Blog

Steps to Prevent Common Summertime Plumbing Problems

As the summer season heats up, so does the demand on our plumbing systems. With increased water usage, outdoor activities, and potential issues associated with the hot weather, it's crucial for homeowners to be aware of common summer plumbing problems. Let's look at the frequent plumbing issues that arise during the summer months and provide valuable tips to prevent and address them. 

Signs My Garbage Disposal Needs Plumbing Services

A properly functioning garbage disposal is an essential appliance in any modern kitchen. It efficiently disposes of food waste, prevents clogs, and keeps your kitchen clean and odor-free. However, like any other plumbing fixture, garbage disposals will encounter issues over time. Recognizing the signs that your garbage disposal needs professional plumbing services will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure its longevity.

Before and After the Storm Care for Your Home Plumbing

Storms are unpredictable, and so is their damage.

  • Prepare before the storm
  • After the storm make sure to inspect any damage left behind

5 Easy Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Now that spring is here, warmer weather means that you can spend more time outdoors in the fresh air! The change of the seasons also gives us the opportunity to perform regular maintenance tasks around the home. Many people carry out an infamous “spring cleaning” to freshen the home after having doors and windows closed up for the winter months.

As you go about your spring maintenance, don’t forget to include a look into your home’s plumbing.

Here are 5 basic easy tips to keep your plumbing system running smoothly all spring and well into the summer:

Common Winter Plumbing Problems - How To Avoid and Fix Them

The winter season can cause plumbing problems for homeowners, and it’s important to be aware so you can avoid them and fix them if they arise.

Eco-Friendly Hot Water Heaters

Nothing is quite as nerve wracking as going to take a hot shower and finding out that the water is cold. In most American basements,  you will find a hot water heater that does just as it says, heat your water. The modern hot water heater looks like a large metal cylinder and is large in size and space it takes up. But with trends leaning towards eco-friendly substitutes, hot water heaters have followed in those footsteps.

Essential Plumbing Services You Need For Your Commercial Building

Routine plumbing services are vital, especially if you own or operate a commercial building. One of the worst things that can happen to your company is plumbing issues. Plumbing issues can cause you to have to close your doors while repairs are made. They can also be quite costly if they aren’t caught and fixed early. Prevention is key to keep your building and business running smoothly, and avoiding extremely expensive repairs. Here are a few essential plumbing services that you need to implement for your commercial building:

Avoiding Problems With Your Commercial Building's Plumbing

The efficiency and maintenance of your commercial building’s plumbing system can determine if you can keep your business running smoothly, or if one day you may have to shut down if something malfunctions and repairs have to be made. Here are a few tips to avoid having problems with your commercial building’s plumbing so you can conduct business as usual.

Tips for Fixing Low Shower Water Pressure

If you've ever experienced decreased water pressure in your shower, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only does it take longer to rinse off, but it can also make taking a shower less relaxing and enjoyable. Luckily, there are some simple tips you can follow to fix water pressure loss in your shower. 

Most Common Winter Plumbing Problems - How To Avoid & Fix

A plumbing nightmare can occur at any time of the year, but the winter is an especially risky season.

The winter season can cause a number of plumbing problems for homeowners, and it’s important to be aware so you can avoid them and fix them if they arise. 

Water Heater Problems

During the winter, water heaters are doing more work to deliver hot water throughout your home, especially if you have family over for the holidays. This can sometimes cause the water heater to struggle to keep up with the frequent need for hot water. 

How to Avoid it:  Perform regular maintenance checks on your water heater, and make sure your tank water heater is getting drained annually. You can also test the pressure relief valve to make sure it is correctly operating. If needed, you can purchase a water heater blanket from any home improvement store. This blanket will help prevent energy being lost from your tank water heater.

How to Fix it:  To help the water heater meet the demand for hot water, you can increase the temperature on its thermostat. Warning - To prevent scalding, do not exceed 125 degrees. If the water heater is still struggling, check the gas or electric supply, or call a professional. 

Frozen Pipes

Pipes throughout your home may freeze in uninsulated areas. This can cause cracks, leaks, and even burst pipes. 

How to Avoid it:  When you know the temperature is going to drop, leave your faucets dripping to keep water moving and avoid the buildup of pressure. You can also open up your cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to enter and keep the pipes warm. Ensure that pipes in your attic and basement are properly insulated. 

How to Fix it:  Shut off your home’s main water valve to avoid flooding. Leave affected faucets open as you attempt repairs. Call a professional to repair or replace the pipes as soon as possible to avoid water damage to your home. 

Clogged Kitchen Drains

With the possibility of more cooking and guests in your home, your drain and garbage disposal can easily become clogged. 

How to Avoid it:  Be mindful of what you and your guests are putting down the drain and garbage disposal. Cooking oils, bones, fat, and other similar substances should be thrown away instead. Run cold water as you use the garbage disposal to help the machine run smoothly and avoid clogging it. Ensure the drain has a stopper to catch any large debris, and frequently clean it out. 

How to Fix it:  Shut off the power to the garbage disposal using BOTH the wall switch and the breaker. Use tools to clear any debris and never stick your fingers or hand into it. Call a professional if you need assistance.

Sump Pump Issues

During the winter, sump pumps work overtime due to the melting of snow and ice. This may cause it to backup if it freezes or clogs.

How to Avoid it:  Routinely clean the sump pump during the fall and leading up to freezing temperatures. Ensure your basement is heated to prevent it from freezing. Effective gutter systems and outdoor drainage will reduce the workload on the sump pump. 

How to Fix it:  Unplug the unit and cut the power at the breaker. Remove any snow or ice that may be blocking the unit’s exit line. Empty the sump pump, or melt any blockages. Call a professional for any assistance, or if you are unable to remove a blockage.

To prevent the common issues listed above, we recommend getting a winter plumbing checkup from an expert!

With over 20 years of experience, Dan’s Plumbing Services is trained to solve these problems and can help get your plumbing back up and running this winter! Contact us today by phone at (779) 529-5100, or on our website at https://www.dansplumbingservices.com/ . We can’t wait to hear from you and assist you with any of your winter plumbing needs!