Category: Maintenance

Expanding Your Shower – Tips

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Most Americans shower daily. When you add it up, you’ll see you’re spending a lot of time spent in an enclosed space so you might as well be comfortable. Unfortunately, home shower stalls are often three by five feet or smaller. Most are barely large enough for an adult to spread out their arms. A bigger shower would allow you more space, however, you may not want to break the bank on a plumbing rehab. If you’re lucky in your current bathroom configuration, there may be a way to expand your shower space without spending a fortune or rearranging your pipes.

Limited Space, Limited Options

Your options for expanding your shower will largely depend on your bathroom’s layout. If you’re on a budget, you don’t want to knock out or move any of the walls. It’s also easier if you can avoid moving your supply lines or getting into other plumbing repairs. So, that limits your expansion options to two directions – away from the shower head and away from the side wall.

If you’re fortunate enough to have some spare space, the project to move the shower walls or door by a foot or more may not be too daunting – either of which could make a huge difference in your bathing experience. You could also upgrade the space with features like a bench, or smart bathing technology. A larger shower area can also make your bathroom more accessible to those with limited mobility or disabilities.

Putting the Pan in Place

The most critical aspect of enlarging your shower is replacing the shower pan. If you’re an expert DIYer, you can build your own custom shower pan using cement and a special membrane. However, most people will have an easier time purchasing a pre-existing shower pan, which will limit your options with the size and dimensions of the shower and may also require you to move the floor drain to line up with the hole in the pan.

It’s absolutely crucial that you install the shower pan correctly; otherwise, water can leak around it promoting mold and mildew growth and slowly undermining your infrastructure. Once the pan is in place, reinstalling larger shower walls and a door is a much less complicated affair – just make sure all the seals around the door are tight so water won’t leak out onto the floor.

True Comfort in Your Bathroom

Expanding your shower can be a tricky, time-consuming process, but the rewards are self-evident when you enjoy all that extra space while you bathe. If you need help with a bathroom remodel or any other plumbing repairs, get in touch with Eastern Plumbing today.

Tips to Avoid a Holiday Clog

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

The upcoming Holiday season is sure to bring many wonderful things. Time spent with family, good food and quality rest are all things to be enjoyed in the coming weeks. While there are so many great things to come, one of the worst things that you are at risk for are clogging drains. Whether it’s a sink or toilet, Holiday clogs are no fun. Here are a few suggestions to avoid dealing drain pains.

Throw Leftovers in the Trash-NOT Toilet or Sink

Turkey legs, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy all need to go in the trash. Bones, skin and other feast paraphernalia will destroy your pipes and cause stoppage. Even if you cook the greatest turkey in the South, your toilet and sink will spit it out. Guaranteed.

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease and your drains should not spend any of the holidays together. Grease will harden inside and cause significant damage to the flow of your toilet and/or sink. Keep them away from each other, just like those two fighting relatives.

Go Easy on the Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is a wonderful thing. But, it is not superman. Bones, grease, noodles and fruit pits are a few examples of things not to throw down there. A best practice is to always feed the garbage disposal slowly instead of trying to choke it. If you rush it, you will pay for it later.

Mesh Screens Save the Day

Everyone should be using a mesh screen in the sink. If not, invest in one this Holiday season. Besides potentially rescuing valuable items from going down the drain, it saves you time and money from clogs and odors. Parts that are too big to go through the screen should not be going down the non-disposal side of your sink. But instead of doing extra work worrying about that, wash without care and let the screen do it for you.

With these tips in mind, Eastern Plumbing knows that accidents happen. If one does, call us, we are always there for you. Feel free to have some holiday cake while waiting.

FAQ

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

The temperature of my hot water seems to be higher than what I think it needs to be, what temperature should it be set on?

The standard temperature manufacturers’ use when pre-setting hot water heaters at the factory is typically 120°F. This is a sufficient temperature for most households; however you can adjust the temperature to meet your needs. Both thermostats should be set to the same temperature. Keep in mind that hot water also helps in minimizing the growth of bacteria. Consult Eastern Plumbing for the recommended temperatures for your particular needs.

NOTE: You should turn off the electricity to the water heater before performing any maintenance. There may be exposed wires behind the panels which could result in shock.

What could the rumbling sound I hear coming from the water heater be?

Rumbling sounds can be an indication that sediment has built up on the bottom of the water heater. Water may become trapped in the sediment and begin to boil. If this is happening, the water heater is not operating efficiently and the sediment isn’t allowing the heat to transfer to the water in the tank. You can try draining a few gallons of water off the bottom of the tank. Water heaters should be drained on an annual basis to remove sediment. Contact Eastern Plumbing if you require maintenance or have questions about your hot water heater.

WARNING: Hot water is dangerous. Discharge the water into a floor drain, laundry tub or bathtub. Hot water will kill your grass if allowed to run on your lawn. Turn off power to water heater prior to draining.

What happens when roots get inside drain lines?

Roots from shrubs and trees can completely fill a pipe with multiple hair-like root masses at each point of entry. These root masses quickly become clogged with toilet tissue, grease and other debris flowing from your home to the main sewer, resulting in reduced flow, slow running drains and in most cases a complete blockage. Once roots have entered the pipe, they continue to grow and expand, exerting considerable pressure at the crack or joint. This increased pressure often breaks the pipe and may result in total collapse, which requires repair or replacement. Some pipe materials are more susceptible to root intrusion than others. Clay tile pipe is easily penetrated and damaged by tree roots. PVC pipe has fewer joints and when properly installed is almost 100% effective against root penetrations. Allow Eastern Plumbing to use state-of-the-art inline drain cameras to view and record your drain problems.

What is the white substance around my shower head and faucet?

The unsightly buildup is mineral deposits. To remove these deposits from the shower head, take a plastic bag and pour a cup of vinegar in it. Place the bag over the shower head and use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the deposits. You might be able to remove the aerators from the faucets and allow them to soak in the vinegar overnight. A professional at Eastern Plumbing can explain water softening and conditioning options available to you.

How can I eliminate the odor coming from my garbage disposal?

This is a common plumbing troubleshooting question. Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposal. To eliminate odors, place ice cubes and lemon peels or orange peels in the disposal, and run for 30 seconds. Next, squirt a little liquid dish detergent into the disposal while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away.

What is the recommendation for replacing a toilet in my home?

When considering any new fixture for your home, we recommend that you choose a fixture made by one of the major manufacturers. Poor mounting and deteriorating rings and seals may cause leaks which can cause costly damage to your home. Keep in mind that many of the new toilets conform to new government standards that require they use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush which can save you money on your water and sewer bills. If you need help with replacing a toilet in your home, contact Eastern Plumbing.

What could be the cause of my recent high water bills?

You may want to check to see if a toilet is leaking. Check the water level in the tank to see if water is overflowing into the overflow pipe. This is the pipe in the middle of the tank which has a small tube connected to it. In the event water is running into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank. Periodic maintenance by an Eastern Plumbing professional will ensure proper operation.

I have a problem with the plumbing in my house making groaning and honking noises.

Hammering pipes can be cause by various things within your piping system. Loose fittings, toilet fill valves and the absence of an expansion tank on your water heater a just a few things which can cause pipes to hammer. If are hearing noises from your water pipes, contact Eastern Plumbing to get a professional diagnosis.

I think my kitchen drains are partially clogged because the sink drains slowly. What do you recommend?

First, you can try using a plunger. Second, you can remove the trap and remove any debris. Third, if the clog is beyond the trap, there are drain augers that extend from about 15 feet to about 50 feet. There are also special enzyme-based drain openers, which may help dissolve buildup in pipes in older homes. You can also call the professionals at Eastern Plumbing and we’d be happy to help.

My Toilet ‘Burps’! What’s Going On?

The common issue of drains that gurgle or burp is caused by inability of air to get into or out of the drainage system. All plumbing fixtures require a p-trap, to keep sewer gas from entering the home. The drainage system requires vents to allow air to move freely through the drainage system. If the vent line becomes obstructed, the air will compress within the system and then push through the p-trap which causes the gurgling or burping sounds. If you are having this problem, please call Eastern Pluming to determine proper solutions.

Strengthen Your Water Heater

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Prolong Your Water Heaters Life with an Inspection

Your water heater is one of the main devices in your homes comfort system. It supplies hot water for use in the dishwasher, washing machine, sinks and showers. Other than your HVAC system, it also uses the most energy. Given its importance, the stakes are high when it comes to keeping your hot water heater running in peak condition. With proper maintenance, you can extend its life and delay the moment when you need to purchase a new model. Read on to learn more.

Getting the Most from Your Household Plumbing

There are several steps you can take yourself to keep the water heater running smoothly:

  • Inspect the Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve. Make sure your pressure valve is working correctly by turning off the power and water to your hot water unit and then tripping the valve. Air, water or vapor should come out – if they don’t, you need to replace the valve. A malfunctioning valve could cause an explosion if the tank becomes over-pressurized.
  • Flush out Your Tank. It’s a good idea to empty the tank once a year or so to remove any sediment that has accumulated inside; and, it’s convenient to take care of this when you’re checking the pressure valve. Turn off the water and power to the water heater, hook a hose up to the drain valve and place the other end somewhere where it’s safe to discharge hot water. Next, with the pressure relief valve already open, flip open the drain valve and let all the water flow out. Close the drain valve and the pressure relief valve. Turn on the water supply for the water heater and turn on your hot water faucets. Wait until water starts coming out before you power up the heater again.
  • Check on Your Anode Rod. The anode rod helps prevent corrosion in your hot water tank and is an essential tool for prolonging its life. You can check on this while the tank is drained by unscrewing the hex head at the top of the tank and pulling out the rod. If there is not much left of the anode rod it is time to replace it. They are typically between three and four feet long. In general, anode rods should last about five years, but it’s a good idea to check on them annually.

Put Your Household Plumbing in Expert Hands

Now is the time to be thinking about your water heater maintenance. With the colder weather your water heater must work harder, so the more vigilant you are about maintenance, the less likely you’ll need an emergency repair or replacement. In addition to your own interventions, a yearly visit from a qualified plumber can catch any problems you missed or weren’t able to resolve and extend the lifespan of your water heater even more.

If you need your hot water heater inspected, or have any other problems with your household plumbing, contact Eastern Plumbing today.

Is It Time to Go Tankless?

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Most homes have conventional tank water heaters, which store dozens of gallons of hot water and maintain a steady temperature so the water is ready when you need it. But there is another type of water heater — tankless – which heats water directly and on demand as it flows through your pipes.

Tankless water heaters offer several benefits, but it’s not the perfect fit for every home or situation. Read more to learn whether upgrading to a tankless water heater makes sense for you and your family.

The Pros of a Tankless Water Heater

The primary advantage of tankless over traditional water heaters is that they’re generally more energy efficient. If you compare Energy Guide stickers of the two types when shopping, or if you browse the data for models that have been certified by Energy Star, you’ll see the difference in estimated energy consumption.

Various models of tankless heaters have their own energy-saving features, but all of them save energy by not storing hot water. With a conventional water heater, stored hot water is constantly cooling which requires frequent re-heating. A tankless heater uses virtually no energy when hot water isn’t being used. And those energy savings could make a big difference in your monthly utility bills.

Tankless heaters also offer these benefits:

  • Their compact size. Tankless heaters are about the size of a briefcase, expanding your range of installation locations and freeing up storage space.
  • Longer lifespan. With the proper maintenance, many tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years.
  • Home value. If you sell your home, the savings potential of a tankless water heater can boost your asking price.

When is Tankless a Bad Fit?

Tankless water heaters will save you money over the long haul, but the upfront cost is quite a bit higher than most conventional water heaters. Not only is the heater itself more expensive, the installation process is typically more as well. And, installing a tankless water heater is not a Do-It-Yourself project. If you’re considering upgrading to a tankless water heater, get an accurate quote so you can calculate whether the long-term savings justify the higher upfront costs.

Just like conventional water heaters, tankless heaters should be sized to the water needs of the household. Each tankless installation should be sized based on the number of fixtures in the house (which use hot water) and the number of occupants can sometimes be a factor. Incoming water temperature should also be considered when choosing the type and number of tankless units which may be required. Each tankless has a specific amount of hot water which it can supply. In the winter the incoming water is colder, which means the tankless will have to raise the temperature more than it would in the summer. Therefore the amount of hot water it can provide will be decreased. Make sure that the tankless water heater or heaters have been properly sized.

Another similarity between the two water heaters is that it always takes at least a few seconds for hot water to reach the faucet. However, with tankless heaters, this delay can be a little longer, resulting in more water waste. This will depend on how close the heater is to the hot water faucet — if your kitchen and master bath are located close together, you’ll ideally install the tankless heater in that area. Some tankless models also offer circulating systems which will decrease wait time.

To get a custom quote and consultation for a tankless water heater upgrade, or for any other plumbing service, call Eastern Plumbing today.

Preparing Your Pool for Fall and Winter

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

It’s time for pool owners to think about winterizing. Unless you live in one of the United States warmer climates, if you haven’t already, you’ll likely be taking your last dip in the pool shortly.

There’s no one-size-fits-all procedure for winterizing your pool. The pool design and accessories, as well as the climate and location, will affect the steps you need to take to keep your pool clean and in good condition until spring arrives next year. If you’re unsure what your pool needs, a knowledgeable plumber can help you prepare for the winter season and can give you advice on what you need to know moving forward.

However, there are a few best practices for most outdoor pools. If you’re going the Do-It-Yourself route and want to be sure you’ve thought of everything, you can pay attention to these steps:

  • Don’t drain the pool unless your specific pool design requires it. Draining and refilling a pool every season uses a large amount of water which could simply be re-treated next season. And, empty in-ground pools could suffer structural damage from the pressure of the soil against the outer walls, and rising groundwater can make a pool float out of the ground.
  • Reduce the water level. Many pools will have a freeze line indicator that shows the proper water level for winterization. This is usually about six inches below the inlets.
  • Use an algaecide from the start of the off-season and check directions to see if you need to reuse in the middle of winter. Preventing algae growth in the winter helps prevent staining and reduces the amount of time and chemical supplies you’ll need to get your pool ready in the spring.
  • Adjust the pH level one final time. In most climates, an appropriate pH falls between 7.0 and 7.8; however, you should consult with a local pool or plumbing professional to determine the ideal level for your pool.
  • Run your pool filter and vacuum thoroughly before shutting down for the winter. Once done, remove, clean and store all external equipment such as pumps and vacuums.
  • Completely drain all external lines. If you live in an extremely cold climate, it may be necessary to pour antifreeze into some of the lines to prevent cracking.
  • Keep your pool covered all season, preferably with a high-quality, all-weather cover designed specifically for your pool. Keep the pool cover clear of leaves, tree branches, snow and other debris as needed throughout the season.
  • The last step is to shut off the circuit breaker, and then your pool equipment is ready for next spring.
Shutting down your pool for the winter can be a big job, and not doing it correctly could result in costly damage. It is definitely worth doing it right the first time, so if you’re unsure of how to protect your pool, call in the pros. Contact Eastern Plumbing today!

7 Easy Plumbing Tips to Save Money

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Have you ever gotten a water bill that was much higher than you expected? Or have you had to call an emergency plumber because your main drain is backed up? These expenses add up, but they can easily be prevented. Follow these simple tips to save money and avoid unnecessary hassles.

Turn off the taps.

Drip. Drip. Drip. A dripping drain makes an annoying sound, but it can be even more annoying when you get your water bill. One dripping tap can waste 15 gallons of water a day and can cost you around $100 every year. Make sure all of your taps are fully closed to prevent dripping. If a fully closed tap continues to drip, call Eastern Plumbing in Greenville at 252-758-7579 because having it repaired or replaced will save you money in the long run.

Low-flow is the way to go.

A low-flow shower head is easy to install and saves much more water (and money) than a normal shower head, which can use over 42 gallons of water per shower. Your teenagers might not appreciate a low-flow head, but your wallet will.

When your toilet talks, listen.

If your toilet is talking to you by making an odd gurgling sound, it may indicate a problem with your main drain. If your main drain was put in before 1980, there’s a chance that it is made of clay and can be easily penetrated by tree roots. A gurgling toilet usually means that roots are putting pressure on your pipes and can lead to them breaking. If your toilet is talking to you, call Eastern Plumbing to inspect your pipes before it is too late.

Keep your drains happy.

With so many ways a drain can become clogged, why not help it out as much as you can? Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down your drains monthly to keep them clean and avoid buildup. This combination is better for your drains (and the environment) than harsh chemical products.

Floss and drains don’t mix.

Dental floss is good for your teeth, but bad for your drains. Make sure you throw away your floss instead of flushing it. Today’s dental floss is shred resistant and can block pipes when it enters the sewage system and joins together with other waste.

Same goes for hair.

Just like floss, hair is bad for your drains. Throw away your discarded hair instead of flushing it down the drain to avoid your toilet becoming backed up.

Test for hidden leaks.

You may be a pro at finding leaks in your home, but some can be hidden and hard to find. To test for hidden leaks, check your water meter before and after a period of time when no water has been used. If the meter has moved, there is probably a hidden leak somewhere in your home. Hidden leaks are best left to the professionals, so call Eastern Plumbing if you discover you may have one.

By following these tips, you can conserve water, lower your water bill and avoid unnecessary emergency calls to a plumber. However, if the time comes and you have an emergency, call Eastern Plumbing and our experience staff will be there for you.

Help Your Overworked Summer Plumbing

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

You might be having a relaxing summer, but your plumbing isn’t. Whether you know it or not, your plumbing gets more of a workout during the summer than any other time of year. This is due to the number of outdoor activities that we enjoy. By following these tips, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly during its summer workout while saving money at the same time!

Check your washing machine regularly.

With more time spent outdoors, that also means more dirty laundry. Since your washing machine will be used more often in the summer, inspect it regularly for leaks or cracks. A leaking washing machine can waste large amounts of water while causing expensive damage to your home. An increase in washing also means an increase in drying. Be sure to dispose of dryer lint regularly to avoid fires and save energy!

Use your dishwasher instead of hand washing.

Most dishwashers today are energy efficient and save gallons of water compared to washing dishes by hand.

Know what can and can’t go in the garbage disposal.

The food at the backyard cookout was great, but now it’s time to clean up. Stringy and fibrous foods like cornhusks, lettuce, and onion peels will cause clogs and should be disposed of in a trash can. Grease and oil are also bad for your drains and should be avoided. If you are cleaning greasy or oily foods, run cold water at full blast for 15 seconds before and after to help your disposal flush everything down.

Be wary of sewer line backups.

This is a common problem during the summer months because rainfall can enter your sewer line through cracks in the pipe. This added pressure may cause the sewer line to back up. Tree roots may also end up causing problems as they search for water during the hot days. Contact Eastern Plumbing today to have one of our trained technicians inspect your sewer line and ensure there are no problems. You might be taking it easy this summer, but your plumbing is hard at work. By following these tips, you can help your plumbing handle any challenges that come its way and keep your summer worry-free.

What to do in a Plumbing Emergency

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. Whether it’s a random occurrence or a problem that has been building for years, they’re sure to cost money and ruin your day. What you do during a plumbing emergency can either limit the damage or make it worse. Follows these tips to keep your emergency as small as possible.

Turn off the water.

This is the first thing you should do for almost all plumbing emergencies. Shutting off the water will stop it from continuing to flow into your house and will minimize damage. If there is only one fixture causing the problem, shut off the water going directly to that fixture. If there is a larger problem, shut off the main valve that can be located somewhere in your home or near your water meter.

Turn your water heater off.

Once your water is off, pressure and hot water can build in your water heater. This can lead to your water heater busting, which would be a plumbing emergency in itself. It can also lead to overheating and could burn someone who uses the hot water for the first time once the water is turned back on. Turn off your water heater to avoid these extra problems.

Open outside spigots.

This will drain the water from your pipes once your water is shut off. By opening the outside spigots, you are directing water outside of your home, which will hopefully lessen the damage inside.

Assess the damage.

Before calling a plumber, try to assess the damage. The more information you provide the plumber beforehand will give them a better idea of the problem when they arrive. This will allow them to fix it faster.

Call a plumber.

Calling a plumber can be the difference between a minor emergency and a major disaster. Whether it is just a leak or your whole house is flooded, a plumber will be able to professionally fix the problem and prevent it from happening in the future.

No one wants a plumbing emergency, but knowing what to do when they happen can make the difference between a small problem and catastrophe. If one should occur, Eastern Plumbing is here to help. Our trained and experienced staff is on call 24/7 and will quickly and professionally fix any emergency you encounter!

6 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Vacation

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Summer is a time for vacation. School is out, the weather is nice, and that trip you’ve been planning for months is finally here. You might be ready for vacation, but that doesn’t mean your home is.  Without proper planning, a plumbing emergency could instantly ruin your trip once you return home. Take a look at these tips to ensure that your home is as ready for vacation as you are.

Check your laundry machine hose.

Your laundry machine hose only lasts about three years. Before you leave make sure your hose doesn’t have any cracks or calcium deposit build up.

Visually inspect your appliances for leaks.

Make sure there is no water on the floor, which could indicate a leak in your appliance. If this is the case, give Eastern Plumbing a call immediately. Inspecting your appliances will help prevent mold and damage that could occur while you’re away.

Avoid foul odors.

You never want to come home from a nice vacation only to have your house smelling bad. Before you leave, run ice cubes and cold water down your garbage disposal to push any food particles down the drain. This will ensure they wash away properly and don’t cause an odor.

Turn off the main shut off valve if you will be gone for multiple weeks.

If you’re going to be gone for a few weeks, consider turning off your main shut off valve. This will not let any water enter your home and will help prevent flooding emergencies. Just be sure to run the remaining water out of your drains after your shut the valve off.

Shut down you water heaters

There is no point in heating water that you aren’t using, so shut off your water heater or put it in vacation mode before you leave. This will help save money on your electric or gas bill depending on what type of water heater you have.

Provide a list of emergency contact numbers.

If you have someone looking after your home while you’re away, leave them a list of contacts in case of emergency and be sure to include Eastern Plumbing!

Summer vacations should be worry free and by following these simple tips they can be. However, if you happen to return home to a plumbing emergency, give Eastern Plumbing a call. Our 24/7 emergency service and highly trained staff can help you with any problem that occurs, hoping to help keep your vacation a great memory.

4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Drain Cleaner

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

With summer quickly approaching, your home’s plumbing drains are more susceptible to being clogged. Kids are home from school and will most likely get into some mischief around the house. Beach trips have become the norm and washing off sand in the shower can build up over time. Bathroom drains seem like an easy thing to fix yourself, but there are many benefits to leaving the task to a professional drain cleaner like Eastern Plumbing.

  1. Safety.
    Chemical cleansers are dangerous and can lead to serious injury if not handled with care. Even store-bought tools won’t perform an adequate job and can also be hazardous without proper training. An experienced plumber like Eastern Plumbing handles hundreds of clogged drains every year and knows how to treat the issue safely.
  2. Efficiency.
    Store-bought solutions don’t always treat the clog the way it should. In many cases, the clog can lead to more plumbing issues down the line. Professionals have access to speciality equipment and can treat the clog right the first time.
  3. Saves money.
    When you use chemical cleansers, you could potentially damage plumbing pipes or other components of your system. This can lead to costly repairs. Eastern Plumbing is licensed and bonded and offers quality work, ensuring that your pipes aren’t inadvertently damaged while repairing a drain.
  4. Experience.
    Having a properly working drain is an important part of our daily lives. When your drain gets backed up, it makes simple household tasks more difficult. When choosing a drain cleaning service, it’s wise to choose a well reviewed, experienced, established and insured service. If you choose not to hire a professional, you could end up spending a lot more money in the long run.
If you have a clogged drain in your kitchen or bathroom, give the experts at Eastern Plumbing a call. We have the experience and skills to fix the problem right the first time, every time.

Tips for Remodeling your Bathroom

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Spring is the busiest time of the year for remodeling your home. People are coming out of hibernation with the warmer weather and are ready to change their surroundings. The bathroom is a practical area to renovate first, and it’s one of the best ways to improve your home’s resale value. Are you considering remodeling your bathroom? Read the following tips before you begin your next home improvement project.

1. Investigate.

Before purchasing new materials for your bathroom, make sure you evaluate the current structure of the room. If you have any hidden rot, rusty pipes or frayed wiring your project can quickly escalate in cost.

2. Plan.

Check the blueprint of your home to determine the plumbing and electrical layouts. You’ll save time and money if you work with the existing system, as rerouting plumbing and electrical lines is expensive.

3. Measure.

Don’t forget to measure your bathtub and any fixtures that you’ll be replacing. Try the showroom samples out before you buy and check to see if the products are user-friendly before you mount them in your bathroom.

4. Choose the right products.

Think about your carbon footprint and choose plumbing fixtures that will help you save money on your water bill. Consider energy-efficient light bulbs to brighten your bathroom. Make the most of the space you have. Glass doors on showers and tubs can make your bathroom appear bigger than it actually is. Additionally, a pedestal sink takes up less space than a vanity. If you need extra storage, consider installing a medicine cabinet.

5. Order beforehand.

Large items like special-order toilets and vanity tops can take several weeks to arrive. Before you demolish your bathroom, make sure everything you need is on hand. Waiting for parts to arrive can be frustrating, but it’s better than tearing up your fixtures and having an unusable bathroom until the new items arrive. When your new products arrive, you’ll know if you need to do any extra work before you rip up your walls.

6. Don’t be afraid to call a professional.

If any part of remodeling takes you out of your comfort zone, call a professional. You might need Eastern Plumbing’s help if your water or drain lines need to be moved. When you’re dealing with electrical or plumbing, DIY mistakes can be a costly disaster.

At Eastern Plumbing, we specialize in remodels and installs. Give us a call today for help with your home renovations.

5 Jobs Best Left to a Professional Plumber

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

As a homeowner, you know firsthand that plumbing repairs are needed when you least expect it. Your first instinct is to follow directions you find online or in repair manuals. However, some jobs are better left to professionals. You could spend hours of valuable time fixing the problem. If you don’t repair it correctly, you can end up paying more money out of your pocket. A small water leak can quickly turn into thousands of dollars of damage, and plumbers charge a premium to make an emergency call.

Here are several examples of jobs you should consider hiring a professional plumber for:

1. Permits

A bathroom remodel or adding a gas line to your backyard for your grill will require a permit and inspection. A professional stays up to date on local, state and national codes and regulations and will know what permits to pull and make sure the job will pass inspection.

2. Low water pressure

Many factors can cause low water pressure, occurring anywhere between the well or city water supply and the water lines. If you try to find the cause by yourself it can take hours, but a professional plumber can quickly troubleshoot the problem and fix it.

3. Sewer line problems

A tree root may be the cause of your sewer line not draining properly. You can rent a machine to fix the problem, but trying to remove the tree root can cause extensive damage to the sewer line. A plumber can resolve the issue without causing further damage.

4. Problems with the main line

Notice any backup in your tub or shower? Your main line may be blocked. Repairing the main line requires special equipment most homeowners do not have. You can rent the equipment, but professionals have the experience to use it to get the problem fixed quickly.

5. No hot water

A number of problems can cause a loss of hot water. If your tank isn’t visibly leaking, it can take hours to find the problem. A professional can troubleshoot both gas and electric heaters to quickly find the problem and make repairs.

Frustrated with plumbing repairs? Our experienced and reliable plumbers are here to help. Give Eastern Plumbing a call!

Preparing Your Plumbing for Warmer Weather

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Spring is upon us! It’s the time of year that many people associate with fresh starts, new beginnings and rejuvenation. While spring cleaning may be on your mind, you may not have thought about maintaining your plumbing system for the new season. With proper care, you can avoid costly repairs and damage in the future. Follow these tips as you prepare your home for sunny days and warmer weather.

  1. Make sure all faucets are functioning normally. Check both inside and outside water lines. Turn each line on and off, one at a time, and listen for any unusual sounds. Low water pressure can mean you have a leak in your line, in which case you may need to call a professional plumber like Eastern Plumbing.
  2. Inspect exposed pipes. Winter weather may have cracked your pipes, which may lead to house damage. Check each pipe and keep an eye out for any green, moldy, damp or mossy areas. The excessive growth may reveal a leak.
  3. Check your toilet for leaks. For every toilet in the house, add a few drops of food coloring to the water tank. If you notice the food coloring in the toilet bowl after several minutes, you have a leak. To repair the problem, the flapper will need to be replaced. Call Eastern Plumbing for assistance in fixing your toilet.
  4. Don’t forget to check outside. Make sure your downspouts are situated away from your foundation and that your storm drains are clear of debris. Dispose of as much buildup as possible to prevent future clogs and flooding.
  5. Drain your water tank. Flush your heater to remove mineral deposits and sediment buildup. If you moved the temperature gauge earlier in the winter,  bring it back down to 120 degrees to save energy. If you’re using an old heater, consider replacing with a tankless water heater.
  6. Inspect your septic system. If your home uses a septic tank, walk around the area where the tank is stored. Any water puddles or wet spots are suspicious and should be evaluated by a professional plumber like Eastern Plumbing.
  7. Test your sump pump. The sump pump is integral to the protection of your home’s foundation, and an improperly working pump can lead to expensive water damage and repair costs. Locate the pump and pour water into the pit. Watch for the pump to run its full cycle. If it fails to turn on or drain the water, you’ll need to contact a professional plumber.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary or see any red flags listed above, contact Eastern Plumbing for a plumbing inspection. In addition to repairs, we can also help you determine best ways to save money throughout the spring and summer season by installing green technology and water conserving fixtures.

8 Essential Plumbing Tools You Shouldn’t Live Without

Posted on by thomas

Plumbing tools are good to have on hand when a sink clogs or a toilet overflows on the weekends, holidays or before a dinner party. For big problems, such as a burst pipe, shut off your water and contact Eastern Plumbing. DIY plumbing requires not only the proper skills, but also the right equipment, to ensure the project is done well. You’ll be able to fix everyday annoyances if you have these essential plumbing tools at your disposal.

1. Plunger.

No home should be without this handy tool. There are several types of plungers and each of them is used for a specific fixture. The cup plunger is used to clear clogs in tubs, showers and sinks. The flange plunger is used to clear toilet clogs.

2. Pipe Wrench.

This tool is useful when it comes to something threaded, such as an iron pipe. It delivers a strong grip and leverage, which allows you to loosen or tighten fixtures, pipes, joints and plumbing parts. Buy two pipe wrenches–one for gripping and holding, one for turning.

3. Sink Snake.

Also referred to as a sink auger, this tool is a must-have when getting rid of clogs in your sink or tub drain. It breaks down solid materials into smaller pieces so you can grab them out of the pipes.

4. Toilet Auger.

This tool is also known as the water closet augur or closet auger. It works like a sink auger only that it’s specifically designed for toilets. Toilet augers allow people to break up clogs and retrieve obstructions that are causing blockages.

5. Faucet Packing and Washers.

Having faucet packing and washers on hand will save you a lot of hassle during plumbing emergencies that involve your faucets. Use these tools when your kitchen tap leaks or your tub faucet is loose.

6. Screw Drivers.

Most likely, you already have one of these tools lying around the house. Various shapes and sizes are preferred because there are so many different types of screws to remove when doing plumbing repairs.

7. Hacksaw.

This versatile saw is used to cut through metal pipe, hardware, screws, nuts and bolts and plastic pipe. Make sure the blade is tense in the frame for tough cuts, and be sure to keep extra blades on hand. Consider more than one type of saw if possible, such as one large and one small, for different repairs.

8. Caulking gun.

A caulking gun has a metal frame and a trigger that holds and applies caulk to seal seams around the edges of tubs and sinks. Caulk can be made of silicone or latex, and is used to bond a wide-range of materials.