Category: Plumbing

There are some peculiar things going on with your water heater and you’re questioning what’s going on.

We know that you’re not waking up in the morning with the first thought on your mind being your water heater. If we’re being realistic, you might not think about your water heater at all in a day.

We want to put it at the forefront of your mind today, though. Most of the problems with your water heater start long before you notice them. Today, we’re going to hip you to some signs that your water heater in Glendale, AZ might give you trouble.

Troubling Signs for Your Water Heater

Here are some signs that your water heater is about to give you a headache. If you notice any of this going on, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our team members.

You Don’t Have Enough Hot Water

You run out of hot water every time you need it. It’s as if your water heater is quitting halfway through the job. This points to a severe capacity issue. This will worsen until you barely have any hot water in your home. We can fix this for you.

Leaks

You hear a sizzling sound from your water heater because there’s hot water leaking out of the system. A leaking water heater is a problem because it’s going to be hard for you to get comfortable water temperatures. It’s also going to be a problem because of potential water damage. Don’t risk serious home damage or internal failure with your water heater due to leaks.

Water Temperature Is Inconsistent

Do you stand in the shower and get scorched out of nowhere by the temperature of the water? What about the opposite: you’re lathering up under a warm stream of water it suddenly goes cold? Both are extreme issues that point to a water heater problem. We’ll look at your thermostat and make sure it’s set up to work well. Then we’ll assess your capacity needs.

You Hear Odd Sounds

The funny thing about water heaters is that they can start to make noise when they’re having trouble. It’s as if they’re literally trying to reach out and speak to you. Watch out for some unusual noises like cracking, rumbling, screeching, banging, and more.

Odd sounds are bad no matter what they are. You should report this problem to a professional no matter what it is. We can guarantee this problem will snowball into a bigger issue and we’d like to prevent that.

Reduced Water Flow

When you hop into the shower and lather up, you notice that the shower doesn’t really act like a shower anymore. It feels more like a watering can is being poured over the top of your head.

Reduced water flow is a clear sign that the water heater is struggling capacity-wise. The water heater may have a build-up of sediment at the bottom. If this gets extreme, you’ll notice that your water heater’s capacity is greatly reduced. We’re prepared to help correct this.

Trust The Trusted Plumber. Schedule an appointment with us today for your water heater repair needs.

A few weeks ago, you noticed that your drains were draining extremely slowly. Now, you’ve waited long enough for this to develop into a full-blown clog. The clog snuck up on you at the worst time possible and you’re trying to deal with your plumbing issue on your own. The only problem is that you’re getting more and more tempted to use chemical drain cleaners. Today, we’re here to talk you off the ledge.

Your plumbing in Glendale, AZ is more delicate than you may imagine. You should treat your plumbing system with care. We know that chemical drain cleaners seem like they’re a great option, but today we want to break down why they’re not the best choice. Heed our warning and save your home’s plumbing system.

Why You Should Avoid These Drain Cleaners

Here are a few reasons to avoid chemical drain cleaners:

They Hurt Your Plumbing

The main problem with chemical drain cleaners is that they’re too harsh. Liquid drain cleaners are full of caustic chemicals that really shouldn’t be used in your plumbing system. If you notice that you’re struggling with the efficacy of your home’s plumbing, then proper plumbing care is the answer. Chemical drain cleaners might seem like the quick and easy fix, but what’s actually going to happen is that your plumbing will likely corrode.

The chemicals in the drain cleaners do work to eat away at a clog. They might even eat away at most of the clog. The bigger issue is that there’s no level of discernment with a chemical drain cleaner. You run the risk of the cleaner corroding your pipes as well.

They’re Ineffective

Now let’s explore the other end of the axis here: what if your chemical drain cleaner doesn’t solve the clog? It’s a more common occurrence than you think. If you’ve had success with chemical drain cleaners in the past, then it’s likely because what was in your home’s pipe was a F.O.G. (fat, oil, or grease)-based clog.

If you have anything in your drain that’s more than this, you’re going to notice that the problems persist. Your chemical drain cleaner can’t handle anything more than this. This type of drain cleaner isn’t going to be able to get the job done. Professional service is actually a faster and more cost-effective way of getting to the bottom of the issue.

They’re Potentially Toxic

Another huge issue with chemical drain cleaners is that they’re potentially toxic. The chemicals in those drain cleaners are known to be caustic and corrosive. The fumes aren’t good for you or anyone else in your home. This is especially true when you start using the brands that are even cheaper or off-brand from the name brands you recognize.

We don’t think it’s a good idea to ever play with your health. It’s important to keep your plumbing system in proper shape with proper plumbing service. We’re always available to help you with what you need.

Contact The Trusted Plumber for your home’s plumbing services. We’re available when you need us.

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https://agapeplumbing.net/?p=157

When it comes to fixing your home’s clogged pipes, sometimes the problem is deeper beneath the surface than it appears! Know the difference between whether your clogged drain requires a simple fix or whether your blocked drain is a symptom of a larger plumbing issue.

Does my clogged drain require a drain clearing or a drain cleaning?

A clogged drain is easy to spot. Your sink is backing up and you panic! Your toilet or kitchen sink seems to drain slowly. Sometimes that clog is fairly easy to get to and a simple plumbing snake or auger can do the trick to clearing that clog. But, there are other times when a clog is the symptom of a larger problem.

Put simply, drain clearing removes the immediate offender causing a clog in your home’s drain. Drain cleaning works on the greater symptomatic issues of your plumbing system including gunk, hair, and other materials that can accumulate over time in your home’s pipes causing poor performance and eventually habitual clogging.

How are drains cleared?

In the case of your plumbing, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Limiting what you put down your drains including household waste, hair, grease and other items can help keep your drains functioning properly.

But, if you find yourself with a clogged drain, clearing it is a short-term solution to getting it up and running again. Some clogs can be cleared with a simple mix of hot water and a 1:1 solution of baking soda and vinegar. Other clogs close to the surface of the drain, can be removed using a plumber’s snake or auger. It’s best to leave deeper clogs in the hands of a professional plumber who has the expertise and the tools to clear your home’s clogged pipes without risking damage to your plumbing infrastructure.

Multiple clogged drains in your home or drains that back up in one part of your home when you run water in another, point to a larger issue. A clogged sewer line can affect the entire plumbing system of your home. Plumbing professionals using sewer line cameras can identify the cause of the blocked sewer line and either repair or, in some cases, recommend replacement. Know the signs of a broken sewer pipe and contact an expert immediately to avoid further costly damage.

How are drains cleaned?

If your plumbing snake has a permanent spot next to your toothbrush, then you are experiencing too many clogged drains and it may be time to have your drains cleaned. The process begins with a history of your home’s drain issues to get a better idea of the root of the problem. Your professional plumber should then test each drain to discover the location of any backups. Experts using a camera, inspect the system to assess any major clogs in your drains that are the cause of your home’s drain issues. After the clog is removed with professional-grade motorized augers, the drains are treated with pressurized water to clean the pipe walls. The work should include a final camera inspection to assess the status of the pipes post-cleaning. The camera inspection is an important component to assess whether broken or damaged plumbing pipes or a compromised sewer line is to blame.

If you’re concerned your home’s clogged drains may be part of a larger issue or if you need help clearing a stubborn clog, call the experts at Len The Plumber. Our professionals have the innovative tools and techniques to get rid of your clog in its entirety, remove the gunk and dirt building up in your pipes and provide the preventative maintenance to extend the service of life of your home’s plumbing system.

Contact our team to schedule your drain clearing or drain cleaning today!

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Drainage systems are designed to redirect water away from your home, but too much rain and extended periods of wet weather can put a strain on this system. Transitioning from drier summer months to a colder and wetter Autumn can lead to problems arising that you may not be prepared for. Keep your drainage &…
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A well-functioning water heater is a staple for any home. At Best Plumbing, we can help you install, repair, and maintain your water heater. We’ve provided Seattle homeowners with water heater services for over 40 years! Different Water Heater Types There are a variety of water heaters that can be installed in your home, and…

Are you wondering when you should get yourself a new water softener for your home? It’s a great question to ask yourself. Especially when this time of year rolls around. Fall is a season that provides enough relief from extreme temperatures long enough to allow you to think about the finer details of your home comfort.

One thing we’d like you to focus on is your water quality. If your water quality is a little on the lackluster side, we suggest that you consider some means of bringing it up to par. One way you can do this is through services with your water softener in Surprise, AZ. Let’s go through everything you need to know.

What Is “Soft” Water?

We find that people typically throw around the term “soft” water without defining it first. We want to make sure you understand what it is. Soft water is balanced water that’s removed of excessive mineral content. What makes water “hard” is the amount of minerals suspended in it.

The minerals that often make their way into your water are things like calcium and magnesium. They come from the municipal water supply and groundwater seepage, and fortunately are completely benign to humans. Although they aren’t going to harm you, they’re definitely going to make life harder for your plumbing system. This is why “soft” water is sought after and water softeners are a great investment. 

Do You Need a Water Softener?

Now let’s determine if your home could benefit from a water softener. These are a few signs that you could:

• You Have Scale Buildup: Have you noticed that every time you pull a dish out of the dishwasher, it’s covered in little scale spots? This is a byproduct of hard water.
• Your Hair, Skin, and Nails Are Dry: Have you noticed that your body is uncharacteristically dry? This can actually be a side effect of hard water. It will only get worse the more time you allow to go by.
• Your Water Bills Are Too High: If there’s a spike in your water bill that you can’t pinpoint the source of, it could be due to reduced water capacity due to buildup in your home’s pipes. This is a great reason to get yourself a water softener. 

How to Get the Most from Your Water Softener

Once you’ve decided you need a water softener, the focus switches from wondering if you need one to purchasing the right one and using it correctly. 

The one thing that you need to do is make sure that you have your water softener installed and maintained by a professional. There’s no way around this. We know that the allure of DIY work or amateur work is tempting. It seems like a feasible way to save yourself some money on your installation services. This isn’t the case. It’s likely you’ll spend more money trying to save on your water softener services. We often repair issues that arise from poor installation. We’re available to help you get the installation work done right. 

Contact The Trusted Plumber today to schedule an appointment with our team members. 

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You don’t want your house to have the smell of a sewer drifting through it, but this can sometimes happen to even the cleanest house because of troubles with the plumbing. If your house has terrible odors making daily life unpleasant, you’ll want to know the source and have it corrected.

We’re going to look at common causes of foul smells from plumbing in Peoria, AZ. This can help you know what to do about them. Our plumbers are ready to help make your house smell fresh again, and we have 24-hour emergency service to correct any plumbing disaster you run into.

ONE: Problems with the sewer line

We’ll start with a worst-case scenario, but unfortunately a common trouble for residential plumbing systems. The sewer odors in your house may actually be emanating from the sewer line itself. When the sewer line is in regular working shape, it moves wastewater from the drains in your house out to the municipal sewer line without you noticing. But if the line develops breaches, clogs, or root infiltration, it will begin to push sewer gas the wrong direction through the plumbing. The odors are a warning: unless the sewer line issue is addressed, actual sewage backup will eventually occur. You need professional plumbers on the job ASAP!

TWO: Blocked drain vents

Drain vents are the pipes that allow sewer gas to escape up through outlets in the top of the house. This prevents a buildup of pressure between the sewer line and the drains. If these escape-route pipes become clogged, they will push gas up through the drains. 

THREE: The dried p-trap

Here’s an easy one you can fix yourself. Can you track the bad odors to a single drain? If so, is this a drain that hasn’t been used in a few weeks? Then the trouble is that the p-trap—the curved section of pipe that holds a barrier of water—has dried out and sewer gas is rising through it. Simply run water down the drain for a minute or so to restore the p-trap’s water barrier. 

FOUR: The dirty garbage disposal

When you consider how much food waste goes down your kitchen’s garbage disposal on a regular basis, it’s surprising that it doesn’t develop odors more often. But disposals are designed to rapidly move ground-up waste into drain lines and leave little residue. The residue can build up over time, and if the disposal is malfunctioning it can cause a large accumulation of rotten food. The disposal may need to be cleaned, although for older units (more than 10 years) it may be better to replace it.

FIVE: Bacteria

This an issue you may encounter from the shower drain. Bacteria can develop within a substance called “biofilm” that grows inside shower drains because of soap, shampoo, and other body-cleaning products accumulating. It can affect other drains as well, and the best approach to solving this problem is with drain cleaning. No, don’t use chemical drain cleaners! They won’t solve the issue. It takes professionals drain cleaning to wipe out a biofilm buildup in drains. 

Trust The Trusted Plumber! Call us for emergency plumbing repair in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas. 

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No homeowner sets out to wastewater on purpose. There’s no reward in that! The problem is that it’s easy to unintentionally wastewater and then continue to let it happen. You’re probably using more water than you need to right now and be unaware of it. Even higher bills may not alert you, because if the problem has been going on long enough, the bill will always be high!

When it comes to household plumbing in Surprise, AZ, we’re the experts. We’ve often helped our customers enjoy better plumbing and save water, so we know about the many ways households can wastewater. We’re going to look at seven ways you may be wasting water and what you can do about it.

ONE: Overlong showers

Yes, you’ve heard this one. We want to repeat it, because cutting down on the time spent running water in the shower can make an enormous difference in monthly water consumption. We recommend you time your showers. If they are over five mins, even if it doesn’t seem long to you, it’s still too long. 

TWO: Unfixed leaks

Hidden leaks is the source of one trillion gallons of water going to waste across the country each year. Of course, it’s difficult to notice a leak that’s hidden, but you can watch for signs. If you suspect hidden leaks or you’ve never had your house checked for them, call our plumbers for leak detection services.

THREE: Running the dishwasher that’s not full

Did you know that using the dishwasher to handle cleaning the dishes uses less water than washing them by hand? It’s true—but only if the washer is used to the fullest, i.e. when it’s full. Running a half-loaded dishwasher is wasteful. (We also recommend using the “light” setting on the dishwasher to help reduce consumption.)

FOUR: Running a half-full laundry load

This is similar to the washing machine mistake. You’ll conserve water if you only run the washing machine when it’s loaded to maximum capacity. You may also wish to install a new washing machine with water-saving features if your current one is more than ten years old. (Look for the WaterSense label.)

FIVE: Keeping an old toilet

The standard toilet, depending on its age, uses from 2–6 gallons per flush. New low-flow toilet models use less than 1½ gallons per flush. Making the change from an old toilet to a low-flush one will have a big impact on water use in your house because the toilet accounts for the highest amount of indoor water consumption. We install low-flow models and are happy to help you with the upgrade.

SIX: Running the water while you brush your teeth

We don’t know why people often have the faucet running during their teeth-brushing regimen, but it’s common. Try to break this habit, because it does make a difference. 

SEVEN: Unnecessary toilet flushes

Please don’t use your toilet as a trash can! It’s only for human waste and toilet paper. Using it to dispose of other items not only wastes water, it risks creating clogs. 

We’re here to help you to save water: new installations, leak detection, and more much more.

You can trust in The Trusted Plumber! Call us for plumbing service in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

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