Although you might want to get a tenant in your rental home as quickly as possible, you should understand how important preventive maintenance is when it comes to avoiding having to deal with problems once you have a tenant living inside the residence. For instance, you should most certainly get the plumbing system checked out! Some issues might not be apparent enough to detect them with a quick inspection and using each appliance and fixture.
Mark an Item Off of Your Checklist
When a rental property goes vacant, you should have a full checklist of things to do. A plumbing inspection should be at the top of your list, and getting your system checked out will help you mark off an important item.
Check for Profitable Upgrades
Although your main goal should be finding out if the plumbing system has any problems, you can also have your plumber provide you with details regarding profitable upgrades. For example, something as simple as updating the fixtures can help you increase the value of the rental property.
Determine the Condition
Eventually, a plumbing system, or at least part of the system, will need to be replaced. Instead of waiting until the entire system is having routine problems, before considering replacement, you should learn about its overall condition. Learning about the overall condition will provide insight as to when it should be replaced in order to avoid costly problems.
It is not extremely uncommon to deal with minor leaking issues with a tenant living in your home; however, you’ll want to avoid substantial problems such as a burst pipe, for example, which can cause all sorts of damage!
Feel free to contact us at The Polite Plumber if you have any questions about plumbing or our services.
Showing posts with label plumbing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plumbing. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
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.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Don't Fall for These Common Plumbing Myths
Many homeowners underestimate the complexity of plumbing and try to find
solutions to their plumbing problems online. Unfortunately, many of these
"quick fixes" are based on incorrect information and can even cause
further damage to your plumbing system. The following are a few of the myths
that we hear most often.
Low Water Pressure Is Nothing to Worry About:
Low water pressure can be a sign of a water leak. Not only will this hit your wallet in the form of higher water bills, but an undiagnosed leak can cause damage to your home and property that you may not see right away.
Drain Clogs Are Inevitable:
A few preventative steps can prevent most kitchen and bathroom drain clogs. In the kitchen, use a filter or strainer in your drain to prevent food particles from going down the drain. You should also use a filter in the shower or bathtub to catch the hair and run hot water down the drain regularly to help remove soap scum. Finally, never flush anything down your toilet other than human waste and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products and wipes, even if they say they are flushable, can cause clogs.
Commercial Drain Cleaners Are the Best Way to Unclog a Drain:
Liquid drain cleaners are ineffective against clogs caused by solids. They also contain harsh chemicals that can corrode and damage your pipes. Your best option is to call a professional plumber who can make sure that the clog is removed completely without harming the rest of your plumbing system.
Putting a Brick in the Toilet Tank Will Save Water:
While it is true that the brick will displace water so that the tank will take less water to fill, it is a bad idea for a couple of reasons. First, bricks deteriorate when placed in water for an extended time. The sediment can end up damaging various components of your toilet. You also run the risk of displacing too much water and having to flush twice, which negates any potential water savings.
My Water Is Flowing Fine, So I Do Not Have to Worry About a Clog:
Clogs often develop over time. For example, leftover rice may go down the drain quite easily; however, it will absorb water and bloat over time. Eventually, the clog will reach a size where the water can longer pass and therefore create a nasty backup. Having your pipes inspected once a year is the best way to identify potential clogs before they can cause a major headache.
We encourage you to call The Polite Plumber in Ledgewood NJ with any questions or service needs you may have.
Low Water Pressure Is Nothing to Worry About:
Low water pressure can be a sign of a water leak. Not only will this hit your wallet in the form of higher water bills, but an undiagnosed leak can cause damage to your home and property that you may not see right away.
Drain Clogs Are Inevitable:
A few preventative steps can prevent most kitchen and bathroom drain clogs. In the kitchen, use a filter or strainer in your drain to prevent food particles from going down the drain. You should also use a filter in the shower or bathtub to catch the hair and run hot water down the drain regularly to help remove soap scum. Finally, never flush anything down your toilet other than human waste and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products and wipes, even if they say they are flushable, can cause clogs.
Commercial Drain Cleaners Are the Best Way to Unclog a Drain:
Liquid drain cleaners are ineffective against clogs caused by solids. They also contain harsh chemicals that can corrode and damage your pipes. Your best option is to call a professional plumber who can make sure that the clog is removed completely without harming the rest of your plumbing system.
Putting a Brick in the Toilet Tank Will Save Water:
While it is true that the brick will displace water so that the tank will take less water to fill, it is a bad idea for a couple of reasons. First, bricks deteriorate when placed in water for an extended time. The sediment can end up damaging various components of your toilet. You also run the risk of displacing too much water and having to flush twice, which negates any potential water savings.
My Water Is Flowing Fine, So I Do Not Have to Worry About a Clog:
Clogs often develop over time. For example, leftover rice may go down the drain quite easily; however, it will absorb water and bloat over time. Eventually, the clog will reach a size where the water can longer pass and therefore create a nasty backup. Having your pipes inspected once a year is the best way to identify potential clogs before they can cause a major headache.
We encourage you to call The Polite Plumber in Ledgewood NJ with any questions or service needs you may have.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
3 Reasons to Trust Your Home to a Professional Plumbing Service
With the myriad of home improvement shows and all kinds of plumbing
solutions available at the click of a mouse, it is easy to understand why the
average homeowner may want to try and fix their plumbing issues themselves.
After all, if Chip and Joanna can do it in under an hour, can't the
average homeowner?
The truth is, while reality TV shows make any repair seem effortless, the truth is that home repairs rarely go as planned, and plumbing repairs are no exception. So while you may be tempted to try to perform a plumbing repair yourself, here are three valid reasons why hiring a professional plumbing service is a smart decision.
It's Hassle-free
A professional plumber can save you the hassle of trying to perform maintenance or repairs on your own plumbing system. Such maintenance may be a clogged pipe, a leaky connection, or a backed up sewage tank. When trusting your home in the care of a professional, you are taking the guess-work out of figuring out the best plan of attack, while at the same time, saving yourself a myriad of frustrations if you are uncertain of the best way to properly address specific plumbing issues.
It's Cost-effective
While it is true that times are tight financially, hiring a professional plumber to perform routine service on your home's plumbing system may seem like an added and unnecessary expense. Consider for a moment, the cost of trying to do it yourself. Not only might you need to purchase additional tools, but the cost to fix any damage you may accidentally cause when attempting a repair for which you have no knowledge or training, may send you to the poorhouse. If the extent of your training is an article you read on the internet, hiring a professional may, when it's all said in done, prove to be much more cost-effective.
It Comes With a Guarantee
Any professional plumbing service that is worth doing business with will have written guarantees regarding both their work, and the fixtures or equipment they install in your home.
The truth is, while reality TV shows make any repair seem effortless, the truth is that home repairs rarely go as planned, and plumbing repairs are no exception. So while you may be tempted to try to perform a plumbing repair yourself, here are three valid reasons why hiring a professional plumbing service is a smart decision.
It's Hassle-free
A professional plumber can save you the hassle of trying to perform maintenance or repairs on your own plumbing system. Such maintenance may be a clogged pipe, a leaky connection, or a backed up sewage tank. When trusting your home in the care of a professional, you are taking the guess-work out of figuring out the best plan of attack, while at the same time, saving yourself a myriad of frustrations if you are uncertain of the best way to properly address specific plumbing issues.
It's Cost-effective
While it is true that times are tight financially, hiring a professional plumber to perform routine service on your home's plumbing system may seem like an added and unnecessary expense. Consider for a moment, the cost of trying to do it yourself. Not only might you need to purchase additional tools, but the cost to fix any damage you may accidentally cause when attempting a repair for which you have no knowledge or training, may send you to the poorhouse. If the extent of your training is an article you read on the internet, hiring a professional may, when it's all said in done, prove to be much more cost-effective.
It Comes With a Guarantee
Any professional plumbing service that is worth doing business with will have written guarantees regarding both their work, and the fixtures or equipment they install in your home.
We encourage you to make the smart decision and give The Polite Plumber in Ledgewood NJ a call. We’re always happy to help and/or answer
any questions you may have!
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Helpful Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners
As a first time homeowner, you have a ton of new responsibilities, and learning to properly care for your recently purchased house is just one of them. Luckily, when it comes to your home's plumbing, following a few simple tips can help you protect your house from costly repairs.
- Make it your mission to find the water's main shut off valve immediately after moving in. If a major plumbing emergency does occur, knowing where the valve is located can save your home from serious water damage.
- Avoid using a liquid drain cleaner. While pouring a bottle of drain cleaner into a clogged sink or bathtub seems like an easy solution, in reality, the cleaner can damage the pipes in your home. The main chemical in a store-bought drain cleaner is hydrochloric acid, which will eat away at your pipes as it sits in them. Instead, buy a snake from your local home improvement store, and if that doesn't get rid of the clog, calling a plumber is the next best option.
- If you live in an area where winter temperatures fall below freezing, winterizing your pipes is a must. Adding insulation tubes to pipes in unheated areas protects them from freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, leaving your pipes uncovered can lead to the water in them freezing and the pipes cracking. Also, during extremely cold nights, allow all faucets on exterior walls to drip slightly. This alleviates any pressure caused by an ice blockage and can potentially stop a pipe from bursting.
- Find a trustworthy plumber before an emergency hits. Having to frantically search for a plumber as your basement floods is not ideal and can lead to you hiring an unreliable plumbing company. Instead, do a little research before you're caught in a desperate situation. That way, you can choose a plumber you feel confident about.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Tips to Cut Your Water Bill
Summer is heating up and along with rising temperatures,
many people are seeing rising utility bills. Families are using more and more
water in an attempt to keep cool. Here are four ways to help your family reduce
its water bill.
1.
Fix Leaky
Faucets: A dripping tap can waste an amazing quantity of water, and a
steady stream could waste enough water to service an entire family for one day.
Prompt attention to any leaks would equal exponential saving.
2.
Install
Aerators: An aerator is a simple water-conserving device that connects to
the tip of a faucet and restricts the flow of water while maintaining the same
perceived flow rate. Many modern sinks come with aerators already installed,
but older residences could benefit from this simple upgrade.
3.
Install a
Water-Saving Toilet: Older commodes can use between 3.5 to 7
gallons of water per flush. New federal law requires modern toilets to use
no more than 1.6 gallons, and some use even less. The cost incurred with
installing a modern high-efficiency toilet would quickly pay for itself.
4.
Have a
Shallow Well Installed: If you live in an area where the water table is
quite high, make the most of your good fortune! Watering your lawn and garden
with water from your shallow well could drastically cut your usage and your
utility bill.
For more ideas on how to cut your water bill this
summer, give The Polite Plumber
a call today! We have all sorts of ideas to help you save!
Friday, February 24, 2017
Tips for Preventing Freezing Pipes
Freezing pipes present a big threat to home owners. Frozen
pipes not only limit water from running throughout your house, they can easily
burst and damage your home.
Preventing your pipes from freezing is much easier and
cheaper than fixing a frozen or burst pipe. Here are some tips for how to
prevent freezing pipes:
Avoid Stagnant Water
Pipes are most vulnerable to freezing when water inside
isn’t circulating. There are two important ways to avoid water sitting in your
pipes and freezing.
·
First, drain pipes that aren’t used over the
winter. Disconnect any hoses or sprinklers that won’t be used and close valves
that supply water to these outdoor spigots. After the water is shut off for
these areas, open the hose bibs to allow the remaining water in the pipes to
drain.
·
As for pipes that are in use during the winter,
it is important to keep water circulating during extremely cold weather. If
temperatures are very cold, it is smart to let water drip from faucets throughout
your home. The running water will help prevent these pipes from freezing and
possibly bursting.
Prepare for Vacation
One of the most common times for pipes to freeze is while
homeowners are away on vacation. However, this can be avoided by following a
few easy steps.
·
Since water won’t be running at all while you’re
gone, it’s important to drain your pipes before you leave. Shut off the main
water supply to your home and drain pipes by opening all faucets and flushing
toilets.
·
A common mistake home owners make is thinking
that they don’t need to heat their home while they’re away. While the
temperature certainly doesn’t need to be comfortable for living, it is
important to keep the heat running low to prevent pipes from dropping below
freezing.
Heating Products
There are numerous products you can use to help keep pipes
in your home warm.
·
Insulation foam can be wrapped around exposed
pipes in your home to keep them at a moderate temperature. Consider this for
exterior pipes or pipes in your attic that are exposed to cold temperatures.
·
Similar to insulation foam, products such as
heat tape and a heat cable can keep your pipes warm. Run the tape or cable
along areas of pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing.
Expose Pipes to Warm
Air
·
Most pipes in your home are likely running
through walls or inside of cabinets. Open kitchen and cabinet doors to expose
the pipes to the warm air circulating through your home.
If you have questions related to your plumbing in Flanders,NJ, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it
happened!
Friday, December 30, 2016
Don't Ignore These Signs of a Hidden Plumbing Leak
People think plumbing leaks are obvious. However, many leaks occur in hidden spaces such as behind walls or under cabinets. Many leaks initially go unnoticed for long periods. The longer they go undiscovered, the more damage they create.
Here are some signs of a hidden plumbing leak.
High Water Usage - An unexpectedly high water bill is a clear indication of a plumbing leak. Ideally, you want to discover the problem before this point because it means the problem existed for a while.
Paint & Wallpaper - Blistering paint or wallpaper is a good indication of a plumbing leak. However, in your bathroom, repeated hot showers and steam can also cause the same condition.
Walls & Floors - Warped and stained walls or buckling floors are telltale signs of a plumbing leak. A repair may require tearing down drywall or coming up below the floor.
Mold & Mildew - Of course, we are not talking about the kind of mold or mildew that sometimes accumulates on shower walls. If you find mold or mildew on non-shower walls or in corners leaking pipes are likely fueling the problem.
Ceilings - A leak from the second floor can create a wet spot on the ceiling below. A leak can also cause the ceiling to sag and begin cracking.
Smells - Are you familiar with the musky smell of old water? If you have a damp, earthy smell without any signs of water, there may be a leak and hidden water that is not able to dry.
If you have questions related to your plumbing in Ledgewood, NJ, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
Here are some signs of a hidden plumbing leak.
High Water Usage - An unexpectedly high water bill is a clear indication of a plumbing leak. Ideally, you want to discover the problem before this point because it means the problem existed for a while.
Paint & Wallpaper - Blistering paint or wallpaper is a good indication of a plumbing leak. However, in your bathroom, repeated hot showers and steam can also cause the same condition.
Walls & Floors - Warped and stained walls or buckling floors are telltale signs of a plumbing leak. A repair may require tearing down drywall or coming up below the floor.
Mold & Mildew - Of course, we are not talking about the kind of mold or mildew that sometimes accumulates on shower walls. If you find mold or mildew on non-shower walls or in corners leaking pipes are likely fueling the problem.
Ceilings - A leak from the second floor can create a wet spot on the ceiling below. A leak can also cause the ceiling to sag and begin cracking.
Smells - Are you familiar with the musky smell of old water? If you have a damp, earthy smell without any signs of water, there may be a leak and hidden water that is not able to dry.
If you have questions related to your plumbing in Ledgewood, NJ, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
Monday, July 25, 2016
Summer Plumbing Tips
Summer is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to be spending a lot of time outside enjoying the beautiful weather! Plumbing problems are most common during the winter, but that doesn't mean you should neglect your plumbing system this season! We're bringing you a few tips and tricks to keep your plumbing in tiptop shape this summer!
• Summer means vacations! If you're spending more than a night or two away from your home, remember to turn down your water heater to save energy. While you're doing so, it's a great time to check the manufacture date on your heater to see if it’s time to replace it!
• Be smart when it comes to watering your lawn and plants! The best time to water is when the sun is down – either in the early morning or evening. This way, you lose less water through evaporation!
• Throwing a barbeque or summer shindig? Keep in mind what can and cannot go down your garbage disposal. Oils, fruit and vegetable peels, and corn husks are all major "no nos"!
• With everyone on school vacation, the toilets in your home are subject to more use and flushing, which can mean more clogs! Common clogs can usually be solved with a plunger, but be sure to call a professional if you're unable to unclog a toilet on your own. TIP: a trash can conveniently placed beside the toilet can go a long way to preventing things like cotton swabs, hair, and sanitary products from being flushed down your toilet!
• Call for annual maintenance! The worst mistake you can make is waiting for a problem to arise to call a professional. A full inspection of your plumbing system once a year can make the difference between small repairs and a full blown plumbing disaster. If you have yet to schedule your annual maintenance for 2016, give us a call today!
If you have questions related to your plumbing in Ledgewood, NJ, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
• Summer means vacations! If you're spending more than a night or two away from your home, remember to turn down your water heater to save energy. While you're doing so, it's a great time to check the manufacture date on your heater to see if it’s time to replace it!
• Be smart when it comes to watering your lawn and plants! The best time to water is when the sun is down – either in the early morning or evening. This way, you lose less water through evaporation!
• Throwing a barbeque or summer shindig? Keep in mind what can and cannot go down your garbage disposal. Oils, fruit and vegetable peels, and corn husks are all major "no nos"!
• With everyone on school vacation, the toilets in your home are subject to more use and flushing, which can mean more clogs! Common clogs can usually be solved with a plunger, but be sure to call a professional if you're unable to unclog a toilet on your own. TIP: a trash can conveniently placed beside the toilet can go a long way to preventing things like cotton swabs, hair, and sanitary products from being flushed down your toilet!
• Call for annual maintenance! The worst mistake you can make is waiting for a problem to arise to call a professional. A full inspection of your plumbing system once a year can make the difference between small repairs and a full blown plumbing disaster. If you have yet to schedule your annual maintenance for 2016, give us a call today!
If you have questions related to your plumbing in Ledgewood, NJ, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
Friday, May 13, 2016
How Plumbers Can Actually Help You Save Money
When some homeowners think about hiring plumbers, they immediately start to think about the cost of hiring someone to come out and inspect the plumbing and make repairs. However, you should know that a plumber can actually help you save money. These are a couple of reasons why.
Preventing More Expensive Repairs
First of all, if you spend the money to hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing system regularly, you can actually save quite a bit of money in the long run. This is because your plumber can let you know about potential leaks before they happen, so you can repair them before they cause property damage and require a more expensive fix. Basically, spending a little bit on prevention can help you save a lot of money in the long run.
Making Water-Friendly Changes
When is the last time that you made water-friendly changes to your plumbing system? New toilets use a lot less water than older ones, and some newer toilets are more water-friendly than others. Water heaters, shower heads, sink faucets and more can all be swapped out to conserve water. Then, not only can you enjoy the environmental benefits, but you can also save money on your water bill each and every month. These savings are sure to pay off in no time, making it a smart financial decision to hire a plumber to come out and make your home more water-friendly.
Boosting Your Home Value
If you are ever planning on selling your home, maintaining its value is important. Keeping your plumbing system in good shape and making improvements and upgrades, as needed, can make your home easier to sell if you decide to put it on the market. Additionally, it can help you fetch a higher price for it!
If you have questions related to your plumbing in Budd Lake, NJ, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
Preventing More Expensive Repairs
First of all, if you spend the money to hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing system regularly, you can actually save quite a bit of money in the long run. This is because your plumber can let you know about potential leaks before they happen, so you can repair them before they cause property damage and require a more expensive fix. Basically, spending a little bit on prevention can help you save a lot of money in the long run.
Making Water-Friendly Changes
When is the last time that you made water-friendly changes to your plumbing system? New toilets use a lot less water than older ones, and some newer toilets are more water-friendly than others. Water heaters, shower heads, sink faucets and more can all be swapped out to conserve water. Then, not only can you enjoy the environmental benefits, but you can also save money on your water bill each and every month. These savings are sure to pay off in no time, making it a smart financial decision to hire a plumber to come out and make your home more water-friendly.
Boosting Your Home Value
If you are ever planning on selling your home, maintaining its value is important. Keeping your plumbing system in good shape and making improvements and upgrades, as needed, can make your home easier to sell if you decide to put it on the market. Additionally, it can help you fetch a higher price for it!
If you have questions related to your plumbing in Budd Lake, NJ, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
How to Prevent Your Plumbing Pipes from Freezing This Winter
As the weather is starting to cool off and the colder temperatures are getting closer, you might be thinking about preparing your home for the winter months. One part of your home that you might not have thought about protecting yet is your plumbing, but you should know that your pipes can freeze and burst when the temperatures drop below freezing if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to prevent this from happening.
Wrap Your Pipes
Before the weather gets colder, hire a professional plumber to come out and take a look at your plumbing. Along with inspecting them to ensure that you don't need to have any repairs done, he or she can also wrap your pipes with insulation. Then, the insulation will help keep your pipes warm and will help prevent them from freezing when the temperatures get cold.
Keep the Temperature Regulated in Your Home
You might like to use a space heater in just some parts of your house or apartment so that you can save on your electric bill; however, doing so can allow the plumbing in other parts of your home to freeze. You might also leave your heater off when you travel to avoid running up your utility bills. However, it is important to keep the temperature throughout your home above freezing at all times to help keep your pipes safe.
Let the Water Drip
On particularly cold nights, it's a good idea to turn the water faucet on to a slight drip. This is just enough to keep the water running through your pipes, which will prevent it from freezing.
As you can see, there are steps that you can take to prevent your plumbing pipes from freezing this winter. If you have questions related to your plumbing in Ledgewood,NJ just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
Wrap Your Pipes
Before the weather gets colder, hire a professional plumber to come out and take a look at your plumbing. Along with inspecting them to ensure that you don't need to have any repairs done, he or she can also wrap your pipes with insulation. Then, the insulation will help keep your pipes warm and will help prevent them from freezing when the temperatures get cold.
Keep the Temperature Regulated in Your Home
You might like to use a space heater in just some parts of your house or apartment so that you can save on your electric bill; however, doing so can allow the plumbing in other parts of your home to freeze. You might also leave your heater off when you travel to avoid running up your utility bills. However, it is important to keep the temperature throughout your home above freezing at all times to help keep your pipes safe.
Let the Water Drip
On particularly cold nights, it's a good idea to turn the water faucet on to a slight drip. This is just enough to keep the water running through your pipes, which will prevent it from freezing.
As you can see, there are steps that you can take to prevent your plumbing pipes from freezing this winter. If you have questions related to your plumbing in Ledgewood,NJ just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!
Friday, October 23, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, August 28, 2015
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!
Request an appointment TODAY!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Spring Plumbing Tips
Spring is here, finally! After this
winter I think we can all breathe a sigh of a relief! Now that spring is here it’s
time to start talking about how to prep your plumbing system for the season.
Below is a list of tips and tricks that
we recommend:
- When spring hits EVERYONE wants to spend time outside, so that means clothes get dirty faster! This means your washer will be used a lot this season. Be sure to check your washing machine hose for leaks, cracks and bulges. Tip: The hose should be replaced every three years.
- Now that spring is here you will probably be eating more fruit and veggies. DO NOT put banana peels, cornhusks, celery or other fibrous foods in the garbage disposal. It will just clog the system.
- When trees grow during the spring the new tree roots can mess with sewer lines. Be sure to call us, so that we can inspect your sewer line, and prevent any future issues.
- Be sure to clean the debris out of your gutters, drains and downspouts. The last thing you want is a clogged gutter during a thunderstorm!
- Check the outdoor hose faucets to make sure the water is flowing properly. If there’s any sort of leak give us a call.
Questions? Just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875.
We won't ask how it happened!
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Spring Time: Hose Faucet Tip
A quick tip when using the hose faucet for the first time this spring...
To avoid water damage, or just a big mess, use the buddy system! When using the hose faucet for the first time this spring, have one person remain inside the home to check for leaks at the shut off valve and on the span of pipe leading to the outside hose faucet. Many times during the winter, the pipe will develop splits or pin holes and if you are unaware of this when you turn the water back on, it can cause some serious flooding when using the faucet... water the flowers, not your floor!!
If all else fails, call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875 - we won’t ask how it happened!
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