Call Us Now

301-671-0447

Reach Us Now

customerservice@your1plumber.com

Blogs

Possible Reasons for a Soaring Water Bill in College Park

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

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?

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.

Contact us today to learn more about our water heater replacement services.

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

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.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

4 Signs Your Gas Pipes Might Be Leaking

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.

Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services.

7 Ideas for Modern Kitchen Faucets

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?

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

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?

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.

Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services.

Why Do Plumbing Pipes Bang, Whistle, And Creak?

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.

Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services.

Signs That Your Water Pressure Is Too High

If you want to avoid costly household repairs, you should reach out to a plumbing professional, like Your 1 Plumber, to have a detailed inspection before it’s too late.

But how do you determine if your water pressure is too high? Here are some signs that indicate high water pressure.

Leaking pipes

When the water pressure is high, it puts a lot of stress and strain on your plumbing system. Unnecessary strain on the pipelines may cause the joints to loosen up, or the pressure may develop pinhole leakages in the piping. If you don’t get it repaired in time, it may lead to costly water damage to your home and could also cause mold growth.

Water hammer

Another sign of increased water pressure is a loud noise when the bathroom or kitchen faucet is suddenly switched off. Due to its resemblance to a loud hammering noise, this problem is called a water hammer. When the water flow changes its direction or stops abruptly, increased water pressure may cause the pipes to bang with each other.

Besides the loud noise, the water hammer can even break your pipes. Although the noise is much louder in steel piping, the results can also be dangerous if your home has plastic piping.

Damaged appliances

High water pressure affects your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater. In some cases, you may not be able to claim a warranty if the appliances are affected by water pressure. Inspect your appliances for any leakages or unwanted noises which may indicate that the appliances are suffering from intense wear and tear due to high pressure.

Increasing utility bills

When your water pressure increases, you naturally use more water which results in higher utility bills. If you notice that your utility bills are shooting suddenly or you are paying significantly more than your neighbors, it might be a sign of high water pressure.

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.

Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services.

Common Problems with Your Home Water Heater

If you’re someone who cannot live without hot water baths, you wouldn’t want to face any issues with your water heater. A water heater is an invaluable appliance that might not always be visible, but you can never ignore its importance.

Apart from regularly maintaining your water heater, you should always check your appliance for potential issues before it’s too late. Early identification of heater problems can not only save you a lot of money but will also extend its life.

Let’s look at some of the most common water heater issues.

Water leakages

The most common type of water heater issue is a water leak. No matter how good your water heater is, it may eventually start to leak. The reason for water leaks is simple―the water eventually corrodes the tank and develops microscopic fractures and cracks, which can lead to leakages.

However, this is not always a sign of water heater leakage, as sometimes the water may be leaking from the loosened pipe connections. The best way to determine what is causing the leakage is calling a professional plumber for a detailed inspection before it is too late.

No or little hot water

If your water tank is full, but you don’t receive any hot water in your kitchen or bathroom, the issue could be with the source. If you have an electric water heater, there might be some issue with the electrical connections.

Or, if you are using a gas heater, the reason for no hot water could be a fault in your gas connection. If the pilot light on the heater is on, but your gas is not igniting, you may need to repair the burner.

It is always recommended that before you try to fix the issue yourself, you should call an experienced plumber to have a look.

Inconsistent water temperatures

If you are getting water that’s too hot or too cold even after adjusting the thermostat, this may be a sign of a malfunctioning water heater. You may need to replace your thermostat or get it repaired so that it can sense the temperatures currently and you get the right water temperature in each tap.

If you’re looking for a water heater repair service in Frederick, Maryland, Your 1 Plumber can help you. We provide quality plumbing repair and installation services, including waterline repair service, toilet repairs, sewer repairs, and much more.

Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services.

The Homeowner’s Complete Guide to Plumbing Maintenance

The plumbing system in your home can be intricate, and if something goes wrong with it, it can lead to serious repairs to the system. Plus, if something like drain backflow happens, you’ll have dirty water flooding your home, which can damage everything, including furniture and appliances. Naturally, you need to always be careful about keeping your plumbing system in good health. So, here are some tips that can help with that.  

Clean the Water Heater

The water heater is essential for your home, and if you’ve had the heater for a while now, you must consider washing it or flushing it clean. That’s because the water that comes to your home has impurities, and they can start settling down on the base of the water tank inside the heater.

Impurities can cause the water to take longer than normal to heat. So, it’s always a useful idea to cut the water supply and let the warm water drain. That water will carry the impurities out, and then you can fill up the tank again.

Clean Fixtures with Vinegar

Vinegar is an amazing cleaning agent, and it can help you clean a lot of things in your home, including bathroom and kitchen faucets and even showerheads. If the holes in your showerhead are clogged, unscrew it from the shower and leave it soaked in vinegar. After that, just put some pressure on the clogged holes, and they should be clean.

Regular Inspections for Leaks

It’s always important to regularly check your water lines and faucets for leaks. Most of the time, these inspections are overlooked, and if you have a water leak that’s not fixed, it can lead to an increase in water bills and water wastage. If you have a busy schedule and cannot do regular inspections yourself, then you can hire us.

We are a plumbing company from Germantown, Maryland, that provides plumbing services across different cities in the state. Our plumbers are experts at electric water heater installations and repairs and faucet installations and repairs. If you’re having drainage problems such as frequent clogging or leaks, we even provide drain cleaning services. So, get in touch with us through email or call and book an appointment.

What Causes Leaky Faucets And How To Prevent It From Happening Again

If you’ve started noticing an unexpected rise in your water bills, it may be due to an unnoticed leaky faucet. Leaky faucets aren’t uncommon, with reports suggesting that Americans waste almost 1 trillion gallons of water annually due to leaks. Faucets are one of the most common things that are overlooked when maintaining, and you can never know what their condition is. However, even with regular maintenance, faucets can leak, and some of the causes of those leaks are as follows.

Damaged Cartridge

This type of issue is most common with cartridge-style faucets. Any faucet with two different handles to control hot and cold water is mostly a cartridge-style faucet. The cartridge is essentially the valve on both sides of the handle, and if it’s damaged, it can cause the water to drip. To prevent it from damage, you should always avoid tightening your faucets too hard as it can exert pressure on the cartridge.

Water Pressure

The water pressure in your home is also one of the causes for your faucets to leak. Most faucets are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure, and if the water pressure increases, then it can cause the faucet to leak. You need to check with your municipal about the water pressure, and if they say that it’s permanent, you’ll need a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) in your plumbing system.

Broken Washer

If your faucet is leaking, one of the first things to assume is that the washer is damaged, as it is one of the most common causes for your faucet to leak. Washers are round rubber-shaped items that rest between the valve set, and can deteriorate over time, allowing water to start leaking between them. Even though you cannot prevent the washer from damaging, you can hire us regularly to help replace it with a new one.

You can hire us for other plumbing services as well. We have been in the plumbing industry for more than 15 years and have some of the most experienced plumbers employed. Our plumbers can help with new faucet installations, plumbing installations, water heater services, and water line repair services. So, if you’re looking to get your faucets repaired, then get in touch with us by call or email and book an appointment.