Light Your Hot Water Heater Pilot Light Your hot water heater pilot light can go out for several reasons. The lack of a pilot light may indicate a problem with the heater itself, but a hot water heater pilot light can go out for other reasons such as fluctuations in the gas pressure. If your pilot light is out, there will usually be cold water coming out of your hot water valves. The good news is that you can follow these 5 easy steps to reignite your hot water heater pilot light:   1. Turn Off the Gas  The first thing you want to do is to make sure the gas is turned off. To do this,...

  Dishwasher Will Not Drain   Since their invention in the late 1800's, dishwashers have become a time-saving appliance that's expected in your average, modern-day home. Like any frequently used home appliance, dishwashers require occasional maintenance and troubleshooting. There is nothing more unpleasant than opening up the dishwasher and seeing the bottom filled with soapy water and food residue. You may question if your dishes are even clean. Check out a few reasons as to why the dishwasher might not be draining below.   Clogged Drain Pipe   If you have noticed that your...

  10 Garbage Disposal Tips   Your garbage disposal is one of the most commonly used appliances in your home. There are good practices to keep in mind that can help extend the life of your garbage disposal, and minimize the maintenance needed. Our plumbers wanted to offer these garbage disposal tips to help keep your kitchen running smoothly.   Tip 1: Use Hot Water While Grinding Food   Using hot water while grinding food in the garbage disposal can help homeowners avoid having problems with grease and clogs that can stick to the sides of the appliance and the pipes underneath...

Gas or Electric Water Heater?   If you have hot running water, your home has a water heater. This appliance would be difficult to live without. There are many types of water heaters and odds may be that you aren't sure what kind of hot water heater your home is using. The most common types are gas and electric water heaters. Less common types are the propane, solar and oil water heaters. An electric water heater uses electric resistance coils, while a gas water heater utilizes natural gas for heating water. Fortunately, there are easy ways to determine the type of water heater you have...

Clogged Bathtub Drain? The bathtub or shower is probably one of the most frequently used spaces in your home, and it's noticeable whenever something isn’t working properly, especially when its a clogged bathtub drain. No one wants to get clean while murky water pools around their feet. There are many factors that can contribute to a clogged bathtub drain, but there are several quick solutions you can try before you might need to call a plumber. Check Strainers and Stoppers Most bathtub or shower drains have some kind of drain stopper or strainer the help keeps large pieces of debris from...

Holiday Plumbing Preparation The holidays are probably the busiest time of the year for many homes. Between all of the parties and family gatherings, some homes can see a huge increase in activity during the festive season. And, all of those visitors will be putting an extra drain on the home's plumbing system. Here are some things that can be done to make sure that there aren't any unexpected holiday plumbing issues to deal with. A Thorough Inspection Whether it's done by the homeowner or a professional, a thorough walk-thru of the home should be done looking for any plumbing leaks or other...

Pex pipe One of the new technologies to hit the plumbing industry, and makes things more accessible than what they ever used to be. This new system will replace traditional copper and galvanized steel piping. This new technology makes it possible for the DIY crowd to fix their plumbing with the Pex pipe technology, but it is not a good idea because of how the individuals must stay alert to the plumbing codes to ensure that everything gets installed correctly. People cannot replace the value of an expert's knowledge, and becoming an expert in this field overnight is impossible. What is Pex...

How do I prevent frozen sprinklers? Winter weather is on its way and that means its time to prep your plumbing system. This includes your sprinklers. These lines are especially vulnerable to the freezing temperatures that accompany winter months. If not winterized correctly, frozen sprinklers mean facing bursted pipes in the spring. Fortunately, ways to prevent frozen sprinklers are simple and cost-effective. This requires time and preparation. The following steps, and with the help of a local plumber, you can effectively winterize your irrigation system. Winterize your irrigation system is...

Prevent Pipe Bursts With cold weather around the corner, one of the biggest plumbing incidents is a burst water or sewerage pipe. This problem causes severe damage to the property, furniture, and fixtures. It also puts ones home at high risk of such issues as the growth of mildew, contamination of food and water, and the growth of water-borne bacteria. Most pipe bursts happen during the winter season as the water freezes inside the pipes, which expands, creating immense pressure which then causes the pipes to burst. It only takes a small pipe leak to cause flooding mayhem at home, it is good...

The Water Shut Off Valve Every home is required to have a main water shut off valve. Understanding where to locate the valve and how to shut off the water is important for everyone to know. Whether you own your own home or rent an apartment, knowing where your main shut off valve is located can save time (and money) in any plumbing related emergency. Depending on the type of structure you live in, the main water shut off valve can be located in different places. Some homes have their water shut off valve located either inside or outside of the house or apartment. These valves may be found...