When to call in a plumber

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Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not still pretty stressful. Taking the plug out of the sink and having the water go nowhere is clearly worrying. So too is flushing the toilet and having it come close to overflowing. These problems trigger alarm bells, because they are an unmistakable sign that something is wrong. It doesn’t matter where you are, there are many plumbing options.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable plumbing companies that are used to dealing with residential plumbing. If you fear that you might have a problem, you need to get in touch with these experts right away. They will come to your home, diagnose the issue, and get to work on solving it. You’ll have your drains back to normal in no time.

Sometimes, the plumbing problem has been neglected for too long and sometimes, catastrophe strikes all at once. In that case, you'll need water damage restoration in Sacramento or anywhere else.

This guide to some of the most common warning signs of a potential plumbing disaster will help you identify the problem quickly.

Slow Drains

You probably have a blockage somewhere if your sink or sinks drain very slowly or not at all. This kind of thing can also occur in the shower. If left untreated, it will get worse. There is a risk that whatever is blocking the pipe will flood back out of the drain.

Bad Smells

If a clog is preventing dirt and debris from moving down the pipe, as it usually would, you could start to smell a bit of a nasty whiff coming from the drain. This happens because hair, dirt, and food waste is building up behind the blockage and slowly decomposing. It is a really unpleasant symptom and most homeowners can’t go longer than a week without calling in professional help.

Gurgling Noises

Sometimes, blocked drains can cause fixtures to make a bubbling, gurgling sound. This might be an indication that you have a main sewer drain clog, particularly if you hear it while you shower as well. On the other hand, all drains are different. If you do hear strange noises, watch to see if the water leaves the drain reasonably quickly.

If it does, you should be fine. If it doesn’t, you may need to call in a plumber to fix what could be a blocked drain. Make sure that you give a plumber all of the details about the problem that you can when you first speak to them on the phone. It will help them identify the issue faster.

Unusual Flushing

A blocked drain or pipe can sometimes manifest itself in the form of abnormal flushing responses. So, when you flush the toilet, the water either rises much higher than normal or there is a lot less water than usual in the bowl.  

If you experience either of these things, deal with the problem quickly, because it can lead to toilet water rising up through sinks and shower drains. Once again, get on the phone to the professionals. They will be able to find a solution in no time, so that you can get on with life and keep your home functioning smoothly.

Washing Machine Back Ups

If your washing machine causes the sink in your bathroom to start gurgling and spewing water, you definitely have a clog or blockage somewhere. As the water in the appliance drains, there should be no obvious activity in the bathroom pipes.

It can be difficult to trace the source of blockages without expert help, so don’t delay. The faster that you address the issue, the less risk there is of it turning into a flood hazard. Though rare, this can happen. Address potential blockages quickly and efficiently.

Just remember that plumbing problems don’t fix themselves and it’s always less expensive and troublesome to deal with a problem earlier rather than later.

When it's time to call a plumber

You can use your kitchen area without hesitation if your plumbing is in good operating order. When your plumbing fails, however, it can feel like you're dealing with the most inconvenient situation you've ever encountered. Plumbing expenditures are something that most people, including yourself, are unaware of. It's the last thing on your mind, and you're more likely to get a plumber after the harm has been made.

The key is to call in a plumber before you experience a catastrophic failure and the resultant flooding. By that time it'll be too late and you have to call in water damage professionals.

Many other plumbing-related repairs should be left to the pros, primarily for safety reasons and to ensure the task is done the first time correctly. There are numerous warning indications that a plumbing problem is about to begin. Knowing what to look for can help you save time and money. Here are a few indicators that it's time to call your kitchen plumber:

1. Decrease Of Water Pressure

One of the more obvious symptoms that your plumbing system has gone bad is a decline in water pressure. A leak or an obstruction is the most common cause. Water pressure is lost in proportion to the degree of the leak or obstruction. Consistently lower water pressure over time indicates that you have a problem that is becoming worse. 

It's most likely a tiny leak or a buildup of limescale. An abrupt loss in water pressure, meanwhile, is often a sign of a pipe burst and should be addressed quickly. In any case, this plumbing problem symptom should never be overlooked. 

2. Rust-Colored Water

Rust indicates the presence of iron in your water. It frequently suggests that you must replace parts of your home's plumbing pipes. It could also signal that you require a new water heater. Likewise, it may indicate a concern with the water's safety in rare situations. In any event, don't take risks. If your faucet starts to leak rust-colored water, call a professional plumber right away.

3. Slow Drainage Of Sinks

While there are several possible explanations for your sink problems, the truth is that your plumbing is clogged. Anything, from children's toys to food waste and even small rodents, can clog your pipes, and you won't know unless you peek down your clogged drain. A plumber can clear any stubborn obstructions using specialized equipment known as an auger. He may also use a drain snake, which is a long, flexible gadget that is 10 times more efficient than your ordinary wire coat hanger. Make the call rather than wasting time chipping away at it and maybe damaging the interior of your pipes.

4. Constant Running Or Dripping Water

Running or dripping water is one of the telltale signals that it's time to call a plumber. One of the earliest evident symptoms of a leak could be this. If you hear the sound without running your faucet recently, take extra measures. It could indicate a leak beneath the floor or behind the walls. Hidden leaks are inconvenient and, if ignored, can cause significant damage. If you hear running or dripping water where there should be none, it's a good idea to call a plumber to be safe.

5. Smelly Gas Leaks

Gas leaks aren't the same as a trickling pipe under your kitchen sink, which can be easily fixed. Fortunately, obtaining expert help from a plumber is simple. The most frequent and well-known odor associated with a gas leak is rotten eggs. This odor is overpowering and unappealing. The distinct smell may emanate from within or beyond your home, depending on the location of the leak. Open your windows and ventilate as much as possible if the leak is from the inside. If feasible, leave the area until the leak is fixed. 

6. High Water Bills

Water bills will undoubtedly fluctuate with a faulty plumbing system throughout the year. If your water costs continue to rise month after month despite not using significantly more water, you should have a professional check your plumbing system. Water seeping from your plumbing system, which is still considered water usage and contributes to your increased rates, may be the cause of unusually high monthly water bills.

Turn off all of your home's plumbing appliances, then check your water meter to determine if this is the source of the problem. There is probably a leak somewhere in the system if the meter continues to run. A professional plumber should assess the situation to establish the exact location and severity of the leak.

Takeaway

There are several signs that you should contact a plumber immediately. Seek help if you see rust-colored water, an increase in your water bill, or clogged drains. Do not hesitate to contact a professional and experienced plumber if you are experiencing severe issues with your plumbing system.

Managing drain clogs

Photo by Jingxi Lau on Unsplash

A clog in your drainage pipes is a serious issue. You’ll be able to tell instantly if the clog is related to one appliance or the main sewers by verifying which ones are draining slowly. If it’s just one, the clog is in the appliance pipework. When all the appliances are draining slowly the clog is in the main sewer line. 

There are many reasons for clogs to happen. The most common are:

• Wrong products being flushed

You should only ever flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Anything else, especially wet wipes, is likely to cause a clog.

• Old pipes

Old pipes are more likely to have residue on the inside of them, allowing debris to cling to the inside of the pipe and start creating a clog. If you have old pipes you need to be aware of this.

• Tree roots

Trees generally have roots as large as their canopies. If the canopy covers your main sewer line there is a good chance the roots will too. The roots can damage the pipes and cause a clog.

In all cases, it is a good idea to invest in a drain camera and regularly inspect your drains. You should be able to prevent a clog from happening. 

There are multiple types of damage caused by a clog

Flooding

Perhaps the most obvious issue when you have a clog is flooding. This happens because the clog blocks the pipes and the water has nowhere to drain to. Using the flush or the sink/shower will result in water overflowing into your bathroom.

This may be obvious but it is also very expensive. You’ll be glad you have good flood insurance. If not, you’ll find that the damage to your floor, walls, and furnishings can run into thousands and it takes time to dry everything out properly with the help of a water damage company.  

Bacteria

Wastewater is full of bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella, and even typhoid. When you have a clog in your pipes the water becomes stagnant. That makes it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria can then work its way inside your house through the drainage system. It’s simply a matter of time before the bacteria infects a family member. 

Pests

Just like humans, pests need water, food, and a warm place to stay. If you have blocked pipes you’re effectively creating a perfect habitat for many different creatures. They will be attracted to the clog and they will then start penetrating your home. 

As many pests carry diseases you don’t want them inside your home. 

Mold

Another common issue with clogged pipes is an increase in damp in your home. This is simply because there is more moisture in the air.

Unfortunately, moist air and dark corners offer the perfect habitat for mold. It grows quickly and the spores can penetrate your lungs, causing a variety of illnesses. This is especially concerning if you have asthma or some other respiratory condition. 

In short, if you have a clog you need to take action quickly to deal with the issue. 

Kitchen Renovation: 8 Questions To Ask Your Contractor

Your kitchen will always be the heart of your home, as this is the place where everything starts. You cook meals inside the kitchen, share conversations with family and friends, and create a special bond with food that you’ve always enjoyed. Because of the good things kitchens offer, it’ll only be logical if you try to keep them up to date and beautiful all the time.  

Renovating your kitchen isn’t an easy, one-day job. While you can always try to DIY, hiring a contractor like Kitchen & Bath or other companies that provide the same service would be the best option. With their professional help, you can guarantee a successful renovation project, allowing you to have a great kitchen. However, even with their professionalism, equipping yourself with the right knowledge could help you understand the process better. That said, listed below are some questions you should ask your contractor prior to your kitchen renovation: 

1. Can I See Your Business License?  

Before doing business with any contractor, you should verify their business license first to check their legitimacy. This will help solve any problems in case they cannot deliver quality and professional results for your home. A license would be a good starting point to know whether they’re authorized and capable of offering outstanding services. After making sure they do have one, check to see if their license has expired or has been revoked.

2. What Type Of Contract Do You Hold? 

There are two types of contracts that a contractor uses for their business: fixed price and cost plus. A fixed price, as the name implies, provides a fixed cost that includes materials and labor. They’ll inspect your kitchen’s condition and see your renovation requirements before they develop a final estimate required to achieve your dream kitchen. 

A cost plus, on the other hand, involves paying for everything plus profits. With this type of contract, you might not have full control over how much you’ll spend, especially when there’s sudden inflation of your raw materials.  

3. Are You Insured? 

Insurance is vital when it comes to any major house renovation as it helps protect you from any possible issues that may arise due to your contractor’s work. With insurance, you don’t have to worry about any expenses in case of accidents or mistakes. Moreover, since they function with insurance, they’ll be committing to quality work, which can benefit your home. 

4. How Long Have You Been In The Business? 

Experience is extremely important when it comes to renovation work. This will help you be at ease knowing that they exactly know what to do and have plenty of experience, even with complicated projects. The more years of experience they have in renovating kitchens, the more they know the ins and outs of dealing with this type of project. Moreover, you should also check how many kitchens they’ve already renovated.  

5. Can I Check Your Portfolio? 

Some people are great at selling their products but deliver substandard results. Before you close a deal with a contractor, you might want to consider checking their portfolio to see if they can provide quality work that meets your standards. Ideally, you should find out whether they’ve previously implemented a kitchen design plan and if they were successful in doing so. 

6. How Long Will The Renovation Take? 

Your kitchen would be one of the busiest parts of your home. With the renovation happening, you might be unable to work in your kitchen, giving you a difficult time creating homemade meals. With that, you should try to look for a contractor that can provide the quickest yet highest-quality results. Before sealing a deal with your contractor, ask them how long the renovation will take and see if it’s within a comfortable period.  

7. Do You Provide A Warranty? 

Just like in purchasing electronics and appliances for your home, your kitchen renovation team should be able to provide you with a home warranty for their service. This way, you can call for their services if something goes wrong with their work. In addition, this’ll help to ensure that they’ll be providing quality work that’ll last longer than their warranty period.  

8. How Often Will You Work On-Site? 

As mentioned, your top priority should always be to ensure that they can provide quality work within the predetermined time frame. However, if your contractor has several other renovation projects that are ongoing and your home is not their top priority, you can’t expect them to finish the job in accordance with your agreement. To ensure that they can keep up with the process and be right on track, you should ask how often they will be working in your home and how many people will be working.  

Takeaway 

Kitchen renovation can be tricky, especially since your kitchen is being used daily to create your meals and wash your dishes. With that, you must ensure that your renovation project will move quickly and smoothly while producing high-quality results. Asking important questions that have to do with work duration, contract type, insurance, and portfolio will help ensure that you’re in good hands and that your goals will be achieved. With proper planning, you can finally have a kitchen that’ll be a joy to cook in.

Finding Reliable Fence Contractors in Bellingham

A fence not only protects the home from certain elements but also improves the aesthetic value and provides privacy. This, however, necessitates a significant amount of design and preparation.

A fence can be built with a variety of materials, but it must be built with high-quality materials and by an expert if it is to last and withstand harsh weather conditions. This might be difficult because most contractors fail to deliver on their promise of high-quality work.

It is critical, however, to conduct thorough research in order to find the best business for the job. If you live in or around Bellingham, you will find that using the services of the best fence contractors in Bellingham WA will be an efficient option.

Fencing Types

Here are some possibilities to consider if you are staying in Bellingham or anywhere else in the world:

Fences differ in terms of the materials used to build them. The type of material chosen is largely determined by the reason for construction, so discuss with the contractor before making a decision.

Wood

How long this option lasts depends on the type of wood utilized. It does, however, necessitate ongoing maintenance, such as staining, sealing, and painting. It's a fantastic choice for security, beauty, and privacy. It's also biodegradable and long-lasting.

Aluminum

This offers your fence a wrought iron look that is both basic and attractive. It complements the landscaping nicely, and the installation is simple. It may be painted and requires no maintenance. However, it is not perfect in terms of security.

Composite

This is comprised of recycled fibers, adhesives, and polymers that look like natural wood. It is simple to maintain and does not require regular painting or staining. It's long-lasting, despite the fact that it's only available in a few styles and colors. It is, however, more expensive than wood and may discolor, scratch, or fade.

Vinyl

Although it appears to be plastic, it is durable and will not rot, split, warp, or blister. It's also available in a variety of styles, textures, and colors and doesn't require staining or painting. It is, however, both costly and complex to set up. It is not eco-friendly because it is not recyclable.

You can learn more about vinyl siding by visiting: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Choosing a Trustworthy Fence Company

Hiring a contractor to complete a fencing project should not be done hastily and requires thorough research. The following pointers will assist you in choosing the best fence company:

Materials Utilized

This is critical because it determines the fence's functionality. Despite the fact that different materials are utilized depending on the type of fence, a contractor with a thorough understanding of them all will be able to select one that best serves the purpose of the fence.

In order to avoid a breakdown in a short period of time, the company will use high-quality materials. You can also request a list of the materials that will be used, and if it is loaded with low-quality products, then you can decline the arrangement.

Warranty

Building a new fence is a significant investment and it is costly; therefore, it is desirable that the job is accompanied by a warranty, even though it may need additional payment. Most reputable and experienced companies do this as a way to demonstrate to their clients that they believe in their work. Before hiring, compare the warranty being offered to that of competing companies.

Communication

A positive customer relationship goes a long way toward demonstrating how the project will be completed. A firm that is courteous and polite will take the time to describe the work in a way that you can comprehend. Avoid hiring someone who withholds vital facts or details. Want to know the importance of communication in business? You can read this article for more information.

Wrap Up

A well-erected fence can survive for many years, but only the appropriate contractor can guarantee this. Before looking for a reliable company to complete the project, you should first state your purpose for wanting to build a fence. This, however, should not be done hastily because it may compromise the quality of the fence you end up with. Finally, if you want premium outcomes, contact an experienced specialist.