5 Factors to Consider While Choosing a Plumbing Service

The truth is, at some point in life, your drainage system is likely to have hiccups and malfunction. It is a fact we can never run away from – as much as we may try! Having the right person to help with the issue is crucial. You ought to make the right choice in order to save you headaches in the future. 

We want to help you to make the best decisions for your home and family. Below are factors to consider while choosing a plumbing service.

License

Plumbing is a key factor in the health of a household. For this purpose, the state must ensure that each plumber is licensed. It is also encouraging to be sure that an expert is handling your issue.  Before a plumber is given the go-ahead to exercise his or her skills, they first go through a vetting process.  The licensing organization does a background check on the plumber to ascertain that you will be opening your doors to a reliable person.

Liability Insurance

With plumbing works, accidents and incidents are sometimes inevitable. So, you need to consider a plumber who is insured in case of any eventualities. That is a safe way of transferring any liability should an accident come about. In case a plumber causes any damage to your property, the insurance company will be liable.

Communication Skills

Communication is an essential factor in any industry. A professional plumber needs to own exceptional communication skills. As you scout and interview your potential plumber, engage them in a conversation. This way, you will learn more about their communication skills.

Materials Used

It is crucial to consider the materials being used for plumbing. That is so because, unfortunately, a few plumbers use materials that are substandard to get more cash from clients. If you are not keen on this matter, you might as well be a frequent client to dubious plumbers.

Good Reputation

A good name speaks for itself. A plumbing company with a good number of positive reviews is safer to go with. Plumbing services depend on word of mouth. A satisfied customer will always refer to another client. Visit your plumber’s website or social media profiles to see what kind of reviews they are receiving.

At The Polite Plumber, we take great pride in being a source of service that you can rely on. We’ve been a trusted source of plumbing solutions for over 70 years! Give us call today to learn how we can help you.

Why a Professional Touch is Needed For Kitchen Sink Clogs

The sink is the workhorse of your kitchen, and that made so glaringly obvious when you have a clog. Even if you have been very diligent in keeping your drain catch in and never pouring grease down your sink, clogs can happen. Over time, even small amounts of grease and food particles can build up into a clog that stops up your kitchen sink.

When your kitchen sink is clogged, you might first reach right for the chemical drain cleaner. Well, like every licensed plumber will tell you – put that bottle right in the trash. Chemical drain cleaners, while sometimes effective, are caustic to your pipes. Every time you use it, it causes a little more unnecessary wear to your plumbing.

Alternatively, you may look to grab your drain snake. Unfortunately, this won't do great either. It may break up the clog initially, but it will just come right back sooner rather than later. Drain snakes are super effective in bathroom clogs because they break up hair, but less so when it comes to grease. Unfortunately, kitchen sink clogs aren't made up of hair in most cases.

When your kitchen sink has started to clog, what you need is a professional plumber who can hydrojet it. What this does is essentially sprays water at a high pressure along the walls of a pipe. This strips the grease build up right off. It not only breaks up your clog, but it prevents it from coming back for a long time.

If you are diligent with keeping grease from going down your drain, you won't get kitchen sink clogs very often at all, but when you do, you need a hydrojetting because that build up is probably constricting the drain pretty badly. Hydrojetting by a professional company gets rid of all of it so you can have many more years of clog-free use.

Have a clogged drain – or any other questions about plumbing? Call us today for help!

What Can Be Done to Treat Frequent Water Hammers?

Do you often hear a hard thump in your walls when you turn water features off in your house? No, it is (probably) not a ghost or rodents scampering around in there. If it happens in conjunction with the washer changing cycles or turning the tap off somewhere in your home, that is a water hammer. That thump sound happens when there is an abrupt stop in flow or change in direction inside your pipes. Traditionally, air gaps are installed to cushion the blow of water stoppage to prevent a hammer. If there is no air pocket to cushion that blow, it creates the noise.

Water hammers are to be expected sometimes. Residential water pressure can fluctuate sometimes and results in the occasional water hammer in your home. However, if you hear them frequently in your home, something needs to be done. If water hammers are left alone, they cause damage to your pipes. It causes excess wear and can even be responsible for a burst pipe down the line. The older your plumbing is, the more dangerous every water hammer becomes to your plumbing.

Typically, the most common fix for a home with a water hammer problem is a water pressure regulator to control the water pressure that causes the water hammers. However, if you notice water hammers in just one area, they may be caused by something as simple as a loose pipe, or an air gap needs to be installed.

In some situations, the water hammer may not be caused by water pressure, but simply because an air gap could not be installed. Not every area of plumbing is appropriate for an air gap. When installed, a mechanical arrestor should have been put in place specifically to prevent water hammers. If one was not, a plumber will need to come out and put on in.

Contact our team today for more information!

How to Contain a Leaky Pipe as You Wait for Emergency Service

You've noticed that one of the pipes in your home is leaking and have called in an emergency plumber for immediate repairs. However, as you wait, you realize that the leak is getting worse. If left alone, it can flood your home and cause severe water damage to your valuables. What should you do to prevent extensive property damage as you wait for emergency help? Below are three useful measures that will help you to contain a leaky pipe as you wait for a professional plumber to repair the pipe.

Turn Off the Water
Depending on the location of the leak, you may have to turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. In fact, this is the safest option as it cuts water flow in the entire house. Do you know where your main shutoff valve is? If not, look in the following places:

• Look around your home's perimeter, especially on the side that's facing the street as this is where your water main line begins as it enters the home.
• Check the outside wall of your house, especially in a utility area.
• Look for the shutoff valve in the basement.

If you can't find the valve, look through your property inspection report. The valves usually come in two types: a gate valve and ball valve. In both designs, you turn the valve clockwise to cut off the water supply in the entire house.

Once the disaster is managed, ensure everyone in your household knows where the valve is and how to shut it off. This will save you from dealing with a catastrophe in the future if a leak occurs when you're not home.

Clamp the Pipe
Even after shutting off the main valve, the water left in the piping system will continue to leak. You can prevent this by trying to temporarily seal the crack. If you have some rubber sheeting around, it'll come in handy. Wrap the rubber sheeting around the leaking part of the pipe and use a C-clamp and some blocks of wood to hold it in place. This is a temporary fix and will only work for a short time; thus, don't turn on the water before repairing the pipe.

Patch the Pipe
If you have materials such as epoxy compounds and pipe wraps in the garage from your last renovation project, you can use them to contain the leaky pipe. Apply pipe wrap or epoxy compounds around the broken section of the pipe. These materials are effective as they can be used to contain any types of leaks and cracks. However, just like rubber sheeting, pipe wrap and epoxy compounds are also temporary solutions. They'll hold the pipes in place and prevent further leaks until your plumber arrives.

Contact us today for professional plumbing services.

3 Signs Your Drain Is In Need Of Professional Repair

The drains in your home are so important and it is essential that they function properly. If not, flooding issues are sure to follow, which can lead to other problems as well. If you are having drain issues, it is likely in your best interest to contact a professional to come and check out the problem. Here are three signs that your drain is in need of professional repair.

Drainage Is Very Slow

If it takes a great deal of time for water to go down your drain, this is a sign that your drain may be clogged. This could be due to build-up in your pipes or it may be because something was unknowingly stuck in your drain. In any case, calling a professional to come and inspect the issue is the best way to fix the problem in the quickest and safest way possible.

Bad Odor Coming From The Drain

Another sign that you may have a clog in your drain is a bad odor. This odor may be due to waste building up in your drain or it may be slime and sludge that also create an unappealing odor. In either case, this is not only gross to smell, but it can also be unsanitary in your home and should be taken care of by a professional immediately.

Gurgling Noises

If you hear gurgling noises when you are trying to drain water, this may also be a sign that your drain is clogged. The backing up of water and gurgling noises may indicate that there is air in the drain that is trying to work its way around clogs. These clogs generally get worse over time as more and more particles cause them to build up and they generally don't go away on their own.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, call us today at The Polite Plumber to get your drain repaired properly.

What to Do When the Dishwasher Won't Drain

Your bathtub or sink aren't the only drains that could manifest clogs over regular use. If you have a dishwasher, you can expect to open it one day and find that the water never drained away after the cycle.

Your dishwasher comes equipped with a filter to catch some of the larger food particles to prevent clogs. Sometimes when the water is backed up, all you need to do is remove the filter and clean it off for the water to drain away. Unfortunately, clogs can form deeper in the system and are not so easy to handle.

Clogs can form in the drain pump itself, the flexible hose that connects to your sink drain or garbage disposal, or in the sink drain itself. A lot can be ruled out by disconnecting the flexible hose underneath your sink to see if the water drains out. If you are able to drain the water away, then the clog is happening past the hose in the kitchen sink or the garbage disposal. If the water does not drain, or drains very slowly, then the clog is happening in either the filter, drain pump, or the hose itself attached to your dishwasher.

Unfortunately, unclogging any of these items can get difficult quickly. If the water does not drain out due to a clog in the dishwasher, it will need to be bailed out and sopped up with a towel so you can investigate further. While you can easily inspect the filter and even disconnect the hose to check for clogs, any clogs in the occasionally difficult to reach drain pump, sink, or garbage disposal should be left to a professional hand so they can be removed correctly.

It is important that you don't turn to chemical drain cleaners. They are very hard on your dishwasher and can lead to contamination. Your kitchen sink drain can stand up to them a little better, but they still wear on your plumbing. Give yourself peace of mind by leaving it up to one of our trained professionals. Contact our team today.

Is Smelly Water a Plumbing Problem?

If you have recently went to your tap or taken a shower only to find that the water kind of has a strange scent to it, then you can be understandably worried. However, in most cases, the smells are easily explainable and may mean you need plumbing service.

Metallic Smell

Does your water smell like a penny or have that distinct metallic scent to it? In most cases, if metallic taste isn't normal for the water in your area, it can mean some mineral is leeching into it from your water heater or your pipes. If it is iron or zinc, it is typically not dangerous. However, if there is the potential for lead to seep into your water, you need to contact a plumber.

Moldy Smell

Water and mold go hand in hand, but typically not in your drinking water. If you have a moldy smell, it could be due to algae growing in your water supply or, more likely, you need to clean your water fixtures.

Rotten Egg Smell

This is not usually a smell that just appears. In areas where the water has a high iron content, that smell will always be vaguely around. Another cause could be hydrogen sulfide in your water, which can happen in wells and may give your water a black color but can also be removed. While this smell isn't exactly the most pleasant thing, it is not dangerous.

Could It Be Contaminated?

Any time your water is smelly or discolored, you are right to be wary. However, typically it is not because it is contaminated with sewage. In cases of contaminated water, it will taste salty rather than be smelly. However, what you can do is look up from local sources as to if there is a boil order in your neighborhood, or contact us with your questions.

The Top Signs You’re in Need of a Plumber

Should a pipe in your home burst or begin leaking, this can cause costly water damage throughout your home. Knowing when something is wrong with your home's plumbing can then help to save you money by allowing you to catch problems with your plumbing before they get worse. Here are a few signs you can look out for in your home indicating that your plumbing may need professional attention.

Knocking Pipes

You should consider calling a plumber if your pipes make a knocking sound when you are running water. If your pipes make any unusual sounds when water is running, this could be a sign that there is too much water pressure in your home, or that there is a loose valve. Either way, you should not ignore this problem as it could be the precursor to a leak.

Your Pipes Freeze

During the winter months, you may experience the wintertime nightmare that is having your pipes freeze. If your pipes freeze next winter, it is important that you call a plumber right away before the frozen pipe cracks or bursts. Do not attempt to thaw the pipes yourself, as this is a risky move that could cause your pipes to burst, leaving you with a big mess as well as extensive water damage throughout your home. Frozen pipes are best handled by professional plumbers.

Your Water is Discolored

When you turn on the water in your home, the water coming out of the faucet should be clear. If the water coming out of your sink or shower is any other color, then you have a serious problem. If the water coming out is brown, red, or yellow in color, this means that your pipes are very old and have begun to rust. If the water coming out of your pipes is green or blue, this means that your copper plumbing has become corroded. If any of these colors come out of the faucets in your home instead of clear water, you should contact a plumber immediately as there is a problem with your plumbing that could be harmful to your health.

Plumbing problems can quickly become serious if not addressed. Contact us to learn more about how you can tell if there may be problems with the plumbing in your home.

5 Potential Causes of Toilet Leaks

If you have a leaking toilet, it will need to be fixed quickly. It's a major inconvenience when your toilet isn't working properly, and leaks can also cause water damage. Here are five common causes of toilet leaks.

Loose Bolts

Tee bolts hold your toilet in place. If the bolts break or become loose, the toilet's seal will begin to leak. To fix this issue, make sure your toilet is centered and leveled, and tighten the bolts. If the bolts are broken or will not tighten properly, contact a plumber for toilet repair.

Damaged Wax Ring

If your toilet has a leak at the base, the wax ring is likely to be the cause. The wax ring seals the pipe connecting the toilet to the floor. A wax ring is inexpensive to replace, but the job will require removing the toilet. You should have a plumber replace the ring for you.

Fill Valve

One of the most common toilet issues is a faulty fill valve. The fill valve can become worn out over time. If your fill valve is damaged, you will hear water constantly running. You can test your fill valve by pouring food coloring into your toilet tank. If the water in the bowl turns the same color, you have a leak.

Flapper

The flapper is located inside the toilet tank. When you flush, the flapper drains water from the toilet tank and into the bowl. If the flapper does not return to the down position properly, water will continue to flow into the bowl. The flapper can become stuck if the flush handle is stuck. A worn or damaged flapper will also cause leaks.

Condensation

It's possible the water around your toilet is simply from condensation. Your bathroom can become very humid, especially when you take a shower. Water that's produced by condensation is not a cause for concern.

For assistance with a leaking toilet or any other plumbing repair, please contact us.

Should I Hire a Plumber or Try Doing it Myself?

A working plumbing system is something many homeowners take for granted. However, if you have ever gone a day without your plumbing, that is a day you never want to relive. Do you have leaking pipes? Are you thinking about a kitchen or bathroom upgrade? When was the last time you had your pipes inspected?

Almost every homeowner has done some DIY plumbing work. Maybe you installed a new shower head, fixed a leaking faucet, or unclogged a drain. These tend to be very easy projects. However, major plumbing work requires more knowledge and skills than the typical person possesses. While a YouTube video may make replacing your toilet look easy, you can quickly discover that you don't have the proper training to complete the task.

The reason most people attempt plumbing projects is the cost of a professional plumbing service. Typically, when you receive a bill from your plumber, the bulk of the invoice is labor. The materials are often minimal. So, depending on the repair or upgrade, a person may expect to save several hundreds of dollars.

Yet, if you don't truly have the knowledge and skill set to properly complete a plumbing repair or upgrade, you could cause greater harm and drastically increase your overall cost. When you hire a professional plumber, that person will evaluate the situation and find a permanent solution. They will look for potential issues and problems that the novice DIY-er will not even think about.

If you want to minimize errors and maximize results, hiring a professional plumber is always the best choice. By relying on an expert, you will have the peace of mind in knowing that their attention to detail and talent for diagnosing problems will prevent future issues. Contact our team at The Polite Plumber today to schedule a service.

What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

The unfortunate thing for many homeowners is that they have no idea what to do when a plumbing emergency strikes. What’s even worse is that it often takes being put in an emergency situation to realize this. However, whether it is frozen pipes or a leaking ceiling, here's what you can do to minimize home damage.

When is it an emergency?

Plumbing emergencies can differ from person to person. However, it is best to remember that there could be an extra cost to hire a plumber to come out after hours. You need to accurately assess your situation to decide if it is a plumbing emergency. This may mean being without plumbing function for longer than a day and not being able to get a plumber out at regular hours the next day.

Shut off the water

This should always be your first step. Leaving the water running means it can infinitely get into your home and cause huge amounts of damage. With it off, you only have to endure what is left in the pipes. While you can turn off the water at most sites, like behind the toilet or below the sink, you may want to consider shutting off the main valve.

Turn the spigot on

To clear your pipes quickly, turn the spigot or faucet at the lowest point in your house on. This will quickly remove any water in the pipes.

Call a plumber

There are problems, like a dripping faucet or a running toilet, which you are probably capable of taking care of yourself. However, for true plumbing emergencies where you are looking at a loss of plumbing function or huge home damage if you turn the water back on, you are probably not equipped to handle these situations.

If you’re in a plumbing emergency, be sure to contact us as soon as possible. Describe the problem to us and we will give you steps to mitigate any more damage until we arrive to help.

3 Reasons why you’re Always Running out of Hot Water

Your water heater probably doesn't cross your mind very often, at least not until the water runs cold in the middle of your nice hot shower. Do you find that you're running out of hot water more quickly than you used to? If so, here are some possible causes.

Simple overuse of hot water.

There is a limit to how much hot water your water heater can supply at a time. If you are running multiple appliances while you take a shower, or if multiple people shower at the same time, you will run out of hot water fairly quickly.

Your water heater isn’t the right size for your home.

If several people live in your household, it's possible that your water heater is too small for your needs. This is especially likely if you have a tankless on-demand water heater. Some electric tankless water heaters are only adequate for households of one or two people. Gas-powered models often handle larger households better. If you're considering a tankless water heater, ask your plumber to recommend the best one for your home.

There is sediment buildup in the hot water tank.

In areas with hard water, mineral deposits build up in your water heater tank. The sediment accumulates in the tank if it's not cleaned out on a regular basis. After several years, the buildup can even occupy several gallons, leaving less space for hot water. If you hear cracking or popping sounds coming from your water heater tank, it's an indication of sediment buildup. Hard water doesn't only affect your water heater. The mineral deposits left by hard water can damage your pipes. If your home has hard water, consider installing a water softener to address the issue.        
 
The Polite Plumber is here to help if you find yourself running out of hot water. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Did Someone Say ‘Plumbing Permit’?

One of the best ways to tell if a plumbing technician is a legitimate expert in their field is to inquire about any permits that are required to perform the work on your home. Granted, the regulations that require prior permitted approval vary from one municipality to the next; however, a legitimate contractor should always be aware of what permits are required to perform work on the plumbing system in your home.

Some homeowners see the permitting process as a nuisance, an added expense, or even an infringement on personal privacy. After all, why should your bathroom remodel be of higher concern?

Think of the permitting process as a system of checks and balances. Yes, they can be a costly nuisance, and city code enforcers can be seen as intrusive at times, however the process is designed to protect and benefit residents, contractors, and the city.

Ways the Permitting Process May Protect & Benefit You

The requirement to obtain proper permits for plumbing projects helps to ensure that only licensed contractors, who have a full understanding of their craft, are overseeing the work done on you home. This protects you from being taken to the cleaners by someone who really does not understand the intricacies of a residential plumbing system.

The requirement to obtain proper permits for plumbing projects also protects you, as the consumer, because it requires that any work performed will be inspected by a city code inspector. This extra set of eyes may prove to be an invaluable resource, should an error be made.

Furthermore, this requirement may help protect your family's health, without you ever realizing it. Years ago, it was common to use lead solder when connecting water lines. Over time, lead that was being leached into the drinking water began to affect the health of the general public. Plumbing permits now require the use of lead-free solder.

A great plumbing contractor will always know exactly what permits to pull for your project, and how to get those permits approved quickly so that your work can be completed in a reasonable period of time.

For more information about the permitting process, or to request plumbing service, please contact us at The Polite Plumber!

Your Local Plumbing Service Explains Low-Water Pressure Culprits

Have you noticed that it is taking a bit longer for your washing machine to fill up? Are showers taking longer because the water is more of a trickle than a spray? If so, you may have a problem with low water pressure. Low pressure can certainly put a crimp on daily chores or hygiene routines, but have no fear, we are here to help!

Below, we’ll take a look at a few reasons why your water pressure is less than ideal, and how you can rectify the situation.

Pipe Buildup

Water pipes are smooth and made to allow water to pass through them, but there are a number of reasons why buildup can occur in your pipes and significantly slow down passage of water. You may live in an area where there is mineral-laden or hard water, and if so, that can create deposits inside the pipes that build up over time. A water softener is a great solution to reduce the water’s mineral content.

Leaky Pipes

There could be an undetected leak in your home and you should be thankful for the hint. Allowing the slow leak to build up over time could hit you hard in the water bill department, promote mildew and mold growth, and compromise the structural integrity of your home. Check the water meter for unusually-high consumption levels, and look for discoloration in your floors, ceilings and walls. A plumbing service can repair the leak before major damage occurs.

Check with Your Municipality

It’s possible that the origin of low water pressure comes from your municipality and not your home. For example, there could be a leak somewhere in the main water line that is preventing the water to enter your home at full pressure. If you are certain that there’s nothing in your home that could be the cause of low water pressure, your local water department may be able to provide you with information.

As always, we encourage you to contact us here at The Polite Plumber.

Professional Drain Cleaning After a Tenant Moves Out of your Rental Home

A rental property is an excellent investment, but it does require that you invest in routine maintenance and occasional repairs to keep the home in sufficient condition for tenants to live comfortably.

After a tenant moves out of the home, be sure to get professional drain cleaning, which will provide you with substantial benefits, such as the ones listed below, and it will ultimately help you rent your home.

Prevent Future Emergencies
If you decide to skip drain cleaning because you do not notice any substantial issue at hand, you are taking a major risk because you do not actually know the condition of the drains. It is better to know that you have clean drains than to save a bit of money and be at risk for emergency problems in the future.

Stop the Clogging Process
In some cases, you might have drains becoming clogged, which would cause future tenant problems, but you can stop this from happening by getting drain cleaning and putting an end to partial clogging.

Avoid Clogged Drains
It is possible that you may have clearly clogged drains in your home, and this kind of problem should be handled immediately. Showing the home to a potential tenant with a clogged drain will not lead to a positive impression, so it is important to get this work done before listing and showing the property.

Eliminate Odors
In some cases, a clogged drain can bring a bad odor into the area. It is essential to eliminate all poor odors in your home, which means you must get drain cleaning as the odors could come from the drains.

Contact us today at The Polite Plumber if you would like to learn more about draining cleaning services; we’re here to help!

Plumbing Solutions You May Have Never Heard Of

Whether you are planning an entire bathroom remodel, or are just looking to perform a few small upgrades in what is often considered to be the most important room in the house, learning as much as you can about modern fixtures and new plumbing products can help you get the most return on your investment. Today, we would like to bring to your attention a few products that you may have never heard of, and point out why each product would be an asset in your bathroom.

Pressure-balancing Valves
No one likes having their nice, warm shower interrupted. Should one member of your family be enjoying a nice, steamy shower, and another member of your family flush a toilet, the cold water flowing to the shower head may become diverted to help flush the toilet. Not only could this present an inconvenience to the one enjoying the shower, but serious burns could occur. Pressure-balancing valves can prevent this from happening. These valves are often installed into a shower to help maintain a constant water temperature. These valves do not measure water temperature, but rather track the ratio of water coming from the hot and cold supply lines.

The Skirted Toilet
A skirted toilet is one that is designed with a smooth porcelain base that effectively hides the toilet's trap, and many times, the nuts and bolts that hold the toilet in place. Not only are these toilets aesthetically pleasing with their modern lines and understated elegance, but the base of these toilets is easier to clean than a standard, builder grade toilet. No longer will you find yourself on hands and knees, trying to work your cleaning rag into all the nooks and crannies of your commode. With just a swish of your brush in the bowl, and a swipe of your rag around the base of the toilet, your commode will be sparkling and ready for your family to enjoy.

The Vent Fan
Because an abundance of moisture tends to build up in a bathroom, many modern homes are built with either a vent fan, or a window. Windows are great for removing moisture from your bathroom, if they are opened routinely. Furthermore, if your home is in a naturally humid climate, or if it is oriented in a way that prevents naturally occurring breezes from blowing through that window, your window may not be able to do the job for which it was intended. If your bathroom does contain a vent fan, be sure that it does more than merely circulate the air within the bathroom. If you want to get serious about preventing the buildup of mold and mildew in your damp bathroom, be sure that your vent fan actually vents the air to the outside of your residence, and run that fan every time you shower or bathe.  

Have questions? We encourage you to contact us here at The Polite Plumber with any questions and service needs you may have.

Plumbing Problems to be Inspected During Spring

If you are looking to have a more efficient home, you will need to find ways to help make your home a much greener one. There are various ways you can turn your home into a green home, and one of the easy ways to do this is by making sure you are using the least amount of energy as possible.

When it comes to having a greener home and your home's plumbing, what can you do to conserve energy? You can try to conserve as much water as you can to help with your home's efficiency.

Water Heater. If you are not using a tankless water heater right now, you should strongly consider purchasing one. Why? The water heater you are using now is heating your water at all times. When you need the water, the water heater will provide you with it. On the other hand, a tankless water heater is a bit different. This water heater will only heat water when you need it. It does a great job of conserving energy and water because the heater will only be in use when you actually need the water.

Faucets. If you are like many people, you constantly have to deal with leaky faucets. It can certainly be annoying to hear that "drip, drip" noise throughout the day and night. You need to get this issue fixed because as long as the faucet leaks, you will spend more money on your water bill. When you have your leaky faucet inspected and fixed, you will definitely appreciate how much money you will save on your next bill.

Toilet. If one or multiple toilets need a little assistance when it comes to flushing, then you will want to have it checked by a plumber. If you have to hold the handle or jiggle the handle, then this could be a problem. What if someone forgets to jiggle the handle or hold it down? The toilet will constantly run until the next person goes into the bathroom. If you have it inspected as soon as possible, your water bill will look much better.

These are just some of the ways that you can conserve energy and water so that you can reduce your water bill. For more information on tips that can be helpful and/or more information on plumbing repairs, contact us today.

Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it is time to tackle that home maintenance to-do list. This includes inspecting your home plumbing to identify potential problems that can easily turn into costly repairs if not addressed.

Inside Your Home:

You should start by checking for hidden water leaks. Even a small drip or leak can add hundreds of dollars to your water bill over the course of a year. This is a simple process that does not require any specialized equipment.

• Inspect all indoor faucets and readily accessible pipes. Be sure to remove items from your under-the-sink cabinets to check for signs of mold, dampness, puddles, or watermarks.
• Add a couple of drops of food coloring to the tank of each toilet. Check the bowl in about 30 minutes. If you see color in the water, your toilet is leaking.
• Read your water meter and then avoid using any water for at least two hours. At the end of that time, take a second meter reading. If the numbers have changed, you have a leak.

Outside of Your Home:

Winter weather can take a toll on outdoor plumbing fixtures, so they should be inspected to ensure that they are ready for the spring and summer gardening season.

• Test all of your outdoor spigots to make sure that they function properly and are free of leaks.
• Check any plumbing vents to make sure that they are free of leaves and other debris.
• If you have a lawn irrigation system, inspect the sprinkler heads to ensure that they work properly.

General Maintenance:

• Check your washing machine, dishwasher, and other water-using appliances for any hoses that are worn, cracked, or bulging.
• Flush your water heater, replace the anode rod, and test the pressure relief valve. Since this involves dealing with extremely hot water, this job is best left to a professional.
• Clean your faucet aerators and shower-heads by soaking them in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove the mineral buildup.
• Replace any dried out or missing caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks.

Have questions? We encourage you to contact us here at The Polite Plumber with any questions and service needs you may have.

Understanding Plumbing Noises: Three Common Sounds and What They Mean

When you hear odd sounds coming from something mechanical such as a lawn mower or a car, you know there's a problem. You also know it's just a matter of time before a problem occurs if nothing is done about it. Like your car or lawn mower, your plumbing is never completely quiet but if it makes odd or unusual sounds, it's best to check it out and get it resolved before it turns into a problem. Here are descriptions of three common plumbing noises:

Hammering and Banging 
Hammering often happens when a faucet or valve is quickly shut off. When something as heavy as water is brought to a sudden stop, it sends a shock wave through your plumbing much like a hammer does when it strikes something. Excessive water pressure often causes loud water hammering. Normal water pressure in your home will vary between 40 to 70 psi. If it's beyond this range, you may need a pressure reducer valve installed on your water supply main and/or a water hammer arrestor.
The reason for banging sounds is loose pipes that bump against other objects. Loose and floppy plumbing requires more secure mounting.
Loud water hammering should be looked into because if high water pressure is the culprit, it can damage your plumbing and appliances. In addition, the shock waves from frequent water hammering may cause damage.

Whistling
When water flows rapidly through narrow piping, it can make whistling sounds, especially at bends and tees. The water may be flowing too fast for your plumbing because of excessive water pressure. If the pressure is OK, then the piping could either be too small or sediment buildup has narrowed down a section of piping. Another common cause of whistling is a leaking toilet fill valve which may require adjustment or replacement.
As with water hammering, if high water pressure is the reason for the whistling sound, damage to your plumbing and appliances may occur.

Squeaking
Expanding and contracting hot water pipes usually causes squeaking. When hot water flows through a pipe, the heat causes the metal of the piping to expand. The expanding pipe then rubs against its anchoring straps. When the pipe cools, it contracts and again rubs against the strapping. Install pipe cushioning or rubber between the pipe and its anchor strap.


If you have questions about unusual noises related to your plumbing in Hopatcong, NJ or if you require plumbing repair, call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875.