Did You Just Move Into A New Home? Here Are Plumbing Tips From A Licensed Emergency Plumber | San Antonio, TX
If you’re a new homeowner who just bought a new home or have moved into an apartment, read this article for helpful plumbing tips that prevent costly repairs and plumbing emergencies. If you have questions, please contact an emergency plumber in San Antonio, TX. Feel free to get in touch with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain + HVAC of San Antonio as well.
Helpful Plumbing Tips for All Homeowners
Below are effective plumbing tips straight from an emergency plumber:
1. Buying a New Plumbing Appliance? Read the Manual
If you just bought a new garbage disposal or water softener, don’t forget to read the manual first especially when you haven’t tried using that particular model. Reading the manual and understanding it can help prevent costly repairs and other issues with your plumbing appliance. The manufacturer might also provide instructions on how to install the unit but try not to install it on your own. Call an emergency plumber to help you professionally install the unit.
Should you have other concerns with your plumbing appliances, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an emergency plumber in bluefrog Plumbing + Drain + HVAC of San Antonio or contact the manufacturer directly. Never use the product unless you’re certain how to properly operate it. You can avoid costly repairs or replacements if you know how the product works and how to operate it.
2. Get a Plumbing Inspection
Do you want to keep your entire plumbing system in excellent shape? Call an emergency plumber in San Antonio, TX for a routine inspection. Before you move to your new apartment or home, our team can check your entire plumbing system, including the appliances and fixtures, to ensure it’s working properly. If there are issues, we’ll surely let you know and we’ll fix that too, within the same day.
A plumbing inspection gives you an assurance that your plumbing is in excellent shape and there are no major issues that might lead to catastrophic damage. Our plumbing experts at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain + HVAC of San Antonio can help with routine plumbing inspections. As soon as we receive your call, we’ll check your entire plumbing right away and we’ll never leave until we’re certain everything is in good working condition.
3. Get Energy-Efficient Appliances
Do you want to conserve water and energy to save money? Consider investing in low-flow fixtures such as low-flow showerheads and toilets. You can also save money with a dual-flush toilet. For installation though, make sure to only hire a licensed plumber in San Antonio, TX. It’s the only way to ensure all of the fixtures are properly installed and in excellent shape.
Get an energy-efficient water heater especially when the water heater in your home is more than seven years old. You can conserve a lot of energy and save money with a tankless water heater because there’s no standby heat loss with the tankless unit because you only consume energy when you turn on the tap, making it the most energy-efficient option. A tankless water heater also lasts longer than a conventional unit. A standard water heater only lasts 10 years while a tankless water heater can last 20 years. Just make sure you know how to maintain your water heater so that you get to maximize its service life.
You can maintain the water heater by flushing the unit at least once a year or more than once if there’s hard water in your plumbing. Be mindful of low water pressure too. Sediment can build up faster when the water pressure is low which means you may have to flush the water heater more than once. Also, you need professional water heater maintenance; an emergency plumber can check if your water heater is working efficiently and if you have clean water in the tank. For other problems with your unit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with an emergency plumber.
4. Install Several Shut-Off Valves
A shut-off valve is a device that stops the flow of water. When there’s a leak in your plumbing, the first thing you need to do is turn off the shut-off valve to prevent further damage. However, most homeowners have shut-off valves in the basement. This is okay as long as you have other shut-off valves installed near your plumbing appliances. It might be difficult to turn it off when you only have one shut-off valve installed in the basement and the basement starts flooding. It’s always better to have several of them. Talk to an emergency plumber in San Antonio, TX, if you’re planning to install more shut-off valves in your home.
In addition to shut-off valves, don’t forget to also get leak detection devices and make sure you connect them to your mobile phone or tablet. Once connected to a device, the leak detection device can send you notification alerts when it detects a leak in your plumbing. These devices can also shut off your water to prevent further damage to your plumbing. Some devices can even detect fluctuations in water temperatures and other problems with your plumbing. We recommend installing them near your water heater, garbage disposal and plumbing pipes. For installation, please hire a licensed emergency plumber only.
5. Insulate the Plumbing Pipes
If you move during winter, please don’t forget to check the plumbing pipes. Are they well insulated? You need to cover all exposed pipes with insulating material so that the water inside them doesn’t freeze. Because when the water freezes, the plumbing pipes can actually expand and then burst. You will have an even bigger problem when they burst.
You can also prevent water from freezing by slightly opening the faucet so that warm water can flow through the pipes or by opening the cabinet doors in the kitchen. Don’t turn off your heating so that warm air can circulate and warm the pipes. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with an emergency plumber.
6. Hire the Right Professional
When it comes to plumbing repairs, please make sure you only hire a licensed emergency plumber in the area. It’s the only way to make sure the job gets done right the first time. Remember, plumbing repairs can be very expensive, which is why it’s important to hire a licensed emergency plumber only. You have assurance when you hire the right professional to take care of your water heater and other plumbing fixtures.
Don’t hire someone without a license because he may not be familiar with the plumbing codes and may not be fully equipped. You need someone who has all the tools and someone that prioritizes your safety most of all. A handyperson may charge his services at a lower price but you can’t be certain he can permanently resolve the problem. A licensed emergency plumber, on the other hand, has had years of training in the field and is experienced to tackle any plumbing problem including major plumbing emergencies. Most importantly, he’s insured so if he’s injured while on the job, you will not have to pay for his medical expenses. Don’t worry though, our plumbing experts will prioritize your safety most of all. We also have everything we need including safety tools and equipment.
7. Don’t Ignore a Plumbing Problem
As a first-time homeowner, part of your responsibility is to never postpone a plumbing problem. If there are problems with your drains and the garbage disposal, contact an emergency plumber in San Antonio, TX the soonest possible time. Don’t wait for the problem to progress into something serious, something that will cost an arm and a leg in repairs and replacements. With our help, you never have to worry about your plumbing anymore for we will always make sure everything is in excellent shape. Rest assured, we do everything to keep your plumbing as efficient as possible. Our plumbing experts never cut corners and always go the extra mile to keep all of our clients happy and satisfied. We’re also fully equipped so if something comes up during the service call, there’s no need to call us again to set up another appointment. We will do our best to resolve the issue as quickly as possible or within the same day.
8. Get Professional Drain Cleaning
One of the things you need to remember as a homeowner is that slow drains usually progress into a major drain clog which is why you need to take care of the problem as soon as possible. And remember, clogs are also associated with other plumbing problems including water damage, pest infestation and having a smelly kitchen. You want to avoid this by taking care of your drains. When you have slow drains, we suggest you get a professional drain cleaning service. As much as possible, avoid using chemical-based drain cleaners in getting rid of a clog. Heavily advertised cleaners can only damage your pipes and may even cause health problems.
Never use chemical-based drain cleaners especially when you have children at home or pets. Or if you really want to use them, make sure you follow instructions and you don’t mix them with other chemical cleaners.
9. Watch the Water Pressure
How’s the water pressure in your new home? If you have a water pressure that’s less than 40 PSI, it means you have low water pressure and there might be a leak somewhere in your plumbing. We suggest you contact an emergency plumber in San Antonio, TX for professional leak detection. Our plumbing experts can help you locate the leak and fix the problem permanently.
When water pressure is high or when it reaches above 60 PSI, get a water pressure regulator to help you regulate your home’s water pressure. Call a plumber about this so he can help you
10. Install a Garbage Disposal
If you’re having problems disposing of your food waste, we suggest you contact an emergency plumber to install a garbage disposal. This appliance can help you effectively manage your food waste. However, do make sure you know how to properly use it. Avoid grinding large food particles or bones as this can damage the unit. Call an emergency plumber if you need further help with your garbage disposal.
11. Avoid DIY Plumbing
DIY plumbing projects are okay as long as they don’t involve major repairs and major plumbing installations. It’s probably okay to fix a leaky faucet but not to fix a leaky pipe. You need professional help with the latter.
12. Get Professional Installation
Are you buying a new plumbing appliance? Then make sure you get a professional installation. Most manufacturers would require all homeowners to get professional installation so that they get to keep the warranty. You need the warranty in case there are repairs that need to be done. Don’t worry, all of our plumbing experts can install any plumbing appliance or fixture. We can even help you make an informed decision on which appliance or fixture to install for your home.
13. Don’t Ignore a Leaky Toilet
Are you aware that you can waste hundreds of gallons with a leaky toilet? You need to address this problem if you don’t want to pay higher water bills. You can test for toilet leaks by pouring food coloring into the toilet tank. Check the toilet bowl after 15 minutes. If the water changes colors, that means there’s a leak in the toilet. Call an emergency plumber right away.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain + HVAC of San Antonio Today
Do you need the services of an emergency plumber in San Antonio, TX? You’ve come to the right place. We can take care of any plumbing issue, big or small. We can even help you take care of a major plumbing emergency.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain + HVAC of San Antonio today for an appointment. We’re always available to help!
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