A Homeowners Guide To Water Heater Services

Warm water is more than just a luxury. It helps you keep your dishes clean, makes showers pleasant, and ensures that you can do your laundry. If you find yourself without hot water, life around your home gets a little more complicated. Of course, your water heater doesn’t have to stop working entirely to disrupt your daily routine. Even minor failures caused by age or wear and tear can make your water heater work less effectively than it should. Luckily, there are water heater maintenance experts ready and willing to help you get your unit back into working order. Steve’s Plumbing, LLC, has served residential homes in Lynnwood, WA, for several years. If you’re having trouble with your water heater or want to get ahead of potential damage, our team can help you out. Beneficial Water Heater Services Your water heater keeps a lot of the appliances in your home running. When it comes to servicing your unit, the team with Steve’s Plumbing is just as versatile. For every abrupt change in temperature, discontented rumble, or necessary installation you have on your hands, our team has the tools to make the related work as simple as possible. That’s why our services include: Plumbing inspections Water heater maintenance Water heater repair Water heater replacement Our years of experience make us one of the best water heating teams serving Lynnwood, WA. If you’ve been Googling “plumbers near me,” you can trust our team to walk you through the services that will suit you best. Installing a New Water Heater Moving into a new home can be as jarring as it is exciting. Once you’ve settled in—whether it’s a new construction home or an older residence—you’ll need to make sure that all of your amenities work as efficiently as possible. If you have a fixer-upper, new construction, or older home on your hands, you may want to consider installing a new water heater. The team at Steve’s Plumbing can help you browse through some of the best water heaters on the market today. Choosing the Best Water Heater for Your Home There’s more than one type of water heater available on the market. Some of the most common ones used in Lynnwood, WA, residences include: Storage Tank Water Heaters Whether you’ve lived in an apartment or home, you’ve seen a storage tank water heater. These traditional water heaters rely on the aforementioned tank to heat the water inside of your home. This water ends up preheated and contained within the tank, making it easier for your water heater to deliver near-immediate warm water to any faucet in the house you want to use. Unfortunately, storage tank water heaters have their limits. Because the unit only stores enough hot water to fill its tank, your water can abruptly go cold. Your water heater will also need to take its time to replenish, which means that you may not be able to do another load of laundry or even finish your hot shower without waiting. Even so, the widespread availability of storage tank water heaters makes them appealing for homeowners. Tankless Water Heaters As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t have traditional tanks. Despite this design, tankless water heaters can actually push significantly more hot water through your home than standard units. If you have a large family or anticipate doing a lot of day-to-day chores around the house, the tankless water heaters capacity is one of its best selling points. The tankless water heater also tends to use less energy than its more traditional peers. If you’re in the market to cut down on both your water and your energy bill, you can discuss tankless water heater installation with the team at Steve’s Plumbing. Water Heater Repairs Water heater repairs and plumbing maintenance go hand in hand. When you have a problem with one, you’re likely to have a problem with the other. With that being said, there are some forms of damage that are unique to your water heater. As your unit gets older and more worn, you may find yourself dealing with: An ineffective temperature and pressure relief valve Sticking valves Damaged gaskets Leaks from your water tank or plumbing Frayed electrical wires Inefficient fans and filters Poor water pressure No matter what kind of problem it is that you’re dealing with, rest easy knowing that the team with Steve’s Plumbing can help. After an initial inspection of your water heater, we’ll let you know what kind of damage you’re dealing with and how we can best bring your heater back into working order. Common Signs of Water Heater Damage Age and excessive use work together to wear your water heater down. While regular water heater inspections can help you get ahead of the most common types of damage, there may still come a point where you’re taken by surprise when your water heater fails. To get ahead of the worst water heater failures, keep your eyes peeled for early signs of damage. You’ll know it’s time to invest in water heater repairs if you find yourself dealing with: Cool or cold water Unusual thumps or other strange noises Rusty water Inconsistent water pressure Rattling pipes These problems do more than make your home less comfortable to live in. Some of them, like the presence of rusty or dirty water, can even compromise your family’s health. If you notice something amiss with the quality of your water, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Steve’s Plumbing. We can offer emergency services to get your water heater back up and running again. Inspecting Your Water Heater and Your Plumbing Steve’s Plumbing offers water heater services outside of installations, maintenance, and emergency care, too. If you want to learn more about your water heater’s overall condition and get ahead of potential damage, you can schedule a water heater inspection. Water heater and plumbing inspections let professionals get a better idea of what weak spots—if any—your unit may have. After an inspection, our team

Prepping Home Plumbing For The Holidays

With the holidays right around the corner, plumbing is probably at the back of your mind. You’ve got flights to plan, calls to make, and dozens of other tasks to complete before you finally have time for plumbing. However, you understand how important it is to prevent embarrassing accidents as you invite company over for the holidays. You only get to see your extended family a few times a year, so you want to make the best impression possible and offer a comfortable and cozy environment. For this reason, we’ll go through exactly how to prepare your home plumbing for the Holiday season. Plumbing Tips to Prevent Holiday Disasters The best way to prevent plumbing accidents during the Holiday season is to hire an expert to inspect your home and fix all detected issues. Unless you have extensive experience fixing leaky faucets, cleaning your drains, or repairing toilets, it’s a good idea to get help from a professional. However, you can follow these simple tips to keep everyone in your home happy, safe, and dry. The Bathroom Is a Safe Haven When people visit the restroom, they are looking for a moment of privacy to take care of their business and then leave without any obstacles. Your toilets will be subjected to the most traffic of any plumbing equipment during the holidays, so it’s essential to prevent any mishaps. One typical toilet problem is when the toilet doesn’t flush because the chain in the upper tank gets disconnected from the flapper. If you’ve ever experienced any flushing issues with your toilet, make sure to examine the problem and replace the parts so it doesn’t happen again, or better yet, call a plumber for a permanent solution. Furthermore, you should always keep a plunger in your bathroom. Most individuals know how to unclog a toilet but are left in a horrible situation if there’s no plunger present. Nobody wants to be the person who asks the homeowner for help in the bathroom because of a clogged toilet. So keep a plunger present in each bathroom. Lastly, keep the bathroom well-stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and towels. However, make sure that the toilet paper is easily broken down and not too thick. This approach will help prevent clogs if anybody uses too much paper without flushing in between. If your home needs a toilet repair in Bellevue, WA, before the Holidays, make sure to call Steve’s Plumbing today. Respect Your Kitchen Sink  While eating amazing home-cooked food is the best part of the Holiday season, the actual preparation is usually burdensome. For this reason, it’s essential to practice good habits in the kitchen and prepare for any potential incidents. First, check your kitchen faucet and see if you notice any leaks. The faucet will be heavily used when friends and family arrive, and any current issues will be intensified. We recommend installing a new faucet if your existing faucet is on its last legs. The holidays are a great time to upgrade your appliances and show your new gear off to your family. If you need help fixing leaky faucets, call our expert team at Steve’s Plumbing today. You Put What Down the Garbage Disposal? Next, it’s important to remember what’s safe to put down a garbage disposal. Although the exact items that are safe depend on how much horsepower your disposal has, here are some basic guidelines to follow. Safe to put in the garbage disposal: Bread Cold water Small scraps of food Cooked meat and vegetables Eggshells Ice cubes Do not put these items in the garbage disposal: Bones and fruit pits Grease, oil, and greasy food Pasta and rice Stringy vegetables Fruit and vegetable peels Glass, plastic, banana peels, and onion skins Putting the wrong items in your garbage disposal can cause blade damage and clogs. This damage can lead to costly replacements and repairs if the wrong things are continually put inside the garbage disposal. Furthermore, if you’re having issues with foul odors coming from your garbage disposal, you probably didn’t use enough water to flush everything out. Make sure you allow enough time for everything to get shredded and flushed out with water. Any leftover particles will cause smells. Then, make sure to clean your garbage disposal once a week by scrubbing inside the disposal with a bottle brush. If odors are still lingering, you can put BioOne Drain Maid in the garbage disposal and turn it on so it gets distributed in the disposal and let it sit overnight so it has a chance to get to work and eat through all the odor causing bits in the disposal.  If you’re out of Drain Maid, give us a call, we will send a plumber over to drop some off. Use a Dedicated Food Scraps Bin Since people often throw food into the garbage disposal despite being warned, it’s a good idea to have a dedicated food scraps bin. Simply label a garbage can with the words “Food Scraps” and place it near your sink. Make sure it’s easily visible and readable. We recommend making sure the food scraps bin is large enough to support the number of people in your home during the holidays. If not, make sure to take out the trash and replace the bag once it’s full. Why Is There So Much Hair in My Drain? Clogged drains are inevitable if you have your entire extended family using the same shower. For this reason, we recommend placing a mesh strainer over the shower drain to catch any fallen hair. Furthermore, you may want to consider placing strainers in your bathroom sinks to prevent clogs in there as well. However, if your drain is already clogged before the Holidays even begin, we offer cost-effective and customer-first drain cleaning services at Steve’s Plumbing in Bellevue, Wa. Contact us today, and we’ll clear your clogged drain and offer you in-person advice on how you can get your specific home ready for the Holiday season.

Common Winter Plumbing Issues

Winter is hard on plumbing. As the temperatures drop, the potential for damage to your pipes and plumbing system increases. Whether you’re new to homeownership or new to Washington, it’s good to know what to expect during the winter months as the temperatures trend downward so you can protect your Lynnwood, WA, home. Dealing with your plumbing in winter is a lot easier if you know what to look for. Having even just a little knowledge of what some of the biggest issues look like can help you to quickly diagnose a potential problem and get it fixed before the situation can get any worse. Here’s a quick look at some of the most common winter plumbing issues so you aren’t caught off guard this season: Frozen Pipes  By far the most common problem that can affect your plumbing, frozen pipes are something you’ve likely already been warned about. Frozen pipes are the result of water trapped in the pipes freezing solid. As the water freezes and expands, it gets bigger and heavier and can potentially lead to the pipes bursting. This issue can affect both the pipes inside and outside of your Lynnwood, WA, home. Indoor Pipes Plumbing lines that run along the exterior walls of your home or pipes in uninsulated areas are the most vulnerable. These pipes are exposed to colder temperatures and have an increased likelihood of freezing when the temperatures fall too low. To prevent the pipes bursting, it’s helpful to: Turn On The Water As soon as the temperatures drop to or below freezing, turn on your faucets to allow water to keep moving through the pipes. This steady dripping helps to reduce the pressure in the lines. You don’t need to turn them all of the way on, just enough to where there’s a noticeable drip. Install Insulation There are a lot of different ways to insulate pipes, from foam sleeves to heating tape, all of which are easy to install. Focus on your home’s most vulnerable pipes, the ones that are along exterior walls, as these are the ones closest to the cold outside. Open The Cabinets Open up the cabinet doors under your sinks to exposed closed-off pipes. This exposure allows warm air from the home to circulate through the cabinets and helps prevent frozen lines or pipes bursting. Outdoor Pipes It’s no surprise that the plumbing outside your home is particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures. You can reduce the risk of damage with a few simple preparations prior to the cold arriving. Get the Pipes Blown Out When sprinkler season ends, it’s a good time to have your pipes blown out. This process eliminates any water sitting in the lines, so it can’t freeze up in the winter. Once the pipes are cleared, shut off the valve that serves the outdoor spigot to prevent any more water or moisture from accumulating in the pipes. Disconnect Hoses  Disconnect any hoses that are attached to your outdoor plumbing fixtures and bring them inside for the winter. Insulate Insulate outdoor pipes the same way you insulate indoor pipes protect the lines that carry water to the outdoor spigots. Signs of Burst Pipes If a pipe bursts in your home from the freezing temperatures, it can create some pretty costly damage, so the sooner you can catch it, the better. If the pipes are frozen, you’ll tell right away from the lack of running water. You’ll need to call a licensed plumber to help thaw them out before they burst. If you aren’t able to catch the pipes before they burst, there are some key signs to let you know that it’s happened, such as: Damp drywall Rings on ceilings Bubbling paint on the walls or ceiling Musty smells Banging, clanking, or whistling sounds If you notice any of these issues around your home, call a plumbing professional immediately. Clogged Drains With the winter months comes the holiday season, and with the holidays, more guests potentially stay in or visit your home. This increased traffic leads to one of the most common winter plumbing issues: clogged drains. The increased number of people in your Lynnwood, WA, home puts additional strain on the plumbing. With increased food waste going down the drains from holiday meals, more hair accumulating in the shower drains, and more toilet flushes, it can all add up to the potential for more drain clogs. A clogged drain in your home, though frustrating, is an easy fix for a skilled plumber. If you’re thinking about saving money by using a liquid drain cleaner, don’t. These cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can make the problem worse. If your drain is backed up, call in a professional to make sure it’s cleared correctly the first time. The only thing worse than a clogged drain is a damaged one, so don’t take any chances. If multiple drains in your home are clogged, it’s not a coincidence. It’s likely a clog in your plumbing’s mainline that requires a professional plumber to fix. If you’re expecting an influx of family and friends in your home during the holidays, you can also get ahead of the game by making sure your drains are ready for the additional strain. Professional drain cleaning is the best way to make sure your plumbing is clear prior to the increased workload. Drain cleaning should be done annually to keep your pipes clear of grease build-up and debris, but if it’s been a while, or you feel the lines are due for a cleaning, call the pros to help avoid any unexpected plumbing problems this holiday season. Water Heater Issues An increase in people staying in the home isn’t just hard on the pipes. It places an increased demand on your water heater as well. You may begin to notice that showers aren’t lasting as long as they used to or that it’s taking a lot longer for the water to heat up. Problems with water heaters during the winter months aren’t

5 Main Types Of Plumbing Pipes Used In Homes

When you think about your home’s plumbing system, it might seem pretty straightforward. One set of pipes brings clean water to the taps, and another set of pipes carries wastewater away.   But have you ever stopped to think about what all those pipes are made of and what their specific functions are within your home’s plumbing system? If one of your pipes bursts or is in need of repair, do you know what questions to ask your plumbers? This article is designed to inform you about all five types of plumbing pipes that reside in your home. By learning more about how the different pipe types function, you will be better equipped to make decisions regarding your home plumbing in the future. This understanding can help you work closely with your local plumbing professional. Pros and Cons: Metal vs. Plastic Plumbing Pipes You know that pipes are the backbone of your home’s plumbing system, but when it comes time to repair or replace a busted-out pipe, should you go with a metal or plastic piping option? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind for each type of material. Metal is durable but rigid, and plastic is flexible but might wear out faster. Additionally, there are different options for specific types of pipe plumbing, even within the broader choice of metal or plastic. To find out which choice will benefit you and your home the most, you might want to ask professional plumbers to give you some advice. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the pros and cons of metal and plastic pipes: Pros of Metal Pipes Metal has some great advantages when it comes to plumbing. It’s the most common kind of piping in older homes. If you’re a resident of Everett, Lake Stevens, or Marysville, you are probably familiar with older homes, which means that it is likely you’ve seen some of these types of pipes up close and in person. Metal pipes come in three kinds of metal: Copper Galvanized Steel Cast Iron While there are technically three types of metal piping, the one most plumbers today are focused on is copper. Copper is king in the world of plumbing. It is used for your water supply and is completely safe to use within the home. There are no health risks associated with copper, and the material can withstand immense heat and physical pressure, making it an ideal carrier of your hot, highly-pressurized shower water. Copper is also monetarily valuable, even when the piping itself is old or damaged. You can always sell copper scraps for money. If you need a plumbing repair on a water supply pipe and want to use metal piping, copper is a great choice! Cons of Metal Pipes The only viable option for metal piping is copper. Due to advancements in plumbing technology, we now know that any other metal is inferior, and only copper can handle the highly abrasive effects of a home plumbing system. Cast iron can rust through completely, and most plumbers use a hard plastic option (like ABS) to take its place. Furthermore, galvanized steel is no longer an option at all due to its highly erodible nature. This pipe material is only used for natural gas now. Pros of Plastic Pipes Plastic is the new kid in town with a lot of great qualities. Due to its malleable nature, this kind of piping is great for the twisting, corner-heavy walls of modern homes. It comes in a few different options, including: PVC Piping Flexi Piping PEX Piping ABS Piping Each of these plastic pipes can be more or less difficult to work with, depending on the type, but all of them are relatively easy for experienced plumbers to use. You can be certain that your local plumbing professional can install and repair plastic piping with ease. Cons of Plastic Pipes Their flexible nature can also be a downfall. Some plastic pipes are not very strong under intense heat, pressure, or even sunlight. If circumstances in your home’s plumbing system become at all strained, you could be looking at a burst pipe. It is also important to note that not all pipes are legally allowed due to different building codes. Depending on your place of residence, some areas may not permit one or more of these types of plastic pipes to be installed in your plumbing system. It may come as a surprise to find out how many types of pipes are not used or allowed everywhere, but that’s what makes having a variety of pipe options so great. While metal and plastic may seem very different at first glance, the one thing they have in common is the very careful considerations plumbers and zoning laws have when deciding on the best type of pipe to use in a home. If you would like to know about what pipes are allowed in your area, ask a professional about the zoning laws for pipes in Everett, Lake Stevens, and Marysville. What Do the Five Different Types of Pipes Do? Each particular piece of piping has a purpose. Some pipes are meant to bring in the water supply, and others are meant for drainage or venting. There is even a type of pipe that is meant to connect externally with your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Depending on where you live, there are some areas that do not zone for certain types of piping, which makes having a variety of choices even more important. If you are wondering about which pipe would work best in what role for your home in or near Everett, Lake Stevens, or Marysville, consider the following options: Water Supply Pipes Copper is strong and resistant to damage. It will not warp under heat or buckle under pressure. This metal is a tried and true option that has the capacity to last. However, it is a very expensive option when it comes to pricing.

Can Heavy Rain Affect Plumbing

As a homeowner in Washington state, you have probably experienced your fair share of heavy rains. During severe storms, the most common concerns are loss of power or structural damage to your property. But have you ever wondered about how a torrential downpour can affect your plumbing? While it is common to experience plumbing issues, especially in an older house, it is uncommon for them to happen frequently. If you are having problems with your plumbing system a little too often, it is time to investigate the external cause. You might be surprised to know that heavy rains can be the reason why your plumbing is acting up. Read on below to see how rain can affect plumbing in your home. How Does Heavy Rain Damage Plumbing? There is absolutely no doubt that heavy rainfall can cause issues with your plumbing. Excessive rain can put immense stress on the plumbing system and increase pressure in the pipes. Rainwater around your house can also seep into the soil above the pipes. Due to the increased weight of the dirt, pipes can be pushed further down. This movement of the pipes due to softened, wet ground can cause them to bend or break, causing significant issues. Can Flood from Rain Cause Plumbing Issues? Flooding can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and cause severe damage. Flood water contains loose soil, sand, and sediments that can overburden the drains both inside and outside. Deposits and debris from the drain can clog the external drains, internal drains, or both. Oftentimes, you might first become aware of the issue when there is a sudden leak in the house. If you have a clogged drain system, it is best to schedule a plumbing service as early as possible to fix the problem. Fortunately, no matter how stubborn the clog is, it can be resolved with the help of a trusted drain cleaning company in the area. By hydro jetting your clogged drains, professional plumbers can ensure they flow smoothly without any obstructions. As a measure of caution, it is always a good idea to inspect your external pipes and make sure they are not damaged after a flood. If you notice any crack or damage, it is best to get it repaired by a reputable plumbing service before the next storm makes it worse. You don’t want to get caught unprepared. In the event of heavy flooding, water can pool outside your home for a longer time. There is a risk of damage to the plumbing underground, and the heavy soil and water can put a lot of pressure on the pipes causing them to break. To ensure that everything is fine, hire a plumber who can check for any damage before it escalates into a much bigger problem. Is It True That Rain Can Break Down a Toilet? Toilets can bring many plumbing issues, from clogging to overflowing and more. However, you would never expect a toilet to back up or overflow after heavy rains, which can happen for many reasons. Oftentimes, the type of waste disposal that your home relies on can contribute to clogged toilets. City sewer lines can be under substantial stress due to a heavy volume of rainwater. The water from your home has nowhere to go, and instead, it starts flowing backward towards your property. Another culprit that can cause clogged toilets could be the septic tank. If rainwater enters your septic tank, it can cause the water to overflow and back up into your toilet, washing machine, sink, or bathroom drain. If ignored, this can potentially flood your home or basement, leading to more damage and increased costs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners should have their septic tanks inspected at least once every three years to prevent unexpected backups. Having an efficient sump pump system in your basement is essential to reduce the risk of water damage in your basement. If your sump pump is malfunctioning, schedule a sump pump repair promptly and avoid potential damage to your property in the event of flooding. How Can I Prevent Clogs in the Drains Outside My Home? Taking appropriate preventive measures and doing periodic inspections of your plumbing system and drainage can be very helpful in preventing clogs. Professional plumbers in Lynnwood, WA, are equipped with the tools and technologies to thoroughly check your drains, maintain them and address any issues to prevent damage. The freeze-thaw cycle in Washington can contribute to blockage in the drains. Add a freezing rainstorm, and your drain grating could get completely blocked. There is a sudden rush of water when the ice thaws, resulting in flooding. A certified professional plumber will be able to ensure that all of your drains and drain grates are clear so that water can flow freely. Sometimes, the sump of an outside drain can accumulate debris and sediments that can cause blockage in the drain pipe. Regular maintenance can prevent damage to your plumbing and save you money. Reliable Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Services  If you have problems with your drains or plumbing system, trust the certified and skilled plumbers at Steve’s Plumbing in Lynnwood, WA. We know that it can be very stressful to have a problem with your plumbing or drainage system. For over 25 years, we have provided exceptional services to residents in the Lynnwood area. Our team will provide the most effective solutions at reasonable prices no matter your unique requirements. We specialize in all aspects of plumbing, including inspections, maintenance, installations, and drain cleaning. We serve Lynnwood, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Everett, Bellevue, Edmonds, and surrounding areas. A little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in protecting your home and plumbing system. Keeping your pipes, drains, sump pump, and sewer line in perfect condition will give you complete peace of mind through heavy rain, snow, or wind. Contact Steve’s Plumbing today and book an appointment.

Do You Know The Water Quality In Your Home

Hard water is a problem in many households, and most people live with it without realizing how it is affecting them. In truth, hard water contains chemicals that can adversely affect your health and your Lynnwood, WA, home’s plumbing. It can also damage appliances like coffee makers and dishwashers. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with poor water quality. When you hire plumbers to address the problem, they will test your water and offer solutions for removing those chemicals from your tap water. You’ll immediately notice the difference in the taste and cleansing power of the filtered water in your home.   What Factors Affect Tap Water? It’s not uncommon to find toxic chemicals in water since we draw our water from deep within the earth. As it flows through several layers of soil and sediment, fresh water collects chemicals from the earth. If the water isn’t properly filtered, this contaminated water, or hard water, will come through your Lynnwood, WA, faucets. In addition to an unhealthy buildup of calcium, other compounds found in hard water include magnesium, iron, and zinc. Depending on your location, other dissolved metals may be present in your water, such as barium, aluminum, and copper. While there are always some traces of these metals in tap water, higher concentrations will lead to harder water. You can tell that your home has a water quality problem by looking for a white film on your shower walls and shower curtain. Look at your faucets for a light green sediment as well. If you still feel soapy after rinsing off in the shower, this is another indication that you have hard water. These signs should prompt you to call plumbers in your area to test your home’s water for heavy metals.   What Are the Health Effects of Poor Water Quality? When you have hard water flowing through your plumbing system, it will affect the quality of your personal hygiene practices. For example, water with a high concentration of chemicals might cause your skin to become dry and leathery. If you experience itchiness, red blotches, and skin that appears aged, the problem may be with your Lynnwood, WA, home’s water quality. Your hair may also be adversely affected by washing it in hard water. If your hair seems drier than usual, don’t immediately blame your shampoo. Dry hair with tough tangles may be the result of the chemicals in hard water removing the natural oils in your hair. Once plumbers have added newer water filter services to your home’s plumbing, you’ll have a more pleasant experience when washing your hair. While hard water may not taste as good as filtered water, there isn’t any research to suggest that it’s harmful to your health. Even so, you can enjoy cleaner water that has a fresh taste when you ask plumbers to install point-of-use filtration devices. In addition to whole house filtration systems, a filter on each faucet will help remove more chemical compounds and sediment from your water.   How Does Poor Water Affect Your Lynnwood, WA, Home? Even though the health effects of hard water are minimal, your plumbing system will be negatively impacted. In general, the chemicals found in hard water will cause corrosion in your home’s plumbing and appliances. A higher concentration of chemicals in your water will mean your plumbing will be affected more quickly. Once you learn more about the specific ways hard water will affect your home, you will realize that getting better water filtration will save you money in the future.   Hard Water Scale Inhibits Water Flow There are certain minerals in hard water (chalk, calcium, limestone, etc.) that are common in the tap water of most Lynnwood, WA, homes. As these minerals build up and collect in the pipes, drains, and faucets of your home, you’ll see a light lime-colored sediment. This sediment will thicken over time, making it difficult for water to pass through screens and filters. Check for sediment if you experience decreased water pressure in your shower or kitchen faucets. The screen on a sink faucet or the jets in the showerhead may be clogged with sediment. If this is the case, you should have a plumber treat your home’s water before replacing or cleaning the fixtures. This will ensure the same thing won’t happen to your new faucet or showerhead.   Mineral Accumulation Leads to Clogged Pipes Mineral deposits can get thick enough to block the small holes in a screen, but they won’t grow large enough to block an entire plumbing pipe. Water can still pass through these areas in your pipes even when minerals have accumulated along the walls of your pipes. Unfortunately, those chemical deposits will still be significant enough to interact with soap as it flows through your pipes. This leads to the buildup of soap scum, which will be thick enough to trap hair, food particles, and anything else that’s flushed through your plumbing system. When enough waste is trapped by the soap scum and minerals in your pipes, a blockage will form. If you frequently experience clogged pipes, call a plumber to help you resolve your hard water problems. Cleaner water will flush the soap and debris through your pipes more effectively.   Hard Water Affects Your Curb Appeal You might also notice that mineral deposits can be seen in your sprinklers and garden hoses. If your sprinkler system sprays water onto your home, you’ll likely see a lime-colored film on your home’s siding, bricks, or stucco. Even though removing that film is simple, it won’t help if you don’t resolve your hard water problem first. Using hard water in your yard can also have unwanted effects on your lawn, plants, and shrubbery. The high mineral content can cause your grass and plant life to dry up in much the same way that it dries out your skin and hair. This is why your grass may not be as green as it should be or why you find it hard to

Drain Maintenance Tips To Prevent Clogged Drains

Clogged drains always seem to happen at the most inconvenient time, like when you are preparing for a big party. While you cannot completely stop a drain from clogging, there are some proactive steps you can take to prevent it from happening in your Snohomish County, WA, home. What Causes Clogged Drains? Part of preventing your drain from developing a stubborn blockage is understanding what causes them in the first place. Below you’ll find the most common causes of a clogged drain: Hair Soap Dirt Oil, grease, and fat Food waste Coffee grounds Objects accidentally dropped Mineral buildup Remember that whatever is blocking your drain is likely a combination of many things rather than a single substance. If water is moving slowly down your drain or not at all, that is a clear sign that you have a clog. Call to schedule a drain cleaning as soon as possible because clogs only worsen with time. Tips for Preventing Clogged Drains Although it is impossible to completely stop blockages from developing, you can slow them down by following these drain maintenance tips. Use a Drain Screen Placing a drain screen over the top of the drain will prevent non-liquid materials from sliding down the drain and contributing to a clog. A screen makes it more difficult for food, hair, and dirt to pass through, but water will continue to flow easily. It’s important to note that most drain screens do not stop oil and grease. Simply setting the screen over the drain is not the end, though. You must wash it regularly to prevent it from becoming a health hazard. Most drain screens are removable, making them easier to clean. They are a simple, cost-effective solution and can be purchased in most local hardware stores. Monitor What Goes Down the Drain It seems obvious, but no food should ever be shoved down your drain. Grease, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, and grains wreak havoc on your drain. A garbage disposal can help break some foods down, but you can’t just dispose of anything in your garbage disposal.  Be mindful of fibrous foods, meats and never overload the disposal. Do not place grease, oil, and coffee grounds in a garbage disposal. These will coat your pipes and collect other debris as they move down the drain, leading to a clog. At that point, you’ll need to call in a professional for a garbage disposal repair. To avoid this, scrape leftover foods off your plate and into the garbage can. Grease and coffee grounds should also be placed into the waste can instead of flushed down the drain. Check Stoppers for Hair Sometimes hair, soap, and scum linger on your drain stopper before traveling further into the pipe and forming a clog. Checking this area regularly and removing this buildup will prevent water from forcing it down the drain. Remove the drain stopper and you will likely find a bundle of wet hair matted together with soap, skin cells, and dirt. Clean the drain stop thoroughly and scrub it with a toothbrush to eliminate this problem. Brush or Comb Hair Before Showering Brushing your hair naturally removes any loose hair on your head. Once you are in the shower, these hairs wash off you and go down the drain. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Until that nasty blockage develops and you are showering with water around your ankles. When you brush your hair before showering, you can remove most of these pesky hairs before they make their way into the drain. Instead of forming a hairball, the hair will collect on the brush, making it easier to dispose of. Schedule a Pipe Inspection As part of your drain maintenance, be sure to schedule your yearly Diamond Club inspection every year.  The plumber will check all your drains as part of this service that is complementary to our Diamond Club members, giving your the peace of mind knowing you won’t have any major blockages in the near future. What to Do About Clogged Drains When you have a clogged drain, the easiest and safest way to handle it is to call a professional. They will have an arsenal of tools to use that will keep your home safe and blast away the unwanted clog. You are probably familiar with a drain auger or snake, but that is not the only tool in their box: Hydro jetting is a hose that sends water through the pipes at high pressure to break up the clog. It is a quick and efficient tool to blast away debris, but it will also clean your drain and help prevent future clogs or damage to your pipes. If you are experiencing a clogged drain in Snohomish County, WA, call Steve’s Plumbing today to schedule your hydro jet drain cleaning!

What Not To Put In The Garbage Disposal

Though it seems like a humble and unassuming appliance, the garbage disposal has been a time-saver for renters and homeowners in Snohomish County and King County for years. It makes food waste disposal easy and sanitary, and it also keeps a lot of trash out of landfills. Due to their solid and simple construction, garbage disposals are meant to last for years—but they can still have problems no matter how well they’re maintained. Here, tenants and homeowners will learn what not to put in the garbage disposal. Paint This is a common mistake among the area’s do-it-yourselfers. Oil and latex paints should not be poured into household and commercial drains. Paint may cling to the sides of pipes and the disposal itself, curing, hardening, and creating a clog that’s nearly impossible to remove even with garbage disposal repair. While it’s safe to dispose of a small amount of diluted paint, brushes and rollers should be cleaned carefully and larger quantities of paint should be discarded properly. Coffee Grounds It’s a common home remedy for foul-smelling drains but pouring coffee grounds into the garbage disposal will cause more problems than it can ever solve. Though it may provide a short-term reduction in odor, it has long-term effects. When coffee grounds get wet, they turn into a thick, dense paste, which is something you don’t want to go down the drain or in the disposal. Corn Husks Shucking corn makes for a lot of waste, most of which should go into the trash or compost bin instead of the garbage disposal. Corn’s fine silk and thick, fibrous husks are quite damaging to these appliances. Whether you’re growing corn in Snohomish County or buying it in a Kings County grocery store, husk it into a bag and dispose of it properly. Pasta Anyone who has ever cooked macaroni or spaghetti knows that dry pasta expands when it’s moistened. With that fact in mind, it’s easy to see why putting it down the garbage disposal isn’t a good idea. A few scraps here and there won’t cause any ill effects, but substantial amounts should be composted or disposed of in the trash. When using the disposal to get rid of pasta, run cold water for a few seconds afterward to ensure that everything is flushed out of the pipe and into the main sewer line. Beef and Chicken Bones: A Common Reason for Garbage Disposal Repair Although garbage disposals do a great job of eliminating food waste, that doesn’t mean they can be used like a bench grinder. They’re just not made to handle hard items like bones. There’s no need to panic if the occasional fish bone gets in there, but don’t try to grind up anything bigger. Oats Like pasta, oats will expand when they’re wet. Uncooked oats are particularly risky, as they typically slip through the first part of the system only to create a clog further down the line. Avoid the hassle and expense of an oatmeal-related plumbing clog by putting leftover oats into the trash. Onion Skins Most garbage disposals can safely handle diced, chunky, or chopped onions. The papery skin and inner membrane, however, can create real problems. These layers are so thin that they can be washed down the drain unnoticed, but they can get caught in the line and trap other debris. Minimize the issue by putting onion skins and membranes in the trash. Nuts If you’re ever tempted to dispose of nuts in this manner, think twice. Peanut butter is made in a grinder—and that’s just what a garbage disposal is. Keep that thick and sticky paste out of your sewer lines and reduce the need for repairs by limiting the number of nuts that find their way in. Eggshells While many have heard that eggshells sharpen a disposal’s blades, that’s not the case. Garbage disposals don’t use blades like those found in a blender; instead, they use impellers to push waste against a grinding ring. Because disposals have no blades, eggshells won’t work in this way. The thin membranes under the shells, however, may get caught in the impeller and wear away at the motor. Avoid the expense and hassle of garbage disposal repair by putting eggshells in the compost bin or the trash can. Count on the Pros for Fast, Reliable Garbage Disposal Repair While garbage disposals do much to make our lives easier, they can create big problems when the wrong things are dumped in. If, for any reason, your disposal stops working, we’re here to help. Visit Steve’s Plumbing LLC online or call today to schedule an appointment.

Directional Cross Bores And The Accompanying Dangers

In 1976, workers hit a cross-bored gas line while using a sewer drain cleaner. When the drain cleaner hit the line, an explosion occurred. Two people lost their lives, four individuals sustained injuries, and the explosion destroyed one home. This led to more people becoming aware of cross-bores and the surrounding safety concerns. What is a Directional Cross-Bore? Many companies today benefit from trenchless technology. They no longer need to dig a trench to install utility lines. With the help of this technology, they drill horizontally and install new lines. This leads to less disruption and less restoration work. However, with trenchless technology comes directional cross-bores. When utility lines intersect, a cross-bore occurs. The intersection of these utilities leads to problems with either of the pipelines by disrupting the flow within or the integrity of the pipelines. Detecting a Cross-Bore A person might not know a cross-bore affects their sewer line. The problem continues undetected until a sewage backup occurs or another problem develops within the sewer line. In fact, people often suspect they have a sewer lateral that is blocked or obstructed by tree roots. At times, they believe shifting soils have led to problems within this line. They call a plumber for help in cleaning the line or making the repair. Using a drill with a cross-bore can lead to disaster. The Dangers Associated with Cross-Bores When a homeowner requests a plumbing inspection, they need to have this inspection conducted with a camera. This ensures the plumber doesn’t use a drill to clear debris when a cross-bore is present. If they don’t do a pipe inspection prior to drilling, they may hit an active gas line. This could lead to an explosion and the death of one or more individuals. In addition, nearby buildings could sustain significant damage. Why is This Concern Increasing? Many homeowners are now calling for sewer line repair or replacement. They realize the piping infrastructure in this country is aging, which means problems may be imminent. By calling for sewer line repair before problems arise, they hope to protect their property from damage. When the technician arrives, they must conduct a plumbing inspection with a camera to look for cross-bores. Thanks to the increased usage of trenchless technology, this issue has become more commonplace. One way to detect these cross-bores is with the help of a thorough pipe inspection. The other option is to dig up the entire sewer line, but property owners want to avoid this. The cost of restoring the property is lower when the contractor uses trenchless technology, which is why more people request this option today. However, if the use of trenchless technology leads to a cross-bore, the cost of the repair could increase. Who prevents cross-bores? Preventing Cross-Bores Plumbers, building contractors, and more use plumbing cameras today to find sewer lines and potential cross-bores. This is much easier than trying to track the sewer lines manually and ensures all potential cross-bores are located before any work is done. In addition, this method works better than the locating beacon method when cast-iron pipes are involved. Municipalities and utility owners need to work together to prevent cross-bores. When they do so, they help to keep costs down. Property owners appreciate this because they know this will help to keep their costs down as well. However, when a cross-bore occurs on an individual’s property, the property owner is responsible for the repairs. The property owner will need to determine who must pay for the repairs after speaking with a plumber and determining whether a cross-bore is the issue. Why Conduct a Camera Inspection? Any time a plumbing repair is needed, request a camera inspection to find all areas of pipe damage. This inspection allows the technician to see all pipe damage before starting any plumbing repair. While the contractor may use a locating beacon, it isn’t as accurate with all piping materials. In addition, the inspection allows the property owner to see the damage themselves. Often, they find this visual helpful in determining the best course of action for the repair. They know what the problem is and can discuss the various repair options with the plumber. Property owners should always ensure all sewer laterals and other utilities on their property are marked prior to having any work done. In the past, utilities would often mark a property with the location of sewer and water lines and other utility lines buried underground. This same step needs to be completed when using trenchless technology to reduce the risk of problems. The contractor must identify and mark all lines. Learn more about this type of inspection before having any work done on the property, as a camera inspection will help to find cross-bores and provide the owner with peace of mind. They will know the property won’t sustain damage while they are trying to improve it.

What Is Causing A Backup In My Shower

A backed-up shower is a surefire sign that there’s a clog or other plumbing issue in the home. If the shower or tub doesn’t drain as expected after use, it’s a good idea to figure out what is happening and what is needed to make sure it’s fixed properly. Read below to learn more about what could be causing a backup in the shower and what repairs may be necessary. Signs of a Clogged Drain A clogged drain is a common cause of a backed-up shower drain. When there is a clog, it can be noticed because there is trouble with the water draining in the shower after use. Other signs can include the toilet water bubbling or the smell of sewage coming from the drains. Clogs can also cause water to back up in other parts of the home. If water appears in the shower or tub while using the washing machine or toilet, it can be a sign that there’s a clogged pipe further in the system. Any of these signs should lead to calling in a professional for fast help. Though they might not be an emergency right now, the issue will only get worse over time. Plumbing Issues That Can Occur Shower drain issues are more than just a troublesome problem and may be a sign that there’s something wrong with the home’s plumbing. When there is a clog somewhere in the pipes, there are a few different plumbing issues that can occur. These issues will get worse if they are not handled with professional plumbing services promptly. Clogged Drains Clogged drains may mean water isn’t able to go down or may just go down slowly, leading to water backing up in the shower drain. When there is a clog, it’s important to unclog the drain to get the water flowing again. Stagnant water left in the shower or sink can become hazardous quickly if it’s not handled properly. Water Appearing in Shower If water appears in the shower when the washing machine or toilet is used, it’s a sign that there’s a drain clog that needs to be fixed. Wastewater can be hazardous, so if it appears in the shower when the shower isn’t being used, fast repairs are needed to fix the issue, keep everyone safe, and potentially prevent sewer line repairs if the issue gets worse. Damaged Pipes If the clogged drain is not repaired promptly, it can cause further damage. Pressure on one side of the clog can start to build up, which can lead to a burst pipe. When this happens, it’s going to require far more extensive repairs, and the cost of repair will increase. Solutions to Unclog Your Drains Depending on the severity of the clog, there are options available to help clear it and get the drain working again. Drain Cleaning For minor clogs or those close to the surface, a drain cleaning might be needed. This involves removing the clog or breaking it down so everything can go through the pipes, clearing the way for water. Hydro Jet Cleaning – If the drain is clogged anywhere in the pipes, hydro jet cleaning can remove it. This involves using a specialized tool to push pressurized water through the pipes to break down and remove the clog. Pipe Repair If the pipe is damaged because of the clog or damage further down in the pipes is causing the clog, pipe repair may be needed. The type of damaged pipe repair used will depend on the severity of the damage. Cured-In-Place Pipe Relining – In some cases, it may be possible to reline the pipe to fix it without having to dig up and replace the pipes. A cured-in-place pipe relining is a type of sewer line repair can prevent further damage to the property. Is water backing up into your shower? It’s likely happening because there’s a clog somewhere in the plumbing system. Steve’s Plumbing is available to help.  Call us at (425) 451-2444 or contact us today online for fast help.