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Author: Kevin

How to Test and Validate a Pipeline Leak Detection System

Loss of water is equivalent to the loss of revenue for the water suppliers. Aging infrastructure, cracks in pipes, and fitting are among the most common causes of water leakage. Since most of the water pipelines are underground, it is impossible to detect leaks until the problems are aggravated and water leakage is causing serious issues like sinkholes, ponding of water, the sinking of pavements, etc. Finding a water leakage in a residential/commercial complex is easier if you have access to the right knowledge and tools. Today with the advancement of science, leak detection services, and systems have evolved and can locate leaks with reasonable accuracy.

Leak Detection Methods

Acoustic Detection:

This is one of the most prevalent systems for water leak detection. In this method, listening pieces of equipment are used to survey the water distribution network and identify leak sounds and find the location of water leakage. The water made by water flowing in a pipe is distinctly different from that made by water leaking from pipes. The distinction in sound helps in identifying leaks. The listening devices are of various types – they can be mobile or fixed, internal or external, and the like.

Leak Detection Through Pressure Difference:

Another way of detecting water leakage is through pressure difference. If the water pressure at the beginning of the pipe is higher than at the end, there is likely water leakage between the two ends of the pipe. Leak detection is just a preliminary step. To minimize water loss through leakage, a water leakage detector or a water leak protection system must be in place. There must be a system of continuous audits to survey the water distribution network and a full-scale audit must be performed every year that evaluates the accuracy of the entire system.

Detecting leaks in a household is not that hard a task – it is a thing of periodic monitoring and maintenance. There are professional plumbing service providers who offer leak detection and leak protection services. If you feel that the water pressure in any particular faucet in the house is not up to the mark, or if the water pressure throughout the house is low, there is likely some water leakage.

Elite Plumbing Services in Maryland provides water leakage detection services and can help you fix water leakage in your residential or commercial complex. They can help you with installing water leak detection systems on the premises that automatically turns the water off in case of a leak. You can monitor your water consumption and turn on/off the water supply at the touch of a button. If you have got water leakage problems, call them today and find a resolution.

7 Easy Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Drain Clean and Unclogged

Kitchen clogs are very common. No matter how careful you are about what goes down the pipe, sooner or later you are likely to face a kitchen drain clog. The main culprits that cause a clogged drain are leftover food bits, cooking grease, coffee grounds, etc. And unfortunately, you can’t foretell about the timing of the clog. Preventive maintenance of the drains at regular intervals is the only way to stay at the top of your game. So, what are some of the easy ways to keep your kitchen drain clean and unclogged? Let’s discuss.

Keep a Mesh Drain Strainer in Place:

It is one of the simplest ways to prevent a clogged drain. A mesh drain strainer is easily available in a hardware convenience store. Any leftover food bits get trapped in the mesh leaving the drain pipe clean.

Never Pour Food Grease in the Kitchen Sink:

Cooking oil grease along with other food solids great big clogs in the drainage system. If you have to do away with cooking oil, put it in a container and put it in the trash can.

Rinse The Kitchen Sink with Hot Water from Time to Time:

Hot water can soften the building up of any clogs and keep the drainage system clog-free.

Don’t Let Leftover Food Go Down the Kitchen Pipe:

Make sure never to let any leftover food bits go down the kitchen sink pipe. Always dispose of the leftover foods responsibly before doing the dishes in the sink.

Use Natural Cleansers:

If you feel the water is not draining down the sink fast enough, you can try natural cleansers like baking soda and vinegar. Mix a cup of baking soda with 2 cups of vinegar and pour it down the kitchen sink. When the fizz subsides in 10-15 minutes, pour some hot water and thoroughly rinse the sink.

Use a Drain Snake:

A drain snake is also known as a plumber snake to clean the drain from the time to time.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Call a Profession Plumber Instead

If none of the above steps help you when you are faced with a clogged drain, remember not to use any harsh chemicals. They will unclog the drain, but their acidic ingredients will corrode your pipes and lead to expensive repair in the long run. Instead, call a professional plumber and let him do the needful you.

If you are looking for professional plumbing services in Maryland for unclogging shower drainscleaning drains, or unclogging a clogged toilet or kitchen pipe, then avail of the services of Elite Plumbing. Their services are quick, reliable, and affordable. Call today.

How to Choose the Right Plumber When You Have a Plumbing Emergency

Here are a few suggestions to help you find the best emergency plumbing service, from checking references quickly to making a list of names and costs.

1. Verify ratings and credentials

Go to the company’s reviews first to discover what previous clients have to say about them. It is recommended to check third-party reviews because they typically adhere to more practical standards than reviews a business may publish on its website.

Make sure your plumber has a license as well. In an emergency, it’s more likely that you’ll forego checking permits to finish the job faster, but doing so could result in subpar work and further repairs.

2. Know your plumbing company and your plumber

Ask for the name of the person who answers the phone when you call the plumbing business in your area to make an emergency service request. Also, inquire about the plumber’s name who will handle your plumbing issue—letting someone into your home on holiday or in the middle of the night will feel intrusive. Thus, it is preferable to know their names beforehand.

3. Watch out for over-the-phone plumbing prices.

Never trust any quotes you receive over the phone. Before a plumber can assess the damage, it can be challenging to know the amount of the damage and make repairs properly.

4. Locate an Emergency Local Plumber

A national company could be more well-known, but it might not offer local services when you need them. For example, hiring local plumbers in Maryland during a plumbing emergency may result in a quicker response time, and they will have expertise with local plumbing standards and regulations.

5. Check That They Have the Right Insurance

Beyond licensing, confirm that the plumbing service has appropriate general and professional liability insurance. Insurance ensures that the plumber and the client are covered if a component breaks. Choosing a plumber without insurance is a sure way to get yourself into a costly scenario if a repair goes wrong.

6. Seek out a plumbing company with 24-hour coverage.

Emergency services and 24-hour services are not the same things. “24-hour emergency plumbing service” refers to all hours of response and repairs, including in the middle of the night. An “emergency plumber” may guarantee someone to your premises within a specified period within normal business hours. Please verify that the plumbers on your shortlist are available when you need them.

Your shower or bathtub shouldn’t start spouting water like a firehose at one in the morning. Thankfully, emergency plumbers are accessible around-the-clock to handle tasks like these, but you must choose one that performs well and puts your interests first. Make sure to google “plumbers near me” and shortlist a few professionals as a precaution.

Why Is My Water Heater Not Heating?

Turning on your hot water dap and discovering a lack of hot water is frustrating. The problem is likely with your water heater, but what could cause this equipment to stop working? 

We at Elite Plumbing know that you rely on hot water for many daily activities like bathing and washing clothes. Here, we explain some of the most common reasons for water heaters to stop producing hot water. 

Reasons Your Water Heater Might Not Be Heating

Not having access to hot water is a major inconvenience. Unfortunately, water heaters can stop functioning due to fuel problems, equipment damage, and faulty parts.

No Power Source

All water heaters must have sufficient fuel from whatever power source they draw from to heat water. For instance, gas water heaters will not work if the equipment isn’t receiving enough natural gas. The same goes for electric models without access to electricity. 

If your electric unit isn’t working, check your electric panel for a tripped breaker and ensure its power cord is operational without damage. If your water heater uses natural gas, ensure there aren’t any disruptions to the supply with the gas line or your natural gas company.

Limescale Buildup

A common problem with water heaters is limescale buildup from excess minerals in the water supply settling around the tank, valves, and pipelines. As the system heats water with many minerals, the moisture evaporates and leaves behind remnants of the minerals. Too much mineral buildup can lead to loud noises from the heater, foul-smelling water from the tap, and heating element failure. 

Flushing your water heater can help remove limescale buildup. Consider investing in a water heater filter or water softener to reduce the risk of additional limescale buildup.

Faulty Thermostat

Sometimes water heaters are fully functional yet their thermostats are faulty, which prevents the equipment from working correctly. If your water heater uses one heating element and experiences any type of thermostat failure, the unit won’t produce hot water. 

Water heaters with two heating elements often have an upper and lower thermostat. If the upper one fails, the heater won’t produce hot water, and limited hot water would be available if the lower thermostat is faulty. For that reason, it’s always best to test your water heater’s thermostats if the unit doesn’t yield enough hot water if it produces any at all. 

Contact the Professionals for Water Heater Repair Today

Whether you have a tank water heater, a tankless water heater, or a heat pump water heater in your home or business, you need it to be fully functional at all times to supply your property with a steady flow of hot water. If anything prevents your water heater from working correctly, count on Elite Plumbing to get to the root of the problem and implement the best solution for it. 

Our licensed professionals have nearly two decades of experience meeting the plumbing needs of residents throughout Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard counties in Maryland. We offer the highest quality work at the most affordable rates. Call (443) 343-2284 today to request water heater servicing with Elite Plumbing today. 

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