When Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

Pipes Freezing Solution By Leone PlumbingPipes freezing during the winter season can bring trouble to your plumbing system. How long can your pipes stand the freezing temperature and when should you be worried about pipes freezing? Let’s talk about the issue that freezing pipes can bring and the precautions that everyone can take.

Why Do Water Pipes Freeze And Burst During The Winter?

One plumbing issue to watch out for during the winter season is the bursting of pipes. A pipe may burst if it is not able to handle the pressure that arises from freezing water. During winter, the water inside the line expands as it slowly freezes. While it gets close to freezing, the pressure inside the pipe increases. If the water pressure gets too high for the pipe to handle, it will indeed rupture! The freezing water causes the lines to contract and the weak areas of the pipe may burst. It is recommended that you get your pipes checked and repaired before the winter season.

Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

If the outside temperature is at less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should be worried about pipes freezing! Water begins to freeze as the temperature drops which causes the pipes to freeze. Cold winds can also freeze the pipes. Pipes with cracks or holes allow the cold air from the outside to blow in and may cause ice formation. Once the pipe is freezing, it is at risk of bursting, resulting in leaks and unexpected flooding. But don’t let these scenarios worry you. There are precautions that you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting.

Precautions To Prevent Pipes From Freezing And Bursting

The contraction of pipes caused by the cold weather is something that we cannot control which may cause leaks. However, there is something you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here are some of the precautions you can follow:
  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe (even at a trickle) helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, and set it to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Protect Your Pipes From Bursting This Winter

The winter season can be fun without being worried about your plumbing system. Preventive measures can alleviate the concern you have with pipes freezing. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or water leak this winter, just contact us and we are here to help you!
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Tree Root Removal Solution For Stubborn Clogs

Leone Plumbing Professional Tree Root RemovalAre you annoyed with the persistent clogs on your toilet, bathtub, or sink drain? Despite rigorous efforts to remove clogs such as toilet papers, baby wipes, hairs, or dirt, there is still something clogging your plumbing system. There can be a real problem here! Roots may be invading your pipes which require professional tree root removal.

The Impact Of Tree Root Invasion On Your Plumbing System

Once tree roots start to get in your pipes or drains, expect that serious clogging will come next. Tree roots are considered “silent killers” that gradually destroy the drainage system without the homeowner knowing it. The presence of roots on pipes can invite other materials to clog like toilet papers, baby wipes, hair, or dirt. The worst scenario you can experience with tree root invasion is the flooding of sewage in your basement. The better way to deal with this problem is through professional tree root removal by an expert plumber.

How Do I Know If There Are Tree Roots On My Pipes?

If there are trees or shrubs nearby, always assume that they can invade your drains and pipes. If you experience the following signs, ask a professional plumber to check if roots are beginning to invade your plumbing system.
Slow Drains
Small roots can get hold of tissues, hairs, and tiny stuff that can accumulate over time which can cause clogs. This can slow the drains and you need to get this inspected and treated.
Slow Flushing Toilet And Sewage Backup
If you experience these signs with gurgling noise when you flush, it can be a sign that roots have entered the pipes.
Clogged Pipes
Root obstruction can clog the pipes which can lead to serious problems such as sewage backup and basement flooding.
Unpleasant Smell
Roots can trap unpleasant substances on your drain like food waste and even dead animals. Once these substances are trapped and start to decompose, they can produce nasty odors which can be so annoying.

Professional Tree Root Removal Solution

Tree root removal from a plumbing system requires professional handling. If not handled professionally, it can lead to other complications which will cause you more money due to major plumbing repairs. A licensed plumber is capable of doing tree root removal by using high-definition and innovative equipment such as sewage cameras. A sewage camera can help locate tree roots inside your pipes. Then, a specialized hydro jetting hose will be inserted into the pipes and send pressurized water to wash away the roots and other clogs. A snake machine with a “cutter tip” is also used to snake the line and cut away any residual tree roots. After that, pipes can be treated with trenchless repair solutions to restore and strengthen your plumbing system. Professional Tree Root Removal Solution By Leone Plumbing

Seek Professional Help For Tree Root Removal

To deal with invading roots, you need to seek help from a professional plumber. Do not allow those annoying tree roots to destroy your plumbing system! Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
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Important Things To Look At For Bathroom Renovations

Leone Plumbing Bathroom Renovations Renovating a bathroom is an exciting and thoughtful project. Whenever we do bathroom renovations, we take time to assess the needs of the family and design an efficient layout. The process of bathroom renovations is a collaborative effort between us and the client. In order to bring your dream bathroom into reality, there are important things to look at. If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, here are the things that you need to bear in mind.

Before Starting The Bathroom Renovation… Ask

Bathroom renovations can be very ecstatic and you may overlook some important points during the planning stage. Before speaking with a designer or contractor, you need to answer the following questions.
  • What’s your daily routine?
  • What’s your budget?
  • Do you need more storage?
  • How many people will be using the room?
  • What do you not like about your current space?

Look For An Inspiration

Every bathroom renovation starts with a dream. During the inspiration phase, there are many ideas that come to your mind. If you want to put your ideas into reality, you need to research the pros and cons, the challenges, and also the cost of your dream bathroom.

Get Updated With The Latest Trends

The trend nowadays focuses on functionality, comfort, and luxury. Most people are looking into achieving that standard of comfort that can be experienced in luxury hotels. If you want to achieve that luxurious finish for your bathroom, you need to be updated with the latest trends!

Concealed Bathroom Issues

It would be a waste of money if you were not able to identify hidden problems during bathroom renovations. You can’t afford to redo things. The worst concealed issue you may encounter is water damage. Prior to renovating your bathroom, you need to look for any structural defects like small leaks, corroded plumbing, uneven floor framing, and other issues that would cause water damage.

Bathroom Fixtures

A bathroom renovation won’t be complete without remodeling the bathroom fixtures like the sink, shower, bathtub, toilet, bidet, showerheads, and faucets. You can also change the look of your bathroom by updating your mirrors and shower doors.

Storing Solutions

You also need to prioritize the storage space for your bathroom. Your cabinets, storage, and shelving need to be functional so that they can accommodate your bathroom effects. Aside from looking stylish, everything should be reachable and have enough space to fit your stuff.

Measurements

It can be frustrating if you end up purchasing bathroom fixtures and features that don’t fit. Before you go to the store, make sure that you have the correct specifications and measurements. Bathroom Renovations Idea By Leone Plumbing

DIY Bathroom Renovations Or Hire A Contractor?

Hiring a contractor is still a smart option since renovating a bathroom can be a complex job. Can you afford to lose money if things get messed up? We are here to help you to achieve the bathroom of your dreams. Speak to us and let’s talk!  
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Your Toilet Bowl Parts: How Do They Work?

Leone Plumbing Toilet Bowl Parts Maintenance ServiceThe toilet is one of the busiest appliances in a home and business. A toilet gets multiple uses every single day which makes it a heavy-duty appliance. As a household or a business owner, it is very important to keep your toilet clean and working. Speaking of maintenance, how well do you know the toilet bowl parts?

The Importance Of Knowing The Different Toilet Bowl Parts

Knowing the different parts of your toilet will help you diagnose issues such as leaks, clogs, and running toilets. Sometimes, waiting for a plumber is not necessary. Thus, it is important for you to know the different toilet bowl parts and their functions. Toilet Bowl Parts Diagram By Leone Plumbing

The Toilet Bowl Parts And Their Functions

Toilet Bowl
It is a large vessel below the toilet seat that holds the water and is connected to the drain for waste disposal.  
Tank
The toilet tank is found behind the bowl which holds the water that is used for flushing. The water gets released when the toilet is flushed.
Handle
Also known as a “flush handle”, it is a lever that can be found on the upper left or right side of the tank. It triggers the water to be released when flushing.
Floor Flange
This is a pipe fitting that attaches the toilet to the floor. The job of the floor flange is not only to connect but to secure the toilet to the drain pipe.
Float
It is a device that permits the water to fill the tank and also prevents the water from overflowing.
Chain
Is a metal chain that connects the toilet lever to the toilet flapper. It allows the flapper to remain open a bit longer to allow more water to get in the bowl for better flushing.
Flapper
The toilet flapper is made of rubber which controls the volume of the water released. It also serves as a seal for the flush valve.
Wax Seal
It is a sticky wax ring that helps to form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet bowl and the sewer pipe.
Refill Tube
The refill tube manages the water going into the bowl. When the toilet is refilling, it trickles the water into the bowl.
Water Supply Shut-off Valve
This is a part of the toilet that controls and directs the water into the toilet. It helps to isolate and repair toilet leaks without shutting off the water supply.
Tank O-Ring Seal
It is a rubber gasket that fits between the toilet tank and bowl. It serves as a seal to prevent leaks.

Are You Having Issues With Any Of These Parts?

Fixing a toilet can be tough. When in doubt, a professional plumber can help. Contact us today for your urgent toilet maintenance needs.
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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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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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