Author Archives: Drainmen Plumbing Inc

Repairing Your Dishwasher – Can it Be Done?

Dishwasher repair or replacement is key at that point, but do you know who to call to repair the dishwasher? Or do you need to simply replace the unit?Of course, your first question before all that may be, “Can dishwashers be repaired?”

The following are three of the most common issues that require dishwasher repair. When you know which dishwasher repair you need, you’ll see these are simple maintenance tasks that will get your dishwasher running again, all without the need for an expensive professional dishwasher repair service. So which dishwasher repair do you need right now? 

Dishwasher Repair One: The Dishes Aren’t Clean 

A. Review these dishwasher basics

• Is your dishwasher overloaded? Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
• Are there items such as silverware or utensils hanging below the basket? This can keep the spray arm from spinning. 
• What dishwasher detergent are you using? Check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Is food getting scraped rather than rinsed from the dishes before they are loaded into the dishwasher?
• Do you have hard water? If so, are you using a rinse agent as recommended by most manufacturers? 
• Is the water temperature hot enough? This could be the water heater, but we’ll address that another time. It should be under 120 degrees F, and most dishwashers will boost that up to 140 degrees. 

B. The dishwasher spray arm 

Make sure the spray arm can spin easily and freely with the dishwasher empty. Remove the arm and check for any debris blocking the holes. Clean it if you find anything. Check the pump for any broken glass or other debris lodged in the way of it working. 

C. Clean the float switch

Open the float switch and clean it, even if you don’t see anything obvious. The smallest debris can cause the float switch to stick, keeping water from filling the tub. 

D. Clean the valve screen

A clogged intake valve screen is a common problem. If there is a low water level during the wash cycle, it can’t take on the water it needs for a clean job. 

Dishwasher Repair Two: The dishwasher door is leaking.

A. Locate the leak source

A door that doesn’t seal is a common problem with leaking dishwashers. Check the seal around the door and if you find any tears or areas where the seal is missing, you’ll need to replace it. If there isn’t a torn or missing seal, then check the hoses and other areas where water can leak. 

B. Simple door leak fixes

With an all-purpose cleaner and sponge, clean the gasket and float switch, using only the dish detergent the manufacturer specifies. 

C. Tweak the door

Close and fasten the door; if it can be jiggled it is loose. Next, turn the dishwasher on, let it run, and push on the door. If the sound from the dishwasher lessens, the door is loose. There is an adjustable latch on most dishwashers located in the center of the door frame. Adjust this plate by tightening the door so the gasket can seal better. 

Dishwasher Repair Three: Humming sound, no water, won’t start

A. Check the power shutoff

All dishwashers should have a shutoff either at the sink or under the sink. Unplug the power and plug it back in. If it is still not starting, check the circuit breaker and if it has tripped, turn it back on.

B. Spin the motor

Sometimes a dishwasher motor will stick; this is especially common with a unit that hasn’t been used in a while. Remove the lower panel and reach in to give the motor a spin by turning the fan blades after you made sure the electrical power is off. If the blades aren’t turning with ease, you’ll need to call a professional plumber. 

A Few More Tips on Dishwasher Repairs

The corrugated hose on a dishwasher is a common problem, causing issues ranging from clogs to leaks. But have no fear – this is probably the easiest dishwasher repair you may need, and you could even do it yourself with these tips and a few basic tools. By knowing how to repair a dishwasher drain hose you could potentially save a lot on dishwasher repair costs: 

Step 1: Open the dishwasher and check the drain. Remove any food and debris, which is an indication there is debris clogging the drain hose. 

Step 2: Take the service panel off so you can see the drain hose and after that, unplug the dishwasher from the power. Close the door and remove all the screws holding the service panel. 

Step 3: Inspect the drain hose for leaks, which are usually located at the bends. If there are cracks, then you’ll need to replace the hose.

Step 4: Take the hose off the dishwasher so you can make sure it is thoroughly clean of clogs. Disconnect the hose from the sink line with pliers. After this, check for any debris that could be clogging the hose. You can do this by pouring water in one end to see if it flows easily out of the other end without any leaks in the U-section. 

On a side note, if your problem is the dishwasher repair for the pump, this will need to be done by a professional. Choose one that is authorized by the brand of dishwasher you have. They will have the proper methods of dishwasher repair and parts recommended by the manufacturer. 

An activated carbon filtration system doesn’t remove microbial contaminants found in hard water like bacteria, calcium, fluoride, magnesium, nitrate, and viruses. So, what do carbon filters remove from water? An activated carbon filtration system does remove are the organics that affect the color, odor, and taste of water. 

With carbon filtration in water treatment, it also reduces the following: 

• Chlorine
• Industrial solvents
• PCBs
• PAHs
• Pesticides
• Polychlorinated
• Radon gases
• THM

Are carbon filters safe for drinking water?

The materials inside the most carbon filtration systems are inspected and rated by a third party for safety. With this third party involvement, yes, carbon filters are safe for drinking water. 

The safety rating is based on the amount of chlorine, taste, and odor that are removed, otherwise known as CTO. Another factor of the rating system is what the sub-micron carbon blocks remove are cysts and lead. The combination of activated carbon block filter with sub-micron, the ratings go beyond what is expected to remove any additional particles with mechanical filtration, the screen door to the system. 

Mechanical filters work like a screen door– they keep unwanted elements out and let clean water through. Pores of a carbon block filter that measure less than one micron are too small for cysts to pass through.

Which is better reverse osmosis or carbon filter?

A common asked questions when it comes to regarding water filtration is which is better: carbon filtration vs reverse osmosis? It depends on your goal. A carbon filtration system is a process to reduce and remove contaminants from water. The carbon filter blocks the contaminant physically as they come through the filter. This absorption process also reduces any chemicals in the water. Those contaminants include: 

• Arsenic
• Chlorine
• Dirt
• Heavy metals
• Parasites
• Rust
• Sediment
• Volatile Organic Compounds
• Unpleasant taste and odor

On the other hand, water is filtered through a carbon cartridge with a reverse osmosis water purification system, removing chlorine and sediment. The next stage of purification with reverse osmosis is pushing water through a superb membrane that is designed with the purpose of removing most contaminants, which includes lead, and TSC (total dissolved solids) like fluoride, and recycled sewage water. 

Last, 97% of tap water contaminants are reduced as the water flows through the last carbon cartridge. Calcium and minerals are stripped away at this point, which unfortunately is removing nutrients the body needs. Some brands and models of a RO system offer a remineralizer cartridge that can be added to the system. 

Not staying on task with changing the filter in your carbon filtration system is doing yourself a disfavor. The cheaper the filter, the shorter the lifespan and the more water processed through your carbon filtration system , the shorter the lifespan. This means that if you have a high water usage, you should use a quality filter for your carbon filtration system. 

Most homeowners will change their filter on a routine schedule like changing the battery in their smoke alarm. However, life gets busy, and forgetting the batteries or the filter change. If you notice the water is slower to dispense or starts to have an odd taste or odor, it is time to change the filter. Manufacturers recommend the routine schedule of changing the filter as opposed to waiting for the foul odor and bad taste, or low water pressure. Call 484-366-9362 today for your carbon filtration system in Pottstown, PA.

• Carpeting, flooring, rugs ruined:  Water that has seeped into the structure from underneath can only go up. The floors get saturated, carpet gets soaked, tiles crack, wood warps, etc. 
• Foul smell: A slab leak will create a musty smell in the house, sometimes a raw sewage odor if the slab leak is the sewer line.
• Mildew and mold: With the carpeting and flooring soaked in water, the drywall will be soaking up the water. That gets mildewed and then mold begins growing. Mold is a health hazard for everyone, especially anyone with allergies or sinus issues. 
• Foundation is damaged: A slab leak will weaken the integrity of your home, including the concrete and steel that supports the foundation. Your foundation will begin to crack and shift, even collapse. 
•  Lawn damage: If the pipe causing the slab leak goes out under the yard, It will flood your lawn, ruin the grass and landscaping. Other features in your yard like brick or concrete walkways, a swimming pool, etc., can be damaged by this same leaking water pipe. 

How long can a slab leak go undetected?

They can go a long, long time undetected! It is an attentive, on-the-job homeowner that will detect a slab leak before it gets to the point it is noticed in most cases. If you’re diligent about looking at your utility bills with eagle eye, you may notice it within a month. Or if the leak is really bad, you may notice a wet floor with no rhyme or reason why its wet.  If you  notice a mildew, musty odor, then that slab leak has been going on for a bit. 

How do you fix a slab leak?

If you have a slab leak, whether to repair it or not isn’t an option. Where you may have an option is how it is repaired, but that will be the decision of the plumbing contractor you choose.  What will be important factors in this decision is the age of the plumbing and the house, the type of materials of the pipes, and where the slab leak is located. Here we explain four different repair methods that can be used for slab leak repairs: 

1. Breaking Into the Slab

Getting straight to the problem is another option. This is the shortest way, but it can be expensive and disruptive. When the plumber is done, you’ll need a foundation specialist to get things back right. 

2. Rerouting or Re-piping

In some cases, a plumber may determine that staying above the ground it the better option, so they will reroute the pipes above ground and avoid digging under the house. For example, the plumbing pipes are encased in concrete slab and the slab will have to be destroyed to reach the pipes. The plumber will reroute the pipes through closets, walls, or the attic, using creativity to hide the pipes, like crown molding. This method and the next two are way to fix slab leak without jackhammering. 

3. Dig a Tunnel Under the Slab

This is one slab leak repair method that will offer you, the homeowner, three benefits:  

• you don’t have to leave home while work is being done;
• the mess will kept outside, and
• this is the least expensive method

Once a plumber has explained the options available for the slab leak repair, tunneling is the preferred method because of those reasons. There is some chance that flooring may need repairing or replacing, but if that slab leak has been happening or awhile, you’re going to need to do that anyway. 

The plumber will dig a tunnel 3’ x 3’ under your house, up to 100 feet long or longer, and remove the busted pipe, and replace it with new plumbing. It is important that the plumber replace the dirt correctly and test the new plumbing before the job is complete. 

4. Trenchless 

Trenchless is the process of pipe lining, or CIPP (cured in place pipe), both are extremely popular choices today because there is no jackhammering or trench digging involved.  The broken plumbing lines are repaired by the plumber digging a small hole on each end of the busted line then sending a new pipe lining through the broken pipe that is coated with epoxy. That coating hardens inside the old pipe and forms a new pipe. 

How do you stop slab leaks?

Slab leaks can be prevented by doing the following things: 

1. Keep the soil moist all year around  your home.  We may have a really wet year and the next 2 or 3 will be really dry with little to no rain. When the ground is dry, a gap appears around the foundation. This is why you need to invest in a soaker hose or an irrigation system and run it twice a week to get ¼ “ deep in the ground wet when there isn’t any rain. 
2. Be careful what goes in the drains. Chemical drain cleaners are the worst thing you can do to your plumbing. Don’t poor fats, grease, or oil, or put fruit pits and bones in the drain. 
3. Test the water’s pH level: If your water has too much acid, it can do the same damage as OTC chemicals and it stays in the plumbing lines, eating away and before you realize it, you have a slab leak. 
4. Check the water pressure: Your home’s plumbing system should have a water pressure of 40-60 PSI. Any higher stresses the plumbing pipes & joints, creates leaks and that can lead to a slab leak. 
5. Annual plumbing inspection:  This is one thing that every homeowner should do, but most don’t. An inspection of your plumbing has the same importance as the inspection and tune up your HVAC system.  

How long does it take to repair a slab leak

Every house and every slab leak is different, but the average time is 2 days. If jackhammering has to be done, this won’t include the foundation repair.        

Which is the worst scenario, slab leak vs wall leak? 

They can be equal in resulting disaster and damage, but slab leak is the worse.  The wall leak maybe contained to only the wall, which could be the plumbing or the air conditioning.  The slab leak will damage the foundation, weaken the structure, and over time, creeps up the wall, and beyond. 

1. Monitor the Water Meter

If you are noticing your water is getting higher but you haven’t increased your water use, check the water meter for huge fluctuations. This is done by making sure all water sources inside and outside the house are turned off then watch the meter.  If the needle is moving, you definitely have a leak somewhere on your side of the meter. 

2. Check the Faucets

Faucets are often the problem for plumbing leaks, and it actually is more from the rubber washer located under the handles is worn out.  Replacing this is simply and can save you several dollars on your water bill. 

3. Toilet Plumbing Leak

The toilet can be a source of plumbing leaks too that goes unnoticed until it begins costing you a lot of money on wasted water.  To determine if your toile is the plumbing leak problem, add some food coloring inside the tank and wait 30 minutes. If you see colored water in the toilet bowl, then your plumbing leak is at the toilet tank. This is an easy repair by replacing the rubber flapper inside the tank. 

Another toilet plumbing leak indication is the handle has to be jiggled after each flushing to stop the water from running inside the toilet bowl.  This is fixed by tightening the nut on the mechanism inside the toilet tank or by replacing the handle. You may need to do both. 

4. Do a Visual Inspection

Plumbing leaks inside the ceiling or walls are usually unnoticed …. until the damage is done. These types of plumbing leaks can be stopped if you’re diligent in doing visual inspections periodically. Any hint of discoloring or staining on the ceilings or walls, mildew or mold growing, or sagging ceiling spots, are all often linked to a plumbing leak or roof leak. 

5. Underground Plumbing Leaks

Outdoor plumbing leaks can be expensive to repair and harder to detect. Low lying, soft areas in the lawn, or dark, lush green spots can indicate either a plumbing leak or sewer leak. These are they plumbing leaks that you’ll need to call a professional plumber. 

Can plumbers detect leaks?

Plumbing and leak detection go hand in hand for a professional plumber. They are able to find leaks today accurately and quickly thanks to modern technology, even inside walls and inside the cement foundation of your home. 

How do plumbers find water leaks in walls?

The first thing a plumber will do is a walk through and walk around your home. They are checking for any plumbing leak in wall or outside indications, and they often can find one that you didn’t see. They will look under sinks, around toilets, and in the yard, then follow up with a meter check as we described earlier. 

When they have ruled out any leaks in these areas, they start check the walls and underground for plumbing leaks with their sound detection equipment. This equipment includes headphones and a microphone so they can hear any sound like running water. Sometimes they “charge the pipes”, a process of using  pipe locator clamps on the visible sections of a pipes. These clamps transmit radar signals over the water pipes and can identify plumbing leaks.         

How do you fix a plumbing leak?

As a homeowner, you may want to do your own plumbing leak repairs, and if you’re handy with basic tools, depending on where the leak is located, it can be fairly easy.  Here are suggested steps for fixing a plumbing leak: 

Step One: Measure the length of pipe that needs to be replaced. Purchase the pipe and any of the following basic supplies that you do not have already: 

• Emery cloth
• Silver solder
• Solder flux
• Fitting brush
• Torch

Step Two: Turn all faucets off that are connected to the plumbing leak and remove any water left in the pipe with an air compressor.

Step Three: With a hacksaw or a pipe cutter, cut out the damaged pipe section and with the emery cloth and fitting brush, polish the inside and outside of the pipe left in and the new pipe you’re installing.

Step Four: Apply the soldering flux lightly to each side of pipes to be soldered.

Step Five: Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, solder the new pipe in place the let it cool. 

Step Six: Turn the water on and check for leaks. 

Remove the tank lid and using the following list, examine each part inside the toilet tank.

• The Handle and The Flush Rod: The handle is what you push that commences the flush. Attached to that on in the inside of the tank is a horizontal rod called the flush rod that has a chain connected to it. This will sometimes come apart; a toilet repair, handle tighten or replacement. 
• The Lift Chain: Expanding from the handle horizontally, the flush rod will lift the attached lift chain. This will open up an outlet on the tank’s bottom, allowing the toilet to flush. The chain will sometimes work its way off the handle needing a minor toilet repair by reconnecting it.
• The Flapper: When you push the handle, the flush rod lifts the lift chain, which raises a rubber flapper, and that is where the toilet is allowed to flush. The rubber flapper acts as a stopper does in a sink. 
• The Flush Valve: Inside the tank bottom is a plastic part where that raised rubber flapper is allowing the toilet to flush, it is where the water leaves the tank and feels the toilet bowl. 
• The Overflow Tube: This part and the flush valve assembly are attached to this, the overflow tube, as a safety measure that prevents water from overflowing from the tank if the water supply valve doesn’t shut off. This is where the “running” toilet is usually repaired. 
• The Shutoff Valve: On the exterior of the toilet is a pipe for the water supply to the tank. Just above floor level is a shutoff valve. This is your go-to when water is running out of the toilet and you can’t stop it. 
• The Supply Tube: This is where the water runs through between the shutoff valve and the tailpiece of the water supply from the tank’s bottom. 
• The Water Supply Valve: Inside the tank is where the water supply valve is located, a vertical assembly that is mounted on tank’s left side and is the center of the toilet’s operation. Fresh water supply comes from this to refill the tank after each flush.  
• Float Cup: There is a float device inside any supply valve that senses the water level, and with a toilet, it is inside the tank. When the fresh water has filled the tank to the proper level, the float cup shuts the water off. When a toilet is constantly running, a simple toilet repair is to replace this part. 
• The Refill Tube: In the center of the tank, there is a small tube that clips to the overflow tube. This flexible tube is the refill tube and it allows a trickle of water to the toilet bowl as the tank refills.
• The Toilet Bowl: It is here where all the human action takes place, the throne! This is bolted to the floor and the curved trap on the back side works the same as the P trap under the sink, preventing sewer gas to fill your house. structure that works just like a sink drain trap. 
• The Wax Ring: Under the toilet bowl, before it is bolted down, the wax ring is placed to seal u where the toilet bottom and the floor meet. It is watertight, keeps the toilet water from escaping onto the floor. When you have water leaking from here, it is a major toilet repair that needs professional attention that offers toilet repair and installation. 

Can you replace the inside of a toilet?

Anytime a toilet is constantly running, the rubber flapper is usually worn out. There are two gallons of water in a toilet tank 24/7/365, so it isn’t surprising these metal, plastic, and rubber parts wear out.  When they do, they can wreak havoc on a toilet and the water bill. 

This doesn’t mean you need a new toilet though. You can use the above descriptions and follow online videos for “How do you fix a toilet tank?”  and determine which part of parts need replacing, or you can get a kit that will include all the internal tank parts and replace all of the parts. You can do a toilet repair just replacing those specific parts, and it is possible that you need a toilet repair without a flapper.  There are instructions online how to do this as well.  

 However, while a tankless water heater system won’t “run out” of hot water, it can be overwhelmed if there is demand in several points of the house. Like running the dishwasher and doing a load of laundry downstairs while somebody is showering upstairs.  A tankless water heater can only heat so much at one time. 

This can be resolved by installing multiple tankless water heaters. Since they are modular, they can be placed almost anywhere in your home without taking up a lot of space. So maybe having a tankless water heater for shower independent of the tankless water heater in the utility room for the kitchen could be something to consider. A professional plumber with tankless water heater experience can discuss these options with you. 

Can a homeowner install a tankless water heater?

A homeowner with a DIY ability could install a tankless water heater in their home but having knowledge of the traditional water heater is recommended. Why? Because you’ll have to remove the existing water heater and they were not installed with a tankless water heater retrofit plan for the future. 

An electric tankless water heater is easier to install and are less expensive. However, if your home is setup with a gas water heater now, you can’t have an electric tankless water heater without electricity. So, you’ll need to make sure enough of the right electrical power is available, which may need the service of a professional electrician. Then disconnecting the gas from the current water heater and permanently turning off at that connection.  

You should consider the different sizes tankless water heaters too. Are you looking for a whole house use or one room only? Big box home improvement stores often have trained staff available to assist in choosing the right size and thorough internet searching is always helpful. 

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

Another point in favor of a tankless water heater, it won’t require any more maintenance than the regular preventive maintenance you have done for your HVAC system. Any appliance or component that uses electricity or gas should have routine inspections.  These maintenance inspections will find small issues that can be taken care of immediately before they become bigger problems. 

Depending on where you live and the quality of the water, a water softener may be recommended.  The buildup that hard water creates can cause havoc in a tankless water heater system with the erosion, scale buildup, and staining. 

How often does a tankless water heater need to be flushed?

The general recommendation is to flush your tankless water heater once a year to keep it working efficiently. However, if you have hard water, you should consider flushing it twice a year. Some homeowners with a tankless water heater consider getting a combination tankless water heater with pump, aka a circulator pump. 

The pump circulates the water periodically back to the tankless water heater and reheats it. This requires three pipes  to be installed instead of two: cold water, hot water, and recirculation. While this is an option to be considered, you may need to flush the tankless water heater an additional time since it will have that additional pipe installed. 

How long does a tankless hot water heater last?

Like a traditional water heater, the tankless water heater life expectancy can vary based on the quality of the water in your home and the maintenance performed, like flushing once, twice, or three times a year.  The life expectancy of most tankless water heaters is up to 20 years. If you have problems with your tankless water heater, there are parts that make repairs easy and will extend the life of the unit a few more years.   The traditional water heater will last on average 12 to 15 years. 

Are small gas leaks Dangerous?

Natural gas in its natural form is odorless. What we smell when there is a gas leak, or a stove burner turned on is a chemical that is added to the gas supply. That chemical gives off a rotten egg odor, something that we’re sure to smell even in the smallest of gas leaks.  

Otherwise, a small gas leak could be as dangerous, if not more, because we wouldn’t notice. Even the smallest of gas leaks can cause an explosion or fire when a match is struck, or even turning on a light! So, if you’re noticing a slight natural gas leak inside your home, or around the exterior, call a professional plumber that can do outdoor or indoor gas line repair.

Can you patch a gas line?

A gas line leak needs to be repair promptly and if you are unable to do a gas line repair yourself, call a handyman or plumber. The following are the basic steps, you can find the full instructions online: 

• Step One  – Turn the gas off: Never work on the gas lines without turning the gas off. 
• Step Two – Remove plastic covers: Wearing a proper gas mask and gloves for safety of inhaling the natural gas. Remove the outer plastic covers so the gas pipes are exposed. 
• Step Three – Detach gas line: Remove low pressure gas line. 
• Step Four – Release excess gas pressure: Remove any residue gas pressure by cracking the line fitting with a wrench. 
• Step Five – Clean the gas line: Clean the high pressure gas line with acetone to remove any impurities that could cause other leaks. 
• Step Six- Scratch the surface: With sandpaper, scratch the surface of the gas line to smooth it and then use the acetone to clean again.
• Step Seven – Attach gas line: Attached the gas line with a loose fit so not to create new leak. Using the rubber tape will reinforce the grip to assure the pipe is well sealed. 
• Step Eight – Apply Epoxy: Place epoxy to gas line, follow the package instructions in detail. Let the pipe sit 8 hours or more for curing. After the gas leak repaired are has cured, tighten the high pressure gas line fittings.   Now replace the low-pressure gas line.
• Step Nine – Test  gas lines: Turn the gas back on and check for leaks. If any leaks, turn the gas off and seal any leaks. Repeat this process as much as needed until there are no leaks. 
• Step Ten – Reinstall covers: Replace the plastic covers you removed once you are certain the gas line repair is complete. 

Who do you call to fix gas lines?         

It depends on where the gas leak is located. If it is on your property side of the meter, you need to call a licensed plumber or any experienced gas line repair contractors for any gas line repair and installation services. If the gas leak appears to be coming from the gas line on the meter side, the gas company is responsible for that gas leak repair. 

• Frozen: In many parts of the country, like Pennsylvania, homeowners prep their homes because we know the ground is going to freeze. Frozen ground means frozen water pipes if precautions aren’t taken before winter arrives.  Water will freeze in a pipe with a temperature at four degrees below zero. When the water freezes in the pipe, the pressure becomes considerably high and keeps accumulating to the point of expanding inside the pipe. Eventually one end you’ll have a burst pipe, and the other end a leak. Guess which end gets the leak? 
• Aged: Metal or plastic, all water pipes age and will only last for so long. The elements affect their lifespan, like the frozen water we mentioned above, and if they are regularly inspected and maintained.  serviced. Water pipes typically have a twenty-year life before they become structurally degraded to the point they can’t withstand water pressure, particularly metallic pipes which can corrode and burst pipe results. With a plastic water pipe, the plastic gets brittle over time and the pressure of water can cause a burst pipe. 
• External Pressure: External pressure can cause a burst pipe, typically from tree roots. However, if the water pipes are installed in certain places, like under roadways, cars driving over the road will put pressure on the pipe. Another external pressure is excavation by construction equipment that will squeeze the pipes more than their structural limit and the pressure will cause a cracked or burst pipe. This leads to leaking pipes underground and the task of finding the leakage can be daunting. All the while you’re looking for the leak, it can still be causing other damage.
• Clogs: Clogged water pipes are a major cause of burst pipes. Clogs happen when the accumulation of minerals and other debris coagulates inside the pipe. A massive clog will hinder water flowing and it backs up until has created incredible pressure resulting in burst pipes and leaking pipes. 
• Excessive Pressure: A water pipe is designed to withstand a certain limit of water pressure. When that water pressure is exceeded, usually by an increase in the volume being pumped through, it can result in a burst pipe. Heavy rains can cause the ground to move too, even uncovering water lines, exposing them, and result in burst pipes. 
• Incorrect Pipework: When plumbing pipework is done by an inexperienced person, it isn’t always connected and laid properly, resulting in burst pipes. A qualified plumber has gone through training and apprenticeships, testing and ss licensed, making them the right person to have any plumbing installed, laid, or connected. They know how a pipe should be installed to keep it strong and less likely to result in a burst pipe.            

What happens when your pipes burst?

A burst pipe inside or under your home can cause a lot of damage. It could be immediate damage or an eventual, slow damage, depending on the location of the burst pipe. The size of the burst pipe can create severe damage or slight damage to your floors, walls, and belongings, even the ceiling if the burst pipe is in an upstairs bathroom. 

How do you fix a burst pipe?

Every homeowner should be prepared to defend the plumbing system against any burst pipe, repair with a quick temporary fix until the plumber arrives. Why? To save you money and trouble with the damage that a burst pipe can cause!  So, what can you do for that quick fix? 

• Duct Tape:  Apply pressure to the burst pipe by tightly wrapping duct tape around the busted area. This is the one fix that will last the shortest amount of time because duct tape isn’t going to have much pressure.
• C-Clamp: Turn the water off at the main shut-off and place a piece of rubber over the pipe burst area. Place a piece of wood on top of the rubber and the place a C-clamp over that, with the C-clamp opposite of the burst pipe, then screw the clamp down to the wood. 
• Sleeve Clamp:  A sleeve clamp is two semicircular metal pieces that will make a whole metal sleeve when put together around the burst pipe.  Wrap the burst pipe section with the gasket material that comes with the sleeve clamp, surrounding the pipe, the place each part of the sleeve on the pipe and connect with the screws that are provided.
• Call the plumber! These are only temporary fixes, so calling your plumbers sooner than later is recommended. 

So, can a leaking pipe burst? Absolutely!  Just because it appears to be a small leak, doesn’t there isn’t pressure on water pipes. The constant drip is actually eating the pipe, and that ongoing pressure will eventually push a hole through the pipe to the point of a burst pipe and bigger problems. Call 484-366-9362 today!

Can Baseboard Heaters Start Fires?

Heaters, generally speaking, have the propensity to start fires. This is true of baseboard heaters too. If the baseboard heater is not installed correctly or used correctly, a fire can start. If the baseboard heater is already in a state of disrepair, then it will be important to refrain from using your baseboard heater. On the other hand, it is important to remember that baseboard heaters are just as safe and perfunctory as any other form of electric heating.

What is Baseboard Heating?

Are you wondering what baseboard heating is? It’s a very important question, especially if you are considering a baseboard heater installation. Baseboard heating is a term that describes two different kinds of heating systems. Hot water baseboard heaters, which are also called hydronic baseboard heaters use central heating. What makes this system so unique is the fact that hot water is channeled through pipes to individual baseboard heating units. The other type of baseboard heating is called electric baseboard heating. This type is distinguished by individual units that heat a home room by room. Electric baseboard heating is less efficient than most central heating systems, though they do beat out other space heating units due to their efficiency.

Which Baseboard Heater is Most Efficient?

Are you wondering which baseboard heater on the market is the most energy-efficient? Please review the following brands to discover which kind of baseboard heater may be best for your residence.

• The CADET 9954 Baseboard Heater 1000W (the top pick)
• Fahrenheit PLF1004 Hydronic Baseboard Heater
• Heat-Wave EB98937 Convection Baseboard Heater
• Comfort Zone Low Profile Baseboard Silent Operator Heater CZ600
• Fahrenheit PLF2004 240-volt Hydronic Baseboard Heater

Can I Lower My Electric Bill With Baseboard Heat?

Are you wondering if you can lower your electric bill with baseboard heat? The answer is pleasantly positive. If you set your baseboards to sixteen degrees Celsius both at night and when you are away from your home, you can save up to ten percent on your monthly energy bills. Through being proactive and energy-conscious, you would be surprised at the number of ways you can save money.

What Baseboard Heater

There are several interesting things to note when it comes to baseboard heaters. For instance, baseboard heaters use the method of convection to draw up the cold air near the floor. During this process, the heater will warm up the air and then release the treated air back into the room. Naturally, heat rises and will soon warm the inhabitants of the room. When the air is cool again, it will fall and be filtered into the baseboard heater once more.

When to Replace Baseboard Heater Thermostat

If you are wondering when you should replace your baseboard heater thermostat, it will first be important for you to consider what kind of thermostat you need. A line voltage thermostat is the usual kind of thermostat that is installed with electric wall or baseboard heaters. In contrast, a low voltage thermostat is usually used to control central heating and cooling systems. No matter what kind of system you have, it will be important to have a functioning thermostat. If your baseboard heating system is no longer working, one of the possible problems will be if your thermostat has fallen into disrepair. A qualified repairman should be called in to investigate the matter and get to the bottom of the issue.

When to Replace a Baseboard Heater

How old are the baseboard heaters in your home? If you don’t know how old your baseboard heaters are, and if you are unaware of their current condition, it is urgent that you seek out a reputable and insured baseboard heater repair service. Knowing the current condition of the heaters in your home is half the battle. Once you know the condition of your heaters, you can then set up repairs or a replacement as is deemed necessary. Your safety comes first which is why it is important for you to have the appropriate help when necessary.

If you would like to install or repair your baseboard heater in Pottstown, PA, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. You can reach us at 484-366-9362.

How Do You Know if Your Well Pump is Bad?

Homeowners will need well pump repair if their well pump has gone awry. But what is the best way to know if your well pump needs some repairs? Please review the following signs and symptoms of well pump dysfunction to learn more.

• If there are fluctuations in water pressure throughout the home, you may have a faulty pump.
• If there are strange noises or rapid clicking sounds that are coming from the tank.
• Faucets in the home that spit water.
• Excessively high electric bills.
• The shower water is scalding hot.

How Do I Fix My Well Pump?

If your well pump is having issues, it is urgent for you to first consult with a plumbing professional. When dealing with plumbing problems, the sooner they are addressed, the better. There are three common well issues that happen. The first is when the well is pumping no water at all. For this issue, you can first check to see if the power is on. If it is, you can check the pressure switch. If the pressure switch won’t work, then it won’t start the well pump and you won’t have any water. If the switch is bad, you can have a professional plumber replace the switch. 

The second common well pump problem is pulsing water. For this fix, you will want to check the pressure tank. If you have a bad pressure tank, it will affect many of your water fixtures in your home, including your toilet and your shower. The third well pump problem is if the pump runs continually. For this fix, you may need to repair or replace your check valve. 

Can I Replace My Well Pump Myself?

It is certainly possible for homeowners to replace their well pump themselves, but there is a risk of improperly installing it. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to always use a professional plumbing authority whenever possible. One of the chief reasons why it is important to use a plumber is because they have the tools and the expertise to make a plumbing repair simple and straightforward. When water isn’t readily available for hygienic purposes, homeowners can struggle and suffer. A plumber can make emergency plumbing repairs happen with a simple phone call.

What Happens When Well Pump Stops Working?

If your well pump has stopped working, it may be due to lack of power. Try resetting the well pump or replacing a fuse that has been affected by a power surge. A brownout could also have caused the well pump to stop working. You can try switching the circuit breaker on and off to see if this has any effect on the power source for the well pump.

Well Pump Repair

If you have a broken or intermittently working well pump, it is important for you to get it repaired as soon as possible. This is because when your water source is in jeopardy, it can cause havoc and strain in your life. Through a disciplined, licensed and experienced plumber, you can have a well pump repair that will prove itself through longevity and purpose.

Well Pump Replace

Before you get to the point where your well pump needs to be replaced, it would behoove you to set up an annual inspection for your water fixtures with your local, licensed plumber. He or she will be able to navigate plumbing problems before they happen. That way, you can get repairs you need before you need to call in a plumber to mitigate a plumbing emergency.

Who to Call for Well Pump Repair

The best specialists that you can call for well pump repair are certified and licensed plumbers who have years of experience with well pumps. There is practically no price for expertise, which is why it is urgent for homeowners to be discerning in who they select to help them with plumbing repairs around the home.

If you need well pump repair in Pottstown, PA, your best choice is to move forward with a call to Drainmen Plumbing Inc. We can be reached at 484-366-9362.