Plumbing issues often seem to come out of the blue, but there are warning signs to keep an eye out for and easy DIY tasks you can do to limit potential damage. At Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, when our team responds to plumbing emergencies, the cause is generally due to something that could have been nipped in the bud by a little preventive maintenance.
Here are some key tips from our technicians to ensure your plumbing system works optimally and when to call a professional for help:
Inspect for Leaks Regularly
Dripping faucets, running toilets, and minor leaks not only increase your water bill but they will also cause damage and lead to mold. Many sources of plumbing leaks can be spotted by regularly inspecting exposed pipes for signs of damage or decay. Rust and drops of water on the outside of pipes indicate a problem that certified plumbers should tackle. Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating has the tools and experience to tackle water leak repairs.
Flush Your Water Heater
Mineral sediments build up in the bottom of your water heater, so you need to flush it once a year or so. If it needs to be flushed, you’ll hear loud banging sounds as the water bubbles up through a layer of sediment on the bottom of the tank. If not flushed regularly, sediment will rust out the tank. A water heater can last a long time with proper maintenance. If you need to repair or replace your water heater, the Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating team can help.
Take Care of Your Septic System
Human waste and toilet paper are the only things you should flush down the toilet. Anything else can potentially clog the septic system, and even so-called “flushable wipes” will eventually block the sewer line. If your house is hooked up to a municipal sewer system, hire a professional sewer service to snake the line to prevent backups. Backflow prevention devices and testing are mandatory for some properties in New York and recommended for some residential homes. Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating partners with a certified backflow prevention device tester who can ensure backflow prevention devices are working properly. We also provide backflow preventer repairs and replacement.
Check for Toilet Leaks
Take a few minutes to check around your toilet’s base for water or dripping from under the tank. More commonly, your toilet may have a slow leak that’s hard to detect without testing. In that case, you may notice the tank refilling periodically without being flushed. Not only are toilet problems inconvenient, but they can also spark bigger issues, like water damage and unsanitary conditions in your home. At Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, our plumbers are available 24/7 for emergency toilet repairs and service, as well as complete toilet replacement.
Fix Leaking Faucets and Showerheads
Leaky faucets and showerheads waste gallons of water every week and really drive up the water bill. Inspect your faucets and showerheads regularly to make sure handles aren’t leaking when you turn the water off. Jack Hall’s licensed plumbers can repair and replace faulty plumbing fixtures. We’ll prepare the area, hook up and install the fixtures to code, and ensure everything works properly and looks perfect.
Don’t Wreck Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are a great kitchen tool, but putting incompatible things into them can lead to trouble. Avoid putting fibrous foods, rice and pasta, coffee grounds, potato peels, grease, and starchy, uncooked foods into the disposal. These items wear out the appliance by clogging and gumming up the mechanism. Fruit pits, bones, and hard items can damage the blades and are tough (and dangerous) to remove. It’s best to bring in a plumbing pro for repairs and replacement.
When you need plumbing services, installation, or repairs in Glens Falls, Queensbury, Schuylerville, and Lake Luzerne, Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating should be your first call. No job is too big or too small for our licensed plumbers and we also offer 24/7 emergency services so you can always count on us for a quick response. Give us a call at 1-518-792-7114 or contact us online today!
