Author: Kevin

As a house age, certain plumbing problems in the house becomes inevitable. We don’t realize how important a robust plumbing system is until it starts having issues. Dripping faucets, clogged bathroom drains and toilets, water heater problems, low water pressure, etc., are some of the common plumbing problems that can occur in the bathroom. Each of these issues has a different solution and knowing what to do when it comes to plumbing issues is always helpful.

Clogged Drains and Toilets

When drains are clogged in the bathroom, water backs up in the sink or shower instead of flowing out normally. When a toilet is clogged, water backs up in the toilet bowl and in worse cases, overflows. Clogged drains are caused when something blocks the way in the drain partially or fully.

The first step to unclogging a clogged drain is to use a plunger to remove the clog. A plunger works on both toilets and drains and can help in loosening the clog with the use of air pressure. Plumbing snakes are also useful in dislodging clogs from pipes to get water flowing again. If the blockage in the drain is not eased, or if the clogging is happening frequently then it is advisable to seek professional bathroom plumber service help. 

Dripping Faucets:

Leaking pipes are a nuisance and waste a lot of water and add to your water bill. A dripping faucet is caused when its washer is damaged or dislodged. To remedy the problem, all you have to do is replace the washer, which is easy, if you have the right tools at hand. If you do not have any idea about replacing washers, you can call in a plumber 

Water Heater Issues

It is easy to spot water heater issues. Instead of getting nice warm water in the shower, if you get cold water, you know the water heater is not working properly. The most common reason for water not getting heated properly is mineral deposits or build-up of scale on heating elements. Since water heater issues can be complex, only professional plumbers who are adept in its working and other technicalities should troubleshoot the issues. If you run into an emergency water heater issue search for an ‘emergency plumber near me’ to get in touch with a professional plumbing service company.

If you are looking for professional ‘plumbing services in Maryland’ check out the services by Elite Plumbing. They are licensed to offer commercial as well as residential plumbing services all over Maryland. The pricing and quotes are reasonable, upfront and there are no hidden charges. Call them to sort out any plumbing issues you face

Most of the gas piping related issues are more prevalent in aged or older houses. There are certain signs of gas piping issues that you must be vigilant about. Any foul smell of gas leakage in the house must not be taken lightly. The first step in the plan of action should be to find out the exact source of the problem. You should search for professional gas line repair services and avail of their services to address the issue.

Here are 3 warning signs that your gas pipeline needs repair

Cracks on Gas Pipe Lines

The chances of problems in the gas pipeline increase as it ages. If your home has a gas pipeline that is a couple of decades old, it can start developing cracks. Gas can leak through these cracks and put the residents of the house at risk. A foul smell in the house often signals a gas leak – you should never try to counter the smell with an air freshener or a new packet of potpourri. Check your gas line closely and look out for any signs of crack-like damage. It is one of the red flags that should never be taken lightly. Search for gas line repair near me online and find a professional service provider who can repair it for you at the earliest.

Rusting or Corroding

Do you see any corrosion or rust on the gas pipeline in your home? Gas pipelines are made with durable material but once they age moisture can make its way into them leading to rusting. The first signs of rusting and corrosion are always small and may seem insignificant, but gradually they can spread and cause a lot of damage. Instead of just trying to wipe the rust off the gas pipeline, get a professional plumber to have a look at it.

Making a Hissing Sound

When gas leaks through a hole or crack in the gas pipeline can make a hissing sound. The exact spot of the sound can be tough to find out. So, if you ever hear the hissing sound of a gas leak, shut the gas supply of your house immediately and call a professional plumber to have a look at the issue right away.

Are you looking for a professional gas repair/installation service provider in Maryland? The experts at Elite Plumbing can help you out. So, if you need gas pipe installation or repair, you can skip searching for gas line installation near me online and call Elite Plumbers straight away. They adhere to the highest professional and industry standards and offer the best services at reasonable rates.

Water leaks in homes do not just waste copious amount of water, but also significantly adds to the water bills. If you see water stains on the floor or walls of your house, it is a sign of leakage. There can be a growth of mold and mildew in the area. If there is a leak in your yard, you can see a healthy growth of greens. Not addressing water leaks appropriately in time can lead to a bigger issue, can weaken the structural integrity of your house, and can lead to future expensive repairs. The exact location of water leaks can be hard to detect if the leak is covered or underground. But certain symptoms can help you narrow down the location. You should seek profession plumber help and them to do sewer line inspection to ascertain the issue.

Water leaks are common and can happen for several reasons. Sometimes the pipes are old and worn out. In some cases, animal digs into pipes, or the roots of trees can grow into water pipes. Extreme weather fluctuations can also lead to malfunctioning and bursting of pipes.

So, what can you do to detect water leaks in your home? Here are 3 simple ways to do so:

Track Your Water Bills:

Keep a track of how much you pay in water bills for regular usage of water. If there is an unexpected surge in water bills without any changes in how much you use water, it is likely the surge is due to water leaks. The plumbing system of a house comprises a network of sewer pipes and any problem there must be addressed on priority.

Checking with the Water Meter:

To check the leakage of water, plumbers often check the water meters. Turn off the water supply of your house and appliances, and look at the water meter. If there is any movement there despite the water supply being turned off, there is a case of a water leak in your water pipes. In case of a slow water leak, the movement can come after an hour or more. So, give it that much time to ascertain the chances of a leak.

Stethoscope Test:

To perform this test, turn off all pipe fittings and place the tip of a metal screwdriver on the pipe. Place your ear on the other side and listen to vibrations of flowing water, if any. The sound here can indicate a water leak.

In olden times there was a lot of guesswork involved in ascertaining the location of water leaks. But now sewer camera inspection, the location can be found with higher accuracy. Drainage camera inspection makes use of a waterproof drainage camera that can get into your sewer lines and show the actual footage from inside the pipes. It helps in reducing any unnecessary digging and fixes the problem with lesser hassle. If you need help with fixing water leakage in your house in Maryland, the professional plumbing service of Elite Plumbing can come to your rescue. Call them today.

Clogged and leaking pipes are not uncommon. However, more often than not, they are a result of wrong garbage disposal habits followed by homeowners. Major plumbing issues can disrupt your daily routine, so you have to learn how to prevent frequent plumbing issues in the first place. Also, not every plumbing problem can be resolved without the right tools and knowledge. In trying to fix plumbing issues by yourself, you might make it worse. Let’s discuss some of the things you should stop doing before calling a plumber.

Stop Flushing Flushable Wipes:

Flushable wipes are marketed as flushable, but they are not really. Frequently flushing such wipes, creates blockages in the pipes; they absorb the grease and create clogs over time. It is in the best interest of your plumbing system to just throw these wipes into the trash can. If you keep dumping them in the flushing, it won’t be long before you have to call in a professional plumber for emergency drain cleaning.

Be Cautious About What You Let Go into the Kitchen Sink:

Most kitchen sink blockages happen due to grease and oil. Throwing away used/stale oil down the kitchen sink is a bad idea and can lead to disastrous results. The grease that goes down the sink builds up into clogs and jams the pipe. You should always transfer the oil into a container and then dispose of it in the trash.

Using Harsh Drain Cleaners to Clean the Pipes

As tempting as they sound, using harsh drain cleaner available in supermarkets is a bad idea. The chemicals in these cleaners are too harsh for the pipe’s inner linings and damage and corrode them over time. Homemade solutions of lemon, vinegar, and baking soda are a better idea and safe too.

Avoid using Drop-In Toilet Fresheners

Drop-in toilet fresheners can make your toilet smell good, but they are not good for the pipes. As these tablets disintegrate, they can get into the flush valve and cause malfunctioning. The enamel of the toilet bowl also gets corroded by it over time.

We can assure you if you stick to these habits, you will face fewer incidents of clogged drains. In any case, if you face a plumbing emergency in Annapolis, you can trust the professionals at Elite Plumbing. They are licensed to carry out plumbing jobs, their pricing is upfront and transparent, and get the job done with 100% satisfaction every single time. Call them whenever you face plumbing problems.

Most plumbing problems go undetected for a while and come to the fore only when things stop working around the house normally. The good news is that some of the plumbing problems can be solved the DIY way if sorted on time. The only things needed from you are patience, time, and knowledge. If you are not able to sort it, you can always search for an ‘emergency plumber near me’ and avail of their services.

Here is a quick guide to fixing the most common plumbing problems.

Faulty Faucets

A dripping faucet can cost you quite a bit in water bills. Sometimes the cause of this problem is a worn-out O-ring. Replace it and see if that fixes the issue for you. Another common cause of a leaky faucet is an old cartridge. Over time mineral deposits clog up the aerator and the seals and gaskets experience the stress of water pressure. It’s a good idea to check if the problem lies there. Corrosion of the valve seat can also lead to faulty faucets. It is better to check all these when faced with a dripping faucet.

Old Leaking Pipes

If the plumbing system in your house comprises of copper wires, it can be quite a problem during extreme temperatures. The temperature changes cause expansion and contraction and lead to cracks in copper pipes. The copper pipe also corrodes with time and causes issues in the plumbing line. Regular maintenance and upkeep are needed to prevent leaking copper pipes.

Running Toilet Issues

A toilet that is running all the time wastes hundreds of gallons daily causing the water bill to soar. Check out the rubber flapper, if they have lost their shape, they fail to properly seal the tank. It is easy to replace and cheap it

Clogs

Clogged pipes are a nightmare, as they can cause a host of other plumbing issues. In the worst-case scenario you may have to search for ‘plumbing services near me’, but most of the time a plunger does the job quite well. It can be tempting to use drain cleaner powders, but they do more harm than good, so avoid using them. The best way to avoid clogs in the first place is to be very mindful of what and how you throw things down the drain. Clean off plates before rinsing them in the sink, and avoid pouring grease down the drain. They eventually build up to cause clogs.

When attempting to fix plumbing issues the DIY way, make sure that you have the proper tools, and know-how to carry out the work. Always shut off the main water supply before attempting to fix anything. In case you get stuck with any of the problems, it is best to seek professional help. If you are looking for plumbing services in Maryland contact Elite Plumbing. You will get the quote for the work upfront and the job will be done right the very first time, every time.

Nobody thinks about a clogged toilet until they find themselves in the situation. Clogged toilets are a huge inconvenience and everyone wants to get them sorted as soon as possible. While it is important to get it unclogged soon, we also need to understand the cause of it. Many reasons can lead to the clogging of toilets; knowing them can help us take steps to prevent it from happening in the future.

Outdated Toilet Flush

Low flush toilets are popular as they use less water for flushing and keep water bills in check. However, if your house has a low flush toilet from the 90s,
chances are that it isn’t powerful enough to push the waste into the drains, thus leading to clogged toilets and clogged drains. In such a case, you should avoid putting toilet paper in the flush and consider upgrading the toilet to a newer model.

Hard Water Build-Up

Hard water tends to calcify and form a layer of white layer of deposit on the inner wall of the pipe thus narrowing the space for the waste to flow. The harder the water, the more the white deposit and the more the chances of toilet clogs. The best solution for the hard water problem is to get a water softener installed so that the water is treated before it flows into your bathroom taps and flushes.

Blockage in the Drain Line

Many a time there is a blockage in the drain pipe which causes the flush to not work properly. The blockage can happen when materials like hair, paper, and other objects build up in the drain pipe obstructing the normal flow of waste. Unclogging the drain is not a DIY task; you should call a plumber to get it sorted. Aged drain pipes need frequent cleaning for proper functioning.

Clogged S-Trap

Clogging of the S trap is common; it is the S-shaped pipe behind the toilet that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. Flushed wipes and toilet paper can get stuck in the pipe and cause a clog over time. A plunger can help in clearing a minor clog in the S trap.

Another reason for a clogged toilet can be a blockage somewhere in the plumbing system. If you are experiencing toilet clogs more often, it is a good idea to call in the services of an experienced plumber who can do a thorough check-up of the plumbing system in your house and find out the root cause. Be careful about what you flush into your toilet.

If you live in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, or surrounding areas you can try the plumbing services from Elite Plumbing. They are BBB accredited and have experienced and certified plumbers who address any plumbing issue – be it unclogging shower drains, repairing leakage, and more with 100% satisfaction. Upfront pricing, no hidden charges, and great service. Check them out today.