Company: Quahog Plumbing

A Guide to Dealing with Gas Leaks

How to Respond to Gas Line Leaks 

Gas leaks are among the most stressful problems homeowners can face. Unfortunately, not knowing what to do in this situation makes things worse and more dangerous. There are a few things that people should know about natural gas leaks. Here is a quick guide to recognizing the signs of gas leaks, their dangers, and what to do once one is noticed. 

Signs of Gas Leaks 

bad smell Natural gas is used in most homes for things like heating, water heating, and cooking. However, a leak from the gas line can be dangerous, so household residents must know how to spot them. Some of the signs that help people spot gas line leaks are: 

  • The bad odor: While natural gas is odorless, special chemicals are added to make it smell like rotten eggs to help alert people to a gas leak. 
  • Dying or wilted plants: Gas leaks can also cause houseplants or grass and plants in portions of the yard near the gas line to wilt or die. 
  • Unusual Sounds: Natural gas leaks can cause a whistling or hissing sound. 

Responding to Gas Line Leaks 

If a gas leak is noticed, knowing how to respond is essential. Quick action should be taken. First, everyone should vacate the home and area. While leaving the home, everyone should be sure not to do anything that could cause a spark or flame, including using lights, cell phones, and electronics. 

Once everyone is at a safe distance from the property, the gas company should be notified, and a plumber should be called for gas leak detection and gas leak repair. Using specialized detection equipment, they can pinpoint the location of the gas leak and make immediate repairs, making the home safe again. 

Dangers of a Natural Gas Leak 

sickA gas leak is extremely dangerous. When there is a natural gas leak, there is a risk of fire or an explosion if a spark or flame ignites the gas. Additionally, many physical symptoms of a gas leak can occur. Some gas leak symptoms include: 

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Nausea
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Pale skin or blisters

Considering the dangers associated with a gas leak, homeowners should be aware of the signs of a gas leak and respond correctly. 

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has been serving Somerset and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. They provide same-day services, straightforward pricing, and the latest technology. Call them for gas leak detection and gas line repair in Somerset, MA. 

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Benefits of a Water Softener System at Home

Why Install a Water Softener?

A water softener improves the quality of the water entering the home by removing minerals that make hard water. Although the hard water minerals aren’t dangerous, there are many negative effects when a home has hard water. It can wreak havoc on pipes and appliances within the home and reduces the effectiveness of soap. This article will share reasons why a water softener is beneficial if a home has hard water.  

Water Softeners Provide Better Cleaning 

hard water Hard water, containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can impede household chores, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in maintaining home cleanliness. After washing dishes in hard water, people may notice spotting and film residue, which detracts from their sparkling finish. Likewise, bathroom fixtures often fall victim to unsightly stains and mineral deposits that demand rigorous scrubbing. Clothes are not spared either, as washing them in hard water can lead to dullness and a reduced lifespan of fabrics. 

Installing a water softening system is a practical solution to combat these issues from hard water. Water softeners make soaps more effective and facilitate more effective cleaning, culminating in spotless dishes, pristine bathroom surfaces, and clothes that remain vibrant and endure through countless washes. 

Water Softening Protects the Plumbing and Appliances

Hard water can also significantly contribute to the increased wear and tear on plumbing systems and water-using appliances. As it travels through pipes and appliances that use water, hard water can deposit minerals, leading to scale buildup that restricts water flow and reduces efficiency. In appliances like water heaters, these mineral deposits can accelerate corrosion, reduce heating effectiveness, hurt efficiency, and ultimately shorten the appliance's lifespan. 

Installing a water softener system mitigates these issues by removing excess minerals from the water, thereby preventing scale deposits, enhancing appliance efficiency, and extending the operational lifespan of both plumbing systems and appliances. Not only can money be saved with improved efficiency and lower energy bills, but fewer replacements with a longer lifespan will also save money. 

Water Softener Installation Can Help Skin and Hair

dry air Skin and hair health is also greatly influenced by the quality of water used during bathing and showering. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals, can strip moisture from skin and hair, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. It can also make hair appear dull and more susceptible to breakage. 

The installation of a water softener, which removes these harsh minerals, can result in significantly softer and more hydrated skin and hair. With softened water, individuals may notice a decrease in itchiness and dryness, leaving their skin and hair looking healthier and more vibrant.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has been serving Somerset, MA, and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. They provide rapid service, straightforward pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for water softener installation in Somerset, MA. 

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Perks of a Tankless Water Heater Installation

Thinking About Going Tankless? Here Are the Benefits

Making changes to the home for the new year may no longer be a novel resolution, but deciding to upgrade to a tankless water heater can be beneficial. Conventional storage water heaters have long ruled the majority of American homes, and most homeowners tend to go with what’s tried and tested. However, there are many reasons why tankless water heaters continue to gain traction and are fast becoming a reliable choice for water heating. Here are the advantages of installing a tankless water heater. 

Improves Energy Efficiency and Lowers Costs

save money Tankless water heaters are incredibly energy-efficient and have a leg up over traditional storage tank water heaters in efficiency and lower water heating costs. Although the initial cost for installation of tankless or instantaneous water heaters is more expensive than storage water heaters, they can save homeowners money on their monthly energy bills. 

This is because tankless water heaters consume energy only when the hot water tap is turned on, unlike conventional water heaters, which continually use energy to keep the water in its storage tank hot and ready for use in case it is needed. This on-demand water heating feature creates efficiency in energy consumption that simply cannot be matched by storage-type water heaters. 

More Hot Water Supply While Taking up Less Space

tankless water heaterBecause tankless water heaters can create hot water as needed, they provide a hot water supply that is not only virtually unlimited but also extremely reliable. The days when homeowners had to put up with cold showers simply because their water heaters didn’t have enough hot water left in the tank are no longer a reality. 

Here’s another great thing about the tankless water heater - its lack of a storage tank makes it smaller, more compact, and easier to install in homes and places where space is an issue. Apartments or condos, tiny houses, older homes whose water heating systems can no longer be updated, or any home can all benefit from a tankless water heater’s more manageable size. 

Longer Life Expectancy 

Tankless water heaters have an average life expectancy of over 20 years, so it’s not difficult to see that a tankless water heater will make a worthwhile investment, considering storage water heaters last an average of 10 to 15 years. A tankless water heater's lifespan is longer than the average length of homeownership in the U.S. 

The longer life expectancy of a tankless water heater can also lead to more savings for homeowners. In addition to the lower water heating costs, fewer water heater replacements mean less money spent on the costly, time-consuming, and sometimes inconvenient scenario of replacing an existing water heater. 

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing provides expert and trustworthy plumbing services in Somerset, MA, and the surrounding areas. With over 15 years of experience, their team of licensed and knowledgeable plumbers offers rapid service, flat-rate pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for tankless water heater installation in Somerset, MA.

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Why Sump Pump Installation Could Make the Best Gift This Holiday Season

Sump Pumps Protect Homes and Property

A sump pump is a small yet powerful pump used to remove water that has accumulated in the basement of a home or building. Water entering the house can be caused by various factors, such as heavy rain, melting snow, a burst pipe, or excess groundwater seeping into the home's foundation. The primary purpose of a sump pump is to prevent flooding and water damage by pumping the excess water out and away from the house. This post will discuss the benefits of sump pump installation and the different types of sump pumps. 

Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump

But why install a sump pump in the first place? The answer is easy. Sump pumps protect homes from flooding and the consequences of water getting into the house, such as water damage, mold growth, and expensive water damage repairs. Preventing water damage also helps protect the home’s structural integrity. 

Sump pumps are installed in a sump pit or a sump basin that is located in the lowest part of the home. The basin is where water collects, and when the water level in the basin rises, it activates the sump pump float switch, which then signals the sump pump to start drawing water out of the house towards a safe drainage system. This automatic system is beneficial because it doesn’t need to be turned on manually and can protect the home even when homeowners are away. 

Primary Sump Pumps

sump pumpsMost homes will require a primary sump pump that becomes operational when excess water is detected. The two types of primary sump pumps are a submersible sump pump and a pedestal sump pump. Both do the job of forcing out excess water from the sump basin, but they differ in how the pump motor is mounted and their pros and cons.

Submersible sump pumps are the more powerful of the two and operate quieter, but they are more expensive and have a shorter lifespan. Pedestal sump pumps, on the other hand, have a motor located above the sump pit, allowing for easier access to the motor for repair. But because of its location, it is louder. It is also less powerful but has a lower cost and a longer lifespan. 

Sump Pump Backups

backup sump pumpMost primary sump pumps do an adequate job of pumping out water and preventing flooding. However, homes that are particularly susceptible to large amounts of rainfall, snowmelt, or power outages may want to invest in a backup for their sump pump. They take over protecting the home from flooding in case of the main pump’s failure or if the primary pump loses power. 

The most popular of the sump pump backup options is a battery-operated backup for the sump pump due to its easier installation and lower cost. A water-powered sump pump backup is another option that can run as long as there is a working water supply. They have a longer lifespan than battery backups but are more expensive. 

About Quahog Plumbing 

Quahog Plumbing has been serving Somerset, MA, and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. They provide same-day services, flat rate pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for sump pump services in Somerset, MA. 

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Preparing the Home to Prevent Frozen Pipes During the Winter

Professional Tips for Protecting Pipes 

Winter is almost here, and most people approach the season with excitement. However, after a few months of being locked indoors and dealing with winter weather, people may not be so enthusiastic. Winter can bring all sorts of hazards that leave homeowners scrambling to prepare. 

Winter can be hard on people and property. One serious hazard it presents is to a home's plumbing and pipes. Subzero temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leaving homes without water service and dealing with the fallout of flooding. Here is a quick guide from local experts to help homeowners better prepare their homes for winter weather and prevent frozen pipes. 

Why Are Frozen Pipes So Bad? 

burst pipePipes exposed to freezing temperatures can freeze. This prevents water from flowing through the pipes, causing a loss of water to whatever fixtures the frozen pipe feeds. However, the main danger of frozen pipes is the damage they can cause. As water freezes in pipes, it expands, putting tremendous pressure on the walls of the pipes. Plastic and metal pipes can succumb to the pressure and burst or crack and leak. 

When pipes burst, they can cause flooding in the home. Sometimes, the flooding happens immediately, and sometimes, it occurs after the lines defrost. Burst pipes and leaks can cause various problems, such as water damage, foundation issues, and mold growth. Repairing the damage caused by burst pipes can be very expensive, so it’s best to prevent them.  

Can Pipe Insulation Help? 

pipe insulationInstead of risking substantial water and repair bills, take steps to prevent frozen pipes. The best thing a homeowner can do to avoid frozen, and burst pipes is to ensure that vulnerable piping is insulated. Homeowners can install insulation on pipes, but a local plumber can help by inspecting the plumbing to find lines that are more likely to freeze. Then, the pipes can be protected using pipe insulation. 

Pipe insulation is a cheap solution that can help protect pipes from freezing. Of course, that is not their only benefit. Pipe insulation also helps extend the life of piping by protecting it from condensation, and insulating the hot water pipes can reduce energy bills by reducing heat loss. Insulating pipes is a cheap and easy DIY project to ensure pipes don’t freeze during the winter. Be sure to insulate pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outdoor areas. 

More Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes 

Besides pipe insulation, there are other steps that homeowners can take to prevent the disaster that could come with frozen pipes and burst pipes. Some other ideas to help homeowners protect their plumbing during the winter are: 

  • Always leave the thermostat set at a consistent temperature, even when away from home, to keep the house warm and prevent pipes from freezing
  • Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate to the plumbing and pipes 
  • Leave faucets dripping during freezing temperatures to avoid freezing

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has been serving Somerset and the surrounding areas for more than 15 years. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day services, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services and burst pipe repair in Somerset, MA. 

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