1. Durable
2. Prevents corrosion
3. Easy installation
4. Non-combustible
5. Environmentally-friendly

 

A building’s plumbing system is crucial in delivering a consistent water supply. This resource provides water for different locations and uses — be it sinks, bathrooms, cooling/heating units, HVAC systems, and the like. All of these are made possible by components that allow water transmission such as pipes. However, while different piping materials may also be ideal, there are several advantages of the steel pipe in plumbing that make it the better choice for any kind of water supply system.

Compared to other materials, steel pipes are far more durable and long-lasting. When used in plumbing, the pipes are oftentimes coated with a protective zinc layer in a method called “galvanization”. This improves the material’s corrosion-resistant properties, allowing the pipes to be used in a number of plumbing applications. Continue reading to learn more.

 

Durable

With minimal care or maintenance, steel pipes can last for as much as 50 years as part of a plumbing system. This has several benefits. For one, you don’t have to turn towards time-consuming and expensive efforts in simply trying to maintain the quality of your pipes. Another benefit is that the water supply passing through steel pipes is free from any unwanted chemicals and substances that can render it unsafe for drinking.

Durable steel pipes won’t form any cracks, even if they’re exposed in high pressure and high-temperature environments. This ensures that the building consistently receives good water pressure, no matter where the supply is being used. The pipes also won’t be prone to damage — there won’t be any leakages that can cause water bills to skyrocket.

 

Prevents Corrosion

Corroded pipes are one of the main causes of dirty water supply for a building’s plumbing. This is easily spotted when you turn on the tap, for example. Instead of clear, filtered water from the main filtration plant from your location, you’ll spot brownish, almost murky water that won’t be safe for use.

To prevent this situation from happening, homeowners and building owners have learned to optimize their plumbing systems and use corrosion-resistant steel pipes. As mentioned before, steel pipes will usually undergo the galvanizing method so that the pipe’s inner walls won’t chemically react to the content of fluid passing through it.

Non-corrosive pipes also reduce the need for pipe-cleaning. Calcium deposits are less likely to build up inside the pipes, allowing a building to use the water supply for a long period.

 

Easy Installation

Steel pipes are extremely malleable, meaning that they can be formed into a shape in order to meet your plumbing requirements. They can also come in various sizes, such as a ½, ¾, or 1-inch pipe.

With this in mind, you won’t have trouble installing new steel pipes in order to replace old ones. Steel pipes can be bent using different techniques to create a seamless pipe that has uniform wall thickness and will experience only negligible changes in pressure.

Fitting bent pipes with your existing plumbing network won’t be difficult due to their malleability. You could also add your choice of pipe fittings in order to redirect the flow of fluids or join multiple pipes together.

 

Non-Combustible

Poorly-installed or substandard pipes can be a potential cause of fire damage in any plumbing system. For example, when there is a leak in the pipe, the fluid may come into contact with an electrical wire that can cause the spark for the fire. However, this dangerous situation can altogether be avoided by using steel pipes that are non-combustible and have an excellent fire rating.

Steel has a melting point that can range anywhere from 1370 up to 1500 degrees Celsius. This is a crucial consideration for buildings in the event that a fire emergency takes place. The steel pipes are nonetheless able to withstand the hot temperature since fires usually do not go beyond a temperature range of 800 degrees Celsius.

As a non-combustible material, steel pipes can help make buildings safer during such an emergency. The spread of the fire will only be limited to a small location, making it easier to be controlled and put out.

 

Environmentally-Friendly

Steel is an environmentally-friendly material due to the fact that its manufacturing process does not produce a great amount of waste. It can also be recycled multiple times without losing its original properties. In fact, many steel mills and manufacturing plants make use of only scrap and recycled steel for steel production of pipes, tubing, structural sections, sheet piles, plates, and many more.

If you’re thinking about minimizing your carbon footprint, then steel pipes are a great choice. Unlike other materials like PVC pipes, for example, steel does not release any harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can cause damage to the environment.

 

Key Takeaway

As simple as the material is, the advantages of steel pipe in plumbing cannot be understated. It’s durable and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective option for all types of buildings. Aside from these, steel is also corrosion-resistant, environmentally-friendly, and non-combustible — you can guarantee that your plumbing is using only the safest materials for delivering a consistent water supply.

Looking for high-grade steel pipes for your plumbing? Supreme Pipe’s wide product selection can help you out. Click here to learn more! You may also get in touch with us for other inquiries.…

No one likes leaking pipes and puddles of water in their homes. That’s where plumbers become your go-to people. From working in commercial as well as residential areas, plumbers make sure that your drainage system is installed and working properly. Can you even for a moment imagine not having access to clean drinking and bathing water? Plumbers specialize in the maintenance and repair work of your household water systems so that you never have to worry.

Why is plumbing important?

Plumbing is as important to your residential or commercial building as oxygen is to the body. Plumbing services ensure that water comes in and out of your house properly. Although plumbing is widely associated with water-related services that is not all that it pertains to plumbing includes installation and maintenance of heating systems, water boilers, furnaces, washing machines, and much more. A faulty pipe or leakage means excess moisture inside the house which can cause mold and fungus to grow. A clogged toilet or sink can hinder your daily routine tasks. So to ensure that your household is running properly and maintained plumbing systems, you need to get them checked every few months.

Plumbing services

If you reside in Cleveland GA, Metro Plumbing Heating and Air offer a variety of plumbing services which include:

• Plumbing repairs
• Drain cleaning
• Garbage disposals
• Faucets, Fixtures, and Sinks
• Hydro jetting
• Leak detection and repair
• Clogged toilet repair
• Mainline cleaning
• Burst pipe repair
• Sump pumps
• Water filtration
• Water softeners
• Water heaters
• Jet Vacuum sewer line services
• Sewer line camera inspection
• Septic tank plumbing
• Mainline camera
• Sewer line repair
• Storm drain cleaning

To help you better understand, here are a few details about some services

Drain cleaning

Your sink or toilet drain can get blocked easily and if not fixed in time, it can elevate the problems and can even cause an overflow of water. To clean a drain, it first needs to be inspected to find the cause of the blockage, and then a suitable action to resolve the problem needs to take place. Metro Plumbing Heating and Air provide camera inspection service for a much better inspection.

Garbage disposal

A garbage disposal plumbing system can help you dispose of your waste in an efficient and environment-friendly manner. Powered by electricity, a garbage disposal system is attached to the sink and the trap. It gathers all the waste products and shreds them into small pieces, making it easier for the waste to run through the pipes.

Hydro jetting

If your drainage system is blocked and simple plumbing techniques haven’t worked, then hydro jetting will certainly do the trick — the method is simple yet effective; water is blasted through the blocked drains to unclog them. However, this method can only be carried out by highly professional plumbers.

Sewer line repair

Sewer line damages can be a living nightmare. They can keep you up at night and emit a foul odors that may be harmful to your health. Whether you are certain or not, suspected sewer line damage requires immediate repair. It can weaken the foundation of your house, creating further problems for you. If you sense a weird smell around the house, get in touch with a plumbing professional in Cleveland GA.

Jet vacuum sewer line services

Earlier, the best way to deal with clogged sewer lines was to dig a hole in the ground, locate the faulty pipe and replace it. This method was time-consuming and also damaging to the surrounding area. Then came in an efficient, environment-friendly, and relatively cost-effective way to clean sewer lines: jet vacuum. Through this method, high-powered jets are sent through the lines, ensuring the line is cleaned and no damage is done to the pipe.

Sump pump

Natural disasters such as floods cannot be avoided, but there are ways to ensure that your house is not damaged by excess water. A sump pump takes water from the base of your house and pumps it out. It is placed at the lowest point of your house, covering the entire basement area. It can also prove to be helpful in case of a pipe burst emergency.

Certified plumbing services

The DIY blogs can sometimes be a lifesaver but can also add to your misery. You might come across a plethora of blogs suggesting ways on how you can unclog your toilet, drain and fix a leaking pipe like a plumber but the fact of the matter is that there are certain things that we cannot do on our own and plumbing is one of them. Plumbing is a tedious and difficult task and one wrong step can make matters worse for you; which is why it is highly recommended to get in touch with a certified plumber like Metro PHA. They are licensed and certified plumbing professionals and are dedicated to the work they do. Certified plumbing services also give you the benefit of better cost, a plan according to your needs making it cost-efficient.

Metro PHA provides a wide variety of plumbing services in Cleveland GA. They are a family-owned business and do not talk you into services that you don’t require. What makes their service truly exceptional is the ‘emergency plumbing service’ so if you need an emergency plumber in Cleveland GA, you can get in touch with a Metro PHA professional. It is an insured company and can solve all your plumbing problems.…

No one likes leaking pipes and puddles of water in their homes. That’s where plumbers become your go-to people. From working in commercial as well as residential areas, plumbers make sure that your drainage system is installed and working properly. Can you even for a moment imagine not having access to clean drinking and bathing water? Plumbers specialize in the maintenance and repair work of your household water systems so that you never have to worry.

Why is plumbing important?

Plumbing is as important to your residential or commercial building as oxygen is to the body. Plumbing services ensure that water comes in and out of your house properly. Although plumbing is widely associated with water-related services that is not all that it pertains to plumbing includes installation and maintenance of heating systems, water boilers, furnaces, washing machines, and much more. A faulty pipe or leakage means excess moisture inside the house which can cause mold and fungus to grow. A clogged toilet or sink can hinder your daily routine tasks. So to ensure that your household is running properly and maintained plumbing systems, you need to get them checked every few months.

Plumbing services

If you reside in Cleveland GA, Metro Plumbing Heating and Air offer a variety of plumbing services which include:

• Plumbing repairs
• Drain cleaning
• Garbage disposals
• Faucets, Fixtures, and Sinks
• Hydro jetting
• Leak detection and repair
• Clogged toilet repair
• Mainline cleaning
• Burst pipe repair
• Sump pumps
• Water filtration
• Water softeners
• Water heaters
• Jet Vacuum sewer line services
• Sewer line camera inspection
• Septic tank plumbing
• Mainline camera
• Sewer line repair
• Storm drain cleaning

To help you better understand, here are a few details about some services

Drain cleaning

Your sink or toilet drain can get blocked easily and if not fixed in time, it can elevate the problems and can even cause an overflow of water. To clean a drain, it first needs to be inspected to find the cause of the blockage, and then a suitable action to resolve the problem needs to take place. Metro Plumbing Heating and Air provide camera inspection service for a much better inspection.

Garbage disposal

A garbage disposal plumbing system can help you dispose of your waste in an efficient and environment-friendly manner. Powered by electricity, a garbage disposal system is attached to the sink and the trap. It gathers all the waste products and shreds them into small pieces, making it easier for the waste to run through the pipes.

Hydro jetting

If your drainage system is blocked and simple plumbing techniques haven’t worked, then hydro jetting will certainly do the trick — the method is simple yet effective; water is blasted through the blocked drains to unclog them. However, this method can only be carried out by highly professional plumbers.

Sewer line repair

Sewer line damages can be a living nightmare. They can keep you up at night and emit a foul odor that may be harmful to your health. Whether you are certain or not, suspected sewer line damage requires immediate repair. It can weaken the foundation of your house, creating further problems for you. If you sense a weird smell around the house, get in touch with a plumbing professional in Cleveland GA.

Jet vacuum sewer line services

Earlier, the best way to deal with clogged sewer lines was to dig a hole in the ground, locate the faulty pipe and replace it. This method was time-consuming and also damaging to the surrounding area. Then came an efficient, environment-friendly, and relatively cost-effective way to clean sewer lines: jet vacuum. Through this method, high-powered jets are sent through the lines, ensuring the line is cleaned and no damage is done to the pipe.

Sump pump

Natural disasters such as floods cannot be avoided, but there are ways to ensure that your house is not damaged by excess water. A sump pump takes water from the base of your house and pumps it out. It is placed at the lowest point of your house, covering the entire basement area. It can also prove to be helpful in case of a pipe burst emergency.

Certified plumbing services

The DIY blogs can sometimes be a lifesaver but can also add to your misery. You might come across a plethora of blogs suggesting ways on how you can unclog your toilet, drain and fix a leaking pipe like a plumber but the fact of the matter is that there are certain things that we cannot do on our own and plumbing is one of them. Plumbing is a tedious and difficult task and one wrong step can make matters worse for you; which is why it is highly recommended to get in touch with a certified plumber like Metro PHA. They are licensed and certified plumbing professionals and are dedicated to the work they do. Certified plumbing services also give you the benefit of better cost, a plan according to your needs making it cost-efficient.

Metro PHA provides a wide variety of plumbing services in Cleveland GA. They are a family-owned business and do not talk you into services that you don’t require. What makes their service truly exceptional is the ‘emergency plumbing service’ so if you need an emergency plumber in Cleveland GA, you can get in touch with a Metro PHA professional. It is an insured company and can solve all your plumbing problems.…

If your water heater is acting up, the garbage disposal is backed up, and drains are clogged (hopefully not all on the same day), you don’t have time to deliberate over finding the perfect plumber. But making a rash decision about the plumber you employ could result in more problems down the road. You want to find a plumber whose advice you can trust and who offers long-term results. While you can’t avoid plumbing problems entirely, you can avoid having to fix the same problem several times. We know that price is an important part of making your decision, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Sometimes plumbing companies offer the lowest possible price over the phone but then add on charges once they get to your home and properly inspect the problem. So how do you find the right plumber for your home? Here are seven tips to help you make your decision:

MAKE SURE YOUR PLUMBER IS LICENSED AND INSURED

This goes without saying but is the most important factor in finding the right plumber so bears repeating.  Ask if they are licensed and make sure they carry insurance in the case of a catastrophe.

ASK HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR

As with most services, you want someone with the most experience performing repairs on your home. A plumbing company that has been established for decades is likely to employ knowledgeable plumbers and have a well-known reputation. They’re also less likely to disappear on you halfway through your repair.

INQUIRE ABOUT WRITTEN ESTIMATES

A reputable plumber often won’t give you an estimate until they have properly assessed the problem in your home.  Once the problem has been determined but before any work is performed, inquire about a written estimate that includes labor and part costs.

CHECK REVIEWS AND REFERENCES

When making your decision, don’t rely on the website or advertisement of the plumbing company alone. A good aspect of the Internet is that it forces businesses to be transparent about their services. If a plumber offers subpar work, a quick Google search will reveal past customer experience. You can also check Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau for reviews.

COMPARE COMPETITION

You may not know much about plumbing when looking for a plumber, but you certainly know how to look for a company that delivers more than others in their industry. Check to see if the plumbing company has been given awards voted for by their industry and customers. Another good indication of the plumbing company’s values is to see if they take an active part in their community or regularly share their knowledge online.

PERSONAL REFERRALS

Ask your friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they have a go-to plumber or have had positive experiences with a local plumbing company. Often, asking someone you trust for a referral is how you find a hidden gem.

PROFESSIONAL REFERRALS

Don’t be afraid to ask you’re A/C technician, electrician, or construction worker for a referral. Often they will know the best plumbers in your area and mentioning their name may result in a discount!  According to a July 2004 survey conducted for Kohler, about 28 million U.S. households experience a toilet clog each month. 10% of U.S. households have leaks that waste 90 gallons (and more) per day. The IBHS found in a study that plumbing pipes and drain systems were the leading cause of interior water damage, with the average incident costing around $5,000. We’re not telling you this to make you nervous or have you checking your plumbing every 5 minutes, we’re letting you know why it’s important to have the best plumber in Plano on call! You may be thinking “well that’s all well and good, but how do I know when I have found the best plumber in Plano, who can handle any plumbing emergency I may have?” We’re glad you asked because we’ve compiled some tips and strategies that will help you identify the best plumbers in Plano (or anywhere else in the U.S. really)!

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE BEST PLANO, TX PLUMBERS

• Start looking now. Finding the best Plano TX plumber is easier when you have time to do the necessary research. Eventually, something in your home will spring a leak or wear out, so make sure you’ve selected a reliable plumber while you have the time (not when you’re scrambling to search the phone book as your house fills up with water).
• Ask your friends and family. Talk to family members or neighbors about their experiences with local plumbers. They will probably be more than happy to share the good and bad encounters with plumbers and will steer you clear of suspicious or unreliable plumbing companies.
• Ask a trusted professional. If you’ve relied on a trusted HVAC or electrical contractor over the years, ask them for a recommendation. Reputable pros are always glad to share references and your inquiry might net a discount on an introductory service call.
• Check online reviews. Scanning the local yellow pages might get you to contact numbers, but if you head online and search for local plumbers you’re going to find a plethora of local listing sites that include reviews and recommendations (or warnings) along with the contact information. Check out online review sites that consolidate positive and negative consumer reviews about local plumbers, because the more feedback the company has, the more accurate the general assessment of their service will be.
• Check the local Better Business Bureau and other business organizations. Sometimes it’s beneficial to check with local business organizations to verify the details of the plumbing companies you’ve found. Local business organizations typically hold their members to higher standards, so if the company you’re checking on is included in the Better Business Bureau or other organizations’ listings, that is a solid vote of confidence in their service.
• Contact the plumbing companies that interest you. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, fill out emails and contact forms of different Plano plumbers. An established business knows that you want an overview of its services, so most companies will offer a contact form, email, or phone number that is open to calls from people who just want preliminary info. This is how you can find out how many years of experience the plumber brings to the jobs, the area of service they cover, and if they have any specials or discounts.

You can (and should) spend time doing your research and verifying information on local plumbers, but we’d like to offer you a shortcut!…

Finding a good plumber or tradesman can be a nightmare, especially if you have an emergency that cannot wait. But it doesn’t have to be! Read further and learn our 7 tips on how to find a good plumber in your area and save yourself the hassle of dealing with cowboys and shoddy workmen.

The Benefits of Finding a Reputable Plumber

Did you know that water waste in the UK amounts to ~460 million liters each year? The reason is that even the smallest of leaks can waste many liters of water. Leaks can not only cause damage to your and your neighbors’ homes but can also break the bank and have a negative impact on the environment. Hiring a “cowboy” to do the job of a professional will only contribute to these adverse effects. Here are a few reasons why hiring a reputable plumber in your area is worth every penny.

• Good understanding of the local plumbing needs – local plumbers are familiar with the area, the parking situation, the hardware stores, and the local directives.
• Short-notice appointments and a one-stop-shop service – hiring a local plumber often means he can come out quickly and offer you a full-package service – from diagnosing the issue to sourcing materials and completing the job.
• Valuable advice – an expert can provide helpful tips on how to prevent the issue from recurring. They can help you with trusted recommendations, such as how to upkeep your bathrooms and plumbing installations. You get more value for your money.
• You support the local economy – buying local is a building block of any good economy. This way, you help hard-working professionals find work and you keep your money circulating locally.

Plumber vs Heating Engineer

Have you ever wondered what the difference between a plumber and a heating engineer is? Plumbers deal with the water fixtures and pipework around the home. If you have a leak or a drip, you call them to fix it for you. They can install or repair showers, sinks, and toilets, and unblock a sink or a toilet. However, if you have an issue with your boiler or central heating, you need a heating engineer. They maintain, install, and repair boilers, gas appliances, and radiators. Some plumbers are also heating engineers and vice versa. The same can’t be said about a handyman vs plumber, though.

All heating engineers have completed specific training and are legally required to be on the Gas Safe Register, which allows them to work on boilers and other gas appliances. But you can’t trust every boiler engineer that knocks on your door. Some tradespeople may appear to be unqualified for specific tasks and cause further damage to your home.

A Service Company Vs Local Plumber

While it is tempting to hire a local tradesman from the yellow pages and pay a lower rate, it is worth examining the idea from all sides. For example, a one-person business would find it difficult to complete a complex project on time because they would work on their own. You would have less control over their work and no way to verify if they are as good as their ad claims or if they have proper insurance.

Hiring a recognized company comes with a lot of benefits. Foremost, it is certainly much easier to check the company’s reputation and track record online. Companies have large teams of experts, working not only Monday to Friday, but weekends, late nights, and bank holidays included. So you can rely on them whenever you need any help. In addition, it is easier to communicate with companies, since they have a dedicated Customer Service department. They can arrange your service and handle any requests or specific issues. You could easily hold them accountable for their work as opposed to individuals that become difficult to find if things go south. Not to mention that companies are committed to improving their services at all times.

You can expect your plumber to have the required certificates, qualifications, and proof of licenses and be up to date on the newest skills and trends in the plumbing world. Professional companies have strict control over their tradesmen’s health by providing personal protective equipment, guidelines, and regular checks.

How to Find a Local Plumber You Can Trust

1. Ask another tradesperson

Have you had tasks done by a handyman or an electrician, whose work you were happy with? Ask them to recommend a plumbing specialist. People in the trades business often know each other and sometimes work together on complex projects. Professionals enjoy working with other professionals, so they are likely to recommend someone reliable.

2. Look for a trusted company

Choosing a reputable plumbing service company over a relatively new and unknown one is the better option in most cases. The company’s reputation often speaks for itself, and you can’t just ignore other people’s opinions.

3. Plumbing Trade Associations

Most knowledgeable plumbers are members of a trade association. A trade association membership is a sign of quality and dedication to the craft, as they encourage focus on technical ability, customer service, and delivering top results. Being a good plumber is more than being technically adept and doing the job. It’s about communication, reliability, and trust. There is no use for a plumber who doesn’t respect your home. Good tradesmen deliver all-around professional services.

The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) are two of the most well-known associations in the UK. Tradesmen, members of these trade associations are unlikely to jeopardize their good reputation by doing shoddy or shady work.

4. Ask friends and family

Another great source of plumber recommendations can be your friends and family. Chances are they have experienced similar issues and can recommend a tradesman you can count on. Word-of-mouth recommendations are still important and can carry a lot of weight. Plus, a personal account is a more persuasive tool than a hype ad without a customer review to back it up. If you want to find a local plumber, perhaps consider inviting your neighbors over for a cup of tea. Find out who they look up to for plumbing repairs and installations.

5. Search through directories and rating pages

Perusing through directories and rating pages improves your chances of finding a plumber you can trust. It is less likely to find a “cowboy” or wanna-be plumber listed in there. When searching, look for authenticity. Always take anonymous reviews with a grain of salt, as they cannot be verified either by you or the rating pages. Some of the most popular and credible directories and aggregator sites are:

• YellowPages.com – one of the biggest directories
• Yelp.com – another great directory with a rating system
• Truspilot.com – search by rating
• Threebestrated.co.uk – best 3 plumbing service providers in your area
• Trustatrader.com – qualified professionals registered with a trade association

Don’t rush the decision unless you are in an emergency. Search the second and third pages, since forward placement doesn’t guarantee better service quality.

6. Read reviews and testimonials

Most advertisements claim that you get the best service for the best price. These ads are catchy to hear on the radio or read on the internet, but they rarely provide more than brand recognition. While this is important, it does not give you the security and peace of mind that your home and family are in good hands. Take the time to carefully evaluate reviews and testimonials on aggregator pages or the company website. It is important to look for authenticity and honesty, so better look for the following information:

• What was the project?
• When was it carried out?
• Were there any issues?
• What is the result?
• Would the customer consider hiring the same plumber again?

7. Compare rates and collect quotes over the phone

Like with any other service, it is best that you receive 3 or more quotes to compare the costs and the service perks. The more complex the job is the more quotes you need to get, and the more questions you should ask. Depending on the requirements of a specific situation, they might give you a quote over the phone or after a survey. Beware of suspiciously low rates. Most good plumbers know what their work is worth. It’s unlikely that they will charge either too little or too much. A low price might mean a lack of licenses or specialized knowledge. Another trick to watch out for is quoting only for part of the job and then charging extra for “the additional work”. To avoid these situations, you need to have the following information:

• Does the plumber have Public Liability Insurance?
• Is the tradesman a licensed professional?
• What is the

…

The toilet and the trash can are not the same things. Everyone knows this, but when you’re in a hurry or feeling lazy, you might go ahead and toss that garbage in the toilet. What harm could it do?

In fact, trash can do a lot of damage to your home’s pipes and even the municipal sewer system. Plumbing and home improvement costs are on the rise partly due to flush items that are not regarded as trash by those who do the flushing.

Flushing non-human waste down the toilet also wastes water. Depending on the brand and model of your home toilets, you can waste about three gallons of water each time you flush. For habitual flushers of trash, this boosts your water bill.

Here are the six things that should never get flushed.

1. Food

People may think food is warm, moist, and soft when it slips down the toilet, and that’s the end of it. But it’s not. Pasta and rice regularly go down the toilet, but they don’t remain small or soft. These materials bloat with water and clog pipes. Starchy foods also damage the main city sewer lines.

Grease is another food item constantly getting flushed. It goes down smoothly but soon solidifies, lining the inside of pipes and creating major jams.

2. Condoms

Condoms are not easy to flush, but somehow people manage it. Down in the sewers, they fill with air and bob on the surface. When they deflate, they stick to the lining of pipes and prevent an even flow of water, eventually contributing to major blockage.

Knowing how to care for your home plumbing system before it gets to the point of needing to call a plumber is the key to saving your house and hundreds of dollars in plumbing and home improvement costs.

3. Pets

Fish are among the most common flushable critters that receive water burials. But some families believe dead gerbils, hamsters, lizards, snakes, and others deserve to rest “at sea” as well. Unfortunately, bones of any kind do not disintegrate but get caught in the pipes and cause backups and clogs.

4. Diapers

Parents want to do the right thing, but they are often too tired and pressed for time, so diapers find their way down the toilet. But diapers are designed to be super absorbent. Because of this, it is rare a diaper makes it past the U-bend once it has been flushed. Diapers can cause a horrible pipe blockage.

5. Paint and Construction Debris

Paint is thick by design. When it mixes with grease or fat from food, it creates a large block of hardness. The paint and grease mixture blocks everything in its path, which eventually includes water. This will create extreme damage when the water backs up through your home’s pipes.

6. Medications and Drug Paraphernalia

Outdated and leftover prescription medications should never be flushed down the toilet, because they are harmful substances in other ways. Medications may not affect the pipes but they will flow through your city’s sanitation and waste-water treatment plant.

This means prescription drugs could end up in your drinking water! Drug paraphernalia such as syringes and latex gloves should also never be flushed because they obviously can cause pipe blockage.

If you or a family member does accidentally send something from this list down the toilet, try troubleshooting the problem first. Plumbing repairs are expensive and maybe you can correct the problem without assistance. If you can’t fix your toilet, take a moment before you dial the first plumber listed in the search engine results.

You may be asking, “What’s left to flush?” The answer would be: toilet paper and human waste. That’s all. Unless you want to pay for expensive plumbing and home improvements the next time someone flushes a non-approved flushable item.…

When a frozen pipe bursts or a drain backs up, you know something’s wrong right away. You quickly identify the source, pinpoint the problem and take care of repairs.

When a slow leak starts inside your home’s walls, it doesn’t attract attention, but it does leave solid clues. If you know how to detect water leakage in walls, you can minimize potentially serious damage.

Be on the lookout for these 10 signs of water leaks behind your drywall.

1. PERSISTENT MUSTY ODORS

As the water slowly drips from a leaky pipe inside the wall, flooring and sheetrock stay damp and develop an odor similar to wet cardboard. It generates a musty smell that can help you find hidden leaks.

2. MOLD IN UNUSUAL AREAS

Mold usually grows in wet areas like kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms. If you spot the stuff on walls or baseboards in other rooms of the house, it’s a good indicator of undetected water leaks.

3. STAINS THAT GROW

When mold thrives around a leaky pipe, it sometimes takes hold on the inside surface of the affected wall. A growing stain on otherwise clean sheetrock is often your sign of a hidden plumbing problem.

4. PEELING OR BUBBLING WALLPAPER / PAINT

This clue is easy to miss in rooms that don’t get much use. When you see wallpaper separating along seams or paint bubbling or flaking off the wall, blame sheetrock that stays wet because of an undetected leak.

5. SLOWLY WARPING SHEETROCK

Over time, sheetrock wicks up moisture from a slow leak, and that can cause the wall to develop bends and curves. Warped sheetrock is a sure sign of a slow water leak.

6. BUCKLED CEILINGS AND STAINED FLOORS

If ceilings or floors in bathrooms, kitchens or laundry areas develop structural problems, don’t rule out constant damp inside the walls. Wet sheetrock can affect adjacent framing, flooring and ceilings.

7. WET BLOTCHES

Wet spots are sure signs of water damage in walls, but they don’t always pinpoint the problem’s location. Water can travel down a pipe and cause wet blotches on the wall below the leak.

8. ODD DISCOLORATION

As a leak moves further down inside the wall, overlooked wet spots eventually dry. They leave behind splotches that appear lighter than surrounding drywall or wallpaper.

9. WET FLOORS

This sign is obvious on kitchen floors, but it’s not as noticeable in carpeted rooms. If an area of carpeting appears darker next to a wall, touch the fibers. If they’re damp, you probably have a wall leak.

10. DRIPPING SOUNDS

Water running down inside walls often makes a dripping sound. You’ll usually hear the plinking noise after turning off a faucet in the sink, tub, or shower. You may also notice audible clues after flushing the toilet.

TESTING YOUR SUSPICIONS

Figuring out how to detect water leakage in walls takes a little investigative work. If the clues add up and you want more evidence of a hidden leak, use your home’s water meter to test your suspicions by following these simple steps.

• Make sure all faucets and appliances in the house are turned off.
• Take a look at your home’s water meter, and note the usage numbers.
• Don’t run any water inside or out for at least three hours.
• Check the usage numbers on the meter again for any changes.
• An increase in the readout means you have a leak somewhere in the house.

TOOLS THAT HELP DETECT WATER LEAKS IN WALLS

Cutting into drywall to locate a leak doesn’t always give you access to the problem. Water could be dripping from a pipe several feet above the wet spot. Reduce the guesswork with these leak-detection tools.

• Moisture Meter – This device analyzes moisture content in all types of materials. Locate a leak by placing the meter directly against the wall. Move it around, checking four or five different points. The spot that gives you the highest reading is nearest to the hidden leak.
• Infrared Camera – An infrared camera detects moisture inside walls through an optical system that measures infrared energy and surface temperature. As you move the camera around a suspected area, a cooler temperature reading helps pinpoint the location of the leak inside the wall.

You can buy or rent both tools at most home improvement centers. Moisture meters and infrared cameras are just two examples of the advanced equipment used by restoration professionals to detect hidden wall leaks.

HOW TO STOP WATER LEAKAGE FROM THE WALL

Knowing what to do if your wall is leaking water saves cleanup time and reduces the chance of serious water damage.

Once you’ve located the approximate area of the leak, cut out enough drywall to reach the bad pipe. Stop the leak with a patch kit, mop up as much water as possible, and set up fans to dry the area.

Let a water damage pro take care of permanent repairs and drywall restoration. When you call in a company that specializes in this kind of work, you:

• Leave the entire job in the hands of certified technicians.
• Count on advanced repair, cleaning and restoration techniques
• Know mold removal and remediation are taken care of
• Don’t navigate insurance paperwork by yourself.

While it’s always best to let a restoration professional handle repairs and remediation, here are important steps you should also take to minimize damage.

• Fixing a wall leaking from rain water might start with cleaning out the gutters. When they’re clogged, heavy rain spills down your home’s exterior and can seep into the walls inside.
• Water leaks in walls when it rains can indicate problems on the roof. Make regular roof inspections part of your water leak prevention plans. Immediately replace bad shingles or flashing.
• Stop plumbing leaks inside walls by turning off the main water supply to your home. Open up faucets inside the house to drain as much water as possible from pipes before you begin repairs.

…

When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (PDF).

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.

“Pipe insulation can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store,” says Susan Millerick, IBHS spokeswoman. “So for not much more than the cost of the aspirin you’d need, you can avoid the headaches of cleanup, loss of precious keepsakes, and the cost of your insurance deductible.” Use the pipe insulation liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes.

Both the IBHS and the American Red Cross, which is in the business of emergency preparedness, have useful advice on how to prevent your pipes from freezing, as well as how to thaw them if they do.

How to Beat the Freeze

Once the temperature starts dropping outside, you should take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running. Research conducted by the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space.

Some of the steps experts recommend may go against your better instincts of conserving water and heat, but the extra expense is nothing compared with a hefty repair bill. Here’s what to do:

Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)

Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.

If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe. “If you suspect the pipes are frozen, be careful when thawing them out because if the pipe has already burst, the water will come flowing out and flood your home,” says John Galeotafiore, who oversees Consumer Reports’ testing of home products and power gear.

If a pipe has broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, which is usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house. If the water is still running and no pipes have burst, you can take the following steps. (Of course, if you suspect a more serious problem, call a plumber.)

Turn on the faucet. As you heat the frozen pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow through. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt ice in the pipe.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. As tempting as it may be, do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame; the high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.

Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Call a licensed plumber if you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe.

…

Though it’s often always pretty warm in Texas during the winter, the last thing you want is no hot water coming out of the shower! An immediate solution would be to check your water tank, which is where the hot water is being supplied from. Water heaters (or water tanks) are usually located in hidden places like your basement, attic, garage, or even a closet. FYI, the location of your water heater also affects how quickly the water in your house gets hot.

While your water tank could be the most obvious reason for finding any issues with the water heating, it isn’t the only one. There are a few other things you can look at when trying to find the reason the water isn’t heating in your household.

CHECK THE TEMPERATURE

Sometimes, it’s the little things. While checking the temperature of the water heater may sound like a no-brainer, there are a few other things to consider. If you have an electric water heater, check for any elements that might have burned out; water will either heat for a short period of time or not heat at all if there is an issue. If you have an older model, the cold-water supply dip tube may have deteriorated. The dip tube allows for cold water to run down to the burner to heat it up. Instead of the cold water going to the burner for heating, it escapes into the hot water feed pipe. Thus causing cold water to come out. Make sure you check the temperature of your water heater to rule this factor out.

WATER TANK, INSPECT IT!

As previously mentioned, your water tank can be located in either your basement, attic, garage, or closet. After locating it, the first thing you want to check is the age and condition of your water tank. Like many appliances, water tanks are subject to wear and tear over time. A second thing to look out for is leaks and checking the connections. At times, the connections on your water heater may need to be tightened or sometimes may need to be replaced. Lastly, check the anode rode (which is a steel wire coated in either aluminum or magnesium which helps prevent the water tank from rusting) and look out for sediment build-up. If the anode rode is worn away or covered in sediment buildup, this could be the underlying reason why your water isn’t heating.

CHECK OTHER FAUCETS IN THE HOUSE

To determine whether it’s a water tank issue or a shower component issue, check the temperature of the hot water in the other faucets in your home. If the temperature of the hot water cools quickly, you may have a burner problem with your water tank. If there is no hot water coming out at all, it could be a faulty dip tube. Now, if all the other faucets have running hot water, then the issue may lie in your shower components.

INSPECT YOUR SHOWER VALVE

Your shower valve might need to be checked if the only place in your household that isn’t getting hot water is your shower. The shower valve is in charge of mixing both hot and cold water to make it the perfect temperature for your shower. Sometimes, the washers or O-rings have worn out which makes the valve not properly work. This can cause cold water to come through the showerhead. You may need to replace some of these parts if there is an issue with your shower valve.

IF YOU CAN’T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, CALL THE EXPERTS!

Here at Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC & Heating, we are always looking out for the comfort and protection of our clients. If you suspect there might be an issue with your plumbing, AC, or heating, call us today for an inspection, contact us on our website.…

It doesn’t set off alarms. You can’t hear it or see it. Left undetected, it can cause serious damage to sheetrock and even affect floors and ceilings. A slow water leak hidden inside the walls of your home creates a damp environment that breeds mold and rots wood.

As well as you stay ahead of repairs around the house, do you know how to detect water leakage in walls?

Through our water removal services here in Chicago, we see so many homeowner headaches caused by water leaks inside walls. When you know what to look for, it’s easier to spot a hidden water leakage problem.

10 WARNING SIGNS OF WATER LEAKAGE BEHIND THE WALL

When a frozen pipe burst or a drain backs up, you know something’s wrong right away. You quickly identify the source, pinpoint the problem, and take care of repairs.

When a slow leak starts inside your home’s walls, it doesn’t attract attention, but it does leave solid clues. If you know how to detect water leakage in walls, you can minimize potentially serious damage.

Be on the lookout for these 10 signs of water leaks behind your drywall.

1. PERSISTENT MUSTY ODORS

As water slowly drips from a leaky pipe inside the wall, flooring and sheetrock stay damp and develop an odor similar to wet cardboard. It generates a musty smell that can help you find hidden leaks.

2. MOLD IN UNUSUAL AREAS

Mold usually grows in wet areas like kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms. If you spot the stuff on walls or baseboards in other rooms of the house, it’s a good indicator of undetected water leaks.

3. STAINS THAT GROW

When mold thrives around a leaky pipe, it sometimes takes hold of the inside surface of the affected wall. A growing stain on otherwise clean sheetrock is often your sign of a hidden plumbing problem.

4. PEELING OR BUBBLING WALLPAPER / PAINT

This clue is easy to miss in rooms that don’t get much use. When you see wallpaper separating along seams or paint bubbling or flaking off the wall, blame sheetrock that stays wet because of an undetected leak.

5. SLOWLY WARPING SHEETROCK

Over time, sheetrock wicks up moisture from a slow leak, and that can cause the wall to develop bends and curves. Warped sheetrock is a sure sign of a slow water leak.

6. BUCKLED CEILINGS AND STAINED FLOORS

If ceilings or floors in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry areas develop structural problems, don’t rule out constant damp inside the walls. Wet sheetrock can affect adjacent framing, flooring, and ceilings.

7. WET BLOTCHES

Wet spots are sure signs of water damage in walls, but they don’t always pinpoint the problem’s location. Water can travel down a pipe and cause wet blotches on the wall below the leak.

8. ODD DISCOLORATION

As a leak moves further down inside the wall, overlooked wet spots eventually dry. They leave behind splotches that appear lighter than surrounding drywall or wallpaper.

9. WET FLOORS

This sign is obvious on kitchen floors, but it’s not as noticeable in carpeted rooms. If an area of carpeting appears darker next to a wall, touch the fibers. If they’re damp, you probably have a wall leak.

10. DRIPPING SOUNDS

Water running down inside walls often makes a dripping sound. You’ll usually hear the plinking noise after turning off a faucet in the sink, tub or shower. You may also notice audible clues after flushing the toilet.

TESTING YOUR SUSPICIONS

Figuring out how to detect water leakage in walls takes a little investigative work. If the clues add up and you want more evidence of a hidden leak, use your home’s water meter to test your suspicions by following these simple steps.

• Make sure all faucets and appliances in the house are turned off.
• Take a look at your home’s water meter, and note the usage numbers.
• Don’t run any water inside or out for at least three hours.
• Check the usage numbers on the meter again for any changes.
• An increase in the readout means you have a leak somewhere in the house.

TOOLS THAT HELP DETECT WATER LEAKS IN WALLS

Cutting into drywall to locate a leak doesn’t always give you access to the problem. Water could be dripping from a pipe several feet above the wet spot. Reduce the guesswork with these leak-detection tools.

• Moisture Meter – This device analyzes moisture content in all types of materials. Locate a leak by placing the meter directly against the wall. Move it around, checking four or five different points. The spot that gives you the highest reading is nearest to the hidden leak.
• Infrared Camera – An infrared camera detects moisture inside walls through an optical system that measures infrared energy and surface temperature. As you move the camera around a suspected area, a cooler temperature reading helps pinpoint the location of the leak inside the wall.

You can buy or rent both tools at most home improvement centers. Moisture meters and infrared cameras are just two examples of the advanced equipment used by restoration professionals to detect hidden wall leaks.

HOW TO STOP WATER LEAKAGE FROM THE WALL

Knowing what to do if your wall is leaking water saves cleanup time and reduces the chance of serious water damage.

Once you’ve located the approximate area of the leak, cut out enough drywall to reach the bad pipe. Stop the leak with a patch kit, mop up as much water as possible, and set up fans to dry the area.

Let a water damage pro take care of permanent repairs and drywall restoration. When you call in a company that specializes in this kind of work, you:

• Leave the entire job in the hands of certified technicians.
• Count on advanced repair, cleaning and restoration techniques
• Know mold removal and remediation are taken care of
• Don’t navigate insurance paperwork by yourself.

While it’s always best to let a restoration professional handle repairs and remediation, here are important steps you should also take to minimize damage.

• Fixing a wall leaking from rain water might start with cleaning out the gutters. When they’re clogged, heavy rain spills down your home’s exterior and can seep into the walls inside.
• Water leaks in walls when it rains can indicate problems on the roof. Make regular roof inspections part of your water leak prevention plans. Immediately replace bad shingles or flashing.
• Stop plumbing leaks inside walls by turning off the main water supply to your home. Open up faucets inside the house to drain as much water as possible from pipes before you begin repairs.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPAIR A WATER LEAK IN THE WALL?

Depending on the extent of damage from a water leak in the wall, repair costs can run between $350 and $2,000 or more.

In addition to cleanup, water remediation and restoration, the cost can also include plumbing repairs and mold removal. A reputable water damage company will give you a detailed estimate that outlines the leak repair process.…