Archive for the Plumbing Tips Category

You should have a French drain to avoid water damage due to stagnant water. You need to address the red flag of standing water after an unremarkable rainstorm. Unwanted soil settling, flooding, and freeze-thaw problems can compromise affected areas of your property. Standing water will likely contribute to foundation problems resulting in a much more expensive repair project. Installing a French drain is an excellent preventative measure to protect your home and neighboring properties. How French Drains Work A French drain creates an unobstructed path for water to flow through the drain into an appropriate place gravitationally. The catch-all could be a sump pump, drainage ditch, storm drain, or the municipal sewer system. The contractor will install the trench drain’s perforated pipe on a downward grade. This ensures that the water flows away from your home and property. They will be effective when you bury drains or install them on the surface level with attractive rock on top. Trench Drain Installation Trench drain installation is a big project that may include city permits. Most homeowners call a licensed contractor for a job this size. If you go the DIY route, you’ll have to call the gas or utility companies before

A DIY enthusiast wants all the “must-have” DIY plumbing tools for unscheduled plumbing emergencies. Plumbing problems come in all shapes and sizes. Homeowners can fix several issues with the proper tools and a basic understanding of plumbing procedures. A person should know their DIY limits and when to call in a licensed professional plumber. Take inventory of your tools with this guide to confirm you have all the necessary tools handy. To Own Or Rent Tools Tackling home improvement projects can be daunting, especially regarding plumbing. You need to know your skill set when you’re dealing with water. A big mistake can cost a lot of money and frustration for everyone living in the home. You can use many of these versatile tools you may have on hand for numerous projects. Renting specialty tools at your local hardware store or a big box store can save you money. Plumbing Drain Cleaning Tools A plunger might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a valuable workhorse for clogged bathroom and kitchen sinks. If you’re having toilet trouble, this may be the only tool you need. A hand auger is a lengthy, pliable metal wire with a corkscrew-type auger on the end for

Naturally occurring sediments in hard and regular water cause water heater buildup. Hard water contains more minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, that will settle to the bottom of a water heater tank. The process of heating the water is what separates the particles. This buildup may be the culprit when you notice your water flow slowing down. You need to call a licensed plumber to flush and service your water heater, extending the unit’s life and improving your water flow. Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your hot water flowing. Water Heater Sediment Symptoms Cleaning and flushing your water heater is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind task many homeowners neglect. Is your water going from hot to cold too quickly? If the water heater needs maintenance, you may hear rumbling or popping noises from your tank. Do you have to wait a long time for hot water? If the cold water faucets flow heavier than the hot, it indicates water heater or plumbing system problems. Call a licensed plumber if you have noticeably higher water bills or leaks near the heater drain valve. Flushing Your Water Heater’s Sediment Are you a skilled DIY person interested in flushing your water heater? It’s

The cause of scale buildup in pipes is an item that, left unaddressed, can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. As pipelines become coated with scale, it effectively reduces the size of the pipe delivering water at a slower flow. All water contains different levels of minerals. Hard water contains more minerals creating buildup in pipes more rapidly. Regardless of the water type, you’ll need to keep plumbing maintenance on your annual to-do list. A licensed plumber can keep your plumbing system in top shape. What Is Limescale Limescale, or calcium carbonate, has a chalky texture and is white or gray colored. By nature, hard water is alkaline. You’ll find the ugly, crusty scale buildup challenging to remove on faucets where it’s visible. Those same mineral deposits are on the inside of your pipes. You’ll need to have this issue handled professionally to prevent your pipes from running slow or becoming blocked. Limescale also affects any household appliances or machinery that relies on water. You can clean the scale buildup that you can see, but the pipes are another story. Mineral Deposit Causes In Pipes After water containing minerals such as magnesium and calcium becomes heated in pipes, it evaporates.

Numerous factors can contribute to your water bill being high. You can reduce a water bill by vigilantly inspecting areas that can be the usual culprits. You may discover some places of overwater usage more accessible to spot than others. If your water bill has increased dramatically and you haven’t determined the problem, it’s time to call Abend Services. Abend’s comprehensive inspection services will ensure your plumbing is in top shape. Leaks Waste Water Leaks are no laughing matter. The EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, estimates that US residential leaks waste nearly one trillion gallons of water yearly. Baltimore’s Lake Montebello averages 410 million gallons and maxes out at 606 million. When you inspect your plumbing regularly, you’ll favor the environment and your bottom line. Look Outside For Water Leaks In spring and summer, homeowners start sprinkler systems and water their gardens. Check your irrigation system for leaks or breaks that occur during the winter. Check the hose bibs to ensure they aren’t leaking. Having a professional take care of this project can be in your best interest. The irrigation system should operate in the morning instead of during the day’s heat when more evaporation occurs. Overwatering isn’t good for plants

Hard water buildup in your pipes is a problem best solved sooner than later. The mineral buildup and staining on faucets are a clear sign and unsightly. Restoring the shiny fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens is doable but time-consuming. Numerous home remedies and over-the-counter products help keep the buildup at bay. Abend Services can provide a long-term solution, saving you time and elbow grease and bringing you softer and healthier water. What Creates Calcium Buildup Water has naturally occurring minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Some water sources have more minerals in them than others. High levels of these minerals cause buildup that can significantly restrict water flow and even damage pipes. The most obvious sign is the calcium buildup on your faucets. A thick layer on your fixtures translates to a similar buildup in your pipes. If you leave this unattended, you may have more significant problems. DIY For Mineral Deposit Removal You’ll need some time to remove the mineral buildup that you can see on your faucets. Many people use baking soda and white vinegar as a DIY method to return the sparkle to bathroom fixtures. Anywhere water comes out of, you’ll see calcium buildup, eventually becoming

LAARS combination boilers & water heaters are a choice we highly recommend when it’s time to replace your water heating system. When properly maintained, every system in your home or office building has a general life span. If you have an older boiler that still functions, replacing it is an important consideration and could save you money. Today’s new boilers and water heaters are far more efficient than their older counterparts. There are many brands on the market to choose from when it’s time to replace an old unit. Choosing the best equipment for a new or an older home comes with many questions. The information can be overwhelming and confusing for the general layperson. Continue reading for ideas to help you sift through this process before you open your checkbook. Condensing Or Non-Condensing Boiler Non-condensing boilers customarily run at higher temperatures with a portion of the heat venting outside. Condensing boilers are highly energy efficient and run at a lower temperature while providing adequate heating. Depending on the home, one may be a better choice than the other for its use. Having a licensed contractor advise you on the best option can be extremely helpful. DIY Replacing Your LAARS

Most homeowners don’t understand why they should never use Drano to clear a clogged drain. It’s been on grocery store shelves since 1923, when it came out in a crystal form. It sounds like the perfect product to unclog a sink or tub that won’t drain. But, as with many quick fixes, there can be a price to pay. Keep reading for valuable information before you run to the grocery store to buy Drano. DIY Ways To Unclog Drains If you are a person that regularly tackles DIY projects, you have a few options before calling the professionals. If you already have one in your garage, you can try your hand at a plumbing snake. A plunger is another option for pushing the debris clogging your drain through the system. If the same drain continues to have problems, it’s time to call a licensed plumbing contractor. For slow-moving drains, pour a generous amount of baking soda in the drain after it’s clear of the water. Follow that with white wine vinegar, and it will fizz up. After roughly 15 to 20 minutes, run piping hot water, and you’ll know if it worked successfully. Although Drano is tempting, it’s not in

Dynamic Air Filtration brings exceptional indoor air quality, or IAQ, to your home. Clean air is key to your and your family’s health. Your central heating and cooling system can only do its job correctly if you service it regularly. Changing the filter is one thing, but there are numerous components to an HVAC unit. Having a professional service the unit and help bring the cleanest air possible into your home is essential. Abend Services has been in business since 1952. They have your best interests at heart. Call and schedule maintenance and determine if Dynamic Air Filtration is right for you. Dynamic Vs. Other Filters Dynamic Air Filters remove submicron particles and persistent, nasty odors. These particles can wreak havoc on people with asthma or allergy problems. When we think of clean air, most of us think of the particles we can see. The dust on the table, or the smoke coming in the window from the BBQ, is in the air. But, the particles that Dynamic Air Filters capture are so minuscule we didn’t even know they existed years ago. However, your bloodstream and lungs do know they exist and can be affected by them. Dynamic Filters capture

Navien’s tankless, on-demand water heaters are some of the most respected in the industry. Navien’s excellent reputation is measurable, with roughly only 2% of units returned worldwide. Abend Services is certified to install and maintain Navien on-demand water heaters. Navien has been in business since 2002. You save money by having on-demand hot water. Owning a Navien tankless on-demand unit lasts far longer than traditional hot water heaters. Call Abend Services now and start saving money. Abend is grateful for the opportunity to take care of your plumbing and heating needs. They stake their reputation on your satisfaction. Benefits Of On Demand Water Heater The benefits of a tankless, on-demand water heater cover a lot of bases. The unit is much more compact than traditional water heaters that take up an entire closet. They can be wall-mounted and fit in much smaller spaces. Navien on-demand water heaters only heat water when you need it. Traditional water heaters come in different capacities. The amount of water they hold stays hot all the time. That uses a lot of energy when no one uses the water while at work or school. And, if someone in your house likes exceptionally long showers, the