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Do You Need Electric Water Heater Repair? 

Fortunately, if you’re an astute and attentive homeowner,  you’ll notice the following 5 things that will tell you to schedule an electric water heater repair before it actually goes out: 

1. Water Heat Fluctuates

If you don’t have any hot water, it could be because somebody just ran a load of dishes or laundry. But if the temperature of the water goes from that wonderful hot water to barely hot enough and back again to exceptionally hot, it is time to either flush the tank yourself or schedule a professional electric water heater repair. 

2. Low Pressure

If there is any mineral deposit that is causing the heat to fluctuate, it can also minimize the pressure the hot water is coming out. If you don’t have the same water pressure as you’re used to having, try to do your own electric water heater repair by flushing the tank. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll need to call a professional plumber.

3. Leaking

This may seem obvious that you need an electric water heater repair, but surprisingly, a leaking water heater isn’t always immediately noticeable. Every month, as you replace smoke alarm batteries, inspect your water heater for possible leaks. 

4. Smell or Taste

If the water coming from your water heater has an odor or tastes strange, you need to call a professional to inspect your water heater, repair may be possible, starting with flushing the tank and lines first. If that doesn’t make the water smell and taste better, it is time to replace the unit. 

5. Unusual Noises

Electric water heaters will make some noises, but if that noise is getting louder every day, from banging and clanging to knocking and popping, it is time to schedule professional electric water heater repair. 

Whom do you call for electric water heater repairs? 

While an electric water heater is considered an appliance, electric water heater repairs are not done by an appliance repairman in most cases. If you call the basic appliance repair man, confirm they do water heater repairs too. If not, call a plumber. 

How much are electric water heater repairs? 

There isn’t any set pricing when it comes to household appliance repairs. Many plumbers will have a flat rate for electric water heater repairs, but if the repairs become more detailed, the rate could go hourly plus parts.

How long does it take to repair an electric water heater? 

In most cases, an electric water heater repair can be completed within an hour. If it takes longer than an hour, a water heater replacement may be necessary.

What are the most common causes of electric water heater failure? 

Unfortunately, no matter what brand of electric water heater you have installed and how well you follow through with having it flushed on a regular basis, they won’t last forever. Some common causes for end-of-life water heaters are: 

1. Corrosion: The anode rod is inside the water heater tank, and it is a  sacrificial part of the water heater. This part should be checked by a professional once a year and replaced. If you got years without checking the anode rod, there is a good chance you’ll be replacing the water heater soon. 
2. Too High Pressure: When the water pressure going into the water heater is too high, it can cause damage to the water heater, the plumbing pipes, and any water-based appliances that use hot water. 
3. Sediment Buildup:  No matter where you live, your water will have sediment and if you don’t do the recommended annual flushing, it will build up inside the tank until it can’t heat the water anymore.  
4. Too small: Water heaters come in different sizes and even if it costs more, you need to purchase one that can handle the requirements of your household. 
5. Venting: This can be dangerous, especially with a gas-powered water heater.  You’ll know you have venting problems by seeing burn marks on the exterior of the water heater. 
6. Age: The average lifespan for any water is a maximum of 12 years. In some rare cases, a water heater may last 15 years. If your water heater is 8 years old or older and showing any of the signs we’ve mentioned, it is time to replace the unit before it does go out. 

Keep Your Water Heater Hot and Flowing

Our team is ready to help with your electric water heater repair in Fort Worth, TX. If you need assistance with your damaged or broken water heater please reach out to us at (817) 560-4144 today.

Are there signs that you need electric water heater repair? 

Fortunately, if you’re an astute and attentive homeowner,  you’ll notice the following 5 things that will tell you to schedule an electric water heater repair before it actually goes out: 

1. Water Heat Fluctuates

If you don’t have any hot water, it could be because somebody just ran a load of dishes or laundry. But if the temperature of the water goes from that wonderful hot water to barely hot enough and back again to exceptionally hot, it is time to either flush the tank yourself or schedule a professional electric water heater repair. 

2. Low Pressure

If there is any mineral deposit that is causing the heat to fluctuate, it can also minimize the pressure the hot water is coming out. If you don’t have the same water pressure as you’re used to having, try to do your own electric water heater repair by flushing the tank. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll need to call a professional plumber.

3. Leaking

This may seem obvious that you need an electric water heater repair, but surprisingly, a leaking water heater isn’t always immediately noticeable. Every month, as you replace smoke alarm batteries, inspect your water heater for possible leaks. 

4. Smell or Taste

If the water coming from your water heater has an odor or tastes strange, you need to call a professional to inspect your water heater, repair may be possible, starting with flushing the tank and lines first. If that doesn’t make the water smell and taste better, it is time to replace the unit. 

5. Unusual Noises

Electric water heaters will make some noises, but if that noise is getting louder every day, from banging and clanging to knocking and popping, it is time to schedule professional electric water heater repair. 

Whom do you call for electric water heater repairs? 

While an electric water heater is considered an appliance, electric water heater repairs are not done by an appliance repairman in most cases. If you call the basic appliance repair man, confirm they do water heater repairs too. If not, call a plumber. 

How much are electric water heater repairs? 

There isn’t any set pricing when it comes to household appliance repairs. Many plumbers will have a flat rate for electric water heater repairs, but if the repairs become more detailed, the rate could go hourly plus parts.

How long does it take to repair an electric water heater? 

In most cases, an electric water heater repair can be completed within an hour. If it takes longer than an hour, it usually leads to needing a water heater replacement. 

What are the most common causes of electric water heater failure? 

Unfortunately, no matter what brand of electric water heater you have installed and how well you follow through with having it flushed on a regular basis, they won’t last forever. Some common causes for end-of-life water heaters are: 

1. Corrosion: The anode rod is inside the water heater tank, and it is a  sacrificial part of the water heater. This part should be checked by a professional once a year and replaced. If you got years without checking the anode rod, there is a good chance you’ll be replacing the water heater soon. 
2. Too High Pressure: When the water pressure going into the water heater is too high, it can cause damage to the water heater, the plumbing pipes, and any water-based appliances that use hot water. 
3. Sediment Buildup:  No matter where you live, your water will have sediment and if you don’t do the recommended annual flushing, it will build up inside the tank until it can’t heat the water anymore.  
4. Too small: Water heaters come in different sizes and even if it costs more, you need to purchase one that can handle the requirements of your household. 
5. Venting: This can be dangerous, especially with a gas-powered water heater.  You’ll know you have venting problems by seeing burn marks on the exterior of the water heater. 
6. Age: The average lifespan for any water is a maximum of 12 years. In some rare cases, a water heater may last 15 years. If your water heater is 8 years old or older and showing any of the signs we’ve mentioned, it is time to replace the unit before it does go out. 

Keeping It Hot & Flowing

To keep your electric water heater flowing with hot water, do the recommended maintenance found in the owner’s manual. Or refer to the plumber that installed your water heater and ask about a maintenance plan with them. If you need electric water heater repair in Fort Worth, TX, please get in touch with us at (817) 560-4144 today!

What does a sewer inspection consist of?

Any business in a city or town is going to be connected to the city sewer system, and if your business is located outside of the city limits, you’ll probably be on a septic system, which we will address later in this article.

A sewer line is typically 5 to 6 feet deep under the structure. So, how is a sewer line inspection going to inspect this line? Today, sewer inspection companies have new sewer inspection equipment and technology that makes this process so much easier, the inspector may not even get dirty!  A sewer inspection and cleaning are usually done at the same time. 

That equipment includes a specifically designed camera that connects to a flexible cable. It is placed into the sewer line, usually at the clean-out point, and is pushed through the sewer line. Inspection will come from the camera relaying pictures and/or video back to a computer. 

If you’ve been wondering, “How do I know if there are roots in my sewer line?”, once this cable and camera have been inserted into the sewer line, the plumber will know quick because the camera won’t be able to pass through the sewer line, inspection halts as they remove whatever is blocking the line, including tree roots.  

At this point, the plumber is going to get dirty as they start digging where the camera has stopped. Once the blockage is removed, they’ll continue with the sewer line inspection until they have reached the end of the line. 

Before the plumber starts their sewer line inspection, they’ll ask you if you’ve been experiencing any problems. You can help by letting them know if you’re having any of the following issues: 

• Frequent clogs in the bathroom or kitchen sink
• Frequent backed-up toilets
• Gurgling sounds as sinks drain or from the toilets when flushed
• Slow draining bathroom or kitchen sinks
• Sudden drop in water pressure
• Banging or whistling sounds from water lines
• Puddles of water around the building or landscaping
• An offensive odor around the exterior or inside the building

What is a sewer scope inspection?

A sewer scope inspection is visible on a video as described above with the camera and flexible cable. The inspection is done of the lateral sewer line that leads from your place of business to the city tap. 

How much is a sewer line inspection?

The pricing for sewer line inspections varies from city to city, county to county, there isn’t any set pricing to quote. As a business owner, you should get a few estimates by phone before scheduling this service. But keep in mind that whatever the cost may be is cheaper than having to shut your place of business down for sewer line repairs. 

Even if you can keep your business open while sewer line repairs or replacements are being done, chances are your customers are going to be steered away by the odor and mess, especially if your business is a restaurant.

What does a septic inspection consist of?

There are four main components to a septic system and the septic inspection will include all four of the components and more. Those three components are: 

• The Septic Tank
• The Drain Field
• The Drain Lines
• The Distribution Box
• The Soil

A professional contractor trained and experienced in septic inspections will perform the following after locating the septic tank: 

• Remove the tank covers.
• Inspect the inlet, outlet baffle, and partition wall.
• Inspect the operation level of sewage.
• Locate the chamber of the pump, CK pump, alarm operation, and the float.
• Dig test holes in the septic bed area to determine the below-grade effluent level.
• Inspect the condition of the drain lines and trenches.

How long does it take to do a septic inspection?

A thorough septic inspection should take a maximum of 2 hours. If there are any issues or problems, it could take longer, but worth the expense and time if the issues and problems can be addressed then and save you any downtime later. 

Unless you have an ancient garbage disposal, repairs are possible, depending on the problem. How do I know if my garbage disposal is bad and how do you fix a garbage disposal that isn’t working? While some problems with the garbage disposal, repairs are possible, some by you and some need a professional. The following is a list of problems that garbage disposal repair probably isn’t going to be possible: 

1. Abnormal Noises

If you have ever had a spoon fall into the garbage disposal drain, you know that noise!  For these kinds of issues, you can turn the unit off, unplug it and reach in with your hand and remove the item. If that doesn’t stop the noise, the blades and other components may be misaligned, which should be done by a professional plumber. Do not use the unit anymore until your garbage disposal repair is complete or you will need a replacement.

2. Frequent Resetting

Every garbage disposal unit has a reset button that recovers the unit when it shuts down from a large load or a clog, but it shouldn’t need this very often. If you’re having to reset the unit more and more, then it probably needs to be replaced, but an electrician can inspect the wiring and make sure there isn’t another issue. 

3. Baffling Clogs

You know that you should only put in small amounts of food to avoid clogging your garbage disposal. But if regardless of how small the amount, the garbage disposal is still clogging, and you may need to replace the unit with a higher capacity model. First, you should try to clear the clog. How do you unclog garbage disposal?

Here are three ways to try to unclog the garbage disposal, which are the same steps you can use to unclog the drain without garbage disposal: 

• 1. Manual Checkup: Use a flashlight and see if there is anything in the drain where the garbage disposal is located. With the unit off and unplugged, use pliers or tongs and remove anything you see, which may require several attempts to get everything. 
• 2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Place the stopper over the drain and wait 20 minutes. Then pour boiling hot water into the drain. 
• 3. Plunger: Using a sink plunger, cover the drain opening and plug up the other drain. Fill the garbage disposal side with water and start plunging up and down. You may need to do this for several minutes until the clog loosens. 

4. No Power

A garbage disposal that won’t turn on or shut off while you’re using it could be a problem with the circuit breaker. Check the circuit breaker box and make sure it is on, and if not, turn it back on then try using the unit again. If it is still without power or shutting off, you should call a professional plumber to inspect the unit and see if a garbage disposal repair is possible. 

5. Persistent Smells

Garbage disposal smells are one of the most unpleasant and typically are because of wet food that hasn’t broken down flushed on through the drain. Thorough cleaning and rinsing should get rid of those smells, but if not, you may need a professional plumber to perform a garbage disposal repair. They will take the unit apart, remove any trapped food particles and hook it back up. Once a week you should grind up lemon peelings to keep your garbage disposal smelling clean and fresh. 

6. Poor Performance

If the loads you’re putting into your garbage disposal aren’t running through as quickly as they should, you may be asking, “Why won’t my garbage disposal grind?” and it could be that the blades may need sharpening or replacing. Do garbage disposal blades wear out? Absolutely, think about all the food you’re putting into the unit and expect it to grind up to wash on down to the sewer system! 

7. Water Leaks

Between where your garbage disposal connects to the plumbing, it isn’t unusual overtime for water to seep through. By the time it has become noticeable, garbage disposal repair isn’t possible. If you are starting to notice small leaks, garbage disposal repairs may be an option.  How do you fix a leaky garbage disposal?

The first thing you should do is determine where the leak is coming from, and if it is coming from the bottom, there isn’t any garbage disposal repair for this, it is time for a replacement. If it is leaking from the top of the unit, you can replace the seal, or check the plumbing connections and simply tighten them. 

Can I use the sink if the garbage disposal is broken, can I run the dishwasher if the garbage disposal is broken?

If the problem is electrical or mechanical with the dishwasher, yes, you can still use the dishwasher and sink. If the problem is with the plumbing, like a clogged drain, it should not be used. 

In Closing 

Once your garbage disposal is 8 to 10 years old, garbage disposal repairs are going to get more expensive. At this point, consider replacing the unit. 

Westside Plumbing provides help with garbage disposal repair in Fort Worth, TX. Call (817) 560-4144 for assistance.

How do you sanitize a drinking fountain?

If your company has one, keeping a water fountain repaired and in good working order is important. Maintaining a clean drinking water fountain will keep your employees healthier and a well-hydrated staff is more productive too. 

But a water fountain can also be a germ incubator if not kept clean. A daily routine to clean the water fountains in your place of business or a public structure is important. The following steps are recommended process to keep your water fountain repaired and clean: 

• One: Using Sanitizing Wipe- Twice a day, use sanitizing wipes on all exposed surfaces, including the button or handle, bowl, mouthpiece, and side panels. During cold and flu season, you may consider 3 to 4 times a day. 
• Two: Hot Water – Fill a bucket with hot water and dip a clean, lint-free cloth in the hot water, then rub over the bowl and mouthpiece. This will remove any dust or grime on the water fountain. Be sure to get the corners and creases, any area where bacteria hides and spreads. 
• Three: Bleach or Sanitizer – Use bleach or sanitizer and coat the bowl and mouthpiece, wait 5 minutes, then using a soft-bristle brush, scrub the same areas you coated. 
• Four: A Dry Cloth – Take a dry cloth and rub the bowl and mouthpiece to remove any grime left behind. 
• Five: Empty the Bucket – Slowly empty the bucket into the drinking water fountain and over the mouthpiece. This will remove any bleach residue.  

How expensive is a drinking fountain?

The cost of a water fountain can start around $1,000, going up to $6,000 and a professional installation can start around $500 and go up to $3,000 per unit. Keep the benefits in focus when budgeting the addition of water fountains. Repairs aside, a water fountain will provide healthy water with a built-in purification system. Additionally, you’re helping with eliminating additional plastic bottles in the landfills. 

Do drinking fountains have to be recessed?

There are many questions when it comes to how to install a drinking fountain, which is why using a professional, licensed plumber to install any water fountain is smart. Water drinking fountains with a leading edge taller than 27″ are required to be recessed in an alcove or installed otherwise not to protrude more than four inches in the circulation pathway.

What are the ADA requirements for water fountains?

A water drinking fountain that is installed on an exterior site or an interior floor is required to meet the Federal accessibility code. Including having one at a high level and the other at a low level at a minimum of 27” above the floor and meeting the alcove or recessed requirements above.  These are referred to as a hi-lo water fountain. A floor space clearance of 30” x 48” is required to meet ADA compliance, including a 38-1/2” wide access panel. 

Why has my water fountain stopped working?

Drinking water fountains aren’t the only type of water fountains. There are water fountains installed for decorative purposes and to provide a tranquil setting. These operate by a water pump that brings water up from a basin. It then circulates it through another opening through a hose, then the water trickles down into the basin. This process repeats itself over and over, recirculating the same water. 

When this water isn’t circulating as described, water fountain repairs can include any of the following issues. How do you fix a broken water fountain? The following steps could save you from having to pay for professional water fountain repairs. 

• The power supply could be turned off to the water pump. Checking the circuit breaker should be the first step. 

• Check the impeller on the water fountain pump. This is done by placing your hand on the pump while it is running. If there is a whirring feel and sound, the impeller is working. If not, there is probably debris causing a blockage. This can often be removed by running the water backwards. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to schedule a water fountain repair.

• Check the adjustment dial and adjust upward to increase the flow or decrease it if water is splashing out. 

• Add water to the fountain to the fill line. Make sure the hose is immersed in the water. If the pump is making loud sounds, there may not be enough water. 

• Turn off the water fountain and examine the hoses and pump screen for debris. If this is an outdoor fountain, over time, it will accumulate debris, dirt, and leaves that can clog the fountain. Once the screen is cleaned, it should work correctly. 

What happens if there is a gas leak?

Because natural gas is dangerous, to provide your family protection, learn the cause of gas leaks, hot to prevent gas leaks, and most important, have in-home gas leak detection equipment. If you discover or suspect a gas leak, evacuate the house. Then call 911 and the gas company. Finally, call a licensed plumber that works with gas lines to repair or replace the problem appliance or pipe. 

If you don’t have any gas leak detection equipment in your home, some indication that there may be a gas leak would be: 

A Rotten Egg Odor

“What does gas smell like?” Like the kids missed one Easter egg you hid behind the couch. Yup, leaking natural gas smells like rotting eggs because of the Mercaptan that natural gas suppliers add to the raw product. This is a chemical that creates a noticeable odor, so when you smell rotting eggs and you know you haven’t hidden any eggs lately, evacuate your home immediately.

Dead or Dying Houseplants

An undetected natural gas leak will consume the oxygen in your home, depriving your house plants, and your family, of the oxygen they need. In short time, you’ll notice your plants are looking poor and dying. Next to a rotting egg odor, dying or dead plants are a great form of natural gas leak detection. 

Fatigue and Sickness

Just as a natural gas leak detection includes dying or dead houseplants, your family can begin having showing symptoms of a natural gas leak. If anyone in your family has sudden fatigue, nausea, weakness, headaches, or feel like they are suffocating, call 911 and advise the operator you may have gas poisoning exposure. 

Dead Bushes, Grass and Shrubs 

For natural gas to get to your home, there are pipes running under your lawn. When there is a break or crack in those lines, you’ll notice your bushes, grass, and shrubs are dying. Just as your indoor house plants need air, so do outdoor growths. 

Skin Irritations

Any individuals in your home that have a sudden issue with skin irritations may be showing a symptom of hidden gas from behind a wall or in the ceiling. Those skin irritations can appear as blisters, a rash, or numbness. The carbon monoxide poisoning from a natural gas leak can cause discoloration of the skin too. 

Discolored Flames

Gas appliances should have a blue flame when turned on, and if the flame is yellow, it is usually an indication of poor ventilation with the appliance. Call a professional plumber for natural gas leak detection and repair. 

What should I do if I smell gas?

Quickly check all the burners on your stove. If any were left on, open up all the windows and give it time to air out. If there are no burners on, evacuate the premises immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Then call the gas company and a professional plumber that works with gas lines. 

Do not open furnace doors or the pilot light cover on the water heater or other gas appliances. The air could cause an explosion. Do not turn on anything electrical to assure there isn’t any spark, and again, evacuate the premises immediately. 

What is a gas leak detector?

Gas leak detection equipment is designed to detect a leak of one of the following gases: 

• Natural gas leaks
• Propane gas leaks
• Carbon monoxide leaks

So, you may be asking how a gas leak detector works? Considering the dangers of a gas leak to your family, gas leak detection equipment is a must for every home using gas. A gas leak detector monitors the different gas levels in the surrounding air. They are usually battery operated and when gas leaks are detected, they sound loud beeps that can’t be missed, much like a smoke alarm.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak? 

No, a natural gas leak can’t be detected by a carbon monoxide detector. CO (carbon monoxide) is a toxic gas that is created when fuel burns and when the oxygen level is low. A natural gas leak is methane and requires different gas leak detection equipment. 

Common Signs of Gas Leaks

So, what are the symptoms of a gas leak? The following are possible indicators that you have a leak and need natural gas line repairs as soon as possible:

• Rotten egg smell
• A hissing sound around gas appliances
• Air bubbles coming from the puddles of water outside your home
• Dying or dead plants
• Higher-than-normal gas bills, especially when it’s not the season for furnace use.
• Meanwhile, physical symptoms poisoning by natural gas can range from any of the following: 

• Breathing problems
• Dizziness
• Eye irritation 
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Pale skin or blisters (These occur when the skin has come in contact with natural gas in its compressed or liquid form.)
• Throat irritation

Natural gas leaks change the level of oxygen in the air, leaving less for you to breathe in, thus the breathing problems we listed. When you have more trouble breathing because of less oxygen, the other symptoms will start to develop. 

If any person in your household experiences any of the symptoms we’ve listed, whether that rotten egg smell is present or not, you need to evacuate the house immediately and call 911 as well as the gas company. Once they have turned the gas off, call a plumber that is licensed for gas line repairs. 

What do you do if you suspect a gas leak?

It cannot be stressed too much! Any indication or suspicion there is a natural gas leak in your home, everyone should evacuate the area promptly. Once you’re in a safe place, call 911 and the gas company. DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE! While inside the house or near it, do not light matches or turn anything electrical on inside the house. An unseen spark can cause a fire. 

Who is responsible for gas line repair? 

If the gas line leak is on your side of the meter and within your home or property lines, the gas line repair responsibility is yours. The gas company or 911 officials will turn your gas off and it will not be turned back on until the gas line repair has been made and inspected. 

What happens with a gas leak?

Natural gas is a clean and safe energy source. There are over 70 million businesses and homes using natural gas today. However, gas leaks do occur. If gas line repairs aren’t made in a timely fashion, it creates CO (Carbon monoxide) poisoning, leading to the physical symptoms we’ve mentioned.

In fact, an unattended gas line leak can be deadly due to the CO poisoning or fire. Between the years 1999 and 2010, over 5,100 people died from CO poisoning. This doesn’t include the number of animals that have died from the CO poisoning, nor from the explosions and fires caused by a gas line repair not done. 

Do plumbers repair gas lines?

Yes, they can, but not all plumbers do gas line repair jobs. Like doctors, plumbers have specialties, and gas line repair and installation is one of those specialties. When you need gas line repair in a house or a business, call several plumbers for quotes and ask if they are certified, licensed, and insured to complete gas line repairs. 

How do plumbers check for gas leaks?

Professional plumbers that service gas lines and make gas line repairs are equipped with detection equipment that homes in on the specific area of a gas leak. They will inspect all gas appliances and the gas lines running to the appliances, as well as inspect around the gas meter, using this device. From the smallest pinhole, this equipment enables them to find any leak and make the gas line repair needed.

In the natural progression of things, a home ages, there is shifting of the ground and foundation movement will damage the existing pipes. The plumbing pipes and fixtures simply gets old and worn, you may even have numerous plumbing calls because of busted pipes and connections. A plumbing repipe job will replace all those things, giving you better water pressure, even better tasting water. 

When should you repipe a house?

Times to consider a plumbing repipe job would any of the following: 

• If your home has undergone severe damage like consistent busted pipes. 
• Your home is over fifty years old, a plumbing repipe should be something to consider.
• Other examples of when plumbing repipe is needed is when you have consistently low water pressure, or the water pressure varies between rooms for no reason. 
• The water coming from any of your pipes is brown or red, strong indication either your water heater is going out or your home needs plumbing repiped. Either way, you are getting a clear message of contaminated water! 

How much does repipe cost?

The cost to repipe a house can vary from city to city, area to area. The size of the house will be a huge factor in the cost as well as the type of material used for the repipe job. 

How much does it cost to repipe a whole house?

 A home with 1,500 square feet getting copper repipe job can start around $8,000 and go up as high as $10,000. The cost to repipe with pex for the same repipe job, you can cut that cost down to $4,000 to $6,000 because it takes less labor and less material. Maybe you’re just doing the kitchen remodel and update, what is the cost to repipe kitchen sink? Labor and materials per drain can range between $250 and $275. 

A Final Word Of Caution – Polybutylene 

Polybutylene pipes were cheaper for builders and contractors, but they were disastrous when it all came around.  Are polybutylene pipes bad? Yes!  The plastic that was used by the three major companies that manufactured them reacts to chlorine, disinfectants, and oxidants found in public water supplies.  Polybutylene creates flaking and scaling within the pipes and they would eventually burst.

This type of pipe was marketed as “the pipe of the future” and was found to be strong and cold weather resistant. This was a versatile plumbing material that was cheaper than copper plumbing and quicker to install. It was installed in approximately 10 million homes during the 1980s through the 1990s all through the Southern United States.  

Experts recommend that if your home is equipped with polybutylene piping, you should have a repipe job done sooner than later.  How do you know if you have polybutylene pipes? It can be hard if they’re buried in the ground or inside your walls. Having a professional plumber inspect your pipes is recommended, but if you want to find out yourself, look for plumbing that matches these descriptions:

• Half inch or one inch flexible pipes
• Blue, cream, gray, or silver colored
• A stamp with “PB2110” on the side of any pipe

If you do find any of the polybutylene piping in your home, contact your homeowner’s insurance agent. There isn’t much chance you’ll have any recourse there, but it won’t hurt to ask. If there isn’t any recourse from them, they may be able to direct your other sources to offset the repipe expense. Even if the expense of a repipe job will come out of your pocket, that expense is less than the catastrophe that could be awaiting you in the unknown future of pipe bursting. Call (817) 560-4144 today for your whole house repiping needs in Fort Worth, TX.

What is backflow testing for?

Because backflow testing is the law, business owners are required to schedule their backflow testing and service with a professional plumbing company that is certified to perform backflow testing on an annual basis. Backflow testing makes sure that the drinking water coming into a building is clean and clear of contaminants that could get into the water as it flows through pressurized water taps.

 In essence, backflow happens when water is able to run backward through the water system, usually because of a waterline leak.  When water does run backward and makes its way to a water tap where it can be consumed, it could be hazardous. 

What happens during a backflow test?

Backflow testing typically takes between twenty and thirty minutes if there isn’t any repairs needed. All water valves are opened and closed as the crew checks for irregularities. They are required to complete a form that is then submitted to the local governing offices, usually the city. The information is then reviewed to ensure the water is meet the require standards of clean drinking water and no code violations were discovered. If backflow testing and repair are both needed, the time it takes for the repair will depend on what repairs are needed. 

How often should backflow be tested?

For a business, most cities and states require backflow testing every year. For residential settings, backflow testing is required every three years, although some cities and states will require it annually. The more frequent backflow testing is required when a history of problems has been present with the water supply or busted waterlines. 

Recent stories in the news about contaminated water in Flint Michigan are proof that backflow testing is needed. Not only for busted water lines, but for water contaminated by outside sources like industrial dumping. 

• Two check valves
• Four test ports
• Two shut-offs 

Now, by knowing what is backflow prevention tester is and why they exist, you can rest a little easier knowing that your water is clean and safe.  Backflow prevention devices are equipped with the components we listed above and will automatically detect any abnormalities of backflow in your water.  Backflow testing devices also detect any air gaps which indicate a separation between the potable water and contaminated water via vertical air space.

Cross connections that can cause contamination that backflow testing checks are: 

• Chemical or metal processing plants. Chemicals or metals in solution can come into contact with public water supply.
• Commercial or residential gardening products like chemical injectors, garden hoses, and irrigation systems connected to public water supply.
• A water hose left running in a container or planter that has fertilizer, pesticides, or other chemicals.
• Car wash facilities that have a rinse cycle and scrubber that allowed recycled water into the public water supply.

These are incidents that rarely happen, but they do and this is why backflow testing is crucial to your business, home, families, and the general public. While cities and states do all they can to keep our drinking water safe, it is helpful to have your own water filter in place as well to catch the minute specs the big water treatment plants miss. Need help with backflow testing for your home in Fort Worth, TX? Call (817) 560-4144 today.

What kind of health issues? When a slab leak is undetected or unrepaired, mildew and mold form from the leaking water. Everyone in the house is then breathing in that mildew and mold, and that can lead to respiratory issues, or for anyone with respiratory issues already, it can make it worse, possibly leading to more doctor appointments or hospital stays. 

Is slab leak an emergency?

At first no, a slab leak isn’t an emergency, but it can create an emergency, and that is usually when you realize you have a slab leak. That is also when you need to take action immediately and call a professional plumber.

How do plumbers detect slab leaks?

Slab leak detection isn’t always an obvious issue, it can be a complex process when the plumbing is under the home’s foundation, with concrete all around. 

• The first step a plumber does is verify there is a leak by turning off  the main water source to the house and checking the meter. If the meter is moving, there is definitely a leak. 
• With a leak verified, if it isn’t apparent, like water flowing from under the house, then the plumber inspects the different individual sections of the plumbing. It is helpful if the homeowner has the blueprints to the house, but if not, an experienced plumber will know the typical places where plumbing is located. 
• Next, the plumber will use the technology available today, leak detection equipment. This includes acoustic disc and ground microphones that enable the plumber to hear sounds deeps inside the concrete foundation. This helps the plumber to further pinpoint the location of the busted pipe. 
• With the sound narrowing down the location, the plumber then uses pressure sensors, a technology of detectors that scan for temperature changes and pressure in the concrete foundation. 
• Last, they use a video camera designed to go through water or sewer pipes. With optic cables, the pictures travel to a small television screen and allows the plumber to determine the problem area and the size of the pipe. They then know how they need to repair the line. 

How do you stop slab leaks?

To actually stop a slab leak, you’ll need a professional plumber. However, you can do things to minimize, even prevent it from happening again: 

1. Lower the water pressure at the meter. High water pressure is preferred by most people, but it puts a strain on the water lines from the meter and through your home. Especially in an older home with older pipes. 
2. Install a water softener if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water will wear your pipes down, and the older the pipes get, the closer you come to experiencing a slab leak. 
3. Do not use commercial chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners may be the most commonly used way to clear clogs, but they are harsh and damage the pipes. There are several natural ways to clear pipes like baking soda and white vinegar. Or purchase as plumber snake at a local big box home improvement store. If those don’t clear a clog, before you decide to go with a chemical, call a plumber. 

How long does it take to repair a slab leak?

Depending on where the slab leak is located, how severe the break or crack of the pipe, and the difficulty of getting to the area to repair or replace, most slab leak jobs are done within 1 to 2 days. Some can take up to a full week. You want to get the estimate in writing for the amount and the time frame when getting quotes from plumbers. 

Can a slab leak cause foundation problems?

A slab leak within your home’s foundation will affect the soil under the foundation. There are a few different issues that can damage your foundation when you have a slab leak. 

• A large slab leak can soak the supporting clay soil and wash it away. This will result in the slab cracking, shifting, or sinking. 
• A slow slab leak will boost the cycles of soil contracting and expanding under the foundation. The foundation will start bulging and cracking. 
• Moisture from a slab leak will seep into any existing cracks in the concrete, making the cracks bigger and the foundation to shift, all weakening the foundation. 
• In any of these situations, the slab foundation is damaged, and the structural integrity of your home is damaged, unstable, and the value of your home drops. 

Are slab leaks covered by insurance?

In general, no, but every insurance policy is different. Insurance companies will usually see slab leak as a homeowner maintenance responsibility or the pipes as aging and worn from wear and tear. In that case, no, they will not pay for repair of a slab leak or any damage caused by the slab leak. However, you should always check your policy or call your agent. 

That outside pressure can happen from an earthquake, underground stream,  and a common issue is soil erosion. In areas where these things are factors with the neighborhood, you can almost guarantee you’re going to have a slab leak. Call (817) 560-4144 today for slab leak repair in Fort Worth, TX.