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Why Do Homeowners Need Plumbing Maintenance?

Benefits of Professional Plumbing Maintenance

Spring is here, and many people will use their spare time to perform spring cleaning. Despite the title, spring cleaning can encompass more than straightening up around the home. It can also include setting aside time to do the tasks that need to be done on a routine basis to keep the household running smoothly. 

Plumbing maintenance is an important service that should not be neglected. It’s typically recommended to be done annually. This blog post will share reasons why routine plumbing maintenance is beneficial. 

Keep It Running Smoothly and Safely

sinkThe plumbing system in most homes is generally reliable. However, when problems arise, they can be incredibly frustrating and costly. For example, when a sewer line clogs or a leak occurs, it can create a mess. However, during plumbing maintenance, technicians will take the time to do preventative tasks and an inspection to help ensure the plumbing runs more smoothly and is safe. 

By ensuring the plumbing is working well and performing preventive maintenance tasks, professional plumbing maintenance can help avoid plumbing problems and the issues they can cause around the home. This will reduce the risk of needing unexpected plumbing repairs. So, let professionals handle problems before they start with plumbing maintenance. 

Improve the Lifespan of the Plumbing 

Plumbing maintenance does more than simply help prevent problems or hazards around the home. It can also help extend the lifespan of the plumbing components, such as the piping, fixtures, and water heater. This will help them last longer and lead to less frequent replacements being required.

One problem that can necessitate replacing fixtures, piping, and water heaters is corrosion. However, routine maintenance can help delay corrosion. For example, one task done during maintenance is checking the water pressure because if it is too high, it can lead to issues like pipe leaks or corrosion.  

During water heater maintenance, allowing plumbers to drain and flush the solids out of the water heater and replace the anode rod when needed can help prevent corrosion in the water heater, which will help it last longer before needing a water heater replacement. 

Save Money

save money Routine plumbing maintenance can help homeowners save money in several different ways. Reducing the risk of needing future repairs and delaying the need for replacements can save homeowners money on repair and replacement costs. 

While inspecting the plumbing during maintenance, plumbers can find and fix leaks sooner than homeowners may have noticed them, which reduces water costs. Additionally, routine water heater maintenance allows the unit to operate more efficiently than if maintenance had been neglected, leading to lower utility bills. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC has a decade of experience serving the Chandler area. They offer flat-rate pricing, on-time service, and financing. Call them for plumbing services in Chandler, AZ. 

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How to Detect a Gas Leak and What You Should Do About It

Identifying and Responding to Gas Leaks 

Many homes use natural gas at home for things like heating, water heating, cooking, and more. Using natural gas, homes are designed with gas lines and hookups to ensure everything is properly installed. However, if a gas leak occurs, it can be extremely dangerous, so it's essential that it is identified quickly and that people respond correctly to keep the home and everyone in it safe.   

Common Warning Signs of a Gas Leak 

bad smell Homeowners need to know the common signs of a gas leak and how to ensure that a leak is not present in the home. These common signs that should not be ignored include:

  • The smell of rotten eggs: Smelling a foul odor, like rotting eggs, in or around the home is a sign of a gas leak. 
  • Hissing sounds or strange noises: Loud hissing or whistling sounds can indicate a gas leak. 
  • Air bubbles outside your home: Some gas lines are buried outside the home, so air bubbles in puddles or mud around the home could indicate gas leaking in these areas.
  • Higher-than-normal gas usage: Gas leaks mean gas is escaping before it can be used, causing gas bills to go up.

What to do if a Gas Leak Is Detected or Suspected 

When a gas leak is suspected, it is essential to take action immediately. Gas line repair and replacement is the only way to stop the leak and protect the home and its residents against further gas leak risks. Everyone should evacuate the home when there is a gas leak, ensuring that nobody creates a spark by turning on or off lights, using electronics or appliances, or starting their car. Even cell phones should not be used on the property when there is a gas leak.

If possible, opening the doors and windows on the way out can help air out the home. Once everyone is at a safe distance from the property and the natural gas, homeowners should call for help, including calling plumbers for gas leak detection and gas line repair. 

Risks Associated With Gas Leaks

sickBreaks in gas lines are not good, and having a gas leak can present several dangers, including the following: 

  • Increased risk of fire due to the possibility of igniting the gas
  • Increased risk of an explosion from creating a spark that ignites the gas
  • Health risks and physical symptoms from the inhalation of gas, such as dizziness, headaches, breathing issues, nausea, irritation of the eyes and throat, and more

About West Plumbing LLC

With West Plumbing LLC on the job, all gas leak repair and replacement work can be handled quickly and easily. If there is a suspicion of a gas leak or other natural gas system issue, prompt action is key! Call them for gas line repair services in Chandler, AZ.

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How Can Homeowners Identify Water Leaks Around the House?

How to Spot Leaks Before They Waste a Ton of Money

Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems because they have so many opportunities to form. The plumbing in every home is made up of many stretches of pipes and joints, along with many plumbing fixtures and appliances, and they can all fall victim to leaks. 

Whether the leaks are caused by wear and tear or corrosion, water leaks in the home can cause costly water damage and high water costs, so it makes sense to try and catch them as soon as possible so a plumber can be called for leak detection and repair. Here is a quick guide explaining several ways for homeowners to spot leaks before they waste more money. 

Signs of Water Leaks 

Water leaks can occur out of sight, meaning they may be hidden behind walls or beneath the floor. This can make spotting them difficult if homeowners don’t know what to look for. Here are some common signs that can signal a leak and indicate to call for leak repair:  

  • Dripping or running water sounds when water isn’t being used
  • Reduced water pressure
  • Water stains on walls, floors, or ceilings
  • Water damaged floors
  • Sagging or water-damaged ceilings
  • Mold growth or a musty smell 

Watch Out for High Water Bills

billsAn unusually high water bill could also be the first sign of a hidden leak homeowners notice. It can indicate a leak that, while not immediately visible, is steadily wasting water and driving up costs. Ignoring such a signal can not only result in more excessive water bills but can also lead to more severe damage over time, including structural issues that could be far costlier to repair. 

Addressing a suspected water leak promptly not only helps conserve water but also helps prevent additional water damage to the home, ensuring that small leaks don't escalate into major crises throughout the system, like water damage, which may even affect the structural integrity of the home. So, any time a large spike in water costs is seen, it should tip off homeowners that they need leak detection. 

Use the Water Meter to Test for Leaks 

water meter Monitoring the water meter is a great way to test for hidden leaks if a leak is suspected since it can help homeowners more accurately determine if a leak is present in the home. First, ensure all water-using fixtures and devices are turned off in the home. This includes appliances that use water and sprinkler systems. 

Next, homeowners should find their water meter and check if it has a leak indicator dial, which is often triangular-shaped. If it is moving and rotating when no water is being used, it indicates a leak. But a leak can still be tested for if the meter doesn’t have this. Record the reading on the water meter, then wait an hour or two without using any water. If the reading has changed after this time, there’s likely a leak and a plumber should be called to locate and fix it. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC has been serving Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas since 2014. They provide upfront, flat-rate pricing, on-time service, and knowledgeable technicians. Call them today for water leak detection and repair services in Chandler, AZ. 

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How to React to a Backed-Up Toilet

Stopping and Preventing Backed-Up Toilets 

Every homeowner knows that plenty of things can go wrong in a home. Each potential problem carries the financial stress of paying for repairs and the stress of dealing with the problem. One of the more stressful and frustrating problems that every homeowner will have to deal with at some point is that of a clogged toilet. 

Clogged and backed-up toilets are one of the most common and disgusting plumbing problems. This article is a quick guide from local experts to help homeowners understand the causes of backed-up toilets, solutions to the problem, and strategies to avoid clogged toilets in the first place.  

What Causes Chronic Toilet Backups? 

tree roots The first step in dealing with any problem is understanding it. Knowing why a toilet backs up is a great way to start the process of troubleshooting and fixing the problem. The underlying causes contributing to backed-up toilets vary, but almost all revolve around the sewer line. 

Every toilet in the home is connected to the same sewer line. When sewer lines are compromised, it can cause every toilet in the house to show signs of trouble. Some of the things that will cause a clogged sewer line are: 

  • Tree root infiltration
  • Crushed sewer pipes
  • Pipe misalignment due to shifting soils
  • Dirty pipe walls from bad drain habits
  • Foreign objects that shouldn’t have ended up in the sewer line 

Anything that slows or obstructs flow in the sewer line will contribute to a clog. Make every effort to learn and observe good drain habits in the future. Luckily, for now, there are solutions for clogged toilets to help homeowners get out of a bind. 

Solutions for Chronic Toilet Clogs 

Fixing a backed-up toilet depends on the underlying cause of the clog. However, most plumbers will start treating the problem by simply attacking the clog. 

Often, they will start by plunging into the toilet. If the problem is more severe or recurring, they will likely use a drain auger or hydrojetting to remove the clog or tree roots from the sewer line. 

In many cases, the damage is caused by shifting soils or compromised pipe materials. In those cases, sewer line repairs will proceed with traditional sewer line repair methods or trenchless pipe repair methods. 

By repairing or replacing the damaged portion of the sewer line, the problem is dealt with permanently. 

Preventing the Underlying Causes of Backed-Up Toilets 

camera inspection Once the problem is dealt with, everyone in the family needs to start protecting their drains more effectively. There are several things each person in the family can do to make sure their sewer lines stay clean enough to prevent backed-up toilets. 

Some of the best ideas are: 

  • Discard food waste into the trash, especially grease
  • Only rely on the garbage disposal for incidental food waste going down the drain
  • Provide trash cans in each bathroom for wipes and hygiene products 
  • Keep trees and landscaping away from the path of underground piping 
  • Schedule routine sewer video inspection or hydrojetting 
  • Install hair catchers in showers and tubs 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC handles backed-up toilets using the latest methods. They offer their services with upfront pricing. Call today for on-time plumbing service in Chandler, AZ. 

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3 Tips for Keeping Garbage Disposals Working Properly

Preparing the Garbage Disposal for the Holiday Season

Many people gather with family and friends for celebratory meals over the holidays. Because of this, the garbage disposal is at a greater risk of getting clogged or running into other problems. Homeowners can use this list of tips to help them prepare their garbage disposals for the holiday season before guests arrive. 

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal 

Garbage disposals are designed to help the plumbing system dispose of residual food left over on a plate by grinding it up. A garbage disposal is not the same thing as a trash can. 

To keep it in good condition, homeowners must be mindful of what goes down. Large pieces of food should be chucked in the trash, not down the kitchen drain. A clean garbage disposal will help prevent foul, embarrassing odors when guests arrive for the holidays. 

Children and new guests in the home may need to be reminded not to dispose of certain food waste with the garbage disposal. Putting the wrong thing down the garbage disposal can cause it to clog up, build up a stinky residue inside the drain, or even cause permanent damage to the hardware. 

Food Waste That Should Not Go Down the Garbage Disposal:

  • Cooking oil and grease
  • Animal fat
  • Bones
  • Seafood shells
  • Fruit pits 
  • Foods high in starch (pasta, potatoes, oats)

Run the Water While Using Garbage Disposals

sinkAccording to plumbing experts, the best way to use the garbage disposal is to scrape large food chunks into the trash can and then run the garbage disposal while rinsing the remaining food residue off the plate. The water should be running while the garbage disposal is in use to keep the blades clean and prevent food items from getting stuck. 

Some garbage disposals are better suited for disposing of larger food particles than others. In general, homeowners should prevent putting too many things down the system at once. Putting ice cubes in the system may be a DIY solution that works for fixing the clogged garbage disposal and keeping the system cleaner. 

Add a few cups of ice cubes to the drain and activate the garbage disposal while the water runs for a quick and easy cleaning hack to remove pesky food buildup in the disposal. 

Add some baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and/or dish soap with the ice cubes to amp up this garbage disposal cleaning hack. When all the ice cubes have been disposed of through the drain, homeowners should run hot water to rinse it down into the sewer. 

Leave Garbage Disposal Repair Up to the Professionals 

garbage disposalGarbage disposals are notorious for getting clogged up or running into other problems. Some homeowners may be tempted to try to fix these problems themselves, but garbage disposal installation, maintenance, and repairs can be dangerous if not done correctly. 

An unqualified person may injure themselves, trying to unclog the garbage disposal, worsen the problem, or cause permanent damage to the system. 

Signs Garbage Disposal Is Not Working Properly:

  • Foul odors coming from the garbage disposal
  • The sink is draining slowly or not at all 
  • Garbage disposal humming or making strange noises
  • It will not power on
  • Garbage disposal leaking water
  • Having to use the garbage disposal reset button frequently

Instead of risking injury or needing an expensive garbage disposal replacement, it is best to call in the experts. An experienced plumber can quickly identify what exactly is wrong with the garbage disposal and efficiently repair the problem. 

Professionals also have insurance that protects homeowners from liability if something goes wrong during the repair, such as if someone is injured or if additional damage to the system occurs. 

About West Plumbing LLC 

Need a reliable emergency plumber over the holidays? Call West Plumbing LLC today for plumbing maintenance and repairs in Chandler, AZ! Their highly-trained plumbing professionals are available to help homeowners with their plumbing needs over the holidays or any time of year. 

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