The One Tool Homeowner
There are all sorts of plumbing problems facing homeowners, business owners, and condo/townhouse owners. Because of the technology continually built into plumbing, water, and heater and/or cooling control devices, these problems can become far more of a project than in the past. While it’s likely that a simple clog can be dealt with fairly quickly using a plunger which we highly recommend as your very #1 plumbing tool. From there, one pair of channel lock pliers won’t really fix too many of today’s issues, though it can help tighten a supply valve. And to go a step further, replacing a ruptured sewer line can be a technically sophisticated operation, not meant for the do-it-yourselfer, nor is it worth investing in a complete sewer jet.
Here are a few of Mike’s Tips to help you determine if you need Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC to bring the proper tools along with their sophisticated skills. This is not as easy as it sounds since what presents itself to you as an obvious leak, may actually begin with a lengthy and thorough inspection of the pipe, which in many older New Jersey homes require custom-made pipes to replace old, rusty, or simply worn out pipes inside the walls. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC will use the hi-definition camera to see where the problem lies and resolve it with the least amount of damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. So while the failure rate of new products such as PVC and PEX to transport water and waste, the real expense can be in the length of time it takes to detect the source of the problem.
Let’s Go To The Video
Water Dripping through Falling Ceiling WOW! If instead of making a 34-second video of a falling ceiling, the person holding the cameraphone should have SHUT OFF THE WATER! It’s likely any damage would have been less severe. Let’s say you see a water drip coming from a ceiling. It’s quite possible that the leaking pipe is right there where the water appears and all that needs to take place is to turn off the water supply, remove the old length of piping often with a torch, and replace it with an equivalent type and length of pipe. However, there are other “clues” which assist the Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC techs in their detective work of finding leaks and clogs which result in stains, or wet spots. Here are a few that Mike’s trained Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC techs have experienced and therefore have a good idea of where to begin the search, and do the least amount of disturbance to not only walls, floors, and ceilings, but appliances such as washers and dryers that are close by. Have a look:
- Soft spots on the walls, floor, or ceiling. Leaks can cause surrounding material to soften as they become saturated with water.
- Mold growth can usually be spotted without having to feel the softness of the surrounding material.
- Puddles, especially those forming where there is no apparent cause.
- Strange sounds, such as dripping, gurgling, or running water. Again, in most cases, there won’t be an obvious source for these sounds.
- Higher water bills, especially bills where you haven’t used the water any more often than normal.
- Odd smells, especially sulfurous smells or egg stinks. They often indicate a problem with your sewer line.
- Outlets that are slow to drain. This sounds obvious, but in many cases, such a slow drain can arise gradually so that you’re not immediately aware of it. your shower or tub is an obvious place for such problems.
- Low water pressure, such as water emerging from your faucets or other outlets without the force you might normally expect.
- Discolored water, such as water that is brown or has flakes of rust in it.
- Water that isn’t as hot as you expect usually indicates a problem with the water heater or similar device.
- Cracks or similar signs of damage to the affected outlet. Sometimes this can happen in spots above a leaking pipe, such as the concrete of your porch.
The First Step
Your first step – React Quickly! Turn off the water supply valve which will reduce the amount of damage. If you have an old-style GATE valve turning the metal knob to the right (or clockwise) will often stop if not slow down the leak until the Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC team can arrive. If using a newer BALL valve, which appears to be a straight valve handle, with a yellow or green handle, remember that when it is going in the same direction as the pipe, the valve is open. This can be confusing when you have a combination of valves in your home, so get to know them and if unsure, ask your Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC tech to show you how to turn them off. Here is a picture to illustrate the difference:
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We’d like to leave you with this final thought. Many of us grew up with parents and/or neighbors that were “handy”, and few calls were necessary to actually call a professional, master plumber. However, with the variety of parts, designs, and even wirelessly integrated thermostats, it’s imperative to know what you are doing. Patching a problem at one end can often lead to an even bigger problem further down the line. That’s why Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is proud of its 40 years in business, serving Bergen County, NJ, and why you should have confidence whenever you call us at 201-343-1414 or via email at [email protected]
Here’s a link to a $25 Coupon good off your next service call: https://mucciaplumbing.com/coupon/
