Sunday, July 31, 2016

6 Most Common Plumbing Problems

6 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Depending on the age of your home, you may find yourself calling the plumber out more than you want to. As our homes age, the plumbing does too. This means that pipes can become brittle, and plumbing problems can arise. There are many potential plumbing problems that any home could suffer from at any time, some of these problems tend to happen more often than others. clogged-drain-and-sink Lightfoot Plumbing

When a plumbing problem occurs, it can often send the homeowner into a bit of a panic. Homeowners can resolve some of the most common plumbing problems on their own, but with many it’s best to call in Lightfoot Plumbing. The longer you leave a plumbing problem, the more damage it could create. Below are some of the most common plumbing problems that technicians are called out for.

Leaking pipes – Leaking pipes are a lot more common during the winter due to the temperature changes, but they can also occur at any time throughout the year. The pipes tend to begin leaking around their joints, but they can also leak if there are any cracks. If a pipe that is under the floor, in the ceiling or behind a wall begins to leak, you won’t be able to notice it until water is visible. Keep an eye out for any unexplained wet patches on the floors, ceilings or walls. If you spot any, you will need to call out a plumber immediately. If you leave the problem for too long, severe water damage can be caused.

Dripping faucet – Unless you can hear a dripping faucet while you’re trying to get to sleep, they’re often a problem that goes ignored. If you have a faucet that is dripping, its washer will have worn out and it needs replacing. You may not realize it, but a dripping faucet wastes a lot of water. If you left a bowl under the faucet for a whole night, you would be surprised at how much water can collect. Not only are you wasting water when you have a dripping faucet, but you’re also losing money. Every drip adds up, and you’ll be surprised at how much it can affect your water bill. This can be fixed quickly by yourself or by a professional plumber for a small amount of money, so there’s no excuse to ignore it.

Leaking hose bib – During the winter, hose bibs can crack due to the cold weather. You may not notice that you have a leaking hose bib until you come to use your hose in the spring or summer. Weatherproof hose bibs are available – this will prevent any leaks in the future and from you having to change the hose bib as often. You or a plumber can easily replace the hose bib.

Low water pressure – Low water pressure is common in older homes, but it can happen in newer homes too. Low water pressure can be caused by many things such as a leaking pipe, needing a new shower head, corrosion in your pipes and more. A professional plumber will be able to find the cause of the low water pressure and get it fixed for you in no time.

Slow or clogged drains – If you have a drain that is running slow it could mean you have the beginnings of a clog. Many people use over the counter drain cleaners to try and break up the clog, but professional plumbers do not advise this. Over the counter drain cleaners can be quite damaging as they can cause the plastic pipes to become brittle and crack. Call in a plumber and they will use professional tools to remove the clog.

Running toilet – A running toilet wastes an enormous amount of water – up to two hundred gallons every day. If you notice that you have a running toilet, then call in a plumber to fix it. A running toilet will be costing you a lot, so it’s best to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.

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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Maintain Your Water Filtration System

Tips to Maintain Your Water Filtration System

You invested in a water filtration system to ensure that you can easily get clean, safe and healthy water for your whole family at home. You can rely on your water filters for quick and easy drinking water when you’re in a rush, and it has become part of your daily routine. However, without regular and proper maintenance, your filtration system can become less effective at removing contaminants from your water, leaving a less pleasant taste in the liquid you drink every day.Water Filtration - Clean Water

It is quick and easy to get in the habit of cleaning and maintaining your water filter system on a regular basis, which will help to enhance the effective and efficient performance, making it last longer. Consider trying some of these hints and tips to improve the lifespan of your filtration system.

Regular Cleaning Routine

Cleaning the inside of your water filter system frequently and thoroughly is important to avoid a build-up of minerals, contaminants or dirt in the filter. Try not to use any harsh cleaning products and gently rinse the system with warm water. You do not want to add any harmful toxins to your system that could be absorbed into the water that you and your family drink. Make sure to clean all elements of the system, preferably on a weekly basis. Ensure you sanitize the different parts of the system when cleaning your water filter, including the water dispenser, line, and cap assembly.

The water softener that you use may contribute to a build-up of salt in your water filter, meaning you will need to clean your system more often. Newer water softeners are efficient in how salt is used in the water, causing the excess to sometimes form a blockage within the system. When cleaning out your water filter, simply switch off the system, remove the majority of the salt and use hot water to dissolve the blockage.

Remember to monitor your water filter whenever you use it, looking out for signs that it may need cleaning. There is often also a monitoring system on your water filter, which can differ depending on the brand or type you have.

New Filter Cartridges

The control unit displayed on your filtration system will show you when the filter needs changing. This may be indicated by a daily status on the system itself or the changing colors of a read out.

You can maintain your filtration system by regularly changing the filter, which, if left for too long, can become clogged. Note down the date you last changed the filter cartridge and follow the guidelines provided for that particular cartridge type and your individual system regarding how long this should last. The lifespan of a water filter cartridge can be measured in both months and gallons and will have a specific expiration date. When changing the filter cartridge of your filtration system, remember to assess the condition of the O-rings, ensuring there are no leaks or drips originating from this area.

Water Filtration System Replacement

Some systems have specific maintenance requirements, such as the reverse osmosis filtration systems. With particular types of water filters, it is important to pay close attention to the guidelines provided, as some cleaning products can damage the system.

Like all household appliances, your water filtration system has a suggested lifespan, after which it will eventually need replacing. You may experience problems that can be easily remedied with a regular maintenance routine, but continuing to use an old water filter can result in contaminated drinking water and an inefficient system. A good maintenance routine will improve the lifespan of your filtration system, for cleaner, better tasting and healthier drinking water for you and your family.
Need a New Water Filter for your Home, call Lightfoot Plumbing. We service Weatherford, Burleson, Granbury, Aledo and Fort Worth, Texas.
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Monday, July 4, 2016

The Most Common Plumbing Problems Revealed

The Most Common Plumbing Problems Revealed

As your home ages, you may find that plumbing problems begin to arise – pipes can become brittle over time and may leak or a tree’s roots could damage your underground pipes by growing around them. Although, your home can be a new build and still experience plumbing problems.

Leaking or burst pipes are one of the more obvious problems, but there are many more potential plumbing problems that homeowners are commonly affected by. With the majority of plumbing problems, you will need to call in a profession plumber to get the problem fixed. Below are some of the most common problems that you could experience with your plumbing.Fort Worth Plumber -

Leaking or Burst Pipes

– Leaking or broken pipes are a common problem all year round, but during the winter months more people may experience them due to the change in temperature. If you think that you have a leaky or burst pipe, it’s important to get it fixed immediately. The longer you leave it, the more water damage your home will suffer from – this also means more money needs to be spent on water damage repair. It is not always obvious that you have a leaky pipe until there is evidence so keep an eye out for any mysterious wet patches on your ceilings or the ground.

Dripping Faucets

– Dripping faucets are very common. Many homeowners don’t even notice that they have a drippy faucet, or if they do, they just ignore it and don’t think much of it. Although it may seem like an insignificant problem, it’s still something that you should get sorted out. Ignoring a dripping faucet not only wastes water, but it also wastes your money. It may only be a drip, but those drips do add up. Getting a plumber out to fix the drippy faucet won’t cost you much at all. If you choose to ignore it, you’ll probably end up paying more for the drips on your water bill than you would on having the problem fixed.

Slow or Clogged Drains

– If you have a drain that is clogged, don’t be tempted to sort out the problem yourself with a plunger or a store bought drain cleaner. Drain cleaners that you buy over the counter can actually damage your pipes by softening the plastic or corroding them. You should always call out a plumber as they will have experience in dealing with clogged drains – they won’t use any harsh chemicals, and they will try and not be invasive.

Running Toilets

– When a home has a running toilet, many homeowners aren’t aware of how much water it is wasting. Up to 200 gallons of water can be lost every day if it is left unfixed. If you have a running toilet, call out a plumber to fix the problem as soon as possible. Leaving the issue will result in a lot of wasted money.

Leaking Hose Bib

– During the spring and summer, it’s very common for homeowners to get a leaky hose bib. Hose bibs can become damaged or cracked during the cold winter, so when owners go to use them in the spring or summer, they may leak water. If you do not already have one, buy a frost-proof hose bib. This will prevent leaks in the future, and it won’t need to be replaced as much.

Water Heater Repair

– With the correct maintenance, water heaters can last homeowners around 8 – 12 years. Plumbers are often called out because of water heaters not working and either needing a repair or replacement.

Low Water Pressure

– Low water pressure is quite common in older homes as opposed to newer ones although this doesn’t mean that newer homes can’t experience low water pressure. If you have low water pressure, you may need to clean your showerhead or your faucets aerator screens. You may need to change your showerhead, as you could have a leak in your home somewhere or inside of your pipes there could be corrosion.
If you experience any of these problems don’t hesitate to call Lightfoot Plumbing.

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