Hot Water Heater Issues To Watch Out For During The Winter

  Installed Hot Water Heater By Leone Plumbing It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Can you feel it? Having a steamy shower over a cold icy day beats the chill that the winter season brings. Your best friend is a hot water heater providing the exact warmth that you need. But like any appliance during the winter, it can be vulnerable to issues brought about by the cold weather. In this article, we will talk about the steps to prevent water heater issues from occurring this winter.

The Effect Of Cold Weather On Your Hot Water Heater

During winter, the water coming into your home can get up to 25 degrees colder. The colder the water comes in, the greater the effort that is needed by your water heater. Because of the heavy workload, your water heater may encounter problems in the process. Here are the common water heater issues to watch out for.
Temperature
The temperature of your water heater should not rise beyond 120 degrees. If the temperature goes higher, it will cause the electrodes to break and scales fall into the water. This will cause the water to become more acidic and deteriorates the anodes protecting the walls of your water heater.
Insufficient Insulation
The holiday season can be very busy that you may overlook insulating your water heater. Just like your pipes that need insulation from the cold, your water heater also needs to be insulated. Insulating your hot water heater is important since its efficiency to produce hot water decreases during the winter season.
Malfunctioning Parts
During the cold season, parts of the water heater could malfunction. If you own a gas water heater, you need to keep an eye on the pilot light, thermocouple, and pilot control valve. If you have an electric water heater, inspect the thermostat and heating components.
Build Up Of Sediments
Those sediments building up on the bottom of water heaters can sip the heat out of the produced hot water. If this happens, your water heater will consume more energy and it can break due to over-usage.

Steps To Prevent Hot Water Heater Issues

There are simple steps to take to guard your hot water heater from the effects of cold weather. Here are the tips that you need to keep in mind.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Insulate your electric water heater with neoprene foam. For gas water heaters, you may use aluminum foil tape or fiberglass wrap.
Flush Your Water Heater Regularly
Regularly flushing your water heater can remove all the accumulated sediments and minerals that suck the heat out of the warm water.
Replace Parts If Needed
It is best to consult a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater. They will be able to assess if there are parts that need replacement such as the thermocouple and anodes.

Enjoy The Warmth Of Warm Water This Winter

Keep your home warm this winter season. Let us help you keep your hot water heater working. Call us anytime if you need help.
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Removal Of Tree Roots In Sewer Line

Leone Service Tree Roots Removal On Sewer LinesTree roots can easily slip through and invade your sewer line. They are silent destroyers of your sewer line that can lead to numerous expenses. But they can be eliminated and prevented. In this article, we will discuss some of the alternative ways for getting rid of tree roots in sewer lines before they thrive and cause further damages. However, these approaches are NOT recommended due to their safety risks and tedious nature. We always recommend cleaning tree roots mechanically using a snake machine or sewer line replacement.

Handyman Ideas For Getting Rid Of Tree Roots In Sewer Line

You can get rid of roots on a sewer line at the early stage of growth. There are inexpensive DIY solutions that you can use such as:
Rock Salt
This is different from table salt. This is the kind of salt that is thrown on icy sidewalks during winter. All you have to do is to gradually flush a couple of pounds (1/2 pound at a time) of rock salt down the toilet. Allow the rock salt to sit in the pipes for 12 hours by turning off the water. By doing this, you are creating an environment that is hostile for small roots to grow and slowly killing them.
Copper Sulfate
Also known as bluestone, copper sulfate is a type of herbicide. What you will do is flush 1/2 cup of copper sulfate on the toilet. To move the bluestone down the pipes, flush multiple times. Caution though, copper sulfate can be toxic for animals. It is suggested that you leave the house with your pets and come back after several hours. The effect of the bluestone may take a few days and you need to be patient. Please contact the United States EPA for further information about the safe usage of copper sulfate.
Concentrated Weed Killer and Dishwashing Liquid Combo
Mix 400 ml of dishwashing liquid to 800 ml weed killer. After mixing, leave them Removal of tree roots from pipes by Leone Plumbing. for several hours so they can bond together. Pour the mixture on your toilet and flush gradually to ensure it travels to the pipes. Do not flush your toilet until after 24 hours. The foam created by the mixture should coat the roots causing them to die. Caution: This can also kill nearby trees. If you go with this option, talk it over with your household.

For stubborn tree roots, let the professional deal with it!

Dealing with tree roots in sewer line can be a tough one. If a DIY solution in getting rid of tree roots doesn’t work, let a professional do it. Our expert plumber can cut the roots using a snake machine with several tips for cutting and retrieval. This equipment can also remove other debris that causes clogs. There are scenarios wherein the real culprit is those little cracks on the pipes where roots can easily slip in. Our master plumber may also recommend repairing or replacing the pipes if found out to be damaged that allows the roots to grow inside.

We Are Here At Your Service

For professional removal of tree roots in sewer line, talk to us so we can help you.  

Image Credit | “Huge Oak Tree” by RegalShave in Pixabay

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Toilet Flapper Replacement

Replacement Of Toilet Flapper by Leone PlumbingEvery household needs a well-functioning toilet. Just imagine the trouble it would bring if the toilet malfunctions! Each part of the toilet plays an important role to keep everything running smoothly. However, some parts may be left unnoticed just like the toilet flapper. The only time that it gets attention is when there are signs that are telling you that it needs replacement. So what are the signs, and how do you go about dealing with toilet flapper replacement?

What causes a toilet flapper to malfunction?

Before we talk about toilet flapper replacement, let’s first discuss what causes a toilet flapper to malfunction. Over time, a toilet flapper may wear out and can cause problems. Aside from age, flappers may deteriorate because of mold or mildew, bacterial growth, and some drop-in bowl cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.

How would you know if the toilet flapper is wearing out?

1. Through Sound
If there is something wrong with your toilet flapper, you will hear the water running continuously in the toilet tank.
2. Slow-Filling Toilet
If the water tank takes a while to fill, then it can be an indication that the flapper is deteriorating.
3. Ghost Flushing
This may sound spooky but there is nothing to be scared of. If the toilet flushes on its own or ghost flushing, it can be a result of a worn-out toilet flapper.

The impact of a failing toilet flapper on a toilet

The toilet flapper regulates the flow of water out of the tank into the bowl whenever you flush. A deteriorating flapper causes water to leak from the tank which in turn can prevent the toilet from flushing properly due to lower water pressure. Less water pressure will cause leaking or running toilets. In effect, this results in wastage of water that increases your water bill. If the signs are evident, don’t wait for the issue to get worse. This calls for a toilet flapper replacement.

Things to look at when doing a toilet flapper replacement

If the flapper is more than 5 years old, then we recommend replacing or keeping an eye on it. If you are going to do the toilet flapper replacement by yourself, make sure that you pick the correct size. If it is less than 5 years old, a simple wiping will slow down the deterioration process. Check the rubber surface and wipe out slime and debris from the bottom and flush valve seat using a clean cloth.

When to seek professional help?

Nowadays, everyone can look at the internet and do the toilet flapper replacement by themselves (DIY). For some, however, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to other toilet issues if the replacement is done improperly. If you are unsure of what to do, contact a professional to do the job! And speaking of professional help, we are here for you. For more details or help with any of your plumbing concerns, contact us today!        

Image Credit | Image by Hatice EROL from Pixabay

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Copper Pipe Repair Solution For A Corroding Septic System

Leone Plumbing's Copper Pipe Repair Service One of the complicated plumbing issues to resolve is septic system corrosion. The only time that this issue can be spotted is during a routine inspection or septic system cleaning. Before finding out the issue, it has done serious damages such as copper pipe corrosion. What is the copper pipe repair solution that can be done here? Let us find out.

What causes copper pipe corrosion on the septic system?

Before we further discuss copper pipe repair, let us talk about the causes of septic system corrosion. Here are some of them. The septic tank discharges hydrogen sulfide gas which smells like a rotten egg! This is mainly caused by naturally occurring sulfate-reducing bacteria that dwell in septic tanks. These bacteria have enzymatic systems which contribute to the corrosion process. They can solubilize the metal by depolarizing the metallic surface with their hydrogenases enzymes.
  • Improper Pipe Installation
If the end of the pipe is not properly reamed, it causes turbulence and increases velocity which allows corrosion to happen. Excessive use of acid flux can also trigger corrosion. Flux is a chemical material that solders the copper pipes together.
  • Chemical Drain Cleaners
Acid-based cleaners can also be a culprit of copper pipe corrosion. Chemical cleaners have a corrosive property that damages the pipes if overly used.

Repairing A Corroded Copper Pipe

You need to pinpoint the corroded area of the pipe before doing a copper pipe repair. Start looking from the beginning of the pipe or the piping joint. Once you identified those areas, you may proceed with the following solution.
1. Patch The Damaged Pipes
Applying a quick patch is an easy fix. All you need to do is to wrap the tape around the damaged pipe. This is not a permanent solution though, so we do not really recommend this.
2. Cut And Replace Method
For heavily corroded pipes, cut the affected part and replace it with a new copper pipe. Using a tubing cutter, the corroded pipe is cut off. With a new copper pipe, you will place it next to the cut you made. After that, apply the flux inside the couplings and slide them on both ends of the original pipe. The final touch is finishing the repair with a torch. Using the torch, melt solder around the joints of the couplings to bond the pipes. But we don’t really recommend this solution since copper is still vulnerable to corrosion.
3. Replace Copper Pipe With PVC Piping
Replacing copper pipe with modern PVC piping is a HIGHLY recommended and a long-term solution. PVC pipe is much resistant to oxidation and corrosion from the fumes in a sewer.

Leone Plumbing Service Copper Pipe RepairDon’t wait to get stressed!

We know that dealing with septic system issues can be stressful. Regardless if it’s a copper pipe repair or pipe replacement, leave it to us! Contact us right now so we can help you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Photo Credit | Torchblower – Image by Eugene Brennan from Pixabay

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Big Ideas For A Small Bathroom Remodel

Small bathroom remodel service by Leone. There is no place in your home where you can be rejuvenated like your bathroom. You might be desiring to transform it into an oasis! However, is it possible for a limited-sized bathroom? Let’s talk about small bathroom remodel ideas to make your bathroom more spacious, and turn it into a relaxing space you’ve been dreaming of.

The Truth About Bathroom Renovation

Size is not a limitation when it comes to bathroom renovation. The truth is, it’s all about the bathroom design. A large bathroom can still look small if the bathroom components are not carefully planned and installed. A cluttered space can make a large bathroom look small. A small bathroom on the other hand can look amazingly large with the right bathroom fixtures and decorations. If you want to achieve that big change for your small bathroom, here are the small bathroom remodel ideas you can look at.
1. Right Sized Fixtures For A Limited Space
In renovating a small bathroom, scale and proportion are critical factors to consider. Avoid bulky fixtures that take too much space in your bathroom. Go for a slim and multifunctional type of furniture and fixtures that can save space.
2. Shift To Glass Shower Doors
For a small bathroom, a glass shower door is recommended since it opens up the space. Clear glass also reflects light more effectively which makes the bathroom look brighter and larger. Small bathroom remodel ideas by Leone
3. Use Large Tiles
When the eye sees bigger objects, the brain will associate them with large spaces. Visually speaking, using larger tiles creates an illusion of a bigger bathroom than its actual size. We highly recommend large white-colored tiles since it’s a good reflector of light. The light that is reflected by the white tiles makes the bathroom look bigger.
4. Make Way For Natural Light
Small bathrooms often look dull and dark. To open up the space and make the bathroom look larger, opt for natural light. If you have a small window, natural light can get into the bathroom by installing a skylight or solar tunnel.
5. Look Big With Mirrors
The more light reflected in your bathroom, the wider it will look. So instead of installing a small mirror above the sink, opt for a larger one. The mirror will serve as a window that adds more light to the bathroom to make it visually larger.

Other Things To Consider For Small Bathroom Remodel

According to Better Homes & Gardens, bathrooms have evolved into our wellness sanctuaries. Bathrooms should be inviting, relaxing, and beautifully decorated but never at the expense of their functionality. Make it an aim to create a functional and welcoming space when doing a small bathroom remodel.

Let’s Talk More About Small Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom renovation can be a challenge, especially for a small bathroom. Talk to us and we will help you plan and execute your desired bathroom transformation!                                                  

Photo Credits: From PexelsMax Vakhtbovych, Victoria Borodinova 

     
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The Importance of A Clean Shower Drain

Importance of A Clean Shower Drain By Leone Plumbing A clean shower drain is important for a healthy and efficient plumbing system. If you disregard any small clogs or pile up such as hair, it will accumulate and can become a serious plumbing concern to deal with. A clogged shower drain can disrupt the balance of the pressure in your plumbing system which causes the pipes to rupture. The obvious sign of a clogged shower drain is the presence of murky standing water pooling on your ankles. To maintain a clean shower drain, you need to identify the culprits that can clog your drain.

The Culprits That Causes Shower Drain Clogs

There are many culprits that can clog your shower drain. Hair is the most common cause of drain clog. Normally, people may shed 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. Hair can wrap itself with other items that can intensify the clog issue. When you shower, it produces soap scum which flows to the shower drain. Soap scum is a binder that holds together hair and other items in the drain. Aside from hair, other causes are loose towel thread, plastic fibers, and small toys (this can happen if you have a toddler) that could be washed down the drain and cause a clog.

Simple Preventive Methods For A Clean Shower Drain

Achieving that goal of having a clean shower drain is easy with preventive measures. Here are the suggested methods to prevent your shower drain from getting clogged.
  1. A Drain Cover Can Help
Small items and hair can easily get through your drain every time you shower. A drain cover can stop small items and hair to enter your drain. Leone Plumbing Clean Shower Drain Tips
  1. Minimize Oil And Grease Usage
Most shower and bath products contain oil and grease that can cause clogs. The residues from oil and grease every time you shower can build up on your drain over time. We suggest using these occasionally to avoid oil or grease getting into your drain.
  1. Routine Rinsing
If you see visible small items and hair, clear them out immediately and don’t wait for them to accumulate. Once you are done showering, you can let the hot shower water run for a few minutes.
  1. Baking Soda And Vinegar
These are natural alternatives that are less corrosive than chemical cleaners. They contain properties that can dissolve clogs. Regularly pour vinegar into the drain and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. After that, flush the drain with hot water. It’s also the same with baking soda. Pour some baking soda into the drain with hot running water. This can help clear the drain and stop odors.

For Persisting Shower Drain Clog Concerns, Consult An Expert

Do not tolerate a slowly draining shower. This can be a sign of serious plumbing concern. Call us for professional help! Contact us today.      

| Photo Credits: From FreeImages – Csaba J. Szabo, PexelsKsenia Chernaya

 
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