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What does a water softener do?

The water softeners for homes are often referred to as ion exchange units. These devices remove the minerals that make can make water hard, like calcium and magnesium. What are the benefits of water softeners? 

SOFTER SKIN, SILKIER HAIR

Water softeners will give you softer skin, and silkier by removing the unneeded chlorine and other minerals that are making your water hard. This will minimize the amount of body and hand lotion you need. 

USE LESS SOAP

You’ll need half as much soap with water softeners installed, which is a money saver in the long run. 

LESS BUILDUP

Water softeners reduce scale and scum buildup, reducing the scrubbing time for cleaning your bathtub, shower, and sinks.  You’ll use less water, another money-saving feature. 

FEWER STAINS 

Water softeners will eliminate annoying spots on dishes, fixtures, and shower doors by removing the minerals that create the hardness in water. 

LAUNDRY PROTECTION 

Hard water creates soap curd which finds its way into the fibers of our clothing. This leads to fading and stiffness, and when chlorine levels are high, they fade even more. Your clothes last longer and look better longer by installing water softeners in your home. 

PROTECT APPLIANCES AND PLUMBING

When you have hard water, the minerals from that build up inside your appliances and plumbing, damaging them and making them less efficient. The chlorine causes the rubber parts to dry out and become brittle, requiring to be replaced or more repairs. 

BETTER-TASTING WATER

Water softeners and filters make hard water taste better and that makes us drink more, making it a healthier choice overall. 

What does it mean to soften water?

The process of water softeners is to remove metals, calcium, magnesium, and other unnecessary contaminants from the water. The things that make water hard are removed and the water becomes soft, easier to digest, and easier on clothing, dishes, plumbing, and more. 

How do you soften water?

There are different water softeners you can use that will stop the clogged drains and spotty glasses, and quit drying your hair and skin, or wearing your clothes out faster. Some of the methods are: 

Kitchen Water Softeners

Install a small ion exchange filter on the kitchen faucet or purchase a pitcher that you can keep in the refrigerator for drinking water. Also, remember that boiling hard water will remove some types of hardness temporarily. 

Laundry Water Softeners

There are non-precipitating water conditioners that you can purchase and add to each load of laundry. They trap some of the minerals that make water hard and won’t leave scale and scum on your clothing or in the washing machine. Hard water spots and stains can often be removed with distilled white vinegar mixed with an equal amount of water and gently scrubbed. 

Whole Household Water Softeners

The first thing that should be done is to test the water. You can purchase self-test kits and test strips or take a sample of your water to a testing center. This will tell you what type of chemicals and minerals are in your water, then you know what type of water softeners you need. Among the types of water softeners to choose from are ion exchange water softeners, which are the most effective and comes in two types themselves. The most common is sodium chloride water softeners, which add a small amount of sodium to your water. This is not recommended for anyone with kidney issues or potassium issues. The other type of system is RO (reverse osmosis), which removes all the unnecessary minerals without adding salt or potassium. 

Is soft water a danger?

And can you drink softened water? Soft water is safe for most people to consume. There is a higher amount of sodium in soft water, and anyone on a low or no-sodium diet should use one of the water softeners that are potassium-based.

Is soft water better for your skin?

Yes, because it doesn’t dry skin or hair out, leaving the natural oils that are needed. This leads to clear skin, fewer breakouts, and silkier hair. 

Are there any downsides to water softening?

A major downside is the added sodium for any person on a low or no-sodium diet. Calcium and magnesium are also removed, which can affect some people’s diets. 

So, what counts as a plumbing emergency?

The following are typical examples of what a plumber will regard as emergency plumbing needs: 

• Flooding 

Water damage is going to be considered a plumbing emergency when there is a heavy storm, and the sump pump fails. If that isn’t addressed immediately, your basement could flood, costing you more than an emergency plumbing service call. 

Pipes that aren’t insulated and bust when frozen can cause flooding is considered an emergency plumbing situation. To prevent this, investing in a leak detection system is recommended. 

• No Water

When you realize that you do not have any water available, check with the utility company to make sure it hasn’t been cut off at the main for repairs. If that isn’t the issue, Is no water an emergency? Yes, if all is clear with the utility company, then you have an emergency plumbing issue. The plumber can inspect the issue and then provide a repair solution that gets your water flowing again.

• Drains Clogged

A typical slow drain is not a plumbing emergency. However, if basic home remedy efforts do not open the clog and get your drain flowing again, you may have a major clog in the sewer line and that can create emergency plumbing problems. 

Is an overflowing toilet an emergency?

If there is an epitome of an emergency plumbing issue, an overflowing toilet would be the one! Who wants to clean up the bathroom after the toilet has overflowed, right? Not to mention the water damage that is being done while the floor is underwater. 

If you have another bathroom you can use, then wait to call the plumber during normal business days and hours. If you only have one toilet and everything you’ve tried has not unclogged it, then yes, you have an emergency plumbing problem. 

Is a leaking pipe an emergency?

It will depend on the size and location of the leak that determines if it is an emergency plumbing issue. Often, even the smallest of leaks can be because of a larger problem that isn’t visible. If you have noticed water stains on the ceiling or wall but there isn’t any water coming through, this plumbing matter can wait for a business day and business hour phone call. 

If water is coming through the area that is stained, then yes, you have an emergency plumbing situation that should be addressed immediately. What do you do in a plumbing emergency like that?  Find the main water cutoff and turn the water off to the entire house, then call an emergency plumbing service. 

As you wait for the plumber, take pictures in case you’re able to file this on your homeowner’s insurance.  Then use towels to soak up as much water as you can, or a wet/dry vacuum if possible. Place fans around the wet area to get dried out as quickly as possible to minimize the water damage. 

Should I call a plumber or do it myself?

It will all depend on the type of emergency plumbing issue and your ability to work with the tools needed to fix the problem. A clogged drain or toilet, try to plunge the clog yourself and save the emergency plumbing charges. If there is water everywhere and you don’t know anything about plumbing or have any tools, then you’ll too call an emergency plumbing service. 

Can you call a plumber in the middle of the night?

Yes, there are many plumbers and plumbing services that offer after-hours, holidays, and weekend emergency plumbing services. It is recommended to have one on your speed dial in case of an emergency plumbing need. If you don’t know a plumber to all, knowing how to get emergency plumbing service is all on the internet these days, or if you still have yellow pages, look one up! Be sure to let the plumber or plumbing service know where you got their number.

Can you repair a water heater?

Sometimes, yes, water heater repairs are possible. It will depend on the problem and the age of the water heater. In many cases, a professional plumber can replace certain parts and get a few more years from a water heater. 

When is water heater repair an emergency?

A water heater leaking gas is a definite emergency. You should shut the gas off to the water heater and call a plumber immediately for water heater repair. 

A water heater leaking water from the water line and valve is typically not an emergency if you can tighten the connection. If you cannot tighten the connection or the water heater is leaking from the tank, that would be considered a water heater repair emergency. 

What are the signs of a water heater going bad?

 The more you know about the parts in a water heater, the better you’ll be able to diagnose problems. You’ll also know whether you can fix the matter yourself or if you need somebody that know how to fix a broken water heater, aka, a professional plumber. The following are signs that your water is going out and which is the better option – water heater repair or replacement. 

Water Leaking

This is the most common water heater problem because at some point, they all will begin to have a water leak. Why? Because they are made of metal and water is not friends with metal. It causes them to corrode and rust, develop fractures and microscopic cracks in the tank. 

However, the tank isn’t the only part of a water heater that can begin leaking water. Water leaking from the top of the tank could be that the water connections need tightening. Check the cold-water inlet pipes and hot water outlet pipes are solidly connected and aren’t loose or rattling. 

If water is leaking at the bottom, it is probably condensation, and that water repair is done simply by turning the thermostat up. Water that is spilling out of the overflow pipe or PRV (pressure relief valve), a water heater repair is possible. 

No Hot Water

“Why is my water heater not getting hot?” This is a common complaint that plumbers are called to fix. If the tank appears to be full of water but isn’t getting hot, checking the power source should be the first step. An electric water heater could have a thrown breaker and a gas water heater may be a pilot light problem. Both are water heater repairs you can do yourself. If the breaker isn’t thrown or the pilot light won’t stay lit, you need to call a professional plumber. 

Strange Odor in the Water

If there is a strange odor coming from the hot water, it is probably a bacterium building up, and turning the thermostat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit will usually kill it. Never use the water when it is at 140 degrees, it can scald the skin. Wait an hour or longer and let that heated water kill the bacteria then turn the thermostat down and wait 4 to 6 hours before using it. If this didn’t get rid of the odor, you need to call a plumber for a professional water heater repair service.

Taking Too Long to Reheat

If your water heater is starting to take longer and longer to heat the water, try moving the thermostat up higher. If that doesn’t help, it could be either a dirty burner orifice or dirt vent flue that isn’t letting the gas flow. Simply clean these two parts and you’ll have a water repair done! If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace your water heater with a larger capacity. 

Low Hot Water Pressure

A common problem in older homes is the water pressure because the plumbing pipes installed were ½” size and today the standard is ¾” size plumbing. The allows a greater water throughput, and the only water heater repair that will fix that problem is replumbing the entire house. 

In newer homes, a water heater repair for this problem is to check the sink aerators aren’t clogged. The water inlet valve can be accidentally closed may be the problem. 

Too Hot or Too Cold

If your water heater has inconsistent water temperature and you’ve moved the thermostat with no success, it could be the thermostat is going out. A water heater repair for this problem is to clean or replace the thermocouple. 

What is the average life of a water heater?

A water heater can last between 8 to 12 years on average. The brand and quality of the water heater are a factor, the quality of the water where you live is a bigger factor, and if you follow routine maintenance of flushing the tank periodically will factor into the lifespan. If you need water heater repairs by the 8^th year, replacing it is recommended. 

Can you repair the toilet bowl?

It seems unlikely, but yes, toilet bowl tanks will crack, and those cracks aren’t always visible at first. It could be a crack from the factory that never showed up until now, or a crack may develop over time, often due to extreme changes in temperature. 

Whatever the reason, before you can repair it, you’ve got to find the crack. Then you need to assess if it is a possible toilet repair, or if will you need a new toilet. A toilet bowl crack can be challenging to find, and the water leaking may only happen when the toilet is flushed. So, as you inspect the toilet bowl from the floor up and all around the bowl, flush the toilet. 

Three common places a crack may occur and require toilet repair are: 

• Above the water level: You’ll need to keep monitoring this because unless the water gets up higher than normal, you may never know there is a crack. 
• Below the water level: This will be more challenging and almost impossible to find because of the bowl shape. If you can see the crack, you can’t do any type of toilet repair – it needs to be replaced. 
• The invisible crack is a possibility that will show up in different ways: water standing on the floor around the toilet, or water is missing from the bowl. This type of leak will cause water to pool up on the floor at the base or slowly leak into the drain. This could be because the seal is worn on the underside of the bowl and isn’t the easiest toilet repair, but it is repairable. A hairline crack in the base of the toilet can be sealed with an epoxy. 

Can you repair a toilet tank?

If the tank has a hairline crack, an easy toilet repair is to use waterproof epoxy to seal the crack. If there is a crack where it bolts to the floor, you can try an epoxy seal there too. If that toilet repair doesn’t stop the leak, you’ll need to replace the toilet. 

Can you buy a replacement tank for a toilet?

Yes, you can purchase a replacement toilet tank at any home improvement center or hardware store. Replacing a toilet tank is a fairly easy toilet repair for DIY homeowners, saving you a service call to a plumber. 

It is essential to match the toilet tank with the toilet bowl, getting the same manufacturer brand and model so the installation goes smoothly and the toilet functions correctly. Nothing can be worse than finishing a toilet repair and finding that you’re still having the same problem, or worse, another problem! 

Where can I get replacement toilet parts?

Any hardware store or big box chain home improvement store will have toilet parts and toilet repair kits for the internal parts of the tank. You can also purchase for retail plumbing supply stores, where you’ll be able to get experienced plumber guidance. 

Do toilet repair kits come in different sizes? 

Yes, there are different sizes when it comes to toilet repair kits. Not all brands of toilets are the same and within the different brands, the toilets are often different too. When everyone is having to ‘jiggle’ the handle to stop the toilet from running, there are several toilet repair kits to choose from. 

Each one will have a chart or guidelines on what toilet it fits and information on how to replace a toilet repair kit. This can include information on how to repair toilet flange and other parts within the tank. You can also find a plethora of online videos that can walk you through the process of toilet repairs. 

• No Noise: If your garbage disposal unit is a quiet one, that is awesome. Until it is quiet because it isn’t grinding. First, you need to make sure it is plugged in (usually under the sink). Then, push the reset button on the bottom. If the button is popped out, check the circuit breaker. If none of these is out of position, then you need to call a professional for garbage disposal repair, or you may need to replace the unit. 
• Leaking: Water leaking from a garbage disposal is usually a problem with a seal inside the unit or at the sink. By learning how to repair a leaking garbage disposal, you could save yourself a repair phone call and postpone buying a new unit! If the leak is around the sink flange, you can usually tightened the unit there or apply new plumber’s putty around the flange for a simple garbage disposal repair. Sometimes, as a garbage disposal ages and wears out, or if something gets down inside the garbage disposal like a utensil, it can crack the unit and cause it to start leaking. In this case, you’ll need a replacement unit. Another area to check for possible leaking is where the dishwasher connects to the discharge drainpipe. There is usually a clamp at that connection, and it may need to be tightened, and check the bolts around the drainpipe, they may need tightening too. If these DIY garbage disposal repairs don’t work, then call a professional plumber. 
• Slow Draining: If after running water and the garbage disposal for a bit, the drain isn’t draining, then it is probably the drain line. Chemical drain cleaners are a no-no with a garbage disposal, they can damage the disposal and you’ll have to clean those toxic chemicals and the wastewater out by hand.  First try pouring baking soda and vinegar in the drain, followed by boiling hot water, often that DIY garbage disposal repair is the cure. If that doesn’t get the wastewater draining, you’ll need to call a plumber. 
• Garbage disposal is jammed: When the flywheel of a garbage disposal is jammed, you’ll know it by a humming sound. Before you attempt a DIY garbage disposal repair by un-jamming it, make sure you have turned it off and unplugged it. Underneath the garbage disposal is a small slot and usually a small wrench that fits that slot. Use this hex-head wrench or an Allen wrench and see if you can get unjam the unit by turning that slot. Check inside the drain where the garbage disposal is located and make sure a dish cloth, or food packaging, didn’t get wrapped around the blade. If neither of these seem to be the problem and the garbage disposal not jammed but humming you’ll need a professional garbage disposal repair, or maybe a replacement. 
• Smelly: If the garbage disposal motor is spinning and working, but the blades aren’t moving properly, food can get stuck under the blades, and we all know what rotting food smells like! If this is the case, you’ll probably need to replace the unit. If bad odors are coming from the garbage disposal, it could be some foods didn’t get chopped up fine enough and didn’t wash down the drain. Put some lemons peels in the disposal and turn it on, this should help.  If not, it could be there isn’t any garbage disposal repair that will help you unit this time. 

After you have tried all these steps, and before you call a plumber for an emergency garbage disposal repair, with the unit off and unplugged, make sure the garbage disposal repair loose blades isn’t the problem. 

With a flashlight and Allen wrench, check that the blades are tight, but not too tight.  If they are loose, they’ll simply spin over the food waste you put in the drain. 

What is the average life of a water heater?

The average is between 8 years to 12 years, depending on few factors such as the quality of the water heater, the quality of the water, and how well you perform maintenance on the unit. If you never do the recommended flush routine, the sediment will keep stacking up inside the tank and affect its efficiency. Some areas have hard water, which has more sediment, and that can take a toll on any water heater. 

How do you know when to replace a hot water heater?

As it has been said, all good things must end, and that’s as true a statement with a water heater as with anything else. When it isn’t doing the job you need it to do, electric or gas water heater repair may be possible, but you need to be prepared for any of the following, because these mean it is time to replace the unit: 

THE AGE

As we mentioned earlier, you’re lucky to get 15 years from a water heater, especially if you never had to get water heater repairs! If it hasn’t gone out by its 15th birthday, you may consider replacing it anyway before it catches you with a cold shower one morning. 

HOT WATER VOLUME 

If your water heater doesn’t offer a good volume of hot water, it is time to get a new unit.

HEATING BILL INCREASES

A big part of your energy bill is used to heat water with the water heater. If that amount has gone up substantially lately, it could be because the water heater can’t keep up with the demand. It could also be too old or maybe even too small. 

CORROSION

If you’re seeing corrosion on the exterior of your water heater, that means it is leaking and there isn’t any safe water heater repair to fix that. Replace the unit soon! 

BROWNISH – REDDISH WATER

As we mentioned earlier, if you’re getting brown or red-colored water from the faucets or spigots, and draining the water heater tank didn’t help, it is time to replace the unit. 

TOO MANY WATER HEATER REPAIRS

If you have had several water heater repairs over the past year, and it’s giving you trouble again, it’s time to save that money and put it towards a new water heater. 

How do you fix a broken faucet?

When the kitchen faucet breaks, it is easy to pick up the telephone and call a plumber. Or you can do your own faucet repair  and save that money!  You’ll need a few common household tools like Allen wrenches, flat-head screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, and slip-joint pliers. You’ll also need the basic materials that are available at your local home improvement center:

• A faucet repair kit
• Water diverter for hot/cold
• Packing grease

With these tools and materials gathered, follow these steps for a mixer-style water faucet repair: 

Turn the Water Off & Remove the Handle

Turn off the water under the sink then turn the faucet on so it can drain any water still inside. Next, put the stoppers in the drains to keep small parts and pieces from falling in.

With your Allen wrench, loosen the faucet handle setscrew and remove the handle. Set the parts out in the order your remove them so you have a line-up how to reassemble. 

Remove the Bonnet, Ball and Cam Assembly

Cover the slip-joint pliers teeth with masking tape and remove the bonnet, then remove the ball and cam assembly.

Remove the Springs

Using the needle-nose pliers, remove the springs and packing pieces the clean any buildup and sediment from inside the faucet.

Remove the Diverter and O-Rings

With both hands, grab the spout and move it back and forth until it is loosened, then remove it, the O-rings, and the diverter. Clean any buildup and sediment from the faucet face.

Reassemble

Place the new diverter into position and install the new top O-ring, followed by the others after coating them in the  packing grease. The packing grease protects the components of the faucet by protecting them from the high temperature. 

Connect the Spout

Press the spout into place, pressing with both hands firmly. If you’ve been considering updating your kitchen, now is the time to install a new spout. With the Allen wrench guiding them, slide the springs and packing pieces in place.

Finish Up

Position the faucet ball into the slot, install the cam and its packing reinstall the bonnet and handle.  Now turn on the water and if any leaks, backtrack your steps, usually an o-ring is out of position. 

How do you fix a broken faucet stem?

In every home, it is the bathroom faucet that gets used the most, next to the kitchen faucet. That repeated use causes the stem to wear out, then they drip water even with the handles in the “off” position, wasting water and money. 

If you can’t afford a plumber right now, the following steps will guide you how to do your own faucet repair by replacing the stems and stop that constant dripping of water and money:  

1. Turn the water supply off under the sink then turn on both cold & hot water knobs to release any pressure & water left in the faucet & lines.
2. Pop the caps off the top of the knobs using a flathead screwdriver. If there isn’t a cap, there should be exposed screws that need to be removed.
3. Now pull the faucet handles of. This will expose the stems.
4. Loosen the retaining nuts with the pliers if the faucet has cartridge stems. If the faucet has ceramic stems, loosen the mounting nuts. Then pull the stems out of the faucet body.
5. If you haven’t already got the replacement stems, take the ones you removed to your local home improvement store or a plumbing supply store to get the correct replacement stems.
6. Install the cartridge stems in the faucet body and place  new O-rings above the threads on the compression stem bottoms, coated with plumber’s grease.
7. Use the retaining nuts to ensure the cartridge stems are securely in place, then install the packing nuts with a clockwise turn of the pliers till tight.
8. Install the handles on the faucet stems and tighten the setscrews to secure the handles or install new ones.
9. Turn the faucet handles on and turn the water back on under the sink slowly.

Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?

The working part of a faucet is the valve which is located in the handle. This is what controls the on, off, temperature, and volume. As  you use the faucet every day, it wears the valve out and it loses the water-tight seal which allows the water to drip when you have the faucet turned off. Follow the steps we listed above for a DIY faucet repair. 

How do you fix a faucet that won’t turn off?

When you turn the faucet off, there are either rubber or plastic components inside that compress across the opening that stops the water flow.  When the water is still running after you’ve turned the knob off it is usually the cartridge, stem, or O-rings are worn out.  Follow the steps we have listed earlier in this article for faucet repair. If you aren’t able to do this yourself, turn the water off under the sink and call a plumber. 

How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad?

Fortunately, a faucet cartridge will let you know it is getting worn out. Some of the typical indications are: 

• Constant  water dripping
• Adjusting the temperature
• Hot water coming from the cold water outlet

How long do faucet cartridges last?

The lifespan of a faucet cartridge will be affected by how much it is used. A home with one or two people, the faucet doesn’t see as much use as a household with kids. On the average though, you shouldn’t need a faucet repair to replace the cartridge any sooner than 15 years, maybe even 20 years if it is a high quality faucet. 

The best brands of faucets that will need limited to know faucet repairs are Delta and Moen with lifetime warranty. However, this will require you maintain your faucet with regular cleaning as they instruct in their paperwork. Call (214) 402-5454 for your faucet repair needs in Dallas, TX.

• Furnace tune-up
• Water heater flush
• Slow or clogged drains 
• Remodeling
• Plumbing inspections
• Appliance installations
• A leaking faucet
• A running toilet

What’s the worse thing that could happen if you make an emergency plumber request, then they determine the issue wasn’t a true emergency? Well, the plumber will likely take care of the issue for you, but you’re going to pay for after hours or holiday rate.  

What is considered an emergency plumber repair then? The first thing you should ask yourself before making that phone call for an emergency plumber service is, “Can this wait till the next business day?” and “Is having a professional plumber come unclog my drain worth $100 an hour service call?”  Some true plumbing emergency examples would be: 

Flooding

When there is a risk of your home flooding because of a busted pipe, sump pump failure, backed up sewer, or failed water shut off valve. These are legitimate reasons that can justify an emergency plumber service call. 

Backed Up Sewer

If your sewer line is backed up and there is sewage puddling in the yard or under the house makes it inconvenient to use the basic household facilities or access running water. What justifies this for an emergency plumber service call though is the health hazard it presents. Exposed sewage is an extremely health issue that should have immediate attention. 

No Water

If you have encountered a plumbing issue where there is absolutely no access to running water and you have checked everything you can (non-payment water bill, city emergency cut off), can become a safety concern. 

Pipe Burst Possible

A frozen water pipe and/or water spigots can cause two issues: 

• Busting and flooding
• No water 

A frozen pipe keeps water from flowing and it can also expand and crack while frozen. Then when the water thaws, flooding prevails. If you have frozen pipes and notice it has crack, an emergency plumber call is justified if you don’t know how or where to turn the water main off.  

Is a clogged toilet a maintenance emergency?

A important component of your home’s plumbing is the toilet. In fact, it could be the most important next to having running water. So when that prized gem becomes clogged, is it worth an emergency plumber service call?  

If you have more than one toilet, no, that is not a plumbing emergency. However, if you only have one toilet in the house and you haven’t been able to unclog it with a plunger, make that emergency plumber phone call. 

Just a few drips behind a wall or in the ceiling will begin soaking through drywall. By ignoring these signs or putting off taking care of them, you’re creating an expensive mess for later. So, while your immediate issue may be put off with a bucket catching a few drips right now, don’t let it become an emergency plumbing and drain problem. Schedule your plumber sooner than later, just not necessarily an emergency plumber appointment. 

When you do make that emergency plumber call, how long do emergency plumbers take? When emergency plumber call out is made, a professional plumber will stay and work on the problem until it is fixed. There are emergency plumber cases that are solved with in an hour or two and others that take three or more hours. There is no set time frame because the plumber won’t know what they are dealing with until the arrive and assess the problem. Even then, once they start working on it, another issue may arise causing it to take longer. Call (214) 402-5454 today for emergency plumbing services in Dallas, TX.

What do you do if you suspect a water leak?

Because you just noticed a water leak doesn’t mean it just started.  A water leak can go undetected for days, months, even years.  If you suspect that you have a water leak, your first step should be contacting a professional plumber immediately. Since you don’t know how long this leak has been happening, you don’t want to delay getting repaired. 

A water leak ignored is asking for trouble in the way of expensive damage to your home. From foundation problems and more, a busted pipe or small leaking pipe can add up fast with the water bill and the cost of repairs. If the water leak is obvious, a busted pipe, you can turn the water off at the main located at the water meter. Take the time now to know where you water meter is so that you can get to it easily in case of water leak detection of a busted pipe. 

How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?

Water is a basic ingredient in our homes. We take for granted that it will always be there, safely contained, and useable in the pipes, appliances, sinks, tub, etc. Water can also become an enemy too when it is going places it shouldn’t, causing damage and havoc. 

Yes, we’re talking about plumbing leaks, which are unfortunately, pretty common in homes. Every home, even a new home, will experience a plumbing leak some time. Not all leaks are noticed or obvious either, which is why we need to do our leak detection using the following steps: 

Water Bill Monitoring

Your monthly water bill is probably fairly predictable. So, when you get one that is higher than normal and you know you haven’t filled a swimming pool or did the football team’s laundry and you can’t find a leak, you need to call a plumber that has leak detection capabilities. 

Water Meter Watching

When you suspect a water leak, you can watch your water meter to get an indication using these steps:  

• Turn all water using appliances, faucets, and spigots off inside and around your home.
• Go outside and look at the water meter, write down the numbers on the dial. Wait one hour and check the meter again. If the numbers changed, you have a water leak. It could possibly be in places you can’t see, so your next stop would be to call a plumber for leak detection help. 

Inspect Your Appliances and Fixtures

If the water meter testing indicated a leak,  check inside the cabinets under all the sinks, check for any water puddles around the toilets, tubs, and showers, look around the dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater. It may only be a loose connection, or you may need to replace a connection. 

Green Grass Patches

You want your lawn green and lush, but not in patches.  When you notice you have some patches that really green and lush that grows faster than the rest of the law, you probably have water leak in a buried line.  A plumber with leak detection equipment can find that leak faster than you can digging your lawn up. 

So, yes, there is leak detection equipment for the home, several different companies offer them, and they vary based on certain features with wide range of prices. What is the best water leak detection system?

There are several different leak, and detection company products that are focused on this equipment. They have spent years studying undetected leaks causes and issues, to find way that can help homeowners. Insurance companies love these companies of course, it saves them thousands of dollars in claims. Consumer Affairs has listed the following as being one of the best for specific reasons as noted: 

• A water leak detector by LeakSMART Water Leak Detector Starter Kit
• A smart water leak detector  by Flume Water Monitor
• A Wi-Fi water leak detector by Honeywell Lyric
• A wireless water leak detector by Zircon Electronic Water Detector
• A budget water leak detector by Glentronics Watchdog
• A plug-in water leak detector by Eve Water Guard
• A water leak detector w/automatic shut off by Grohe Sense Guard Smart
• A home kit water leak sensor by Fibaro HomeKit Flood Sensor
• An emergency water leak detector by Govee Water Sensor
• An underground water leak detector by 2M Ultrasonic

Any of these water leak detection tools are great for homes of all ages and sizes, and especially older homes where the age of the pipes may be unknown.  For your water bill and for the sake of a protecting one of our natural resources, the expense of these is well worthwhile. Need plumbing leak detection in Dallas, TX? Call (214) 402-5454 today!

The duties of gas line inspection consist of the following main function: To establish and follow with extent practices and processes in a language that has been taught by the proper institution that meets the requirements of a set of criteria in place for a quality control system. A professional gas line inspection will include the following steps in summary:

1. Preparation for the gas line inspection

• Get an update on the location
• Check pertaining documents
• Set the inspection process up
• Co-ordinate with the property owner, construction, or co-inspector
• Organize the inspection including inspection timetable and items to check
• List areas of attention specifically needed

2.  Collect data and describe evidential facts

• Meet with management and staff
• Make notes
• Visit the premises
• Observe
• Check documentation
• Verify information
• Observation

How do you check a gas line?

A professional gas line inspection will be done with the exact and proper equipment and tools. As a homeowner, you can take the following steps for at-home gas line inspection or leaks yourself, but never attempt to do your own repairs:

1. A mixture of soap-and-water solution sprayed on each gas line connection.
2. Once the gas is turned on, check for bubbles.
3. Any bubbles form, using a pipe wrench and tighten the fittings slightly then recheck.
4. If there appears to still be gas leaks, disassemble the gas fitting, and check the flare.      

How do you detect a natural gas leak?

Natural gas is an efficient and relatively safe, convenient source of energy that is used by over half the homes in the country. Homes use natural gas for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and heat water. To use it as safely as possible and as efficiently as possible, routine gas line inspections and installation are important. At any time you discover any of the following, have a professional gas line inspection done promptly:

1. Sounds of hissing or whistling.
2. Bubbles, clouds, or dust in standing water.
3. Visible gas line damage.
4. House plants dying.

A gas leak is rare but there are health risks involved with the explosive potential of this highly flammable nature and vapors. Natural gas isn’t the only possibility of a gas leak. Gas leaks can come from radon which can cause significant health issues. There are combination detectors that every home with or without natural gas use should have installed for this very reason.

How do I know if I smell gas?

The following odors are indicators of a possible gas leak and suffice to have a professional gas line inspection at the earliest chance possible:

1. A rotten egg odor – some say a garlic-like odor.
2. Blowing or hissing coming from a gas connection.
3. Dying and discolored plants or vegetation.
4. Dirt blowing from the gas connections.
5. Standing water with bubbles.