How to Handle a Plumbing Emergency

It’s easy to say don’t panic when you’re in the midst of an emergency but, actually, it is good advice. Try to stay calm and follow the following simple steps.

Keep the Leak From Getting Worse

Find the water valve closest to the problem and turn it off so that there is no more water leaking out. If you can’t find the closest one, turn off the water coming in to the entire house.

Minimize the Damage

Get any belongings out of the way of the water that has already leaked out. Dry up what you can with towels, mops, or even a wet/dry vacuum if you have one handy. Make sure that water has not gotten into your electrical system. If so, this should also be shut off and an electrician called.

Call a Plumber

If the leak is a small one and you’re handy around the house, you may be able to fix it. If not, you will want to call a plumber to make sure that it’s repaired properly and won’t just start up again later.

When there’s any doubt as to how bad the leak is, or if it is an indication of a bigger underlying problem such as pipes that need replacing, it’s a good idea to call in an expert. Visit this website for information on emergency plumbing in Carrboro.

3 Signs You Need Backflow Prevention

Backflow refers to water flowing the opposite way, meaning up the pipes rather than down. Since it can result in health issues, it is especially important that you are aware of it when it happens. Here are three signs that you need backflow prevention.

1.    You Can See It

The most typical sign you’ll get is water coming back up out of the drains in your sinks, shower, bathtub or near a sprinkler system. Although this can just be from a simple clog, it can also be from backflow.

2.    Your Drains Smell

Bad odors can result from other issues, but backflow is one of them. It’s a good idea to have a plumber check your system if you’re noticing a strong smell coming from a drain. It could be a sign that unclean water is getting into your system.

3.    The Water Changes Color

Backflow problems will commonly result in a change in water color. Although the most frequently seen discoloration is brown, the water can also be yellow or even pink in color.

If you’re unsure as to whether you have a serious backflow problem, it is a good idea to call in an expert to check in order to avoid any potential health issues. For more information on backflow prevention in Chapel Hill, visit this website.

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What to Do if You Have a Water Leak

It’s easy to ignore a leak if it’s small. But even small ones can become worse, potentially causing damage to your home and belongings. It’s good to know what to do if you have a water leak to minimize problems.

1.    Shut the Water Off

The first thing you’ll want to do is shut the water to the affected area. If you can’t find the proper valve, shut the main water valve off.

2.    Check for Electricity

If the leak is near an electrical outlet, shut off the electricity as well. Even if you’ve stopped the leak, there may already be water in the wiring. You will want to have an electrician check that out once the plumbing situation is sorted out.

3.    Call Your Plumber

Now that the immediate problem has been stopped, you can call a plumber to determine what needs to be done to stop the leak. While you’re waiting, you can start drying up the area with towels and mops. If you have access to electricity, you can also use fans.

Don’t worry that your leak is too small to call a plumber. It’s better to err on the safe side in protecting your home. For more information about a plumbing company in Chapel Hill, you can visit this website.

2016 Plumbing Fixtures to Watch For

Two of the most common areas picked for remodeling are kitchens and bathrooms. They are both places that are perfect for improving functionality along with design. For the best of these innovations, it’s a good idea to have a plumber help install them to make sure you get full advantage of the technology.

Dual Head Showers

One trend that is growing in popularity is having a dual head shower, such as one large shower head coupled with a handset. These designs are increasingly being incorporated with an open floor plan where the shower is not enclosed.

Simple to Shut Off Taps

One of the more frustrating things in the kitchen is having use the sink when your hands are coated with some food substance. New fixtures allow for easy on and off with your elbow, ending the problem of sticky faucets. A similar style in the bathroom reduces spread of bacteria as well.

With all the new and innovative kitchen and bathroom fixtures out there, it just may be time to consider a remodel yourself. When working with plumbing, it’s smart to have an expert help you install new fixtures to make sure it’s done right and working seamlessly right from the beginning. For help with plumbing fixture installation in Pittsboro, visit this website.

Plumbing Tools

It is not advised that you attempt any plumbing jobs on your own. Always contact professionals because they will have the tools needed to get the job completed on time.  

 

The Benefits of Having a Water Softener System

The term hard water is used to describe water that contains an excess of minerals. Although hard water is not generally a health concern, there are benefits to having a water softener system.

Extends the Life of Your Plumbing

Hard water can leave deposits in plumbing systems that can cause both clogs as well as corrosion over time. Softening the water can therefore extend the life of both your fixtures and your pipes.

Extends the Life of Your Appliances

Just as mineral deposits building up can corrode your plumbing, it can also have a similar affect on appliances that use water such as dishwashers, laundry machines and water heaters. Softening your water can result in having to repair or replace these appliances less frequently.

Improves Cleaning

Hard water can leave spots on clothing and dishes after using it to clean them. In comparison, soft water helps to remove soap better. As a result, both you and your clothes will feel cleaner. Softer water can also mean that less soap is necessary to do the same job. In addition, you won’t have to scrub off soap scum left on tile, tubs, sinks and showers.

Having a water softener system installed on your home can make your life easier and save you money in a number of ways. To learn more about getting a water softener in Triangle, see this website.

Reasons to Install a Water Filtration System

Although many people only think about having clean drinking water, there are many more reasons to install a water filtration system. Here are just a few of them to take into consideration.
  
Clean Drinking Water

Of course, the most important reason is to have clean drinking water for your family. A filter will save on plastic bottles, reduce cost and also allow you to be sure exactly what is in your water, something that you can’t know for certain when using bottled water.

Clean Bathing Water

Most tap water is chlorinated and may also contain other chemicals and heavy metals, creating bathing conditions that are less than ideal. They can make skin conditions like eczema worse, and can also exacerbate asthma.

Extend Life of Pipes, Laundry Machines, Clothing and More

Clean water will also extend the life of your pipes and any appliances that use water such as laundry machines and dishwashers. It also helps to extend the life of your clothing as chemicals can be deposited on them and the chlorine in tap water can cause colors to fade before their time.

If you’re thinking about having the water in your home filtered, you can make an appointment to learn more so you can make an informed decision. For water filtration system installation in Apex, take a look at this website for more information.

Fresh, Clean Water

If there is any change to the water you get out of your sinks, whether it changes color or emits a powerful odor, you should contact a professional plumber right away. 

How to Tell If You Have a Slab Leak Problem

A slab leak is a leak that has formed in a pipe underneath your building. These leaks can be more difficult to detect than other kinds because the symptoms are not as noticeable. However, pay attention to any changes around your house so that you can get a plumber out to your home to inspect.

High Jumps in Water Bills

For the most part, your water bills should be about the same price every month. You will likely take notice if your bill is excessively high one month. If there is no obvious reason for why you are paying more for water, then see if you have a slab leak issue.

Sound of Running Water

When you are sitting at home, do you ever see the noise of water running? Unless the sink is still turned on, there is no reason for that sound to be present. It could be the result of a pipe in your foundation leaking and causing water to flow toward the baseboards.

Puddles

A wet spot on your floor is never good. If no one spilled anything, then it is likely the result of a slab leak.

In order to fix this problem, you are going to need professionals to come out. Go to this website for efficient slab leak repair in San Marcos.

Reasons to Install a New Heater Before Winter

Fall is the best time of year to get a new heater. You will likely be using it quite often during the winter, and you want to ensure you have a great heater working before the temperature really starts to drop.

Take Care of Rising Heating Costs

A heater provides your home with warm air, but it also does a lot to increase your energy bills. As bad as that sounds, it is even worse if you have an old heater that wastes energy. If you have had your current heater for 10 years or more, then look into getting a new, energy efficient one. You can enjoy hot air and lower bills.

Easier to Install Now

Another reason why you want to install a new heater now is that it will be easier on the professionals you hire. If snow is already falling, then the experts are going to have to contend with the elements while trying to install your heater. The entire process can take longer than usual because the company has to wait until the snow has stopped falling.

Never go a second without a working heater and get it installed before you will be using it all the time. For a great heating installation and water heater repair in Carlsbad, visit this website.

AC and Heating Units

It is good to get your HVAC units inspected at least once a year. This will let you know if you need to put in any replacement parts and how much life you can still get out of the items.