Helpful Plumbing tips from Hydro Pro Inc.

Helpful Plumbing tips from Hydro Pro Inc.

Water heater repair

by Eli Nash on 12/02/14

Water heaters are a tricky business. Water heater tech's do not always require the same technical training or licensing as plumbers and other contractors. It is also sometimes difficult to distinguish between a company simply on the hunt to sell water heaters instead of repair them. It is important to carefully select a water heater repair service for your home needs. Here are five things to consider before you hire a water heater repair service:

  1. Avoid Door-to-Door Representatives – You get a knock at the door, and someone wearing a uniform tells you they need to check your water heater. If you let them, they will likely tell you the water heater is old and inefficient and should be replaced, even if that’s not true. You should not invite door-to-door salesmen into your home; there are much better ways to find a reliable water heater repair company.
  2. Reputation – The internet allows you to easily find out which water heater repair companies have the best reputations. By checking water heater repair services out online, you are able to access customer reviews and ratings. It is advisable to check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints, as well.
  3. Certification – While they do not require the same amount of technical training as other contractors, water heater repair service technicians still require certification. It is important to check their certification before allowing them to repair or replace your water heater.
  4. Experience – Experience is extremely important when it comes to water heater repair. Generally, the more experienced the technician, the higher the quality of the work.
  5. Price – At the end of the day, price is always a deciding factor. However, it shouldn’t be the only factor—you should be very wary of a company that gives you an estimate that seems too good to be true.  You will probably end up paying more in the long run to fix their poor-quality work or to repair or replace the water heater again just a few short months or years later.

By following these simple steps, you will be able to distinguish which water heater repair service is the most reliable, the most experienced, and executes quality work.

If you are in need of a water heater repair, don't delay, call Hydro Pro today at 541-504-3135


Interesting Plumbing Facts

by Eli Nash on 02/09/14

Everything You Never Knew About Plumbing

Emergency Fixes For Leaky Pipes

by Eli Nash on 01/25/14

Leaky Pipes

 

Fixing Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can cause serious water damage to your home if it is not taken care of immediately. But sometimes, for whatever reason, it’s not possible to have a plumber out right away. So if you’re stuck in one of those situations, here a three temporary fixes for leaky pipes.

Plumbers Epoxy

One way to fix a leaky pipe is to use something call “plumbing epoxy”. Plumbing epoxy is a putty-like substance that is comparable to molding clay. When using it to fix a leak, obviously make sure there is no water running through the pipe. Then take a small amount off, enough to cover a small leak, and knead it around in your hands a little bit. This will help to loosen it, allowing it to stick over the crack/hole more efficiently. Let it sit and harden for a few minutes, then test the epoxy by turning on the water.

Rubber Wrap with a Pipe Repair Clamp

Pipe Repair ClampStart by drying the area around the leak. Then take a thin piece of rubber (like a bicycle inner-tube) and wrap it around the leak once. Now, tightly wrap the rubber with electrical tape to hold it in place. Then finally, fasten a C-clamp around the patch to create pressure with the seal. This may hold long enough for a plumber to come in a repair the problem correctly.

Tape

images (2)If you’re in a pinch, and don’t have time to get any of the above materials, the best thing you can do is use duct tape. This is something that should be used as a very temporary fix for a leaky pipe. Turn of the water and dry the area thoroughly around the leak. Tightly wrap the tape around the pipe. It is very important that the wrap is tight to prevent water from leaking out. This quick fix won’t hold for a long period of time, so it is important to make sure that you have a plumber repair the leak as soon as possible

 

If your pipes are leaking and you need a plumber out to your home right away, then give Hydro Pro Plumbing a call, and we’ll have a plumber out to your house in no time!

PLUMBING FAQ

by Eli Nash on 01/20/14

Plumbing FAQ

Why do faucets leak?

Leaks occur when seals inside the faucet become dirty or worn. Though you may choose to replace worn parts, replacing your old faucet with a new one can upgrade the look of your kitchen, bathroom or tub/shower decor and avoid further repair problems.

Why do some faucets cost so much more than others?

Some faucets are simply made better than others with higher quality materials such as solid brass or chrome-plated solid brass to achieve superior levels of appearance, performance, and durability. Although you may pay more for a quality faucet, you will receive a higher value for your money as a result of a longer-lasting and more reliable product.

Can I replace my two-handle faucet with a single-handle faucet?

The answer in most cases is yes. Generally, faucet dimensions and sink openings are standard throughout the plumbing industry. There are few exceptions however, so it is a good idea to check sizes first.

How should I clean polished brass faucets?

To remove dry water spots, use warm water and a soft, damp cloth. Never use cleansers that contain abrasives, harsh chemicals, alcohol or other solvents. To maintain the luster of your decorator faucet, occasionally apply a high quality automotive wax - making sure that it does not contain abrasives.

Why doesn't my old water heater work as well as it used to?

This is usually due to a sediment buildup in your tank. As water heaters grow older, they accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If these deposits are not removed periodically, the sediment will create a barrier between the burner and the water, greatly reducing the water heater's performance level. This results in an increase in the amount of fuel required to deliver hot water.

What is meant by a "pressure balancing" shower faucet?

A pressure balancing shower faucet senses fluctuations in hot or cold water pressure, caused by actions such as flushing toilets or starting dishwashers. A pressure balancing valve compensates for these fluctuations, keeping the water temperature constant and comfortable.


Leaking Toilet?

by Eli Nash on 01/17/14

Why Is My Toilet Leaking?

If you’ve notice that your toilet is leaking water, then you probably don’t want to hesitate in having it repaired. Letting your toilet leak for too long will inevitably lead to water damage as well as the development mold in your bathroom.

It May Be A Loose Nut

It is important to locate where the leak is coming from when repairing a leaky toilet. If you notice it collecting behind the toilet you may be in luck! Your repair may be simply tightening the nut which connects the toilet to the water source. If the nut is not tight enough, it may leak when pressure changes after flushing.

Your Toilet Seal May Have Worn Out

If you notice that your toilet is leaking after you flush, but it’s not coming from behind, your toilet base is probably the source. If you’ve noticed any leaking around the base, you’re going to have to call a plumber. What happens is, the seal around the base of your toilet wears out over time. When this happens, the toilet will need to be removed by a plumber in order to properly replace the seal around the base. But once this seal is replaced, you shouldn’t have to worry about your toilet leaking around the base for quite some time.

A Toilet Valve May Need Replacing

When you flush your toilet and it keeps leaking, or running, that’s a repair the needs to be made within the tank of the toilet. This may not seem like a big deal, but if your toilet continues to run, that means water continues to be used. This could lead to a rather high water bill next month. When one of the valves within the toilet fails to closes properly, it allows the water to continue to run. Thankfully, this is something a plumber can repair, so you don’t have to worry about buying a brand new toilet and having it installed.

If you ever experience a toilet leak and you need a helping hand, give Hydro Pro Plumbing Services a call! We offer 24 hour emergency plumbing service, so whenever you find yourself having a plumbing problem, we’ll be there to help you in no time. Give us a call at 541-504-3135 or schedule a service call on our website at hydroproplumbing.com.