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How to Prevent Limescale in Your Home

December 20, 2022

Limescale is a serious issue that affects many homes. If left unchecked, limescale can build inside your pipes and eventually begin to clog them and reduce water flow and pressure. Limescale also collects inside plumbing fixtures and appliances and can easily cause them to break down and need repairs. With these issues in mind, here is a quick overview of what causes limescale and how you can prevent it. What Causes Limescale? Limescale results from hard water, which means that the water has a higher concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. Whenever you

3 Ways to Prepare Your Sump Pump for Winter

November 18, 2022

As the weather gets colder and we start to prepare our homes for winter, it’s important to remember our sump pumps! Sump pumps play a crucial role in keeping our homes dry by pumping water out of the basement or crawl space and away from the foundation. But if they’re not properly cared for, they can become frozen and break down when we need them most. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your sump pump for winter. 1. Remove the Sump Pump Hose This is an important step, as leaving the hose attached

3 Common Reasons Why Your Copper Pipes Are Turning Green

October 20, 2022

Updated August 2023 Many people often forget about their plumbing systems until they have a problem. One common issue that affects the systems is copper pipes turning green. The greenish color is often referred to as a patina. Read on to learn why your pipes are turning green and ways to get around the issue. 1. Oxidation The most frequent reason why copper pipes turn green is oxidation. Oxidation takes place when copper pipes are exposed to moisture and air for a continuous period. The color is formed by the creation of

6 Steps for Winterizing Your Home’s Plumbing

September 13, 2022

During winter, temperature drops can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Winterizing prepares household plumbing for these freezing temperatures. As water freezes, it expands and becomes ice. This produces pressure within the pipes that could cause damage. 1. Shut off the Main Water Valve Shutoff valves are located near the main water meter in a home. Shutting off the main water valve is typically done if you are temporarily vacating the home and relocating to a warmer climate for the winter. 2. Drain Your Pipes If you are leaving your home

Successfully Flushing a Water Heater’s Tank

August 15, 2022

Your hot water heater tank doesn’t get buildup in it often, but it’s wise to check it yearly and flush it every one to three years. Minerals and other things in clean water can build up in the tank, so flushing it will help purify your water even more. It will also help extend the life of the hot water heater. The following covers the steps of flushing a water heater tank. Checking the Water Heater Type and Setup The first thing to do is double check on the water heater you have. Gas and

Flushable Wipes: Are They Safe for Your Plumbing?

July 20, 2022

Flushable wipes have become increasingly popular in recent years. They come in various sizes and have different uses. Some are for medicinal use, while others are for cosmetic use only. Most people assume they are flushable. But are they really? The answer is a definite no. Let us delve deeper and understand why this is so. Why Are Flushable Wipes an Issue? At Fix-A-Leak Plumbing and Heating, we have dealt with many plumbing issues caused by so-called flushable wipes. The main reason that these wipes are such a problem is due to the fact that

3 Reasons Why PEX Plumbing Is Bad

June 13, 2022

The plumbing industry is constantly evolving, and new products are always being introduced to the market. One of the latest innovations in plumbing is PEX tubing. This product has become very popular in recent years, but many people are wary as to whether it is beneficial to use PEX tubing in their homes or not. PEX has several serious drawbacks that make it a poor choice for most homeowners. Below are some of those drawbacks. 1. Susceptible to UV Light Damage PEX plumbing is made of plastic that is susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) light

Unclog Your AC Drain Lines

May 19, 2022

Is your air conditioner emitting a musty odor? Are you noticing a lack of cool air? You may be experiencing issues because your AC’s drain line is clogged. This line is responsible for safely removing water from the system so it doesn’t leak into your home. Here’s how you can easily unclog your drain line. Removing Drain Line Clogs Start the process by turning off your air conditioner. The drain line should be a white PVC pipe that starts at your AC unit and leads outside. Ensure no dirt or clogs are stopping the water from

Does It Matter Where You Place Your Thermostat?

April 19, 2022

You’re probably familiar with many of the things that affect your home’s climate. A few of the biggest factors are HVAC maintenance, cleaning habits, and how often you replace your air filters. However, one factor that many homeowners aren’t aware of is the placement of the thermostat. Believe it or not, where you choose to place it can have a significant impact on your household comfort. Why Does Thermostat Placement Matter? Your thermostat works by monitoring the temperature around it to determine if it’s too hot or too cold for your preferences. Then, it relays that

3 Reasons That Buying a Used Furnace Isn’t a Great Idea

March 18, 2022

Whether you’re buying a new furnace because yours is old and inefficient or because the last one broke down beyond repair, the sticker shock of a new unit can be overwhelming. In this state, you may start looking at used models, hoping to save a few hundred bucks. In most cases, buying a used furnace simply isn’t a good idea, and here’s why. 1. No Warranty A warranty on your furnace helps pay for yearly maintenance appointments as well as any repairs. It also protects you in case of manufacturer defects for a certain

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