Jun 1, 2011 | Atlanta GA Plumber, Garbage Disposal, Maintenance, New Home Plumbing, Pipe Repair, Plumbing, Prevention, Repair, Sink
It’s summer, and this is the most common time for home buyers to search the Atlanta real estate market. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of problems that may exist in a home that are not found by inspectors, especially plumbing leaks and poor plumbing systems. Before buying a home filled with plumbing repair needs, be sure to check out the various plumbing fixtures so you know what you’re getting yourself into. In the bathroom, be sure to inspect the floor; look around the base of the toilet for water damage, and test to make sure there are no soft spots in the floor. These are signs of water leaks, typically existing. If you find black and white stains or rolled vinyl flooring, these are also clues that water leaks may have previously plagued the area or are currently a problem. Also be sure to press tiles on the wall to check for leaks and loose tiling. Before you move on, flush the toilet and make sure it works properly, not draining too slowly or causing water to leak. To check for adequate piping and water pressure, turn on a bathtub faucet and the kitchen sink faucet. If the pressure is significantly reduced with both running, the piping may have a large amount of calcium and mineral deposits and need to be replaced. While you are in the kitchen, make sure the connections to the dishwasher and garbage disposal are tight and show no signs of leaks. Also, check within the cabinetry to assure there is no water damage, including stains, rotted corkboard, or sagging bottoms. Be sure to check...
Apr 26, 2011 | Atlanta GA Plumber, Clog, Drain, Maintenance, Plumbing, Prevention, Repair, Sink
A clogged drain remains one of the most common plumbing problems reported by residential and commercial plumbing customers in the Greater Atlanta area. All home owners hate the inconvenience created by a clogged drain, and they may try to avoid hiring a professional plumber to fix the problem. The perceived simplicity of a clogged drain does encourage people to attempt to diagnose and cure this messy plumbing nightmare on their own, but results vary widely with the do-it-yourself approach to plumbing repair. Before you encounter a nasty clog, heed this advice from experienced Atlanta plumbers: the number one way to unclog drains is to avoid clogs in the first place. Here are some practical tips to help avoid clogged drains and reduce the need for some plumbing services or repairs: Put solid waste such as grease, food and coffee grounds in the trash rather than down the drain. Maintain sink strainers over your drains and clean them frequently. Run cold water while chopping up waste in your garbage disposal to push chopped solids smoothly down through the pipes. At least once a week, pour hot water down the drains to dissolve soap scum, grease and other organic materials. Keep your entire plumbing system running smoothly by having water pipes, fixtures, water heaters and septic systemsinspected annually by a professional plumber. By following these tips from your local plumbing company, you can reduce many instances that require a plumber’s help. Most common plumbing problems disappear with a steady dose of preventive plumbing maintenance. If problems do occur, avoid potential pipe damage by calling your local Atlanta plumbing professionals at Fulton...
Apr 26, 2011 | Clog, Drain, Garbage Disposal, Maintenance, Pipe Repair, Plumbing, Prevention, Repair, Sink
Your Atlanta area professional plumbers agree that the number one way tounclog drains is to avoid clogs in the first place. Regular maintenance, such as annual septic system inspections, help keep plumbing running smoothly. Even in the best of circumstances, plumbing problems may still occur. Many home owners perceive a clogged drain as simple enough to try and fix on their own. Plumbers recommend taking several precautions to avoid making the problem worse. The first step in opening up clogged drains is immediate action. Expert plumbers in the metro Atlanta area recommend employing gentle unclogging techniques while water is still draining. Do not wait until the pipe stops up completely before applying a solution. The most common clogging materials are food particles and grease, which can be cleared using mild home remedies. Fulton County plumbers agree that running hot water through the pipes regularly can help melt solid materials in the pipes. If you still notice slow drainage, try a homemade drain cleaner. Some of these types of drain cleaning solutions are enzymatic, using bacteria or enzymes that feed on organic waste materials such as hair and food waste. These types of cleaners were originally used in wastewater and septic tanks, because they do not contain dangerous chemicals that may leak into soil and groundwater. Here is one recipe for unclogging pipes: Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain Follow up with ½ cup vinegar. Allow the two ingredients to interact with foaming and fumes, so replace the drain cover loosely. Let the mixture set in the drain pipe for three hours Run water through the pipe. To remove...
