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Sump Pumps Explained

A sump pump is a device installed at the lowest point of a home, usually the basement or crawl space, to prevent flooding, water damage, and other results of flooding. When excess water flows into the sump pump pit, the pump is automatically activated and removes the water, transporting it to a designated area where it will not put the home at risk.

Sump pumps are important to have in areas with heavy rainfall, or that are at risk of flooding, as they protect the home. This post will discuss the importance of installing sump pumps, the different types, and how to ensure they are working well.

The Importance of Sump Pumps

A sump pump removes water that enters the sump pump pit and removes it through a discharge pipe to a designated area where it won’t put the home at risk of flooding and its consequences. Sump pump installation is extremely beneficial as it helps prevent home flooding, water damage, mold growth, and electrical hazards from flooding. It also protects the home’s structural integrity and its belongings from damage due to water.

These advantages of installing a sump pump can also save homeowners money, as repairing water damage, electrical problems, and the home’s foundation or structure, replacing damaged belongings, and getting mold remediation can all be costly effects of flooding. Flooding can also cause health problems due to mold and mildew growth, which can cause allergy-like symptoms.

Primary Types of Sump Pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. A submersible sump pump is the most powerful of the two and operates quieter since it gets submerged underwater. However, submersible sump pumps are often more expensive and have a shorter lifespan. A pedestal sump pump is the more affordable of the two with a longer lifespan. However, instead of sitting submerged in water, the motor is kept dry at all times, so they are louder and less powerful.

Additionally, it’s important to note that these primary types of sump pumps run on electricity, so many homeowners also choose to install a backup. These sump pump backup options, like a battery backup, ensure the home remains protected during power outages that can occur during severe storms that cause flooding.

Testing and Maintaining the Sump Pump

When sump pumps are already installed in homes, it’s essential to ensure they work before flooding occurs. An effective way to make sure they work correctly is with routine maintenance and testing. A plumber can perform routine maintenance and inspections to find and fix any issues with a sump pump before they lead to costly consequences, while homeowners can perform routine testing.

Homeowners can easily test their sump pump by slowly pouring water from a bucket into the sump pump basin. Once the float switch triggers the sump pump to turn on automatically, homeowners should stop pouring water into it. The sump pump should automatically turn on, remove the water from the pit, and then turn off. If there are any problems during this automatic process, it’s a sign to call for a sump pump repair before flooding can occur.

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains is a family-owned and operated company serving the Cincinnati area. They offer affordable solutions, on-time arrival, and the latest technology. Call them for sump pump installation and repair services in Cincinnati, OH.

How to Catch a Leak So Homeowners Can Call for Repair

One of the worst feelings for a homeowner is to have a leak or burst pipe in the home that can cause costly water damage, repairs, and water bills in addition to repairing any damages. So, it’s vital homeowners call for leak detection and repair as soon as possible to save money and avoid damages. This article will offer tips on how to recognize a leak, including signs of a leak, changes to water bills, and using the water meter.  

Symptoms of a Leak

The best way to prevent major water damage from a leak is to identify the symptoms as soon as possible. While standing water or puddles throughout the house or yard is a clear sign of a leak, there are other symptoms to watch for, including:

• The sound of running water, even though the household is not using any water 
• Signs of mold or mildew growth or a musty smell
• Wet or damp areas in the house, such as on the walls, floors, or ceiling
• Water stains or discolored spots on the walls, ceilings, or floors
• Low water pressure from the plumbing fixtures 

Increasing Water Bills

If there is a leak, homeowners might also notice an increase in their water bills. This can be hard to attribute to a water leak because, at first, property owners might assume they have been using more water than usual. However, if the water bill increases but households have not increased their water usage, it points to a water leak in the plumbing system. 

Even a tiny leak, such as a dripping faucet, can waste a significant amount of water over time and raise water costs. In the US, about ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water or more per day, so if a homeowner has higher water bills, they should schedule service with a plumber as soon as possible to repair the leak and avoid wasting more money. 

Test for Leaks Using the Water Meter 

Another way for homeowners to identify a water leak in their homes is by using their water meter. To get an accurate reading of the water meter, homeowners should first make sure every water-using appliance and plumbing fixture is turned off in the house. Households should double-check to ensure nothing is in use, including the dishwasher, washing machine, sprinkler system, or anything else they might overlook.

Then, observe the water meter and note its current reading, wait for at least one hour without using any water during this time, and recheck the meter after the waiting period. An increase in the reading signifies that water has been consumed, indicating a leak. For water meters equipped with a leak indicator, which may look like a small triangle or wheel, any movement of this indicator with all the water turned off can also reveal the presence of a leak. Quick water leak repair conserves water, reduces water bills, and helps protect the home from potential water damage.

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains is a family-owned and operated company serving Independence, KY, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide flat rate prices, the latest technology, and on-time arrival. Call them today for water leak detection and repair services in Independence, KY. 

All About Sewer Camera Inspections

When homeowners suspect a sewer line clog, damage, or another defect in their lines, it’s essential to confirm the issue and find its exact location before repair or replacement. The fastest and easiest way to do this is through a sewer video inspection. 

These non-invasive inspections allow plumbers to quickly identify problems in sewer lines so repairs can be done accurately. This post will explain what sewer camera inspections are, when they should be scheduled, and the benefits they offer.

What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

Sewer video inspections give experts a real-time look at a home’s sewer lines by sending a camera through the pipes to look for defects like pipe damage and clogs. These non-invasive services can be performed quickly and provide an accurate view of the problem and its severity that experts can use to plan needed repairs. 

This method for sewer line inspection involves a waterproof camera attached to a long, flexible cable. Plumbers will find an access point and put the camera down the sewer system. The camera is then slowly fed through the line, and the technician watches real-time camera footage on a monitor to look for issues. 

What Are the Signs to Get a Sewer Video Inspection?

Many signs can indicate a household may need sewer video inspections, like signs of sewer line clogs and leaks. Some symptoms that homeowners should watch for are:

• Frequent clogs
• Sewage backups in drains and toilets 
• Slow drains throughout the house 
• Foul odors come from the drains or in the yard, especially the smell of sewage
• Lush patches of grass in the yard
• Gurgling noises coming from the drains
• Rodent or insect infestations from sewage

What Are the Benefits of Sewer Camera Inspections?

There are many benefits to scheduling sewer camera inspections. These fast, accurate, and non-invasive methods allow plumbers to detect all sorts of issues like leaks, clogs, corrosion, intruding tree roots, and other problems. They can find these issues quickly and determine the exact location of the problem without having to dig up large portions of the yard. 

These services also let technicians find issues before they become larger and give homeowners an insight into the condition of their sewer lines. It can be especially beneficial for new home buyers, as prospective buyers can have a sewer video inspection performed before buying a home to ensure the line is in good condition and they are not facing extensive and costly sewer line repairs or sewer line replacements soon after moving in.

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains is a family-owned and operated company serving Washington Township, OH, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate prices, free estimates, and the latest technology. Call them today for sewer video inspection services in Washington Township, OH. 

Why You Should Consider Sump Pump Installation This Holiday Season

Sump pumps are beneficial additions to a household. Sump pumps protect homes from expensive flood damage and repairs. This brief guide will discuss the advantages sump pumps provide, as well as popular types of sump pumps and backup sump pump options.

Benefits of Sump Pumps

There are many advantages to installing a sump pump. When heavy rains, pipe bursts, or spring snow melts occur, water can flood into homes. Sump pumps remove water from the house to prevent flooding and keep basements and homes dry.

By removing the water from a home, sump pumps also help avoid water damage, mold growth, and the costs of repairing water damage. Water can also damage a home’s foundation and affect its structural integrity, so removing floodwater is essential.

Common Types of Sump Pumps

There are two main types of primary sump pumps, each with different benefits. They are:

• Submersible Sump Pumps: Some advantages of this kind of sump pump are that they are more powerful and operate more quietly than pedestal pumps.
• Pedestal Sump Pumps: The benefits of this type of sump pump system are that the motor is easier to access for repairs and maintenance, it is less expensive to install, and it has a longer life expectancy.

Why Get a Secondary or Backup Sump Pump

Installing a backup sump pump is advantageous for homes that experience major storms and often lose power. These secondary units offer added protection and take over when the primary sump pump fails or loses power during a power outage. If the primary sump pump cannot turn on for whatever reason, the sump pump backup system will turn on to prevent flooding. Some of the backup options are:

• Battery Backup Sump Pumps: The most significant advantages of a battery backup for a sump pump are that they are easier to install and inexpensive.
• Water-Powered Sump Pump Backups: These units are powered by the home’s water supply instead of electricity. Their main benefits are a longer lifespan and unlimited run-time if the house has a working water supply.

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains is a family-owned and operated company serving Cincinnati, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate prices, free estimates, and the latest technology. Call them today for sump pump repair or installation in Cincinnati, OH.

What Is Hard Water?

If a home’s water supply has hard water, it means it has a high concentration of dissolved minerals, typically calcium and magnesium. Hard water is not harmful to people, but it can negatively impact plumbing fixtures and appliances and cause negative effects on a household. However, plumbers can treat these issues by installing a water softener. This post will discuss water softeners, their benefits, and signs of hard water.  

How Does a Water Softener Work?

When a house has hard water, plumbers recommend installing a whole-house water softener. These systems treat hard water, often through an ion exchange process that removes or exchanges hard water minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, with sodium ions. 

Water softeners can soften water by following this process:

• Water flows inside the resin tank, filled with tiny resin beads.
• The negatively charged resin beads attract and hold onto the positively charged ions from the hard water. 
• As the hard water flows through the water-softener resin bed, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water are exchanged for sodium ions on the resin beads. 
• Throughout the process, water from the brine tank is drawn into the resin tank to create a brine solution.
• Next, a backwash cycle occurs. This can happen when water flow through the resin bed is reversed, rinsing away the accumulated hardness of minerals.

Signs of Hard Water

To treat hard water before it impacts their plumbing system, homeowners must identify the signs of hard water in their homes. Some symptoms of hard water include:

• Soap scum on dishes, in the shower, bathtub, or on the bathroom surfaces 
• Scale deposits and buildups on plumbing fixtures that often look like chalky, white residue
• Clogged showerheads due to mineral deposits accumulating on the showerhead, impacting the water flow 
• Less efficient appliances, like water heaters
• Dry, itchy skin and brittle hair or a film left on skin and hair
• Plumbing and water-using appliances don’t last as long
• Lower water pressure from scale buildup in piping

If households experience these symptoms, they should contact a plumber to schedule a water softener installation.

Benefits of Whole Home Water Softeners

Installing a water softener can have many benefits for households. Some of the advantages homeowners can experience are:

• Prevent the development of scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and other appliances, extending their lifespan and improving their efficiency, which reduces operating costs
• Smooth and more hydrated skin and softer hair 
• Prevent hard water spots on dishes and glasses 
• Easy cleaning by preventing scale buildup on fixtures
• Improved water pressure by preventing any buildups in pipes and fixtures 

Homeowners should contact a professional to install a water softener system to experience these advantages and more by removing water hardness from their homes.

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains is a family-owned and operated company serving Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate prices, on-time arrival, and the latest technology. Call them today for water softener repair or installation in Cincinnati, OH.

Prevent Scary Plumbing Problems

Halloween can bring a lot of scary situations. While haunted houses and creepy costumes can be frightening, the scariest thing homeowners can encounter are plumbing emergencies. Fortunately, homeowners can help avoid these problems using these tips from Cincinnati plumbers. 

Help Prevent Clogs

A common plumbing issue homeowners may run into is sewer line clogs. Blocked drains or clogged sewer lines can negatively impact households, leading to sewage backups and slow draining around the home. However, there are ways families can avoid these problems.

For one, they can be careful what items get put down the drains. Putting food scraps down the drain can cause clogs even if households have a garbage disposal. Instead, residents should put all food scraps in the trash, especially grease and cooking oil, eggshells, coffee grounds, and starches like pasta or rice. Another way families can avoid blockages is by only flushing waste and toilet paper down their home’s toilets. 

Property owners can also schedule regular drain cleaning services to prevent blockages from forming. During these services, plumbers can remove any buildup from the pipes using hydro jet drain cleaning to prevent sewer line clogs from forming. 

Benefits of Plumbing Maintenance

One of the best ways for households to avoid plumbing issues is to schedule regular maintenance on their plumbing systems. Typically, these preventative services are performed once a year. During plumbing maintenance, plumbers can inspect the system and look for issues that could potentially cause plumbing emergencies and other problems later. 

If they find any issues or things that need to be done, they can repair them right away before the problem gets worse or leads to bigger issues. Routine plumbing maintenance has many benefits for homeowners, including preventing issues, helping the plumbing last longer, and saving them money. 

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

Routine water heater maintenance is also essential to prevent a loss of hot water and prevent problems with the water heater. Regularly maintaining the water heater prevents issues, helps it last longer, improves its energy efficiency, and reduces water heating costs.  

Some services that a plumber can perform during hot water heater maintenance are:

• Checking for leaks, damage, and corrosion 
• Draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment 
• Examining the pressure relief valve 
• Inspecting the anode rod to ensure it’s in good condition and doesn’t need replacement
• Checking the temperature settings and making sure it’s safe 

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains has more than 20 years of expertise serving Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate prices, free estimates, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Cincinnati, OH. 

Ways to Avoid Sewer Line and Drain Clogs

A sewer line clog can cause significant damage to a house and the property and even put a household’s health at risk. Blocked sewer lines can cause slow drains, foul odors, backed-up toilets, and more. Plus, if there is sewage present on the property, it can make family members ill. 

Homeowners can prevent these issues by following tips from plumbers to help prevent sewer line clogs, including scheduling routine drain cleaning services, utilizing mesh drain screens, and knowing what foods cannot go down the sink, even one with a garbage disposal.

Routine Drain Cleaning

One of the ways homeowners can prevent clogged sewer lines is to schedule routine professional drain cleaning services. During these appointments, a plumber will remove any buildups in the drains and sewer lines to prevent blockages from forming. These sewer line cleanout services also allow plumbers to clear existing clogs.

Using drain cleaning, professionals can also clear large obstructions in the lines, such as those from intruding tree roots. Plumbers can use specialized methods for preventative drain cleaning and to remove tough clogs, like hydro jet drain cleaning. Plumbers can also look for signs of damage in the lines. To locate defects, they may perform sewer video inspections. These non-invasive methods give experts an accurate look into the sewer line. They can identify problems with a sewer line early and schedule repairs before the damage worsens. 

Use Mesh Drain Screens

One of the common causes of blocked sewer lines is debris that goes down the drain. This can include hair, food particles, and even soap scum. Fortunately, homeowners can easily avoid these substances from going down the drains by installing mesh drain screens. 

Adding mesh screens catches these items before they go down the drains and form clogs, and they can be used in all sorts of drains, like those in showers, bathtubs, and sinks. These mesh drain screens can be easily installed and quickly cleaned by homeowners.

Don’t Put Food Scraps Down the Drain

Putting the wrong types of food down the drain, even ones with garbage disposals can lead to clogs. Homeowners may mistakenly think they can put any food waste down the kitchen sink when they have a garbage disposal, but putting the wrong foods down the drain can cause blockages.

Some of the common foods and substances households should avoid putting down the drain to help prevent clogging include:

• Any cooking oils, fats, or grease
• Coffee grounds 
• Eggshells 
• Pasta and rice 
• Stringy foods and vegetables  
• Bones

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains has more than two decades of experience serving Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate prices, free estimates, and the latest technology. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Cincinnati, OH.

Essentials You Need to Know About Your Home’s Plumbing

Plumbing systems are complex. If problems occur, they can cause major water damage, spikes in the water bill, and other harmful effects. To avoid these problems and catch them early before more damage can occur, homeowners must learn the basics about their plumbing systems. 

Property owners can save money and prevent significant headaches by understanding the ins and outs of a home’s plumbing. Plumbers recommend that homeowners know about water-efficient fixture upgrades, how to identify the signs of a plumbing issue, and why they need maintenance services. 

Benefits of Upgrading Old Plumbing Fixtures

One area of plumbing systems homeowners might know the most about since they are used daily is plumbing fixtures. However, while households use faucets, shower heads, bathtubs, sinks, and water heaters daily, they might not know why their fixtures are causing their utility bills to increase. 

Older plumbing fixtures can increase a home’s water costs because they use more water than new, water-efficient fixtures. Additionally, water heaters lose efficiency as they age, increasing energy bills. However, installing new water-efficient plumbing fixtures and an energy-efficient water heater, like a tankless water heater, can lead to significant savings.  

Homeowners can choose from many types of water-saving fixtures, such as dual-flush toilets or other types of water-saving toilets, low-flow showerheads, low-flow faucets, and faucet aerators. These fixtures use less water and save money while still providing good-quality water pressure.

Signs of Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems have larger consequences for households than just the inconvenience of losing access to a plumbing fixture. They can also cause significant water damage, high utility bills, and costly repairs. To avoid these problems, property owners need to identify the signs of a plumbing problem as soon as possible so it can be repaired quickly, preventing more damage and costs.

Plumbers recommend homeowners pay attention to changes in their plumbing systems, as these can signal a problem with the plumbing. This can include variations in their water pressure or high water bills. If a home’s water pressure suddenly gets lower than usual, it can signal a leak, clog, or another issue in the system. High water costs mean more water is being used than usual, indicating a leak in the system.

Odd sounds and smells can also indicate a problem with a home’s plumbing system. For example, sounds like gurgling from drains can signal an issue like a blockage or backup in the sewer line, and banging sounds can indicate a water hammer. Foul odors can indicate there is a clog or blockage. Slow drains, such as slow-draining sinks or showers, are another sign of a drain or sewer line blockage.

Routine Plumbing Maintenance

One of the best ways for homeowners to keep their plumbing system operating correctly – and avoid emergency repairs – is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance on their system around once a year. These services allow plumbers to thoroughly inspect a plumbing system and identify problems before they lead to major issues. Routine maintenance also extends the lifespan of the plumbing and can save homeowners money on repairs, early replacement, and utility bills.

Some tasks plumbers will perform during routine maintenance services include:

• Check pipes for signs of leaks, corrosion, or other signs of aging
• Search the house for signs of water damage, including water stains and mold
• Ensure fixtures like faucets, shower heads, toilets, bathtubs, and sinks are operating correctly
• Check the system’s water pressure
• Check for any blockages or clogs in the system. They will also perform drain cleaning services to remove buildups if any are suspected.
• Maintain the water heater, including checking for leaks and corrosion, draining and flushing the tank, and checking the valves and anode rod.

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains is a family-owned and operated company serving Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate prices, free estimates, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Cincinnati, OH.

Signs Homes Need Repiping

If a homeowner has experienced ongoing plumbing issues, it may be time to look at the quality and age of their piping system and determine if the home needs to be repiped. Failing pipes can lead to numerous issues in a house, including poor water quality, water pressure, and frequent leaks. This blog post will share various problems with a home’s plumbing system that can signal repiping services may be needed. 

Leaks and Pipe Repairs Are More Common

One issue plumbers will look for that can indicate a home needs repiping services is if the household has experienced frequent or multiple leaks. They will ask homeowners how often they’ve had leaking pipes and how often they have required repairs on the pipes. 

Plumbers will then look at the condition of the pipes to determine why leaks are occurring so commonly. The age and condition of the pipes is a significant factor. Old pipes that are nearing the end of their lifespan and corroded pipes will be weaker, making cracks and leaks more common. If this is the case, repiping will likely be needed, which is much more cost-effective than paying for frequent repairs.

Poor Water Pressure

If a homeowner notices a significant decrease in water pressure, it can be due to leaking, clogged, or corroded pipes. As pipes age, mineral deposits, rust, and sediment can build up, restricting water flow and resulting in low water pressure. Repiping can allow water to flow entirely unobstructed, improving the water pressure. 

Leaks and clogs can also signal repiping is needed. If there is a leak, less water will flow through the pipes, resulting in lower water pressure. Blockages in pipes can also restrict water flow, causing reduced water pressure. In some cases, these issues can be repaired without repiping. Plumbers can help determine the severity of the problem and the best solution.

The Water’s Color and Smell Is Off

If someone in a household notices rusty or discolored water coming from their faucets or a strange smell, it can indicate pipe corrosion or deterioration. Rusty water can cause many issues – aside from looking odd and unappetizing. It can stain fixtures, tint clothes, and impact the quality and taste of the water. 

A foul odor from the water can also indicate bacteria or contaminants in the water. Plumbers can inspect the plumbing system to determine what is causing the strange appearance or smell of the water and may recommend repiping services to correct these problems.

About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains

Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains has over two decades of experience serving Cincinnati and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate prices, on-time arrival, and free estimates. Call them today for whole-home repiping services in Cincinnati, OH.