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Ways Homeowners Can Identify Water Leaks

How Homeowners Can Detect Leaks to Avoid More Water Damage and Expensive Bills

When a burst pipe or water leak occurs in a house, it can quickly cause major water damage and high water costs. To avoid these problems from getting worse and limit the damage, it’s essential for property owners to promptly identify leaks and have them repaired. This article will offer tips to help people identify leaks, including signs of a leak, high water bills, and a running water meter.

What Symptoms Signal a Leak?

Many signs of leaks can alert homeowners to a leak in their houses. While it can be obvious that there’s a leak or burst pipe in a house when homeowners are standing in water, there are also other signs property owners should watch for. Wet spots or water stains on the walls, floors, or ceilings and evidence of mold or mildew are signs of a leak.

Homeowners should also pay attention to reduced water pressure from fixtures, the sound of running water when water is not in use, and other signs of water damage that can signal a leak. Homeowners should schedule leak detection and repair with a plumber at the first signs of a problem to avoid further water damage.

Costly Water Bills

Homeowners should also pay attention to their water bills to determine if they have a leak. When water costs rise, but the household hasn’t used more water than usual, it can indicate there is a leak in the system, wasting water and causing costs to increase.

To prevent water damage and more costly water bills, homeowners should call a plumber as soon as they suspect a leak in their plumbing system. The quicker a plumber can assess and repair the problem, the less water will be wasted, and more money can be saved.

Water Meter Runs When Water Isn’t Being Used

A tactic many homeowners might overlook when determining if they have a leak is to examine the water meter. When households suspect they have a leak, they should find their water meter and run a test. If the meter continues to run when water is not being used, it can indicate a leak in the plumbing system.

Before checking the water meter, homeowners should first ensure all plumbing fixtures, appliances that use water, and sprinkler systems are turned off. Don’t overlook sprinklers that are set on timers or forget that the dishwasher is on. Some meters have a leak indicator that makes it obvious there’s a leak, but even water meters without them can be used to identify leaks.

Once no water is used, homeowners should record the reading on the water meter, wait an hour after not using any water, and then recheck the water meter’s reading. If the reading has changed without using any water, it can indicate a leak that is wasting water. Homeowners should call a plumber to perform water leak detection services if they suspect a leak.

About Performance Plumbing

Performance Plumbing has been serving Ball Ground, GA, and the surrounding areas since 2016. They provide straightforward pricing, financing, and free in-person estimates. Call them today for water leak detection and water leak repair in Ball Ground, GA.

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Improve a Home’s Water Quality in 2024 With a Water Filtration System

All About Whole House Water Filters

Households need to know that when they shower, bathe, do laundry, or even drink tap water, their water is safe and healthy. Unfortunately, bacteria, chlorine, and other contaminants can get into a home’s water supply, putting a household’s health at risk.

To eliminate these substances from the water, households can install a whole home water filter. This post will explain how water filtration systems work and some different types, the benefits they provide, and the signs they should be installed in a home.

How Water Filtration Systems Work

Water filtration systems work to remove harmful bacteria and contaminants from a home’s water supply. Numerous systems can do this in different ways, and some are better at targeting specific pollutants than others. Homeowners can consult a plumber to figure out which unit is best for their house.

Some of the most popular types of whole-house water filtration systems are:

Carbon Water Filters: These popular filters absorb contaminants to purify the home’s water supply. Activated carbon is highly effective at capturing water-borne pollutants.
Reverse Osmosis Systems: These filters are also popular as they prevent contaminants and other substances from flowing through the reverse osmosis membrane, only letting water through.
UV Water Purifiers: These units use ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria and viruses to clean and sanitize the water.
Distillation Systems: These units filter water by turning water into steam that evaporates and leaves behind the contaminants, then condenses the steam back to pure water.

Advantages of Water Filtration Systems

When homeowners get a water filter installation, they can experience many benefits, including:

Better tasting and smelling water.
Elimination of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants in the water.
Safer and healthier water.
Money savings by not needing to buy bottled water.

When to Install a Water Filtration System

To keep their family safe and healthy, homeowners need to install a whole-house water filtration system if they notice signs of contaminants or water supply problems. Some symptoms that can indicate property owners should get a water filtration system are if the water has an odd taste or smell and if it has a brownish tint or looks cloudy.

Property owners can also have their water quality tested to accurately determine which contaminants are in their water supply, helping them choose the best water filtration system for their household. Even if homeowners don’t notice signs of a polluted water supply, a water filter will make their water cleaner and safer, so it’s never bad.

About Performance Plumbing

Performance Plumbing has served Ball Ground, GA, and the surrounding areas since 2016. They offer free in-person estimates, flat-rate pricing, and on-time service. Call them today for water filtration system installation and services in Ball Ground, GA.

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A Brief Guide to Installing a Sump Pump This Holiday Season

Why Homeowners Should Consider a Sump Pump Installation

When homeowners create their holiday wish lists or to-do lists this season, they should consider adding an item they might not think of – a sump pump. Sump pumps help homeowners save money and time by helping prevent flooding and water damage in their homes. This post will explain how sump pumps work, their benefits, and the types of sump pump systems.

Reasons to Install a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are often overlooked when it comes to home maintenance, but they play a crucial role in keeping homes and basements dry and preventing water damage. These devices are typically installed in the lowest part of a home, like a basement or a crawlspace, and work by collecting excess water and directing it away from the home’s foundation. Here are some reasons why installing a sump pump is beneficial:

Prevents flooding: One of the main benefits of a sump pump is that it helps to prevent flooding. When living in an area with heavy rainfall or a high water table, the home and basement could be at risk of flooding without a sump pump.
Protects the foundation: Excess water around the home’s foundation can cause damage over time, leading to costly repairs. A sump pump helps to keep the area around the foundation dry, preventing potential structural issues.
Prevents water damage: Excess water in a home can cause significant water damage and lead to costly repairs. Sump pumps are essential tools for preventing water damage in basements and crawl spaces, protecting the property and belongings.
Reduces mold and mildew: With excess moisture in a home or basement comes the risk of mold and mildew growth. This also poses a health hazard. A sump pump can help prevent mold and mildew growth by keeping the space dry.
Increases home value: Many homebuyers consider the presence of a sump pump when looking at potential homes. Installing one can increase the value of a property and make it more attractive to buyers in the future.

Common Types of Sump Pumps

There are numerous types of sump pumps available, but the two main types of primary sump pumps are submersible sump pumps and pedestal sump pumps. Here are some pros and cons of these common sump pump systems:

Submersible sump pump: The motor for this sump pump system is located inside a sump pump basin and runs underwater. This system is more expensive than the other type and has a shorter lifespan, but it is more powerful and runs quieter.
Pedestal sump pump: This system has a motor above the sump pit. Because the motor is outside the basin, it is louder than the submersible pump, but the location makes it more convenient for plumbers to repair. They are also more affordable and have a longer life expectancy but aren’t as powerful.

Sump Pump Backup Options

In some situations, homeowners may need a secondary or backup sump pump to help protect their homes from flooding. A backup is important if homes get heavy rain or experience power outages. A backup unit can help pump away large amounts of water to prevent flooding, even during a power outage when the primary pump cannot operate. A backup also helps when a sump pump is malfunctioning, allowing the second pump to take over. Some popular backup sump pump options are:

Battery backup for the sump pump
Water-powered sump pump backup
Portable backup generator

About Performance Plumbing

Performance Plumbing has been serving Ball Ground, GA, and the surrounding areas since 2016. They provide straightforward pricing, financing, and free in-person estimates. Call them today for sump pump repair and installation services in Ball Ground, GA.

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Why Your Shower Has Poor Water Pressure

Possible Reasons for Low Water Pressure in Your Shower

A shower should provide a relaxing experience for homeowners. If a person gets in and is instead greeted with low water pressure, it can take the comfort out of bathing and indicate a problem with the showerhead, water heater, or plumbing system. Many issues can cause low water pressure in showers, and this post will explain some possible causes.

Water Heater Issues

A malfunctioning water heater is one possible cause of low water pressure in the shower. To narrow down the possibility, it is more likely the case if the home only experiences low water pressure with hot water.

Some water heater issues that can lead to water pressure troubles include:

If there is a sediment buildup in the hot water tank and hot water lines
If there is corrosion inside the tank or in the pipes
If there is a faulty pressure regulator that can no longer control the water pressure
If the valves are closed or partially closed
If the water heater is undersized for the household
If there is a clog or a leak in the water heating system
If the water heater is aging and can no longer maintain the right water pressure

If homeowners suspect their water heater is causing poor water pressure, they should hire a plumber to inspect and repair the system.

Leaks or Clogs in the Pipes

When determining what causes low water pressure in the shower, plumbers can also look for leaks or clogs in the pipes, which can cause poor water pressure in multiple fixtures and with both hot and cold water depending on where in the plumbing system they are located.

A leak can cause poor water pressure because some of the water leaks out of the pipes before it reaches the desired plumbing fixture. Clogs can also cause low water pressure by blocking the entire volume of water from properly flowing through the pipes. Plumbers can use special equipment to check the piping for leaks and clogs and then fix them to restore water pressure.

Blocked Showerhead

Another possible cause of poor water pressure in the shower, which is more likely if the water pressure problems occur with hot and cold water from only one showerhead, is that the showerhead is clogged. Scale or mineral buildup can block the showerhead nozzle’s holes, reducing the water pressure.

If this is the case, the showerhead can be replaced or removed, soaked, and cleaned to unclog them. However, if the showerhead is older, it’s better to replace it with a new, more efficient one. Homeowners experiencing low water pressure in their homes can rely on plumbers to find and fix the underlying cause.

About Performance Plumbing

Performance Plumbing has been serving Ball Ground and the surrounding areas since 2016. They offer flat rate pricing, on-time service, and free in-person estimates. Call them today for plumbing services in Ball Ground, GA.

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Avoid Halloween Plumbing Scares With Expert Plumbing Tips

Skip Plumbing Problems This Autumn

A malfunctioning water heater, burst pipe, leaking faucet, clogged sewer line, and other plumbing problems can quickly cause terror for homeowners. If not repaired immediately, these can cause significant – and expensive – effects like high water bills, flooding, and water damage. In this post, plumbers offer expert advice for homeowners on how to avoid plumbing problems, from tips on preventing clogs to the importance of maintenance.

Tips to Avoid Clogs

If a homeowner is showering or brushing their teeth and notices the water isn’t draining as fast as it usually does, it can indicate a clogged drain or sewer line. While clogs can happen occasionally, they are still problematic for property owners. They can cause slow draining, bad smells, leaks, and even lead to sewage backups.

But there are ways households can avoid these problems from clogs. To avoid clogs, homeowners can use mesh screens over their drains. They will collect hair, food, soap scum, and more before they can go down the drain and lead to blockages. People should also be careful what goes down the kitchen sink, even if the drain has a garbage disposal. Food waste can cause problems with garbage disposals and also cause clogging in the pipes, including coffee grounds, pasta, rice, potato peels, stringy vegetables, and grease and oil.

Households should also be careful about what they flush down the toilet. Certain items that families may think are safe to flush actually lead to clogs in the sewer line. The only thing that should be flushed is toilet paper. Another easy way to prevent clogs is hydrojet drain cleaning, which uses high-pressure water to remove any buildup from pipes.

Importance of Plumbing Maintenance

There are a lot of tips homeowners can follow to keep their plumbing systems working correctly, but one of the most important is to schedule plumbing maintenance and inspections about once a year. Routine maintenance helps prevent large problems, extend the life of the plumbing, and save homeowners money.

Routine plumbing maintenance allows plumbers to inspect the plumbing system and detect problems before they become worse issues. Plumbers will check for problems with water pressure, piping, and plumbing fixtures, ensuring everything is operating correctly, and make repairs if not.

Why Households Need Water Heater Maintenance

Another way to prevent household plumbing problems is to schedule annual water heater maintenance. This is essential because families rely on their water heater to cook, bathe, do laundry, and perform other daily tasks. Scheduling water heater maintenance will keep water heaters running more efficiently, extend their lifespan, prevent problems, and reduce utility bills.

During water heater maintenance services, plumbers will drain and flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, replace the anode rod if needed, check valves and temperature settings, and look for leaks, corrosion, and other problems to ensure it’s working correctly.

About Performance Plumbing

Performance Plumbing is a reliable plumbing company that has been serving Ball Ground and the surrounding areas since 2016. They offer free in-person estimates, flat rate pricing, and on-time service. Call them today for plumbing services in Ball Ground, GA.

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Sewer Line Clogs: Pro Tips to Avoid Blockages

How to Prevent Drain Clogs

Clogged sewer lines can occur in homes for various reasons, and when they happen, they can cause issues for the entire household, including clogged toilets and slow-draining sinks. In some situations, they can even cause backups and water damage.

While sewer line blockages can be common occurrences, there are ways homeowners can avoid these. Plumbers suggest that property owners schedule regular drain cleaning services, use mesh drain screens, and avoid putting certain foods down the sink.

Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning services are used to clear clogs but can also be used as a preventative maintenance task homeowners can schedule routinely to avoid sewer line clogs. These services allow experts to remove debris and residue from the lines before they cause blockages.

During these sewer line cleanouts, experts will also inspect the sewer lines and look for other issues – including large obstructions and defects. If experts identify blockages from tree roots, they may need to perform other services and repairs to remove the obstructions and seal any cracks. One method they may use is hydrojet drain cleaning, which involves using a heavy stream of water to remove a clog.

Drain Screens

To avoid clogs in sewer lines, homeowners can get mesh drain screens and put them in all the home’s drains, including shower, bathtub, kitchen sink, and bathroom sink drains. These inexpensive and easy-to-install products collect debris before they can go down the drain and form clogs.

Depending on where they are located, drain screens can catch some soap residue, food particles, and even hair. Homeowners can install these screens by themselves and clean them out regularly to remove the debris and keep the water flowing down the drains.

Avoid Putting Food Waste Down Drains

Plumbers find that many homeowners may mistakenly think that they can safely put any food scraps down the sink if they have a garbage disposal. However, this is a common error, as many food scraps can cause garbage disposal problems and cause clogs.

Some foods in particular that can cause blockages and problems for garbage disposals are:

Cooking oil and grease
Eggshells
Pasta and rice
Starchy vegetables like potatoes and potato peels
Fruit peels
Stringy vegetables like celery
Bones and meat
Coffee grounds

About Performance Plumbing

Performance Plumbing is a reliable plumbing company serving Ball Ground and the surrounding areas. They offer free in-person estimates, flat-rate pricing, and on-time service. Call them today for hydrojetting and drain cleaning services in Ball Ground, GA.

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A Basic Plumbing Education for Homeowners

Plumbing Basics You Need to Know

Plumbing emergencies and problems can cause significant damage to homes. Leaks, burst pipes, and other issues can lead to water damage – which can cause damaged flooring, walls, furniture, mold growth, and other problems.

To avoid and catch these problems before they cause major damage and costs, homeowners need to learn more about their plumbing systems. This post will share the basics – including how to spot the signs of a problem with the plumbing system, fixture upgrades that can save money, and why to schedule regular maintenance services.

Plumbing Fixtures That Can Save on Water Costs

If property owners notice their water bills increasing or are too high, it could be due to an issue with their plumbing. If their plumbing or fixtures like faucets, shower heads, or toilets are malfunctioning or leaking, it can result in wasted water and higher bills.

Additionally, older plumbing fixtures can be inefficient and use more water than needed. To lower their water bills, homeowners can schedule water-efficient plumbing fixture installations of new water-saving devices, including:

Water-saving toilets come in many types, such as dual flush and pressure assisted toilets, and reduce the amount of water used each time the toilet is flushed, saving on water costs.
Low-flow showerheads use less water while still providing good water pressure, reducing water bills.
Water-saving faucets have aerators that can reduce the water used by a faucet using air, saving water costs.

Making these changes and installing these new fixtures can save homeowners money and reduce water usage to help with water conservation.

Common Signs of Plumbing Problems

Homeowners need to be able to recognize the signs that indicate issues with a plumbing system so they can call a plumber and ensure the problem is repaired quickly before it leads to water damage or other issues. Some signs of plumbing problems plumbers recommend property owners watch for include:

Odd noises coming from the plumbing can indicate several problems with the plumbing
Reduced water pressure from the showerheads or faucets can indicate a leak, clog, or another issue
Foul odors coming from drains can indicate a clog or blockage
Slow-draining sinks or bathtubs can also signal a clog or a blockage
High water bills can indicate a leak, while high energy costs can be a sign of issues with the water heater

Plumbing Maintenance

One of the most important tips plumbers have for homeowners is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance on their plumbing systems. During maintenance, professionals can inspect the plumbing and identify issues that need repair or wear and tear that can lead to larger problems later.

Plumbing maintenance has many benefits for homeowners and their plumbing systems. Maintenance visits allow plumbers to catch problems early before more damage and costs occur. Routine maintenance can also extend the life of the plumbing, prevent issues and repairs, and save homeowners money.

About Performance Plumbing

Performance Plumbing has been serving Ball Ground and the surrounding areas since 2016. They offer straightforward pricing, financing, and free in-person estimates. Call them today for plumbing services in Ball Ground, GA.