Quahog Plumbing Archives - Page 3 of 6

How to Identify a Hidden Water Leak

Water Leak Detection

Some leaks are easy to find. The evidence is usually obvious when the faucet or the kitchen sink leaks. Unfortunately, leaks don’t always happen above the surface or in plain sight. Sometimes they occur below ground, underneath the home’s foundation slab, behind a wall, or in the yard. These kinds of leaks do have evidence, but it’s not quite so blatant. Professional leak detection involves specialized professional equipment, but even amateurs can find the warning signs or confirm a leak if they know where to look.

Signs That Point to a Leak

Usually, a decrease in water pressure is an early indicator of a leak because water may be leaking out of the hidden or underground piping, causing a drop in pressure. A few of the other signs of leakage or breaks in the plumbing include:

Puddles of Water: If there are puddles or wet areas in the yard when there has been no rain, the water may have come up from below due to a leak.

Sound of Running Water: Sometimes, hidden leaks give themselves away through sound. This is a clear clue if nothing using water is on, but a person can hear water running.

High Water Bill: When a home’s water bill skyrockets without a clear explanation or extra water use, an underground or hidden leak is likely to blame.

Use the Water Meter

Watching the water meter can help homeowners detect a leak in their pipes. When the shut-off valve is closed, all water should stop flowing through a home's piping system, but if a homeowner notices that the water meter still has activity (i.e., it's spinning or ticking), there is likely a leak somewhere in one of their pipes.

In this case, homeowners must contact a professional plumber to locate and repair the leak. Regularly monitoring their water meter can help homeowners stay on top of any potential leaks or other water-related issues that could lead to higher water bills and wasted water.

Professional Leak Detection Services

Professionals can use various state-of-the-art tools and techniques to locate water leaks. These include acoustic listening devices, infrared cameras, and moisture meters. Acoustic leak detectors detect leaks through the sound of running water beneath the surface. Infrared cameras can detect the warmth of moisture and running water compared to the surrounding environment. Moisture meters measure the moisture level in or on a surface, which can also indicate a leak.

Professionals use this equipment and techniques to locate where leaks are coming from as accurately as possible. Once a leak is identified, professionals can then assess what repairs are needed to resolve the issue. Professional water leak detection and repair services can save homeowners time and money by preventing further damage and high water bills due to undetected leaks.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving Somerset, MA, and Bristol County. They provide same-day service, flat rate pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for water leak detection and repair in Somerset, MA.

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Plumbing Tools of the Trade: What Do Plumbers Use on the Job?

What Tools Are in Plumbing Contractors' Fully Stocked Trucks?

Plumbing problems can be a hassle, but luckily, professional plumbers are equipped with various tools to help them tackle any issue. From hand tools to specialized equipment, plumbing contractors keep a variety of equipment in their fully stocked trucks to help them get the job done efficiently and effectively when they get there. This article will discuss the different types of tools that plumbers use on the job and how they help address plumbing issues.

Essential Hand Tools

Plumbers rely on a range of hand tools to get the job done. These tools allow them to work with pipes, fittings, and valves to complete repairs, installations, and maintenance tasks. Here are some of the essential hand tools used by plumbers:

Wrenches: There are several types of wrenches that plumbers use, including pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, basin wrenches, and torque wrenches. These tools loosen or tighten nuts, bolts, and fittings.
Pliers: Pliers come in various shapes and sizes and are used for different purposes. Slip-joint pliers are versatile and can be used for gripping, twisting, and cutting. Tongue-and-groove pliers are ideal for turning and holding pipes, and needle-nose pliers help reach tight spaces.
Pipe cutters: Pipe cutters come in different styles, including snap cutters, ratcheting cutters, and rotary cutters. These tools allow plumbers to cut through pipes quickly and accurately, ensuring a clean and precise cut.
Hacksaws: Plumbers use hacksaws to cut through metal pipes and other materials. They can also cut through screws and bolts that cannot be loosened with a wrench.
Teflon tape: Teflon tape, also known as thread seal tape, is used to seal pipe threads and prevent leaks. This tape is wrapped around the threads of a pipe fitting before it is screwed in, providing a watertight seal.

Plumbers' Safety Gear

When it comes to plumbing, safety should always be a top priority. Plumbers work in potentially dangerous environments and come in contact with hazardous materials like sewage. Plumbing contractors must wear safety equipment to prevent accidents and injuries while working and protect themselves while on the job.

Some safety equipment plumbers may use include gloves to protect their hands from chemicals and sharp objects, masks to avoid inhaling harmful dust and fumes, steel-toed boots to protect heavy objects, and safety goggles to shield their eyes from debris and particles.

Advanced Plumbing Equipment

Plumbers also use specialized tools and equipment to tackle more complex plumbing problems. Hydro jets, for example, can blast away clogs and buildup in pipes using high-pressure water. A drain snake, also known as an auger, also breaks up and removes clogs and blockages in drains and pipes.

Acoustic listening devices are used to diagnose the location and intensity of leaks in the plumbing system. Video inspection can be used to visually inspect the inside of pipelines to look for blockages or other damage. Pressure testing also allows plumbers to check for leaks and measure water pressure. These specialized tools allow plumbers to efficiently and effectively address even the most challenging plumbing issues.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving Somerset, MA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day services, flat rate pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Somerset, MA.

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Why It's More Eco-Friendly to Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Learn More About Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters go by many names. Instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash, and on-demand are just some. Still, no matter the moniker, they all refer to the same water heating system that does not use a storage tank and instead relies on a heat exchanger that heats water as it flows, practically on demand.

While most water heaters commonly found in modern homes still employ storage tanks, there is an argument to be made for switching to a tankless system that aligns with energy efficiency and water conservation. This blog will discuss tankless water heaters and signs to replace an old water heater.

When to Replace an Old Water Heater

Most water heaters have a life expectancy between 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last closer to 20 years. But there are times when it might be necessary to replace a water heater before it reaches the end of its intended lifespan. Here are some telltale signs that it might be time to retire that old water heater:

Not heating properly: If the water heater gives off inconsistent temperatures or it doesn’t heat water, there is a problem. This can be for several reasons, like a malfunctioning component or lack of maintenance.
Constantly needing repair: If the water heater has undergone several repairs and it still fails to work as intended, fixing it might not be enough to solve the problem and may require a replacement.
Corrosion on the tank or in the water: If the water tank has some rust forming on any part of it, or if the water coming out of the faucet looks discolored and rusty, it can indicate corrosion and will need replacement.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

When considering a water heater replacement, it might be more advantageous for homeowners to go green and switch to a tankless water heating system. A tankless water heater works by heating water directly without needing a storage tank. When hot water is needed, cold water travels through pipes and enters the unit, passing over heating elements that warm the water to its predetermined temperature. This heated water is then sent directly to its destination, where it is used immediately.

Unlike traditional storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters don't run out of hot water due to the lack of a large tank that needs to be refilled whenever hot water is used. Tankless models also take up much less space since they are installed directly on the wall and can save homeowners money in the long run, thanks to their increased energy efficiency.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters provide a great alternative to traditional storage water heaters and offer many benefits. Tankless water heaters are more compact in size, more energy efficient, have longer lifespans, and provide an endless supply of hot water. They can also help homeowners save on utility bills because of their energy efficiency.

Because hot water is not stored, it is also not necessary to constantly heat the stored water when it falls out of the desired temperature range. Tankless water heaters only need to use energy when the water is flowing and is therefore being used. This adds up to long-term savings in energy and the cost of replacing the water heater itself.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving Somerset and the surrounding communities. They provide same-day services, flat rate pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for tankless water heater services in Somerset, MA.

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Meet the First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber

Who is Adrienne Bennett?

Not many women show up at a homeowner’s door when a plumber gets called because plumbing is a male-dominated profession. However, a trailblazer in the field, Adrienne Bennett, became the first Black woman to become a master plumber in the United States. She didn’t just break through glass ceilings but also became a role model for people everywhere, showing them that neither gender nor race should prevent anyone from achieving success.

A Serendipitous Encounter

The fourth of eight siblings who grew up in Detroit, Michigan, Bennett had always been drawn to science and engineering. As a child, she enjoyed going to hobby stores where she would choose aircraft models to bring home and assemble. This passion for math and science eventually led her to pursue an entry-level training program with an engineering firm in the city that was a pathway to an engineering degree at nearby Lawrence University. Unfortunately, a racially charged encounter at the firm aggrieved her enough that she decided to quit after just a year.

Seemingly directionless, Bennett did odd jobs in the following years until a chance encounter with recruiter Gus Dowels set her back on the right path. He was recruiting minority women for a federally-sponsored apprenticeship program for skilled trades, an initiative that allowed Bennett to apprentice with the Plumber’s Union, Local 98.

No Way to Go But Up

Despite the demanding and physical nature of the work, Bennett found herself excelling in the program. She passed test after test and earned praise from her instructors, but the celebratory mood would only last so long as she met plenty of resistance, harassment, and bullying from her male colleagues.

This didn’t stop her from pushing through as she continued to collect accomplishments, including being recognized as the first black woman in the United States to hold the title of a master plumber. She was able to take and pass the master plumber exam after she reached the required 4,000 hours of experience she needed to qualify.

Black Woman on Top

Throughout her career, Bennett has worn many hats. She has been, among other things, a journeyman plumber, master plumber, plumbing inspector, project manager, and code enforcement officer for the city of Detroit. But there was still one final hat to put on - that of an independent contractor.

In 2008, Bennett established her own commercial plumbing and water conservation company that she runs with her son, A.K. Bennett. She holds the top spot as CEO of her company, which seems like the fitting final chapter of a career for a Black woman who rose to great heights in a predominantly male profession.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has provided reliable plumbing services in Somerset, MA, and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. Their quick, same-day service and use of the latest technology have won them the community's trust, where they have become the go-to plumbers for all sorts of plumbing issues. Call them today for plumbing services in Somerset, MA.

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Make a New Year's Resolution to Stay on Top of Plumbing Maintenance This Year!

What’s Involved in Plumbing Maintenance?

When most people make a list of new year’s resolutions and things they’d like to do this year, they probably don’t put plumbing maintenance anywhere on it. The fact is, it’s easy to forget that the home’s plumbing system even needs maintenance at all. After all, if the faucets aren’t dripping and the toilets aren’t clogging, why mess with the plumbing?

But that’s just it - maintenance helps ensure that these issues (and many others) don’t come up in the first place. The pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances in a home see a lot of use, so without maintenance, they can develop a host of problems as they succumb to wear and tear. So this article will explain what plumbing maintenance entails, why it’s so important, and how homeowners can keep up with it - both on their own and with the help of a pro.

Cleaning the Drains

One of the most important aspects of plumbing maintenance is drain cleaning. Over time, hair, soap scum, oils, and other gunk can collect in the home’s drain pipes. This not only leads to the formation of clogs but can also cause unpleasant odors and encourage mold growth, so it’s necessary to clean the drains periodically to remove this nasty buildup.

Homeowners can do a little DIY drain cleaning every once in a while by pouring equal parts baking soda and vinegar (typically about ½ cup each) down the drain, letting the mixture sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then pouring hot water down the drain. In general, it’s best not to use chemical drain cleaners, as these can damage the plumbing, produce noxious fumes, and kill vital bacteria in septic systems.

DIY drain cleaning will go a long way in keeping drains clear, but it’s still best to hire a professional to perform preventative drain cleaning every year or two. This typically involves the use of a hydrojetting machine, which can wash away debris and grime as far down as the main sewer line using a special high-pressure water hose.

Scheduling Professional Plumbing Maintenance

It's a good idea for homeowners to schedule annual maintenance with a professional plumber. They will thoroughly inspect the system, often using special video equipment, to find any signs of leaks, clogs, or corrosion and determine the best solution. They will also typically check the water pressure and adjust it if need be, secure any loose pipes with brackets to prevent vibration, and even test the home’s fixtures and values to see if they are working correctly.

Professional maintenance can help homeowners save money on leaks and costly plumbing emergencies, extend the life of the plumbing system, and increase the value of the home (plumbing systems typically account for around 10% of a home’s value) - so it’s a service that no homeowner can afford to do without!

Maintaining the Water Heater

Routine maintenance is also required for the water heater. This includes flushing the storage tank to remove any sediment buildup, testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, and checking/replacing the anode rod (an anti-corrosion device inside the tank). Professionals will also clean gas burners, check gas lines for leaks, test safety devices such as the thermocouple, and inspect and clean the exhaust flue.

There are many benefits of professional water heater maintenance. Not only does it extend the life of the unit and ensure that it’s operating at peak efficiency (both of which help save money), but it also brings peace of mind from knowing that all work is being performed safely and according to code!

About Quahog Plumbing

Since opening its doors 15 years ago, Quahog Plumbing has quickly become one of Somerset’s most trusted and highly-rated plumbers. Their licensed and trustworthy technicians are available for 24-hour emergency service and always work efficiently to get homeowners back to their routines as quickly as possible. They offer same-day service, flat rate pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Call them today for plumbing maintenance, drain cleaning, or water heater maintenance in Somerset, MA.