6. Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets can be incredibly annoying, especially when you are trying to fall asleep at night and all you can hear is a constant dripping noise. No matter how tight you secure the faucet, it does not seem to work, which also means that you are continuously wasting water, therefore increasing water bills.
 
Solving the issue of a dripping faucet is, again, relatively simple and is commonly caused by a damaged washer caused by wear and tear. Washers are a vital component in all taps and essentially stop water from being able to push itself out when turned off. Most washers are made from rubber or silicone, which means that, with age, they quickly become either stiff, dislodged or start to tear. This allows even the smallest trickle of water to seep through the tap, which is what causes a constant drip.
 
7. Leaking Pipes
A leaking pipe is the most costly of all plumbing problems as the pipe will have to be replaced to solve the issue. There are temporary repairs you can make such as fitting compounds, but ultimately, eventually, you will need a professional plumber to replace pipework on your behalf. Avoiding a leaking pipe can be quite tricky as some of the most common causes are things such as cracking, excess water pressure and corrosion, which are often unnoticeable until the damage has already been done. Leaks are easily noticeable because you will immediately be able to spot a puddle under your pipe or there will be dampness under your sink.
 
Water pipes often burst and cause a leak during the Winter due to freezing temperatures. During the colder months, the water will begin to expand as it freezes, increasing the pressure within the pipe. Over time, the pressure will worsen causing the pipe to rupture. Frozen pipes, luckily, can be avoided through correctly insulating the pipes and water tanks. For more information on avoiding frozen pipes, head over to SSE.
8. Mould On Walls
Mould is caused by a build-up of excess moisture and condensation; it is a good indication of a plumbing leak. Although mould can be unsightly, causing green and brown spots to appear across walls, it can also be incredibly harmful to your health.
 
Consistently inhaling mould spores can have a negative impact on the respiratory system and starts to inflame the airways. Short term exposure to mould will cause coughing, tightness of the chest, wheezing and throat irritation. Whereas, long-term exposure will make it harder for your lungs to function effectively, eventually causing health problems like asthma.
 
9. Pungent Smell
The pungent smell of a blocked drain is unmistakable and can be spotted from anywhere, so is most definitely not a scent you want in the home. One of the most common causes of a blocked drain, as unappealing as it sounds, is trapped food. Trapped food will begin to rot as it decomposes, therefore, causing a bad odour.
 
If you do notice that your drains have become blocked due to excess food, it is easy to resolve. All you will need to do is fill your sink with hot water and bleach, then allow the mixture to drain through the pipes until the food is loosened.
10. Running Toilet
If after you flush the toilet, there is a continuous flow of water trickling down, then it is more than likely that you have a running toilet. A running toilet can become just as annoying as a dripping tap and means that you will have to replace some inner components. Toilets often start to run due to a problem with the flapper valve. The flapper valve allows water to pass from the water tank to the bowl and when imbalanced or loose, is incapable of stopping the water from flowing.

As a new homeowner, or even experienced, it can be tricky recognising telltale signs that indicate a problem with your plumbing system. Some warning signs are considerably more visible and easy to notice than others, which makes it hard to understand when it’s time to enlist the expert advice of a professional plumber.
 
To ensure that your water and heating system remains intact and to avoid serious, costly repairs in the future, we have devised a list of the top ten common plumbing issues and how to detect them.
 
Most Common Plumbing Issues
There are many different plumbing problems within the home that can be solved through a little DIY and elbow grease. When moving into your first home, it is important to invest in essential plumbing tools to use in the event of an emergency. Tools such as a plunger, pipe wrench, seal tape and set of screwdrivers are all ‘must-haves’ to keep tucked away in your garage or under the sink for the future.
 
Always look out for the signs of a plumbing issue, the earlier that you can detect that something may not be right, the earlier that you can resolve the issue. We strongly recommend to keep your eye out for the following signs:
 
1. Rise In Water Bills
If over time, you begin to notice an unusual rise in your water bills, then it is most definitely worth investigating whether the case is an internal fault. Various different plumbing issues can quickly start to have an impact on the price of your bills such as a leaking toilet, dripping faucet or leaking pipes; all of which we will explain in detail within the next few paragraphs.
 
Remember always to take into consideration the time of year when contemplating the reasoning behind a high water bill. During the Summer, there is always a slight increase, especially if you are a keen gardener and use a sprinkler or hosepipe to water your garden. Similarly, over the Christmas period, if you have regular visitors and guests staying at your home, additional water will be used for showering, drinking, eating, flushing the toilet, etc.
2. Unusual Noises
Strange noises coming from your pipes or drain is one of the easiest ways to tell that there is a problem brewing. There are five different types of sounds you may hear: banging, humming, gurgling, ratting and whistling.
 
Banging noises occur when there is an issue with the water pressure either due to trapped air bubbles or water hammers. If you notice the sound only when you turn on the faucet, then it is likely to be air bubbles; however, a water hammer will cause noise when you turn the faucet off.
 
Humming noises are a good indication that you have your water pressure higher than your system can handle, meaning that your pipes will begin to vibrate and cause a noise. Luckily, this is an issue that you are likely to be able to solve independently by making a few adjustments.
 
Gurgling is one of the most common unusual noises to hear when draining water and is due to a blocked pipe. There are tonnes of culprits for blocking pipes from soap to hair; it will just take some drain un-blocker, a plunger and some elbow grease to clear. For a guide to successfully clearing blocked pipes, take a look at the B&Q website.
 
Rattling pipes will require the help of a professional plumber to solve, as it is a problem that is hidden behind walls, ceilings or floors. We have many clients who call our plumbers Milton Keynes to solve rattling pipes, and although it is easy to solve, cannot be done alone. A rattling noise is simply due to a fastener, securing pipes to the surface becoming loose or falling off.
 
Lastly, a whistling noise comes with age when particular components start to wear out, meaning that the faucets or valves are unable to function efficiently.
 
3. Slow Drains
As mentioned above, a common plumbing related problem is blocked pipes. These not only cause a gurgling noise, but make it harder for water to drain after, for example, a bath. The extent of the blockage differs between a partial and complete clog.
 
Although a plunger can help to loosen up the blockage and make it easier to flush through, it is incapable of removing it altogether; you will also need to use a drain cleaner afterwards.
 
There are many different tips that can help to avoid pipe blockages, the main of which is to invest into a sink strainer, which will collect all dirt, debris and hair, only allowing water to filter through. Always ensure that a strainer is used in the bath or shower, along with the kitchen sink. Also, when it comes to disposing of oil after cooking, do not pour it down the sink. Instead, use a jar or disposable coffee cup to store all old oil, which can then be taken to your nearest waste recycling centre.
 
4. Pipe Corrosion
Every few months, spend some time inspecting the condition of your pipes. Take a look under kitchen and bathroom cabinets for any signs of pipe corrosion and rust on the outside of pipes. Corrosion is a key sign of a water leak, which means if left unfixed, can begin to damage the floor and any surrounding surfaces.
 
Many different factors contribute towards a corroded pipe including oxygen in the water. Oxygen is known for, over time, causing the metal to rust and it means that impurities will start to build in the water, eventually creating a blockage. Another cause of rust is when the pipe is continuously holding water with a low pH. Although this problem is only common in copper piping, a low pH, similarly to oxygen, eats away at the protective layer of the pipe, making it easy for rust to form.
 
5. Low Water Pressure
Although the term ‘water pressure’ seems relatively complex, it actually simply relates to how fast the water comes out of the tap. If you notice that instead of a steady flow of water, droplets are just trickling out, it means that you have low water pressure.
 
It is essential to ensure that you check all taps in the house before determining whether you have low water pressure. One by one, run water, both hot and cold, in each room to identify whether the problem is only in a particular location or in all rooms. If there is only an issue when running hot water, it is likely to be a fault in your water heater rather than the pipework itself.
 
In some cases, when the low water pressure is only apparent in particular rooms rather than all, it is likely to be caused by a clogged faucet. This is something that you can solve through removing the faucet and cleaning out the aerator through soaking it in a combination of water and vinegar. Once re-assembled, if there is still a low water pressure, then you will need to purchase a replacement aerator.

Calling a plumber for the first time because you’ve woken up to no hot water or have discovered a nasty water leak can feel a little daunting, especially if you have not had to do this before.
We’ve put together a handy guide to help put your mind at ease when calling a plumber for the first time:

What should you do?

If you’re calling a professional because of an emergency, we recommend writing down as much information as possible about the problem. This will help you remember everything that may be important when speaking to your plumber and also give your plumber a better understanding of the issue and what work needs to be carried out. If you’re enquiring about something non-urgent, i.e. looking to upgrade your boiler or need some general advice, it would be useful to carry out some research of your own in advance. Holding some initial knowledge of your enquiry will ensure a better result overall and help keep the conversation crystal clear.

What should your plumber do?

A reputable plumber should always be able to explain the options available in an easy to understand language. You should never be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about the services they offer, as they will be more than happy to explain things in further detail. Choosing a plumber you wish to work with will take your careful consideration, therefore you should never feel rushed into making a decision.  Your engineer will provide you with the information you need to make your decision and leave contact details for you to get back to them. When it comes to the price of your job, a good plumber will always be able to give you an estimate of the price and timescale. They will usually be able to tell you their hourly rates, however, this will not be an exact figure without really seeing what they have to work on. Plumbers understand that you may need time to discuss the job with a partner or friend before coming to a decision. They will be happy to talk through anything else you think of and the available dates to start the job before you agree to sign them up
 

As a daily appliance, the bathroom is an essential part of your home and therefore requires regular cleaning and plumbing maintenance. No matter the size, there’s plenty of opportunity for plumbing issues to occur at the most inconvenient of times, so it’s vital to keep your bathroom’s plumbing in the best condition possible.
 
We’ve put together some useful tips and tricks to help you stay on top of your bathroom’s maintenance:
 
Maintaining a sparkling shower
 
 A reliable water pressure is key to an effective shower, whether you prefer a relaxing or an invigorating wash.
 
Be sure to clean your showerhead regularly to eliminate limescale. We recommend that every so often you remove the showerhead and leave it in a bowl of vinegar overnight. This will remove any build up of limescale deposits and clean the inlet and outlet holes of the showerhead. After cleaning, reattach and run water through the showerhead to remove any remaining residue.
Nobody likes a blocked shower, therefore it is important to keep the drains clear of soap residue and hair. This is best prevented by using a strainer over the drain, which can be emptied when required. It is important to regularly clean the strainer with drain cleaner. This will also remove any build-up in the pipes and eliminate any foul odours.
Taking care of your bathroom sink
 
Similar to your shower, toothpaste and soap residue together with a mixture of hair can soon block up your sink.
 
We recommend cleaning your sink on a weekly basis to remove the build-up of products and hair. A good quality bathroom cleaner or drain cleaner should do the job. Use as directed and then rinse with hot water to leave a clear and fresh smelling drain.
Keeping your toilet tip-top
 
We all know that it is essential to have fully functioning toilets in your home. However, you may find that they occasionally become blocked, but our tips will prevent any problems from getting too serious:
 
Misusing your toilet is a common cause of blockages. Flushing items including wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds etc. will soon cause a problem. Even if products are labelled as flushable, it is best to put them in the bin.
If you are finding clogs are becoming more frequent, then you will have to investigate a blockage in your drainpipe. You could try to fix the issue by using a plunger, however, if the problem persists, we recommend calling in a professional.
Toilet leaks can come from many sources, including the base, the water feed, the bowl and the cistern. It is important to get these leaks fixed as soon as possible to prevent damage to your flooring and the ceiling below if the toilet is on the first floor or abo

If you’re dealing with major sewer line damage beneath your home, residential or commercial property, you’ve likely spent some time already looking into your options. While conventional, dig-and-replace pipe replacement is an effective solution for root intrusion, pipe warping and other serious problems, there may be a much more affordable solution available - namely, trenchless pipe lining.
The right repair for your property’s pipe failure depends on a few factors, such as pipe depth and the extent of the damage. In certain situations, traditional replacements will be the most affordable option. However, in other circumstances, pipe lining could cost thousands of dollars less than dig-and-replace methods.

The Right Circumstances for Pipe Lining

Whether you’re dealing with pipe failure on a residential or commercial property, pipe lining “pre-requisites,” so to speak, are much the same. For one, lining is best suited for damaged sewer lines or other pipes located deep underground, well below 3-4 feet from the surface; this also makes lining an affordable solution for municipal sewer damage. Additionally, lining is often less expensive than traditional pipe replacement when pipes run below sidewalks, driveways and other landscaping features, which would cost much to replace.
Pipe lining, in these types of situations, will typically cost anywhere from 20-30% less than conventional pipe replacement, and even more so if extensive landscaping efforts would be required.

How it works?

Step 1
The pipe is tested for leaks.
Step 2
An abrading agent is then air blasted through the pipe to remove
all rust and corrosion products.
Step 3
An epoxy mixture is then blasted through the pipe with
conditioned air to uniformly distribute the epoxy lining throughout
the pipe segment.
 

Result

• The result is a relined pipe repaired from the inside.
• No damage to structures!
• No chasing walls!
• No digging!
 

It's a frightening thought, but you could have a leak in your plumbing and not realize it. If the leak is just a tiny hole, water can leak out all day long and gradually increase your water bill so it isn't as noticeable as a sudden sky-high bill due to a line rupture.
Although the leak may be small when water pours between your walls or under the floor every day it can do a lot of damage. Besides keeping an eye on your water meter and closely examining your water bill each month, there are other signs you can stay alert to that signal a water leak and possible water damage to your home.

Here are five things to watch for:

1. Odour of Decaying Wood or Mildew
If the leak is inside your home, the dampness may cause mould to grow in places you can't see. Don't rely on visible mould to alert you to a water leak because mould could be growing behind a wall or under your carpet. Instead, rely on your sense of smell.
If you detect the odour of mildew, then that's a pretty good sign there is a water leak somewhere in your home. Other odours you might detect are the foul smell of stagnant water and the odour of decaying wood.
2. Presence of Water-Loving Bugs
Bugs can also alert you to increased dampness and humidity in your home. There might be more roaches in your kitchen or you could see earwigs in the basement or silverfish in the bathroom.
If you've not had a bug problem previously, and suddenly you're having a hard time keeping them under control, a water leak is likely attracting them. These bugs love damp places so they may be living in your base cabinets that have wet wood or in your basement due to a slab leak.
3. Unusual Noises in Your Plumbing
You can sometimes hear a water leak because the sound is amplified through the plumbing. You could hear a rushing noise as the water is leaking out. You might also hear stuttering or pinging when you turn on a faucet due to the air in the lines. You can't always pick up on the sound of a water leak though, especially if the leak is tiny.
4. Wet Areas That Should Be Dry
If you have a slab leak in your house, there may be water puddles in your basement or wet spots on your carpet. If an outdoor line is leaking, there could be a soggy area in your yard. The grass may be lush and greener in one spot where the water is leaking.
There could also be sinking above the leak which might cause your driveway or walkway to dip. If an indoor pipe is leaking, you may see water stains on the walls or ceiling. The drywall may swell as it absorbs the water and then begin to buckle.
5. The Water Has Sediment or Rust Particles
You won't always notice a change in water quality when you have a plumbing leak. If the broken pipe is underground outdoors, dirt might get in the line. When this happens, you might see particles in the water or notice sediment in your dishes after you wash them.
 
In addition to dirt, you might also see rust particles. Rust particles don't always indicate a water leak, but rust does reveal the deteriorated condition of your pipes. If they are rusted inside, there's a good chance a pipe is leaking or will start leaking if the pipes aren't replaced soon.
 
Having a hidden water leak is disturbing because you have no idea where it is or the amount of damage it has done. Fortunately, your plumber can pinpoint the leak using leak detection equipment such as a moisture meter, thermal scanner, pipe camera, or a sound detection device. Locating the exact spot of the leak is necessary, otherwise, you would have to open your walls and dig up your yard to find the leak.

Look closely at the areas around your sink and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. If there is too much water there, then it might be a sign that you’re plumbing has started leaking. These leaks might not seem like a big deal at first, but if you let them go unaddressed for too long, they can cause enormous problems for you, your family, and your home.

Your Drains Are Blocked

Do you take good care of your drains? Whenever you find a slow-running drain, whether it’s in your sink or your bathtub, it could be a sign that the drain has been blocked or clogged by something. The leaks could be caused by these obstructions, and the pressure could eventually cause your pipes to explode. If normal chemical solutions can’t unblock your drains, then you should consider enlisting the professional help of the expert plumbers from Master Plumbing.

Soil is Moving

Earthquakes aren’t all that common in Maryland. At least, most of the time we don’t feel anything. But that doesn’t mean the soil isn’t moving. Whether it’s due to soil erosion or mudslides due to constant downpours of spring rain, your plumbing could start developing a leak. Your pipes might damaged even by the smallest movement of the soil, so be sure to inspect them after every storm.

The Seal is Broken

Don’t forget to take a close look at all of your appliances that use a lot of water. The seals on them might have broken, which can also cause a problematic leak. Whenever you inspect all of your plumbing, don’t forget to make sure all seals are still intact.

Pipes Are Worn Down

Given enough time, your pipes will simply start to wear down. This could be the biggest reason your plumbing has a growing leak. A small crack can turn into a larger fracture, which will make any necessary repairs much more expensive and time-consuming. Don’t let this

A cracked or damaged pipe, water leak, or any other plumbing system malfunction can be extremely costly if not taken care of in a timely manner. As soon as you notice any type of damage or system failure, call in the experts at Master Plumbing right away! Even small amounts of water can cause lots of damage to your home. In fact, studies show that the majority of water-related insurance claims were related to drain malfunction or pipe failure. Here are some ways you can mitigate some of these risks.

Pipes

Pipe failure repair can cost thousands of dollars, even after homeowners’ insurance. Fortunately, there are some small things that you can do to prevent pipe failure from causing a problem in your home:

• Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, and drip faucets on unusually cold days.
• Make sure pipes are properly insulated.
• Replace old metal pipes.
• Call Master Plumbing as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Drains

A backed-up drain can cause lots of problems, no matter where it is in your home, especially the sewer drain. We aren’t talking about the drains that you see next to the curb on the street, but the pipe that takes sewage out of your home to the city’s sewage treatment facility. Follow these tips to prevent damage to this vital plumbing component:

• Plant trees far away from underground plumbing lines.
• NEVER pour grease down your drains. It solidifies inside the pipes and builds up to create blockages.
• Contact Master Plumbing to install a backflow prevention mechanism.

Summer should be a time of relaxation and fun. But you can’t have very much fun if your house is constantly flooding due to some faulty plumbing. Here are a few reasons why you should take better care of your home’s plumbing this summer.

Reliability

No one wants to deal with a clogged drain or a backed-up toilet. Nothing in your home should go haywire due to neglect, so maintenance is key. When you have your plumbing inspected and repaired on a regular basis, you can avoid headache-inducing problems such as a blocked sewer line or not enough hot water in your shower – or even worse, not enough water pressure!

Avoid a Crisis

Another reason to make sure that all of your home’s pipes are in good condition is so that you can avoid a crisis. The last thing you need is for a slow leak to become a flood, ruining your furniture and causing your pets even more distress while you’re away from home all day.

Save Some Money

Taking care of your plumbing will also save you some money in the long run. Although you might balk at some of the initial estimates, it could always get worse if you wait to make any necessary repairs. After all, you don’t want to have to pay a huge water bill just because of all the water that broken pipes leaked. You can also make sure that rust and other contaminants aren’t entering your water supply, which could make you and everyone in your family very sick if you don’t know it’s happening. Plus, well-maintained plumbing gives you some peace of mind. Think about all of your fixtures in both the bathroom and the kitchen – sinks, faucets, toilets – and don’t forget about your laundry room! Your washing machine and deep sink could cause problems too if you don’t keep an eye on them. Don’t let that happen to you, call us today!
 

It’s great that you’re probably handy around the house, but there are some tasks that might be better left for the professionals. This is especially true for plumbing work. Sometimes even our best efforts aren’t enough to get the job done, or we end up making a bad situation worse with our own remedies. Homeowners don’t always have the proper training or access to the right set of tools to get the job done right and efficiently. Here are some signs to help you know when you can handle it and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Consistent Clogs
Clogs are a nuisance that all homeowners have dealt with at some point. There are many products on the market that can help relieve this situation, but if it seems to be a consistent recurrence then it’s probably time to call the plumber. A consistent clog in the same place or simultaneous clogs in various locations are signs of a larger problem. You might be dealing with a clogged sewer line or you might require a drain cleaning service to get everything flowing again.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in your sinks or shower could mean that you have to make a call to your water supply company or municipality. This call will give you more information and let you know if it stems from an issue they’re having or if it’s more localized. The low water pressure could mean that you have a blockage somewhere in your plumbing or a pipe leak.
Finding a Leak
Speaking of leaks, it’s often difficult for homeowners to find the source of a leak without professional assistance and equipment. Leaks should be addressed as quickly as possible as they leave your home susceptible to water damage, mold, and an increase in your bills.
A Strange Smell
Dealing with a sewage backup is dangerous and should only be addressed by professionals. If you’re smelling a strange smell of sewage in your home, you should call your plumber immediately. Avoid any standing water or puddles as they could contain toxic and hazardous waste materials.
 

A backed up, blocked sink is no fun. Whether you have just one kitchen sink or multiple ones for different tasks, here’s what you should do when you realize your sink is blocked.
 
Get Rid of the Standing Water
 
First of all, you’ll want to flush the water away. If water stands in your clogged sink for too long, it can quickly become disgusting. You’ve seen the puddles of water outside that have become a hot tub for mosquitoes, right? Don’t let the same thing happen inside your home.
 
Use Cleaners
 
The next thing you can try is to use several different cleaners. Which one does the trick? You won’t know unless you attempt to find out. The brands you’ll see on store shelves will do away with whatever is clogging your kitchen sink. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing they do. They’ll also damage your pipes, which may lead to worse problems down the line. Vinegar is one of your best weapons whenever you need to do some cleaning around the house. So is lemon juice, come to think of it. Baking soda and hot water are also great ideas to try if you’re looking for safer ways to unblock your sink.
 
Try a Tool
 
If all else fails, you might not have any other choice. The toughest clogs call for the most dedicated plumbers. Call on the experts at Master Plumbing to help you determine what the cause of the clog is. However, you aren’t out of options just yet. While it might seem unbelievable, a coat hanger can prove useful. You just need to straighten it out and try to poke into the clog and see if it starts to budge.  If that doesn’t work, you can also use what’s called a plumbing auger, a drill-like tool that you can put into your sink’s drain. Spin it a few times and listen to see if the clog breaks up. If it does, then you’re done and that’s all you needed to do!

Preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding many of the more common plumbing issues that you may come across in your home. Some homeowners think that plumbing maintenance is tedious or just another extra expense. However, almost every homeowner with a plumbing problem wouldn’t agree with that! By spending a little money throughout the year on preventative maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements later on down the line. What steps can you take to avoid the dreaded middle of the night emergency call?

Common Water Heater Issues

Water heaters, especially residential water heaters, should last well over a decade with proper care and plumbing maintenance. Your water heater is an integral part of your home. It is used every day to heat the water for your morning shower and help wash the dinner dishes every night. Since it is such a necessary part of your plumbing, make sure that you check your water heater at least once a month for potential problems. Lower the temperature setting to 115 degrees to prevent any overheating issues.
Furthermore, you should conduct a monthly inspection to make sure everything is okay.  Check the temperature and pressure displayed on the appliance if you can’t hear any gurgling sounds. This can mean that water is not being properly released into the drain tube. If this cannot be repaired, your water heater may need to be replaced altogether.

Upgrade Hoses and Fixtures

If your home still has rubber hosing, you could be setting yourself up for future plumbing problems. Rubber hoses should be replaced with metal hoses. You should also replace any hosing on waterline raisers, valves, and pipes. More modern houses typically have more complicated plumbing, since they are typically built under different code and plumbing requirements.

Moving to a New Home?

If you are just moving into a home and looking for any plumbing problems, start by checking the walls, floors, and ceilings. If there is any cracking visible on the ceiling, that is almost always a sign of leaking water or accumulated trapped moisture. If you spot this in your home suddenly, troubleshoot by replacing old rubber hoses with new ones constructed from copper or stainless steel. Metal hoses are more durable and last up to 15 years before they need to be replaced.

Whenever we pour some water from the sink tap, we expect it to taste clean and cool. Even in the winter, it’s important to stay hydrated. But if you’re worried about the taste of your tap water, you usually compensate by getting a filtration system. 
Does It Smell Like Metal
How often do you think about iron, zinc, or manganese? These metals are also mineral supplements that you might need in your body. But these metals can also leach into the water due to aging pipes or water heaters. There might also be some lead in your water that you don’t realize. If your water tastes like metal, then it is time to replace your pipes.
Does It Smell Like Mould
Mould is another huge problem when it comes to sources of water. The most common cause of mouldy smelling water is due to algae growing on the water supply somewhere else. If you’re finding it hard to drink the water, try to chill it and refrigerate it. If this doesn’t solve the problem, then look up information about the local water supply for your neighbourhood to see if anything is different. It may also be time to clean the tap, sink, and water fixtures in your kitchen or your bathroom.
Does It Smell Like Rotten Eggs
Does your water smell like rotten eggs? It’s a disgusting situation caused by the presence of hydrogen sulphide. Although it’s not dangerous, it sounds like it is. However, it can corrode your pipes and cause your water to turn black.
Does It Have A Salty Taste
Sometimes, you will smell or taste salt. There’s probably chloride in your water. If your water tastes unusually salty, it could be contaminated with sewage. If you think that could be the problem, then you should get your water tested as soon as possible.

At some point, you may find that a pipe in your home has burst. If this happens in your basement laundry room, it can flood the entire basement. You don’t want to have to deal with water damage and its aftereffects, such as rampant mold growth. Here’s how to deal with burst pipes.
What to Do First
The first thing to do is to not panic. Panicking won’t help you fix broken pipes, and it won’t help you remedy the situation. Find the shutoff valve for your home’s water supply and turn it off. This will help ensure that the water damage doesn’t get any worse.
What to Do Next
Next, assess the damage done to your pipes. Think about the type of pipes you have in your home. If they’re still made of lead, then they need to be replaced as soon as possible. This means you should get copper or PVC pipes installed instead.
What to Do After That
Look for cracks, holes, or leaks in other parts of your plumbing. Small problems can eventually break open whenever pipes burst. A pinhole in your pipes can be mended with duct tape or electric tape. A hairline fracture in a pipe can be filled in with some pipe sealant. Larger cracks and holes will need a patch kit to fix. For this kit to work though, you will need to know how to sand your pipes, and you’ll need thick, sturdy gloves to help you get the job done.
Finally
Finally, if any of this sounds too complicated for you, then rely on the experts. Sometimes, repairing burst pipes requires the use of blow torches and pipe cutters. These are advanced tools that only certified plumbers should use. So while small problems are ones you can handle yourself, when you have a burst pipe in your home, be sure to have a reputable plumber on speed dial.

We often take our indoor plumbing for granted until something happens to it. Here are some easy ways to prevent water damage in your home due to faulty plumbing or fixtures.

Replace Your Washing Machine

Eventually, your washer and dryer will stop working. Then you’ll have to resort to going to a friend’s house or visiting a nearby family member to get some laundry done. If you don’t want to deal with this, then replace your washing machine. That way, you won’t have to go to the laundromat. Until you can get a new washing machine, be careful not to overload it. A washing machine that floods can cause catastrophic water damage. Find your owner’s manual and follow any manufacturer’s instructions on what to do. While it’s possible to get repairs done, at some point you’re much better off just getting a brand new one.

Fix the Toilet

Toilets can also cause water damage. If it’s an upstairs toilet that floods, then you run the risk of major damage to the ceiling of your house. That could put repairs somewhere in the thousands of dollars. Make sure you keep your toilet well-maintained. A toilet that doesn’t flush properly is annoying, but a toilet that floods your home is worse. Look at the valve, the flapper, the watersupply, and inside the tank itself.

Inspect Your Pipes

You should also inspect the pipes inside your home. This may mean some major changes to your home, especially if you’re planning on remodeling before the holiday season rush begins. During the winter, it’s more likely that your pipes will freeze, which will cause other problems. Pipes that burst can cause huge amounts of water damage as well, which is why you need to keep an eye on them. Listen for odd noises coming from your pipes, and look out for clogs, blockages, or rust.

Nothing is more annoying than a toilet that won’t stop running. Or it gets blocked and floods every time the flusher malfunctions. Here are some frequent toilet issues that you can try fixing by yourself.

Flushing

When a toilet is operating normally, a single push of the flusher will carry away all the contents of the bowl. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Toilets that seem to be running by themselves are due to ghost flushing, or phantom flushes. This means something is wrong with the flapper. Although you can replace the flapper on your own, it’s better if you call the experts to handle it for you.

Water in the Tank

Too much water in the toilet bowl can lead to headaches such as a flood in your bathroom. Having too much water in the tank might not seem like a problem – or at least, you might not think of it as an issue. There’s probably too much water coming into through a component known as an inlet valve, which produces a sinister hissing sound. Look at the float, the refill tube, and the inlet valve. If the refill tube is too deep in the overflow tube, you’ll need to move it.

Slowly Emptying

Sometimes, you’ll encounter a weak flush. This means that the flush cycle doesn’t completely finish, and whatever you were trying to flush doesn’t disappear. While it’s hard to see under the rim of the toilet bowl, that’s where the problem starts. There are holes under the rim that can become blocked, and you have to unblock them using some wire. This wire can also be from a coat hanger in a pinch. But however, you tackle the problem, be sure not to leave any scratches in the bowl that could affect how well the bowl drains. You could end up with more clogs or leaks if you’re not careful.
 

Open the Tank Lid

Take the lid off of the toilet tank. Once you have, you can see the toilet’s inner workings. You’ll find a small chain that connects the flushing mechanism to another component called the flapper. Pay particular attention to the condition of the flapper, because it’s going to be essential for fixing this toilet problem. In case you need a refresher, the flapper is the piece at the bottom near where the drain is. You might have to play with the flapper and see if it is too loose or too tight. If it’s too loose, then the flapper might not push up as far as it needs to when you flush the toilet. If it’s not tight enough, then the flapper might not sit flat against the bottom.

Adjust the Flapper

Next, you’ll have to adjust the flapper. Use the shut-off valve to stop the water supply, at least until you’re done. All you have to do is turn the valve clockwise. Then you will need to take the pin off the handlebar of the flapper. Moving the pin in the flapper will shorten it. Put the pin back in the end of the handle to make sure it stays put. Once you’ve done that, you can turn the water supply for your toilet back on.

Fix the Flapper

The method above might have only made a small difference. Examine the flapper closely to see if it has a ring or a set of ears holding it in place. It’s normal to find either the ring or the ears, but you shouldn’t have both mechanisms. If you do, then that means the flapper gets stuck more frequently. Take the ring off and only rely on the ears. As soon as you do that, it should fix the problem.

Saves Money

In order to actually replace damaged pipes, a plumbing company has to dig into your yard or driveway to reach the source of the issue. To dig a big enough trench takes a lot of expensive manpower and equipment Not to mention that once it’s done, you have to worry about paying to get your home or office back to it’s original state.
This isn’t the case with the relining process, which uses an epoxy liner to recoat the inside of the failing pipe. Because of this, the labour and cost involved with sewer pipe relining, or cured in-place pipe restoration, is significantly less than traditional methods.
Save’s Time

As you can imagine, when someone has to go underground, it requires a good amount of time. In fact, the work is so extensive that it can sometimes take weeks for your sewers to be back in working order. We know that putting your life on hold for that long is unacceptable! But, the technicians at Bob Oates Plumbing Sewer and Rooter are experts in speedy and effective sewer pipe relining in Seattle. We know exactly what to do to get the job done as quickly as possible. In fact, depending on the project, a whole sewer pipe relining could complete in less than a day!

Less Intrusive

As we’ve said, with traditional repair, a backhoe is usually required for digging very long and deep trenches, often times right in your own backyard. Once your pipes are repaired or replaced, the backhoe is used again to re-fill the hole. In some cases, this can go beyond your property line. If it turns out that a plumber has to get into the street in front of your house, you’re looking at a long and irritating process of closing off the area and possibly even re-routing general traffic, in which case you’ll need to get the city involved which is always a pain.

Extends the Life of Your Pipes

Sewer pipe relining is extremely durable. When you opt for pipe relining, the old pipe is not removed but is instead relined with a heavy-duty material. When all’s said and done, you basically have a pipe within a pipe that is double the strength with a negligible loss in pipe diameter.

Environmentally Friendly

Obviously, digging into the ground to get to a damaged pipe is going to disturb the environment in one what or another. But, with traditional methods, the biggest concern is the possibility of contaminants being released into the Earth.

• Unusual wet areas in sports that are landscaped and/or pools of water on the surface of the ground.
• An area that’s mouldy, soft, green, or mossy that’s surrounded by a dryer condition.
• A very noticeable drop in flow volume/water pressure.
• A new problem with dirt or air in your water or rusty water, although this can be due to another problem.
• A section of an area that’s irrigated suddenly brown/dying/dead and it used to be lush and green. This is due to the water pressure being too low for far sprinkler heads to properly pop up.
• Cracking or heaving of areas that are paved.
• Potholes or sink holes.
• Even grades of floor or a structure leaning.
• A sudden increase in use of water that is unexplained, water use that is consistently high, or even water use that’s been steadily climbing for a few billing cycles.

Reasons Why You Should Hire a Plumber

Unexpected emergencies can happen at any time. Having a professional plumber on hand is critical to solving the crisis and avoiding unnecessary repairs to fix the work of the unqualified repairman.
 
Installation and upgrading of plumbing fixtures. Calling a professional plumber ensures the job is done right the first time.
 
Hours are saved shopping at the hardware store for parts that may not be needed.
 
Remodelling of house. When you want to remodel your house, plumbers can determine the best course of action.
 
Major infrastructure is not damaged by accident and the best solutions are provided with maximum cost savings,
 
Supply of clean water. Since pipes and tubing do not last forever, leaks and damages are replaced with upgraded parts and materials. The upgrades are now compliant with local building codes.
 
Plumbers will ensure your drinking water is not contaminated by replacing damaged or frozen pipes.
 
Conservation of water. Broken pipes and leaks on your plumbing fixtures could cause water wastage and a mould problem. Even a small leak can result in maximum damages in the long run.
 
Cost reduction. There is a vast savings in your energy bills when leaks are repaired.
 
Drainage cleaning. Cleaning your own drain with a handmade snake is an exercise in frustration. Professionals are equipped with the proper equipment and do a highly superior job,
 
Comfort. Properly working hot water tanks, drains pipes and garbage disposals ensure life is more comfortable-why sacrifice comfort for stress by doing it yourself ?
 
Safety. Some of the most common accidents are caused by a lack of awareness and understanding of plumbing in general.
 
Danger is always present- leave it to the professionals for safety's sake.
 
Property protection. Accidents caused by fire or maybe by your broken pipes could lead to property damages. For both situations, hiring a plumber will help you save and protect your property and will also minimize the damages. And with that, costs will also be minimized.
 
Business continuity. Having a plumber do regular check-ups for your plumbing system will help you maintain its function and detect problems early before they cause havoc and a lot of damages. This will help you avoid business interruptions and will keep the operations of your business running smoothly.