Local Plumbing Repair Blog

Improving water pressure in your home can be challenging. There are many reasons you may have low water pressure. For instance, the pipes might be the problem in an older home whose owner hasn’t upgraded the plumbing since it was built. Additionally, 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. Older pipes corrode over time. 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 flow and provide less-quality water to your

There are ways to 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 To Cut

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 causing harm to 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? 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. Advantages 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 to maintain items they can see. Remembering to clean

A slow drain may be easy to fix at home or a serious problem only the professionals can fix. Before you decide who should fix it, you must first figure out the problem’s source. Have you been dealing with slow drains in your house? Let’s identify what might be causing it. Then we can provide solutions to your drainage problem. What Causes A Slow Drain? Everyday uses commonly cause a slow drain, but not always. Over time, things can build up, narrowing the flow and causing your drain to empty slower and slower. Before you know it, you’re standing in an inch of water in the shower or looking at a soap-filled sink that refuses to drain. Common causes of drain buildup include: Hair Shaving cream and hair trimmings mixed Soap scum Toothpaste Food debris Grease Oil and fats Clothes fibers can also cause problems in your washing machine over time. So can putting items down the toilet that never should be there, like wet wipes, too much toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, cotton swabs, and other bathroom products. How To DIY Fix Your Slow Drain There are a few simple things you can DIY at home to

Have you been wondering what it could take to install a natural gas line in your home and if it’s worth it? Natural gas is just another way to heat your home and run your appliances here in Maryland. While it has benefits, natural gas is not always the best solution for everyone. Benefits Of Installing A Natural Gas Line In Your Home Consider the benefits of installing a natural gas line in your home, which can run some, but not all, appliances. Natural Gas Is Cheaper Although not cheaper everywhere, natural gas is a more inexpensive resource than electricity in Maryland. And since you can choose your own supplier thanks to deregulation, you could save a chunk of money on your electricity bill by installing a gas line. Natural Gas Is Easy To Install Although installing natural gas lines in a home that doesn’t already have them isn’t a job for a novice, it’s easy for a professional. Americans have used natural gas for over 100 years, so many contractors know how to install a natural gas line in a Maryland home. Make sure you use a qualified professional for a gas line installation. Natural Gas Can Be Stored

Are you having toilet trouble? Are you unsure if it’s time to call a plumber? At Abend Services, we’re no strangers to toilet problems. Here are some of the most common toilet issues people face and advice on whether you should call a plumber to fix them. If you prefer to leave the discovery and correction of your toilet trouble to a licensed professional, call Abend Services now. We’ll take care of your plumbing problems, so you don’t have to. Toilet Won’t Stop Running If your toilet doesn’t stop running, you’ve probably tried jiggling the handle. This time-tested solution might work. The most common problem is the toilet chain. Take the lid off the toilet tank. Check to see if the flapper completely covers the hole in the bottom. If not, then your chain likely isn’t long enough. Remove the chain from the handle and reattach it to a different loop to make it longer. Another potential issue is a rubber diaphragm seal that won’t seat correctly. If lengthening the chain doesn’t work, call a licensed professional plumber. Slow Filling Tank If you’ve noticed your toilet takes a long time to refill, there could be a few things wrong with

Knowing the answer to “Where is my main water shutoff valve?” before a potential water disaster occurs is essential for renters and homeowners. Call Abend Services in Baltimore, Maryland. We’re here to answer some common questions so you’re prepared if you spring a leak in your home. What Is The Main Water Shutoff Valve? The main water valve is the pipe connecting your home’s water supply to the city water line. The shutoff valve is the fixture that controls the flow of water. No water comes into your home’s water pipes when it’s off. When the shutoff valve is on, water flows from the municipality’s public water supply into your home. You also have little water shutoff valves under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, toilets, and washing machines. After you’ve located the main water shutoff, you should be able to identify the smaller shutoff valves for your other fixtures quickly. Where Is Your Main Water Shutoff Valve? The main water shutoff valve will be located along the perimeter of your home and should be on the street-facing side of your home. The water main from the public water supply comes from under the street and branches off to each home

As a homeowner, one of the last things you want to experience is stepping off your stairs into a flooded basement. Rising waters from heavy rains can saturate the land, causing expensive structural damage to your home. One way to combat a flooded basement is with a sump pump. What is a Sump Pump? A sump pump removes water in your basement outside the home to prevent interior flooding. The system sits inside a pit or basin, typically a hole in the basement floor. Valves attached to the pump detect high water levels or pressure that fill the basin. Once the water or pressure gets too high, the system pumps out excess water through an effluent discharge line. How Does it Work? A sump pump recognizes high water levels in the basin, which then pumps the water away from the home through the effluent. The switch will automatically trigger once the water gets too high, pumping the water through the discharge pipe and away from the foundation. Ideally, the drainage area will be 15 to 20 feet from the foundation, draining into a creek, pond, dry well, or neighborhood drain. You may need to attach a longer drainage hose to