by roger | Oct 18, 2012 | Plumbing Tips
Some plumbing problems you just can’t avoid, due to faulty materials, poor installation, or simple wear and tear over time. However, there are ways to prevent clogged drains in your home or business by being careful never to allow certain materials to enter into the system. Therefore Durance Plumbing believes certain plumbing problems can be avoided by taking proper precautionary measures.
Following are some basic techniques to save yourself from unnecessary spending and unwanted plumbing headaches:
One of the simplest plumbing problems – and easiest to prevent – is that of clogged drains. How do you keep from blocking up your plumbing in such a way?
Here are three ways to prevent clogged drains:
- Use Drain screens. These are very simple little contraptions that can go a long way in protecting your drains from clogs. Drain screens are exactly what they sound like: screens that cover your drains. They are generally made of metal or plastic, and can be found in any chain retail, hardware, or home improvement store. Simply place the drain screen over the drain to block hair and soap scum from drains, and be sure to clean the screens frequently.
- Boiling water. Even if your drains don’t become clogged with things like hair and other debris, you can bet that there is a collection of buildup from things like soap scum, water calcium, and other substances that grow on each other to form a nasty, mucky build up. One of the best, most simple, ways to clear out this buildup and keep drains free and clear of clogs is to pour boiling water down your drains once every week. Simply heat a pot of water on the stove to boiling, and then slowly pour it down each drain.
- Be careful of what you allow into your drain. Even the smallest things, like hairs, sand, and food remnants, can work together over time to create some major drainage problems. Pay close attention to what you are allowing down your drain, and use a screen, stopper, and/or drain filter whenever necessary. Also, you should never pour hot grease down a drain. That grease may be in liquid form while it is hot, but it will harden when it cools and could very easily stick to your pipes and clog your drain. *And as an added warning for the fall season…We want to remind everyone to never ever dump pumpkin guts down your drains or you risk clogged pipes.The seeds are hard and we’ve seen them jam garbage disposals. It can also clog toilets and should not be flushed. Flushing could cause problems further down in the sewage system. The guts are also stringy and slimy and cause other stuff to attach and stop up the drain. Sometimes, there’s so much it won’t even make it around the turn of the trap.
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, locally owned, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing.
We can be reached by telephone at 301-270-6663, or via email: Kirk@DurancePlumbing.com.
by roger | Oct 15, 2012 | Plumbing Tips
Have you ever awakened early with visions of jumping into a warm steam shower, only to find that your shower is freezing cold? Is it taking longer for your water to heat up to the desirable temperature? If so, then you understand what a hindrance it can be to have a problem with your hot water. Fortunately, in many cases, this problem is easily solved . . . as long as you know what is causing it. Here are some reasons why your hot water may have stopped working:
The pilot light. This is the simplest and easiest hot water problem to fix. Check your water heater to make sure the pilot light is still on (check your owner’s manual if you need helping finding the pilot light, as it is well hidden). If the pilot light is out, then you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to re-light it.
Gas hot water heaters. If you have a gas hot water heater, then your problem may be caused by a leak in the gas line leading to the appliance. If this is the case, you may notice a rotten egg smell around the water heater. This is a very dangerous problem and should only be handled by professionals, so call your plumber immediately.
Heating element. In the case of not enough hot water, or hot water that is not hot enough, it may be that you need to replace the heating element on your water heater.
Sediment buildup. Over time, water contaminants can build up and harden in the bottom of your water heater, reducing its ability to produce ample hot water. You can combat sediment buildup by cleaning your water heater regularly, softening hard water with a water softening agent, and reducing the temperature of the water heater to 130 degrees. However, if the tank itself is rusty, you cannot remove that buildup and you will have to replace the water heater altogether.
Thermostat problems. If you have some hot water, but it’s just not hot enough, it may be that you need to adjust the temperature on your water heater thermostat. It may even be that your thermostats are not working correctly, in which case you may need to replace them.
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing. Durance Plumbing has been serving the Washington DC metro area for more than 20 years. We service electric and gas hot water heaters, contact us for a diagnostic and cost estimate if you’re experiencing plumbing issues. We can be reached by telephone, at 301-270-6663, or via email: Kirk@DurancePlumbing.com.
by roger | Oct 12, 2012 | Plumbing Tips
Winter is on its way, and with it comes the need to winterize your home. Durance Plumbing believes the one area you can’t afford to take any chances with, is that of preparing your plumbing pipe-work for the freezing cold weather. We are listing three of the simplest things you can do to prevent frozen pipes in your home this winter. If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to experience a frozen pipe problem, then you are well aware of the risks of bursting pipes and the resulting water damage. Avoid this common winter mishap by adhering to these three simple ways to prevent frozen pipes:
Keep pipes warm. You may find exposed pipes in your home’s crawlspace and/or attic area. Simply surround pipes with insulation material – the more the better. If you live in an especially extreme winter weather area, then you may even want to wrap your pipes with heat cables (controlled through your thermostat) or heat tape. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation method. Additionally, when the temperature drops, make it a point to open all of your cabinet doors in order to allow the heat into the back wall spaces where your pipes are located.
Seal air leaks. Even the tiniest leak from the outside in can let in enough cold air to freeze your pipes. Examine your home thoroughly for any spaces that might be vulnerable to an air leak (spaces around outdoor-to-indoor pipes, electrical wiring, air ducts, and dryer vents are the most common culprits, as well as attic spaces and crawl areas), and then seal off any leaks you find with a combination of caulk and insulation, as is appropriate for the space.
The water system. It is a good idea to leave a faucet running (with warm water) throughout the day and night whenever the freezing winter weather kicks in. If you can, choose a faucet connected to an outside wall, as the cold can very easily come in through even the smallest outdoor pipes (garden hose pipes, for example). If you are planning on leaving your home unattended for an extended period of time during the winter, then you should shut off your water supply and drain the water system completely before going on your travels.
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing. We can be reached by telephone, at 301-270-6663, or via email: info@duranceplumbing.com.
