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.

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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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!

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!

The Myth of the High Efficiency Toilet

When you hear the term high efficiency toilet, you may think, who wouldn’t want that? Don’t be fooled. Picking a toilet for your bathroom isn’t as easy as picking out the high efficiency model and walking out of the store. And, choosing the wrong toilet could lead to more hassle down the line.

Below are three things to remember when shopping for a new toilet:

• What you pay for is what you get. As with other household purchases, investing more money in this purchase might be the way to go. Inexpensive toilets will not operate as well as a higher-end toilet.
• Think about your desired toilet height! Studies have shown that 99% of consumers prefer a comfort height toilet. Comfort height toilets sit 2-3 inches higher than a standard toilet and are easier for a consumer to get in and out of.
• A toilet’s ability to flush increases with a 1- ½”, or better, trap way. You may not need a ‘high efficiency’ toilet to get the most efficiency out of yours.

Remember, even if you don’t know where to start, keep these three tips in mind. If all else fails, call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875 and we won’t ask how it happened!

Garbage Disposal Care

One of the last things you want to happen in your kitchen is for the garbage disposal to break. A broken garbage disposal can cause your sink to clog AND you won't have the convenience of easily disposing of garbage.

Below is a list of the dos and don'ts for garbage disposal maintenance.

1. Keep the water running while using the garbage disposal, and for about 30-60 seconds after you've dropped the last of the garbage into the disposal. Doing this will help the waste go down easier, AND it cuts out the loud noise!
2. Do not put banana peels, corn husks, celery, coffee grounds, pits, chicken bones or other fibrous foods in the garbage disposal. It will just clog the system!
3. Is your garbage disposal stinky? Every once in a while drop an orange peel into the disposal to freshen it up!
4. Do NOT throw pasta and rice down the disposal. No matter how much the disposal chops it up the rice and pasta will swell when water logged, causing a clogged drain!

TIP:Use your garbage disposal in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Top of the line garbage disposals, which tend to be more expensive, provide grinding mechanisms that will dispose of waste that an inexpensive garbage disposal will not.

Questions? Just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We won't ask how it happened!

Do It Yourself Plumbing Tips!

We know, plumbing issues are a nightmare. The good news is some of them can be fixed by you, YES you! Below are a few tips on how to maintain a healthy plumbing system, along with tips on how to fix things when your plumbing goes awry.

1. Do you have a clogged toilet? DON'T PANIC! If your toilet becomes clogged just let it sit. Don't plunge, don't call us, just wait. The matter in the toilet will become softer after sitting for a few hours, this will help the toilet to unclog itself. Once you've let it sit for a few hours try flushing the toilet again.

2. Keep a grease cleaning product on hand. Periodically use it in the kitchen drain to help clean out the excess grease that has built up over time.

3. Put a strainer in each tub and shower in your home. This will catch all of the hair before it clogs up your bathroom drain. After each shower empty the hair out of the strainer.

4. DO NOT put banana peels, cornhusks, celery or other fibrous foods in the garbage disposal. It will just clog the system, and cause you major headache.

If all else fails, just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We won't ask how it happened!