Plumber Tips: How To Get The Maximum Lifespan Out Of Your Home’s Plumbing System | Helotes, TX
As a homeowner, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning water heater or a flooded home. Both can cost you a fortune in repairs and restorations. If you don’t care for your plumbing, it may not be enough to get your appliances or fixtures repaired. You may need to get them replaced, which will cost you more money. Read this article if you want to prevent costly plumbing problems and save money on your plumbing.
Avoid DIY Plumbing
If you have basic plumbing tools, it may be possible to do some minor repairs. But for major plumbing issues and installations, please get in touch with a licensed plumber in Helotes, TX. For example, some homeowners would attempt to install their own water heater or fix a leak — and they turn to YouTube videos for this. While DIY videos can help, they may not provide you with the important information you need to know. In addition, it may not give you additional instructions if something goes wrong while attempting to do repairs.
You can avoid further issues with your plumbing by always calling a professional. Our plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio have been helping out homeowners for several years. We can resolve any plumbing issue from burst pipes to overflowing toilets and clogged drains. Also, we operate 24/7 to accommodate those needing emergency services. Call us anytime, and we are more than happy to help out. And rest assured, we work hard to ensure you’re delighted with our services.
Keep a Plumbing Checklist
Keep track of your appliances and fixtures that need to be looked at. Better yet, create a plumbing checklist and periodically inspect your plumbing for any issues that need to be addressed. If there are problems, make some notes and call a plumber for an inspection.
Check these regularly:
- Plumbing pipes
- Water heaters
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Sump pump
- Garbage disposal
- Water meters
- Outdoor plumbing
- Kitchen and laundry plumbing
- Shut off valves
- Toilets
Never ignore any problems as that might lead to a costly plumbing emergency. When you have slow drains, we recommend getting them checked asap. Otherwise, that would only lead to a major drain clog.
Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
Heavily advertised cleaners are not permanent solutions to fixing clogged drains. When not used properly, these types of cleaners will only damage your plumbing pipes. You could also injure yourself if you’re not careful with them.
Use a plunger or drain snake to fix a clogged drain. You should be able to resolve minor clogs with these plumbing tools. If you can’t resolve them, it’s best to contact a plumber in Helotes, TX, asap. Better yet, get a professional drain cleaning service to ensure your drains are in top shape.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Some homeowners would call a professional only when they already have issues with their plumbing. Please don’t do this — instead, schedule a regular plumbing inspection with a licensed plumber. You can avoid costly plumbing repairs and emergencies when the problem is addressed sooner.
During the inspection, a plumber would check your entire plumbing system, including your appliances and plumbing fixtures. They will inform you of any issues and provide you with cost-effective plumbing solutions.
When scheduling an inspection, do make sure it’s only through a licensed professional. Unlicensed professionals may offer their services at a lower price, but you don’t get a guarantee. With bluefrog Plumbing Drain of San Antonio, rest assured that we will thoroughly inspect your plumbing and make sure everything is in good working condition. We’ll also let you know should there be problems that need attention.
Take Care of Your Appliances
Please read the manual before using an appliance for the first time. If you’re confused about properly using your unit, contact the manufacturer or a professional that can assist you. Also, only work with licensed professionals in installing new appliances or plumbing fixtures for your home. You can avoid problems with incorrect installation by always working with qualified people. Also, some manufacturers would require you to get professional installation only. Otherwise, your warranty may be voided.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio today! Our team can install any water heater, dishwasher, washing machine or garbage disposal. Let us know if you have questions, too, and we are more than happy to assist. Or if you need help deciding what unit to purchase, let us know so we can help you make an informed decision.
Prevent Future Clogs
Slow drains are the first sign of a major clog in your plumbing. But you can avoid this by installing strainers in your bathroom, laundry, and kitchen sink. Never throw grease, food particles, and dirt in the drains as they can lead to a clog. Consider installing a garbage disposal to help you manage food waste. Most importantly, contact a professional for a drain cleaning service. Our team is equipped with the right tools and equipment to help us look at the interior of your drains, diagnose the problem and resolve the issue permanently. We never use chemicals to fix your drains as we know how damaging they are to your home’s plumbing. Rest assured, we only implement natural and cost-effective solutions for fixing drain problems.
Regulate the Water Pressure
The ideal water pressure should be between 45 and PSI. You must buy a pressure regulator when the water pressure in your home is higher than 55 PSI. If you don’t address the problem, the high water pressure can severely strain and damage the pipes. Eventually, they will break and burst. Signs you have high water pressure include running toilets, higher bills, leaking faucets, loud appliances and noisy pipes. If you have no idea how to regulate the water pressure in your home, please get in touch with a professional today!
Install a Water Softener
There’s nothing wrong with using hard water, but too much concentration of minerals can damage your appliances and fixtures. To remedy the problem, consider installing a water softener in your home. Then contact a professional for installation.
What To Do in a Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency is one of the things you need to avoid as a homeowner. Dealing with a burst pipe or a leaky water heater can be stressful and expensive. While most plumbing emergencies can be avoided, some occur unexpectedly. So what do you do when you suddenly find yourself in a flooded home?
We recommend having an emergency plumber in Helotes, TX, that you can contact right away during a plumbing emergency. That’s where we come in. Our plumbers are fully licensed and experienced in tackling any emergency plumbing problem, from gas leaks to burst pipes or clogged drains. We’re also fully equipped, so there’s no need to set another appointment. Our team will make sure to resolve the issue within the day or the soonest possible time.
During a plumbing emergency — and especially when there’s a risk of flooding or a gas leak — you must first stay calm. When the pipes burst, shut off the water supply and drain the water heater or the tap. Clean the area immediately to prevent mold growth. If there’s a gas leak, please open all the windows for proper ventilation. Don’t attempt to repair the problem on your own. Dealing with gas can be dangerous, especially when you’re not trained. It’s best to contact a plumber in your area, as soon as possible to help you resolve the problem.
Common plumbing emergencies:
Below are some of the plumbing emergencies you may encounter at home. Please get a hold of a professional immediately to take care of the problem.
Burst Pipes
Homeowners must insulate the pipes when the temperature starts dropping. Otherwise, the water inside them can freeze, and the pipes can burst. Pipes can also burst when there’s high water pressure; they put too much strain on the pipes. You need to immediately call a plumber in Helotes, TX, to help you fix the problem.
Remember, water damage can cost you a fortune in repairs and restorations. Thankfully, some of them can be avoided. To prevent burst pipes, make sure to protect them during winter. You can also slightly open the faucet so that warm water can flow through them. If you need more assistance, please contact a plumber. Our professional plumbers are more than happy to assist anytime!
No Water
Call the utility company first, as the problem might be on their end. You may want to also check with your neighbors to see if they are having the same problem. If not, contact a plumber in Helotes, TX, for an inspection. Our plumbers are highly trained and experienced in resolving any plumbing job, big or small. Contact us at your earliest convenience, and we’ll quickly dispatch a professional to your home or business.
Broken Washing Machine Hose
What type of washing machine hoses are you using? We recommend switching stainless steel washing machine hoses as they are less susceptible to damage. They also last longer than rubber hoses. A broken washing machine hose can be an expensive problem especially when your laundry room is situated upstairs. We recommend calling a plumber immediately to help you fix the problem. If you’re planning to install a new set of washing machine hoses, please contact a licensed and reliable plumbing professional — contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio today. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Flooded Basement
You can prevent flooding in the basement by installing a sump pump. However, it’s also essential to test this device before using it to ensure it works. To test the sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit, just enough to turn the pump on. It should drain the water in the pit — and if it doesn’t, contact a plumber in Helotes, TX, so that they can inspect your unit.
When there is a coming storm, we recommend buying backup batteries for your sump pump. The backup will come in handy in a power outage. Also, remember to always perform regular sump pump maintenance to ensure the unit is always efficient. Finally, if you have other concerns about your device, please don’t hesitate to contact a professional in your area.
Leaky Water Heater
If you have a tank-type water heater installed, it’s crucial to flush out the sediment buildup at least once a year or more when there’s a high concentration of hard water in your plumbing. You could damage the unit when you fail to remove the mineral buildup inside the tank.
You can avoid leaky water heaters by switching to the tankless version. It may be a little expensive, but you get to save energy in the long run. For installations, contact a licensed plumber.
Any Leak in the Plumbing
If you suspect there might be something wrong with your plumbing, it’s best to get in touch with a professional plumber asap. Why? They could lead to even bigger problems like mold growth and issues with your home’s foundation. You can also avoid pest infestation by fixing leaks in your plumbing. This is considered an emergency, even if it’s just a small faucet leak. Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio today so our team can help you remedy the problem.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio
Do you need the services of a licensed plumber in Helotes, TX? bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio is here to help! Our team of professionals goes the extra mile to permanently resolve your issue. Get in touch with us if you need help with any plumbing repair, installation or maintenance. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, including professional drain cleaning and leak detection. Contact us today for an appointment.