Posts Tagged ‘Easton’

Easton Re-Piping Tips: Warning Signs of Leaking or Broken Pipes

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

The plumbing system in your Easton home consists of an extensive network of pipes and fixtures that can wear down over time, even if they are well-maintained. Your pipes should be inspected at least once a year, particularly in older homes.

Some broken or leaky pipes can be repaired easily, but you may need to replace your pipes. If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing system, call Resolve Rooter to speak with one of our certified plumbers.

Here are some warning signs of hidden leaks and broken pipes:

Abnormally High Water Bills

Unusual hikes in your water bill could indicate a leak, from broken or corroded pipes.  You should monitor your water bills to help you keep track of abnormal price increases.

Water Pressure

If you notice any sudden drops in water pressure, or if your washing machine or dishwasher takes longer to run through cycles, you could have a large leak in your pipe system. Call a plumber if it continues to be a problem.

Water Discoloration

While it could be sediment or mineral buildup getting through the municipal filtration system, water that contains red flakes or has a bitter taste could potentially indicate corrosion. You should call a professional plumber if this happens. Not only is it a health hazard, but you may need a pipe replacement.

Cast Iron Pipes in Older Homes

If you buy an older home with iron pipes, you should have them inspected by a certified plumber. Home inspectors can give a preliminary inspection, but they are not equipped or trained to provide a comprehensive inspection. Because cast iron pipes are made of rougher material than PVC piping, cast iron pipes tend to get clogged more easily, so you could have a potential disaster on your hands.

A professional plumber can provide a video camera inspection of your pipes to make sure there are no major clogs, root penetration, or corrosion on the inside of the pipe. This is why a professional plumber should handle any of the plumbing repairs in your Easton home.

Call Resolve Rooter to handle all of your plumbing installation, repair, or maintenance needs.

How to Increase Your Water Pressure in Easton

Monday, September 26th, 2011

It’s no fun when you are in the middle of taking a shower in your Easton home and the stream of water slows to a trickle. The most logical thing to blame the loss of water pressure is a toilet being flushed or a washing machine being filled. It is not uncommon for losses in water pressure to be associated with simultaneous water usage in other parts of the home.

But if low water pressure seems to be a constant problem when only one source is being used and there are no other appliances using water at the same time, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.

The first thing to do is to check the source of the water supply to your outdoor faucets. Turn the hose bibs to the fully open position and run the water. Is the pressure okay? If so, you probably have a problem indoors. While you are outside, check for any leaks in the hose bibs or faucets. A leak can cause a loss of water pressure in other plumbing circuits.

Now check the hose bibs on the lines leading to interior fittings, like faucets or showerheads, etc. Is the hose bib turned to the fully open position? Someone may have been playing with the bib and turned it down or off. If that checks out okay, take a look at all of the fittings in your plumbing fixtures. Are there any leaks? Is there standing water anywhere, indicating a leak?

If so, tighten up the affected fittings. If you need to remove any fittings to inspect or replace (i.e. a worn out washer or bushing), make sure you turn off the water supply to the fitting first.

If there are filter screens in your faucets check them for an accumulation of debris and clean if necessary. A clogged screen can greatly reduce water pressure.

Many new homes now come with a pressure regulator, which governs the water pressure going into the home. The regulator is located above ground, usually where the pipes enter the home. The pressures are usually preset by the regulator manufacturer but may not always be compatible to the local environment. If you think that may be the problem, contact a local plumbing professional for an opinion.

A disruption in the piping that feeds water into the home can also affect water pressure, such as tree roots in the pipes or a break in the line. These problems can only be diagnosed and corrected by qualified plumbing professionals. Please do not attempt to find and fix these problems as the result may be costly or even dangerous to your health.

Low water pressure can be a drag but it may also only require a quick fix.