Helpful Plumbing tips from Hydro Pro Inc.
Water heater repair
by Eli Nash on 12/02/14Water heaters are a tricky business. Water heater tech's do not always require the same technical training or licensing as plumbers and other contractors. It is also sometimes difficult to distinguish between a company simply on the hunt to sell water heaters instead of repair them. It is important to carefully select a water heater repair service for your home needs. Here are five things to consider before you hire a water heater repair service:
- Avoid Door-to-Door Representatives – You get a knock at the door, and someone wearing a uniform tells you they need to check your water heater. If you let them, they will likely tell you the water heater is old and inefficient and should be replaced, even if that’s not true. You should not invite door-to-door salesmen into your home; there are much better ways to find a reliable water heater repair company.
- Reputation – The internet allows you to easily find out which water heater repair companies have the best reputations. By checking water heater repair services out online, you are able to access customer reviews and ratings. It is advisable to check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints, as well.
- Certification – While they do not require the same amount of technical training as other contractors, water heater repair service technicians still require certification. It is important to check their certification before allowing them to repair or replace your water heater.
- Experience – Experience is extremely important when it comes to water heater repair. Generally, the more experienced the technician, the higher the quality of the work.
- Price – At the end of the day, price is always a deciding factor. However, it shouldn’t be the only factor—you should be very wary of a company that gives you an estimate that seems too good to be true. You will probably end up paying more in the long run to fix their poor-quality work or to repair or replace the water heater again just a few short months or years later.
By following these simple steps, you will be able to distinguish which water heater repair service is the most reliable, the most experienced, and executes quality work.
If you are in need of a water heater repair, don't delay, call Hydro Pro today at 541-504-3135
Emergency Fixes For Leaky Pipes
by Eli Nash on 01/25/14
Leaky pipes can cause serious water damage to your home if it is not
taken care of immediately. But sometimes, for whatever reason, it’s not
possible to have a plumber out right away. So if you’re stuck in one of
those situations, here a three temporary fixes for leaky pipes. Plumbers Epoxy One way to fix a leaky pipe is to use something call “plumbing epoxy”. Plumbing epoxy
is a putty-like substance that is comparable to molding clay. When
using it to fix a leak, obviously make sure there is no water running
through the pipe. Then take a small amount off, enough to cover a small
leak, and knead it around in your hands a little bit. This will help to
loosen it, allowing it to stick over the crack/hole more efficiently.
Let it sit and harden for a few minutes, then test the epoxy by turning
on the water. Rubber Wrap with a Pipe Repair Clamp Tape If your pipes are leaking and you need a plumber out to your home
right away, then give Hydro Pro Plumbing a call, and we’ll have a
plumber out to your house in no time!
Fixing Leaky Pipes
Start
by drying the area around the leak. Then take a thin piece of rubber
(like a bicycle inner-tube) and wrap it around the leak once. Now,
tightly wrap the rubber with electrical tape to hold it in place. Then
finally, fasten a C-clamp around the patch to create pressure with the
seal. This may hold long enough for a plumber to come in a repair the
problem correctly.
If
you’re in a pinch, and don’t have time to get any of the above
materials, the best thing you can do is use duct tape. This is something
that should be used as a very temporary fix for a leaky pipe. Turn of
the water and dry the area thoroughly around the leak. Tightly wrap the
tape around the pipe. It is very important that the wrap is tight to
prevent water from leaking out. This quick fix won’t hold for a long
period of time, so it is important to make sure that you have a plumber
repair the leak as soon as possible
PLUMBING FAQ
by Eli Nash on 01/20/14
Plumbing FAQ
Why do faucets leak?
Leaks occur when seals inside the faucet become dirty or worn. Though you may choose to replace worn parts, replacing your old faucet with a new one can upgrade the look of your kitchen, bathroom or tub/shower decor and avoid further repair problems.
Why do some faucets cost so much more than others?
Some faucets are simply made better than others with higher quality materials such as solid brass or chrome-plated solid brass to achieve superior levels of appearance, performance, and durability. Although you may pay more for a quality faucet, you will receive a higher value for your money as a result of a longer-lasting and more reliable product.
Can I replace my two-handle faucet with a single-handle faucet?
The answer in most cases is yes. Generally, faucet dimensions and sink openings are standard throughout the plumbing industry. There are few exceptions however, so it is a good idea to check sizes first.
How should I clean polished brass faucets?
To remove dry water spots, use warm water and a soft, damp cloth. Never use cleansers that contain abrasives, harsh chemicals, alcohol or other solvents. To maintain the luster of your decorator faucet, occasionally apply a high quality automotive wax - making sure that it does not contain abrasives.
Why doesn't my old water heater work as well as it used to?
This is usually due to a sediment buildup in your tank. As water heaters grow older, they accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If these deposits are not removed periodically, the sediment will create a barrier between the burner and the water, greatly reducing the water heater's performance level. This results in an increase in the amount of fuel required to deliver hot water.
What is meant by a "pressure balancing" shower faucet?
A pressure balancing shower faucet senses fluctuations in hot or cold water pressure, caused by actions such as flushing toilets or starting dishwashers. A pressure balancing valve compensates for these fluctuations, keeping the water temperature constant and comfortable.
Leaking Toilet?
by Eli Nash on 01/17/14
If you’ve notice that your toilet is leaking water, then you probably
don’t want to hesitate in having it repaired. Letting your toilet leak
for too long will inevitably lead to water damage as well as the
development mold in your bathroom. It is important to locate where the leak is coming from when
repairing a leaky toilet. If you notice it collecting behind the toilet
you may be in luck! Your repair may be simply tightening the nut which
connects the toilet to the water source. If the nut is not tight enough,
it may leak when pressure changes after flushing. If you notice that your toilet is leaking after you flush, but it’s
not coming from behind, your toilet base is probably the source. If
you’ve noticed any leaking around the base, you’re going to have to call
a plumber. What happens is, the seal around the base of your toilet
wears out over time. When this happens, the toilet will need to be
removed by a plumber in order to properly replace the seal around the
base. But once this seal is replaced, you shouldn’t have to worry about
your toilet leaking around the base for quite some time. When you flush your toilet and it keeps leaking, or running, that’s a
repair the needs to be made within the tank of the toilet. This may not
seem like a big deal, but if your toilet continues to run, that means
water continues to be used. This could lead to a rather high water bill
next month. When one of the valves within the toilet fails to closes
properly, it allows the water to continue to run. Thankfully, this is
something a plumber can repair, so you don’t have to worry about buying a
brand new toilet and having it installed. If you ever experience a toilet leak and you need a helping hand,
give Hydro Pro Plumbing Services a call! We offer 24 hour emergency
plumbing service, so whenever you find yourself having a plumbing
problem, we’ll be there to help you in no time. Give us a call at 541-504-3135 or schedule a service call on our website at hydroproplumbing.com.
It May Be A Loose Nut
Your Toilet Seal May Have Worn Out
A Toilet Valve May Need Replacing
