Author: Jonie

There are plumbing problems you can handle on your own, but others are too big to tackle. Do you know when you need to call in professional help? The five scenarios below may surprise you.

1. The tap won’t stop drippingMost people have lived with a dripping tap at some point. After all, a slight leak like that really isn’t causing much trouble – or is it? Left unchecked, that dripping can lead to a lot of wasted water: According to the EPA, a leak of 1 drip per second can waste as much as 3,000 gallons of water a year! Worse yet, the leak could be indicative of a bigger plumbing problem. You can try your own hand at fixing the leak, but if that doesn’t work don’t be afraid to call in the professionals. A residential plumber can get to the source of the trouble.
2. Your bathtub won’t drainA bathtub clog must be dealt with immediately. It will only worsen with time, and you’ll be left with more standing water in your tub. A plumber can clear the obstruction and check to be certain it isn’t part of a bigger problem. You can save yourself time and aggravation by addressing the problem early whenever possible. Call in a professional as soon as your tub begins draining slowly, before it escalates to a full clog.
3. Water isn’t flowing correctlyPoor or inconsistent water pressure throughout your home can be a problem. If it’s only in the shower or a faucet or two it may simply be a matter of cleaning mineral buildup out of the fixture. However, widespread problems with water flow could be indicative of a bigger issue with the supply line. A plumber will know how to both diagnose and fix the problem to restore your water pressure to normal.
4. Your pipes are frozenThis is a wintertime plumbing nightmare. If you’ve ever experienced frozen pipes, you know it’s advisable to call a plumber right away. If you haven’t, count yourself lucky and make the call now. It’s wise to bring in a professional before a frozen pipe cracks or bursts, rather than attempting a do-it-yourself thawing. A burst pipe can leave you with a big mess and extensive water damage to your home and belongings. Don’t take a chance; let the experts handle it.
5. Your toilet’s clogged and the plunger isn’t helpingOther than burst pipes, there’s nothing quite so urgent as a toilet clog a plunger can’t clear. The problem could be a sewage line issue too big to be for your basic plunger. Rather than scratch the porcelain or do other damage by trying to break the clog up yourself, call in an expert with the tools and expertise to get your toilet working again.

Need some professional guidance?

Your local Rods Away plumber is always here to help. If you’re concerned about a plumbing problem give us a call.

Do you sometimes hear a loud “thunk” sound when you turn off a faucet or when the water stops flowing into your washing machine or dishwasher? That’s a phenomenon called “water hammer”, and it’s more than a disturbing noise — it can be the sound of serious plumbing damage.

What’s Making That Racket?

The water in your plumbing pipes is under pressure. When it’s rushing through an open faucet and you turn it off suddenly, the flow of water slams into the closed valve, creating a hydraulic shock. The impact can cause all sorts of problems, including broken pipes, loose fittings and damage to water-connected appliances.

The shockwaves from water hammer can also cause your pipes to physically move from the jolt. If they’re not adequately secured to the joists in your home with suitable pipe straps, the moving pipes may bang against your walls, making even more noise and increasing the odds of damage.

What Can I Do About It?

Unless your home’s plumbing system is very old, you probably already have one solution in place: air chambers. An air chamber is a short length of vertical pipe installed right behind a valve. Because this piece of pipe is higher than the valve, it fills with air instead of water, and the air acts as a shock absorber when the flow of water stops suddenly.

Water hammer sometimes occurs at valves that have air chambers installed. When this happens, the cause is usually that water has bubbled up into the air chamber over time, nullifying its protective effects. But fixing this is relatively easy — simply shut off the home’s main water valve, then open faucets at the highest and lowest points of the structure. As the remaining water drains from your plumbing system, the air chambers will automatically refill with air. Reopen your main water valve and check the noisy faucet or appliance to see if the problem persists.

If your plumbing system doesn’t have air chambers and you’re experiencing water hammer, you might want to consider having them installed. You could also have devices called water hammer arrestors installed in the same place. The main benefit of an arrestor is that it’s a sealed system, so it won’t fill up with water over time. But the main drawback is that arrestors will eventually need to be replaced, whereas air chambers will keep working for decades.

Check Your Water Pressure

Even with air chambers or water hammer arrestors, you could continue to experience this problem if your home’s water pressure is too high. This is easy enough to check if you have a water pressure gauge, which you can buy for a few dollars at most hardware stores. Simply screw the gauge onto your hose bib and fully open the faucet while all of the other faucets and fixtures in your home are closed. Safe water pressure can range anywhere from 50 to 80 psi, and if your water pressure is above this range, it’s a good idea to take action.

One way to correct this is to contact your local water utility to report your high pressure problem and see what they’re able to do. They may be able to send someone to your home to reduce the pressure at the water meter. Another option is to hire a licensed plumber to install a water pressure regulator.

As you can see, tracking down the cause of water hammer and even fixing the problem can be a fairly simply DIY exercise. But if you ever need some professional assistance with more complicated steps like installing new water hammer arrestors or pressure regulators, reach out to your local Benjamin Franklin without delay. Water hammer is a serious problem that deserves your attention!

Durable as most toilets are, they all must be replaced at some point. It’s not even uncommon for homeowners to replace toilets that are still in good working order, because there are so many new features and designs to choose from. If your toilet is nearing the end of its useful life — or if you’re just eager for a change — there are lots of options waiting in store.

More Than One Way to Flush

Chances are you have a gravity feed toilet — one with a rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank, which opens up and lets gravity do the work of flushing everything away. But there are a couple of other flush mechanisms to consider.

A pressure assisted toilet is a design that uses air pressure to produce a faster, more powerful flush. They’re more common in public toilets, but they can be installed in homes, as well. Pressure assisted toilets stay cleaner longer and are less prone to clogs. They can be much louder than gravity feed toilets and are more expensive to buy and install, however.

An increasingly popular alternative is the dual flush toilet, which has both a gravity feed and pressure assisted flushing system. With a dual flush toilet, you can use a water-saving gravity feed flush for liquid waste, or a bowl-cleaning, clog-busting pressure assisted flush for solid waste.

No matter which type of flush mechanism you choose, there’s also an option for a cleaner, easier way to flush: touchless flushing. Some new toilets feature touchless flushing right out of the box, but most toilets can be modified with an aftermarket touchless flush system. With touchless flush, users flush the toilet by waving their hand over a sensor. It’s a plus for homeowners who worry about germs, and it can be a big help to anyone who has trouble using a traditional flush handle.

Form Follows Function

There are all sorts of sleek and unusual shapes among designer toilets, but there are a couple of basic design elements that all toilet shoppers should think about before they buy: bowl height and bowl shape.

The bowl height of the standard toilet is 15 inches, but this can range from as low as 10 inches and as high as 20. Taller toilets can be beneficial for people with limited mobility, because they reduce the amount of effort it takes to sit down and stand up. If that’s not an issue, and if there are small children in the home, a lower toilet might work well for everyone. Lower toilets can also assist in assuming a squatting position, which is a beneficial posture when it comes to using the facilities.

As for bowl shape, there are two main choices: elongated and round. Elongated toilets have an egg-shaped opening and are considered by many to be more comfortable because they’re more spacious. Round bowls may be less comfortable by comparison, but because they take up less space, they’re still used in smaller bathrooms. If you’d like to split the difference, elongated toilets come in a variety of lengths that allow you to get the benefits of the oblong shape in a tighter space.

Use Less, Save More

Federal standards limit the flush volume of all new toilets to 1.6 gallons, which is a big improvement on older, unregulated toilets that used as many as five gallons of water per flush. But many toilets go even farther than that, and you can be sure that you’re buying a water-saving toilet by looking for the federal WaterSense label at the point of purchase.

Similar to the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR labeling program for energy efficient appliances, the WaterSense program designates plumbing fixtures that help you save water. Every WaterSense certified toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less.

High Tech Toiletry 

If you want your toilet to be a real conversation starter, you may want to look into smart toilets. Technology commonly integrated into smart toilets includes temperature-controlled seats, bidets and dryers, automatic flush, self-cleaning technology, LED lights and remote controls to use all the sophisticated features. It might be too much toilet for most, but it’s not every day that you get to buy a new toilet, right?

If choosing the right toilet is proving more difficult than you thought, or if you just need help installing the toilet of your choice, call up your local Rods Away today.

BE PREPARED FOR DIY PLUMBING WITH THESE 8 TOOLS

We’ll be the first to tell you that there’s no substitute for the expertise of a licensed plumber. But for simple jobs — or emergencies, like a broken pipe — it doesn’t hurt to be prepared to get your own hands dirty. And if you’re going to be ready for what your home’s plumbing can throw at you, you’ll need the right tools for the job.

These are the eight tools and supplies that every DIY plumber should have at the ready:

Pipe wrench. Or rather, pipe wrenches. Two is better than one when it comes to these hefty grippers, because you can use one wrench to stabilize your work while using the other one to turn. The pipe wrench is your go-to tool for situations that demand real leverage, such as loosening a rusted old fitting. It’s a good idea to throw a few rags in your toolbox along with your wrenches — that way, you can wrap your pipes and fixtures before you work, avoiding scratches.

Basin wrench. If you’re not familiar with plumbing tools, you might not recognize the basin wrench as a wrench at all. Unlike a typical wrench head, the basin wrench has a spring-loaded, clamping jaw designed for gripping and turning bolts and fasteners in tight spaces. It’s the ideal tool for jobs like loosening the nuts underneath a deep kitchen sink.

Adjustable wrench. As the name suggests, these wrenches can be adjusted to fit a range of hardware sizes, making them very versatile. Quality adjustable wrenches are inexpensive and it can be useful to have a few of them in a variety of sizes, especially when you need to use one or two as clamps. Adjustable wrenches do most of the work with smaller jobs like replacing faucets and showerheads.

Tongue and groove pliers. Speaking of clamps, you’ll also want at least one good pair of tongue and groove pliers to help hold things in place. These pliers have a slip-joint design that allow the jaws to open wide and grab bigger things. Most pairs have long handles that also make them great for turning, tightening and loosening. As with your pipe wrench, you’ll probably want to wrap your fine fixtures with a rag before using these due to their serrated jaws.

Plumber’s putty. Also known as jointing compound, plumber’s putty helps form a watertight seal. For many DIY replacements and upgrades such as faucets and drains, a dab of plumber’s putty can help avoid leaks and keep parts firmly in place.

Plumber’s tape. One of the more frustrating plumbing problems is a leaky threaded joint, such as the one connecting a showerhead to a pipe. The solution is plumber’s tape, also known as teflon tape or thread seal tape. Just wrap a few layers around clean, dry threads, making sure to wind the tape clockwise. When you screw on your fixture, the tape will help form a watertight seal.

Plunger. They don’t call it the “plumber’s helper” for nothing. From overflowing toilets to clogged drains, your plunger is the plumbing tool you may find yourself reaching for most often. Keep it right in the bathroom so it’s always there when you need it. If you’re not familiar with proper plunger technique, take a moment to learn the ropes, and consider keeping a little tub of petroleum jelly under the sink to help you plunge more effectively.

Toilet auger. When your plunger can’t get the job done, it’s time to bring out the auger. A hand-crank toilet auger can extend a long metal cable into your toilet drain (or any drain where it will fit) to break up obstructions and send them on their way. For stubborn clogs, it’s a cheap and simple tool that could save you an emergency repair call.

You probably have a few of these tools in your toolbox already, and rounding out the list won’t cost an arm and a leg. Even if you don’t expect to get into any major DIY work, having these tools on hand might make the difference between calling for emergency repairs and handling it yourself. But if you ever do find you need the help of a licensed plumber, call your local Rods Away without delay.

TROUBLESHOOTING DISHWASHER LEAKS AND WATER FLOW PROBLEMS

Once you move on from hand-washing dishes, there’s no going back. So when the dishwasher starts having problems, there’s no time to waste in getting to the bottom of it. You can always call in a plumber — and for some problems, you definitely should — but there are some small, common dishwasher problems that you can diagnose, if not repair, all on your own.

Finding and Fixing Leaks

Dishwashers are designed to not spill a drop, but leaks can develop if certain parts malfunction or become damaged. If you have an older dishwasher, some parts may be failing due to age and wear, which can also lead to leaks.

If you notice pooling water or signs of water spray around your dishwasher, it could be coming from one or more of three areas:

• Around the door. The door is lined with a rubber gasket, much like the one on your refrigerator door. If there is a tear in the gasket, or if it has become cracked and brittle with age, this could be the source of your leak.
• At the water source. A hose or pipe carries water from your household plumbing to your dishwasher’s water inlet. If this connection is loose or if a gasket has failed, water could be leaking from this area.
• Underneath the dishwasher. There are three places a leak can occur under here: the water inlet, the drain and the seal around the pump. Leaks in these places can be caused by loose or failed hose clamps, cracked gaskets or a broken pump.

To get a good look around, you may need to clear out the area under your kitchen sink and remove the front kickplate of your dishwasher. Use a flashlight to look everywhere for the source of the water. If your dishwasher isn’t mounted to your countertop or cabinets, you may be able to scoot the dishwasher away from the wall to get a better look. Be careful not to snag or break any hoses if you do this.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to pin the source down to a loose connection — something you can fix in under a minute. If it’s a failed gasket or pump, check your dishwasher manufacturer’s website for information on replacement parts and DIY repairs. You may find the instructions for these repairs surprisingly simple, and if it ends up being something you don’t want to handle yourself, your local plumber can always step in to make it a quick fix.

When Your Dishwasher Won’t Wash

Having a water leak is troubling enough, but your dishwasher is truly useless when there’s no water at all. And as with leaks, there are a few different common ways that this problem can occur:

• The float switch is stuck or broken. The float switch is usually a plastic disc or cone that is attached to the floor of the dishwasher and is able to move up and down a few centimeters. When enough water has filled the dishwasher, the rising float switch is supposed to tell the dishwasher to stop the water flow. But if the switch gets stuck in the “up” position by soap scum or a fallen fork, no water will flow at all. This switch can also break, in which case it will need to be replaced.
• The door sensor is stuck or broken. All dishwashers have a safety mechanism to prevent the flow of water when the door is not latched. If your latch isn’t “clicking” into place when you close the dishwasher, there could be a fallen object or some type of residue obstructing the latch. If the latch is functioning properly, it’s possible that the electronic switch that controls the water flow is broken and must be replaced.
• There’s a problem with the water supply. If you have water in the sink, you know the problem isn’t the main supply. The next thing to check is the valve under the sink that diverts water to the dishwasher. If that’s open, follow the supply hose to make sure it isn’t kinked. You may need to remove the dishwasher’s kickplate to see the full length of the hose.

All it takes is the ability to look at your dishwasher from some new angles and identify a few parts, and you’ll be able to diagnose most water issues all by yourself. And if it turns out to be something you can’t handle yourself, you can always count on the pros at your local Rods Away.

FIRST STEPS TO RECOVERING FROM WATER DAMAGE

Whether it’s from a flash flood or a broken pipe, water damage can be one of the most devastating home disasters a homeowner will face. Water-damaged possessions are often unsalvageable, cleaning up the mess can be back-breaking, and the threat of mold development can linger for weeks. But with quick action and a smart plan, you can make your water damage recovery as painless as possible by getting off on the right foot.

Put Electrical Safety First

Whenever you’re dealing with water damage near outlets or wiring, your first concern should be electrical safety. The precautions you take should be proportionate to the extent of the damage. If you have a minor leak affecting a small area, you should shut off the circuit breakers that power all wiring and outlets near the leak. Multi-room damage from a major pipe break will necessitate shutting down the entire circuit panel. If you’re recovering from a widespread flooding event and have standing water in your home, you’ll want to have your utility company completely remove the electrical meter before wading into flooded areas.

If you can’t safely access your electrical panel or have any doubt about the electrical safety of water damaged areas of your home, contact your electrical utility or a licensed electrician before proceeding.

Stop the Flow

If the water is coming from your household plumbing, the damage could be getting worse by the second. That’s why it’s important to know exactly where your home’s main water shut-off valve is, and to make sure you’re able to turn it.

In many homes, the valve is in the basement, close to where the main water supply enters the home. If you’re not sure where this is, check outside your home for the location of the water meter, as the main water supply leads inside from there. In other homes, the shut-off valve may be outside the home, beneath a water meter grate. These valves will often need to be turned with a special long-handled tool called a water key. If you don’t have one, pick one up at your local hardware store.

The shut-off valve can also be sticky if it hasn’t been turned in several years. If this is the case with yours, now is a good time to give it a try and grease the threads with lubricant if necessary. When you need to turn this valve in a hurry, you won’t want to be fighting with it.

Cover Your Assets

Once you’ve eliminated the risk of electrical shock and the flow of water, your next move should be to call your homeowners insurance company to report the damage. In many cases, homeowners insurance will cover damage from a burst pipe but not from a natural flood. Flood insurance is typically sold separately, often from different carriers. If you’re not sure what your insurance covers, look into it now before you have a water damage incident.

You should also plan to take photos of all the water damage in your home before beginning cleanup. Failure to do so could result in contested claims that may cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Call for Help

If you’re willing to put in lots of hard work and do a thorough job, you can perform most of your water damage recovery tasks by yourself. But because of the nature of this work and the mold risk associated with missteps, many homeowners will hire a water damage remediation company to assist.

You might be able to get a team in your home on the same day as the incident if you have a plumbing leak. But when you’re recovering from a widespread flood, water remediation services book up quickly. Call as early as you can to get on the books.

Dry Out

That’s a lot of work to do before you even start dealing with the water, but it’s finally time to start drying out.

Remove any standing water with an electric pump and/or a wet/dry shop vac. Take all water damaged items out of the home and sort them into salvageable and unsalvageable piles. Carpeting, carpet padding, paper products, food products and many electronics will be a total loss. Valuable upholstered furniture and rugs may possibly be saved, but will require prompt attention from remediation experts.

Open all windows in damaged areas and use fans to blow damp air outside. If you have water trapped in the gaps inside your wall, punch holes in the drywall to allow it to escape. All water-damaged drywall will need to be replaced anyway.

Water damage recovery is a long haul, and these are just the steps you should take within the first 24 hours. If you ever need professional help recovering from a plumbing breach — or if you need help preventing one — contact your local Rods Away without delay.

BATHS OR SHOWERS: WHICH IS BETTER?

Everybody needs to get clean, but we don’t all do it in the same way. And when it comes to the choice between a hot bath or a quick shower, there are some pretty strong opinions on both sides. But which is better?

The real answer is simple: whichever one you prefer. But the two methods do have their own strengths and weaknesses, so depending on your priorities, one might be better for you than another. Let’s compare the two and see how they stack up.

Skin Care

While it can feel great to take a long soak in a steaming bath, it might not always feel great afterward. That’s because long, hot baths can actually dry out your skin, leading to itching and flaking. People with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can have worse reactions. Shorter showers with slightly cooler water can help you avoid this problem.

On the other hand, baths provide the opportunity to soak in something soothing. Bath bombs, oatmeal blends, epsom salts and other additives can turn an ordinary bath into a rejuvenative experience, and some of these products are designed to relieve specific skin conditions. If you choose to try these, safeguard against dry skin by making the water no hotter than necessary and moisturizing after drying off.

Convenience

Showers are quick and to the point — other than the few seconds you’ll spend waiting for the water to warm up, you’ll spend the entire time getting clean and moving on with your day.

A bath is intended to be a more leisurely experience, but even if you have time to take things slow, taking a bath the right way poses some challenges. For instance, shampooing your hair in a bath can be difficult, and rinsing it afterward can be much more so. And when you’re done, it’s important to rinse off your body with clean water before drying so that you aren’t left with an itchy film of soap.

If that hassle isn’t enough to chase you out of the bath and into the shower, consider upgrading your bath fixtures to include a handheld wand. It’ll give you the water pressure you need to get fully cleaned and rinsed without standing up and using a traditional showerhead.

Water Consumption

Unless you’re fond of extra long showers, the shower is the more eco-friendly option.

There’s no way around the hefty water consumption of a luxurious bath, but if you want to push your water conservation to the limit, ask your local plumber about upgrading to water-saving fixtures.

Relaxation

Who doesn’t like to take a load off every once in a while? With a bath, you can relax your entire body and focus on other soothing things you might use to enhance the experience, like music or aromatherapy.

What’s more, a soak in warm water can soothe sore muscles and aid in recovery from physical stress. So if you’re getting clean after a tough workout, consider opting for the bath to give your body a break.

If all this back and forth about baths versus showers has you wishing for a more luxurious bath experience, maybe it’s time for a bathroom remodel. Feel free to call your local Rods Away to learn more about the latest designs in both tubs and showers, and we can help you plan the bathroom of your dreams.

So, you’ve purchased your own home and want to educate yourself on prudent and effective home maintenance. You’ve learned the basics about your plumbing system and have even brandished an adjustable wrench a time or two. Kudos on taking responsible steps to safeguard your home investment. However, make sure you aren’t being fooled by some common home plumbing myths that are at best useless and at worst could end up costing you a lot of money.

Some of the biggest plumbing myths to avoid:

Don’t worry about a leaky tap: It’s just a tiny drip, how big a problem could it possibly be? Very big. According to the EPA, a leak can lead to 10,000 wasted gallons of water per year in a single household, or the equivalent of 270 loads of laundry. Plus, a leak can actually damage the tap and stain the fixture. Get it fixed ASAP.

Toilets make a great garbage chute: Unless you want toilet water overflowing onto your floor, followed by a nasty plumbing job and cleanup, never flush anything except toilet paper and human waste.

Lemons and water are the key to a clean and functional garbage disposal: While a lemon slice or two can help eliminate odors, they don’t do anything in the way of cleaning. Read your manual to find out what kind of maintenance your disposal really needs to keep it running in peak form. Similarly, water will not prevent clogging. If you toss in something that the disposal isn’t equipped to handle, or if you overload it with too much at once, running water at the same time won’t be enough to prevent a clog or other damage.

You don’t need to think about your pipes unless they are clogged: Just because the water is draining for now doesn’t mean you don’t have nasty clogs building up in your pipes. Debris like food in the kitchen sink and hair and shampoo in the bathroom can accumulate over time, until the water starts backing up at the worst possible moment. Always practice good drain hygiene by using a trap to catch any solids, and have your system inspected annually to make sure there isn’t a major issue lurking just around the corner. You can also ask your plumber about maintenance products that will help keep your drains clear without damaging pipes.

In an emergency, any plumber will do: When you have a major problem and need plumbing assistance immediately, it’s tempting to hire the first handyman who answers the phone. However, if you trust your pipes to an untested novice you could find yourself out a lot of money while the problem remains unresolved, or even worsens. Only accept experienced professionals when it comes to the plumbing in your house so you know the job will be done right the first time.

Your Rods Away plumbers are here to help 24/7 with any plumbing problem. Give us a call for more pluming tips or to schedule an appointment.