Blog - Page 15 of 18 - Your 1 Plumber | Germantown Plumber

How to Deal with A Sewer Back-Up

November 25, 2022

Are you noticing gurgling noises coming from your toilet or a slow drain? This usually occurs because of a single clogged drain, and all you need is a plunger. However, if the tub is backing up when you flush and the kitchen sink is flowing to your basement, you’re dealing with a major problem.

Backed-up sewers shouldn’t be taken lightly! If they occur, it’s vital to get them fixed promptly to avoid further issues and emergencies. After all, not only are they inconvenient, but they can also be dangerous if not handled properly.

Here’s how you should deal with sewer backups while waiting for plumbing services in Germantown.

Be Prepared Beforehand

The best way to manage a sewer backup is to not have one. One of the best ways to avoid them is to have plumbing companies conduct regular inspections. However, if your sewer lines are starting to cause problems, you’ll notice some subtle signs. We recommend you don’t ignore them and call a plumbing service immediately.

If the issue worsens, here are the steps you need to take.

Know where the main shut-off valve is. Typically, they’re located in the basement or the attic.
Find out where the main sewer line leads from the inside of the house (and outside, if applicable). All these lines will lead to the junction box that you should turn off as soon as you notice a serious problem.

Don’t Attempt to DIY Fix the Issue

If you have a sewer backup, don’t try to repair the issue by yourself. Instead, it’s best to call the professionals. That’s because they are trained to repair sewage backups and have the experience to restore your house to a safe living space again.

The main reason behind this is that sewage contains germs and bacteria that can affect your health if you come near it or touch the water. However, professionals are experienced in handling water damage and waste. They also have safety protocols set in place and ample equipment to prevent the spread of diseases. That’s not all as these experts will also inspect nearby pipes, equipment, structures, etc., to ensure a safe repair.

This leads to our next point.

Call Professionals ASAP

If you have a sewer backup, we recommend you call a professional plumbing service immediately. A professional plumber is your best bet to ensure the problem doesn’t worsen. It’s also advised to call them during initial issues such as clogged drains. They can help clear out any debris obstructing so that water flows freely within the pipes.

Consider us at Your 1 Plumber. We are our clients’ go-to company for plumbing services in Germantown and nearby areas. Our team specializes in drain cleaning services and sewer repair. However, we also offer other services, such as plumbing installation services and water heater replacement in Germantown.

Get in touch with us now and get started immediately.

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Costlier Down The Line

November 17, 2022

You’ve probably used chemical drain cleaners to unclog a drain quickly and cheaply. Sometimes it works. Other times, you have no choice but to call a plumber. Chemical drain cleaners can cost you more money in the long run than they save. With chemical cleaners, it’s quite literally your money down the drain.

At Your 1 Plumber, we offer organic drain cleaners that use microorganisms to biologically clean your clogged drain and lower the risk of future clogging without damaging your plumbing. Here’s why chemical drain cleaning solutions are not a good solution and why you should choose organic cleaners instead.

Chemical Drain Cleaners: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The thing that makes chemical drain cleaners so effective is that they’re highly reactive. Whether it’s an acidic cleaner, caustic cleaner, or an oxidizing solution, the compounds in the container can easily break down many different chemical structures. However, what makes these chemicals good also makes them bad.

High reactivity means that these chemicals can potentially react with your plumbing. These chemicals are also very dangerous for human health, and you’re advised to avoid their fumes. Chemical drain cleaners are destructive but not very precise.

How Chemical Drain Cleaners Cause Damage Down The Line

Chemical drain cleaners can corrode your plumbing, leading to leaks in your sewer line and water damage in your house. These damages can add up to an amount higher than what you save by not hiring an experienced Germantown plumber.

If you have something stuck on your plumbing that chemical drain cleaners can’t dissolve, your sewer line will get clogged. You’ll keep buying cleaners without fixing the root problem. Trusting a professional to fix the clog is better than using chemical drain cleaners.

How Bio-Clean Organic Drain Cleaners Do It Better

Organic cleaners are an entirely different class of drain cleaners. These cleaners don’t contain corrosive chemicals to eat away whatever is causing the clog. Instead, organic cleaners have naturally occurring microorganisms that thrive on organic compounds that cause clogging. The organisms in organic drain cleaners only consume organic substances, so your plumbing is completely safe. They also don’t emit any harmful fumes.

Bio-Clean isn’t available in retail stores, but you can get it from Your 1 Plumber. Just pick up your phone, give us a call, and place an order. One Bio-Clean container can be used for 100 treatments. You can use it in sinks, bathtubs, drain fields, and anywhere else. You can also use it monthly to prevent future clogging and save yourself from the hassle.

Your 1 Plumber has 15 years of experience offering reliable plumbing services in Germantown. Our plumbers are highly experienced in toilet replacement, new faucet installation, and water heater repair service in Germantown.

Want your drain cleaned safely? Order Bio-Clean today!

How Sump Pumps Are Professionally Installed

November 7, 2022

Sump pumps are a great way to prevent your house from flooding in an emergency. A sump pump automatically turns on when your basement starts to flood, keeping the water level from rising and causing water damage.

At Your 1 Plumber, we specialize in keeping your basement safe from flooding. We have over 15 years of experience in backup sump pump installation and water line repair service. Here’s how our plumbers install sump pumps professionally.

Setting The Sump Basin

The sump pump is installed inside a sump basin. First, we dig a hole in the concrete wide and deep enough for the sump basin to fit. Then, we place a filter fabric under the sump basin before placing it in the hole. The filter prevents any silt from getting inside the sump basin and clogging the sump pump.

Sump pump manufacturers also recommend placing a paver on top of the rock and placing the sump pump on top of the paver. We carefully place a paver in the sump basin before moving to the next step.

Installing The Sump Pump

The sump pump uses a quite similar mechanism to your toilet tank to turn itself on and off, depending on the water level. The pump has a float attached to the side with a very low specific gravity, so it stays at the surface of the water around the pump. As the water table rises, so does the float.

The float turns on the pump when it reaches a certain height, and the water in the sump sink starts getting pumped out. The pump turns off when there’s little to no water left and the float has reached the bottom. We install the sump pump with this mechanism and the movement of the float in mind.

Installing The Plumbing

Plumbing is installed to take water from the sump pump outside your house. The plumbing is pretty simple, except a check valve is installed above the sump pump. This one-way valve prevents water from flowing back toward the sump sink when the sump pump gets turned off.

The route of the plumbing depends on where your plumber found it best to install the sump pump and where you want the water to go out. If all of this is handled by an experienced Maryland plumber, the sump pump will work as intended to prevent flooding in your house.

Your 1 Plumber is the most trusted plumbing services provider in Germantown. In addition to the general plumbing services, our technicians specialize in toilet replacement, water line repair, plumbing installation, and water heater replacement service in Germantown.

Ready to have a sump pump installed in your basement? Call us now!

The Most Common Sewer Problems

October 31, 2022

Sewer line problems are a real hassle. They often cost a hefty amount in repairs and leave even costlier damage behind. Some sewer line problems don’t directly affect your house but increase the risk of clogging, so you have to call a plumber every few months.

At Your 1 Plumber, we regularly make all kinds of sewer repairs throughout our service areas. Here are the problems we most commonly face.

Root Intrusion

Tree roots underground are constantly looking for water. They pierce through the soil as they grow and spread slowly. A root from a nearby tree may come into contact with your sewer line. They may not find any water if your sewer line is intact, but they can exert an increasing amount of pressure and get inside your sewer line eventually.

The inside of your sewer line is a buffet for tree roots. They grow to maximize their surface area so they can absorb as much water and nutrients as possible. This leads to frequent clogs. Hire a professional plumber in Maryland to fix the intrusion at its root!

Pipe Shifting

Your sewer line is buried under tonnes of substrate. Foundation problems such as shifting, sinkholes, or increased substrate weight due to rainwater can exert stress on the sewer line. This can cause the PVC and iron pipes to bend, increasing the risk of clogging. If you have asbestos pipes, pipe shifting will crack the line and lead to leaks.

Pipe shifting can’t be prevented. Still, you can prevent the damages it leads to by getting your sewer line inspected every few years.

Sewer Line Blockage

Often, the problem isn’t your sewer line, but something stuck in it. There’s a reason you’re not supposed to flush down anything other than waste and toilet paper. Objects can get stuck in the joints and lead to clogs.

Even if you use chemical drain cleaners (which we don’t recommend), it will only fix the clogging temporarily. It won’t do anything about the stuck object. If your sewer line gets clogged every few weeks, hire a plumbing service in Germantown and have it fixed once and for all.

Pipe Corrosion

Every material is vulnerable to corrosion from one chemical or another. Sewer lines can corrode from the inside and outside due to exposure to different chemicals and organisms. Certain chemical drain cleaners are particularly corrosive against some sewer line materials. If you use drain cleaners all the time, it will eventually corrode your pipes, and you’ll need a new line.

Your 1 Plumber offers reliable solutions to plumbing problems and honest and fair prices. Our organic drain cleaner service unclogs your pipes without corroding your sewer plumbing. We also offer back-up sump pump service, toilet replacement service, and water heater repair in Germantown.

Want your sewer line fixed professionally? Hire our services now!

Possible Reasons for a Soaring Water Bill in College Park

September 26, 2022

An average American family uses around 300 gallons of water per day. Our plumbers in College Park, MD, know that maintaining the underground pipeline from the main street to your home is your responsibility. We offer a thorough water leak repair strategy to control hefty water bills.

The leading reasons your water bill may have spiked include the following:

Leaky Toilets

Huge puddles around toilet bases are signs of a leaky toilet. A leaky toilet isn’t just a hygiene concern; it also badly damages the flooring and the bathroom walls. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day. You can detect a running toilet through the following measures:

Drip some food color into the toilet tank and let it sit. If the color shows up in the bowl, your toilet is leaking.
Listen carefully for a dripping sound near your toilet. If you can hear the water flowing, your toilet is probably leaking. Inspect the toilet tank and the water line connections for a possible leak.

Leaky Bathroom Fixtures

Another major reason for an unreasonable water bill is leaky faucets. Some faucet leaks are quite obvious. If the faucet leaks when it’s turned off, it’s leaking from the spout. If your water meter shows a sharp increase in water consumption, immediately inspect your faucets for a possible leak. Our plumbers in Germantown offer same-day services for water leak emergencies. This is the only way to control high water bills due to water consumption.

Leaky Household Equipment

Sometimes, an everyday-use appliance like your washing machine or the dishwasher may secretly consume all your household water. Your washing machines and dishwashers are susceptible to leaks. Inspect the dishwasher and the washing machine if you see water pooling around the equipment. Check the door seals for droplets of water.

Leaks in Lateral Pipelines

At times, underground pipelines feeding water from your water connection may have a crack. In old homes, these water pipelines are also susceptible to rust. Factors like tree root intrusion may also contribute to pipe weakening.

A major impediment here is that underground pipe leaks are difficult to detect. Advanced plumbing tools are needed to inspect and locate an underground pipe leak.

Your 1 Plumber for Water Leak Repair

Our services specialize in water service repairs and replacements from the water mains to your home without total yard excavation. We’re a licensed plumbing service serving Maryland for several years now. You can also rely on us for plumbing installation and kitchen faucet repair services in Germantown. Call us at 3015407586 to save on your water line replacement costs.

How to Detect Water Leaks in Your Rockville Home

September 23, 2022

Small neglected leaks in your plumbing system can create serious trouble for your property. Water seeps into walls, ruining paint and damaging insulation over time. Besides, moisture is a breeding ground for mold and leads to respiratory problems. Our water line repair services in Germantown repair and replace old pipes susceptible to water leakage and rusting.

We’re sharing some ways you can detect water leaks in your Rockville home.

Thoroughly Inspect Leaky Faucets in Your Kitchen and the Bathroom

Use a towel or a small container to test for spout leaks. Place a paper or a bowl under the faucet spout to see if it soaks any water. If you detect a leak when the faucet is turned on, the faucet’s O-ring needs replacement—probably because it’s worn out.

Keep Your Water Bills in Check

If your water bill seems too overpriced, a dripping faucet or a leaky pipe can be the culprit here. Notice if your water consumption has increased over time. If not, a pipeline is probably leaking. Detecting pipe leakages can take up a lot of your time. Rope in our expert plumbers in Maryland to detect underground pipe leakages.

Look for Damp Walls—Especially in the Basement

Walls don’t discolor just like that. Some clues to detect a water leak are as follows:

A discolored drywall
A heavily blotchy wall with dense stains on it
A crack or water stain on the drywall
A musty smell from the walls

Damp basement walls are almost always bad news. An interior water leak can be one of the reasons why your basement wall is overly damp. A water leak can be from pipes located in the shower, kitchen, or bathrooms.

The Stethoscope Test

A simple way for pipe leak detection is through vibrations coming from running water. Plumbing services frequently use the device to detect water leaks. During the test, it’s recommended all pipe fittings should be closed. Even after you use the stethoscope, finding the exact location of the leak may be tricky.

Detecting Underground Water Leaks

Stanford researchers have proposed a new way to locate underground leaks. They are calling it “The Water Hammer Test”. The test detects water leaks in transmission mains. Most water transmission mains in North America are equipped with sensors to gauge pressure.

In the test, the water supply in a given pipe is suddenly turned off, and data is collected for the subsequent shock wave. The shock wave holds clues for the location and size of the leak in underground pipes. This process is not your everyday water leak detection drill. Specialized equipment is required to perform the test.

Hire our plumbing experts for Germantown plumbing installation and water leak repair services. We’re a licensed and fully insured plumbing service operating in Maryland. Our team uses some of the best plumbing equipment and techniques for residential plumbing services. Call us at 3015407586 to talk to our service representative.

Gas Water Heater Vs. Electric Water Heater: Which Is Better?

August 25, 2022

A water heater is one of those appliances you don’t think about until it stops working. But when it’s time for a water heater replacement, there are a lot of factors to consider. Gas and electric water heaters are the two popular types of heaters you can choose from, and each has its own pros and cons.

In this blog, we’ll help you decide which type of water heater is the right choice for you. We’ll go over the different features of each type of water heater and their benefits and drawbacks. By the end, you’ll know which type of water heater is the best fit for your home.

Energy Usage

One of the main factors you should consider when choosing a water heater is energy usage. Gas water heaters tend to be more energy-efficient than electric ones, so if saving money on your energy bill is a priority, a gas water heater may be the way to go.

Space

In most cases, a gas one will be the better choice if you have access to natural gas lines. They tend to be less expensive to operate than electric models and heat water more quickly.

However, electric water heaters are usually more compact, making them a good choice if you have limited space.

Tank Capacity

Electric water heaters are generally more expensive to operate than gas water heaters. Still, they’re also smaller and have a shorter recovery time, so they can heat water faster than their gas counterparts.

So, an electric model may be the way to go if you have a small household and don’t use a lot of hot water.

Types Of Heat Output

IGas water heaters tend to have higher BTU ratings, meaning they can heat water faster than electric models.

However, electric water heaters are often more energy-efficient since they don’t lose heat through exhaust gases. They also produce less noise and vibration.

A gas water heater has lower operating costs because it doesn’t use electricity but produces emissions that may harm the environment.

Lifespan

While gas water heaters may be more expensive upfront, they can save money in the long run with their high energy efficiency and longevity. On the other hand, electric water heaters are less efficient and often need to be replaced sooner than their counterparts.

Looking For Water Heater Replacement Options In Columbia?

At Your 1 Plumber, we have the right water heater solutions for you. We offer water heater repair and maintenance. With each of our maintenance comes a safety inspection. We also provide gas and electric heater replacement if you think your water heater has run its course.

How Can Water Filtration System Improve The Quality Of Your Life?

August 23, 2022

You might not realize it, but the water that comes from your faucet isn’t always as safe as you think. Most municipal water supplies have chlorine and fluoride added to kill off bacteria and keep the pipes clear. However, these chemicals can leave a harmful residue if they aren’t filtered out first.

A water filtration system can tackle this problem by filtering out all the containments from your water lines.

Here are five ways a water filtration system can improve your quality of life.

1. It Can Make Your Drinking Water Taste Better

Do you often find yourself buying bottled water because you don’t like the taste of your tap water? A water filtration system can help with that.

You can enjoy fresh-tasting water from your kitchen sink by filtering out chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. Plus, filtered water is better for your health overall.

2. It Can Prevent Health Problems Caused By Unclean Drinking Water

Unclean water can cause several health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and reproductive issues. A water filtration system can remove harmful contaminants from your water, making it safe to drink. It can help improve your family’s health by providing clean, safe drinking water.

3. A Filter Can Improve Your Overall Well-Being

We all know that the quality of the air we breathe directly impacts our health. But did you know that the quality of the water we drink also affects our overall well-being?

Not only does it help us to keep a healthy weight, but good drinking water can also relieve constipation and promote dental health!

If your goal is to improve your family’s general well-being, investing in a water filtration system is an easy way to do so.

4. Water Filters Can Help Eliminate Bad Odors Around Your Home

Do you ever notice that your home has a certain smell but can’t quite pinpoint where it’s coming from? It could be your water.

When water sits in pipes, it can start to develop an odor. This is especially true if your water lines are old or made of certain materials. A water filtration system can help eliminate these bad odors by filtering out the impurities that cause them.

5. Filters Make Bathing Safer For You And Your Family

Many contaminants can be found in water, including lead, chlorine, and bacteria. A water filtration system can remove these, making the water safer for you and your family to drink and bathe in. It will also make it easier to clean clothes and dishes.

6. Get Water Filtration Systems Installed In Columbia

At Your 1 Plumber, we have been in the plumbing industry for more than 15 years and have some of the most experienced plumbers employed. But we’re not just your typical plumber but also your water treatment specialists. We can custom design, install and maintain the right water filtration system at your house.

Our plumbers can also help with new faucet installations, plumbing installations, water heater services, and water line repair services.

4 Signs Your Gas Pipes Might Be Leaking

July 21, 2022

Whether above ground or underground, gas pipes can corrode or deteriorate over time. A gas leak can cause serious issues. Therefore, you should never take gas leaks lightly. Hiring professional plumbing services can help you detect any possible gas leaks or other plumbing issues before they cause serious damage.

Here are 4 gas leak signs that you need to pay attention to.

Hissing Sound

You might have a gas leak if you hear a hissing sound when you’re near your stove or gas pipes. A hissing sound normally indicates a substantial leak. If a hissing sound comes from your AC, it could indicate a leaking refrigerant line, a bad compressor, or a leaking valve. Turn off the system and call a professional to check it immediately.

Rotten Egg Smell

Natural gas is naturally odorless. However, a distinct smell is given to it for safety reasons. Utility companies use an additive called mercaptan that gives natural gas its distinct rotten egg, sulphuric smell, which is hard to miss.

Dead Plants

Natural gas is lethal for all living beings, including plants. When the plants in your house start to die away without warning, there might be a gas leak. See if plants are more likely to fail and die in a specific area than others. This can help you identify the place where the gas leak is.

Physical Symptoms

When a gas leak is ignored for too long, people living in the house can experience several health issues. The most common symptoms caused by a gas leak can include:

Trouble breathing
Drowsiness or increased fatigue
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Ear, throat, and nose irritation
Flu-like signs, such as headaches and nausea
Chest pain
Nosebleeds
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Decreased appetite

A gas leak is even harmful to pets, causing them to feel lethargic or disoriented or causing vomiting. Pets can also experience breathing problems or red, watery eyes when exposed to a gas leak. Homeowners need to take rapid action if they notice any of the signs mentioned above in their homes.

What To Do if You Find a Gas Leak

You’re suggested not to use any electronic devices in the house and leave the property immediately. Do not use a cell phone or a landline phone while in the house. Once you reach a safe location, call a gas company to report the leak. After the gas company has tagged the leak, call the plumbing services near you and immediately book an appointment for repair.

If you’re looking for professional plumbing services in Germantown, MD, Your 1 Plumber can help you. We offer our clients high-quality and professional plumbing services, including water line repairs, sewer repairs, and much more.

7 Ideas for Modern Kitchen Faucets

July 19, 2022

Think of your kitchen sink faucet as the final, important accessory to your kitchen design. Some people overlook the importance of having a good faucet, but it’s important for every kitchen as it’s used many times throughout the day. A modern kitchen faucet and reliable plumbing services are necessary for high functionality.

Here are 7 modern kitchen faucet ideas for your kitchen.

Gold Gooseneck Faucet

A golden gooseneck faucet can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen. This beauty is a deck-mounted brass bridge faucet with lever handles and curved legs. A gooseneck faucet releases water much higher than other traditional faucets, making it easier to access and giving you more room to stack and clean plates. A brushed gold gooseneck faucet is one of the best finishes you can have in your kitchen.

A Brass Faucet

Many people prefer minimalistic luxury features for their house’s interior, including the kitchen. Choose a brushed brass faucet with a pull-down head to go with your tessellating white tiles and a kitchen island with a marble slab. This slim and minimalistic design will feel both unfussy and classy.

Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet

If you don’t like high-arc faucets or have low cabinets in your kitchen, this idea is for you. Install single-handle low-arc faucets with side sprayers to help rinse the dishes and sink easily.

West Slope Kitchen Faucet

A west slope kitchen faucet is made of high-quality solid brass and brings functionality and a streamlined style to your kitchen space. Quarter-turn ceramic cartridges ensure the functionality and smoothness of the handles for years to come.

Get yourself to modern west slope faucet and add both luxury and functionality to your kitchen.

Connor Bridge Kitchen Faucet

A Connor bridge kitchen faucet is worth the splurge for people who love a sleek design. Connor bridge faucet paired with a sprayer can be a dream come true for avid home chefs. The double-handled faucet and sprayer are made from solid brass for durability and come in many finishes to go with many styles.

Matte Black Single-Handle Spring-Neck Faucet

Doesn’t matter even if you are living in a lofty apartment or a modern farmhouse. Get a budget-friendly single-handle faucet that comes with multiple spray settings. This deck-mount faucet includes an industrial silhouette and a moody, modern finish that will complement your white subway tile. Single-handle spring-neck faucets are made from solid brass and are corrosion-resistant and water spots resistant.

You can hire Your 1 Plumber for reliable plumbing services in Maryland. We have been in the plumbing industry for more than 15 years and have some of the most experienced plumbers on our team. Our plumbers can help with new faucet installations and many other plumbing installation services.

Get in touch with us by call or email and book an appointment today.

Which Material Is the Best For Well Casings?

July 19, 2022

Many aspects need to be considered to build a water well, and one of them is the well casing. A well casing protects and maintains the well opening. Therefore, it’s important for a well casing to stay protected from cracks and other damages. A plumbing service company can help you choose the best material for your well casing.

While there are multiple options, many technical factors affect the decision.

Steel

Most people choose carbon steel as one of the most common choices for well casings.

Carbon steel is an inexpensive material that is also very strong. Carbon steel well casing is unlikely to malfunction and is even used for deep wells.

The main disadvantage of a carbon steel well casing is its prone to corrosion. Water exposure causes carbon steel to rust if the well water contains high mineral and salt concentrations, it will rust even faster. When rust spreads, it damages the well casing’s structural reliability, causing the well casing to collapse.

If you want to stop the casing from rusting, you can choose stainless steel instead. Stainless steel’s price point is much higher compared to carbon steel. Using stainless steel will reduce the risk of rust, but the overall cost of well installation increases.

PVC

PVC is commonly used to make well casings for modern wells. PVC is corrosion-resistant and fairly strong. PVC is also economical, making it a good alternative for people with low budgets and saving installation costs.

However, PVC is not as strong as carbon steel, which can heighten the risk of a total well collapse. When the well casing fails, your well gets damaged, and the pump may see damage as well. If you choose PVC, you will have to conserve water throughout droughts to maintain the water pressure in the well.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass can be a good choice if you’re not sure about steel and PVC; a well casing made of fiberglass won’t corrode. Fiberglass is generally more robust than PVC, which means it’s an ideal choice to ensure the well casing won’t malfunction. It’s normally less expensive than stainless steel, but it’s more expensive than PVC.

Your 1 Plumber is a famous plumbing company that provides a variety of plumbing services, one of which includes water well system repairs. We provide plumbing services in Frederick, Silver Springs, Columbia, and nearby areas.

So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to us today to know more about our services.

Water Heater Replacement or Repair? Learn What Your Bathroom Needs

July 18, 2022

Even well-maintained water heaters can lose efficiency over time. When your water heater malfunctions or breaks, you’ll need to decide whether you need a water heater replacement or repair? Will it be worth it to fix it? Or will you’ve to buy and install a new one?

Read on to learn what factors to consider when making your decision.

Age of the Water Heater

On average, the lifespan of a water heater is 10 years. If your water heater is a decade old, it’s better to replace it when it finally stops working. If your water heater is relatively new and has been working properly, you should try and repair it.

Some water heaters last longer than other water heaters. Many things impact the lifespan of a water heater, including maintenance, location, and how frequently it’s drained and flushed. A 10 year lifespan is a general guideline and not a hard rule. If your tank is corroded or rusty, it’s better to replace it, even if it hasn’t been 10 years yet.

Does the Water Heater Provide Enough Hot Water?

Depending on the daily hot water usage and the number of people in the house, a water heater that once provided enough hot water might not be able to work as effectively anymore.

Call your plumbing service representative to evaluate your water heater’s capacity and the expected volume of hot water you need currently. If your water heater can’t provide enough hot water, installing a new water heater is ideal.

Efficiency: High Water Bills

Many water heaters come with a sticker on the side that shows the estimated yearly operation cost. Check the R-value of the storage tank as it measures how well the water heater resists heat. If the R-value is high, it means your water heater tank is installed properly. If the R-value is less than 24, you might have to replace it.

You can also check the energy factor of your water heater. This number shows the heater’s efficiency; a higher number means it’s more efficient. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll cost less annually.

Damage: The Cause of Water Heater Issues

The water heater’s capacity can also be affected by some damage. It’s better to hire a professional technician to help you assess the water heater and educate you about the repair and replacement costs. If there’s a leak in your water heater, chances are you might have to replace it. Other problems, such as your water heater working slowly or not at all, may require less expensive solutions.

Your1Plumber is a professional plumbing company in Maryland which provides plumbing services in Frederick, Germantown, Laurel and many other places. Our plumbers can help you decide whether you need water heater repair or replacement with a single inspection. You can call us anytime at our toll-free number 1(888)5407586.

What Causes Calcium Build-up in Your Pipes?

June 27, 2022

Your plumbing system can get clogged for many reasons, from unwanted items you accidentally throw into the drain to everyday grease, oils, food waste, and disposable products.

Fortunately, most of the clogging in the drain or other pipelines is fairly easy to clean. However, calcium buildup in water pipes and drains is another type of blockage that is not simple to identify or fix.

That’s why it’s always recommended that you hire a professional plumber to take care of any calcium clogging in the water lines.

What is the cause of calcium buildup?

Calcium deposits in your home’s pipeline are not uncommon. If your home receives hard water from the main line, you will likely face calcium buildup from time to time. Hard water has a high mineral content which includes potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

If the water lines containing hard water are not regularly cleaned and maintained, the calcium may accumulate over time and cause complete blockage or corrosion.

How to identify calcium buildup?

It’s easy to identify whether there’s hard water in the main water supply. All you have to do is look for limescale or white stains in your sink, toilet, dishwasher, and other plumbing fixtures.

How to treat hard water to reduce calcium buildup?

If you see signs of calcium buildup in your plumbing, there are two major ways to resolve this problem.

Installing PEX piping: PEX plastic pipes offer more resistance to high mineral content in the hard water as compared to steel and copper pipes.

Consider using a water softener: A water softener can help you remove and counteract the high levels of magnesium, calcium, or potassium contained in the hard water. This significantly helps in reducing the calcium buildup in pipes.

Another easy home remedy for removing excess calcium in the faucets and showerheads is to soak them in vinegar. Vinegar softens the calcium deposits in the plumbing fixtures and eventually removes them.

If your pipes are clogged, or there are other signs of calcium buildup in your plumbing system, Your 1 Plumber can help you. We offer reliable and affordable plumbing services to our customers in Columbia, MD, including organic drain cleaning services, water line repairs, sewer repairs, and much more.

At Your 1 Plumber, we ensure that our experts are highly trained and certified in providing quality plumbing services. Our team also provides an upfront price before we can start working on the project to avoid any miscommunication.

Why Do Plumbing Pipes Bang, Whistle, And Creak?

June 25, 2022

If you want to avoid spending thousands on your plumbing system, you must be aware of potential issues with your home’s plumbing. Looking out for telltale warning signs can help you locate the plumbing issue in advance, and avoid major repair costs.

One of the most common ways to identify a plumbing issue is to look out for weird noises the pipes make. If your plumbing system makes any cracking, whistling, and banging noises, you must immediately call a professional plumbing service to take care of the problem.

But why do the plumbing pipes make such noises? Read on to find out.

Cracking or creaking sounds

If your pipes are creaking or cracking when you turn on the tap, this indicates that your water pipes are expanding and contracting. If the water is too hot, it heats the pipe and causes it to expand. This makes a creaking sound inside the pipe.

As soon as you turn off the tap, the pipes cool down, and the metal starts contracting, which again causes it to make a creaking or cracking noise. One way to fix this issue is to have insulation installed around the pipe.

Filename: pipe

Alt-text: steel pipelines

Whistling

Squealing or whistling in plumbing pipes is usually caused when the water is forced into a smaller opening. This happens when the water pressure is too high and the pipes’ openings are small. Or sometimes, the accumulating debris or mineral build-up in the faucets can reduce the size of the opening and cause it to whistle when you turn on the tap.

A simple way to fix this issue is by cleaning your water faucets or replacing the washer inside the tap.

Banging

A banging sound is a common plumbing issue that occurs when you shut off the water supply from any water faucet. This banging sound is also sometimes known as a water hammer. When you turn off the faucet suddenly, the water pressure stops abruptly and causes the pipes to bang against each other, creating a hammering sound.

If you’re looking for a professional water repair service in Germantown, MD, Your 1 Plumber can help you. We offer a range of professional plumbing services to our clients, including organic drain cleaning services, water line repairs, sewer repairs, and much more.

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