One of the most troubling plumbing emergencies that can happen to a home or a business in Long Island or Suffolk County is a leaking pipe. This might seem like a small issue, but it can mean extensive repairs depending on where it happens. In some cases, it may even mean damaged walls or ceilings. Continue reading
Broken Pipes
What To Do When You Have a Burst Pipe
Burst water pipes can result in thousands of dollars in damages and this is why many people take measures to ensure this doesn’t happen. There are times when the pipes can burst no matter how much you do to prevent it.
When you get this problem you will need to deal with it in the shortest time possible and minimize the damage.
Below are some of the things you will need to do when you have a burst pipe.
How to deal with a burst pipe that is leaking water…
Shut off the water
The first thing you will need to do is turning off water at the mains. This is important because it will stop the flow of water into your home and this prevents any further damage. If there is still a flow of water, drain the water in your system by flushing your toilet many times until the flow dries up. If there are any electrical sockets affected, then turn off the main switch of your electricity immediately.
Open the faucets
It is a good idea to open the faucet because when the main valve has been shut off, there will still be pressure inside the pipes. Opening the faucets will let out any remaining water and there will be no pressure in the pipes. This will make it easier during the repairs because the pipes will have no water.
Call a plumber to fix the pipe
Unless you have experience with repairing broken pipes, you will need to call a plumber to do the work at some point. There are a number of things you can do before calling the plumber, and it is important in order to reduce the damage caused by the burst pipe. A plumber will help you with tips to prevent further damage and how to deal with the problem while waiting for the plumber to get to your home.
Drying out the water
Take a mop, bucket, and a shop vacuum then start getting rid of the water because you don’t want everything in your home soaking in water. Cleaning up as soon as possible will help in preventing mold. When getting rid of water, see whether there is contact with any electrical wires or equipment with water because you don’t want to get shocked in the process.
Having a burst pipe is a big problem, but what you do after it determines the damage it is going to cause. Use the above tips and you will have an easier time dealing with the burst pipe.
Signs That You May Have A Water Leak
When water leaks in your home it can cause a significant amount of damage. Leaky pipes or faucets can also increase your water bill costing you extra money each month. Detecting and repairing leaks right away can not only help prevent damage but can also save you as much as 10% on your monthly water expenses.
Learning how to identify plumbing problems can make it easier to spot leaks when they occur. That way, you can catch them early on before they have a chance to do major damage.
Some of the most common signs of water leaks are listed below.
Water Leak Detection
The Sound Of Water Running
When the water is turned on somewhere in your house you probably can hear it running. However, if you notice the sound of water running but no one is using water anywhere in your home it could mean that you have a leak. To locate the source of the problem look for areas of discoloration on your floors, ceilings, or walls. If you do find an area where water damage has occurred, feel it with your hand to see how warm it is. That way, you can let the plumber know whether it is the hot or cold water that is leaking.
If you can’t find any signs of a leak, try taking a look at your water meter. If the number on the water meter is increasing even when no water is being used, it is a sure sign of a leak.
Slow-Moving Drains
Over time, grease, hair, and other types of debris can clog your drains causing them to drain more slowly. In most cases, a liquid drain cleaner from the store should clear away any problems. If you try one of these products and still have trouble, however, you should consider reaching out to a plumber. Trying to remove the clog on your own can lead to extra damage, costing you even more money to repair.
A Reduction In Water Pressure
If you notice that your water pressure is lower than usual you could have an issue with your plumbing. In some cases the aerator on the faucet simply needs to be cleaned. If you try that, however, and the water pressure doesn’t return to normal, the problem could be caused by a leak or a broken pipe. The best option is to hire a plumber to identify and repair the problem for you.
Reach Out To Us Today For Leak Detection and Repair
Taking good care of your home’s plumbing system is the most effective way to avoid problems like these. For expert help with your plumbing, give us a call today.
How To Prevent Frozen Water Pipes During The Winter
Frozen water pipes can occur during the winter months when temperatures drop below freezing. They are particularly common during periods of high wind. Homes that are currently unoccupied are also at risk of having their pipes freeze, simply because there is no heat running through the ventilation system next to the pipes to help keep them from getting too cold.
Unfortunately, when water pipes freeze, the damage can be extensive. If you live on Long Island, where freezing temperatures are common, it might be difficult to find an available plumber to make any necessary repairs during a cold snap since they may already be helping other customers. Having to wait to restore running water to your home can leave you in a real bind. The best way to avoid this problem is by taking steps to prevent and fix frozen water pipes during the winter.
If the weather forecast is calling for exceptionally low temperatures, you should leave all of your faucets dripping. This is particularly important for any faucets that get their water supply from pipes that are not well-protected from the weather. Water is much less likely to freeze when it is in motion. The slow drip can keep the water in the pipes moving enough that it won’t freeze.
Before winter hits, be sure to turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets. Don’t forget to turn on the faucet after the main water supply has been cut off to remove any excess water from the pipes. The expanding and contracting motion of water that occurs when it freezes can cause the pipe to burst. Neglecting to turn off the water outside is one of the most common issues that people run into when springtime rolls around.
Any plumbing that runs through cabinets that are located on the outer walls of your home can be protected by opening the cabinet doors during periods of extremely cold weather. When the cabinet doors are closed, it is harder for heat to get into the space. As a result, the pipes may freeze. Opening up the cabinet doors can allow heat from your home to penetrate the space, helping to prevent frozen pipes.
Proper insulation is essential. All exposed plumbing should be covered with insulating sleeves or pipe tape. It is best to do this before winter strikes. Otherwise, you may have trouble finding pipe insulation in stock. Usually, when the first freeze happens, stores sell out quickly with everyone rushing to protect their pipes. Insulating your pipes in the fall is the best way to ensure that they will be properly protected.
If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time during the winter, you should plan ahead to avoid any problems. Use a programmable thermostat to maintain the temperature inside your home. Additionally, consider asking a neighbor to check in on your property periodically to make sure that the heating system is still working. The last thing that you want is to come home to frozen pipes.
If your pipes do freeze, there are some steps that you can take on your own while you are waiting for a plumber to get to your property. Start by increasing the amount of heat in the room. If you have a space heater available, you can direct it toward the frozen pipes.
Rather than waiting until there is a problem, however, it is much better to be proactive. Using all of the tips in this article, you should be able to keep your pipes from freezing no matter how cold it gets this winter.
The Steps You Need to Take If Your Plumbing Starts To Leak
Even a small plumbing leak has the potential of becoming a disastrous issue. Many people think of plumbing leaks as a dripping faucet or a small drip located under the sink. Although these leaks are annoying, most people do not worry about fixing them; however, these small issues can become a catastrophic issue if you do not deal with it quickly and properly.
A plumbing leak can occur anywhere in the home where your plumbing pipes are located. This means a leak can occur in your basement, in your crawl space, in your floors, in your ceilings and in your walls. Because the pipes can be out of sight, you may not realize that you have a leak until it develops into a catastrophic leak. Continue reading to learn what to do if you find a leak.
What to Do if You Have a Burst Pipe
During the winter, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As the pipe thaws, air is released, which can cause pressure to build up inside your pipe. This pressure can cause your pipe to break. This type of plumbing problem is called a burst pipe. If you experience a burst pipe, here is what you should do.
If your water freezes, turn on all of the faucets in your home to allow the air to escape and minimize the pressure inside your pipes. As the pipe thaws, you may hear a hissing sound coming from your pipes. This is normal and can help prevent a break. Next, turn off the main water valve. Finally, heat your home to help thaw your pipes. Do not place a space heater near your pipes or use a blow torch to thaw your pips as it can pose a fire risk and even damage your pipes.
What to Do if You Have a Leak Near a Faucet
The first step to take with any plumbing issue is to turn off the main water supply. Once you have done this, you can either look for the leak or contact a plumber. A leak at your faucet could be caused by a broken seal, a break or even too much water pressure. A plumber can help determine the issue and correct it.
What to Do if You Have a Leaky Toilet
As with the other plumbing issues, the first step is to turn off your main water supply. Because there are several reasons for a toilet to be leaking, contact your plumber. The plumber will assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
What to Do if You Have a Leak Inside Your Walls or Floor
This type of leak is the most difficult to fix. If you notice any water damage to your walls or floors, contact a professional plumber to inspect the plumbing system in your home.
To help minimize the damage from a plumbing leak, act quickly to get the burst pipe repair done. Do not wait until a small leak turns into a burst pipe or larger plumbing issues as even the smallest leak can end up costing your thousands of dollars. Instead, contact a plumber to assess and correct any plumbing issues as soon as you notice them.
Plumbing Emergencies – What Needs To Be Done For A Burst Pipe
No homeowner on Long Island ever wants to have to deal with burst plumbing pipes. However, unfortunately, it is all too common for pipes to burst, which causes serious damage and flooding.
There are numerous reasons why a pipe might burst like a pipe that freezes and expands and then bursts, a crack in a pipe caused by too much pressure, or a corroded pipe. If you do end up with a burst pipe, then it is very important that you know how to prevent even more expense and damage.
The following are tips for what you should do when you have a burst pipe occur:
1. The very first step you should take when you notice you have a burst pipe is make sure to turn your main water supply off. You can either turn the water off a the main water valve in your basement or at your water meter.
2. Your next step is draining the water system to prevent the water from flooding your home to cause even more damage. This can be done through turning all the taps off in your house and flushing the toilet. That will help water drain a lot more quickly from the pipes. If water is coming in from the ceiling and a bulge is being caused, then a hole can be made in the bulge and a bucket can be held underneath it order to catch any excess water.
3. If there is leaked water close to any electrical appliances, then it is critical that the electricity be turned off since that can be dangerous. Remove the right fuse if there is any water close to a light switch or fixture.
4. Turn the water heater and central heating off. After the water heater is off, then turn the hot water taps on in order to reduce pressure inside of the pipes. This will help to drain the water also.
5. After there isn’t any more water leaking into the house, and there isn’t any danger of water getting into the water heating system and appliances, then you can search for what the source of your pipe burst is. This will allow you to give important information to your plumber when you call for emergency services to be done at your home.
6. Call a plumber. Any time you have a burst pipe that is a serious issue and a professional plumber needs to repair it. Plumbers have the tools, experience and knowledge to conduct quality repair jobs correctly.
You shouldn’t use joint compound or Teflon tape to try to repair a burst pipe since it will just end up bursting against. Electrical wiring damage also may be dangerous, so a professional should be called to perform any necessary repairs.
After a pipe bursts, it is critical to efficiently and quickly take the necessary steps to prevent any further damage from occurring. After you have taken the appropriate steps for minimizing threats and damage like leaking water on live wires, it is critical to contact a professional plumber. They understand that emergencies may occur at any time of the night or day, so that is why they offer 24 hour emergency service.
Also, since burst pipes are serious plumbing emergencies, it is critical that the repair be made by a profession to make sure there are not any more problems in the future. A plumber also can inspect the pipes to make sure there isn’t any additional damage that you might not have noticed. They also can ensure the system is operating correctly once the repair work is finished.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely
If you experience a frozen pipe, you need to know how to safely thaw your pipes to prevent a burst. A burst pipe can be an expensive repair; therefore, knowing how to thaw your frozen pipes safely can help minimize the risk of a break. Before winter arrives, you should help protect your pipes from freezing by:
- Insulating your plumbing pipes in your crawl space and attic, even if these areas are not prone to freezing temperatures. To help protect your pipes, make sure that you insulate them properly.
- Wrap pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures, especially those that are located outdoors or in unheated areas of your home with heat tape or controlled heat cables. If you have a mobile home, it is especially important to use heat tape, even if your mobile home is skirted. When shopping for heat tape, ensure that the heat tape is approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or another organization and they are approved for indoor or outdoor usage. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure they are installed properly.
- If you know that temperatures are going to be below freezing, leave a faucet dripping to keep water moving and help to prevent freezing.
If your pipes freeze, do not use a blowtorch, open flame or propane heater to help thaw the pipes as this can cause damage to your plumbing system. If you find that you have a frozen pipe, it is important to realize that there may be more frozen pipes. Start by turning on the cold water side of the faucets in your house.
A small trickle of water can help to flush out a frozen pipe; however, it may take some time to clear the freeze. If you turn on your faucet and no water is running, it can help you locate the pipe or pipes that are frozen. If no water is running, it is imperative that you contact a plumber as pipes can burst or become damaged during the thawing process.
If you find a frozen pipe that you can reach, try thawing the pipe using a hairdryer. This will slowly warm the pipe and can help to clear the freeze; however, it is important that your faucets are on so that any air trapped in the pipes can escape. If you do not turn on the faucets in your home, excess air can build up in your plumbing and cause a pipe or multiple pipes to burst. Thawing pipes can take a few minutes or it can take several hours. Most of the time, it is best to call in a professional to repair frozen pipes because you can easily damage your entire plumbing system if you do not handle the frozen pipes properly.
Copper Repipe and Leaky Pipes – Plumbers Are Best to Repair Any Plumbing Problems You May Have.
Plumbing problems can be stressful, costly and lead to unhappiness. Therefore, it is good to have these problems solved as soon as possible to prevent any further problems. Whether you live in an apartment, single family home, or you just have some plumbing problems in your office, look for a reliable plumbing company whenever you experience any plumbing related problems.
It is a good idea to look for an honest, reliable and experienced plumbing company that will solve your plumbing problem once and for all. Most of the people have a story about a plumber whose services resulted in more damage instead of solving their plumbing problem or problems.
This usually happens to those who wait until their situation is an emergency rather than carrying out preventative maintenance of their plumbing system on a regular basis.
Do you have a home that is older than 25 years or so? Then it may be a good idea to replace your zinc coated, galvanized pipes with copper repiping. If your water pressure is no longer efficient as it used to be, look for a professional plumbing company to do the installation.
Another plumbing problem that should be dealt with on a regular basis is clogged drains. Those who have a clogged up sink or toilet should have the problem addressed as soon as possible before it worsens. Most of us take our plumbing system for granted, so it is upsetting when something doesn’t work the way it should.
Hair, coffee grounds, grease buildup, and grime are some of the common things that clog drains. Leaky pipes also occur at the worst possible moment. So, it is good that you call an experienced plumber as soon as the problem occurs to prevent more damage to your plumbing system.
Remember to turn off your water at the main water valve before your plumber arrives. This is very important as it prevents water from entering your home hence ensuring that you don’t have to deal with a larger problem.
A reliable plumber will locate the water leak and determine its size before making any repairs. The plumber will wait until the area around the leak is dry and clean as possible. Ensuring that the area is dry is a good idea as it allows the area to air dry rather than absorbing excess water which may make the affected area warp or make the affected area moldy.
It is also a good idea to use some electrical tape to temporarily fix the leak while waiting for a plumber. This will only work for small leaks. Dry the area around the pipe using a towel to better allow for the electrical tape to adhere to the pipe. Start about 2 inches away from the actual leak.
Always remember that any repairs you make are temporary and it is wise to look for professionals. Your home’s or office’s plumbing system is very important than you may realize. So, don’t take it for granted but instead contact a plumber so that your problem is fixed by a professional who knows the ins and outs of plumbing problems and knows how to fix plumbing problems effectively.
A Leaky Hissing Water Pipe – When To Call A Plumber
Imagine waking up in the morning and getting ready to hop in the shower. Visualize yourself taking off your pajamas and tossing them on the floor. Then all of a sudden you hear some sort of strange noise coming from behind the wall in the shower? It’s a small hissing sound! Then the hissing sound gets a lot louder! Now it’s very loud! You have a leaky hissing water pipe on your hands!
You feel frustrated and angry because only two days earlier you had a leaky water pipe repaired under your Long Island house. Now this is happening! Your heart sinks in gloom and despair while you are standing around with no clothes on and your head is throbbing. You are sick and tired of everything! In this article we will be looking at two options to carry repairs out or to work on other related plumbing problems.
Think back when you had wrong sized pipes, improperly installed pipes, old water pipes, burst pipes or leaky hissing water pipes were just something you imagined. Now that you are a homeowner, anything associated with leaking water around your house is a problem and something you definitely need to worry about.
You’ve probably heard “money can’t buy happiness” before. That may be true but with leaky pipes it definitely can buy “peace of mind” for you if you are able to find someone qualified to get things fixed. With leaky pipes there is no such thing as peace of mind.
You need to determine whether the problem you have with water leaks can be solved by a minor task such as replacing a tap washer, or something more major such as replacing all your home’s water pipes. Go for it if you know how to do a simple repair. However, if the job is something beyond what you are capable of – which your gut will be able to tell you – then call a plumber!
Like anything else, anytime you are feeling unsure or uncomfortable about any aspect that relates to your home’s plumbing like a leaky hissing water pipe then it might be time to get professional advice. It will cost you money, but you should seek out a qualified, well respected professional plumber. To find a good one ask around with people you know. Usually a plumber will be able to assess the situation quickly and get it resolved. Any foreseeable problems will also usually be noticed and resolutions can be suggested.
I speak from painful experience unfortunately. I recently change all of my home’s water pipes. I was bound and determined to do this gigantic task on my own. I spent numerous hours working out where all of the pipes connected and got a plan drawn up that showed where the pipes went. I purchased all of the materials. However, my “gut” told me that I was taking on more than I could handle. I gave up on my cool idea of being able to do it on my own. What I did instead was hire a plumber and worked with him to learn as much as I possibly could. When I changed my mind, my wife was quite happy about that. It is all done now. We have peace of mind and are very happy.
Leaky Pipes? Reasons You Need To Contact A Plumbing Company
If you have ever experienced a plumbing issue, you know how inconvenient and frustrating it can be. Now, imagine if a pipe freezes and bursts, the toilet overflows or you develop a leak in your wall.
Each of these issues can cause expensive and health hazardous water damage. Plumbing problems are something that everyone wants to avoid, which is why homeowners stock up on chemicals that are used to removes clogs and keep your plumbing working great.
Although you can use these products occasionally, if you find that you are needing these products often or your plumbing issue has become more than you can handle, it is time to call in a professional plumber.
A licensed plumber is specially trained to handle all types of plumbing issues that are causing your problems. You may think that it is easy to fix a plumbing leak under your sink; however, if you attempt to make such repairs without the assistance of a professionally trained plumber, you could find yourself in a very soggy situation and the once simple fix could become a much larger problem.
Believe it or not, there is more to fixing a leaky pipe that you would imagine. That pipe often disappears into your walls, ceiling or floors and travel to other plumbing fixtures in your home, including the kitchen sink, the shower, the bathroom sink, the toilet and the laundry room. There are repair manuals out that can help; however, if you do not know what is broken or have the skills needed to make the repairs, you can wind up in a sticky situation.
Hiring a plumber is your best bet. A plumber will diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs quickly and correctly the first time. Saving you time, headaches and even more costly repairs. Once a professional plumber assesses the situation, you can rest assured that your plumbing issue will be fixed right the first time.
Having the name and number of a quality, licensed plumber on hand can save you time and money should an issue arise. When searching for a plumber, find one that offers 24 hour service. Rather than needing to wait until normal business hours, the plumber will be available when a disaster strikes. Additionally, if you are considering purchasing a new house, you should have the plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumbing company before finalizing the contract.
Plumbing issues can arise at any time, which is why you need a plumber that has the skills and expertise to handle all of your plumbing needs. If you do not do your research first, you may find yourself at the hands of an unscrupulous plumber. By taking the time to research and find a licensed professional, you can protect yourself and your home’s plumbing system from damage.
Although you may be able to handle minor plumbing issues like a clogged toilet, you should leave the large and more difficult jobs to the professionals. If you try to fix a plumbing issue, you can make a small problem become a larger and more expensive plumbing issue.