Is the hot water flowing from the shower and hot water faucets at low pressure? That could result in a lot of inconvenience and frustration. This is because low hot water pressure could stand in the way of you completing your daily chores effectively. However, the low pressure indicates that all is not well with your hot water system. Therefore, you should have a plumber come over for an inspection. If the problem isn’t diagnosed and fixed fast, it might exacerbate, resulting in a complete hot water system dysfunction. Hence, low water pressure in the hot water system is something you need to address promptly. But what could be causing this in the first place?
Sediment Accumulation
Does your home get hard water from the water utility company? That could be the reason for the reduced pressure in the hot water system. Hard water contains magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium minerals. While it is good to have minerals in the water, excessive mineral content might precipitate out of the water and form a thick coating within the pipes. Additionally, they might sediment in the water heater tank, reducing heat transfer from the heating element to the water. The mineral layer forming in the pipes limits the hot water flow, reducing hot water pressure. Does the hot water flowing from the faucet to your glass appear slightly discolored? Does it form a limescale white film on your sink or tub fixtures? That is a surefire sign that your water is too hard. If the hot water pressure is too low to unbearable levels, the pipes almost fill up with sediments. You can deal with this issue by dealing with the hardness of water at the point of entry into your home by installing a water softener. You should use Reverse Osmosis filters for drinking water as they remove most of these mineral deposits.
The Water Supply Intake is Bent
Many water heaters have copper water piping. Unfortunately, copper is a flexible material, and these pipes are prone to bending, which increases the risk of lowering the pressure of the hot water. Hence, if a copper pipe in your hot water system has a kink or a bend, it could be the reason for the low hot water pressure. For minor bends, the plumbing service provider will straighten them. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t bend again. Hence, the best solution is to enlist a plumber to replace the pipes.
Defective Shut-Off Valve
Your plumbing system features many components that all play a specific role in ensuring you get water at your home and wastes are carried away. One such component is the shut-off valve. This component regulates how water flows into different fixtures in your plumbing system. With the shut-off valve, you can close the water flow to or from the water heater, mainly when repairing or replacing a plumbing component in your system. Unfortunately, the valve could malfunction and fail to open.
The size reduction could result in problems related to hot water pressure. To resolve this issue, have a plumbing service provider test the valve. The professional will recommend a replacement if the shut-off valve is damaged or broken. Although you might feel this is something you can complete yourself, especially for screw-on type valves, you should enlist a professional. Whether soldered or screwed in, let a plumbing expert do the repairs.
Issues With Your Plumbing System
The reduced hot water pressure could also arise if your plumbing system has an underlying issue. The issue occurs whenever the piping cross and winds around each other. As a result, the hot water moves a longer distance, reducing pressure. If your piping setup causes this problem, you could resolve it by enlisting a plumber to install a pressure regulator. The regulator helps in increasing the water pressure when it starts reducing. Alternatively, the plumbing service provider can adjust the piping system, improving the pressure of the hot water. However, this requires the professional to dig up and rework your entire plumbing system, a costly undertaking. You could save a lot by installing a pressure regulator.
Cracked or Corroded Pipes
Is your home too old? Then unless you did change the pipes, it could still be having cast iron and copper pipes. Unfortunately, the two metals are rust-prone. If the piping has corroded, it could cause blockages and several other problems, such as leaks. They also might crack, resulting in leaks that will cause reduced hot water pressure. When you notice brown specks in your hot water, that indicates the hot water pipes are corroding. The best solution here is to replace and upgrade to PVC or ABS pipes.
Defective Pressure Regulator
The other reason the hot water pressure could be low is when the pressure regulator is defective. Faulty pressure regulators will affect the pressure into your hot water system, resulting in abrupt spikes and dips in hot water pressure. Unfortunately, this doesn’t only affect the hot water system. It affects the entire plumbing system. Therefore, Always ensure that your reputable plumber also inspects the pressure regulator when they come for a plumbing service. That way, they will generally detect problems with the regulator and water pressure.
Damaged Faucets or Fixtures
The reduced hot water pressure could sometimes result from a damaged fixture or faucet. Faucets are prone to damage. They fail to open effectively or even have excessive scale buildup, leading to reduced pressure. The best solution for damaged taps is replacing them. Unfortunately, some homeowners make vinegar concoctions for cleaning the faucet, which is a temporary solution.
Contact Us!
Are you taking longer in your shower than before? Is the water in your hot faucets too long before filling the glass? All those are signs that the hot water system has low pressure. Contact us at Clarksburg Plumbing for a professional inspection, diagnosis of the cause, and required repairs.
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Call Your Plumber for These Helpful Plumbing Upgrades
Whether you’re interested in small or large-scale plumbing system upgrades, you can depend on your licensed plumbing professional for help. Clarksburg Plumbing offers a full range of plumbing maintenance, repair, and installation services. Good maintenance sometimes involves upgrading fixtures and other parts of your plumbing system to improve its functionality. Our experienced plumbing technicians can help you make upgrades that enhance your home and support your plumbing system.
Installation of Touchless Faucets
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are looking for reliable ways to reduce the spread of germs. Touchless faucets allow for hands-free operation. They work with the use of sensors. In busy households, they can reduce germ spread in bathrooms and kitchens. When no one needs to touch a faucet, there are fewer germs to pass from one hand to another.
Of course, there are many types of touchless faucets on the market today. Let a skilled plumber from our team advise you about the best models for your home and budget. In addition to touchless faucets’ convenience, these fixtures are also known for their energy efficiency. With their modern styles, these fixtures can add a stylish touch to your setting.
Energy-Efficient Water Heater
A water heater generally has a lifespan of about 10 years. If yours is nearing the end of its span, consider letting our plumber help you source an energy-efficient model. Installing a water heater with a terrific Energy Star rating will help you reduce your energy consumption and save more money on energy bills in the process.
Although there are energy-efficient hot water tank models, you might want to consider installing a tankless water heater. These models only heat water as it’s needed. A tank-style model has to exert energy constantly in order to keep the water in the tank hot. If you’re not home all day, that hot water is still being kept hot. With a tankless model, water passes through the heater and is only then heated. So, there’s considerably less wasted energy.
Upgrade Your Pipes
If you have an older home, think about upgrading your pipes. Old pipes that are suffering from corrosion will eventually begin to require increasingly more repairs. Ward off leak, pipe ruptures, and repair costs by repiping your home. Although this is a big renovation, it can enhance your home’s value. Talk to a plumber from our team about replacing your old pipes. All plumbing systems wear out in time. If yours is heading toward the end of its span, it’s best to replace it before it begins to fall into serious disrepair.
Build a Laundry Room
Another way you can increase your home’s value is to build a laundry room. If your washer and dryer is located in a basement or mudroom, you may want to create a dedicated space for laundry. In building a new laundry room, you may need a plumbing technician to run more pipes and make adjustments to your plumbing system to accommodate your changes.
On the other hand, perhaps you have a laundry room, but it’s inconvenient. Consider having your laundry space moved. Some people prefer to install washers and dryers near bedrooms so there’s less need to transport laundry up and down stairs. Changes like these can enhance your home and your household.
Add a New Bathroom or Make a Renovation
Adding a new bathroom can definitely add value to your house. Think about adding a powder room off a family room or a full bathroom to accommodate your kids. Work with a plumber from our team to design your new bathroom or master bath. New bathroom additions require professional plumbing solutions. Let us help you build a bathroom that meets your household’s needs.
You might not want to add an additional bathroom space to your home but rather to renovate your current bathroom. Add a walk-in shower or larger whirlpool tub. Our plumbing pros can help you transform your current bathroom to meet your design and style preferences. Just like a bathroom addition, a renovated bathroom can also enhance your home’s value.
Water Filtration System
Consider installing a countertop or whole-house water filtration system. A water filtration system can improve the taste of your water and reduce the contaminants that wind up in your water glass. Although there are laws in place regarding water safety, the levels of allowable contaminants can be reduced–dramatically reduced–with a water filtration system.
Talk to our plumbing professionals about the best types of systems. There are many devices and filtration systems to choose from, including reverse osmosis filtration systems and faucet-mounted charcoal filters. If you choose a whole-home water filtration system, you may be able to enhance your home’s value.
Backflow Preventer
A backflow preventer valve isn’t the most glamorous of plumbing upgrades, but it can definitely upgrade your plumbing system. Backflow preventers will help guard against wastewater backups. If your home has experience this type of disaster before, you may want to guard against it in the future. A preventer only allows waste water to flow in the direction of the sewer system. It doesn’t let water flow back up toward your home. Wastewater backups can occur during periods of heavy rains or when there’s a sewer line clog or damage. Talk to us about installing and then periodically testing a backwater preventer.
Call us if you are thinking about upgrading any of your home’s plumbing system features.
Our plumbing technicians are certified professionals. We work diligently to serve our clients. We don’t attempt to upsell, and we have a reputation for our integrity, honesty, and outstanding workmanship. Whether you want to upgrade your plumbing fixtures or need emergency plumbing repairs, you can count on Clarksburg Plumbing.
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Why Is A DIY Plumbing Repairs A Bad Idea? Hire A Plumber
Plumbing problems are frustrating because they can affect your daily life. Something minor, like a slow drain, can affect how you perform everyday tasks, and a complete drain clog can prevent you from performing these tasks.
If you plan to fix the problem yourself to save on the cost of hiring a plumber or so the issue will be resolved immediately, you may want to think twice. There are several reasons why a DIY plumbing repair is a bad idea, and you should leave the job to a licensed plumbing tech.
Professional Training Is Necessary
A person doesn’t just wake up in the morning, decide to be a plumbing tech, and then fix plumbing problems the same day. Becoming a licensed plumbing tech takes years of in-class training and apprenticeship. This training is necessary to learn to diagnose and repair plumbing problems and also to install plumbing systems.
You need the necessary training to know what you’re doing, and DIY videos online won’t help much.
Misdiagnosis
Your plumbing system is complicated, and because most of it is hidden, it can be challenging to figure out what’s going wrong, and it’s easy to misdiagnose the problem. Also, when something goes wrong with the plumbing system, there are often multiple causes, and if you try to fix something that’s not broken, you can cause more damage, and the actual problem won’t get fixed.
A licensed plumbing tech has the knowledge and skill to inspect the system and rule out every issue except for the one causing the problem. When you hire a professional, you can be sure they will fix the actual problem, and you’ll have nothing more to worry about.
Plumbing Requires Special Tools
Plumbers need special tools that you probably don’t own. You might also need very expensive power tools. These tools are so expensive that it may be less expensive to hire a plumber than to buy the tools. Also, you need specialized training to use this equipment. For example, if your plumbing issue is related to the drain and you need a hydro jet tool, you won’t know to use it, and it could damage the tool or the plumbing system.
Plumbing techs have the tools necessary to fix the problem and are trained to use them.
You Don’t Know Which Pipes and Parts Are Best For Your Home
You’ll need more than tools to fix a plumbing problem, and the issue will likely require plumbing pipes and parts, and you need plumbing training to know which are best.
Installing the wrong parts could be disastrous because the parts and pipes may not hold up under pressure. Things can go from bad to worse if you buy the wrong parts, and you’ll need to hire a plumber to fix the damage you caused and the initial problem, so the project will cost a lot more than if you had hired a licensed plumbing tech in the first place.
A DIY Repair Can Take Longer
If you plan to fix a plumbing problem yourself because you don’t want to wait for a plumbing appointment, you should understand that a DIY repair will take longer.
Before starting the project, you must go to the hardware store to buy the necessary tools. When you start the project, going back and forth between work and the YouTube video you’re using to learn to fix the problem can be very time-consuming. Also, without the proper training, it can take quite some time to fix the problem. You could still be in the middle of the project, and if you had hired a plumbing tech in the first place, the job would already be done, and your plumbing system would be up and running again.
A Minor Mistake Can Have Disastrous Consequences
Without formal plumbing training, you may not fix a problem correctly. You can only learn some of what you need to know from a YouTube video, and if you skip a step or make one small mistake, you could cause further damage to the plumbing system you can’t handle. If this happens, you must hire a plumbing tech to fix the damage you’ve done and the initial problem, meaning the problem will take longer to resolve and will cost more, and you’ll wish you had hired a tech in the first place.
You’ll Put Yourself At Risk While Fixing the Problem
Plumbing techs don’t have the safest jobs, and there are plenty of hazards they face day after day. Injuries can happen when techs use plumbing tools in confined spaces and can sustain eye injuries from chemicals and flying debris. Also, some jobs expose plumbing techs to mold, which can cause various health issues. Techs understand these hazards and do their best to avoid them.
Without the necessary training, you won’t know how to avoid accidents that could put you at risk, and an injury could force you to stop working before the problem is resolved. If this happens, you must call a plumbing tech anyway, and you’ll wish you had in the first place because you never would have been injured.
Call Clarksburg Plumbing Today!
Now that you know the downsides of a DIY repair, you’ll want to hire a plumber, and you won’t find a better company than Clarksburg Plumbing. We’re a full-service residential and commercial plumbing and drain company, and you can be sure the problem will be repaired correctly and quickly.
Our techs have undergone years of training, and their knowledge and skill have allowed them to complete some of the most challenging jobs in the industry.
If you’re planning a DIY repair because the problem occurs at night, during the weekend, or on a holiday, you won’t have to wait long if you call us. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We’ll send a tech to your house soon after you call, and the problem will be resolved quickly.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Places Where A Plumber Should Install Shut-Off Valves In Your Plumbing System
Plumbing is an essential part of every modern home. Maintaining the plumbing system functioning efficiently is important to prevent unwanted plumbing disasters. One essential aspect of plumbing is the use of shut-off valves. Shut-off valves help regulate the water flow throughout your home and prevent mishaps, such as water damage. This blog post will discuss places where a plumber should install shut-off valves in your plumbing system.
Main Water Supply Valve
When it comes to your home’s plumbing system, the main water supply line is the most important component. This line delivers clean water from the main source to your home’s plumbing fixtures and appliances. If something goes wrong with the main water supply line, you could experience a complete water outage or, worse yet, contaminated water. Besides, if a plumbing fixture in your home is leaking or if a pipe bursts, turning off the water supply will minimize the amount of water damage that will occur. Such speedy reactions can save you money that you would otherwise spend on extensive repairs if the damage turns out too extensive. Therefore, it’s essential that you have a shut-off valve installed along the main water supply line to prevent any potential plumbing disasters.
In addition, when you are going on vacation, you should consider using the main water supply valve to shut off the water supply. Doing so will prevent potential water damage from a broken pipe or an overflowing sink while you are away. Therefore, if you don’t have a shut-off valve in your main water supply, call a plumber to install one right away.
Kitchen Sink and Bathroom Fixtures
The kitchen sink and bathroom fixtures are two areas that need special attention when it comes to plumbing. They provide the necessary functions of cleanliness and sanitation in our daily lives. It’s important to note that these fixtures must be properly maintained to prevent any plumbing damage from occurring. Installing shut-off valves on the water supply lines for these fixtures can help you take control of the situation in case anything goes wrong. Shutting off the water will give you time to call a plumbing professional or inspect the issue further without worrying about any water damage that may occur.
Toilet
Like the kitchen sink and bathroom fixtures, a toilet is an essential plumbing fixture in your home. Installing a shut-off valve on the water supply line leading to the toilet can help you quickly address any plumbing issues that might arise. If not properly addressed, a clogged or backed toilet can cause major plumbing issues and water damage. Imagine a situation where your toilet is overflowing, and you can’t shut off the water. Installing a shut-off valve on the water supply line leading to the toilet can prevent this issue from occurring in the first place. Therefore, if you don’t have a shut-off valve for your toilet, it is time to install one.
Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets are often overlooked when it comes to plumbing maintenance. However, they are an essential part of your overall plumbing system. An outdoor faucet can be a great convenience when it comes to watering your plants or washing your car, but it can also be a source of problems if it’s not properly taken care of. That’s why it’s important to have shut-off valves installed near your outdoor faucets. Shutting off the valves during winter can prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs. Plus, you can quickly isolate the problem in case of a leak instead of shutting off the water in your entire home. Remember, taking care of your outdoor faucets can go a long way in preserving the integrity of your entire plumbing system.
Water Heater
A water heater is an essential part of your plumbing system. Without it, you won’t be able to enjoy hot showers or baths. But a malfunctioning water heater can cause significant damage and leaks if not properly addressed. When this happens, you need to shut off the water supply line as quickly as possible. Installing a shut-off valve near your water heater can help you do this quickly. It will also allow you to isolate the faulty part of the system and give you time to call a plumber or take other necessary steps. In addition, shutting off the water supply to your water heater can help you conserve energy and save money on your utility bills when it’s not in use.
Laundry Room Valves
The laundry room can be a hub of activity in any home, with loads of clothes being constantly washed, dried, and folded. This space is often overlooked when it comes to plumbing, but it’s one of the most important areas where shut-off valves should be installed. If a leak or burst pipe occurs while you’re doing laundry, having a shut-off valve nearby can prevent a huge mess and damage to your home. Besides, the presence of electricity in the laundry room puts you at risk of electric shock if a plumbing issue arises. It can be dangerous to attempt any repairs without shutting off the power first – and that’s where the shut-off valve comes in handy. So don’t forget to install one near your washer and dryer. It’s a small cost now that will save you from a lot of trouble later.
By hiring a plumber to install shut-off valves on all major plumbing fixtures, you can have peace of mind knowing that any potential issues will be tackled quickly and efficiently. These affordable valves are a great way to protect your home from water damage and ensure the long-term health of your plumbing system.
Contact Us Today
At Clarksburg Plumbing, we understand the importance of having properly functioning shut-off valves in your home. Our experienced team can help you with all your plumbing needs, including installing and repairing shut-off valves. Contact us today for a free estimate.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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The Worst Residential Plumbing Issues and How a Professional Plumbing Service Can Help
Modern residential plumbing systems are known for their reliability and durability. This is why homeowners rarely need plumbing services. However, this doe not mean that your plumbing system is indestructible. Indeed, it can develop problems that might negatively affect how it works and cause serious inconveniences in your house. Some plumbing issues can also put your home and family in danger. Although there are some plumbing issues that can wait to be fixed another day, most plumbing problems will need to be addressed as soon as they have been spotted. However, this does not mean you should try fixing plumbing issues on your own. Instead, you need to have a professional plumbing contractor you can call anytime you have a plumbing situation in your house. But what exactly can make you make a quick call to your plumber? Below is a rundown of the worst plumbing situation you can come across as a homeowner.
A Malfunctioning Water Heater
The water heater is an essential part of almost every residential plumbing system. The role of the appliance in your house is to ensure that you and your family have an uninterrupted supply of hot water. Therefore, if it breaks down, it can cause serious inconveniences in your house or even put your family in danger. Indeed, if your water heater is not supplying you with hot water as expected, you will have to take your daily showers and do your dishes and laundry with icy water, which is not only uncomfortable but also ineffective. Besides, if the water coming from your water heater is too hot for some reason, it might put you and your family at risk of suffering severe burns. Therefore, if you have noticed that your water heater is misbehaving, it is imperative for you to seek the services of a professional plumbing service provider. Plumbers deal with water heaters every day, and they have what it takes to accurately diagnose any water heater problem and ensure it is fixed decisively.
A Sewer Backup
The sewer is where the wastewater produced in your house goes. A sewer backup is a situation in which the wastewater back up toward your house instead of going out. Although you may not see any signs of a sewer backup, you will certainly be alerted by the smell of raw sewage. However, you need to remember that the foul odor caused by a sewer backup is not the worst thing associated with this plumbing situation. This is because if the issue is not addressed promptly, it might put your family at risk of contracting serious infections. This is because sewer lines are known to host microbes that might cause serious illnesses. However, you need to know that a sewer repair may require you to have a permit from local authorities, and therefore, unless you are a professional plumbing contractor, trying to fix this issue on your own might be illegal. Therefore, when you notice the smell of raw sewage coming into your house, you must make a quick call to your professional plumbing service provider to ensure that the problem is fixed before it can lead to more serious issues.
A Blocked Toilet
There is no doubt that the toilet is among the most important plumbing fixtures in your home. When it is blocked, flushing it will cause the wastewater to fill up the toilet bowl and spill over to your bathroom floor. In other words, a blocked toilet can create an extremely unsanitary plumbing situation and render your bathroom completely unusable. A blockage in your toilet might be caused by materials such as paper and the so-called flushable wipes that don’t get easily degraded. But whatever the cause might be, it is not an issue you can afford to wait to fix another day. Besides, you should not try to unblock the toilet with crude tools like sharp wires. This is because DIY toilet repairs might leave your toilet seriously damaged. Therefore, if your toilet is blocked, it is advisable for you to call a professional plumbing contractor. Professionals have the right tools to unblock toilets, and you can count on them to fix your plumbing situation without causing any damage to your plumbing infrastructure.
A Burst Water Pipe
A water can pipe can burst due to a wide variety of reasons. Examples of the issues that can cause a water pipe to burst include shifting ground, encroaching tree roots, and excavation jobs. But whatever the cause of the problems might be, it can have several serious consequences. For example, it can cut off the supply of water to your house or cause a severe drop in water pressure. Besides, since the water in your pipes is usually under high pressure, a burst water pipe can cause your plumbing system to lose a lot of water within a short time and lead to high utility bills. However, you need to remember that fixing a burst pipe is not as simple as it seems, and therefore, instead of wasting your time trying to resolve the issue on your own, you should make a quick call to your plumbing service provider as soon as you notice a burst pipe in your home.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are several residential plumbing issues that must be addressed by a professional plumber as soon as they have been spotted. Therefore, you need to have a professional plumbing contractor you can call on any day at any time. If you are looking for a reliable plumbing contractor to help you handle a given plumbing situation in your house, Clarksburg Plumbing is an excellent choice. We have been providing residential plumbing solutions for a long time, and we are a household name in our community. Call us today to learn more about our company and services.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
