Prestige Plumbing

When a plumbing disaster strikes, don't panic and stay informed.  Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies are more common than most of us think, and that can be distressing for homeowners, especially those of us who are less prepared than we'd like to be. However, knowing about 2 of the most common emergencies can help you to take action should the time come. Here's what you should look out for:  Sump Pump Failure  A damaged sump pump can really put a damper on your day (no pun intended). A sump pump functions as an emergency device that  redirects water away from your home. So, what do you do if your emergency backup plan isn't in order? Your best shot at saving your home from a flood is to practice prevention. Make sure your sump pump isn't clogged, and if so, do some internal cleaning before the weather calls for heavy storms. Double-check that it can power on properly and that the switch isn't jammed. And, for tips on how to handle a flood, check out our most re...

We're moving the Earth and tackling your exterior plumbing needs! When you think of the term "excavation," you probably think of construction work: contractors might use an excavator to level out the ground for home, deck, or pool building. However, plumbing excavation serves a bit of a different purpose. Although we do need to use excavation equipment to achieve our goals, those goals are not the same. Plumbing excavation refers to the process of digging into the ground to either repair or install sewage lines, water lines, or gas lines.  Do you have trees planted close to your home? If you do, you may eventually consider our plumbing excavation services. Why? Because tree roots can grow on-top of or around pipe lines underneath the soil, and they can puncture the pipes, disrupting the supply of water or gas to your home. Blockage in general is a main reason for excavation. If a pipe is blocked, it can cause major damage to your building. Another key reason for excavatio...

  Prevent basement flooding with these tips from Prestige Plumbing. They say April Showers bring May flowers, but the change in weather conditions is not all daisies and tulips for some. This is because, from here through summer, we're in the prime season for flash floods. That means potential basement flooding and repair costs, not to mention hours of cleanup. However, the good news is that there are a few preventative measures you can follow that might save you from the consequences of excess rain and thunderstorms.  First of all, if your basement has flooded, don't panic. Turn off your water valve and call an experienced plumbing service immediately . If this requires you to completely shut off your plumbing, make sure not to use your washer, dryer, dishwasher, or other machines that rely on water as the main energy source. Shut off electricity, but if the water in the basement is blocking your path, do NOT pass. There may be open circuits that could cause electrocution. If...

Leaky water faucets may require an experienced plumber.  Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if your faucet needs attention, and this is especially the case with laundry faucets, which are built differently than the average system. You may be wondering if it's appropriate to repair or replace the unit; where's the line, and when should you call in a professional? Take a look below as we expose two areas of evaluation: Water pressure When water releases, does it come out slow and weak? Or does it shoot out with high pressure? Whatever the case, neither are good scenarios. Abnormal water pressure can have many causes and is not always a faucet issue. You'll first want to decipher the cause. Doe the pipes need tightening? Do you need to check your pressure regulator? If you evaluate these concerns and the results are still unsatisfactory, you may need a plumber to address seam and fixture issues. You will also need to contact a plumber should the direction of the water point at ...

Flood and Leak Protection With the amount of rainfall we collect in Ohio, it is the safest option to invest in a flood and leak prevention tool to prevent water damage before it occurs. As you collect water damage in your home, you are risking weakened structure, the potential growth of health-threatening mold, or high costs to fix the problem. It is better for you to invest in our LeakSmart tool to give you the peace of mind you deserve. This tool has the ability to detect leaks within your home and stop water damage before it even begins. At the first sign of leakage, the LeakSmart tool will shut off your water, give you alerts through the system, and send a message to your phone, letting you know what happened. Also, with this tool, you have the ability to turn your water off from anywhere at any time, just for added security that your home is safe from the dangers of water damage. Our complete LeakSmart system consists of the valve, the sensor, and the hub. These three powerhouses ...

       Imagine you have just made a huge dinner and have thrown your little food scraps down the drain, only to find your garbage disposal is not working, or it is making a humming sound. Now what? How do you fix a broken or clogged garbage disposal? Don't worry, at  Prestige Plumbing  we have the expertise it takes to repair your garbage disposal.       If your garbage disposal starts to make a humming sound, typically that means that while your garbage disposal is getting power, the blades are not rotating. This could be a sign that the motor is clogged or jammed and that it is failing to grind. If a plumbing emergency like this occurs at your home there are a few steps you can take to fix the disposal yourself, before having to call us in.       Firstly, if you notice that your garbage disposal is making any weird sounds or is not working, cut the power to the garbage disposer by unplugging it from under the...

    Tankless water heaters are quickly becoming the norm around many households across the U.S. People are tired of high water bills that seem never-ending and the ever so often cold water cutting on during their showers. Energy efficiency plays a big part as well for those who are concerned about how traditional water heaters are affecting the environment. Plus, who wants that big ole water tank taking up space in the basement? With a tankless water heater , all of these problems can be solved. In addition, they come with a load of incredible benefits that you may not have been aware of.     Some of the benefits included with a Navien Tankless Water Heater:      Energy efficiency is off the charts. Navien condensing technology provides up to 0.99 Energy Factor. These extremely efficient and eco-friendly units provide extra energy savings over a traditional tank and non-condensing tankless water heaters. A traditional tank only provides between a ...

Chemicals can be extremely harsh on your drains, so it's important to manage your  plumbing drains  in different ways. How are you supposed to take care of your drains when they become clogged or you just want to do a little preventative maintenance? Today we’ll be focusing on three of the most common problem areas and how to deal with them. The bathroom is home to showers, sinks, and toilets, which are three of the most  common plumbing problem  sites, and the fourth being the kitchen sink. 1. The Kitchen Sink Kitchen sinks see a lot of things they shouldn’t necessarily see. Focusing on keeping excess cooking grease out is one of the top ways to keep your drain in working order. Ensuring you have a drain plug with a catch while doing dishes is vital to keeping food that doesn’t belong in the drain, out of the drain. Things like eggshells, leafy vegetables, and stringy vegetables (like celery) are some of the most common culprits of food clogs. If you are one of thos...

The calendar has turned over to September, and now cooler weather is on the horizon with winter weather looming behind that! This is time of year to get your plumbing in your home ready for the winter months, so here are some tips to keep you from costly emergencies! 1. Put away hoses. This means disconnect, drain and store your hoses in a place where they will be protected from freezing. If any water that didn't drain out freezes, it could ruin your hose! 2. Turn off the spigot. Stores do sell "frost-free" hose bibb, also known as spigots or outdoor faucets. Now is the time to install one if you don't have one. If you don't want to invest in one, make sure that you turn off the inside line that leads to the bibb. If freezing air gets to the water in the line and it's not shut off, you risk getting frozen and then busted pipes! 3. Get any necessary maintenance. Have your sewer checked. Some plumbers offer camera inspections of lines. Getting your water heater ...

Did you know that you’re 3.5 times more likely to experience water damage than theft in your home? And water leaks can cause more damage than burglars can. Just imagine a home security system that would not only let you know when there is an intruder, but could also stop that intruder in their tracks — that’s how leakSMART® works when water threatens your home.  There are 4 main components to the leakSMART® system, and we'll explain those in a little bit. First, how does the system work? The system detects water leaks throughout your home, shuts off the water at the first sign of a leak, alerts you with both audible and visible alarms, and sends you an app notification on your smart device — all in less than 5 seconds.  The first part of the leakSMART®  system are wireless, waterproof and reusable leakSMART® Sensors that monitor both moisture and temperature and will signal your leakSMART® Hub at the first sign of a leak. These sensors are placed strategically througho...

Water heaters are something you kind of take for granted...until it stops working. You can picture taking a nice, hot shower when suddenly the water turns ice cold. Kind of made you shudder, didn't it? Checking out your water heater every so often can save you a world of trouble, so here are a few tips. Check the water heater for signs of leakage, rust or other problems. Look at the hardware and other parts and see if there is any corrosion. Use a bright flashlight to inspect underneath and around the bottom, and/or you can run your hand all around and under the base to see if you feel the water. A typical, tank-type water heater lasts 10-15 years depending on the model, level of maintenance and the kind of water running through it. Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up and impede water flow, so it helps to clean off any accumulated materials occasionally. Sediment builds up on the bottom of the hot water heater tank but can be flushed out every so often by releasing a ...

One of the most common calls plumbers get is to "get rid of this clog." So this blog is here to help you know what not to put down your drains so your pipes will run clean and you won't have to call a plumber! Your toilet is the last thing you want to have clogged and backed up, so avoid flushing these things: Baby Wipes Cotton Swabs Feminine Hygiene Products (even if they say they are flushable) Paper Towels and Facial Tissues Diapers Medication Kitty Litter Cleaning/Disinfectant Wipes Your garbage disposal is something that is so useful, you can sometimes forget that it does have limitations. Many of these things will gum up the gears (or break them), clog your pipes, or stick everything and the rot will cause a horrible smell! These things are a "no go" when using your disposal: Grease & Oil Rice, Pasta, Anything That Swells Egg Shells Non-Edible Food Items Animal Bones Harsh Chemicals Fibrous Vegetables like celery, asparagus, etc. Coffee Grounds  This o...

It is finally starting to turn the corner towards warmer weather and sunshine in Ohio. Spring cleaning gets on the minds of many. If that's you, don't forget about taking care of your plumbing too! Taking the time for these tips can save you a lot of hassle in the future! In the basement: Tankless Water Heater Check the temperature setting on the water heater . It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use. Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Check your water heater manufacturer 's website for specific instructions concerning your make and model. Consider replacing a water heater more than 15 years old. (The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made.) Newer water heaters are more energy efficient. Consider going tan...

Are you sick of taking cold showers? Have you had it with high water bills? Are you tired of your water heater taking up too much space in your basement? Are you worried about the negative effect your traditional water heater is having on the environment? You will find that a tankless water heater has incredible benefits and is more than likely the solution to all these problems. We are confident that you will notice the following benefits when using a Navien tankless water heater :  Tankless water heaters take up less space. It’s true. We have found that our tankless water heaters occupy 80% less space than traditional 50-gallon tank-type water heaters. When you choose the tankless water heater, you don’t have to worry about not having enough space in your basement for storage anymore. They allow for hotter water. You read that right. Say goodbye to dreaded, cold showers when you invest in the Navien tankless water heater. Its primary condensing stainless-steel heat exchan...

You woke up to find that you have frozen pipes... now what do you do?! Frozen pipes aren't all that uncommon during the winter months but that doesn't mean they are any less stressful. Outside of preventative measures, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the thawing process. The first step can be a little tricky, you'll need to locate where the freeze is actually at. The most effective way to do this is to test each faucet. If no water or a very small amount trickles out, chances are the pipe leading to that spot is frozen. A majority of the time if one pipe is frozen, there are others also affected. If you are able to see pipes, like in the basement or under sinks, you may be able to identify it that way as well. Frozen plumbing will oftentimes result in a white frost and bludge at the problem area. If you are able to access the frozen area, you're in luck and have easier thawing options.  Once located, you will want to open both the hot and co...

We use plumbing every single day, oftentimes in more way than one. Despite the importance and prominence of modern plumbing in our lives, many people don't know very much about it. Prestige Plumbing strives to educate our clients on plumbing, how it works, and the best ways to care for your residential and commercial plumbing . Are you interested in knowing more about your plumbing? If you answered yes, here are a few little known facts about modern plumbing. 1. If you have a leaky faucet that drips just twice an hour, in one week you will have wasted OVER one gallon of water. 2. There is a long time saying that if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, water will flow the opposite direction of here in the Northern Hemisphere. This is false! Water is free moving and can flow in either direction wherever it is in the world. 3. Standardized plumbing can be traced back to around 3,000 B.C. to the Indus River Valley civilizations. 4. The flushing toilet wasn't invented until ...

Water pressure is the strength at which water is pushed out from your faucets and showerheads. The water pressure psi should be somewhere between 40 and 45 psi and should not exceed 60 psi. Most pressure regulators are adjusted by turning the screw on top of the adjuster. Dealing with an unusually low water pressure can affect daily tasks like showering and washing dishes. A lighter flow can be quite annoying, especially if you have tried to make a pressure adjustment. There may be an underlying cause if you are noticing extended periods of dropping water pressure. One of the most commonly fixed culprits is a leak somewhere along the line. Even a small leak can cause a sudden drop in pressure since not all the available water is making it to the tap in use. If you think you have a potential leak, you can check around your home and basement for sudden wet spots. If you aren't seeing any new moisture but are still concerned you can turn off all taps in the home, record the water ...

A flooded basement is one of the most common home emergencies, and many homeowners have said it's one of the most unexpected. Many times a flooded basement can cause issues with other home appliances, like the water heater, furnace, and potentially washer and dryer sets. Protecting your home from flooding risk is an investment that saves you a lot of stress later on. Understanding a few quick home flood prevention tasks can go a long way.  If you live in an area prone to heavy or prolonged rain, installing a sump pump is a great starting place. Automatic sump pumps protect your home as soon as water is detected. The pumps act as a drain and are angled in a low spot so water runs freely to them. When water enters the pump, it will push it out of the basement and away from the foundation of your home. We offer sump pump battery backup s at Prestige Plumbing so you can relax knowing your home in protected even if the power goes out.  Older homes are prone to water...

Did you know that tree roots have a high growth rate during the early weeks of fall? The sudden growth of roots can lead to plumbing issues when roots find their way into plumbing pipes. Most home water waste lines pass through front or back yards where trees and bushes roots can find cracks and cause major blockages. If you notice sudden changes in shower drainage or toilet flushing, you should consider the risk of tree doing plumbing damage. Slow draining or gurgling while water is going down are two of the most noticeable signs. Many times a homeowner will opt for a quick pipe snake to but the clog, but if the problem continues you should have a more explorative look from a professional plumbing contractor the specializes in video drain inspections, like Prestige Plumbing. While sinkholes are a little less common, spots in your yard that seem to be sinking or extra wet can be a good way to identify the spot the problem area. When a tree root begins to damage a pipe, water ...

We here at Prestige Plumbing understand how frustrating plumbing repairs and issues within your home or business can be. Sometimes they aren't as severe as they initially seem to be. Plumbing something that every home has, but not every homeowner fully understands. We're here to help clear up some questions we hear a lot when working in our customer's homes. 1. What should I do if my faucet is leaking? Often times we hear, " Well I tried to tighten the faucet and knobs, but it is still leaking." Most of the time a leak comes from a worn-out internal seal. Once we have the faucet apart we have a better understanding of if more than just a seal or two needs replaced. 2. My drain is clogged, how can I fix it myself next time? Prestige Plumbing really recommends having a professional deal with a moderate to severe clog. Drain cleaners can damage your plumbing, and a professional can fully clear the clog quickly and completely. There are a lot of different re...