How to Know the Difference Between a DIY Issue and a Serious Plumbing Problem

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home and your wallet. That's why it's essential to know which plumbing projects are do-it-yourself endeavors, and which should be left for an experienced plumber. To help you decipher between the two, we've created a helpful list that categorizes plumbing issues you can handle yourself and plumbing issues only a professional should take on.

A Dripping Faucet

After you turn off your faucet does it continue to drip? If the answer is yes, a worn out O-ring is a potential cause. Replacing the O-ring is not difficult and can be considered a DIY project. However, if the faucet continues to leak after you've swapped out the O-ring, faulty plumbing or a loose part is more than likely the issue, which means contacting a plumber is in your best interest.

Clogged Drain

No matter how careful you are, clogged drains are bound to happen, and in most cases they're not hard to fix. Simply using a natural remedy, such as baking soda and vinegar will help clear most minor obstructions. Chemical based drain cleaners you purchase at a store are not a good answer to your clog, and can actually end up eroding your pipes. A stubborn blockage that won't budge with a DIY solution indicates the clog is deep within your pipes or too large for normal efforts. In such a case, calling an experienced plumber is your next step.

Higher than Normal Water Bill

A water bill that suddenly jumps in price signals a leak has taken up residence somewhere in your home. Ignoring the abrupt increase in your bill can have serious consequences, such as, costly water damage to your house. If you believe your home has a hidden leak, hire a plumber to come out and inspect your property as soon as possible.

Water Heater Issues

A malfunctioning water heater can quickly turn into a serious safety hazard. Whether a strange odor is present or the appliance is leaking, attempting to fix the issue yourself is never a good idea. If your water heater is on the fritz, you will need to call a professional plumber to come out and have a look at it.

Burst pipes and a clogged sewer line are also plumbing issues that should be dealt with by a highly trained professional. If your home is experiencing a plumbing malfunction that is beyond your DIY expertise, please contact us today and we'll be happy to help you.

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!

Subtle Signs You Might Have a Leaking Pipe and Need a Plumbing Repair

In your day-to-day life, you probably don’t give the pipes in your home a second thought. As long as you get water when you turn on the faucet and water isn’t pouring out onto the floor, you figure things are great with your pipes. However, pipes wind through the walls and all around your home. Here a few small signs you might have a leaking pipe that you cannot see, and it is time for plumbing in Flanders NJ. 

High Water Bill

It’s that time of the month again, and your water bill comes in the mail. If this month your bill is significantly higher and you don’t have a good reason why it might be, it is possible that you have water leaking somewhere in your home. It can be anything from a faucet dripping throughout the day and night or a pipe hidden out of sight leaking.

Low Water Pressure

You get into your shower and adjust the temperature but the water pressure isn’t at the normal level you enjoy each morning. It could be a temporary thing, or it might be that water is being redirected somewhere else in your home, such as a leaking pipe in or dripping faucet.

Water in Unusual Places

When you walk into your closet, is there a little dampness on the carpet or a stain on the wall behind your child’s bed? If you find water or water stains in places where you don’t have water or a faucet, it might be a sign of a leaking pipe. We encourage you to call The Polite Plumber in Ledgewood NJ with any questions or services you might need. 

Stuffing More Than Just the Turkey: 6 Ways to Avoid a Thanksgiving Plumbing Disaster

Did you know that one of the most popular weekends to call the plumber is over the Thanksgiving weekend? The stress on the garbage disposal and the pressure of guests using the toilets, showers, and sinks can be distressing. Don't become another Thanksgiving statistic. Abide by these tips instead of hosting a Thanksgiving plumbing disaster this year.

1.      Save your plumbers number to your phone so that you aren't scouring the phone book or Internet in case the toilet is overflowing onto your beautiful floors.

2.      If you know in advance that you will be hosting the big meal, call your plumber in Ledgewood NJ for some preliminary examination. Your goal is to make sure that your pipes are in good enough condition to handle the influx of guests you will be entertaining.

3.      Put fats and oils in the trash, not the sink. These items should never go down the drain because they can create clogs when they ultimately solidify. You can use paper towels to wipe grease into the trash. You should also keep anything stringy, bony, or starchy out of the garbage disposal. This includes chicken or turkey skin, potato peels and celery. These items do not break down easily, eventually leading to clogs.

4.      Never flush food (of any size) down the toilet. The toilet is not designed to handle the stress of food, and you may find that it is backed up. It is certainly not a good alternative to the garbage disposal.

5.      Try to keep guests from taking showers back to back. It is better to provide your pipes with a short break, allowing items like hair to disperse rather than clog your drains.

6.      Anytime you use the garbage disposal while cooking the big meal, keep the motor going when you start to put the food in. Don't allow the disposal to fill up before you hit the switch. Additionally, be sure to keep the water running while you do this.

Don't you want to spend more time with your loved ones and less time hanging out with the plumber on Thanksgiving? We encourage you to follow these steps and to call us at The Polite Plumber with any questions or service needs you may have.

Why It’s Better to Hire a Professional Plumber

When it comes to caring for their home, many people feel comfortable taking on projects and do a great job of solving small problems on their own. However, no matter how handy you are, plumbing issues in your home are something that should always warrant a visit from a professional. Here is a list of a few reasons why it’s better to hire a professional plumber:

strong>They provide emergency service. Professional plumbers are always there to help support their clients and provide immediate assistance when needed. Plumbers on call 24/7 will be available to help you at any time, day or night, in the event of a plumbing emergency.

They’re educated in water safety. There are many dangerous things to consider when working with drinking water, gas lines and waste water. It is to the best interest of the customer to make sure that all work is performed to state safety standards and codes.

They provide many different services. Many people don’t realize that plumbers do a lot more than drain cleaning and fixing pipes. Professional plumbers like The Polite Plumber provide a wide variety of services! Some of these include bathroom remodeling, water softening and conditioning, and gas conversions.

They know the latest equipment. Plumbers are up to date on the latest equipment and technology. Their plumbing education and training continues throughout their entire careers to ensure the properly handling of tools and appliances to solve any plumbing problem.

They provide permanent solutions. Professional plumbers aren’t looking for a quick fix that will have them returning to fix the same problem a month or two later. Their goal is to find a permanent solution to plumbing issues and fix things right the first time so that the job will last for a longer period of time. That means they don’t use duct tape!

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