Archive for the ‘Plumbers’ Category

 

How to Run Water Line Refrigerators

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

How to Run Water Line Refrigerators - Plumbers

On a hot day, it is mandatory to make the most of your new fridge with the water dispenser and extremely useful ice-maker. To do so, you must run a refrigerator water line.

Linking the water line to the backside of your fridge is a relatively simple task that requires only a few basic tools, and moderate plumbing skills. However, if you don’t have much faith in your DIY skills, it is better to consult a skilled plumber before putting theory into practice.

How to Run Water Line Refrigerators

Want to run a water line on your refrigerator? If so, start by gathering all the necessary tools and supplies, including a spade bit, a valve clamp, pipe thread sealant, Teflon tape, a water line kit, and an adjustable wrench. Once you collect all these tools, you can get started.

Follow a Few Simple Steps

1) Buy a braided, stainless steel water line, instead of similar elements made of plastic or copper, which are less resistant and less durable.

2) Identify the closest water source (which is usually the kitchen sink).

3) Move the fridge a bit to make enough room for yourself to be able to work comfortably; then drill a hole for your new refrigerator water line (through your floor or through a cabinet, depending on the location of your water source).

4) Link your water line to the backside of your fridge using Teflon tape and an adjustable wrench.

5) Link the refrigerator water line to your closest water source, by using a valve clamp.

6) Put your project to the test by turning on the water, tighten loose connections to address potential leaks.

Ask an Expert

These days, it is fairly simple to run a refrigerator water line, especially if you purchase an ice-maker kit that comes with a high-quality pipe and a supply valve.

If you want to minimize leak risks and lift this massive weight off your shoulders, just contact a competent plumber operating in your area. Find the best one with TalkLocal, your number one connection to the best professionals in your area.

How to Buy an Electric Tankless Water Heater

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

How to Buy an Electric Tankless Water Heater - Plumbers

Electric tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, only produce hot water when it’s needed. They can save you money on heating and storage costs, and are more energy-efficient than your standard hot water heater. If you’re in the market for an electric, tankless model, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with how they operate so that you can buy the right unit the first time around.

How Electric Tankless Units Work

Electric tankless units don’t have the traditional storage tank you see on most water heaters. When you turn on your hot water, cold water is directed through a pipe that then goes into the tankless unit. The tankless unit heats the water and distributes it to the faucet or tap. You can usually get two to five gallons of hot water per minute with a tankless unit.

Sole or Additional Operation

When buying an electric tankless water heater, you’ll need to consider how often you use hot water in your home, and determine if a tankless unit can produce enough for your household.

Some homeowners buy units for their dishwashers and washing machines and use traditional water heaters for showers and faucets. With this set up, you’ll still save money installing a tankless unit for appliances, and won’t have to worry about taking a cold shower when the hot water runs out.

Size and Demand

You can determine how big of an electric unit you’ll need by understanding the flow rates in gallons per minute from most household items. Common GPMs for homes include:

– Toilet: 0.5 gpm

– Bathtub: 2.0 to 4.0 gpm

– Shower: 1.5 to 3.0 gpm

– Kitchen Sink: 1.0 to 1.5 gpm

– Laundry Sink: 2.5 to 3.0 gpm

– Dishwasher: 1.0 to 3.0 gpm

A larger unit will require more power as well. Thus, you need to ensure the circuits in your home can handle the additional power requirement.

Need Help?

If you need assistance picking the right sized unit or you need a new unit installed, contact TalkLocal today to get in touch with a skilled plumber in your area who knows the ins and outs of water heaters. Talk Local will connect you with to to three professionals in just minutes, for free!

Four Questions about Trenchless Sewer Repair

Thursday, November 28th, 2013

Four Questions about Trenchless Sewer Repair - Plumbers

Say no to digging. If you are having issues with your sewer lines, know that destructively excavating those problematic pipes is not the only solution.

Why go for trenchless sewer repair?

Trenchless sewer repair can keep things in order without destroying your landscape. This means sewer repair only requires holes for exit and entrance, and that’s about it.

What about the cost?

Although the service is more expensive than a sewer line replacement method that involves digging, you will end up saving more money because you don’t have to restore your beautiful lawn. Expect to pay $100 and $200 per foot for trenchless sewer repair. This is just an estimate. The real cost will also depend on your landscaping. Before you make a decision, you can ask for a free estimate.

How does trenchless sewer repair work?

After the entry and exit holes have been created, a steel cable is inserted at the entrance point and moved through the old sewer pipeline. A hard steel bursting head is attached at the end. With the help of a hydraulic system, the cable is pulled to the other end (at the exit point). In this process, the old pipe bursts, and the new pipe is pulled in until it reaches the exit. It is the less messy option for homeowners.

Is the pipe quality decent?

The best pipe to use is High Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPP) as the replacement pipe. Compared to old clay, cast iron, or PVC plastic pipes, HDPE pipe is tougher against corrosion. The joints are also stronger so they are leak proof. How long does this type of material last? Manufactures claim that the service life of HDPE is about 200 years. It should be your pipe of choice.

Need Sewer Repairs?

For a project of this undertaking, count on a professional to get the job done right. Use TalkLocal to find the best professionals in your area. Talk Local will connect you with up to three professionals in just minutes, for free.

Sewer Line Replacement Cost: What’s Your Cheapest Option?

Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

Sewer Line Replacement Cost: What’s Your Cheapest Option? - Plumbers

Sewer lines play a very important role in keeping your home clean. The appearance of smelly, wet patches on your yard is a red flag, but it’s not always easy to detect when replacement is due. In some cases, you can get away with just minor repairs. Unfortunately, the problem could be large and costly to resolve by the time you realize there is something wrong. So let’s talk about costs.

Replace a Sewer Line the Old-Fashioned Way

The old method involves digging up and replacing the sewer lines. The service fees of doing a replacement the traditional way may be cheaper, but there are massive costs associated with the cleanup. Re-landscaping, structural repairs of walkways and driveways, and redoing the hardscaping are not only very expensive; they are tedious and time-consuming too.

The sewer line replacement cost using this method can range from $80 to $100 depending on how deep the excavation is. Those who still opt for this method may not have heard that there is a new way of doing things.

Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement

Trenchless sewer repair technology works by inserting the new pipe through the existing pipeline. Through what is called pipe bursting, the old sewer line is destroyed, and the new and stronger pipe is inserted. Only two access holes for entry and exit are necessary, so there is no need to spend big bucks on post repair work. Trenchless sewer repair costs around $80-$95 per foot.

Additional Costs

There are factors that can add to your sewer line replacement cost, such as the existence of trees, utility lines, or gas lines. Expect to shell out more for additional labor expenses.

However, one of the best tips in saving money is always going for quality material and reliable service providers. Re-work is expensive and is a bummer.

Need Sewer Repair or Replacement?

Contact Talk Local to speak with a high-quality plumbing contractor near you, and get an estimate on your sewer line repair. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes.

When and How to Repair Sewer Line Pipes

Monday, November 25th, 2013

When and How to Repair Sewer Line Pipes - Plumbers

You need to replace or repair sewer line pipes when they are clogged or start to leak. A section of the pipeline, or the entirety of your piping system, might be damaged or obstructed. Whichever the case, it is important to get to the problem early, because doing so will save you big bucks.

How is the problem spotted?

To find out the extent of the problem and to zero in on the affected areas, hire professional sewer repair technicians to do a sewer scope inspection. Technology has made it easier for homeowners to identify exactly what they’re dealing with. The best of modern day plumbers can now provide video inspection by inserting a camera into the pipe. The live feed it sends back confirms what the situation underground is.

What causes damage to sewer line pipes?

– Frozen ground and shifting soil can break, collapse, and crack pipes.

– Accumulation of grease or foreign objects can block the sewer line.

– Corrosion leads to sewer pipe deterioration.

– Roots can invade pipes and cause damage and obstruction.

– Substandard quality pipes will need to be replaced and repaired more often.

What are the repair and replacement options?

To repair sewer line pipes, there are two means employed: the trench and trenchless methods. In the past, the ground used to be cut open to excavate the pipes. This method obviously requires a lot of digging and significant restoration afterwards.

Therefore, the new trend is to employ trenchless sewer replacement, like pipe lining and pipe bursting. In the new trenchless method, the new pipe is inserted through an entry hole. No digging is necessary. In pipe lining, a new pipe is inserted within the old line (so you have a pipe within a pipe), while in pipe bursting, old pipes are destroyed while the new ones are installed.

Need Sewer Line Repairs?

It is not recommended that you tackle sewer line repairs unless you have professional experience. Find the professionals with the right experience near you by counting on Talk Local. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, for free! Use Talk Local today, and find the right professional right now.

Choosing Plumbing Heating Contractors

Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

Choosing Plumbing Heating Contractors - Plumbers

When you have any service performed in your home, the inevitable consequence is that you have to live with the result. That’s why, when you need to call in plumbing heating contractors, you should make sure you can live with the outcome of their work. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting money and sacrificing your household’s comfort and safety because of shoddy workmanship.

Whether you’re making over your bathroom or need a simple repair, do yourself a favor by hiring qualified and trained plumbing heating contractors instead of any part-time handyman you can find in your neighborhood.

Here are some questions to ask when searching for a reliable service professional:

Is the contractor reputable?

One way to find out is to ask your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) if any complaints have been reported against the contractor. Also, check other resources such as consumer protection agencies and customer references. The latter are particularly great sources of helpful information about a contractor’s work quality.

Is the business stable?

Ask how long the business has been in operation. This will let you know the level of experience and expertise you’ll be dealing with.

Is the contractor properly licensed?

One of the most important things to check when choosing a plumbing professional is whether they have all the proper local licenses. Many states and cities require plumbing heating contractors to be licensed. If this is the case in your state, ask for the license number of the contractor.
 
Is the contractor adequately insured?

Verify the insurance credentials of the contractor. Ask to see proof of their workmen’s compensation and liability insurance. If they are not insured, you could be held liable for any accidents that happen to your property or to the technician during the performance of the job.

How much do they charge?

Aside from the qualities mentioned above, you also want to choose a contractor that charges a reasonable price. Request a quote to get an idea of their overall cost. However, try to put the quality of the contractor first before their fees.

Get Help Finding the Right Professional

TalkLocal can help you locate plumbing heating contractors within your area with all the proper qualifications. Send us your request and we’ll do the research work for you at no cost. Then, we’ll send three local professionals to you so you can make the final choice. Easy, quick, and free – try TalkLocal now!

Small Bathroom Makeovers: Smart Plumbing

Monday, September 30th, 2013

Small Bathroom Makeovers: Smart Plumbing - Plumbers

Who doesn’t dream about owning a beautiful house with appealing, modern bathrooms equipped with energy-efficient, jaw-dropping features? Small bathroom makeovers offer you the chance to take pride in spectacular results, increase your level of comfort and benefit from significant financial savings in the long term – all while involving a minimal investment. Here are a few ideas you could start implementing right away to turn your bathroom into a small corner of paradise.

1)    Modern, one-piece showers represent an excellent investment

If you want to replace your old, ugly bathtub with a trendy, low-maintenance, affordable option, consider opting for one-piece showers. One-piece showers offer you numerous benefits, including:

– straightforward installations

– durability and resistance due to their premium materials (typically fiberglass or acrylic)

– remarkable affordability (their price tags range from $350 to $750)

– increased lifespan (10 to 15 years)

– and simple maintenance routine completed in a matter of a few minutes, while using a clean rag, dish soap and plenty of water.

If your bathroom space is limited, think about installing a so-called cocoon unit, which comes with a shower, ceiling and a tub.

2)    Install a new vessel sink

Now you have the chance to choose from a wide selection of vessel sinks, available in different shapes, colors and sizes. Pick the one that matches your interior décor and your personal style.

There are two types of sink installations: recessed installations, triggering enhanced basin stability; and above-counter vessel sink installations, when the vessel sink is entirely supported by your vanity or by your countertop. The best vessel sinks are durable, lightweight, occupy less space, and are extremely easy to clean.

3)    Low-flush toilets

If you want to embrace a greener lifestyle and reduce your utility bills, think about installing new low-flush toilets in your bathroom. They use considerably less water than a traditional toilet (up to 1.6 gallons compared to 3.5 gallons); therefore, they represent a great investment in the long term, especially if you want to waste less water and go in favor of relatively simple and affordable small bathroom makeovers.

Ask an Expert

Don’t waste any time or money trying to figure out which elements could improve the aesthetics of your bathroom while allowing you to profit from significant financial savings. Take the easy way out and contact a skilled plumber.

Find the best ones in your area by consulting TalkLocal, a free service introduced to connect you with dependable, experienced professionals who are always eager to lend you a helping hand when you need it the most.

Remodeling to Add Space: Plumbing

Wednesday, September 18th, 2013

Remodeling to Add Space - Plumbers

Adding Water Lines

When remodeling to add space, it is important to consider the water lines that should be put into place. You may need to increase your water lines by ½ inch to ¾ inch. It is important to consider the source of the water and the plumbing. Is the plumbing intact? Make sure the faucets won’t leak.

Additionally, you must plan for the future. Sure, Roman tubs may look nice now, but as you age, will they still be convenient for you? You can’t just think of yourself now; you have to think of the future as well. The plumbing system in your new home has to fit directly with what you want or else you will be having to call the handyman twice a week, and that will be a bother to you and your family.

Adding a Bathroom

Adding a bathroom when remodeling to add space is another concern. There are plenty of things to consider here, and it must be well thought out.

> What kind of materials do you want to use?

> Do you want removable shower heads?

> Would you prefer bath tubs or just plain showers?

> Do you have a specific design for the sink in mind? Porcelain tiles are a huge favorite nowadays, so maybe you should consider that.

Again, there are many options out there, so do your shopping at your local home improvement store before deciding on your perfect bathroom so you won’t have any regrets. Bathrooms, after all, are sanctuaries for a lot of people nowadays. There is nothing wrong with crafting a perfect one for yourself and your family.

Need Help Deciding?

Give us a call today! TalkLocal will connect you directly with a professional near you who will assist you in all of your plumbing needs!

How to Cost New Bathroom Upgrades

Friday, August 2nd, 2013

How to Cost New Bathroom Upgrades - Plumbers

It is a well-known fact in the home remodeling industry that one of the best ways to add value to your home is with a bathroom renovation. There are a number of reasons to redo your bathroom, such as the need to remedy poor and shoddy plumbing or the desire to update a shabby, outmoded space. However, before you start your renovation project, it is important to understand the cost new bathroom upgrades will run you.

Cost of Bathroom Upgrades

It is estimated that the national average for a whole bathroom upgrade is somewhere between $10,000 and $30,000. Of course, the cost of any individual bathroom renovation project could be significantly higher or lower depending on the kind of work you want to have done. Prices can vary widely based on the choice of materials you use, the scope of the remodeling work, and whether or not you use professional contractors to do the work.

New Fixtures

The cost new bathroom fixtures will run you, for instance, depends entirely on the quality of the products you choose. The same holds true for other bathroom renovation materials, such as floor and countertop tiles – porcelain tiles are uniformly more expensive than ceramic tiles, while specialty flooring such as marble obviously costs a lot more.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

The biggest cost new bathroom renovations can incur has to do with structural repairs, as well as plumbing and electrical improvements. In many cases, people redo their bathrooms in order to mitigate existing problems with moisture leakage and the resultant drywall damage. In such cases, unless you happen to be an extremely experienced handyman, the chances are that you will have to bring in professional help. It might also be necessary to rewire the electrical infrastructure, especially if you plan on changing the floor plan of the bathroom altogether.

The bottom line is that bathroom renovations can be horribly expensive or pleasantly cheap, depending on the amount of work you want to have done and the nature of the projected renovations. The best approach is to make a solid plan before you start and to do some comparative pricing before you begin. Try to find suppliers who will sell you the materials you need at a lower price. For more complex jobs, you will need to hire a contractor, which can dramatically add to your costs. Get a quote with a ceiling estimate in writing before your contractor starts the job and see if he or she will let you purchase the materials on your own. You will typically pay less for the materials if you purchase them yourself, and that way you just have to pay the contractor for the installation costs.

Want A Renovated Bathroom?

TalkLocal can help you find the right plumber for your bathroom renovation project. Just visit our website to fill out a request, and we’ll connect you with the right professional in just minutes.

How To Save Energy With Home Improvements: Plumbing

Thursday, June 20th, 2013

How To Save Energy With Home Improvements: Plumbing - Plumbers

In the growing conversation about energy-saving tips, rarely does one answer the question of how to save energy with home improvements by suggesting plumbing changes.

While most people think of energy-saving appliances or insulation, few realize how much energy your home can save through the updating of a plumbing system. Find out why it is important and some simple changes you can make.

How Does Your Plumbing Affect Energy?

You may think that, because your water still runs when your power is out, your plumbing doesn’t have an effect on energy use. This isn’t true.

Energy is consumed simply getting water to your home, and it is also consumed at the water treatment plant to treat the water. Therefore, the less water you use, the less energy is consumed.

Low-Flush Toilets

Older toilets use as much as three-and-a-half to seven gallons of water with each flush. Considering the average person flushes the toilet six times per day, that adds up quickly. Replacing your old toilet with a low-flush toilet means each flush will only use about 1.6 gallons of water.

Low-Pressure Faucets

Many are often surprised at the quality showers they receive after installing low-pressure faucets. A reduction in pressure means less water is being forced through. Although their showers use less water, most people still say they feel like their soap rinses clean just as well as it did with the regular pressure faucet.

Fixing Plumbing Problems

Running a faucet for five minutes uses the same amount of energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb burn for 14 hours. Leaky faucets or toilets which run constantly can use a significant amount of energy, so fixing them is worth the investment.

Get Pluming Help Through TalkLocal

To learn more about how to save energy with home improvements, it is best to consult a professional. TalkLocal can find a plumber in your area quickly and easily. Our service is absolutely free, and you’ll be speaking with a qualified plumber in minutes.