Blog - Action Plumbing

Common Plumbing Noises

July 26, 2017 By Action Plumbing

Many home and business owners don’t notice common plumbing noises until nighttime, when quiet has finally set in. Then suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a clank or clunk can throw you into a tailspin and make you wonder if something is seriously wrong with your plumbing system.

More often you’ll find that every day noises are no cause for alarm, however, it’s important to note that ignoring important signals could create major problems. So how are you suppose to know the difference? Here are a few of the most common plumbing noises you may encounter with explanations to help you determine whether or not you need to take action.

Rushing Water

If you listen carefully, it can be easy to figure out whether the sound of rushing water is coming from inside a drain line or from a major leak. Remember, your dishwasher and washing machine needs to release wastewater. This wastewater is discharged directly into your drain line and heads out into your drainage system, sometimes creating an audible “whoosh” that can easily catch you off guard.

Dripping Water

Dripping water is the sound of money wasted on your water bill, and typically the sign of a leaky pipe. It could also simply be a leaky toilet or faucet, so it’s important to locate the source of the drip and determine whether it requires a simple fix or the help of a professional plumber.

Rumbling

It’s very common for sediment to build up inside your water heater. When this sediment heats up, it releases moisture into the tank, causing a rumble or popping sound. If you hear something like this happening, it’s a good sign that your water heater is in need of maintenance so that the corrosion causing sediment can be removed.

Banging

Although a loud bang can be jarring, it is often caused by a pipe hitting something nearby as your water is running through it. A common fix for this is adding additional insulation to muffle the sound.

If you have questions about the most common plumbing noises or would like to talk to a specialist to help you determine what’s causing noises in your plumbing system, contact Action Plumbing today!

How to Check for Water Leaks

July 20, 2017 By Action Plumbing

how to check for water leaks It’s important that you check for water leaks on a regular basis for several reasons. Most importantly, finding a water leak early can prevent you from having more serious problems later on. Also, fixing even a small leak can help you save water and keep your water bill down.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to check for water leaks to make the process as easy as possible:

Outside Faucet Testing

While you’re making the most of your outdoor space, it’s a good time to occasionally check your faucets, especially if they aren’t used regularly. Turning them on and off to check for pressure and potential leaks can help you recognize any potential problems.

Testing Toilets

Testing your toilet for leaks is actually a lot easier than you may think. You can do this any time of day and get immediate results.

Open the lid to the tank and put 1 teaspoon of food coloring inside.
Wait approximately 15 minutes.
Don’t flush the toilet while you wait!
Take a peek inside the toilet bowl. If the water has food coloring in it, then you’ve definitely got a leak. If it’s clear … than you’re in the clear!

Uncovering Pipe Damage

It can be easy to forget about the pipes located in the dark recesses of your basement, but it’s important to check them periodically to make sure everything is running properly. Start by checking pipes located under your sinks then progressively dig deeper into your living areas and your basement using a flashlight to look for leaky areas.

Discovering Drainage Problems

If you notice soggy ground even on particularly hot and dry summer days, this could be an indication that you have a leaking pipe. In this case, we highly recommend getting the help of a professional.

If you have any questions on how to check for water leaks or have uncovered a leaky pipe, Action Plumbing is ready to help!

Tips to Avoid Summer Plumbing Problems

June 23, 2017 By Action Plumbing

Now that winter months are finally behind us, frozen pipes are a thing of the past. However, warm weather brings its own problems, and it’s important to know how to prevent them. From clogged toilets to flooded basements, there’s a lot you can do to keep your home plumbing running smoothly. Here are a few tips to avoid summer plumbing problems from the experts at Action Plumbing:

Be Careful with What You Flush

A problem free toilet is the key to keeping things on track, but now that summer’s here, there’s a lot more people home during the day and even during the night since many extra-curricular activities may be on hold. The more kids you have in the house, the more chance there is for something to clog up your toilet.

Talk to your kids about why it’s important to avoid toilet clogs. Tell them about the clean up expense and how toilet overflows can easily spread bacteria. And most importantly, let them know that there are certain items that should never be flushed, like paper towels and baby wipes.

Avoid Tree Roots

There’s a good reason experts recommend that trees or plants with a strong root system be planted a safe distance away from your home’s foundation. Even the slightest leak in your sewer line give roots an opportunity to find the water they so desperately crave, and the room to grow and block up pipes.

If you have very slow drains, or your toilet is backing up into your shower or bathtub, chances are a tree or plant root may be causing a blockage in your sewer line.

Replace Washing Machine Hoses

Inspect your washing machine hoses for leaks, cracks, or bulges. Remember, now that your family is spending more time at home, you likely have more laundry to do, which adds extra stress on both you and your washing machine!

A normal washing machine lasts only about 5 years, so replacing your hoses regularly could be the most important thing you do to prevent a flooded basement. Be on the lookout for leaks behind your machine and always make sure that the connection to your water supply pipes is snug.

If you have any additional tips to avoid summer plumbing problems, feel free to leave your ideas in the comments below!

How to Get Your Plumbing Ready for Vacation

June 20, 2017 By Action Plumbing

So you’ve got your bags packed, your itinerary planned, and you’re ready to hit the road? Whether you’re going by train, plane, or automobile, there’s one more thing you should think about before taking off on your family vacation. Read on to find out how to get your plumbing ready for vacation so you can really kick back and relax worry free.

Find a Friend

Nothing gives you more peace of mind then knowing someone is keeping an eye on your property just in case something unexpected happens. Having an extra set of eyes and a friend who’s willing to alert you if the need should arise is always a good idea.

Turn Off the Mains

Avoid potential accidents by turning of the main water valve while you’re away. You can also shut off any additional water valves you have in your home if want to be thorough.

Clear Your Gutters

You never know if you’re going to be a sudden down pour while you’re away, which is why you should take extra care to ensure your gutters are clutter free. Clear away any blockages like leavis, sticks, nests, and other debris to keep them draining freely.

Sump Pump Testing

Pour some water into your sump pit to check and see if the sump pump removes the water properly. It’s better to make sure everything’s working properly before going away just in case your gutters fail.

Turn Down the Heat

Keep your water heater at a low setting while you’re away to help bring down your energy bill, consider turning it off.

Keep the Pool Pump On

You may think you’re saving energy by turning off your pool pump, but you’re really running the risk of creating algae build-up. Keep your pump on so you come home to a nice, clean pool.

If you have any questions on how to get your plumbing ready for vacation, feel free to reach out Action Plumbing today!

The Truth About Plumbers

May 18, 2017 By Action Plumbing

For some homeowners, DIY plumbing fixes just come naturally. For others, the whole concept of plumbing is a complete mystery better left to the professionals. No matter which of these two categories you fall into, it’s helpful to have a good understanding of the truth about plumbers and the activities, responsibilities, and risks professional plumbers undertake day in and day out.

Plumbing is Hard Work

The amount of physical strain experienced by a professional plumber is no joke. Musculoskeletal injuries are highly common and caused by the countless number of awkward positions plumbers find themselves in regularly in order to get work done. Not to mention injuries incurred from slips or falls on wet flooring and burns from heating equipment or hot pipes.

Plumbing is Lonely

This can be a bonus for those who prefer to work alone, but the downside is you’re the only worker hauling your heavy equipment and tools. When it’s time to pull out the major machinery needed to reach areas like waste disposal lines and water supplies, you’re typically on your own.

Plumbing Requires Skills

Plumbing involves so much more that finding and fixing stubborn clogs. Plumbers are extremely skilled laborers who are experts in diagnosing your plumbing problems and determining the most effective and efficient means to solve those problems. This includes using a wide variety of equipment, understanding regulations and building codes, and reading and preparing blueprints as well.

Plumbing is Dangerous

Plumbers are often exposed to some pretty nasty conditions that can potentially make a person very sick. For instance, raw sewage can harbor many types of bacteria like dysentery, tetanus, hepatitis, salmonella, leptospirosis, E.coli, and worse. They are also exposed to many dangerous materials like lead, harsh chemical drain cleaners, and asbestos. Plumbers really do put their lives on the line every single day, which is why so important that they know what it is that needs to be done in any given situation.

The Truth About Plumbers from Action Plumbing

The professionals at Action Plumbing our proud to face whatever plumbing problems come their way, and have the training, skills, and expertise necessary to performs their jobs safely, thoroughly, and effectively. For more information about our invaluable staff of dedicated plumbers, contact us anytime.