April 23rd, 2018
Now that Spring has arrived, it’s tempting to think that the worst of potential plumbing problems are behind us. Sadly, that’s wishful thinking. Here’s a look at some common plumbing problems that often occur in the Spring, and what you can do to avoid them.
March 30th, 2018
Your garbage disposal is likely one of the most used pieces of equipment in your kitchen. It’s also likely that it withstands a lot of stress, as many homeowners believe garbage disposals can digest anything you throw in them. Unfortunately, there are many foods and food byproducts that can have damaging effects on your system. Here’s a quick look at three of the most common culprits: 1. Starchy Foods The gumminess of pasta, rice, potatoes, leftover hot cereal, and other foods with a high starch content can stick to the walls of the disposal. This will create a blockage that prevents water from going down the drain correctly. What’s the solution? Try your hardest not to put these things down the drain. If you do, do so in small amounts. Run the water for a few seconds longer after the disposal is finished, just to ensure that the water pushes the sticky food waste through the drain pipes. 2. Coffee Grounds While coffee grounds look like they might go down the drain without any issues, the contact they have with water creates a sediment buildup in your pipes. This is very similar to the sediment buildup from minerals that occurs [...]
February 16th, 2018
As winter gradually comes to an end, it’s time to think about gearing up for spring and summer. For home and property owners, a major to-do on your list during season changes should be making sure your plumbing system is functioning properly. Start the spring season off right by checking these four elements of your plumbing system: Inspect Faucets, Appliance Water Supply Hoses, and Pipes for Leaks Inspect all of your indoor and outdoor faucet and pipes to ensure that there are no leaks. A small hole may not seem like a big deal until you get a water bill. Inspect pipes that are closest to outside walls to make sure that excessively cold winter temperatures didn’t cause minor damage to your pipes. Inspect your washing machine and dishwasher supply hoses for anything out of place. It’s a lot cheaper to replace hoses before something happens than having to deal with the aftermath of an easily avoidable disaster. Be Kind to Your Water Heater Water heaters work hard for us, and if you want it to continue to take care of you, you need to take care of it. One way to do so is to have our expert plumbers flush it. [...]
February 7th, 2018
The water heater may be the most overworked and under-appreciated piece of mechanical equipment in a house. We usually assume it's doing its job as it should and leave it alone, unless it starts to make weird and scary noises. To help you avoid a potentially dangerous and expensive plumbing crisis, we're looking at four frightening sounds your water heater can make and what they mean. Popping Sounds One of the most common sounds a water heater can make is popping. When that happens, it's usually an indication that your water heater has an excess of mineral deposits and sediment at the bottom. This is especially problematic in areas that have hard water. Mineral deposits (mainly lime and calcium), sand, and any debris that might travel through the water supply can stick to the bottom of your water heater. Eventually, the buildup of gunk at the bottom may trap water beneath the sediment. Think of a pot of water you have on the stove. If you're not paying attention, and if the heat is too high, the water will boil, and it will continue to boil until it flows over the sides of the pot. In the case of your [...]
January 19th, 2018
With how unpredictable Atlanta area temperatures can be, the need to protect ourselves and our homes from frozen pipes is more crucial than ever. Don’t worry, our experts are here to help protect you and your pipes from a frozen disaster. Typical Causes of Frozen Pipes To start, here are the top four ways your pipes might freeze over. Knowing this will protect your pipes from potential danger. Inadequate insulation Fast moving weather fronts that cause rapid temperature drops Failure to increase the temperature of your thermostat Not turning water off lines that supply outdoor faucets Simple Ways to Protect Your Pipes Now that you know the top reasons, here are five ways to protect your pipes from freezing over during the unpredictable Atlanta winter weather. Insulate Your Exposed Pipes This is a very easy step that takes little time and resources. Find foam pipe insulation sleeves at your local hardware or home improvement store and then apply to your exposed pipes. Place Protective Covers on All Outdoor Faucets Similar to the above step, inexpensive outdoor faucet covers are available at home improvement and hardware stores. These insulated protective devices create a buffer between a cold faucet and the more [...]
January 12th, 2018
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, not many people consider plumbing related goals. But if you’re a homeowner, doing so might help avoid major, yet common, plumbing issues. To help you get the most out of your home in 2018, we’re reviewing three plumbing mistakes that could cause substantial damage to your home and bank account, and how to avoid them. Avoid Burst Pipes When it comes to winter weather, sub-freezing temperatures are not a friend to your pipes. Often times, water inside those pipes will freeze and then cause the pipes to burst due to a build-up of pressure and expansion. Sadly, the worst-case scenario would be that pressure throughout all of your water pipes causes multiple ruptures, and your homeowner's insurance may not pay for damages. The solution? Look for your shutoff valve that will turn off the water to all of your outdoor faucets and pipes. It’s a simple way to make sure you won’t have a headache or an expensive plumbing bill coming up in 2018. Prevent Clogged Drains Clogged bathtub, bathroom, and kitchen drains are common problems that are easily avoidable. One of the biggest reasons that kitchen drains get clogged are F.O.Gs (fats, oils, [...]
December 12th, 2017
Freezing temperatures are the number one culprit of a pipe burst, but people don’t think about it until it’s too late.
November 10th, 2017
Pass the cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes! It’s Turkey Day! So, break out your stretchy pants, reserve that comfy spot on the couch for the after-dinner nap and get ready to eat your weight in turkey and dressing. Whether you’re prepping the meal or cleaning up afterward this Thanksgiving, it’s important to know what you can and can’t put down the garbage disposal to avoid a plumbing disaster. Some foods may go down the disposal, but they’ll wreak havoc the farther they go down the pipes. Here’s a list of what you should never put down the garbage disposal: Potato peels Grease/oil Egg shells Bones Coffee grounds Celery Beans Rice These foods can cause major plumbing issues when they get into your pipes. The fibers from potato peels and celery can wrap around the teeth of the disposal and stop the motor. Other foods like beans and rice turn into a pasty substance when mixed with water, which will stick to the pipes and clog the trap. And bones will not go down the disposal at all; instead, they will just rattle around until they become lodged in the pipes. The number of plumbing calls we get increases on Thanksgiving [...]
October 26th, 2017
Liquid drain cleaners aren’t as magical as they seem. Plumbers have dealt with the repercussions of using these cleaners for years, and they do more harm than good. So, to protect your pipes and your air quality, here are three reasons why you should never use liquid drain cleaners.
October 19th, 2017
Sewer breakdowns are frightening any time they happen. These are the tell-tale signs that your sewer might need repaired.
