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Kick Off Spring Cleaning With the Water Heater

The Importance of Water Heater Maintenance

It's time to start putting wintertime in the rearview, which means working on preparing the house for spring and summer. During this time of year, most families spend some time taking care of home maintenance tasks as part of a comprehensive spring cleaning punch list. One of the most important tasks is water heater maintenance.

Water heater maintenance is vital to keeping the hot water flowing in every home. For some, professional water heater maintenance may be preferable, but for plucky DIYers, this task can be handled safely and effectively. Here is some information to help get everyone started.

Is it Time to Flush the Hot Water Tank?

Has it been a year since the water tank was flushed? Then, it is time to flush the hot water tank again. Over the year, sediment can build up in the water tank. While water may look clean and pure in a glass, ample amounts of suspended and dissolved solids are within it. When water is allowed to sit still in a water heater, a common occurrence, these solids sink to the bottom of the water heater, where they accelerate corrosion and cause major inefficiencies.

To remove the sediment and mineral buildup inside the tank, simply shut off the gas or power to the tank. Drain the tank to remove solids and flush the water heater with fresh water from the fill valve. Shut the drain, then allow the tank to refill and restore gas pressure or power.

Other Items to Check Off the Water Heater Maintenance List

While the tank drains or empties, this is the perfect time to do all the other recommended tasks. If a professional is doing the water heater maintenance, they will do these tasks now. For DIYers, when the tank is draining, remember to do things like:

Pull the anode rod and inspect for corrosion
Check valves
Remove and clean heating elements
Clean around the burner
Look for signs of leaks or rust and corrosion

For homeowners, if any deficiencies are found, they should call for professional input immediately. While these tasks are easy enough for most competent homeowners, most of the repairs should be done by professionals.

Reasons to Do Regular Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters are expensive appliances, so homeowners should take every opportunity to ensure they last as long as possible. In addition to being expensive, they also require a lot of utilities to keep them providing hot water, so any inefficiencies can waste a lot of money. Water heater maintenance is aimed at increasing the water heater's longevity and making it more energy efficient. By doing water heater maintenance every year, homeowners can save a bundle by getting years of more service from their water heater while reducing their bills. This spring, whether by a professional or DIYer, make sure water heater maintenance is completed.

What is About Plumbing Inc.?

About Plumbing Inc. is the local choice for residential and commercial plumbing services. They always offer the latest technology to save homeowners money and give them the best options for upgrades around the home. Call today for affordable water heating solutions in Jefferson County, MO.

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Don't Let Rising Water Bills Pinch You This St. Patrick's Day!

Three Easy Ways To Save Water This St. Paddy’s Day

Everyone knows they risk getting pinched if they don’t wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day. Likewise, homeowners who don’t get into the “green” spirit of water conservation may feel the sting of higher utility bills! Fortunately, saving water doesn’t require a heroic effort or a painful sacrifice. Instead, homeowners can generally conserve water by building a few little habits and replacing old, outdated plumbing fixtures and appliances. Read on to learn what simple changes every homeowner can make to help save water and lower their water bills!

Keep the Faucet Off (When It’s Not Being Used)

The first way to save water is to practice turning off the water taps whenever possible. Most people are already in the habit of turning off the faucet when they brush their teeth, only turning it on to rinse the toothbrush and swish a little water around. But this principle can also be applied to other activities to further reduce water waste.

For instance, when homeowners wash their hands or hand-wash dishes, they can leave the water off while they scrub with soap, then turn it on again to rinse. Likewise, when taking a shower, it may be a good idea to leave the water off when lathering up - provided it doesn’t get too cold! These small habits may not seem like much, but they can dramatically reduce the amount of water the household uses!

Upgrade To Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

The next tip for saving money on water bills is replacing old fixtures and appliances with new water-saving models. Take the home’s toilets, for instance - the single biggest source of water consumption in a typical home. Most standard toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, while some older models may use double that amount. However, toilets bearing the EPA’s “WaterSense” seal of efficiency use only 1.28 gallons per flush. That 20% decrease from the current standard can save thousands of gallons of water annually!

WaterSense faucets and showerheads boast significantly lower flow rates than standard models without sacrificing performance. This is typically done using aeration, which infuses the water with air to increase water pressure without increasing the amount of water being used. Similarly, high-efficiency appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines are designed to perform better than older models while using less water and energy.

Watch What Gets Flushed

Another way homeowners can reduce water waste is by preventing toilet clogs. It seems counterintuitive, but a partially clogged toilet can use significant water. One reason for this is that homeowners will likely have to flush multiple times to get the contents of the toilet bowl past the obstruction. But a partial clog can also cause a pressure imbalance between the bowl and the drainage pipe. This can cause water to siphon out of the toilet bowl - a telltale sign of this is if the toilet bowl slowly empties.

Over time, this can send many gallons of water uselessly down the drain, so homeowners will want to take steps to avoid toilet clogs. The best way to do that is to limit what gets flushed - only toilet paper and human waste are appropriate for flushing. Paper towels, sanitary wipes, and disposable hygiene products should always be in the trash. Not only will this help save water, but it also prevents the annoyance and frustration of a toilet clog!

What is About Plumbing Inc.?

Founded in 2016 by industry veteran Greg Glore, About Plumbing has quickly grown into one of the most highly-rated plumbers in Jefferson County. Their technicians are all courteous, licensed professionals who have undergone background checks and drug testing for every customer's safety and peace of mind. With their competitive up-front pricing, personalized solutions, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, there’s no one better to call for plumbing services in Jefferson County, MO!

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Protect Valentine's Day Plans From Mood-Ruiners

Take Care of Dripping Faucets Before They Become a Nuisance

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, one of the things that often has to be sacrificed is time with loved ones. Relationships take work, and luckily Valentine’s Day is a holiday set aside specifically so couples can spend at least one day focusing on love and romance.

Like any holiday, the fates may conspire to ruin any plans. Restaurants may be full, and the movies may be crowded, leaving folks no choice but to spend a romantic night in. But, the frustrations may not end there.

Plenty of things can go wrong in the home that can ruin the mood for Valentine’s Day. A leaky faucet is one of the worst offenders. Just as things are getting relaxed and romantic, the drip, drip, drip is heard. To prevent plans from being ruined on this romantic day, stop leaky faucets before they become a distraction. Here are a few tips from local plumbers to get started.

Hidden Dangers of Leaky Faucets

Apart from being a mood killer, a dripping faucet carries some important consequences that every homeowner wants to avoid. Among the complications of dripping faucets are the following:

High water bills from wasted water
High environmental cost from wasted treated water
Mold growth resulting from high moisture levels
Staining and scaling of fixtures
Frustrating dripping noises
Rust and corrosion on metal surfaces

Leaky faucets can be far more destructive and costly than expected. Conversely, they are usually quick and cheap to fix, so homeowners should work to address dripping faucets sooner rather than later.

What Causes Leaky Faucets

Faucets take a lot of abuse. Whether kitchen faucets are used every night for food prep and cleanup or bathroom faucets are used multiple times per day, the cumulative work can take its toll.

The most common cause of leaky faucets is problems with the o-rings or faucet cartridges. A worn o-ring will cause water to leak around the faucet handle, while a bad cartridge will cause a drip from the faucet. These problems result from overuse and are typical in faucets after a few years. Luckily, the repairs for these problems are easy and can often be done by a savvy DIYer.

Leaky Faucet Repair Tips

Every faucet is different, so if homeowners are uncomfortable taking apart their faucet, there is always a professional who is only a phone call away. For those that wish to work on their own, faucets follow these general steps:

Shut off the water at the cut-off valve below the sink
Purge the faucet by opening the cold and hot water sides of the faucet
Locate the set screws that hold the handles in place and remove them
Remove handles and remove or unscrew the damaged valve cartridge
Go to the hardware store and find an equivalent replacement
Install new cartridge and valve seat
Reinstall faucet handles and restore water service, checking for leaks

What Is About Plumbing Inc.?

About Plumbing Inc. is a local residential and commercial plumber with over 20 years of experience. Their expert technicians are ready to find fast and affordable solutions for leaky faucets so everyone can focus on what matters on Valentine’s Day. Call today for a trustworthy plumbing service in Jefferson County, MO.

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Avoid These 3 Common Plumbing Mistakes

How to Stop Making Common Plumbing Mistakes

There are three common plumbing mistakes that professional plumbers want homeowners to know about. In this blog post, we share what the most common plumbing mistakes are and how to avoid them in 2023. The new year is the perfect time to start the year by leaving old bad habits in the past. Here are three bad plumbing habits of leaving behind.

Proper care for a home plumbing system is essential for preventing plumbing disasters. Knowing the common plumbing mistakes and how to avoid them can help save homeowners from spending unnecessary time and money on plumbing issues this year. Signing up for a maintenance plan at the start of the year can take the hassle out of scheduling appointments for the rest of 2023.

Mistake #1: Using Liquid Drain Cleaner

Liquid drain cleaner is a product that has been advertised as a solution to clearing clogged drains. In reality, liquid drain cleaners can do more damage to the plumbing than good. The harsh chemicals in liquid drain cleaners are designed to burn away clogs, but they can also burn away metal pipes leading to corrosion.

Using too much liquid durian cleaner can lead to the entire plumbing system being replaced. Preventing corrosion is just one of the reasons why plumbers recommend that homeowners never use liquid drain cleaners. These products also contain highly toxic chemicals that can have severe negative health impacts on humans and animals.

Mistake #2: Skipping Maintenance Appointments

The best thing homeowners can do to promote the efficient performance of their plumbing system is to invest in a maintenance schedule. Skipping maintenance appointments can be a costly mistake if the system breaks down. Fixing small problems early on can help to keep them from turning into big problems.

During plumbing maintenance appointments, the plumber will tighten loose parts, clean, and inspect the plumbing. If any issues are found, the professional plumber can recommend solutions for the homeowner. It is essential to regularly flush out the inside of the water heater tank to prevent mineral sediments from corroding the tank. Routine water heater maintenance protects the homeowner’s investment in their plumbing hardware.

Mistake #3: Hiring Amateurs or Attempting “DIY”

Before hiring a friend or family member to attempt plumbing repairs, installation, or maintenance, always check to ensure that they are fully licensed and insured for the type of work being prepared. Without the proper business insurance coverage, the homeowner may be liable for any damages during the repairs. Hiring an amateur repairman can be dangerous because someone could get hurt.

Installation or maintenance from an unqualified person could void the factory warranty on hardware and parts. The best way to ensure the plumbing system is safely installed and maintained is to leave it up to a trustworthy and affordable local plumbing company. A professional plumber will know the most efficient and safe way to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs. They will also be able to make expert recommendations for improving the home plumbing system’s performance.

What is About Plumbing Inc.?

About Plumbing Inc. is a top-rated provider of plumbing services in the Jefferson County, MO area. This locally-owned plumbing and water heater company provides friendly customer service, expert opinions, and fully stocked worked trucks at every appointment. Giving Plumbing Inc. a call today to schedule an appointment for plumbing repair in Jefferson County, MO!

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What Causes Burst Pipes and How Can a Homeowner Prevent Them?

What Causes Burst Pipes?

A leaking pipe is one thing. A burst pipe is an entirely different matter. Whereas a leaking pipe drips small amounts of water, a burst pipe is a waterfall of hot or cold water––usually needing the homeowner to shut off the water main and call a professional. Yet, there are many things homeowners can do to prevent pipes from freezing. Knowing what causes frozen pipes is the first step in preventing them.

The following three things can cause burst pipes:

Freezing Cold Temperatures

Missourians are no strangers to cold temperatures. They can bundle up, sit by the fireplace, and drink hot cocoa when temperatures drop. Pipes don’t have these luxuries. They need homeowners to keep them warm. This is imperative; once temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the water inside pipes can freeze. When this happens, water expands, and the immense pressure inside the pipes can cause them to burst.

Homeowners can prevent frozen pipes by insulating them. A professional may recommend foam pipe insulation or even fiberglass pipe insulation. Both of these materials work wonders when stabilizing the temperature inside a pipe. A homeowner also doesn’t have to remove the insulation when winter ends; they can keep it on all year long.

Decay and Corrosion

Pipes can last decades without needing replacement. However, water damage, mold, and humidity can make some pipes last shorter periods than their well-maintained counterparts. Signs of decay and corrosion on a pipe include rust, orange spots, and eroded material. People can prevent these problems from affecting their plumbing system by:

Promptly drying a wet pipe
Addressing any water leaks
Insulating a pipe with fiberglass or foam
Protecting the pipes from scratches
Having a professional examine the system at least once a year

Preventing pipes from decaying, rusting, or corroding can save money in the long run. It can also prevent the other complications of burst pipes, such as soggy drywall and mildew growth.

Clogs and Other Obstructions

As noted, when a pipe freezes, the water inside expands. In the best-case scenario, the pressure never bursts through the pipe and causes a leak. In the worst-case scenario, the pressure is too great, and the pipe bursts. A clog inside a freezing pipe only makes that pressure worse.

Homeowners can avoid clogs by:

Limiting how often they use the garbage disposal
Pouring fats, oils, and grease into the trash can (and not down the drain!)
Being mindful of what they flush, such as baby wipes and napkins
Brushing their hair before bathing
Scraping dishes into the trash before washing them
Scheduling a maintenance visit with a professional at least once a year

It’s also important to note that over-the-counter drain cleaners can do more harm than good. The chemicals inside the drain cleaners can eat away at a pipe with extensive use. This can make it more prone to leaks, freezing, and other issues in the future. A professional knows what measures can remove clogs without hurting the plumbing system.

Who Is About Plumbing, Inc?

About Plumbing, Inc. knows everything about plumbing, from drain cleaning to pipe insulation. These professionals have proudly served Jefferson County, MO, for over 20 years. In that time, they’ve garnered countless five-star reviews, with homeowners calling them “honest” and “knowledge.” For more information about burst pipe repair (and avoiding frozen pipes), one can call today to learn more.