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Are you having problems with your toilet and kitchen at home? Read the effective plumbing tips we have provided below. If you need help with either repair or installation, do not hesitate to contact an expert at a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN.
What To Do With Low Water Pressure
Imagine how frustrating it is when you wake up early to get ready for work and yet you end up late because it took forever to shower? Low water pressure is one of the most common problems in homes. They are mostly due to water leaks, the buildup of mineral deposits in your pipes or other debris stuck in your bathroom fixtures, and faulty regulators. Thankfully, there are things you can do to improve the water pressure in your home. We have provided a few tips for you below:
Replace Your Pressure Regulators
The pressure regulator is usually located just in front of your home. When this stops working, you will most likely experience low water pressure which can be really inconvenient especially for busy homeowners. To remedy this, you’ll need to replace the pressure regulators. However, it can be a little difficult to do this. In this case, you need to hire a plumbing company for assistance. A licensed plumber should be able to help you further.
Fix or Replace Your Pipes
Hiring a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN is best so they can effectively fix or replace your pipes to resolve the water pressure problem.
If you live in older homes and still have those pipes made of iron, they are more likely already full of rust. When you get low water pressure, they have most likely broken loose and plugged up your valves and aerators. With the water heater, there is an interior plastic that has maybe plugged up your pipes. Contact a plumbing company right away so they can do a proper inspection of your pipes and either fix it or suggest a complete replacement. The latter will be ideal especially for very old pipes.
Repair Water Leaks
When you do not properly maintain your pipes, they will eventually leak. During colder winter months, your pipes could also burst especially when the water inside them freezes. You’ll need to insulate them to avoid water freezing. When there is a leak, not all of your water makes its way to the faucet. You will then experience low water pressure. Contact a plumbing company so they can help you repair the leaks.
Other leaks may not also be visible to a homeowner. Only a licensed plumber can help as they have tools for finding out where the leaks are located.
To avoid leaks, make sure that you are mindful of what you throw down the drain. In the kitchen, implement proper food waste management and do not throw other stuff in the toilet. It would help if you can also educate family members on how to take care of your plumbing system to avoid low water pressure or worse — a costly plumbing emergency.
When dealing with plumbing issues, make sure that you hire a licensed plumbing company to guarantee results.
Get Rid of the Mineral Deposits in Your System
Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium that can wreak havoc not just on your appliances but also on your pipes. When these minerals start to build up in your system, they will clog up your showerheads. While it may help to regularly clean them, it’s best to work out the best solution to remedy the mineral deposit problem. Hire a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN to help you resolve this.
Licensed plumber at Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air can help you choose the best fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen that are more energy-efficient. Talk to them if you want to have the best plumbing system.
What Type of Faucet Should You Get for Your Kitchen and Bath?
Faucets may just be ordinary fixtures but choosing the best one can help you save more money in the long run. Below are some information about the types of faucets that you can purchase for your home. By being educated, you will be able to make an informed decision as to which one to acquire. You may also talk to a professional at a plumbing company if you need more information about which faucets to purchase for your home.
Ball Faucets
They look more modern and have only one handle for both the cold and hot water. The temperature or the water flow rate depends on where you position the faucet’s handle. You’ll find this type of faucet in kitchen sinks and sometimes in the bathroom.
Inside there is a lever ball assembly that sits on springs and inlets. The slots built into the ball assembly align with either the cold and hot water that flows through your kitchen faucet.
Compression Faucets
This is the oldest type of faucet commonly found in older homes. Most homeowners are familiar with them as these have been in the market for a long time. Most people know about this type of faucet. All models of compression faucets have knobs that turn. You can control how much water comes out.
Cartridge Faucets
Similar to compression faucets, this type can either have one or two handles. The only difference is there is no need to turn the handle until you have your desired amount of water. The handle only has the On and Off. Some handles move up or down while others move side to side. Talk to a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN if you are thinking about switching to this type of faucet.
Inside a cartridge faucet is a metal cartridge that you need to push forward to get the water flowing.
Disc Faucets
This type is more durable than its counterparts. A disc faucet’s body is wider and cylindrical. The faucet’s handles either move side to side or up and down.
Hire a plumbing company when you are ready to switch to different types of faucets for your home. You may be able to do this on your own but we would still recommend hiring a licensed plumber in Cleveland, TN for proper installation of your faucets.
How to Remedy a Flooded Toilet
This is a plumbing emergency. You need to hire a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN to help you effectively resolve an extremely inconvenient toilet problem.
To fix a problem, you need to understand what causes it. Your toilet may flood due to a clog. It may be because of a faulty line from your washer or there are foreign objects that are causing the clog. The best way to determine what really is causing the problem is to hire a plumbing company. Other times, the flooding could be because of an outside sewer. Talk to an expert in Cleveland, TN so they can give you a proper diagnosis and solution.
While waiting for an expert at a plumbing company, you may try to remedy it yourself. But first, you will need to have protected gloves and clothing. Also, never work with a handyman and compromise your safety. They may know what they are doing but it’s always best to hire an expert at a plumbing company. Also, do make sure that you have the right tools when working with a flooded toilet.
When unclogging the toilet, it’s important that you make your first plunge as gentle as possible so the water does not splash. Make sure that you maintain the seal as you are increasing speed. That will help push the water evenly and help loosen some of the debris or other particles that are causing the blockage. To push the clogs, consider changing your strokes. You can also just steady the strokes but sometimes it’s important to change them especially for very stubborn clogs.
Keep in mind to never add water to the toilet until you have completely eliminated the problem. If you keep experiencing toilet clogs, inform your plumber. They have more advanced tools for helping you eliminate the root cause of the clog.
To avoid toilet clogs, never flush anything other than human waste and a certain kind of toilet paper. Put trash bins in the restroom for other dirt and to prevent family members from flushing other things down the toilet.
Most importantly, only work with an expert at a plumbing company for any plumbing-related concern. A professional is equipped with the right tools and experience to help you effectively remedy the problem.
When Do You Replace Your Plumbing?
As a homeowner, it’s important that you buy appliances or fixtures that are not only durable but also efficient. If you live in an older home, it would be in your best interest to know how old the pipes are. They may not be able to withstand very cold winter months or your toilet may be contributing to your high water bills. It would be wiser and definitely cost-effective to know the average lifespans of your toilets, heater, appliances and other plumbing-related devices so you know when to replace them. You may also consider talking to an expert at a plumbing company if you need more information.
Toilets
The lifespan of your toilet’s handle would depend on how often you use it. For the flappers, fittings, plumbing connections and fill valves, they last between 4-5 years. The wax seals last between 20-30 years. For the toilet bowl, you need to replace it when you notice that it will not fully flush and the water just runs on its own without using the toilet.
Before making any decision, you may also contact a professional at a plumbing company so they can do an inspection and give you the best solutions.
Water Heaters
If you have a conventional water tank, you need to replace it after 10-15 years of use. The actual number of years depends on how often you do maintenance of your tank. It will last longer when you flush out sediment build-ups on tanks and hire a plumber for regular plumbing maintenance.
Tankless heaters last longer — about 20 years. They are also more energy-efficient as they heat water on demand.
When you notice the signs below, consider replacing your water heater:
- For tankless heaters, replace them when the circuit breaker keeps tripping.
- Replace when the thermostat or burner keeps breaking.
- Minor leaks or rust around the heater.
- The pilot light keeps flickering out.
If you are not sure whether you should replace or just repair it, you can always contact a licensed plumber in your area.
Pipes
Copper pipes usually last up to 80 years; galvanized pipes last between 80-100 years and brass pipes last up to 100 years. Talk to a plumber if you are not sure how old your pipes are; they would be able to help you with this.
For the drain line pipes — PVC lasts between 25-40 years while cast iron pipes last longer, up to 100 years.
Work with a licensed plumber only during the installation of new pipes.
Faucets
The good thing about a faucet is it can usually be repaired and the only time you need to replace it is when it constantly breaks or completely stops functioning.
If you want your faucets to last longer, consider updating them to more durable and energy-efficient ones.
Call Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air
Do you need help with the installation of your new faucets, showerheads or toilets? Work only with a reliable plumbing company in Cleveland, TN to ensure proper installation. Our plumbers have worked with several homeowners in TN, helping them resolve different types of plumbing issues from water heater repairs to professional drain cleaning and repairing supply pipes. We at Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air guarantee safety and results in every appointment.
