Plumbing Archives - Fix-A-Leak Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Is a Traditional or Tankless Water Heater Best?

August 7, 2023

When deciding to upgrade your water heater, you can choose between traditional and tankless water heaters. Both types have their pros and cons. Depending on your circumstances, there’s an excellent chance that either will work well in your home. Tankless Water Heater Pros One of the biggest pros of tankless water heaters is that they are energy efficient. They only heat water on demand when you need it. Unlike traditional water heaters, they don’t have standby heat loss. This saves you money on your energy bills. Tankless water heaters take up little space.

4 Steps to Fix a Toilet Flushing Mechanism

July 17, 2023

When the toilet flushing mechanism isn’t working properly, it can be a huge inconvenience and cause an unsightly mess. Fortunately, most problems with a flush valve are relatively easy to fix. The following are four steps that experts implement to fix a toilet flushing mechanism. 1. Assess the Situation Before attempting to fix the flushing mechanism, the plumber will diagnose the problem. This diagnostic process includes checking that the water supply is turned off at the shut-off valve near the base of the toilet. If the water is turned off, the plumber will then turn it

Which Leak Detection Method Is Best?

May 15, 2023

Slow and hidden leaks can gradually undermine the value and integrity of your Hauppauge, NY home. Over time, they can even affect its habitability. Unfortunately, leaks can fester unnoticed at the backs of appliances, in crawlspaces, and behind drywall for months on end. To make sure that these problems aren’t overlooked, it’s important to find and leverage the best leak detection method. Whole-House Plumbing Inspections In general, the best way to detect slow and hidden leaks is by regularly scheduling whole-house plumbing inspections. These visits give plumbers the chance to identify both existing leaks and functional

Is a Sump Pump Needed in Every Basement?

April 24, 2023

Sump pumps are those devices that automatically remove water from an area, such as a basement. They are common in Suffolk County homes. But do all basements require a sump pump? When You Do and Don’t Need a Sump Pump? No, not all basements need a sump pump. It depends on the basement’s condition and its potential for water infiltration. If your basement has been properly waterproofed and is not in a flood zone, you may not need a sump pump. However, if your basement has poor drainage or is in a flood

What Happens to the Water With a Slab Leak?

January 16, 2023

If you own a home with a slab foundation, slab leaks can pose significant problems to its structural integrity. Discover where the water goes when you have a slab leak and signs that this may be a problem you’re facing. Eroding the Ground Around Your Foundation Slap leaks occur when the pipes that run under your slab foundation start leaking. There are only two places water has to go, into the ground or into the slab. Water always follows the path of least resistance, so it’s most likely to flow into the ground, softening it and

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

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