Local Plumbing Repair Blog

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

Improving water pressure in your home can be challenging. Numerous factors contribute to low water pressure. The pipes might be the problem in an older home whose owner hasn’t upgraded the plumbing since it was built. Municipal water systems vary and could be contributing to low water pressure. There are easy and inexpensive ways to increase water pressure in your outdoor watering system and your home. Getting a professional opinion is in your best interest. Highly corroded or leaking pipes can diminish water pressure. These signs are often invisible to the untrained eye. Call Abend Services for an inspection of your plumbing and ideas about improving water pressure. Identifying The Cause Of Low Water Pressure Identifying the cause of low water pressure is easier said than done. Numerous factors contribute to your water flowing at a lesser rate. Very old pipes corrode over the years. That discourages the water flow. A licensed plumbing contractor can evaluate your entire system and give educated, professional recommendations to correct the problem. Every system in your home has a lifespan. Plumbing is no different. Replacing old pipes can improve the water pressure and deliver higher-quality water to your house. Old corroded pipes impede water

There are numerous ways you can reduce water usage in your home. When the local government turns off the water to your house to make municipal repairs or after a horrific storm, you gain a new perspective. Daily water usage at your home can be decreased by making minor adjustments. Get the whole family on board, and you’ll also see your water bill go down. Abend Services can assist with some plumbing hardware, fixtures, and landscaping irrigation. Helping the environment and saving money by reducing water usage is a win-win for everyone. Indoor Plumbing Attachments To Save Water If your home is relatively new, the contractor may have installed water aerators on the faucets. Aerators can reduce the water flow from two and a half gallons per minute to around one-half a gallon. This fix will go unnoticed by almost everyone in the house except whoever pays the bills. Abend Services can install a tankless water heater to help reduce water usage. New eco toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons vs. 7 gallons per flush in older models. Changing your shower head to lower flow may not be popular, but environmentally and fiscally, it’s a good idea. Easy Ways

Are you wondering if flushable wipes are safe for your plumbing? Do you flush paper towels and baby wipes down the toilet? The recent work-from-home years have wreaked havoc on our sewer and septic systems. The general population has grown increasingly germ-phobic and uses more sanitation products than ever. The label says, “Flushable Wipes.” It would stand to reason that you can flush the product down your toilet without problems. Plumbers and municipal sewer personnel strongly disagree. Flushable wipes are wreaking havoc on residential and municipal systems. Toilet paper is the only product you should put into your plumbing system if you want to avoid clogs. A homeowner can avoid costly plumbing repairs by putting all other products in a garbage bin. Call Abend Services if you tried to unclog the toilet to no avail. We’re licensed professionals who can take care of your plumbing. We’ll get you up and running in no time. Flushable Wipes VS Toilet Paper Everyone wants to feel clean after a trip to the restroom. You also want your plumbing to run smoothly and be clog-free. Most people agree that plumbing water of any sort that’s backed up into your home is a nightmare. Companies

Are you considering burying your gutter downspouts? There are multiple reasons people want the downspout buried. Downspouts aren’t the most attractive feature of your home. They are necessary to keep water away from your foundation or from entering your basement. If you are looking for a professional recommendation, call Abend Services. They have the skills and expertise with 36 years of combined experience. Abend technicians can take care of any issues concerning water and keep your home in excellent condition. Pros To Burying Gutter Downspouts If you don’t want to look at your downspouts, digging a trench and submerging it will keep it out of sight. Typically builders bury gutter downspouts for attractiveness. The trench must be deep enough and have a slight downward slope. A proper drop in elevation will ensure the water drains away from the house and foundation. Preferably the water will run to the street or municipal sewer system. Underground gutter downspouts are an effective alternative if you are concerned about the aesthetics of your landscape. It’s worth consulting a licensed professional to keep water away from your foundation or basement. Cons to Underground Downspouts The biggest con to underground downspouts is the maintenance. Homeowners forget