Some types of plumbing jobs require a professional every time, but other types of plumbing maintenance can be accessible to handy homeowners as well. The amount of home maintenance you do may depend on how much experience you have with home improvements and plumbing work.

Here are some of the types of home plumbing maintenance you can perform on your bathroom plumbing.

In some cases, a shower drain clog may consist of a wad of hair in the drain’s P-trap. In this case, you may be able to remove the clog with a simple plastic plumbing snake. If a gentle plastic snake doesn’t do the trick, you’ll want to call a professional; don’t try to use more advanced tools such as metal augers without the proper training, as they can damage your drain.

To use a plastic drain snake, you simply insert the end into the drain and turn the handle to twist it around until it snags any hair it finds inside the drain. If the drain clogs frequently, consider using a mesh drain screen to prevent future clogs. You can also have your drains professionally cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the buildup of grime inside the drains.

Faucet washers tend to wear out after a few years, which can cause the valve not to close completely and result in a leaking or dripping faucet. If you’re confident in your ability to take a faucet apart and then put it back together correctly, you may be able to switch these washers out yourself every few years to avoid any drips.

In fact, with a compression faucet, the replacement process is relatively simple. However, if you’re unsure what type of faucet you have or have less experience taking faucets apart and putting them back together, you can simply have your plumbing contractor perform the replacement at your next plumbing maintenance visit.

Changing the toilet flapper is one of the simple toilet maintenance tasks. Since the flapper is made of a rubbery material that doesn’t perform as well once it hardens with age, you may need a new flapper every so often. One sign you may need a new flapper is if your toilet runs constantly because water keeps leaking past the flapper into the toilet bowl.

If you look inside your toilet’s tank, you’ll typically see that the flush handle on the tank is connected (typically by a chain and lever) to a flapper at the bottom of the bowl. If you find an identical flapper at the hardware store, you can simply remove the old flapper and snap or slide the new one in.

You should periodically inspect your bathroom plumbing for leaks, so you’ll know if you need to call a plumber for repairs. Some of the places you should inspect include:

You can use a facial tissue to wipe down the outsides of pipes when checking for moisture since these tissues are very moisture-sensitive. However, if you find moisture on a pipe that has cold water in it, make sure you know the difference between condensation and an actual leak before you call a plumber.

These are some of the relatively straightforward maintenance tasks you can perform at home to care for your bathroom plumbing. These and similar plumbing tasks can either work well as part of your DIY maintenance schedule or can become professional jobs when your plumber arrives for regularly scheduled maintenance visits.

For more information about plumbing maintenance and repairs, get in touch with your local plumbing expert 

 today. We’ll be happy to help with anything from installation to replacements to maintenance and repairs of your plumbing system.

Bathroom Plumbing Maintenance You Can Do at Home

Your household plumbing system should operate quietly. If you often hear a loud knocking noise when shutting off a water fixture in your home, then that is a sign that you may have a common plumbing problem called a water hammer.

Water hammers typically occur when water in a home plumbing system suddenly changes direction or pressure in a home water pipes increases suddenly, causing pipe hydraulic shock. This shock can cause pipes to vibrate and bang against each other or against interior components of your walls, creating this knocking sound or even causing your home walls to vibrate.

Read on learn about water hammer hazards, along with their numerous causes and solutions.

A water hammer can be a symptom of an underlying plumbing system problem, and allowing pipes to vibrate and bang against each other for an extended period of time can lead to even more plumbing problems.

As pipes shake and knock against each other, pipe connections can loosen and joints can deteriorate. When pipe connections are no longer secure, water can begin leaking at these connection sites. Water leaks that occur inside of walls often go unnoticed until water begins seeping into interior living spaces and causing extensive damage.

Many home plumbing and appliance problems can lead to the development of water hammers.

Homes built before the 1960s typically have plumbing systems equipped with air chambers, which are pipe sections filled with air. These chambers help regulate pipe water pressure to limit water hammer occurrence. Over time, air chambers can fill with water, limiting their ability to prevent water hammers.

Thankfully, most homeowners can remove water from plumbing air chambers easily. First, shut off your home’s main water supply valve. Then, run all of your water fixtures until all water is drained from your home plumbing system. Finally, turn your main water supply valve back on.

Draining your entire home plumbing system typically removes all water from air chambers to help them begin performing their task properly again.

Loose Water Supply Lines or Old, Unstable Pipes

Some water hammers are caused by loose water supply lines or old pipes that are no longer secured to the home’s framework properly. When pipes are not secured to the home’s framework properly, they can move around and create noise as water flows through them.

If you suspect your water hammers are caused by old pipes lacking their proper fasteners, then have a plumber come inspect your plumbing system and attach fasteners where needed to stop water hammers.

While low water pressure can be an annoyance, water pressure that is too high can exert pressure on your pipes that can create numerous problems, including water hammers. Ideally, your water pressure should not exceed 80 pounds per square inch (PSI) to limit water hammer occurrence.

You can test your water pressure with a kit you can purchase at a local hardware store. If your water pressure exceeds 80 PSI, then have a licensed plumber add a pressure regulator to your home’s main water supply line to reduce water hammer occurrence.

If a water hammer occurs in your home only when you run one specific appliance, then the water hammer may be caused by the appliance. Washing machines and dishwashers often cause water hammers because their water valves close very quickly.

To stop a water hammer caused by a single home appliance, have a plumber install a fixture called a water hammer arrestor on the appliance or water line that serves it. A water hammer arrestor contains a cushion of air that absorbs hydraulic shock that can cause water hammers as the appliance water valve closes.

If you hear a knocking sound when you shut off a water fixture, you likely have a plumbing water hammer that could lead to a leaky pipe if it is not remedied. Contact the experts at 

 for plumbing repairs needed to stop your water hammer problem today.

Water Hammers: Hazards, Causes, & Solutions

If you own or manage rental properties, chances are you’ve had problems with wasted water, clogged drains, or other shower-related plumbing issues in the past. Your plumber can help you find ways to care for the rental units’ plumbing while ensuring that the units are also attractive to potential renters.

For instance, a low-flow showerhead can help save money and increase the green credibility of your apartment building or duplexes. Discover some of the benefits you could incur by having your plumber install low-flow showerheads in rental units.

MAKES RENTAL UNITS DESIRABLE TO ECO-CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS

Positioning your company and rental units as eco-friendly can go a long way towards making your units desirable in today’s market. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly goods and services. In addition, renters often look for more eco-friendly rentals nowadays.

After a few affordable eco-friendly upgrades such as low-flow fixtures and added insulation, you may be able to rent your units out for a higher price by advertising these eco-friendly features.

The most obvious benefit to a low-flow showerhead is that you can use it to save on hot water. Wasted hot water can be extra pricey because it wastes both water and electricity. If you rent out units with utilities included in the rent, savings on hot water can put more money in your pocket directly.

A low-flow showerhead can save several gallons per minute of showering. For instance, switching from an old 4 GPM (gallon per minute) flow to a 2.5 GPM flow saves 1.5 gallons per minute, whereas switching to a 1.8 GPM showerhead saves 2.2 gallons per minute.

If you already have newer 2.5 GMP showerheads, switching to 1.8 GPM may be less dramatic but can still save on hot water. As you can imagine, these savings can add up quickly, especially if you have dozens or hundreds of tenants. And you don’t just save on your water and sewer bill at this point but also on the electricity that heats the water for the shower.

CAN FUNCTION AS PART OF BATHROOM REMODEL 

While a low-flow showerhead does reduce the water used, that doesn’t mean it has to be a spartan, bare-bones addition to a bathroom. Some low-flow showerheads can come with luxury features that could help you position the bathroom as a luxury bathroom.

So you can choose a 1.8 GPM showerhead that has a massage spray setting or one that offers a luxury rainfall experience, for instance. This type of showerhead isn’t just a water-saving upgrade but a luxury upgrade as well. Add a few more affordable but luxurious upgrades, and you can use your remodeled bathrooms as a selling point.

Even if you don’t pay directly for the utilities your tenants use, you likely have a responsibility to ensure that things like the tenants’ water heater works correctly. While a showerhead won’t directly care for water heaters, it can significantly reduce the use of hot water, which can, in turn, reduce wear and tear on water heaters and avoid failure from overuse.

As you can imagine, less water heater wear and tear could translate into fewer water heater repairs and replacements. If you have a lot of tenants and a lot of water heaters, this can add up into big savings over time.

Having low-flow showerheads in place can end up being beneficial to your bottom line. Be sure you select a model of showerhead that doesn’t break easily and will last for years and years so you don’t end up spending money on a lot of replacements.

For more information on how you can increase your green credibility, reduce water bills and electrical bills, and help the environment by installing low-flow plumbing components, contact your local plumber such as 

 today. We can help you with any plumbing job from installation to maintenance to repairs or replacements.

Benefits of Installing Low-Flow Showerheads in Rental Units

Repairing water damage to your home can cost thousands of dollars. Depending on the location of the leak and how long it goes unnoticed, water damage can leave your home uninhabitable for days or even weeks during repairs. Because this type of damage can be so costly and inconvenient, the best approach is always a preventative one.

While not all types of water damage come from plumbing issues, many do. Learning to recognize and address potential sources of leaks can help to save you money and maintain your home’s value. Below, you will find three practical ways to ensure that your house doesn’t become the victim of a plumbing disaster.

A surprising number of locations around any home have exposed plumbing, and many of these can be potential sources of leaks. Learning to check for moisture in these areas can help you to spot problems before they cause additional damage. Unchecked leaks in out-of-the-way places can be especially harmful since they can promote the growth of mold.

A good habit is to check under your sinks at least once per month. If you store cleaning supplies or other items in these areas, then be sure to remove them and thoroughly inspect the whole cabinet. Small leaks do not always produce noticeable amounts of water, so you’ll need to check surfaces for signs of dampness or moldy smells.

Laundry rooms are another common source of hidden leaks. If you can’t easily move your washer and dryer, then you should still check behind them at least every few months with a flashlight. Look for signs of water dripping on the floor. Bulges in the hoses connected to your washer may be another early sign of brewing trouble.

Basements may not be common in Phoenix, but many homes still have crawl spaces. If you have plumbing running through one of these areas, then small leaks can potentially cause extensive damage before you discover them. Even in Arizona’s heavy, dry heat, crawl spaces are ideal spaces for leaks that lead to high humidity, wood rot, and mold growth.

Unfortunately, crawl spaces are rarely easy to access, and checking them for leaks can be time-consuming and dirty. Moisture sensors offer a modern, high-tech, and hands-off solution to this problem. Even cheap units typically include a remote sensor that you can install in your crawl space so that you can monitor moisture levels from the comfort of your couch.

More advanced moisture sensors include smart home integration or warnings that trigger when moisture levels exceed a specified limit. Whichever type you choose to use, this relatively small investment can help to alert you to crawl space leaks before they lead to extensive and hard-to-detect damage.

Pipes typically provide plenty of warning before they fail, but homeowners often fail to recognize the early signs of trouble. If your home uses copper plumbing, then keep an eye out for any indications of corrosion. Early on, you may notice discolored water or stains on your fixtures. Any sign of a blueish-green tint means that copper has dissolved in your water.

For exposed copper plumbing, look for discoloration and a grainy texture on the outside of the pipes. Corrosion in newer pipes often indicates an issue with water quality, so recognizing the signs of trouble can help you to prevent leaks as well as address the underlying problem. If left for too long, corroded pipes will eventually develop pinhole leaks or even burst.

Moon Valley Plumbing and Rooter can help you to inspect and maintain your home’s plumbing to prevent costly water damage. If you suspect an issue with the pipes in your home, then give us a call to 

3 Practical Tips For Water Damage Mitigation

House inspection is a critical step when buying a home. During the inspection, you should pay attention to the structural integrity, roofing system, security features, interiors, HVAC systems, appliances, electrical systems, exteriors, and plumbing systems.

A reliable plumbing system allows free flow of clean water and wastewater in and out of the house, respectively. Therefore, you need to inspect the plumbing systems with the help of a professional before you close the deal. Here are things to look for during plumbing inspection.

The efficacy of a water heater can help you assess the performance of the entire plumbing system. Switch on any faucet and find out whether the heater produces enough hot water or not. Do this for a couple of minutes to detect any temperature fluctuations.

If you hear strange sounds from the water heater, this could be a sign of sediment buildup that needs to be flushed.

Remember to check for any leak signs around the water heater. Make sure the pipes and other fittings are well connected and sealed. With the help of a technician, you should identify signs of loose parts, leaks, and faulty accessories and estimate the repair or replacement costs.

Moreover, the plumbing technician can help you check the heater type in the house in question and offer advice based on the degree of efficiency.

In the kitchen you need to check the sink, garbage disposal, shutoff valves, and other kitchen appliances. Here is how to inspect them.

Turn on the faucet and check for any leakage around it or slow draining. You can let tap water run for a few minutes and watch how it behaves.

Be wary of water that drains slowly because this could a sign of blockage. Fortunately, a plumber can disassemble the sink, clean the drain, or replace any problematic parts.

Even if the drain is in good condition, however, you need to observe proper maintenance strategies to prevent clogging once you buy the house.

Check for any leaks from the garbage disposal, and let the plumber tighten the connections. Strange smells from the garbage disposal is a common sign of clogs. Since the garbage disposal units might also fail to turn on, you should test it during the inspection session.

Shutoff valves regulate water supply to your taps and appliances. Turn off different valves to find out if they affect the water supply. If not, you need to repair or replace the faulty ones.

Kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, also depend on the home’s plumbing system. During the inspection, turn on the dishwasher and carefully assess how it functions. Check how long it takes to fill or drain, and make sure the shutoff valve that controls it works.

In the bathroom, make sure the faucets don’t leak. Also, find out if the bathroom drains are clogged by hair or soap scum. If you notice any issues, you can hire the technician to open the drains and eliminate any trapped debris.

Open the toilet cistern, flush, and watch how it behaves. A toilet that flushes continuously wastes a lot of water and might need repairs or replacements. Also, check for any leaks around the toilet.

If you want to buy an old home, the main sewer drain may have root intrusion and other issues that can block your sewer line. A professional plumber can use camera inspection to detect any signs of cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion and advise accordingly.

You need to inspect various parts of a plumbing system before you buy a home. This guide provides you with a checklist that can make your work easier and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Our company offers plumbing inspection and repair services for residential properties, commercial properties, foreclosure properties, and condos. 

plumbing-tips

Bathroom Plumbing Maintenance You Can Do at Home

Water Hammers: Hazards, Causes, & Solutions

Benefits of Installing Low-Flow Showerheads in Rental Units

3 Practical Tips For Water Damage Mitigation

Things to Look for During a Plumbing Inspection