Fixing Your Home’s Low Water Pressure Problem

Does your morning shower start as more of a trickle than a bang? Is your sink faucet a lazy river rather than a steady torrent? Then your home has low water pressure. Some have been tricked into believing that some homes just naturally have low water pressure and there is nothing they can do about it, but that simply isn't true. Low water pressure is a plumbing problem and sometimes it is caused by an issue that can and needs to be fixed.

So what are the causes of low water pressure? There are several different issues that can lead to low water pressure in a home. The first thing you should consider is if it only happens in one or two water features rather than the whole house. If you have hard water, this low water pressure could be due to a buildup of lime or other minerals in these fixtures that is preventing the water from flowing efficiently.

If you have a whole house low water pressure problem, you can start by looking to your water shutoff valve. Sometimes when it was shut off last, it may have not been opened all the way again. This obviously leads to a lower water pressure. It is also worthwhile to know that if low water pressure only occurs when using hot water, then you need to check the hot water valve on your water heater.

The most problematic cause of whole house low water pressure is that there is a leak somewhere. This means not enough water is getting where it needs to because it is leaking out somewhere along the way, and that makes it look like you have lower water pressure. So on top of very unsatisfactory showers, you are also accruing water damage somewhere as well. To track this down, you will need the help of a professional plumber who can also help you make the repair. Contact us today for fast, reliable plumbing service.

Drain and Sewer Cleaning Tips

When it comes to plumbing issues, one of the most common complaints from homeowners is clogged drains. From the kitchen, to the bathroom, to your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets, drains are bound to become clogged and will require cleaning out. Drains require a continuous flow of water in order to properly function and flush away to the sewer. Most often, homeowners do not realize that clogs are preventable by following a few simple tips.

Clogged Drains are Preventable

Kitchen and bathroom drain clogs are preventable. In kitchen sinks, place a filter/strainer in the drain to prevent large food particles from going down the drain. It is important to remember not to pour grease down sinks, as it will coat the inside of the pipes causing blockages. In the bathroom, a filter can also be used in the tub or shower to help drains from becoming clogged with hair. Finally, to prevent toilets from clogging, ensure that only human waste is flushed. Although there are products labeled as flushable, toilets will become clogged by continued use overtime.

Liquid Drain Cleaners

Contrary to popular belief, liquid drain cleaners should be avoided for clearing out clogs. Although pouring a bottle of cleaner down the drain sounds easy enough, in reality, liquid drain cleaners contain a harmful chemical called hydrochloric acid. This acid, overtime, will eat away and damage pipes. For minor clogs, it is best to purchase a drain snake from a hardware or home improvement store. If the drain is still not functioning properly, it is time to call a plumber. For major clogs, calling a plumber will need to be your first option so as to prevent further issues.

Preventative Maintenance

Although plumbers are helpful in an emergency, they can also help with preventative maintenance for your drains and sewer. With the ability to come out annually and inspect and clean drains, plumbers help to identify any issues before they become costly emergencies. If a problem is identified they can help you with creating a plan to solve the issue.

If your home has not had drain and sewer cleaning, contact The Polite Plumber and let us help you. With our state-of-the-art equipment, we can get things flowing smoothly again. Our drain cleaning services include drain snaking and hydro-jetting, as well as camera inspections and more. As always, we'll never ask how it happened!

Everything You Need to Know About Water Heaters

Water heaters are essential to many of our day-to-day domestic functions, such as bathing, washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, and even washing our hands. However, you've probably never thought twice about how they work and other important maintenance information.

The Parts of a Water Heater

Water heaters utilize a heating element—often a burner of sorts—to raise the temperature of the water before it ever even reaches your faucet or shower head.

A water heater is comprised of multiple elements:

• The Tank is the inner shell of the water heater, with a capacity of somewhere between 40 to 60 gallons of hot water at about 50 to 100 lbs per square inch.
• The Dip Tube allows water to travel into the tank and down towards the heating element.
• A Shut-Off Valve, as its name implies, is a separate component that stops all water flow into the water heater.
• A Thermostat not only measures the temperature of the water, but allows you to set the maximum heat to somewhere between the range of 120-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The Heating Element is a mechanism that electrically raises the temperature of the water. Gas water heaters, on the other hand, utilize a burner and chimney in place of electricity to raise the temperature.
• A Drain Valve is located near the bottom of an exterior casing, allowing the tank to empty sediment and easily replace elements.
• A Pressure Relief Valve is a safety device that keeps water pressure within a safe operating limit.
• A Sacrificial Anode Rod is constructed of aluminum and magnesium with a steel core. It is suspended within the water heater to prevent corrosion.

Additional Water Heater Facts

• The general lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years. However, some situations may warrant a sooner replacement. Even if your water heater is in good condition towards the end of its lifespan, it is still recommended to replace it, to be on the safe side.
• A professional should inspect your water heater once every 6 to 12 months.
• A water heater consumes about a quarter of the energy used within your home.
• The first water heater was conceptualized by a painter in London in 1868.
• Exploding water heaters are a myth, as it almost never happens. However, it can still happen, technically. As long as you follow through with regular maintenance and replace your water heater every decade or so, you shouldn't have to worry.
• The average person will use between 6 and 8 gallons of water while showering. Those who bathe, on the other hand, will use about 15-20 gallons of water.

For more plumbing tips, head on over to our blog. If you are interested in learning more information about The Polite Plumber, our team of experts, as well as our services, please contact us.