing that your family is well-protected by any kind of malignant bacteria that could float around from faulty plumbing. 
  • Your family’s financial future is secure because you’re not faced with the burden of thousands of dollars in repairs. 
  • When your plumbing is working correctly, you’ll find that everything else in life just . . . well, flows. 
  • Security of knowing that your family’s water supply is safe, and that you’re not introducing toxins into your family’s home. 

Check These Plumbing Fixtures First

When you’re buying a new home, there are certain plumbing systems that you’ll want to have checked out by a certified plumber, such as: 

  • Main Sewer. Knowing that the toilets flush properly and water isn’t backed up in the sink is not enough to ensure that the sewer system is working as it should. Check with the current homeowner to see when the sewer system was last serviced, and invest in a simple camera inspection by a qualified plumber. You might be surprised the thousands of dollars you can save by finding problems before they grow in scope. 
  • Water Heater(s). No one likes a cold shower, so knowing that your water heater(s) have been correctly installed and are operating within their required parameters is an important task before you buy a home. It doesn’t hurt to ask when the water heater was last replaced, either — water heaters are an expensive item and many of them are not built to last more than 10 years or so. Hot, steamy water flowing through your kitchen or living room could ruin expensive flooring and even damage the underpinnings of your home. 
  • Toilets. Thousands and thousands of lifetime flushes can really impact the ability of toilets to maintain leak-free seals. While a few tiny drips of moisture in various places may not seem like much to get excited about, when you’re dealing with water even a small amount of liquid can cause significant damage to your new home. Have a licensed professional check for softness or discoloration in the flooring around the base of your toilet — both of which are warning signs that there may be something larger that is a problem. 
  • Pipes. A massive network of pipes lies under and throughout your home, and the groupings of copper, lead and galvanized pipes all work together to keep things flowing smoothly and keep leaks to a minimum. When there’s a breakdown of any element of your pipe system, you could have significant problems both now and in the future. 

From sewer systems to pipes, toilets to water heaters — there are all manner of hidden problems that your new home’s plumbing system could encounter. The advice of a trusted and reliable plumber is critical to ensuring that you are not overwhelmed with repairs soon after you move into your new home. Contact us today to learn more about getting a pre-purchase inspection for your new home. 

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

By zachadmachinescom


Hearth 310x610

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

9 Tips To Keep Your Home And Bathroom Safe From Mold

Jun 23, 2021

Jun 23, 2021

9 Tips To Keep Your Home And Bathroom Safe From Mold

  • Plumbing Services
mold

Whether you like it or not, if someone were to imagine the perfect incubator for mold to grow in, it would probably be your bathroom. Everything that mold needs to flourish and spread is abundantly available in most bathrooms.

We all know that mold likes moisture and there’s no greater source than a steamy shower, leaky toilet or dripping water pipes. Mold also flourishes in dark places. You certainly don’t leave the bathroom lights on 24 hours a day, and it’s always dark behind the sheetrock. For food sources, mold can consume drywall, cotton, wallpaper and many other products found in the average bathroom. Yes, bathrooms are veritable breeding grounds for mold and that fact puts your health and home at risk.   

In order to prevent harmful molds from taking root in your bathroom, you’ll need to get into consistent routines about thoroughly running ventilation fans, using mold killing products and most of all keeping your bathroom as dry as possible. If you allow mold to establish itself, you and your family could suffer significant health issues. And as a homeowner, there’s a strong possibility you will face costly remediation and a diminished property value.

Health Problems

We hear quite a bit about “black mold” in the media and how dangerous it can be to human beings. That’s not hype. Mold can have significant and even fatal effects on you and your family.

Mold is among the most common causes of allergic reactions. It grows and spreads allergens that can make you feel generally unwell. Because it’s difficult to identify as a source, families can suffer negative health affects for long periods of time. Even though your home appears clean, the allergens can become airborne and deteriorate the air-quality of your entire living space. They also cause coughing, sneezing, eye irritation and flu-like symptoms.

Children with asthma are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of mold. It tends to heighten asthma-related symptoms and has the potential to cause fatal attacks in the young. For people with weakened immune systems due to old age, chemotherapy or illness, mold has been strongly linked to upper respiratory infections and can also damage the lungs of infants. In terms of protecting yourself and your family, consider mold an intruder that’s putting you all in harm’s way.

Property Damage

One of the misconceptions about mold is that it’s plant-like. It’s really not. Mold is a fungus, a living organism that can root itself in your home. And that’s bad. Once it has established itself in your bathroom, it can spread inside the walls. Mold loves dark places and once it’s behind the drywall, there’s really no stopping it.

Mold can expand its base by a few feet every week if it is fed by leaking pipes and steady moisture. Proper remediation will likely mean tearing out every inch of the infected area and could easily cost several thousands of dollars.

And even though you pay for the costly cleanup, many states require that you disclose that the home had a problem. That fact could hurt your ability to sell the home at even average market value.

Preventative Tips

There’s nothing you can do about the bathroom being warm, dark or having materials that mold likes to eat. However, there are plenty of simple things you can do to stop a potential infestation.

  1. Seal all of the cracks and gaps in your tile. As grout ages it can flake and chip away. Key areas are where the tub or shower meets the floor and walls. That’s where moisture can seep through. Water can also filter under and behind your vanity. Keep in mind that condensation can accumulate on sink pipes.
  2. Always run ventilation fans while bathing or showering and for 30-45 minutes afterwards to remove excess moisture. A good measure is to add a timer that you can set and forget. It will help with consistency.
  3. Squeegee water off the shower and bath walls after use. That will eliminate 3/4 of the moisture that supports growth.
  4. Whenever possible, open windows while showering to draw out excess moisture. And don’t hesitate to let in fresh air during dry weather days.
  5. Stretch out your shower curtain after showering. This will help prevent mold from growing in the damp folds.
  6. Clean your bathroom once a week with an all-purpose cleaner. This will stop mold before it gets started.
  7. Make regular checks of the bathroom fixtures for leaks. Key areas that go unnoticed are the water supplies behind the toilet and seepage at its base.
  8. Address slow draining pipes. They could be ripe areas to spur on mold growth.
  9. Make sure your walls are painted with a bathroom-grade product. Gloss or semi-gloss paints are stain resistant and easy to keep clean. This will make it more difficult for mold to grow.

By taking precautionary measures, your home can be safe from dangerous mold. You’ll be protecting the substantial investment you’ve made into your property. And most importantly, you’ll be taking steps to ensure the health of yourself and your loved ones. Don’t allow mold come like a thief in the night and rob you of those things.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

By zachadmachinescom

5 Simple Ways to Take It Easy On Your Garbage Disposal

Jun 02, 2021

Jun 02, 2021

5 Simple Ways to Take It Easy On Your Garbage Disposal

  • Plumbing Services
garbage disposal

A garbage disposal is a great appliance to have, but contrary to popular belief, most waste should never go down your drain. Unfortunately, plumbing problems can be common, and your garbage disposal is no exception. Like any appliance, your system needs routine cleaning and maintenance to function properly. A garbage disposal is a great appliance to have, but contrary to popular belief, most waste should never go down your garbage disposal. Unfortunately, plumbing problems can be common, and your garbage disposal is no exception. Like any appliance, your garbage disposal needs routine cleaning and maintenance to function properly.

How You Can Prevent a Busted Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal helps to prevent clogging by breaking down food waste into smaller pieces, but it can easily be overwhelmed with food, grime, or a lone spoon. A garbage disposal can easily break down without proper maintenance, as it has several parts susceptible to damage. To ensure your kitchen drain is clog free, here are five simple ways to take it easy on your system.

  • Mind what you put down the disposal. A good rule of thumb is to avoid flushing down as much food waste as possible, as most foods are notoriously bad for your garbage disposal. Fats, oils, and greases harden with cold water and can easily cause a blockage inside your drain. Avoid starchy foods such as pasta or rice, as they soak up water and expand inside your pipes. Stringy fruits and vegetables can wear down the blades by wrapping themselves around the blades. Hard items that you can’t break down with your teeth, such as bones and seeds, should never go down your disposal either.
  • Clean often. Being mindful of what you flush down the disposal is important, but so is routine cleaning. Frequently cleaning your garbage disposal helps to ensure the blades and drain are clear of any obstructing materials. One of the best methods to clean the system is flushing it down with some vinegar and baking soda. Never use any cleaning chemicals such as bleach or a chemical drain cleaner, as they can help harden grease and eat through your plumbing.
  • Grind thoroughly. Whatever does get flushed down the disposal should have adequate time for grinding. Make sure with every use that you run the disposal long enough to avoid any leftover food waste that can sit and cake over time. Flushing down ice cubes and citrus peels is a good way to maintain the blades.
  • Flush after use. Another easy trick to avoid clogging is by flushing enough water after every use. Make sure to flush some water down with the food waste when the disposal is in use, to help push the waste down. Running water down the drain after using the disposal for a few seconds helps to ensure nothing remains on the blades or just inside the drain. It’s best to flush food down with cold water it hardens the food waste, making it easier for the blades to break it down.
  • Turn off your disposal before any action. Garbage disposals can be a safety hazard, which is why you should always make sure it’s off before taking any action. Never stick your hand down the disposal. Use tongs or pliers if you need to pull something out.

The Warning Signs of a Damaged Garbage Disposal

Accidents happen, no matter how well you’ve maintained your garbage disposal. Knowing when it’s time to call in a plumber however, can be tricky. Your plumbing can be complicated, but the good news is that there are plenty of clues if the problem is with your system. If your garbage disposal is damaged, it’s best to act quickly. If you think it’s time for a repair, here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

  • It’s tripping your circuit breaker. Garbage disposals use a lot of wattage which means when in use, you may experience some flickering lights or a slight power surge. If however, your garbage disposal starts to trip the circuit breaker, there could be a wiring issue with either the disposal or your home’s electrical panel.
  • It makes loud, unusual noises. If something is wrong, you’ll definitely hear it, as the sound of metal on metal is very unpleasant. Loud, unusual noises are usually an indicator of a loose part or damaged part, and require urgent repair. 
  • It’s leaking. Unfortunately, a leaking garbage disposal can mean the entire unit needs to be replaced, especially if there is a crack in the disposal itself. Watch out for signs of a leak, such as any dark or wet spots on the floor and cabinets.
  • It’s not working, period. The most obvious sign of a damaged garbage disposal is when it stops working entirely. The good news is that most issues are easy fixes which rarely require an entire replacement.

Your Garbage Disposal Works Hard Enough

A garbage disposal is a fantastic kitchen appliance, and it deserves proper care and maintenance. No homeowner wants to deal with the cost of replacing the system, especially when it can be avoided. Keeping your kitchen drain clear and clean sometimes requires the help of a licensed plumber. Stay clog-free by treating your disposal right, call a plumber to inspect your plumbing today.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

By zachadmachinescom

Getting to Know Your Plumbing System

May 18, 2021

May 18, 2021

Getting to Know Your Plumbing System

  • Plumbing Services
plumbing system

How often do you really think about breathing? Unless you’re out of breath or you can’t catch your breath, probably not much. It’s just something your body does automatically without you focusing on it.

Your plumbing system is the same way. It just works quietly in the background, doing its job. Just like sudden shortness of breath though, you don’t really pay much attention to your plumbing until there’s an issue. It’s only then you realize that you don’t really understand much about your plumbing system and have no idea how to fix whatever the issue may be.

It’s best not to wait until that point. You may be in a panic, so you’ll call the first plumber you can find and schedule them immediately. As a result, you may be inundated with extra charges, like emergency fees. Yes, your plumbing system is fixed (for now), but at what cost?

Why Many Homeowners Avoid Their Plumbing Systems

When most people think of their plumbing system, they think of their toilet, and who really wants to go into the toilet? No one. However, by ignoring the plumbing and pretending it’s working fine when it’s leaking, the pipes are straining, or there’s some other issue, a homeowner is doing themselves a huge disservice.

There are a multitude of issues that can crop up if a homeowner ignores their ailing plumbing system for too long:

  • The high costs of emergency calls to a local plumber.
  • The high costs of a monthly energy bill.
  • Contacting a local plumber at the first sign of trouble because a homeowner can’t discern between minor and serious plumbing issues.

Even though it was likely an issue the homeowner could have fixed themselves had they familiarized themselves with their plumbing system, they didn’t know that, so they spent money unnecessarily anyway. These small fixes add up over time.

Remember that leak we mentioned before? Yes, it starts as a leak, but eventually the pipe will burst, flooding the home with stinky, backed-up water. That could be hugely expensive and catastrophic for a home. Whole rooms might have to be ripped out and redone completely, which is both time-intensive and very costly. 

Parts of the Plumbing System: The Basics

Okay, so you’re definitely ready to learn more about your plumbing system now. Start with the various parts. Here are some to know:

  •  The water main valve – This controls water flow.
  • The cut-off valve – This controls the sink, toilet, washer, etc.
  • The water meter – This can give you a read on the overall system’s health.
  • The water pressure regulator – Like the water meter above, this lets the homeowner know their water pressure levels. 
  • Valves for gas, electricity, and heated water – These control those resources and can be turned on and off as needed. 

The sewer and water lines connect outside, often underground, and act as a means for water to travel to and from the house. Contact the local water company to ask about where your water comes from. Take some time to take off the toilet lid and get to know what’s inside. Do the same with your septic system if you have one.

The Benefits of Learning How a Plumbing System Works

Yes, this is a lot to remember and a lot of work, and it’s not very pretty work, either. However, by learning more about your plumbing system, you’re doing your family and your home a big favor. Here’s why.

  • You can make an informed decision about whether your plumbing system is energy-efficient. If it’s not, you can get it replaced or upgraded so it is, which can save you in monthly utility and energy bills.
  • You won’t have to worry about pipes bursting and creating massive leaks in the house. At the first sign of a small leak, you’ll know what to do. That means you can rely on your local plumber less, which also keeps money in your pocket.
  • You’ll feel safer, and you’ll be happy that your family is safe, too. You can go to bed at night knowing your home’s secure. You can’t put a price on that kind of feeling.

You know what to do. Although it’s not a glamorous job, by taking some time to understand how your toilet, septic tank, and plumbing system works, you’re prolonging the life of this system, saving money, preventing leaks, and learning to be handier around the house to boot. Although often ignored, your plumbing system is a crucial part of your home’s structure, and it’s one that will pay back dividends once you familiarize yourself with it.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

By zachadmachinescom

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