Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog

Is It Time for a Water Heater Upgrade?

October 29th, 2018

Pipes of a heating systemYour home’s water heater was built to last a long time, especially if you give it proper care and maintenance. However, no matter how well you take care of this system, eventually it will need an upgrade. The trick is to be able to identify when you’ll need an upgrade.

The last thing you need is to find out your water heater has permanently failed, while taking a shower or doing something else that requires effective hot water usage. Keep reading to learn some of the warning signs to watch out for that indicated it’s time for you to go shopping for water heaters in Olympia, WA.

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Plumbing Inspections Aren’t as Scary as You Think

October 15th, 2018

entrance of a pipe from the insideHave you ever wondered how plumber can diagnose problems with pipes that are hidden from view? Chances are you haven’t, but now we’re inviting you to think about it. You might have a vision of plumbers busting into walls and totally up-heaving your home or property in order to find the source of a leak or a clog.

Obviously, this is not an ideal situation, and something you’d like to avoid (and may avoid or put off calling for professional services if you suspect a problem with your plumbing in Yelm.) We’re here to put your mind at ease. The fact is, when your professional plumber is equipped with the right video pipe inspection equipment, and they have the skill and training needed for adequately using that equipment, you needn’t have these concerns. Keep reading, and when you suspect or discover problems with your pipes, give our team a call!

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Can a Plumbing Problem Ever Wait?

October 1st, 2018

An old pipe breaks Sometimes, there are plumbing issues that can, in fact, wait a bit. For instance, if you have a dripping faucet, a running toilet, or a single drain clog, you could probably let it go a day or two without causing irreversible harm. We don’t recommend this as it wastes water, but these are just a few examples of issues that aren’t that major.

But what about more severe problems? What if you hear water rushing behind a wall, or feel a hot spot on your floor indicating a hot water line ruptured and you have a slab leak? Or, what if you noticed multiple drains in your home are backing up, which is the sign of a sewer line blockage? These all constitute as hygienic and/or damaging emergencies and definitely require a call to a professional plumber in Olympia, WA. But what can you do in the meantime?

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The Time to Prevent Frozen Pipes is Now

September 17th, 2018

Icicles hanging from a brown pipe. Frozen water and metal surface, winter time concept. selective focus shallow depth of field photoWhen compared to parts of the east coast and the Midwest, our winters aren’t that cold, right? We don’t really need to worry about much as far as weather-related incidents. One wintertime problem you should be aware of though, is the threat of frozen pipes. And no, it’s not too early to begin thinking about this and preparing for potential plumbing issues.

Historically, our temperatures rarely dip below freezing, but it does happen. This is a reason to be even more diligent about this issue, because even though we don’t think about it as much as homeowners in colder climates, just a few days of temperatures at 30° or below this winter can result in frozen—and subsequently burst—pipes in your home. So, what can you do to prevent this?

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What Should You Know about Garbage Disposal Care?

September 3rd, 2018

Closeup of the hands of a woman washing a lettuce and some other vegetables in the kitchen sinkOne of the great luxuries that modern plumbing has brought into many homes is that of the garbage disposal. And if you have one in your kitchen, you likely can’t even imagine cooking and cleaning up without it. Unfinished meals, kitchen scraps, or even spoiling leftovers are easily and hygienically disposed of, rather than sitting in your trash can and smelling up the place. But, could this dependence on your garbage disposal system get in you trouble?

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by your garbage disposal getting jammed up, more than once, or you’ve had to call a professional Dupont plumber to fix the mechanism, then chances are you aren’t giving this appliance the proper care it needs. This isn’t your fault, though, if you don’t know what items and do not belong in your garbage disposal system to begin with! Keep reading to learn more.

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Water Heaters: Why Is Water Temperature So Important?

August 20th, 2018

Pipes of a heating systemDo you have a storage tank type water heater? This is the most commonly found water heaters in Olympia, WA in homes today, so we wouldn’t be surprised. Even with recent developments in technology, resulting in the spread of systems such as tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters, the storage tank water heater remains a reliable way to enjoy a steady supply of warm-hot water.

So, what if you are one of those who has a storage tank water heater? Is there anything specific you should know. Well, you should know about your risks. Yes, these systems are ultimately safe, so long as they are professionally installed and properly cared for. But there are risks involved, too, such as the threat of scalding that comes with a water heater whose temperature is set too high.

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What Low Water Pressure Means for Your Home

August 6th, 2018

shower head dripping waterLow water pressure can be one of the most frustrating, and even perhaps alarming, of plumbing problems you might deal with. You may be in the shower when it happens, or washing your dishes, or doing any other daily task that depends on a pressurized stream of water. In some cases, there is a simple fix for your water pressure woes. In others, it may be necessary to call in a professional plumber in Tumwater, WA.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes low water pressure, and what you can do about it.

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How Can You Tell If Your Sewer Line Is in Trouble?

July 23rd, 2018

white question mark on a blue backgroundWhile you probably don’t think very much about it, your home’s sewer line is a vital part of your plumbing system, hygienically removing wastewater from the plumbing in your home and transferring it to the city’s sewer system. Your sewer line is most likely buried beneath your yard and property, which keeps it safe from damage and wear from the weather.

Unfortunately, when trouble does arise, it requires a professional plumber in Yelm to manage. But fortunately, we have the most up-to-date equipment and training to handle the job with ease. We’re able to fairly easily access your sewer line, repair leaks, clean out clogs, and manage any other problems without even needing to excavate the pipe.

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For Your Plumbing Woes, Only Trust the Pros

July 9th, 2018

woman under sink with worried expression on her faceNo matter what plumbing repair or service needs you may have, they are likely going to be complex. And if you hire the wrong team for the job, the results can be detrimental to your plumbing system and to your home. Even something as seemingly easy as unclogging a drain can go wrong without the right equipment, training, and expertise. Still, though, we get how tempting it is to “save a few bucks” by hiring a standard handyman, or even a neighbor who is really enthusiastic about DIY projects.

We’re here to encourage you to consider how important it is to hire a licensed, insured, and experienced Olympia plumbing company when you need any sort of plumbing work done on your property. Sure, it can seem like a good idea to save some money upfront. However, in the long run, hiring the wrong plumber can cost you more.

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Signs of a Failing Water Heater

June 25th, 2018

tank water heater in homeWith summer officially here, many homeowners are turning their focus to their air conditioning systems, making sure they are ready to keep them comfortable all season long. And when summer is over, their attention will be turned to their heater. What most people don’t give much consideration to, is a home comfort appliance they use year-round: their water heater.

This system is designed to last for quite a while, especially if they are properly maintained and cared for. No appliance or electrical system lasts forever, though, and eventually you will need an Olympia, WA water heater replacement. But what if you don’t know if the time has come to start shopping for a new water heater? Are there signs to watch out for?

Certainly! Keep reading to learn more.

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