What do you know about your home’s plumbing? We’ve spoken to our plumbing experts and gathered this important information about your plumbing. Let us know if you’re already aware of these nine things or feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Do You Know These 9 Things?

Every homeowner must be aware of these things as it’s going to help them save more money:

1. A Homeowner Must Install Several Shut-off Valves

The shut-off valve is a device used for turning off your water. You need to know where it’s located just in case there are leaks in your plumbing. Most of the shut-off valves are installed in the basement but we recommend you install several of these around the house to make it easier and quicker for you to turn off your water. Imagine when this device is located in the basement but your basement starts to flood. How will you turn off the device? Talk to a plumber and place these devices near major plumbing appliances such as the water heater, dishwasher and garbage disposal. Don’t forget to test the shut-off valve to make sure it does work.

2. A Homeowner Must Insulate Exposed Pipes

We’re pretty aware that homeowners already know this. When winter comes, it’s a must for them to winterize the pipes so that the water inside them doesn’t freeze or the pipes will expand and eventually burst. Imagine the damage it would cost you when you fail to winterize your plumbing and you’re away from home. It might cost you a fortune to get everything repaired. Not to mention the cost of replacing damaged appliances. Just get an insulating blanket at a hardware store and cover the pipes with it.

3. A Homeowner Must Not Postpone Any Repairs

Plumbing emergencies don’t usually happen overnight. They actually occur when the homeowner fails to take care of their plumbing. When the water heater or garbage disposal is acting up, we recommend calling a professional immediately for an inspection. You need a licensed plumber to thoroughly inspect the unit and ensure they are still in good condition or if they need repairs. Remember, you can avoid a more expensive repair when you act right away. Don’t worry, we’re just here to help. Call us anytime and we’re more than happy to assist.

4. A Homeowner Must Maintain Their Water Heater

You can install the tank-type or the tankless water heater for your home. While both types of water heaters can provide you with enough hot water, only one of them is more energy-efficient. The tankless water heater doesn’t use up a lot of energy because you’re only using electricity when you get water from the tap or when showering. With the tank-type water heater, you’ll need to constantly turn on the heating or you’ll have to wait several minutes to heat your water. The tankless water heater also lasts longer compared to the tank-type version and you don’t have to worry about leaks because you can just install the water heater in the bathroom.

5. A Homeowner Must Get Routine Inspections

If you want your plumbing system to last several years without showing serious problems, we recommend getting routine plumbing inspections. However, make sure you only hire a licensed plumber for this. He must have the right credentials and be fully equipped to properly carry out the task. And this is where we come in. We have been helping out homeowners and businesses with routine plumbing inspections. Our goal is to ensure there are no issues in your plumbing and your system is in excellent shape. Call us today so we can get started.

6. A Homeowner Must Get a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

Want to keep your drains healthy and efficient? No homeowner wants an unpleasant-smelling drain so make sure you get professional drain cleaning. You’ll never have to worry about drain flies or pest infestation when your drains are clean and well-maintained.

7. A Homeowner Must Hire Licensed Professionals Only

Never cut corners when it comes to repairs or installations. Always hire the right professionals for it, especially for repairs and major plumbing installations. Most manufacturers would usually require that homeowners hire a professional to install the unit or they might lose the service warranty of the product. You need the warranty so that you won’t have to pay for repair services.

Avoid DIY repairs or installations or you might damage your home or appliance. Choose a professional who’s always on time and who prioritizes your safety most of all. Make sure he has the right license and is fully equipped to properly carry out the task. Most importantly, he must be competent to ensure the issue will be resolved.

8. A Homeowner Must Watch the Water Pressure

Low water pressure and high water pressure are both bad news. The former indicates a leak in your plumbing while the latter can lead to leaks in your plumbing. If the water pressure in your home falls outside of the normal levels, call a professional for an inspection.

9. A Homeowner Must Install Safety Devices

Want a more secure home? Consider installing leak detection devices today to get alerts when there is a possible leak in your plumbing. Just make sure you connect your phone to the device to get alerts.

Call Clarksburg Plumbing Today

If you need a plumber for your home, look no further. We’re the right team for the job. Our plumbing experts can help with any plumbing-related issue including installing new piping or garbage disposal. We also work hard to resolve the issue on the same day. We’re also fully equipped so no need to schedule another appointment when another issue comes up. Our team will try to fix all issues ASAP.

Do you need a professional plumbing service? Call us at Clarksburg Plumbing today for an appointment.

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4 Things To Consider Before A Water Heater Replacement

Wouldn’t it be great to install a water heater that would last forever? Unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever and typically last eight to 12 years. When your unit reaches the end of its lifespan and must be replaced, there are several things to consider before the water heater replacement to ensure you install the best unit for your home and family and that there are no unpleasant surprises when the job is complete.

Selecting the Best Type of Water Heater

There are two types of water heaters, and both will provide hot water. The most commonly used type is a tank water heater, which fills with cold water and heats and stores it so you always have hot water when needed. The main benefits of installing a tank model include the following:

• Tank models are the least expensive of the two.
• It costs less to install a tank unit.
• Tank water heaters don’t take as long to install.

The second option is a tankless water heater. Tankless models don’t heat and store water and provide hot water on demand. The unit won’t turn on until you run the hot water, and it will continue running until you turn it off. Because tankless models don’t have to run constantly to heat a water supply, they’re more energy efficient than tank models, and your electric bills will go down when the water heater replacement is complete. Tankless models have several other benefits, including:

• Tankless units are the size of a small suitcase and can be hung on a wall so that the unit won’t take up as much space as a tank unit.
• Tankless units provide hot water on demand, so you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water or waiting for the unit to recover.
• Tankless models don’t store water, eliminating the risk of a flood.
• Tankless units have a lifespan of up to 20 years, which is twice that of a tank unit.

The downside to tankless units is the cost. Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank units and cost more to install. If you have the money to invest in a tankless unit, it’s worth it because tankless models cost less to run than tank models, and you won’t have to worry about another water heater replacement for ten years.

It’s best to research both options to make an informed decision.

Selecting an Energy-Efficient Unit

When selecting a new water heater, you should keep energy efficiency in mind. The more energy efficient the unit is, the less it will cost to run.

According to the US Department of Energy, tankless water heaters are 8 to 14 more energy efficient than tank models, so if you have the money to invest in a tankless unit, you should.

If you choose another tank model, select the most energy-efficient one you can find. A water heater’s energy efficiency is determined by the energy factor (EF) and is based on the amount of hot water produced per unit over fuel in a day. The higher the EF rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. You can also check the Energy Guide sticker, which will provide you with the estimated annual cost to run the water heater compared to other units.

If you have trouble finding the most energy-efficient water heater available, a plumber can help.

Who Will Install the Water Heater?

You can start the water heater replacement process until you’ve decided who will install the water heater. If you’re thinking about installing it yourself to save money, you should think twice. Water heaters are complex appliances, and if the unit isn’t installed correctly, you could cause damage. Also, you should never work with electric, gas, oil, or propane appliances without the necessary training, and a DIY installation can have serious consequences.

You want to hire a plumber with experience installing water heaters. If you plan to install a tankless unit, you must find a plumber specializing in tankless water heater installation. You should also read customer reviews because if the plumber did a good job for their former customers, they’d likely do a good job for you.

Who Will Dispose of the Old Unit?

Your old water heater must be disposed of when the new one is installed, and you should figure out what will happen with the old unit before you hire a plumber.

Some plumbers will remove and dispose of the old unit for free. This is the best option because it’s more convenient and won’t add money to your bill. Some plumbers will remove and dispose of the old unit for a fee, and some leave removal and disposal to the customer. You should ask the plumber right away what their policy is regarding the old unit, and if they won’t take the old water heater or charge a fortune for removal, you should find a plumber that will remove the old unit for free.

Call Clarksburg Plumbing Today

If it’s time to replace your water heater, look no further than Clarksburg Plumbing. We’re a full-service plumbing company, and we’ve been serving customers in the area for 14 years and have provided excellent service to hundreds of customers since we opened our doors.

Our plumbers have undergone years of in-class training and apprenticeship to learn their craft. Their knowledge, skill, and experience have allowed them to tackle some of the most challenging residential and commercial projects.

Our plumbers drive fully-stocked vans to make most repairs on the same day, making your life more convenient. They will clean up their mess and leave your home in the same condition as when they arrived, and their work is guaranteed.

If you have a problem that must be addressed immediately, you don’t have to worry because we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When you call for emergency service, we’ll quickly get a tech to your house to resolve the problem.

If you need an appointment with a plumber, call us at Clarksburg Plumbing or book online.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Is Annual Drain Cleaning Service Worth It?

Have you ever thought of how you would manage your wastewater if your house did not have a functional drainage system? When you think about it critically, you will agree that the drainage system is one of the most impotent sections of your residential plumbing system. However, like the rest of your plumbing system, the drains need to be serviced regularly for them to operate optimally and help you maintain the highest standards of sanitation in your house. Indeed, you should have a professional drain cleaning service provider you can trust to help you keep your drains in good shape. Failure to do this might lead to several serious problems. For instance, if your drains are not cleaned regularly, you may have to deal with plumbing emergencies such as burst pipes, sewer backups, and drain clogs on a more frequent basis. Besides, neglecting your drains might compromise the structural integrity of your house, reduce the lifespan of your plumbing system, and even expose your family to serious illnesses. Below is a rundown of the reasons we believe annual drain cleaning is worth the money.

Prevent Some Plumbing Emergencies

Every homeowner knows how inconvenient plumbing emergencies can be. But in addition to causing serious disruptions in your house, emergency plumbing services can cost more money compared to regular plumbing services. Therefore, no homeowner would ever want to need the services of an emergency plumbing contractor. The good news is that you can dodge some plumbing problems by simply investing in annual drain cleaning services. This is because neglected drains can cause a number of emergency plumbing issues. For instance, if you do not take good care of your drains, they will be more likely to get clogged or even burst. On the other hand, by servicing your drainage system annually with the help of a professional plumbing contractor, you can keep your drains working optimally and consequently prevent some plumbing emergencies. In a nutshell, by taking good care of your drainage system, you can minimize the risk of having to deal with drainage-related plumbing emergencies. While cleaning your drains with the help of a professional will cost some money, it could save you a lot more by the virtue of helping you avoid some plumbing emergencies.

Improve Your Family’s Health

As a homeowner, you work hard to keep your family healthy. One of the things you do to this end is to keep your house clean. But did you know that the condition of your home’s drainage system could also affect your family’s health? Indeed, if you fail to keep your drainage system clean with the help of a professional drain cleaning service provider, your family might face serious health issues. This can be explained vividly in several ways. For instance, since neglected drains are quite likely to develop leaks, they can create dampness that could support a mold infestation. Unfortunately, a mold infestation could expose your family to the risk of allergies and asthma flare-ups. Besides, dirty drains are known to welcome drain pests that could carry parasites and consequently make your family ill. Lastly, dirty drains provide the resources pathogens like bacteria and fungi need to thrive, meaning that failure to take good care of your drainage system could expose your family to serious infections. On the other hand, cleaning your drains annually will eliminate such risks and make your home a healthier dwelling for you and your family.

Prevent Expensive Structural Repairs

Structural repair is quite expensive, and therefore, as a homeowner, you need to do everything it takes to protect your house against structural damage. One of the things you need to do to this end is to keep your drainage system clean with the help of a professional drain cleaning service provider. This is because, as mentioned above, dirty drains are more susceptible to developing leaks. Unfortunately, since your plumbing system is embedded in your home’s structure, leaking drains could create dampness that might weaken the concrete and cause your home to crack and crumble. As such, if the issue is not spotted and fixed on time, you could end up spending a lot of money on structural repairs. The good news is that such a devastating eventuality can be avoided by simply ensuring your drainage system is cleaned professionally at least once per year. In other words, by keeping your drains in good shape, you can prevent plumbing issues that could cause water damage and consequently save a lot of money in the long run.

Expand the Lifespan of Your Plumbing Infrastructure

The plumbing system is one of the most valuable parts of your house. Indeed, the cost of installing a new plumbing system can be up to 10% of the total value of your home. Unfortunately, although your plumbing system is extremely durable, there will come a time you will need to replace it. However, considering the cost of replacing your plumbing system, you have to do everything you can to avoid the possibility of having to replace it sooner than expected. One of the things you need to do to this end is to keep your drains in good shape with the help of a drain cleaning expert. This is because dirty drains will get corroded more rapidly than expected. On the other hand, by keeping your drainage system in good shape, you can minimize its exposure to corrosive elements and consequently add more years to its lifespan, which might save you a lot of money in the long run.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, dirty drains can have costly consequences. Therefore, although cleaning your drains will obviously cost some money, it might save you a lot more in the long run. If you are looking for a dependable plumber to help you take care of your drainage system, Clarksburg Plumbing is an excellent choice. Feel free to get in touch with us today for more information about our company and the services we are best known for.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Choosing A Competent Water Heater Installation Company

We’ve all had this happen; your water heater stops working. You go to the store, pick out a new one, and return to your house to install it, only to find that you have yet to learn how! You need help from an experienced water heater installation company. With different types of water heaters on the market today, it’s impossible for the average homeowner to know how to install them. There are gas-powered heaters, electric-powered heaters, tankless water heaters, among others. It’s easy for a homeowner to become overwhelmed when deciding which type of water heater is best for them. Here’s where a professional comes in.

Considerations When Selecting a Company

Not only can a professional help you choose the right water heater, but they can also install it for you. They’ll also make sure that the new system is working correctly. To choose the right company, you need to consider the following factors:

Experience

A water heater installation company should have a proven track record of success. Any business with a long line of satisfied customers is a good option. One way to gauge how many customers they’ve served is to look at their website to see how long they’ve been in business. You can also ask for references from other customers. Clarksburg Plumbing has been in the industry for over ten years and has experienced personnel offering quality services.

Consultation Services

Most companies offer consultation services. This allows you to interview the company and ask them any questions. The goal is to ensure you’re selecting a company that can assist you in choosing the best water heater for your needs. In particular, they should recommend the correct type of water heater for you depending on the size of your home, the number of people in it and how much hot water you use daily. Clarksburg Plumbing offers a wide range of services, including installation and repair work for your new appliance. They make sure that everything is working correctly at all times.

Service Plans

The installation company should offer service plans with their installation work to ensure that the equipment is always working properly. A competent company schedules maintenance visits to inspect your new water heater system and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. Clarksburg Plumbing has excellent ratings online since they offer installation service plans that suit client needs.

Warranty

The average lifespan of the most popular tankless heaters is 6-8 years, but it depends on how much energy you use and how big your home is. Most water heater systems come with a warranty period ranging from five to six years which assures you that if anything happens with the system during that period, they will either repair or replace it free of charge. The warranty is usually included in the cost of the service plan.

Types of Systems Available

When picking a water heater installation company, you should ask about the types of systems they offer. Tankless heaters are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to save money on their heating costs. This type only heats water as needed. They are known to be more efficient than standard units, running at a much lower temperature. Traditional water heaters take up more space than tankless systems, but they can store hot water for future use. It’s a good idea to pick out the right type of water heater unit before hiring a company to install it.

Safety Inspections

You’ll need to consider whether your company conducts a safety inspection. A safety inspection is necessary to ensure that you’re not being exposed to any harm. A company that performs a safety inspection will be able to inform you of potential deficiencies in your water heater system. This is especially important if you have young kids or pets. There are many safety hazards that could befall you if you don’t take safety precautions. Clarksburg Plumbing always does a safety inspection for all clients.

Water Heater Options

Selecting a new water heater requires you to consider the energy source you will use. These include:

Electricity

An electric water heater only needs electricity to operate. This is a good choice for those who live in apartments where they cannot use gas. You can easily switch your old electric water heater with a new one. In addition to lower cost, this unit will not release harmful chemicals into the air, unlike gas models in case of a leak.

Natural Gas

Gas water heaters don’t require electricity to run and, instead, heat the water through a flame. This allows homeowners to save on energy costs using cheaper fuel than electricity. Gas water heaters are typically more expensive to install, but they can save you money in the long run. There is also a risk of fire or explosions related to gas water heaters. However, this risk can be reduced by following the manufacturer’s instructions and using a professional to install the unit.

Solar Water Heaters

A solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat your water supply. The unit is easy to install and highly efficient in terms of cost, as it produces hot water without electricity or gas. In addition, it doesn’t require using an external power source.

Propane

It’s an engineered system that uses heat from burning propane to heat the water supply. This is good news if you’re getting a new unit, as it means you won’t have to worry about electricity or where solar energy isn’t sufficient; however, the unit’s price will increase due to the installation cost. A propane water heater releases no harmful chemicals, so there should be no risk of harm.

For water heater installation, contact our experts at Clarksburg Plumbing. We offer free estimates and provide various services, from installing water heaters to repairing them. We will ensure the system is running efficiently and safely at all times. For more information, visit our website or give us a call.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Wondering What A Plumber Should Install For You Between Water Softening and Water Filtration Systems? Here’s A Comparison

Many homeowners are not happy with the state of their water. Depending on your residential area, your house water may need additional processing to avoid foul-tasting water or residue build-up on your appliances and skin. That’s why many people consider installing water softening and water filtration systems in their homes. A water softener is used to remove minerals that cause hardness in water. On the other hand, a water filtration system removes contaminants and odors in water. If you are wondering what your plumber should install between a water softener and a water filtration system. This article will discuss the major difference between these two systems.

What Is Hard Water?

The unfiltered or unsoftened water is commonly known as hard water. It primarily occurs as a result of dissolved magnesium and calcium content. Municipal tap water is considered safe for human consumption but can have high hardness levels. Additional processing at home can aid in improving the water quality by eliminating these chemicals and minerals. That’s why plumbers recommend installing a water filtration or softening system in your home. They are excellent investments for your home and personal health.

The Difference Between Water Softener and Water Filter

Before deciding which system is ideal for your home, knowing the difference between them is crucial. Water filtration systems are designed to remove contaminants that affect your water’s smell, taste, and safety. These contaminants include bacteria, sediment, heavy metals, chemicals, herbicides, and biological organisms. Some organisms and chemicals may naturally occur, while others may come from source pollution. There are numerous filtration systems, but they all serve the common purpose: to ensure your water is healthy and improve its smell and taste.

A water softener is designed to remove hardness minerals in the water precisely. Ion-exchange resin beads facilitate the process where the softener tank is charged with sodium ions. In particular, hard water can lead to many issues in your house. Ideally, hard water can damage your water-consuming appliances, reduce your water heater efficiency, clog your pipes, and allow limescale to build up in your piping fixtures. Additionally, showering and bathing in hard water can cause your skin to feel itchy and dry. You can eliminate all these problems by softening the water.

How Water Filters Works

As stated above, water filtration systems are designed to remove water impurities. The systems have advanced media beds that use micron filtration, catalytic conversion, oxidation, and absorption to take contaminants out of the water. Different types of water filters are on the market, including carbon filtration, UV filtration, and reverse osmosis. In carbon filtration, water passes on the activated carbon filter, eliminating harmful chemicals such as agricultural chemicals, volatile organic compounds, chloramine, and chlorine. Reverse osmosis filtration has an excellent membrane that filters the minuscule particles in water to provide the best-tasting and cleanest cooking and drinking water. In UV filtration, the Ultraviolet light eliminates microbial cells like viruses and bacteria from water.

Chlorine is a typical contaminant that alters the odor and taste of water, and it can cause health problems if it is in high levels. Moreover, viruses and bacteria can expose you to water-borne diseases. Depending on the filter media used in your water filtration systems, water filters will remove all the harmful ingredients that can affect your health. If you suspect that your water has contaminants or you notice any strange odors and tastes in your tap water, you should call a plumbing professional to test your water and determine which type of water filter you need in your home.

How Water Softeners Works

Water softening systems work by removing calcium and magnesium in water with salt and ion exchange resins. Water with high levels of these minerals can leave chalky deposits on your fixtures and pipes, leave residue on your skin and hair, dull your laundry, and prevent detergents and soaps from lathering properly. Water softener systems use resin beads coated with sodium. When hard water comes into contact with these beads, calcium and magnesium ions move away from sodium towards the resin to flush the hard minerals out and replace them with sodium ions. The whole process repeats itself to make sure that all minerals are removed.

?If you are struggling with limescale in tap water, a plumber can help install a water-softening system to remove those unwanted minerals. What’s more, by installing a water-softening system in your home, you can save money and time by avoiding damage to your fixtures & pipes and using less soap. Moreover, you will also feel cleaner after showering.

Have Your Water Tested to See Which System(s) Are Ideal for Your Home

The best way to decide whether your house needs a water softener, water filters, or both is to have your water tested. Hiring a professional plumber will test your tap water for free and determine how hard your water is and what kind of contaminants it contains. If your water is hard and does not have other quality issues, they will install a water softener in your home. Water filtration systems will do the job if the water has contamination problems. If your water is hard and contains high contaminant levels, you should consider installing both systems in your house.

Get Healthier, Tastier Water at Home

While either of these systems alone is adequate for home use, installing both systems in your home will give you a superior range of coverage, and you will always have water that tastes great and mineral free. At Clarksburg Plumbing, we understand how important it is to have access to clean water. Our professionals can recommend and install the right system for your specific needs. We also offer free in-home water tests to check for impurities, softness, and other factors affecting your household water. If you want to repair your existing filtration system or improve your water quality, call us now for assistance.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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