Tag: Plumber

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Plumbing

How to find a water leak

It’s safe to say that it is important to find a water leak in your plumbing as soon as possible. Clearly, no one wants to deal with the damage caused by broken pipes and costly repairs to damaged components, but let’s look at how to find a water leak quickly and easily.

Signs of a leak

There are some key indicators indicating that you could have a water leak in your home. Some are quite common and others not so much:

  • Often, when you have a leak in something like a sink, you may notice a subtle or even drastic increase in your water bill. This will be noticeable when your meter reading occurs.
  • You can feel or even see signs of mould forming in hard-to-reach areas or providing an optimal environment for growing that kind of stuff.
  • The bubbles in the paint or wallpaper are a good indicator that something wet is flowing to the other side.
  • If you think your hot water system leaking, try laying out a paper towel at the base of the unit. If you do have a leak you’ll see changes on the paper towel and know you’ve got a problem.
  • Ceilings can begin to sag or warp when water has accumulated in a given area for a period of time. This is particularly common in flat-roofed houses.
  • Flooring may start to sag or crack, which is also a good indicator. There is often a musty or earthy smell that can be difficult to eliminate. You can even find muddy or damp areas in the yard or around the house that seem wet.
  • Sometimes finding a leak underground is really tough to do. Further into this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to find a water leak underground.
Source: Simoes Plumbing & Maintenance

Water leaks in the walls

Walls and floors can be severely damaged by leaks and moulds. Once the mould has begun to grow, the affected area will almost always have to be replaced entirely. In addition, this may require major renovations in an affected area, which is often expensive, especially in the case of structural damage.

How to find where a leak is coming from

A water leak is a serious problem and there are many ways it can happen. On top of water leaks from your plumbing structure, there are many devices and appliances that use water and carry the risk of leakage at some point, for example, a sink or tap. It is reasonable to say that the greater the amount of water associated with a leak, the more important the repair will be.

How to detect a leak in the washing machine

Did you come across some water underneath your washing machine? Looks like your washing machine is leaking. Here’s a list of all the various possible causes and also at what point in the cycle they can happen.

  • Threaded fittings on either drain, tap or fill hoses might be loose
  • Drain hose might not be installed properly into the home drain
  • Internal hoses in the washing machine might be faulty
  • Corroded clamps or cracked hoses are common causes of washing machine leaks

The compression chamber of a washing machine fills with water and expels air to the pressure switch to indicate the level of water in the tank. Over time, the compression chamber of your machine may be clogged with impurities. Due to this plug, the unit will not be able to check the water level and the washing machine will continuously fill the water device until it leaks.

How to find a water leak from the fridge

Is your fridge leaking water? We will list some of the probable causes of water leak from the fridge.

  • In the bottom of your refrigerator is a gutter. As time goes by, litter becomes lodged and clogs the drain. If this is the case, the water will overflow and leak inside your fridge. We advise you to clean the gutter and its drain with hot water.
  • At the back of your fridge, between the compressor recovery tank and the chassis of the unit, there is very often a rubber valve. If it is dirty or clogged, the water will eventually overflow into the refrigerator. We advise you to clean it and replace it if it is damaged.
  • If the door seal is deformed or damaged, warm air will infiltrate and indirectly create frost. This frost will then melt and may create a small puddle on the floor under the freezer door.
  • The fridge might be placed uneven stopping the water from running into the drain hole.

How to find a water leak in the ceiling

Water leaking from the ceiling is not a good sign and you should act with caution.  Depending on whether you have neighbours on the floor above or not, the leak can have three origins. If it is a private house, it will probably come from the roof, unless you have pipes between the ceiling and the roof. If you are living in an apartment building it is possible that it is from the neighbours above.

In case of water leakage from the ceiling, you must first identify the source of the leak. If it is a “human cause”, and the source of the leak has been found and dried up, you can simply contact your neighbour to take over the repairs. On the other hand, if you do not understand the origin of the leak, you must as soon as possible call a professional.

First of all, be aware that under no circumstances should you repaint or cover a ceiling that has been leaked and whose cause has not been identified and repaired. You may experience new leaks that will damage your ceiling again.

How to detect a leak from an air conditioner

An air conditioner leaking water is one of the most common malfunctions encountered by owners of this type of appliance. What is the cause of this?

Water production is a normal phenomenon for an air conditioner in good working order. This water must normally be evacuated continuously through the exhaust pipe of the air conditioner. If the hose gets clogged, the water can no longer be drained, causing the condensate pan to overflow. If you cannot immediately act on the leak, turn off the device to prevent the moisture generated from damaging the wall.

How to find a water leak from the base of the toilet

If your toilet is leaking, try to find the source of the problem before calling the plumber: sometimes, changing a simple seal may be enough. However, there might be other causes for this issue.

  • The tank of the toilet might have condensation on the outside
  • The connection of the toilet tank to the base might have loose seas or bolts
  • Water supply has a leaking pipe
  • The filling valve is faulty
  • The base is loosely connected to the floor

Leaking pipe from the dishwasher

Is your dishwasher leaking and you do not know why? To facilitate research, it is best to look at where and when the leak occurs.

  • Check the water inlet tube of your dishwasher. You can pass your hand with paper towels on the fittings to find more easily traces of water.
  • The rinse aid is used to drag the debris during the rinse phase and speed up the drying process of your dishes. Be careful because the rinse aid has a tendency to foam. This foam could create an overflow, and therefore a leak
  • Door seals might be worn. Clean these seals regularly and replace them if they are defective.

What to do when your shower is leaking through the wall

This type of water leak may easily go unnoticed. The signs aren’t easy to notice but it can be detected if you look closely. Here are some tips on how to find a water leak inside a wall;

  • Decreased water pressure in the shower while the rest of the house is fine
  • If there is a floor beneath your shower, you might see water dripping from the ceiling

It is highly recommended to hire a professional plumber from a professional plumbing company as they have the tools and equipment that act as water leak detectors. The endoscopic camera makes it possible to efficiently inspect the leaking pipes and sewers; Thermal cameras are mainly used for locating leaks and faulty insulation but also for the search for leaks in heating systems and inaccessible pipes.

Contact local plumbers

What to do if you find your hot water system leaking

First things first, you need to know if your hot water system is actually the source of your water leak. As we’re dealing with hot water, sometimes the leak can evaporate before we notice it. Here are some tips to help in the event that you find your hot water leaking.

  • Try laying out a paper towel at the base of the unit. If you do have a leak you’ll see changes on the paper towel and know you’ve got a problem.
  • Once you’ve established you’ve got a hot water system that’s leaking, be sure to cut the power to the unit immediately.
  • Then go ahead and turn off the water supply to the unit also, this will prevent any major flooding risks once you begin working on the unit.
  • Now, test the cold water inlet and hot water outlet. Any leak from this location is an easy fix, however, be sure to do it as soon as possible.
  • Check the temperature and pressure relief valve. Again, any leak from here is generally an easy fix.
  • Check the heater drain valve, this should be watertight. If it is not, this is also an easy fix.
  • If you find the leak to be minimal and you have experience fixing small plumbing issues yourself, consider carrying out any repairs you need by yourself.
  • If the problem is major, or if emergency repairs are needed it’s best to consult a professional plumber.

How to find a leak underground

Finding a leak outside can be a difficult thing to explore yourself due to the specialist equipment that’s required. To find out if you need to get expert help to find your leak underground, follow these steps:

  • Turn your water off at the mains tap.
  • Take note of the water meter reading when you turn it off, write it down.
  • Leave the water off for 30mins and come back to re-read the meter.
  • If the number has changed you’ll know you have a leak underground somewhere.

To find where the leak is specifically and to fix the problem, it’s recommended that you employ an expert plumber to help.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

Your guide to low flow taps & toilets

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water bill, low taps are are in ideal solution.

What are low flow taps?

Low flow taps are deceiving by name. You may think that because they’re called low flow taps, you won’t have high-pressure water coming out, but this is the contrary. Regular taps use more water and therefore produce more water pressure which results in increased water flow. However, low flow taps also produce a high power water flow, but it does this by mixing air into the water, which gives the appearance of a higher flow; although the pressure feels just about the same.

Source: Mintconstruct Pty Ltd

A normal tap lets out up to 18 L of water per minute whereas the low flow taps only use about 2 L of water per minute, which really saves you a tremendous amount on your water bill. When looking for low flow tap, you may run into the Acronym WELS. WELS is a water efficiency labeling scheme. WELS rates items according to efficiency and it allows you to see how much you’re saving and how efficient the product is before purchasing it. WELS has a six star rating system with the higher stars being more efficient and the lower stars being less efficient. Any water producing item that you purchase is rated by WELS.

Advantages of using low flow taps

Low flow taps help to stop water wastage and also provides you with a better source of water. In addition, they decrease your water cost and are more energy-efficient. This might be an ideal solution in a household that has high water usage or higher water bills. Besides simply saving you money on your water, there are two other benefits to using low flow taps. These benefits include saving money on electricity and reducing water wastage.

Low flow toilets

As one of the most essential fixtures in your home, the toilet is also the most consuming of water. By installing low flow toilets, you will lose significantly less water (and see a lower water bill), without noticing a change in the toilet’s effectiveness. In addition to improving water efficiency, low flow toilets will ensure your home is up to code.

What are low flow toilets?

Other than outdoor irrigation, the standard toilet is the largest water consumer in your home. By installing a low flow toilet, you can reduce water usage while still performing the same function of removing bodily waste. To effectively remove waste, gravity assists during the flushing process allowing low flow toilets to only use six litres of water per flush. These toilets are available in the most basic models and also top-of-the-line units.

Source: Hammer on Constructions

The dual flush option

The most common type of low-flow toilet on the market is the dual flush model which has two buttons. The first button, known as the half flush, uses only three litres of water to eliminate liquid waste. The second button, referred to as the full flush, uses up to six litres of water to dispose of solid waste. Therefore, you are only using as much water as necessary for each visit.

Buying a low flow toilet

If you are in the market for a low flow toilet, there are a few considerations. First, ensure the toilet has been certified as water efficient. The amount of water used in the half and full flushes should be readily available. Second, ensure there is enough space in your bathroom to fit the new toilet. Third, there is a wide variety of designs including:

  1. Colour
  2. Height
  3. Modifications (heated seats, bidet, etc.)
  4. Shape (round or elongated)
  5. Noisiness

Water saving tips

In addition to installing low flow taps, there are many other ways that you can reduce your energy costs and save wastage. Some of these tips include:

  • Installing low flow tabs on all sinks, tubs and basins in your home
  • Minimizing the temperature on your heater
  • Closing taps when you’re not using them and frequently checking any pipes for leakages

Remember a small leak can add up, so it’s best to have that leak under control before it causes more problems. Low flow taps can be a tremendous help, but if they aren’t maintained or used properly they can contribute to water wastage.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

Budget bathroom renovations

The bathroom is an essential area of your home. If you are selling your home, it is also one of the most important rooms that a potential buyer will consider when making a purchase decision. Budget bathroom renovations can add value to the selling price of your home.

What is the average cost of a budget bathroom renovation?

The cost of a bathroom renovation can be anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. This depends on the extent of the renovation and the materials that you choose. The national average in Australia is $20,000. We are going to focus on the budget range of these figures and how you can get the most value from your expenditures when it comes to the final sale price.

Modern bathroom with marble wall tiles, timber basin and shower/bath.
It’s the small things that can have a big impact on your bathroom renovation / Source: ESTEEM Constructions

Benefits of a budget bathroom renovation

There are several ways that you can benefit from affordable bathroom renovations.

  • Aesthetics. Aesthetics add to the perceived value of your home. If your bathroom looks old and outdated, then the potential buyer will see this as a future expense. They will expect a discount based on the perceived work that they will need to do.
  • Added value to your home. A bathroom that looks like it has been maintained gives the impression that the mechanical and plumbing systems are on good working order, too. This adds value to your home because there are no obvious significant repairs that will need to be done soon.
  • Cost-effective cheap bathroom renovations. When you are selling your home, the idea is to make renovations that will cost less, but that will add significant value to the house. The first impression when someone walks into the space has a substantial impact on making this work. Walk into your bathroom and focus on the first thing that draws your attention. This tells you where to begin.
New honeycomb tiled shower with two shower heads.
A newly renovated bathroom can add serious value to your home / Source: Origin Bathrooms

How to renovate your bathroom on a budget

If your budget is on the smaller side of the average range, then there are certain things that you will not be able to do. For instance, you might not be able to replace walls, ceilings, do major plumbing or get a new shower installed. However, there are a few things that you can do to improve the aesthetics of your space.

Walls

The walls are one of the first things that most people see when they walk into a bathroom. They are at eye level, and if your walls have seen better days, it will not give a good impression. There are several ways to improve your bathroom walls to give your bathroom the lift that it needs.

  • Tiles. New tiles give your bathroom a fresh, clean look. There are a wide variety of tiles available. When choosing tiles, be sure to pick ones that are consistent with the fixtures and vanity. You can look on the Internet for plenty of cheap bathroom tile ideas and ideas for bathroom tile designs on a budget.
  • Paint. Paint is the most popular of all of the choices for redoing walls. It is quick and easy, and it can instantly refresh a bathroom that looks tired. You can also carry the colour throughout the entire design with accessories.
  • Wallpaper. Wallpaper can give the bathroom a big “WOW!” factor. There are hundreds of different patterns from which to choose. Suppose you do not want to put wallpaper throughout the space. In that case, you might select one wall or area, such as behind the bathroom mirror and vanity to create a focal point. This is one of the best cheap bathroom wall ideas.

Flooring

The bathroom flooring takes a lot of abuse. It can become dull and damaged over the years from water and wear. Replacing your flooring is essential when trying to attract buyers. Here are a few bathroom flooring ideas on a budget that will give the room the feeling of being well-maintained.

  • Tiles. Tiles offer the most variety of styles and sizes. You can choose tiles for both the walls and floors that match for a consistent look.
  • Vinyl. Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and practical. You can choose from vinyl sheeting or vinyl tiles. This can give your bathroom a quick update.
  • Floorboards. Floorboards are popular in many styles. The best part is that in many cases, you can use the original flooring in the bathroom. However, if you get new ones, be sure to get boards that have been treated for wet environments. Also, be sure to use several coats of a good sealer on them, whether they are the originals or new.
  • Concrete. Concrete, specifically polished concrete is a popular option for industrial and modern bathroom designs. You can lift up the old flooring and expose the concrete underneath. This is a cheap way to give your bathroom a modern and trendy look.

Lighting

The right bathroom lighting can change the mood of the space instantly. Also, the lighting can make the area feel open and airy. Here are a few bathroom lighting ideas to make your bathroom look brighter and more spacious.

  • LEDs. LED lighting adds a brightness that you cannot get with incandescent bulbs. You can get strips to place along with your mirrors or LED bulbs for your lighting fixtures. They also take less power and are cheaper in the long run.
  • Pendant. A unique pendant lamp can give your bathroom a feature that makes it unique. When choosing a pendant light, make sure that it is a design that can withstand the steam and heat.
  • Downlights. These are the most common type of bathroom lighting. There are many styles available, and you can find a style that fits your needs perfectly. They are often one of the more inexpensive lighting options.

Fixtures

The bathroom fixtures can make a big difference in the appearance of your bathroom. The little details can often be replaced inexpensively, and they can make a significant impact. Here are a few simple bathroom ideas on a budget that you can do quickly and cheaply.

  • Reuse and Recycle. Sometimes, you can reuse or recycle the existing fixture, fittings, and furniture. You might be surprised what a good cleaning and a little bit of paint can do.
  • Replace the little things. Replacing the taps, doorknobs, curtain rods, handles, and drawer pulls on the vanity are little things that can make a big difference.
  • New Vanity. Getting a new vanity will stand out and make a significant impact. It can make the bathroom look like it has had a complete makeover. You can take your bathroom from old and outdated to fresh and modern with one small improvement.
Modern dark tiled bathroom with dark fittings.
Fixtures can add real impact to your budget bathroom renovation / Source: ESTEEM Constructions

DIY

Certain parts of your budget bathroom makeover can be considered DIY. For instance, you can often paint, wallpaper, and install new tiles yourself. Also, things like replacing the vanity can usually be done by yourself. However, knowing where to draw the line and on your capabilities can save you money because you will not have to hire a professional later to fix your mistakes.

Where will you need assistance?

Although you can do many things on your own, sometimes, it is best to hire a professional. It is suggested that you do not attempt any parts of the project that require a licence, are dangerous, or that would void a homeowner’s warranty. Here are a few areas where you should hire a professional.

Contact local bathroom renovation experts

  • Plumbing. Plumbing is an area that requires a licence. If you make a mistake, it could cause a leak and affect the structural components of your bathroom. Also, there are specific drainage and sewer requirements that must be met. This is one area that is best left to the pros.
  • Electrical. Unless you are a licenced electrician, you should never attempt to do the electrical work yourself. The risk of fire is too significant, especially in a wet environment.
  • Building. It would help if you did not attempt to renovate the structural components of your bathroom. If you need new structural members of your flooring, inner walls, ceiling, or door frames, you need to hire a licensed and experienced professional. If your bathroom had water damage in the past, then you need to hire someone who can get the job done right to protect you from liability in the future.
Categories
Plumbing

How long does a battery sump pump run?

If you are getting a sump pump installed, having a battery backup system installed with it is also necessary in case of a power outage or a breakdown.

When you talk about disaster prevention in your home, one of the most important things you have (which is often ignored) is the sump pump.

When your sump pump breaks down, the consequences can be chaotic – which can lead to thousands of dollars in property damage.  In addition, you will also have to pay increased insurance premiums to cover for the intensive repair work.

Prevention is undoubtedly better than the cure, which is why investing in a sound battery backup system for your sump pump makes plenty of sense!

Why is a battery backup system important for your sump pump?

Many homeowners buy replacement pumps and store them in case of a problem. Sure, that is a good idea, and you might already know why sump pumps sell like hot cakes during floods and storms.

However, you should also understand that your replacement pump would not amount to much if your original pump fails or breaks down while you are out enjoying your holidays. Or if you are asleep during a power outage and are hit by a stormy night.

That is exactly where a sump pump battery backup system will save your life. Regardless of a power outage or a malfunction, a battery backup system will always kick in to keep things rolling.

There are three qualities that come in battery backup systems – good, slightly better, best. However, the best system usually costs more than your average battery backup.

But, they are a vital investment because those systems provide an extended run-time and equipped with an equally sophisticated charger, prolonging the overall durability of the device.

A battery backup ensures your home will stay up and running during an outage / Source: Mattrix Constructions

How long does the battery backup last?

That primarily depends on the amount of water coming into the sump basket; this is what usually determines the number of times the pump will run.

For example, if you get a 40-amp/hour battery system, it will provide up to 53 hours of backup pumping water at an efficiency rate of 2,300-GPH per five minutes.

However, if you encounter tremendous water problems – where the machine has to run once per minute, the very same powerful battery backup system will only last for 12 hours. That isn’t quite enough when you talk about a power outage in case of a storm or flood.

But even so, you could always opt for a bigger battery system – preferably one that keeps two batteries fully charged at the same time.

Contact local plumbers

This is why most primary pumps fail

The usual suspect behind primary pump failure is a power outage – not a technical malfunction within the pump itself.

Moreover, some common events can further deteriorate or cut off the electric supply to the machine itself. For instance, you could just as easily forget to plug in the pump, or a lightning storm could trip your GFCI outlets.

That is not to say that people don’t encounter problems with the pump – it certainly can malfunction even if the power stays on.

However, this problem is far too common in machines that are smaller, and do not have the capability to pump heavy amounts of water from a storm or water from melting snow.

Generally, these smaller units are also inexpensive, which means they aren’t exactly designed with durable materials.

This can further lead to deteriorated pump efficiency. So there are two problems with cheap pumps, they will function longer but will burn out just as easily, or they will run fine but will not eject water effectively.

Source: Modern Living Constructions

How to know when your pump dies

More often than not, a lot of homeowners are completely oblivious of pump failure till it is too late – and the damage has already been done.

However, there are a couple of ways you can foresee some of the problems and ensure nothing happens to your sump pump. Take a look:

  • Get an alternate current sump pump that comes with a controller. These devices are usually fitted with an alarm system that notifies you when the system malfunctions or when there is a power outage. The same hails true for most top rated battery backup systems.
  • There are companies that provide emergency text message service, sending the text on different phones. For example, they will send you a notification for “high water warning”.
  • There are also devices that are equipped with a local alarm system fitted atop the sump basket. These are awesome when you are at home, and there is a power failure.

Wrap up

So there you have it – all the reasons you will ever need to invest in a quality battery backup system for your sump pump. Don’t wait till the last minute; the consequence of a sump pump failure is pretty dire! Speak to a professional plumber now to find out prices to install a sump pump.

Categories
Plumbing

How to know if your sewer line is broken?

All homeowners want to keep their houses in perfect shape. But, no matter what, you can’t avoid plumbing repair once in a while.

One of the most common plumbing repairs has to do with your sewer line, especially if your house was built in the era of 1970. Because those houses contained cast iron pipes and, by and large, they have outlived their utility. It is imperative to identify the issues with your sewer line and fix them at the earliest. If not, you could be risking the health of your family members along with your property. You can’t afford to ignore the following signs if you don’t want to turn a minor sewer line issue into an ultimate catastrophe:

1. Sewer gas odour

Sometimes you can’t see a problem in your drain line because the damaged pipe is out of our sight. But you can smell the problem. We are talking about the foul odour. Sewer pipes are impenetrable because, naturally, nobody wants to smell the scent of sewage. So in the normal condition of a pipe, no foul odour is supposed to come out.

If you are using the room spray frequently and the odour refuses to go away, it’s time to find an expert plumber and have your sewer line inspected.

2. Mould issues

If you notice mould on your wall, ceiling, or floor, it could be the sign of a crack in your sewer pipe. Mould could be the offshoot of some other problem. If mould is growing at a rapid pace, then the sewer pipeline is more likely to be the culprit behind it. This is it is the ample humidity level for mould to grow.

Apart from damaging your interior, exterior, and foundation, mould could also trigger health problems. Therefore it is essential to be looked at immediately.

3. Slow drain

Bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are the places where the slow drain is more evident than any other part of the house. Slow drains are not always due to the leakage in the sewer line. It could well be caused by tree root penetration, hair, and such blockages.

However, some homeowners make it a point to buy cheap chemical cleaners to clean their pipelines. But far from being an easy fix, these chemicals end up harming your pipeline even more. You should instead try green alternatives.

If you continue to face issues regarding slow drain, then the odds are your sewer line could be in for a bigger fix. That’s the time when you should contact a professional without further ado.

Source: Oncall BSI

4. Rodent problem

Rats like to live in sewers. And if there is a loophole in your main sewer line, rats could easily find their way to your house. To be more precise, an opening of about 7 to 10 centimetres is enough for an average size rat to earn an entry in your home.

Rats are known to spread dangerous diseases like plague and hemorrhagic fever. So all of sudden if you find rats marching in your house, you can take it as a sign of a crack in your drain line.

5. Gurgling sound

If you notice a gurgling sound in your toilet right after flushing, it could be because the air from an outside source is going into your sewer line. However minor it may sound, there is no way you can ignore it. Because you never know what would be the scale of this tiny issue in the future. It is the hallmark of a smart homeowner to nib in the bud a plumbing issue right in the beginning. That’s the best way to keep your sewer line repair costs at the bare minimum.

6. Grass turning extra green

Is there a specific portion in your garden that is greener than the rest of the backyard? If so, ask yourself whether you are using any fertilizer in that fraction. If the answer is no, then it could be a clear cut case of sewer line leakage. As a homeowner possessing a garden, you must know that the sewer line water works as a quality fertilizer.

Though you might get fresh vegetables from your garden, for the time being, any delay in the repairs will pose an unimaginable threat to your property and health.

7. Foundation cracks

Foundation cracks are perhaps more threatening than any other sign discussed above because they suggest that your house’s sewer line craves for immediate attention. You can spot foundation cracks at places like pavement, driveway, foundation slabs, and sinkholes.

There are various types of foundation cracks. But the most dangerous of them include horizontal and stair-step cracks. However, it does not mean you can take other cracks any lightly.  Regardless of the type, as soon as you notice a foundation crack, you should get in touch with a professional because being ignorant could lead to more structural damages.

8. Insect infestation

If there is a gradual upsurge of insects in your house, then it could also be an indication of a broken sewer line. These insects typically contain cockroaches, sewer flies, and palmetto bugs. Cockroaches are prone to trigger allergy, particularly among kids.

As a temporary solution, you can use different means to kill the insects, but the bugs will keep finding their way back to your house. A permanent solution lies in fixing the drain line once and for all.

Wrap up

If you are currently noticing any of these signs in your house, it’s time for a thorough inspection from a certified plumber. You never know, the repairs that seem small today, might not remain small tomorrow.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

The key to a powerful shower

So you’ve experienced a high-pressure drencher at your last hotel stay or while a house-guest at your friend’s place, and now you want it! That’s understandable; the sensation of a power shower is incredible, but the planning and installation process is not so straightforward. So, is the feel worth the hassle? You be the judge.

Weighing in on the ‘Power Shower’

A power shower (also called a pump shower) is described as a mixer with an integral pump. The pump increases the rate of flow from the shower head and operates on a low pressure tank-fed system. It must have a dedicated temperature supply (hot and cold water system) and an above ground water supply to be ready to use.

Source: Esteem Building & Renovations

Choices in shower pumps

There are two choices to suit your needs: the single and the twin impeller pumps. The single impeller has one pressure blade that pumps the water, mixes it to the right temperature and then drives it through from the shower head. When installing the pump, it’s necessary to position it between the mixer and shower head for proper functioning. With the twin impeller, you can fit it to both the hot and cold water before reaching the mixer port.

Consider that a pump only makes practical sense if you have the appropriate hot and cold system installed in the home. If you have a gravity storage system in your loft space, the distance from that base to the shower head is most likely approximately one metre, which will result in a low pressure shower. Most manufacturers recommend having the pump electrically connected within four metres of the hot water source and at least 30 millimetres below your cold water tank.

Water efficiency

If you are a water conservationist, a power shower is an area to pay keen attention. You can easily rack up double the amount of water with a pump than from a soak in a bath. Some power showers use up to 24 litres of water per minute, while a bath will average 80 litres. If you do the math, youll be 40 litres over the amount for a bath within five minutes.

Luckily, you can purchase a water efficient shower head that conserves water, giving less than 10 litres per minute. However, going any lower than that will lose the power effect of a drencher.

One last note before purchasing a pump: it tends to be noisy to operate. Also, check the drainage in your tub. With a lot more water bursting forth, youll have a pool at your feet in no time if the drainage is inadequate.

Categories
Heating & cooling

5 maintenance tips for home water heater systems

Maintaining your home water heater routinely is a great way to save money. If your water heater already has problems, then it is best to hire a professional plumber, but basic maintenance is something you can do yourself. Basic maintenance is a great way to keep your water heater running for longer and catch potential problems early on.

Learning a new skill always takes a bit of practice. It’s hard to mess up too much with basic water heater maintenance, but not impossible. Before you do anything, make sure you know what you are touching and what will happen if you break it. Messing with machinery with no idea what you are doing is a terrible idea.

Here, we’ll take you a few ideas on how to maintain your own water heater. Before you do your own maintenance, you should watch a video to make sure you are looking at the right parts and fixing the right thing. It is not hard to maintain your water heater once you see what you are supposed to be doing.

Source: South Adelaide Plumbing and Gas

1. Check the TPR valve

Starting by testing the temperature-pressure-release valve is a great jumping-off point. The first thing you want to do is put a bucket underneath the pipe connected to the TPR valve that you will find on the top or side of the tank. This will prevent a possible mess and catch all the water you are about to let out.

Then you are going to need to turn off the cold-water supply valve. That way you know that no new water is running through. Finally, you are going to lift the top off of the TPR valve and let some of the water drain out into the bucket.

If the water continues to flow out after you have let go of the TPR valve, then there is a problem. It is likely that you need to drain the tank about halfway and then install a new TPR valve. Make sure you are looking at the right valve and that you turned off the cold-water before you replace anything.

2. Wash out your water heater’s tank

Depending on how hard your water is and how much calcium and sediment is in your tank, you should be cleaning out your water tank about every six months. It is not a complicated process so much as it is inconvenient. It is much more affordable to clean your own hot water system than it is to hire someone else.

The first thing you’ll need to do is completely drain out your water system. There will be a layer of sediment on the bottom of your heater that you will need to move a bit by letting some more water pour in from the cold-water valve. That will allow you to wash up the sediment with new water that is not already full of leftover calcium.

Drain the new water and repeat until all or most of the sediment, is emptied from your water heater. Once your tank is as clean as you can make it clean the drain cock and refill the tank. Once you are certain everything is back in its proper place, you can turn the power back onto your hot water system.

3. Change the temperature

If your water is running a bit too cold or hot, there is a way to change the temperature yourself. There should be a temperature dial on the side of your tank with a cover that you can unscrew easily. Once the cover is off, you are going to need a flat head screwdriver to adjust the temperature.

Every ten degrees you lower the temperature should save you about five per cent of energy costs. If you plan to leave the house for more than a weekend, you should turn the water heater off completely and turn the thermostat down to save money and energy.

Changing the temperature on your water heater is not something that you need to do often. You probably don’t need to do it at all unless you are very serious about saving energy and money. It does not help enough for most people to consider it worthwhile, but it can be helpful if you are leaving town or running low on funds.

4. Check the anode rod

Find the drain cock on the top of your water heater and stick a hose it in. Allow a few gallons of water to drain out of the hose into a bucket or drain. Then find a socket wrench that will allow you to unscrew the rod.

The rod should have a hexagon shape, and an 11/16 inch socket wrench should fit over it nicely. If the rod you pull out is on the thin side or covered in calcium, then you need to purchase a new anode rod. Your anode rod should be more than half an inch thick and have a minimal amount of calcium on it.

At the very least you should be able to see the metal under the calcium without scraping. If your anode rod is less than half an inch thick or covered in calcium, then you need to buy a new rod for your water heater.

5. Insulate your water heater tank

Newer water heater models will probably have their own insulation. If you have an older tank than you can likely benefit from insulating it yourself. It is a simple project that saves you money the same way insulating your floors or walls would.

All you really need is an insulation blanket. It just looks like silver bubble wrap and is very easy to wrap around your whole water tank. Make sure you also carefully cover all the piped up in insulation too so that none of the heat escapes that way.

Once you have your insulation blanket all tapes to your tank, then you should be ready to go. It is an incredibly easy way to help you save money and energy with only a couple of cheap materials. If you have an older water tank insulation is definitely a project you should look into.

6. Maintain annealed copper pipes 

Regular maintenance ensures the optimal performance of continuous-flow electric hot water systems. One important aspect is the inspection of the annealed copper pipes used in these systems. Annealed copper is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. Check for any signs of leakage, corrosion, or damage in the copper pipes regularly.

Wrap up

Our water tank is an incredibly important machine that you have in your home. It is important you keep up on some of the basic maintenance it requires so that you can save money and catch any forming problems. Luckily, there are a few basic bits of maintenance anyone can do.

Washing out the tank once every year or less is so important to make your tank last. It would be best if you got all the extra sediment and calcium out of there, so it does not build up and damage the tank. Changing the temperature on your tank and insulating it are both ways to help you save money and energy.

All of these are simple ways to maintain your own water tank. Not everything can be DIY, but small projects like these can absolutely be done without hiring anyone. Make sure you talk to a professional before you do anything more complicated.

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Plumbing

Pipe relining vs replacement

Pipe relining is a procedure that is used for repairing broken pipes both in residential and commercial areas. By using materials such as polyester, epoxy, silicate, vinyl ester, pipe relining strengthens the pipes. It is not uncommon to have results that are even better than PVC pipes. Applying this procedure will add another 40-50 years to pipes’ life and protect from disintegration.

How does it work?

Pneumatic hoses propel hot, filtered air through your piping to dry it. A mixture of air and sand removes all deposits and prepares the pipes to receive the coating. An epoxy resin coating finishes closing all the small leaks and protecting the pipes.

When is pipe relining more beneficial than pipe replacement?

There is a common misconception that pipe relining is a temporary fix compared to permanent fixed offered by pipe replacement. Having pipes relined is a permanent fix, just as replacing them is. There are however, lots of variables when it comes to finding a solution:

  • Pipe relining should be the choice when the cost of excavating certain sections for drain and sewer pipes is too expensive.
  • Pipe relining makes more sense when the time is limited. Excavating, pulling out the old piping and replacing everything takes a considerable amount of time.
  • Pipe relining should be the choice where accessing pipes would require complex work; pipes laid under tiles, concrete floors and etc.

Demolitions and excavations in rooms or in cramped environments, in addition to delaying the intervention times, often involve the possibility of damaging other parts of the property. The intervention illustrated is respectful of the environment, and in fact does not require materials to be disposed of. Which, given the high costs of disposal in a landfill, represents a further advantage economically.  From a strictly economic point of view, pipe relining is in many situations more convenient than the traditional method of replacement, taking into account the reduction of execution times and the elimination of all the inconveniences related to this.

How much does pipe relining cost?

You’re probably wondering the cost of this procedure that will make your pipes stronger. As far as the costs go, there isn’t a definitive answer. The price will depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • Size of the pipe
  • Location of the pipe
  • Accessibility of the pipe
  • The condition of the pipe
  • The diameter of the pipe (smaller diameter pipes are more expensive)

On average, pipe relining costs will vary between $300 – $1000 per metre.

Blocked Drains

Having blocked drains is a common issue, but it is in no way an obstacle for pipe relining. With pipe relining, a technique similar to the endoscopic procedure is carried out, performing a video inspection of the plumbing system for any blockages, clogs or cracks. Subsequently, blockages are cleaned and washed. The drain will be cleaned using a high-pressure water jet.

Damaged pipes

The same method will be used to assess the damage in the pipes to determine the condition and whether it is suitable for relining. This renders any surprise elements during relining work.

Pipe Relining vs Replacement: Costs, Reviews, Pros & Con

Longer life expectancy

Pipe relining technology guarantees to make your pipes stronger. Resin sets in and the relined pipe will hold its own structure, which is quite strong and durable. Pipe relining will add 40-50 years to your pipes’ lifetime. In most cases, a relined pipe will have a longer life expectancy than newly replaced pipes.

Root infested pipes

The growth of tree roots could be considered one of the biggest problems found in pipes. The roots of the trees reach into the septic tanks through the joints that hold the pipes of the plumbing system. To give you an idea, a small size like a hair can sneak in, invade the pipeline and, finding water and nutrients, end up growing out of control. If this root grows enough it can end up clogging the pipe. An effective way of removing the tree roots is by using a high-pressure water jet (up to 4000psi). This will break down the roots and push them out of the pipes.

Contact a professional plumber service for the relining of your pipes. A decent service will do a great job and save you from the high-costs of replacing the pipes.