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Showing posts with the label residential plumbing

What is Plumbing Excavation?

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...

Is Your Main Sewer Line Clogged? Here's How to Tell.

         Plumbing is easily on of the most important inventions ever made. It has allowed us to control and direct water into our homes for our own uses, as well as keep clean and dirty water separated for the sake of our health, hygiene, and well-being. So what happens when the plumbing in your home is less than par. If your drains are all clogging, slow to drain, or you smell a funny smell when water sits in your sink then you may be experiencing a clog in your main sewer line. At Prestige Plumbing we think it is important to educate everyone on what to do if they are having a plumbing emergency, so we are going to give you tips on how to tell if you have a clogged main sewer line, and what steps to take if it turns out you do.  How to tell if your main sewer line is clogged: If more than one drain in your house is running slowly, it is probably not a coincidence, but a sign that one clog is causing issues for all of them. Usually it will start on the fi...

Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?

    Toilet clogs are one of the most common plumbing concerns homeowners experience. Occasionally, you can DIY your way through a toilet clog, but some cases may require the help of an experienced plumber professional like those at Prestige Plumbing . Dealing with clogs requires knowing the probable causes and through prevention. Knowing what to and not to flush down your toilet. Are you tired of your toilet clogging? Continue reading to learn the possible causes of a clog and the steps on how to avoid it.      When clogging happens, there is usually an item that is keeping the waste from flowing down. Incidentally, there are several non-flushable items that people tend to keep on flushing. Feminine products such as tampons or pads are the main suspects. They expand whenever you flush them and they take a long, time to breakdown in the sewer system. Next, you have your paper towels and cleaning wipes. You may think it's safe to flush them since the packaging...

Check on Your Water Heater!

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 ...

Don't Put It In Your Plumbing!

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...

How Plumbing Problems Can Add Up!

You are just going out to the mailbox on a nice day. You see that your water bill came. As you open it up, you see a number that could absolutely NOT be how much you owe!?!? What happened? Turns out, there are quite a few tiny problems and bad habits that you could have that add up to a lot of water being used (and wasted!). 1. Any tiny drip. Yes, so you have that faucet in the bathroom that drips, but how much water can it really be letting out? You would be surprised. A faucet that drips once a second will release over 5 GALLONS of water every DAY! If you are handy, change the faucet. If not, a plumber can help you with that. 2. Toilet leaks can be silent. Make sure that you have your toilet checked yearly to make sure there are no leaks. 3. Water is vital for your body, but you know what you do when you fill up the glass. You let it run a little bit so that it will get colder. Instead of doing that and wasting water, try filling up a pitcher and put it in your refrigerator ...

Spring Plumbing Tips

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...

How an Emergency Sump Pump Can Save Your Life

Spring is just around the corner! In fact, it’s only 40 days away. We all know that along with spring comes rainstorms. Some spring days seem like it might never stop raining. This constant rain will create a very real risk of your basement flooding. Prevent basement flooding with an emergency sump pump from Prestige Plumbing, LLC!  Imagine this. You are coming home in the wee hours of the morning from a long vacation. You are exhausted from traveling a long way. You head downstairs to put your dirty laundry from the trip in the washer. You’re almost to the bottom of the stairs when you realize your basement is completely flooded. This is probably the last thing you want to happen. You were hoping to take care of the essentials and get some sleep. Now, you must call the electrician, plumber, and insurance. You’re sitting up making these calls for emergency services and hoping that someone is available to help. Prestige Plumbing, LLC knows how to help you avoid thi...

Benefits of a Navien Tankless Water Heater

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...

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

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...

Little Known Plumbing Facts

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 ...

Why Does My Home Have Low Water Pressure?

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 ...

Basement Flood Prevention

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...

Tree Roots and Plumbing

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 ...

Common Plumbing Questions

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...

Descaling a Tankless Water Heater - How To Do It and Why It's Important

Navien Tankless Water heater installed by Prestige Plumbing Descaling is an important part of tankless hot water heater maintenance . While you don't need to do it monthly, or even yearly, it should be done no less than two years. When a tankless water heater warms water, something called dissolved solids are left behind. Over time, these solids build up in your water heater and can poorly affect the flow and efficiency. In extreme cases, your how water may even overheat leading to major repairs being needed. So how to do descale your tankless water heater? You'll need a few items: 1. A System Descaler - Generally this is composed of a pump, bucket, and a few hoses. 2. Descaling Solution - You will want to ensure this is food safe and biodegradable. 3. Proper Valving - Most of the time this is no worry when your tankless water heater is installed by a professional, but making sure the correct valves are installed it crucial. If you aren't sure or think something i...

Why Isn't My Toilet Flushing Properly?

Toilets are one of the most used, if not the most used, plumbing fixture in a home. When they start to malfunction it can be a big pain to deal with. If you notice your toilet isn't draining all the contents, isn't filling up all the way, or is even making some weird sounds when flushed, chances are there's one of 3 common toilet plumbing issues going on. Sometimes the water level in your tank can be set a little too low, and thankfully this isn't a super serious problem. Your toilet uses a lot of water for a proper flush. If your toilet tank level is set too low, it can lead to your toilet not getting as much water as it needs and not properly filling after flushing. If you check out the inside of your toilet tank, you should see a line that indicates where the water level should be. Most toilet floats in the tank allow you to adjust the water level. Float balls or float cups are the most common styles in modern plumbing. A large portion of our plumbing repair...

Frozen Pipe Prevention

With cooler temps getting closer by the day, it's important to make sure your home or business is ready for the dangers that come along with them. Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing emergencies despite only being a concern for a few months of the year. Frozen pipes lead to not being able to use your water, and can burst leading to flooding. Even if your pipes don't burst, there can be damage done from the ice expanding inside of them. We have a few simple tips to help keep your water flowing freely through your pipes.  Keeping your residential or commercial property warm can go a long way with avoiding frozen pipes. This might seem like a common sense answer however when people leave for holiday trips, they often times turn the thermostat up to save money on heating costs. This small temperature adjustment can be just enough to allow freezing to happen. Keeping the home about 55 degrees is recommended.  Allowing the faucet to drip can keep just enough...

Advantages of Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless Water Heaters are growing in popularity as homeowners are choosing home appliances that are better for the environment and for their wallets. Tankless water heaters work by only producing hot water as needed. There is no storage tank with hot water being held and heated until warmed. When a hot water tap is turned on, water is pulled through the tankless heating unit and is warned by an electric element or gas burner. Since the tankless hot water heater warms water as it is needed, it offers an unlimited supply of hot water. On top of offering hot water outside of what would generally be stored in a tank, hot water heaters are more energy-efficient. Because the "on-demand" heating system only works when it's needed, there is less energy being wasted into heating and maintaining water temp of a traditional tank water heater. On average a tankless water heater used 30-50% less energy than a water heater with a tank. Tankless hot water units are also muc...

Winter Outdoor Plumbing Preperation

Often times we think about the plumbing inside of our house but what about outside of our home? Sure, chances are the outdoor parts of your home don't have as many outdoor plumbing fixtures , but they are just as important. Fall brings a few important things to do to protect the integrity of your outdoor plumbing. Many times they get overlooked until just before winter, until there's an issue, or missed completely. We want to make sure your outdoor plumbing is taken care of though. 1. Outdoor Faucets -- Outdoor faucets are one of the most prone to freezing which can lead to bigger issues with the plumbing inside your house. Switching the water supply off and draining the pipe can prevent water from laying there and freezing. Covering the faucets with styrofoam for insulation also protects them. You can pick up foam faucet igloos at most hardware and home improvement stores. 2. Hoses -- Proper storage of garden and garage hoses can help them last longer. By leaving water...