One of the most insidious ways your plumbing can turn on you is through a hidden leak. These leaks can, over time, cause thousands of dollars in damage as your home becomes infested with mold and rot. The best way to prevent having to pay out for expensive repairs is to spot the damage early and invest in much cheaper leak repairs. Of course, regardless of how little damage has been done, the first step is to find the leak. There are many ways to discover if your home is suffering from water damage and where.

Sniff out the Damage

One of the first indicators that there is a possible water damage problem is the smell. An old, musty smell is one of the first warning signs of hidden water damage lurking within the house. If this odor is particularly pronounced in a specific room, there is likely heavy water damage lurking in that room. Pay attention to odd odors and take the time to investigate. This will help save you from more visible, more costly damage down the line.

Water Stains

These tend to be more obvious. Water stains are generally the first thing people notice about water damage. The odd discoloration of the walls is a huge red flag, and generally a sign of a major problem. If you see water stains form there is likely more damage than just discoloration already done. Still, it is best to find and fix the source of the leak before it starts to spread.

Peeling Paint

Another possible sign of water damage is if paint starts to peel. The damage that water causes will result in paint losing its ability to adhere to the surface of the wall. This loss of adhesion will cause the paint to sag and peal easily. If you see a patch of paint coming inexplicably loose, especially when paired with one of the other warning signs listed in this article, assume water damage and call a professional to evaluate and fix the problem.

Sagging Walls or Ceilings

Water has weight, and when water gathers in one spot it may cause walls or ceilings to sag with the added weight. Not only does this distort the house, but also it can pose a safety hazard. If left alone, the water can accumulate and cause a collapse, spelling disaster for anybody unfortunate enough to be caught underneath.

Visible Mold Growth

Mold growth is one of the most serious signs of water damage, and the one that carries the greatest health risks. Mold spores can lay dormant for quite some time and tend to accumulate in the nooks and crannies you don’t think about. If water manages to leak in there, it can spawn the growth of mold, and depending on the type of mold can lead to serious health complications. At this point you will need specialists not only to repair water damage and fix the pipe, but also to remove the mold that built up in your house.

All of these problems point to possible water damage, and because of the long term costs, water damage is not something to be ignored. Fix the problem as soon as possible, or you may end up paying for it with both greater repair costs and health concerns.

Sir, Your Toilet is running

One common mishap with the toilet is hearing it constantly running. But before you call the experts, did you know that you can replace the flapper? Many times, a broken or old flapper within the toilet itself is the reason for that annoying and nerve-racking running sound. You may want to add a few drops of dye to the tank so see make sure it’s running efficiently after you replace the valve or flapper.

Disposal Cleanup

Unless you live in a complex that offers maintenance, hiring a plumber to fix your garbage disposal can get a little pricey. Most of the time your garbage disposal just needs a good clean if problems arise. These issues can be avoided if you regularly cleaned your disposal, ridding it from food blockage. All you need is a hex wrench to get the job done efficiently.

Clogged Tub or Sink

OK so you’ve mastered the clogged toilet, but are stumped by the clogged shower or kitchen sink. Have you tried plugging the clogged area and it hasn’t budged? Before you call the pros, try adding table salt to hot water and pouring the concoction down the drain. This will break up the debris and send it moving easily through the pipes. If you didn’t like salt before, now you do!

Hot Water Heater Leaks

In South Florida, hot water heater leakage is a common problem. While there isn’t much you can do if you spot a leak leading to the water heater, you can prevent a leakage from occurring by paying close attention to your system. The pipes leading to the heater should be up to date and new and the system itself should be intact and without cracks. Whether you have a loose valve or a corroded tank, if you spot a leak in your tank, it might be too late and you need to call the pros.

When to Call the Pros

If you’ve tried all of the above tips to fix your plumbing issues and you are still having trouble, you should call your local plumber for assistance. It may be more deep-seeded than you think and a professional analysis can tell right away. Give your hand a chance at these easy repairs but if these attempts fail, don’t be afraid reach out to a pro. Here are signs that urge you to call the plumber:

1. Your faucet won’t stop dripping
2. Insufficient Water flow in tub, sinks, or toilet
3. Plunger isn’t helping unclog toilet
4. Stoppages and Clogged lines
5. Inside / Outside waterlines
6. Under-sink Repairs
7. Garbage disposals

The Grind

Any noises from your drain are never good but there is one that surpasses it all. One of the most noticeable signs of a broken or clogged commercial garbage disposal is the annoying and repetitive grinding noise.  This sound will be one that you never forget and will sound like metal grinding against metal. This could be a caused by a broken part within your disposal. When you notice this sound, don’t hesitate to contact your local plumbing service in Stuart Florida right away.

Foul Odor

You will experience many scents and odors when working in the kitchen; however, they will pale in comparison to the strong and foul, and almost rotting odor that seems to permeate through the whole kitchen. This is because the disposal isn’t flushing all of the food down and the water is getting stuck in the gears, making it difficult to clean it. Obviously, some food items cannot be flushed down the disposal but many of your employees might not know this, and think otherwise. Once you notice the odor getting worse over a few days, and the water begins to rise within the sink itself, call a plumber immediately.

Longer than normal breakdown

If you’ve noticed, it doesn’t take too much time for the food to breakdown and flush when you run the disposal, however, if the blades are dull and you haven’t sharpened or replaced them, you will notice a longer time breaking it down. Your local plumber will know how to sharpen or replace the blades for you, just don’t wait too long.

Resetting more than once

If you have to reset our disposal every time you use it, you need a plumber to check things out. Chances are that you may have an outdated machine or there is a wiring issue, which can be easily remedied by your professional plumber. But there are some instances that your trusted plumber will say that the garbage disposal didn’t cause this issue. If this is the case, you will need to contact your electrician from there.

Leakage

You know you need a pro when you have a sprung a leak in pipe. A local plumber can fix the leak on the spot, but if the damage is bigger than expected, you may need to invest in a new device.

For more information on how to get the best care for your commercial garbage disposal, contact your trusted Port St Lucie plumbing company today!

The effects of water damage on the resale value of a home and its appearance is well documented. We all know that when serious flooding occurs, that can also be catastrophic for your home and lead to tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs. However, what if your problem is not catastrophic flooding or a burst pipe, what if the issue is a simple leak? Surely a leak cannot be so devastating, right?

Unfortunately, a water leak can play havoc with your health and with your home just as surely as a full-scale flood would. In order to help you understand the dangers of even a small amount of water damage and the risks it poses to your health and home, here are just a few of the consequences of even a simple water leak.

Drives Down Property Values

It should go without saying, but a history of water damage drives down the value of your home. This is because, even after you believe you have fixed the damage, lingering effects may remain. This can compromise your bargaining position should you decide to sell your home in the future, and will drive down the final selling price. Taking care of water leaks right away will prevent that damage from occurring and help to maintain the value of your home.

Mold and Fungal Growth

One of the biggest consequences of water damage for your health is the growth of molds and fungi within the home. These organisms produce spores that pollute the air and can prove hazardous to your long-term health. Most homes have mold spores of some sort within the nooks and crannies of their home. It is almost an inevitability, even with new construction. When left in dry areas, spores can lay dormant for decades, never causing a problem or harming anybody.

When spores come into contact with water, however, that is when their growth is triggered. In the presence of water, mold spores can proliferate, filling the affected area with unsightly and unhealthy mold growth and producing additional spores that begin to pollute the air.

For the average person, mold spores in the air can range from irritating to catastrophic, with most common symptoms of mold exposure including nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, coughing, and sneezing fits. These effects are bad enough, but if you have a pre-existing condition or a compromised immune system, the impact is even more severe with the possibility of mold growing within them – creating even greater health complications. For infants, growing up in a mold infested household increases the likelihood of developing asthma.

Structural Damage

The health hazards of mold growth that can be spurred on by water damage would be enough for most. However, there are other potential hazards to be aware of that a water leak could create. This damage is more structural, and can be just as expensive, if not more so, than the medical expenses that mold can incur. The most obvious and immediate effects of water damage are aesthetic – staining, discoloration, and streaks along the walls. In fact, these obvious symptoms will be the first signal for most that they have a leak in the house.

When drywall starts to absorb water from a leaky pipe or other forms of water damage, it begins to warp and swell. This can happen with other materials as well and, if left untreated for too long, can compromise the structural integrity of the home. This is most dangerous when dealing with support beams and other important structures of the home. However, even the simple warping can lead to an unsightly hole in the wall, which if combined with a mold outbreak can quickly turn things from simply ugly to unlivable.

Detecting Water Damage

Discovering a water leak in your home is critical to the long-term health and safety of your family. However, water leaks can remain hidden for quite some time. The first step to fixing the problem and having the leak repaired is discovering the problem in the first place. This can be done through any number of methods.

Pay Attention to Strange Odors

A leaking pipe will often leave a musty smell in the air. This odor is very noticeable and may even be your first sign that something is wrong. If you suddenly notice a strong, musty odor where there was none before, try to find the source of the smell. You just might find a water leak or other problem that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Discoloration in the Walls

Another warning sign of a water leak is discoloration in the walls. An off-white or yellow stain suddenly appearing along a white wall can be a sign of a hidden water leak within. These should be considered major warning signs of something wrong.

Sagging Walls or Ceiling

Water will tend to accumulate in one spot as a result of a water leak. It will always flow to a given point, and this point is where you will notice sagging or other visible effects. It might not be immediately apparent, but eventually the added weight of water will have a negative effect on the structure of your home. This will result in those sagging walls. If you notice a sudden bulge or change in the ceiling or walls it could point to water accumulation, which means you have a leak somewhere!

Repairing Water Leaks

A water leak is often one of those matters that is best left to a professional. Professional plumbers spend their lives finding, diagnosing, and repairing the problems the cause water leaks. As such, they can help you find a long-term solution. It is recommended that you turn to a reliable plumbing contractor that can offer 24-hour service. The effects of even a small water leak on your home can be catastrophic, and having 24-hour, on-call emergency response will mitigate the water damage in the long term. Experts such as those at The Plumbing Company in Jupiter, Stuart and Palm City can help you to mitigate the damage and protect yourself from damage to your home and health.

Dental Floss

As small and thin as this helpful substance is, it’s a rusty pipes worst nightmare. When you flush dental floss down the toilet, you are taking the chance of it getting caught on rigid, old pipes along the way, especially if you’re unaware of the age of your system.

Feminine Products

Some feminine products are labeled as ‘flushable’, however, it doesn’t mean you should. All thick products such as these are cushioned to absorb a great deal of liquid and can easily get lodged, especially in older piping systems. Feminine products include anything from small tampons to liners. Though they are small enough to flush, they are not flushable items.

Q-Tips

These items may seem thin enough to move swiftly through the pipes but they can actually lodge sideways in narrow pipe space, catching anything that moves past. Q-tips can also poke holes through old pipes.

Dryer sheets

This material may seem easily flushable, but can cause quick clogs in toilets. Aside from clogging, these sheets are hazardous to treatment facilities and the local water shed because they are made of harsh chemicals. Trash it!

Cigarette butts

Cigarette’s do not break down and are one of the most common items that get flushed down the toilet. Cigarette butts, when accumulated, expand in water, making it difficult to pass through.

Wet Napkins

Baby wipes, sanitary napkins, and facial wipes can form a small clog that can lead to an even bigger one later on. Although the label may give you the OK to flush them, use the trash can for these items.

Band-Aids

As small and helpful these are to you, they aren’t helpful to your pipes. Band-Aids do not degrade and, because of the sticky substances, can easily fuse to your pipes and cause drastic build up.

Paper towels and Tissue

Other common objects are paper towels or tissues. You assume that all paper products are thin enough to breakdown when flushed but this is not the case with these items. This type of paper is designed to stay together and absorb, making it tough to break down once flushed.

Pharmaceuticals and vitamins

Vitamins and medications break down only after human consumption, not when flushed. Some vitamins contain oily substances such as fats that can harden on their way through the pipes and block anything else from passing through.

Animal Products

Cat litter, goldfish, food products, and sand are not to be flushed. Clogging and corrosion of your pipes may occur from flushing such materials. Cat litter, for example, is made of sand and clay that cause scratching and tearing through the pipes.

Diapers

No matter how small or soiled, never flush a diaper or the flushable insert. Diapers are made to absorb liquid and these materials will expand, leaving dry pockets in your sewer, and even worse in sewer plants. This type of material is not only harmful to the environment, but old rigid pipes can catch the substance and other items along the way, making water-flow impossible.

What’s a water filtration system anyway?

A whole-house water system has one method of filtration and is typically installed under a sink. It distributes filtered water throughout your home, not just your kitchen sink. Unlike other methods of purification, this type of filter will rid impurities such as rust and lime scale completely from your home, leaving only the minerals that your body deserves.

Cost effective

Are you constantly buying gallons of filtered water from the grocery store? How about paying monthly for water cooler replacement jugs? Studies show that in one year alone, consumers are purchasing over a $100 billion on bottled water. Think of that money being used for other necessaries in your home instead. When you purchase a home filtration system, you are more apt to take your own water bottle with you wherever you go and, in turn, save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Healthy Habits form healthy lives

If you use water to cook, shower and bathe, and drink, then you would like to have a water filter that cleans all of these household tasks, right? A water filtration system isn’t just to clean the water that you drink. Your filtration system cleans the water to your laundry unit and showering. Tap water contains harmful chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride, nitrates, hormones, and other allergy-causing bacteria. When you wash your clothes with tap water, these chemicals attach themselves to your clothing and can be the cause of common, yet overlooked skin irritants.

Store bought vs a whole system

From the naked (and uneducated) eye, one wouldn’t be able to taste or smell the difference unless a side-by-side comparison was performed. You may only be aware of the amount of filtration one has over the other, but let’s go over more than just the filtration of basic chemicals. Store bought filters are only made to purify the water which means they only clean select impurities. For example, a water purifier from the store might only filter iodine but not the chlorine that is often added as well. A water filtration system rids impurities through a physical, chemical, and biological barrier that are often missed from generic purification. Water filtration systems focus on the removal of even the tiniest bacteria or microbial cysts. Did you know that, besides the shower, the dishwasher releases more chlorine into the air than any other source in your home? Adding a filtration system in your home will eliminate the omission of harmful chemicals into the air.

The perks of having a water filtration system in your home are endless and contribute to the health and wellness of you and your family. When you’re ready to make the leap for a cleaner home, call the honest experts at The Plumbing Company. You can rest assured that your questions will be handled with utmost sincerity and professionalism as you make the transition.

Plan It Out

Before you even call a professional for an estimate, have a plan in place. The first aspect of building from scratch or building on what you have is to know where you are going with it. Figure out what materials you are going to need and how long it should take to get the job done. You may have a brilliant idea for a remodel with a fancy claw foot bathtub complete with hydro jets, but perhaps you aren’t exactly in tune with the layout of your bathroom. It is important to know where the pipes line up so you know where to put the new unit. Again, this is a job for a professional contractor. They are skilled to provide you with the most efficient way of saving space in your bathroom without breaking a pipeline.

Risky Business

Every DIY comes with risk and a time consuming cost. What’s more, you even risk missing the important details that complete your bathroom remodel. Should you be slightly off with a measurement, you may just put the bathroom remodel on hold for a bit. This in turn prolongs your project and ends up costing you more money in the long run. A professional is always prepared to make adjustments where needed. Even when they’ve arrived at your doorstep ready for a sink installation, they are equipped to keep an eye out for little bumps and curves in the process that you may not have noticed.

While pipe damage is serious, injuries are even more risky when handling a bathroom DIY project yourself. Your contractor will have liability insurance, should accidents take place. Remodel injuries aren’t something that you should take lightly. Contractors are already prepared for any mishaps.

Basic Plumbing

Your faucet fixtures, shower heads, and basic plumbing installations might be a simple project for you to take on; however, if you are looking to replace an entire unit, you may want to leave this one to the professionals. Replacing basic fixtures can be easy, especially if they aren’t attached to pipes. And you can add your own style with a few decorative, non-working fixtures.

Show Your True Colors

This is where you can actually get hands-on. After the assessment is complete and estimates are given, your expert contractors will dive into what they do best while you focus on the sea foam blue trim around your walls. Allowing your contractors to see what colors you plan to add. The National Education Association suggest that 30% of the remolding labor is spent painting! So, you could cut your cost down by taking a paint brush to the walls and applying your favorite shade.

Giving your bathroom a makeover? Call the professional team at The Plumbing Company for honest estimates and trusted service today!

What Is Reverse Osmosis, Anyway?

In short, RO is a process of separation by forcing water through a membrane that retains a type of solute on one side, allowing only the pure water to pass through to the other side, removing all pollutants but leaving the healthful minerals. Your RO system will attach under your sink, much like a traditional system would. The tap water will go through a sediment pre-filter which is responsible for removing dirt and any small articles in the water. Then, the water will pass through a carbon filter, sifting out the chlorine and other organic contaminants. Lastly, it passes through the reverse osmosis membrane, which allows the water to pass while rejecting dissolved liquids such as arsenic, sodium, and lead. The remaining purified water is then stored in a tank from which you draw fresh, clean water.

How Is It Different From My Water Pitcher Filter?

It’s easy to become overwhelmed when choosing the right products for your home and family. The generic pitchers are less expansive and readily available at practically any store but do not offer the same filtration benefits that a RO system will. An over-the-counter pitcher will only sift out the most common contaminants, whereas the RO system pulls the water through a process, thus taking a bit longer to fill the tank.

Will it Require Running on Electricity?

A fantastic aspect about a reverse osmosis system is that they are powered solely on water pressure, thus saving you the hassle of an extra monthly expense.

How Long Do Reverse Osmosis Systems Last?

You never have to worry about replacing a cartridge because your system is made to last a lifetime as long as you give it a regular check-up. Unlike normal filters, these tanks and their vital parts need annual servicing, at the very least. That’s when you would call your plumbing company that specializes in serving water filtration systems. This is something that should be done by a professional and not a store employee.

What Else Should I Know About RO Systems?

The bottom line when it comes to owning a reverse osmosis system is that the choice is ultimately up to you. The cost of a store bought pitcher filter can range from $20 – $40, and that’s just the cost of the pitcher, not the 2-3 monthly replacement filters. It may be more cost effective to invest in a reverse osmosis system because studies have shown that bottled water and water filters are not only an environmental hazard, but show very little difference in quality when compared to tap water.

When you’re considering the change to a water system, The Plumbing Company has a wide variety for you to choose from. We will evaluate your home to give you the best options in water filtration systems for you and your family at a cost that is perfect for your budget.