Tag: plumbing

What You Can Do to Protect Your Plumbing in Cold Temperatures

Top Tips for Protecting Plumbing in the Fall and Winter

When it gets really cold, water in pipes can freeze, starting a chain of events that could be very bad. The pressure inside the lines goes up because water expands when it freezes and puts a tremendous amount of force on the walls of the pipe, finally breaking them. The problems that arise go beyond the short-term difficulty of losing access to water. If you don't fix a burst pipe right away, it can leak water into your walls and floors, causing expensive repairs and mold growth that is bad for you.

Also, a single pipe burst can cost a lot of money, and most homeowner's insurance policies don't cover these kinds of leaks. You will save money and time by keeping your pipes from freezing ahead of time and scheduling plumbing service.

Always Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating pipes is the first step in plumbing! Failing to insulate pipes increases the chances of freezing pipes, especially in the attic, garage, crawl spaces, and outside. The good news is that pipe insulation is one of those easy things homeowners can do independently.

To keep your pipes warm, ensure they fit tightly and don't have any air holes where ice can form. You can also wrap your pipes in many different things to keep them from freezing.

Fiberglass pipe wrap works best in hot places, like near water heaters and stoves. Tube-shaped pipe sticks are simple to cut to size for your bare pipes. Faucet covers keep outdoor fixtures safe. When it gets cold, you can make temporary fixes from towels, rags, or newspapers.

Never Turn Off Your Heat and Open up Cabinet Doors

sinkKeeping a consistent temperature inside your home can also help prevent frozen pipes. It can be tempting to turn down the heat at night or if you are going away for several days, but it’s not something professionals recommend. If you will be away for the winter, take steps to protect your pipes and save energy. Set your thermostat to a reasonable level to keep your home from freezing and to use as little energy as possible.

By opening the cabinets under the sink, you can let warmer air from your home flow around the pipes and keep the temperature steady. When the cabinet doors are shut, the cold air around the pipes gets trapped, making it easier for them to freeze. It would be best to let the heat from inside your home reach the pipes, lowering the chance that they will freeze.

Remove All of Your Outdoor Hoses

outdoor faucetProtecting your outdoor faucets from freezing weather is important for preparing your plumbing for winter. First, disconnect the hoses from the outdoor taps. Any water still in the hoses can freeze and expand, damaging the hose and the faucet.

After removing the hoses, put the tap covers on to make them safer. Usually made of insulating materials like foam or plastic, these covers fit snuggly over the faucet. This keeps it from coming into contact with cold air, lowering the risk of freezing.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Founded in 1996 based on the idea that service companies needed to step up their customer service game, Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air has been serving the Baldwin County area for over 30 years. The technicians always put the customers’ needs first and measure the success of the job based on how well they care for their customers and their homes. Call them today for all your plumbing needs in Fairhope, AL.

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Common Plumbing Tools Seen on the Jobsite

What Does "Fully Stocked Truck Mean?"

Plumbing companies boast about their fully-stocked trucks, but what does that mean? To the average consumer, the benefits of this statement may be lost, but the answer lies in the purpose of the fully-stocked truck. The main reason that plumbers like to remind their customers that their trucks are amply supplied is that it means they can accomplish the job faster. 

Most plumbers will stock common plumbing materials on a fully-stocked truck to solve most plumbing problems without running out and wasting time fetching parts. But, the other reason they keep their trucks full is for their tools. Without the proper tools, some of the plumbers' jobs would be impossible. Here is a look inside the back of a plumber's service truck so homeowners can understand and appreciate what it takes to accomplish various plumbing tasks. 

Common Hand Tools 

toolsTo kick off this list of common plumbing tools, starting with some tools that most people are familiar with and own themselves is helpful. Specialized plumbing wrenches are one of the most important sets of tools a plumber can bring to any job. The chiefs among the wrenches are several sizes of pipe wrenches. Pipe wrenches have special jaws that allow them to grip round pipes so they can be fitted tightly together. 

Another type of wrench commonly used by plumbers is a basin wrench. A basin wrench tightens the nuts on the underside of sinks and basins. To reach the nuts, a basin wrench has a long neck with a pipe-wrench-like jaw at the top. This allows the plumber to tighten basin nuts in inaccessible places. 

Other common plumbing tools include: 

Safety Equipment

No job is complete without completing it safely so plumbers have the gear to ensure everyone on the job site stays safe. Depending on the task, the level of danger may be slight or severe, so plumbers have to carry enough safety gear to handle anything they might encounter. Some of the stuff that plumbers use to keep them and their customers' homes safe are: 

  • Safety glasses
  • Rubber gloves for dealing with nasty messes
  • Sturdy leather gloves for tough drain jobs
  • Wet rags and sand to protect against fires when sweating pipe
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Sturdy footwear

Speciality Tools for Big Problems 

toolsSome of the biggest messes that plumbers have to deal with are based around the drains and sewers in homes and businesses. Drains and sewer lines are notorious for clogging and backing up because they are expected to handle so much. To attack these problems so they stay calm, plumbers have specialty tools to get things back on the right track. Some of these specialty plumbing tools are: 

  • Hydrojets: These powerful machines cut through clogs and blast grime inside pipes restoring sewer service. 
  • Plumbing Snakes: Plumbing snakes care for tree roots and other tough clogs. 
  • Sewer Inspection Cameras: These devices allow plumbers to see the cause of sewer line problems to make repairs accurately. 

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air keeps their trucks fully stocked to meet plumbing needs. With fast service from qualified technicians, they are ready to help everyone find the perfect plumbing solutions. Call today for upfront pricing on drain service in Fairhope, AL. 

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The New Year Is The Perfect Time For a Plumbing Fixture Upgrade

Small Changes Can Make A Big Difference in the Bathroom and Kitchen

The beginning of a new year is a time to think about renewal, not just for oneself but also for one's surroundings. It may be just the right time to make small remodeling choices for the home's sink faucets that can change the whole room's look. This can work for kitchen faucets as well as bathroom faucets. This article will dive into new technology and modern kitchen and bathroom remodeling trends.

All About the Kitchen Sink

sinkKitchens are a central gathering point in most homes. While they need to be utilitarian, they can also be beautiful in their utility. Many modern options for kitchen plumbing make the whole kitchen a place for food preparation and entertaining guests. Below are a few examples of trending ideas surrounding the kitchen sink:

  • Touchless Faucets: These faucets have been around for a long time, particularly in the commercial sector. However, the recent pandemic and better technology have made these motion-activated taps popular again. The ease with which one can clean dirty hands without transferring germs to the sink handles explains the appeal of these faucets.
  • Farmhouse Sinks: These deep sinks that come to the edge of the countertop are lovely and perfect for those who love to prepare and eat their meals. They create a down-to-earth feel in the kitchen and are usually ceramic instead of metal sinks that make a kitchen look more industrial.
  • Extra Over-Stove Faucets: These are made from the wall over a stovetop or oven stove combination. When someone pulls the faucet away from the wall, it turns on and can easily fill pots with water for steaming or soup making. 

Trendy Ideas for Bathroom Updates

bathroomIf a kitchen is the heart of a home, the bathroom is the guts. It is not necessarily where people want to spend a lot of time, but it is necessary. There are ways to make the bathroom a very pleasant place to be. Simple upgrades like a new shower head or bathroom faucet can easily change the feel of the room. It may be time for a bathtub upgrade, as pedestal tubs and stand-alone showers are rising again. Here are a few easy upgrades, some that can add pizzazz even to a small, boring half bath.

  • New tap handles for sink or tub
  • Bowl sinks
  • New faucet
  • Showerheads with a handheld option
  • LED shower heads
  • Showerhead with a smart speaker
  • Water-saving toilets

Always Hire a Professional

No matter what upgrades a homeowner considers, they should always talk to and hire a professional to complete the renovation. Not only do they have the training and expertise to do the job right, but they also have insurance to cover damages if an accident happens. It ends up saving time for the homeowner and possibly money due to the mistakes a DIYer can make.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

The people of Fairhope, AL have relied on Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air for more than 20 years. They are the ones to call when customers want results. They offer upfront pricing and 24-hour response on plumbing services.

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Avoid a Scary Plumbing Disaster This Halloween

Don’t Let a Plumbing Emergency Haunt the Home 

Many homeowners believe plumbing problems only happen at certain times of the year. But that’s not true. Issues with the home’s plumbing system can happen anytime–even when homeowners least expect them. 

Here, homeowners can learn everything they need to about preventing certain issues from endangering the home’s function. Most of these measures take less than five minutes to complete, paying off in the long run. Some recommendations include: 

Keeping Drains Clear of Debris 

Only water and drain-friendly substances (like dish soap) should go down the drain. Anything else could lead to serious clogs. Food residue, grease, and oils should never go down the drain. They shouldn’t even be able to build up in the area around the drain. 

Regular drain cleaning comes with many benefits. Namely, it prevents foul odors, mold growth, and blockages from impeding the sink’s regular functions. It also prevents homeowners from attempting DIY measures or making constant appointments with professionals. 

Some cons of neglecting the drain include: 

  • Blockages that impede water flow and drainage
  • Pests (such as drain flies) accumulating around the sink
  • Undue stress on the plumbing system
  • Mold and mildew growth

Cleaning the area around the drain isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a habit homeowners should have every time they wash the dishes or clean the kitchen. Also, homeowners should stray away from using liquid drain cleaners like Drano. Over time, these substances can corrode the plumbing system’s pipes, leading to burst pipes, leaks, and other problems. 

Preventing Clogged Toilets 

toiletsClogged toilets indicate deeper issues within a plumbing system. It generally means that blockages prevent the toilet from draining and then filling up with water. Homeowners can prevent clogged toilets by being mindful of what they flush. Even if a wipe says that it’s “flushable,” one should err on caution and throw the wipe away. 

City officials note that homeowners should only flush waste and toilet paper. They should avoid flushing: 

  • Baby wipes
  • Condoms
  • Menstruation products 
  • Fat, oil, and grease 
  • Cotton swabs and Q-tips 
  • Corrosive chemicals 
  • Paper towels and napkins 

One may think: “Well, I’ve flushed X down the toilet for years, and I’ve never had a problem.” That’s the thing about clogs. They usually build up over time. Each flush counts. So, when homeowners use the toilet, they should be vigilant of any items that could lead to obstructions. 

Follow Through with Water Heater Maintenance 

maintenanceHomeowners should schedule annual visits with plumbing professionals. This way, they can learn about potential problems before they turn into larger issues. During the maintenance visit, a plumber will examine the water heater and check for: 

  • Worn or corroded pipes 
  • Puddles around the water heater’s base 
  • Frayed electrical wires 
  • Mold and mildew growth 
  • Unusual sounds 
  • Fluctuating water temperature 

Cleaning drains, preventing clogged toilets, and scheduling annual maintenance visits can go a long way when combating potential plumbing emergencies. They can also extend certain appliances’ lifespan, preventing how often certain components need replacing.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air 

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air helps homeowners avoid plumbing emergencies. They do more than offer preventative care measures; they also offer drain cleaning services, maintenance inspections, and other home improvement techniques. One can make an appointment via telephone or online for plumbing services in Fairhope, Alabama.

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Back to School For Homeowners: Plumbing 101

What Does A Home’s Plumbing System Include?

Most homeowners know plumbing involves water coming in through the faucet and flowing down the drain. The plumbing system also has a way to get rid of wastewater. Each home’s pipes are connected to the city’s sewer system or a septic tank.

There are different types of plumbing systems. Some homes have a well and a septic tank. Others are on city water and sewer. Homeowners need to know what kind of system they have so they can be sure to use the right products and perform the necessary plumbing maintenance.

How Does Water Get to the House?

Water enters and leaves a house through the plumbing. The water meter measures how much water comes in and goes out. This is important so people can save water and not waste it.

A home gets water through a municipal water line or a private well. The water passes through a water meter that measures the amount of water used, and then it goes through plumbing fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and toiles. Homeowners can save money on their water bills by installing water-saving devices on these fixtures and monitoring the water meter.

Household Plumbing Fixtures

showerShowers, bathtubs, faucets, toilets, sinks, water heaters, dishwashers, and clothes washers are some of the most common plumbing fixtures and appliances. Each one has a specific function in the home’s plumbing system.

Homeowners should know that plumbing fixtures and appliances come in water-saving and energy-efficient models to help save on utility bills. Most new homes are built with water-saving plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads. These fixtures help reduce the water used in the home, leading to lower utility bills. Additionally, various energy-efficient appliances are available to help save on an energy bill.

Home Plumbing System Maintenance

water meterRegular maintenance is one of the most important ways to keep the plumbing system working well. One can avoid costly repairs by keeping drains clear and draining the water heater.

To keep drains clear, be sure to regularly remove any debris that may have been collected. This can include hair, food particles, and anything else that may have ended up in the sink or shower. Homeowners can also use a drain snake to help remove any stubborn clogs.

To drain the water heater:

  • Make sure that it is turned off and cooled down
  • Locate the drain valve and open it
  • Have a container ready to catch the water as it drains out
  • Allow the water heater to drain entirely before closing the valve and turning on the water heater

There are many plumbing projects homeowners can complete. However, it’s important to remember that these installations require proper preparation and execution to be completed correctly and safely. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a professional look at the plumbing system from time to time. By catching problems early on, one can avoid costly repairs.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Contact Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air for all plumbing and HVAC needs. They’re home of the on-time white glove service! Call them for plumbing services in Fairhope, AL.

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