Archive for the Plumbing Tips Category

Are you experiencing low water pressure on a random or regular basis? A pressure drop is indicative of a plumbing issue somewhere in the system. Your plumbing can slow down for various reasons, but regardless of the cause, you should address the problem promptly. You and your family depend on clean running water for drinking, bathing, landscaping, washing clothes, and more. A licensed, professional plumber can assist you in finding the problem and offer a solution. Read on for information on several reasons why you have low water pressure. Your Home’s Age Affects Plumbing Your home’s age affects the plumbing system and water flow. If you live in a lovely, quaint old house, your pipes are probably made of galvanized steel or copper. Steel pipes and old copper pipes will develop corrosion and rust. Hard water buildup affects the water flow and worsens unless appropriately addressed by a professional. Hire a licensed plumber to complete a whole house plumbing inspection so you know what you’re up against. Filters And Hard Water Considerations Many homes have water filters for the ice in their freezers. A whole house water softening filter helps reduce hard water but doesn’t fix the problem. It would

There are many differences between well water and city water. The majority of homeowners don’t have the option to choose their water source. Typical suburban residential neighborhoods receive city water when they turn on their faucets. People utilize wells for their water in rural areas that don’t have city sewer systems. Rural residents also use septic tanks for water waste. People cherish clean water for drinking, bathing, landscaping, and cooking, amongst other things. Well Water Benefits Having your own well water supply has benefits. It’s natural, green, and doesn’t use treatment chemicals before it reaches your glass. You don’t have a water bill to pay every month. The water is pumped directly from the water table instead of a water treatment plant. The only water expense you’ll incur when owning a private well is running the pump. You won’t have to ask yourself why your water bill is high or answer anyone about your water usage. You need a lot of water to grow a large garden, and a well provides that without hurting your pocketbook. You can fill a swimming pool without incurring considerable expense. A large family or ongoing visitors can run up a municipal water bill. You

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

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

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