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7 Things An Emergency Plumber Wants Homeowners To Know

7 Things An Emergency Plumber Wants Homeowners To Know

The last thing you probably want to encounter in your home are leaks in your plumbing. Dealing with leaks or other plumbing emergencies can be overwhelming and stressful. Not to mention costly especially when it also damages some of your personal belongings. If you want to avoid paying a fortune to a plumber, we suggest you read this article. Here are seven things an emergency plumber wants you to know.

1. High Water Pressure Is Bad News

Some homeowners actually enjoy it because they have a lot of water. What they aren’t aware of is that high water pressure can severely damage pipes, especially older pipes. If you live in an old home and have galvanized pipes installed, you might wake up to flooding in the basement.

You can check your home’s water pressure using a water pressure gauge you can get at a hardware store. Make sure the water pressure levels are just between 40 and 60 PSI. Otherwise, call an emergency plumber to resolve the issue.

2. Low Water Pressure Indicates a Leak in Your Plumbing

High water pressure is bad news while low water pressure brings bad news because it indicates a leak in your plumbing. It doesn’t always mean there’s a leak though, so make sure you check your bills as well. If it’s also higher and you have low water pressure, chances are there’s a leak somewhere in your home. Call a plumbing expert for professional leak detection. Our team is equipped with the right tools to help us locate the leak and fix it permanently.

You can also test for leaks by doing a water meter test. Check the water meter and take note of the figures. Wait for 30 minutes to do another reading and make sure no one else is using the water. Compare the result of the second reading with the first. Are the figures different? That means your meter is running even when you’re not using the water. That indicates a leak in your plumbing. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so we can inspect your plumbing.

3. Leaks Can Be Prevented

The one good thing about leaks in your plumbing is that you can actually prevent them. You can prevent leaks in your plumbing by getting routine inspections and by periodically checking your plumbing for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you suspect something isn’t right, contact a plumber ASAP for leak detection. You can also install leak detection devices to get notifications when there is a possible leak or when there are inconsistencies with your plumbing systems.

4. Always Hire a Licensed Professional

There’s no perfect plumber. Even a reliable and trusted professional makes a mistake. However, the likelihood of a licensed emergency plumber making a mistake is lower than someone who isn’t certified to perform plumbing services. This is why you should only hire licensed professionals to do major repairs and installations. Because if they make a mistake and this mistake shows up a week later, you will have no choice but to hire someone else to correct it. Licensed professionals usually offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind. If it’s our fault, we will gladly correct the mistake for you at no additional cost.

5. Replace Old Piping Material

Do you live in an old home or do you still have galvanized pipes installed? We suggest you consider replacing the pipes with better and newer ones. You can avoid leaks and other problems with your pipes by switching to either copper or PVC piping. If you’re not familiar with these types of pipes, feel free to get in touch with us so that our team can help you make an informed decision.

6. Protect Your Pipes in the Winter

Do you have exposed pipes at home? Then make sure they are protected when it gets too cold. The last thing you want is for water inside the plumbing pipes to freeze because you won’t be able to use the shower or the faucet. You’ll need to call a plumber to thaw the pipes and you have to do this fast. Otherwise, the pipes will only expand and then burst. Remember, water damage can cost you an arm and a leg in major repairs and restoration services. It can also jeopardize your home’s foundation eventually.

Go to a hardware store to get some insulating blankets you can use for the pipes. Running water and your heating can also be used to warm the pipes. Don’t forget to include your outdoor faucets as well.

7. Never Ignore Plumbing Problems

We keep reminding homeowners to always prioritize their plumbing to avoid costly repairs. If you feel something may be wrong with the garbage disposal or the water heater, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us immediately so we can inspect your unit. You’ll be able to avoid a more costly repair if you repair the problem ASAP. And as mentioned earlier, always hire licensed professionals to perform repairs or inspections to ensure the task is properly carried out. That’s where we come in. We have experienced plumbers who can fix plumbing issues permanently and promptly.

Call bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans

Dealing with a major plumbing emergency can be traumatic at times. But you’ll have peace of mind when you hire the right emergency plumber who can fix the problem permanently. Our emergency plumbing service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call us anytime and our team will be with you shortly.

Call bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans today for an appointment.

See our previous blog on this topic here

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The Major Benefits To Professional Drain Cleaning Service

The Major Benefits To Professional Drain Cleaning Service

There are many steps to taking care of a home, but one of the most important unseen areas to tackle is the drain systems. These drains work throughout the day to move dirty water and waste material out of the home, keeping it healthy and safe. Yet, over time, it goes without saying that drains can become clogged and built up with a significant amount of debris, which poses a high risk to any home. Drain cleaning service can help to fix this, reducing the risk of backups, improving the overall flow of water, and enhancing overall sanitary conditions in the home.

Why Invest in This Plumbing Task

Without a doubt, drain cleaning service is necessary for virtually every home. Yet, very few property owners recognize the risks of not having professional service on a routine basis. With routine care, though, you may see a significant improvement in the movement of water through the home’s pipes and lines, helping you to avoid what could be a dangerous buildup otherwise. Consider some of the most important reasons to invest in cleaning service.

#1: Reduce the Risk of Clogs

A clog can occur without any warning. If something goes down the drain that should not, that could cause a build-up to occur and limit water flow. However, many clogs develop because the drain lines become so built up with material along the interior walls that the amount of room available for water and waste to flow down and through them is very limited. This ultimately leads to a buildup that is hard to wash away.

A clog is more likely to happen as a result of this buildup, and that means it is critical for homeowners to invest in routine cleaning service to help flush the lines clean, helping to eliminate this problem from occurring.

#2: Remove Root Systems from Drains

One of the other common causes of backed-up drain lines is the development of roots within them. The roots can grow into the lines as they seek out water. This can happen more aggressively in areas with new growth and in dryer conditions, but it can occur anywhere in the region. The roots around your water lines and sewer lines are powerful enough to break into them, causing damage and creating a blockage.

Drain cleaning service helps to pinpoint this risk so that it can be dealt with properly. The process typically only takes a few minutes, but washing away those lines and ensuring nothing builds up within them is a critical investment in your home. This can help to prevent ongoing threats to the entire drain system.

#3: Get Rid of Odors

Many times, no matter how much you clean your home, you may find that some of the drains have a scent to them. Do not pour any chemicals down the drain. Instead, work with a drain cleaning expert to clean the interior lines properly. This process will help to strip away all of the built up material that forms on the inner components, which often restricts the flow of water and allows for bacteria to grow. The odor you smell is likely from that bacteria as well as mold development.

#4: Reduce the Risk of Leaks

Imagine a drain pipe that is blocked and backed up with material from a lack of cleansing. Over time, the pathway for wastewater to move through is very limited. That leads to a significant buildup of water that causes added pressure to the joints of those lines. Sometimes, this is one of the reasons why a leak will develop. You may notice that leak if it is in the ceiling or behind a wall, but other times, it is hidden under the foundation of the home. It still happens, and it can be very expensive to repair.

With drain cleaning, you can remove that material to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place. It helps to ensure that water moves quickly and easily out of the way, eliminating any type of backup that could lead to too much pressure.

#5: Prevent Damage to the Home

Drain cleaning is a type of preventative maintenance. When you do not have your drains or sewers cleaned, there is a heightened risk of a backup. That could mean that sewage and other materials back up from the floor drains into your home. This creates a very big problem. Not only does it mean you have bacteria and sewage in your home’s lowest floors, but it also means there is a high risk for mold growth. This can create a dangerous situation for homeowners, especially those that may lose a substantial amount of their belongings from a backup.

How to Know When to Call for Help

There are many times when you should call for drain cleaning. That includes:

  • When you notice there is an odor coming from the drains.
  • When the sinks drain slowly.
  • If you are seeing water buildup at the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • When water comes back up from the drain, after going down.
  • You hear gurgling noises coming from the system.

In addition to this, it is often a good idea to have your drain lines cleaned at least one time every other year, or if you have had problems with them in the past, consider doing this at least annually. Having a team come out to inspect your lines can help you minimize the risk of backups occurring over time. The key is to make sure you are handling this type of service on a routine basis.

How Our Team Can Help You

We strive to provide you with the support you need to keep your home’s drain clean and free-moving. When you contact bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans, you will get exceptional support from us throughout the process. If you need drain cleaning service, call us today.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Do You Need A Water Heater Replacement?

Do You Need A Water Heater Replacement?

Are you having issues with your hot water supply? Is your water not getting as hot as it used to? Are you frequently running out of hot water? Do you need to reset your water heater? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it might be time for a water heater replacement.

The operative word is might. There are many issues that can prevent a water heater from functioning properly that can be remedied without the need to buy a new water heater.

Some of these are simply a question of proper maintenance, and others are more serious issues, but they can be repaired by a qualified plumber. Regardless, it is best to consult a professional before deciding to replace a hot water heater.

Burnt Out Elements

The majority of electric water heaters on the market have a two-element configuration. In simple terms, this means that there is a heating element toward the bottom of the tank and another located above the midpoint or at the top. This allows the water to be heated more evenly and in the shortest possible amount of time.

It is not an uncommon event for one of these heating elements to go bad or burn out. When this occurs, your water heater will be slow to heat, and you will likely run out of hot water more quickly due to only half the tank heating.

Another sign of burnout could be an increase in your electric bills. One element trying to do the work of two will not be able to cycle properly and will have to work much harder.

This is a fairly easy fix for a certified plumber and is much more economical to repair than buying a water heater replacement.

Anode Rod Consumed

Most people outside of the home service industry aren’t familiar with the term anode, and it is really a simple device. Inside most glass-lined water heaters, there will be a rod made of aluminum or magnesium. The purpose of this rod is to draw iron from the water and prevent rust from building up in your tank. Some models may have the coating incorporated into the hot water outlet pipe.

When this sacrificial rod has been used up, your water may develop an off odor or become discolored. Replacing an anode generally only takes a few minutes, and the price is a fraction of a water heater replacement.

Thermostat Going Bad

A common issue with both gas and electric hot water heaters is thermostat failures. These devices tell the heating elements or burners when they need to come on and shut down. If they fail, they can cause your water heater to overheat, or as is more often, the case will not let the tank reach its proper temperature.

In gas water heaters, this will result in water that is either way too hot or never gets past lukewarm. In electric water heaters, the symptoms will be very similar to those of burnout elements. A professional plumber can test your hot water heaters circuits to see which is the case. `

Thermocouple, Solenoid, or Relay Gone Bad

Thermocouples are another one of those simple devices that can cause major headaches. They look like a little metal tab on the end of a wire and are usually found mounted extending into the pilot light flame of gas water heaters.

They are made of two metals that, when heated, produce a small electrical current. This current tells a relay that there is flame and it is OK to keep gas flowing to the pilot. This, in turn, keeps a solenoid (electrical valve) open and allows the pilot light to burn.

If the pilot light of your gas water heater frequently goes out, there is a high likelihood that it is one of these three that has gone bad.

Sediment Buildup in the Tank

Despite what most of us would like to believe, the water that flows through our pipes isn’t just pure water. The very best of systems will still have a small amount of foreign matter being carried in the stream, and then there will be minerals dissolved in the water.

As water enters the calmer waters inside your tank, these small bits of dirt, rust, and other materials will settle to the bottom of your tank, causing a settlement buildup. At the same time, tiny deposits of minerals are building up on the walls of the tank. This is occurring because each time your water heater cycles on, the water gets hotter and is forced to release these dissolved elements. It is the same effect you see when you allow a saucepan of water to boil dry or water to evaporate out of a bowl in the sun.

These build-ups can lead to several different types of problems. They can cause your water temperature to fluctuate and, being heat resistant, your expenses to increase. If the problem is serious enough, you could begin to see particles floating in your water or detect a strange odor.

In the most severe cases, it could cause the pressure release valve to stick on your tank. This can be a very dangerous situation. If you hear clicking, pinging, knocking, or other strange sounds coming from your water heater, it should be shut down immediately, and a licensed plumber called.

Luckily, depending on the type and amount of buildup, this can be one of the most economical problems to solve.

As you can see, not every problem necessitates a water heater replacement. Consult a qualified plumber for expert guidance.

If you are having problems with your water heater, drains, plumbing, or HVAC system, call bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans. They stand ready to serve you with courteous professional service 24/7, 365. You can contact bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans through their website or by calling them at 504-229-4848.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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What Does Your Plumber Have To Say On The Shortcomings Of Point-Of-Use Water Filtration Systems

What Does Your Plumber Have To Say On The Shortcomings Of Point-Of-Use Water Filtration Systems

They say water is life, and that is a fact. Water is involved in virtually every other activity at your home, from cleaning, drinking, and washing to irrigation to draining wastes. Regarding drinking, tap water is only sometimes safe and pure. Even in areas that receive legally safe drinking water, the homeowners prefer drinking something crisper. While they can rely on bottled water, it could appear costlier with time. This brings about a need to purchase water filters; point-of-use (POU) filters are among the most preferred. While these filters offer many benefits, such as ensuring safe, pure drinking water, they have many drawbacks. Only by knowing the disadvantages can you be objective when purchasing and getting a plumber to install one.

Demerits of POU Filters

Water filters ensure that tap water is pure because they can remove contaminants. Several filters can be installed in your home to provide filtered, pure drinking water. The process of water filtration arises in the filters. The more filters the point-of-use filter system has, the more effective it is at removing the contaminants in the water.

The main types of POU systems that can be installed at your home or even office to ensure that you have clean, safe drinking water include:

  • Carbon Filters: These filters are fixed to the kitchen sink faucets or used in the filtered water pitchers. They effectively remove unwanted chemicals like chlorine, pesticides, and other organic compounds.
  • Reverse Osmosis Water Filters: this is a process by which water is filtered through different stages to remove chemicals, sediments, and other contaminants. It is among the most popular systems installed in many homes.
  • Sediment Filters: These filters eliminate the physical organic materials from the water, such as sand, silt, dirt, and clay.

Below are the common drawbacks of using point-of-use water filtration systems:

Limited to a Single Fixture

Point-of-use filters are limited to only a single house fixture. You must get clean, purified water from that single fixture if you have a large home. This is normally under the kitchen sink. Most residential apartments and houses use hard water in many fixtures, from water heaters and sinks to faucets and water lines. The hard water is so because of the accumulation of minerals such as magnesium and calcium. When softening the water, use whole-home water filtration systems rather than POU systems. These systems treat the water from the point where the water enters your home.

Doesn’t Appliances or Protect Pipes

Some homeowners must know that the POU systems provide clean pipes and water. The clean pipes are less prone to clogging. The water gets purified before it leaves the faucet and not when it enters your home from the municipal water supply. The point-of-use water filtration systems are designed to clean or purify your water. However, they do not clean the water lines or plumbing pipes. The POU filters also don’t protect your piping from cracks and clogs. The pipes may accumulate debris, leading to clogs. To flush out the clogs, the plumber has to use specialized tools such as drain snakes and hydro jetting.

May Waste Water

While the reverse osmosis POU systems are designed to provide clean, purified drinking water, some might waste water on the side. While this varies from one system to the next, a reverse osmosis system can produce about 25 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of clean, purified water. The discharged water from these systems ends up in the drainage system. If you don’t adequately maintain the RO system by replacing the membranes and filters regularly, there is a high likelihood of water wastage.

To avoid wastage of water, you should look for those filtration systems which recirculate the excessive water into a hot water line. This water can be used whenever you turn on the hot water system. Most professionals recommend investing in RO water filtration systems that are zero waste. These systems do not waste water; as mentioned above, they recirculate it into the hot water line.

Requires Constant Maintenance

Installing a POU filtration system isn’t a one-and-done water purification process. These water purification systems also require maintenance, including filter replacement, scale buildup cleanup, and unit disinfection. The point-use filters must be replaced every 3-6 months. They are responsible for water purification. Thus, not replacing the filters can make your point-of-use systems less efficient at water purification. Unfortunately, less effective filtration might cause the water to taste slightly differently.

Hard water may cause an accumulation of magnesium and calcium in the filters, resulting in scale buildup. Have you noticed a chalk-like, white substance on the filters? That is called scale, and you should have a plumber clean or replace the filters. While at it, have the professional install a water-softening unit for your home. With a whole home water softener, your pipes will be protected from clogs caused by sediment accumulation. Remember to periodically clean and disinfect the point-of-use system as they can collect dust and grime if left unclean for a long time.

Are POU Water Filters Right for You?

Point-of-use water filters are a great choice to ensure your home has purified water. However, they have some drawbacks, as explained above, that homeowners should also consider when purchasing. Only after you understand the drawbacks and benefits of something can you make an objective conclusion. If these demerits aren’t too bad for you, then you can contact a plumber to help you choose the best POU system and have them install it at your home.

At bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans, we’ve helped many homeowners install point-of-use water filtration systems to ensure healthy, clean drinking water. We understand the convenience of these systems while also acknowledging that they have their shortcomings. If you have any questions regarding point-of-use water filters or want one installed at your home, contact us today to book an appointment.

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Benefits Of Professional Drain Cleaning Service

Benefits Of Professional Drain Cleaning Service

The drainage system has to be one of the most important parts of your residential plumbing system. It makes it incredibly easy and convenient for you to manage wastewater in your house. Indeed, it is hard to think of how you would handle wastewater in your home if you didn’t have a functional drainage system. However, it is important to note that for your drainage system to work as efficiently and effectively as it should, it must be subjected to routine maintenance. To this end, you need to work with a professional drain cleaning service provider to ensure that your drainage system is serviced at least once per year. Of course, there are some commercial drain cleaning solutions people use, but most of them are not safe and are not recommended by experts. Therefore, instead of pouring corrosive chemicals into your drains, you are advised to get your drains cleaned regularly by a professional. But is annual drain cleaning really worth it? Below is a rundown of the benefits you can expect by seeking the services of professional drain cleaners regularly.

Eliminate and Prevent Foul Odors in Your House

Every home has a unique odor. However, this does not make foul odors acceptable. Indeed, foul odors can make living in your house uncomfortable and even embarrass you, especially when you have guests. There are many sources of foul odors in homes, but not many of them are as formidable as dirty drainage systems. But why exactly do dirty drains produce foul odors? The answer to this question lies in the fact that dirty drains seem to provide an excellent environment for bacteria to live and thrive. As these microbes digest organic matter inside the drain, they can produce a foul odor that will eventually diffuse to other areas of your house. Many homeowners usually respond to this problem by applying air fresheners and or keeping their windows open where possible. However, the truth is that these solutions are ineffective, and the only way to effectively fight foul odors coming from your drainage system is to keep the drains clean with the assistance of a professional drain cleaning service. By getting your drains cleaned regularly, you can minimize bacterial activity in them and consequently eliminate some foul odors in your house.

Keep Your Family Healthy

As a homeowner, you want to keep your family healthy. But did you know that dirty drains can frustrate all the efforts you put toward that goal? Indeed, the condition of your home’s drainage system can have a big impact on your family’s health. But how exactly can the condition of your drainage system affect your family’s health? As mentioned earlier, dirty drains can encourage the growth of microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Unfortunately, some of these microorganisms can spread quickly and contaminate your food, water, and air, putting your family at risk of getting seriously ill. The good news is that such a problem can be prevented. By seeking routine drain cleaning services, you can make your drains unattractive to microbes, which would consequently minimize your family’s risk of getting sick. In other words, keeping your drains in good shape will go a long way in improving your family’s health.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Plumbing System

The plumbing system is one of the most valuable parts of your house. In fact, it is estimated that the cost of installing a new plumbing system is about 10 % of the total value of an average home. Unfortunately, your plumbing system is not designed to last as long as your house. Therefore, there will come a time it will need to be replaced. But considering the cost of repiping your home, you do not want to replace your plumbing system sooner than the manufacturer projected. However, if you neglect your plumbing system by failing to subject it to regular cleaning, you may have to replace your plumbing system much sooner than expected. On the other hand, by ensuring that your drainage system is always in good shape with the help of a professional drain cleaning service, you can keep it running optimally, which would add more years to the lifespan of your plumbing system and consequently save you a lot of money in the long run.

Protect the Structural Integrity of Your House

Your plumbing system is embedded in the structure of your house. Therefore, if it leaks, it might put your home at risk of suffering serious water damage. The good news is that if the installation was done correctly, such leaks are unlikely to develop. However, if you fail to take good care of your drainage system, leaks can become more common. This is because dirty drains are more exposed to corrosive elements that might cause your pipes to wear out more rapidly. Besides, neglected drains are at risk of getting clogged regularly. Unfortunately, drain clogs can put your plumbing system under a lot of pressure that might lead to leaks. Unfortunately, leaking pipes will create dampness that might weaken concrete and put the structural integrity of your house in danger. On the other hand, well-maintained drains are less likely to leak, meaning that regular drain cleaning will go a long way in protecting your home’s structural integrity.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that the importance of getting your drains cleaned professionally at least once per year cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, clean drains will keep your family healthy and protect your house against structural damage. It will also help you eliminate foul odors from the drainage system. If you are looking for a professional plumbing contractor to help you keep your drainage system clean, bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans is an excellent choice. We have been taking care of residential plumbing systems for many years, and we are a household name in our community. Feel free to get in touch with us today to learn more about our company and services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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