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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.