What Plumbers Wish Homeowners & Renters Knew About Plumbing

Plumbers know the ins and outs of your garbage disposal, bath, toilets, and sinks. They usually can diagnose and fix a problem as soon as they see it. They also realize that homeowners and renters use their plumbing the best way they can, but there are a few tips that plumbers with homeowners knew. These tips can actually help homeowners and renters rely on their own knowledge, so they have fewer emergency plumber calls.

1. 1. Avoid grease and oil in the kitchen sink. In order to avoid clogged drains, it is important to never pour cooking oil down the kitchen sink. As oils and greases cool, they congeal and cause problems in the pipes. The grease and oil builds up over time and reduces the space that water can flow through the pipes. The best thing to do is put oil in an empty container, like a can or a carton. Then, you can simply throw the cooled oil away in your garbage can.
2. 2. Food scraps should go in garbage can. Garbage disposals are truly a convenience for homeowners, but they should not be used in place of the garbage can. Unfortunately, garbage disposals get over used and many of the items that are placed in them are not broken down very well. Any type of organic food scrap should be put in a compost pile or disposed of in the trash. The best foods to put in the garbage disposal are citrus peel because they freshen the disposal and small fish bones or chicken bones because they clean the walls of the disposal.
3. 3. Know where your water shutoff is. Accidents happen, so it is important to know where the shutoff spot for your water is. If you have an emergency and you do not know where to turn off the water to your home, you could potentially face damage that is expensive to repair. If you do not know where it is, give us a call.
4. 4. Pay attention to your plumbing. Too many homeowners ignore minor problems. Unfortunately, those small problems can grow to large problems. A dripping faucet could end up need to be completely replaced if ignored for too long. Instead, if you call the plumber, you might find that the repair is affordable and less expensive than you originally thought it would be.
5. 5. Love your water heater. We take our hot water for granted, until we no longer have it. In order to keep the hot water coming, homeowners should give some attention to their water heaters because they do require regular maintenance. The tanks should be flushed annually and the anode should be checked annually for rust. They are expensive to replace, but inexpensive to maintain.
6. 6.Be careful with the chemicals. Homeowners often resort to chemicals to clean their drains. While the chemicals will unclog drains, they can do damage to the pipes that you cannot see. If you are using drain chemicals on a regular basis, it is better to call us than to continue using quick fixes from the grocery store aisles.
7. 7.Hire licensed plumbers. Homeowners tend to be leery of calling plumbers because they do not know what the plumber will charge. Instead, homeowners will hire a friend or relative to complete a plumbing job in an effort to save money. Unfortunately, these money saving tactics often backfire and plumbers are ultimately called in to fix the problem. In many cases, the problem costs more to fix than the original job would have cost. Anytime you need plumbing work completed, it is in your best interest and the best interest of your home to call a professional, like us.

If you have any questions or concerns about the plumbing in and around your home, please do not hesitate to give us a call at: (714) 987-9801 or 714-987-9801.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Plumbing is one of the most important essentials of any modern home. The on-demand supply of cold and hot water, disposal of waste and the convenience of appliances are often taken for granted. Failing to properly maintain your plumbing system can result in leaks, blockages, and disruption to the supply. However, with some basic maintenance, you can minimize the risk of plumbing problems and create the opportunity to deal with minor issues before they develop into a major problem.

Watch for indications of trouble:

Being aware of potential problems with your plumbing can be the first step to correcting any issues. Indications of potential trouble include damp spots, leaking faucets, dripping and sounds of running water. By being alert for these small issues, you can ensure they have prompt attention to correct the matter before it develops further.

Locate your shut off valve:

In the event of a plumbing problem, it is important that you know exactly where your shut off valve is located. In cases where water is flooding into your home from a burst pipe, seconds can save additional damage to your home. If the shut-off valve is located in a hard to reach the area of the home or needs tools to operate it, keep the area clear and put any necessary tools nearby.

Know the appliance shut off points:

You should also familiarize yourself with how you can shut off the water supply to toilets, sinks, dishwashers and washing machines. Don’t forget other appliances connected to a water supply such as an ice maker. Should a problem develop, knowing exactly where the shut off is located can save valuable time and a great deal of clean up.

Know the location of your sewer valve:

The final valve to be aware of is the sewer valve. This is the main valve for wastewater. Access to this valve is often needed when your sewer line is clogged, knowing the location of this valve can save a great deal of labor time when you do need to call in a plumbing professional, who does not need to spend time locating it.

Prepare your pipes for colder weather:

Sudden spells of cold weather are a common cause of burst pipes. The water contained in the pipe expands and causes a crack in the pipe. The best preventative measure for this is to insulate any exposed pipes within your home. Check unheated areas of the home such as crawl spaces and garages for any unprotected pipes. There are some very easy to install forms of insulation which can simply be stuck over the pipe without the need for expertise or specialist tools.

Deal with frozen pipes properly:

If a pipe does become frozen, you can minimize the potential damage by dealing with it properly. Initially, you will need to shut off the main water supply and open the faucet to drain any remaining water in the pipe. If the blockage has occurred in a hot water pipe, you should also turn off your hot water heater. Gently, warm up the frozen pipe using a hair dryer rather than an open flame. Start heating from the direction of the nearest faucet and pay attention to the faucet to see when water begins trickling out. Once the pipe has been defrosted, the flow of water will be restored. You can then check the pipe for any indications of damage such as cracks or leaks.

With some basic skills and a few tools, most homeowners can deal with small plumbing issues. However, it is important to work only within the confidence of your skills. If you are in any doubt, you should contact a plumbing professional.  If you do require assistance with a plumbing issue or problem, contact Scott English Plumbing. We have a team of experienced technicians offering expertise in all aspects of plumbing and we would be delighted to assist you.

Easy Plumbing Repairs That You Can Do Yourself

Owning a home means that you really should have some basic DIY skills. You don’t need to be able to fix anything and everything that might come up, but there are some basic skills that you can easily master that will make caring for your home a bit easier. Knowing how to deal with some common fixes will make you more independent and keep you from having to call a handyman every time something goes wrong.

You don’t need to have extensive plumbing skills, but there are a few plumbing fixes that you can easily handle on your own. Take a look at these easy plumbing repairs that you can do yourself.

Caulking

Anyone can apply caulk. Don’t know what caulk is? Look at your bathtub. All around the edges, where the tub meets the floor and the wall, there is a strip of white, rubbery material. That is caulk. It is there to protect the seams and keep water out. Over time, old caulk can begin to deteriorate, and it will eventually need to be replaced. You may see cracks or little bits of caulk missing; that is your indication that it is time to replace it.

The first and most difficult part of caulking is removing the old caulk. You must completely remove the old caulk so that the new caulk can stick properly. You can purchase products that will soften the old caulk and make it easier to remove. Then you can remove the caulk with a putty knife. The key here is to make sure that you get all of the caulk out of there before applying the new caulk. Once you have removed all of the old caulk, clean the area with paint thinner and let it dry before you begin installing the new caulk.

Caulk comes in a tube or a caulk gun. To apply the new caulk, just squeeze it firmly, drawing a straight line (or bead) along the seam. It may take a little bit of practice before you can draw a neat line.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

If you have a leaky faucet, don’t ignore it. A little drip may not seem like a big deal, but it can add up to thousands of gallons of water every year, and you pay for every drop. Fixing it really isn’t that hard. Just follow these steps:

• 1. Find the water shut off valve and turn it off. It is usually located under the sink.
• 2. Locate the faucet handle and remove it. It is usually hidden under a decorative cap.
• 3. Using pliers, remove the packing nut.
• 4. Remove the valve stem by unscrewing it from the housing.
• 5. Remove the screw that holds the washer in place.
• 6. Take the washer out. You can take the washer with you to the hardware store to help you choose the appropriate replacement. If the washer is very deteriorated or falls apart when you remove it, then check the faucet for the make and model to help you locate a proper replacement.
• 7. Replace the old washer with a new one, and reassemble the faucet by following these steps in reverse.

These are just a couple of simple plumbing repairs that you can do yourself. If you run into plumbing problems and need some assistance, call Scott English Plumbing. We are on call for you, and we are happy to help you make repairs and get your plumbing back in proper working order. Call Scott English Plumbing to schedule a service call today.

Tips for Caring for Your Basement Plumbing System

How often do you use your basement? If you have a finished basement, you may use it daily to sit and watch TV or work on hobbies. Many homeowners, even those whose basements are finished, only use that space for laundry or a guest room. It may be days or even weeks between trips downstairs. If your basement is unfinished, it is likely that you only use it for storage. You may be keeping items down there that are valuable to you but don’t get a lot of use. Since the basement doesn’t always get a lot of attention, it is important that you routinely do a quick inspection for signs of plumbing issues.

Nobody wants to discover a plumbing problem in their kitchen or bathroom. Plumbing issues in the basement, however, can potentially be even more damaging, because they can go unnoticed. It is important that homeowners routinely check the plumbing system in their basement for signs of wear or problems so that issues can be addressed quickly before they escalate into something worse. Finding a basement plumbing issue sooner rather than later can make the difference between a minor, inexpensive repair and a major overhaul with a large price tag.

• 1. Sewer Gas Issues: Sometimes sewer gases can escape from basement floor drains. If this happens, there will be a terrible smell invading your basement, and possibly your whole house. You can prevent this from happening by occasionally pouring a bucket of water down the drain. This will help to keep the trap seal full.
• 2. Hidden Water Leaks: You can have a leak and not even know it if the leak is located somewhere in the basement where it isn’t easily visible. Fortunately, you can easily check your plumbing system for indications of a leak without tearing your walls apart. Just make sure that all sources of water in the house are turned off, and go check the water meter. If the meter is moving when no water is in use, then there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Call a professional plumber to locate the leak and repair it for you before you have a busted pipe and water damage on your hands.
• 3. Water Hammer Noise: Can you hear your pipes clanging? You don’t have to live with that annoying noise. Shock absorbers can be installed in your plumbing system. The shock absorbers will absorb the vibration in your water lines and deaden the noise that is produced.
• 4. Washing Machine Hoses: Washing machine hoses don’t last forever. Eventually, they will begin to wear and need to be replaced. Check the hoses on your washing machine, and look for any problems, like a leak, bulge, or weak area. If you see any of these things, it is time to replace the hose.
• 5. Septic Tanks: Septic tanks require occasional maintenance. Every three to five years, you should have your septic tank inspected and pumped. This regular service can prevent you from having to have a filter field replacement, which is a much more expensive repair.

These few simple steps in caring for your basement plumbing system will keep your system in tip top shape and prevent bigger, more expensive problems from occurring. If you need help inspecting your plumbing system or if you find something that needs to be repaired, call Scott English Plumbing. We perform all types of plumbing maintenance and repairs, and we are available for you around the clock. Contact Scott English Plumbing for assistance today.

How to Save Water

Why is it Important to Save Water?

This summer, as you are filling the swimming pool, watering the lawn, and adding ice cubes to your drink, you may realize how much water we actually use every day. This consumption affects the supply of fresh, usable water that is available for our use, and it affects our water bill every month. If you want to cut down on your water use either to help the environment or to save money (or both), try some of these tips.

• 1. When you wash your dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running while you rinse. Instead, fill one side of the sink with soapy water, and the other side with rinse water.
• 2. Move your lawn sprinklers. Make sure that the sprinklers are watering the grass or garden, and not the sidewalks or house.
• 3. Fill a pitcher of water and keep it in the fridge instead of waiting for the water to run cold at the sink to fill your glass.
• 4. Monitor your water bill. If you see an increase in your usage, check for plumbing leaks.
• 5. Fill a bowl or the sink with water to wash your produce instead of washing it under running water. When you are done, use the water to water your plants.
• 6. Replace your shower head with a low-flow or water-efficient model. This can save a whopping 750 gallons of water every month.
• 7. When the time comes to purchase new appliances, choose energy-efficient models, particularly those that allow you to customize your load size or cycle. This will cut down on the water that is used to wash your dishes or clothes.
• 8. Cut just one to two minutes off your shower time each day. Over the course of the month, this can save 150 gallons of water.
• 9. If your toilet is getting older, replace it with a low-flow, water-efficient new toilet. You might even consider a dual-flush toilet. This type of toilet gives you two flushing options; one that uses less water for liquid waste, and another that uses more water for solid waste.
• 10. When you fill the bathtub, close the stopper before you turn the water on instead of waiting until the temperature is right to close the stopper. You can adjust the temperature while the tub is filling and still get a comfortable bath without wasting water.
• 11. Start each day with one glass or water bottle designated for use by each member of the family. Then use only that glass for the whole day. This will cut down on the number of dishes that you have to wash, and it will save water.
• 12. Check your toilet for leaks by adding food coloring to the toilet tank. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak. Call a plumber to fix it.
• 13. Have an instant water heater installed at your kitchen sink. This will give you immediate hot water for your dishwasher and sink so that you don’t have to let the water run while you wait for the water to heat up. It will make your dishwasher more effective, too.
• 14. Fix dripping faucets and leaking toilets right away. A running toilet can use two gallons of water every minute.

These suggestions can help you to save water and money. For helping installing new appliances or repairing leaks in your home, call Scott English Plumbing. We can help you to make sure that your home is as efficient as possible so that you save water and money.

How to Care for Your Plumbing

Caring for your plumbing is an important part of your regular home maintenance. Spending just a little bit of time each month checking on your plumbing system can help you to prevent major plumbing disasters and big expenses later on. Taking a few simple steps of preventive maintenance can go a long way toward avoiding bigger problems.

Preventive Maintenance – Steps to Take

• Familiarize yourself with your Plumbing System
  First, you need to familiarize yourself with your home’s plumbing system. Take a look around the house, and pay attention to all of the appliances and other equipment related to your plumbing. Make a note of these items that should be checked as part of your regular maintenance. Being aware of your plumbing system is the first step in your plumbing care routine.
• Check the Components
  Once you are more familiar with your plumbing system, you should periodically check the components for signs of leaks. In particular, check any visible pipes for puddles or watermarks nearby. You should also check your shutoff valves and any brass or copper fittings for green stains. A green stain on copper or brass is an indication of corrosion on the pipes, which can result in leaks. It’s always better to take notice of corrosion before a leak occurs so that you can repair it before major damage is done.
• Take Note of Water Pressure
  One easy way to care for your plumbing is to just take note of the water pressure while you are taking a shower. If you notice that the water pressure is not as strong as it used to be, that may be because sediment has built up in the shower head. Fortunately, this is a very easy thing to fix. Just fill a plastic sandwich bag with vinegar and place it over the shower head so that the shower head is submerged in the vinegar. Using a piece of string or a twist tie, tie the bag in place around the shower head. Leave it like this overnight, and the vinegar will remove the buildup of sediment. In the morning, remove the bag and throw it away. Your water pressure should return to normal. If this doesn’t resolve the low water pressure, you might have a problem with the water line. In this case, you should consult with a plumber to further investigate the problem.
• Check Your Shower and Sink
  You should also periodically check your shower and around your sink for cracked tiles. If a tile is cracked, that is often an indication that there has been a water leak underneath. If a water leak is undetected and continues to leak, it can weaken the surrounding area and cause rotting, which results in the tile breaking. If you do find a broken tile, be sure to thoroughly investigate the source and promptly repair any water leaks before further damage occurs.
• Toilet Inspection
  Once you have checked the showers and sinks, give the toilets a quick inspection. Remove the lid from the tank, and check to make sure that the parts inside aren’t broken or rusted. Also, flush the toilet to make sure that it is flushing properly and doesn’t run. Check for any water puddling around the bottom of the toilet, too. If the toilet continues to run for a period of time after you flush it, you can probably fix it easily by purchasing a toilet tank kit for less than $20. This will resolve the issue and save you money on your water bill each month.

These steps will help you to prevent plumbing disasters. However, if you do experience a plumbing problem and need the help of a professional, call Scott English Plumbing. We are the plumbing experts, and we are here to respond to your emergency around the clock.

What Plumbers Know that You Should Know, Too

As a homeowner, it is important that you know at least the basics about your plumbing system. Some rudimentary knowledge of your plumbing system will allow you to make basic repairs on your own instead of having to call a plumber. It can also help you to avoid costly problems in the future.

Familiarize Yourself with the Layout of Your Plumbing

In order to get comfortable with your home plumbing system, you first need to familiarize yourself with the layout of your plumbing. You should identify the shutoff valves to all of your faucets and appliances, as well as the main shutoff valve to the house. You should also locate the water meter and make sure that you know how to take the cover off. Take a look at your pipes, and make sure that you know what the pipes are made of; they are most likely either PVC or copper.

About once a month, take a look at any exposed pipes. Check for signs of leaks, like puddles or watermarks. Look for small cracks, rust, or corrosion on the pipes, as well. Catching a small leak before it becomes a large leak can prevent significant water damage and large expenses.

Learn How to Unclog a Drain

One simple repair that every homeowner should learn to handle is unclogging a drain. Drains are frequently clogged by foreign objects, such as toys or socks, or by the accumulation of paper or organic matter. Whatever the cause, clogged drains are bound to happen at some point, and you can avoid calling a plumber by taking a few simple steps. If a drain clogs, first try clearing it with your trusty plunger. If that doesn’t work, you can make a natural drain cleaner by pouring baking soda into the drain, and following it with vinegar. The solution will bubble up and fizz. Let the combination of vinegar and baking soda sit for a little while, and then flush the drain with hot water. If all else fails, you could use a chemical drain cleaner, like Drano. However, it is best to avoid these products if at all possible. They are extremely toxic, and it is best to not introduce them to the water system.

Learn How to Take Care of Your Water Heater

Typically, most people don’t think twice about their water heater until it quits working. However, giving your water heater a little bit of attention occasionally can add years to its life. One component of your water heater that you should be aware of is called the anode. This part is simply a metal rod. The anode screws into the lid of the water heater. Its purpose is to prevent the accumulation of rust. This part is considered sacrificial, meaning that is normal and expected that routine wear will cause the rod to rust, and it will have to be replaced. You can easily check the anode for signs of wear and be prepared to replace it.

Mastering these basic tasks will make you a more capable homeowner and help you to avoid major plumbing pitfalls. However, if you find yourself facing a plumbing disaster, call the professionals at Scott English Plumbing. We have an experienced staff of plumbers who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond quickly to any plumbing emergency. We also handle routine plumbing maintenance and repair at fair, reasonable rates. When you need a reliable, trustworthy plumber, call Scott English Plumbing.

Money Saving Plumbing Tips

Indoor plumbing is a luxury that we all take for granted. That is, until the only toilet in the house stops working or we can’t take a shower. Then we begin to wish that we had taken better care of our plumbing systems.

Certainly, a home plumbing system is not high on the list of things that we enjoy spending our time or money on. But you will find that routinely spending a little bit of time and money on caring for your plumbing will prevent bigger problems down the road. Neglected plumbing can result in an extremely inconvenient, expensive disaster. Try out these tips to save money on your plumbing.

• 1. First, address small problems as soon as they arise
  If your bathroom faucet is dripping, don’t ignore it for months. You can easily fix a leaky faucet on your own. If you don’t feel confident handling the job, call a plumber for assistance. Allowing the faucet to continue to drip all day and night will just run up your water bill.
• 2. If you notice a drain that is getting clogged, clean it out right away
  Pull any excess hair out of the drain, and wipe out any grease. A great home remedy for clogged drains is baking soda and vinegar. Just pour a few tablespoons of baking soda into the drain, and flush with vinegar. The mixture will bubble up and flush out the gunk that is blocking your drain. Follow with cold water. This method is very inexpensive, easy, and safe for the environment and your family. Once the drain is clean, consider installing a drain filter to prevent clogs in the future.
• 3. If you just don’t have the time or desire to perform maintenance on your plumbing system, think about hiring a plumber to do it for you
  If you sign a maintenance contract with a plumber, he will come to your home and check these items on a regular basis and make these minor repairs for you. While it is an investment in your home, the money spent on maintenance will prevent more expensive repairs later on.
• 4. If you have recurrent problems with a particular plumbing fixture, it may be time to bite the bullet and replace that item
  While the initial expense might be daunting, it’s better to spend the money to replace a broken fixture than to continually spend time and money making repairs to a worn out piece. By switching out your old shower head for a new model, you can save on your water bill each month because the new shower heads use so much less water. Replacing a large item, like a hot water heater, can ultimately save you money because newer models are so much more energy efficient.
• 5. When you do encounter a plumbing problem that will require the help of a professional, spend a little time shopping around
  The plumbing business is quite competitive. You can save a significant amount of money by shopping around and getting quotes from several different contractors before you have the work done.
• 6. And finally, make sure you hire a plumber who works on flat rates rather than hourly ones
  This will ensure that you not only save money on getting the job done, but also that it gets done quickly and efficiently.

For help with all of your plumbing problems, call our experts at Scott English Plumbing. We offer water heater installation and maintenance, bathtub and shower installation, water softener service, backflow testing, and more. Call Scott English Plumbing today for fast, affordable service.