Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Olympia’

How Can I Save More Water and Energy in the Winter?

Monday, December 17th, 2012

As the heating season approaches savvy homeowners begin cooking up their schemes to roll back energy costs this winter. What many homeowners do not give much consideration to – often until a problem arises – is the conservation of water throughout the winter. Both are important, if for different reasons. Brooks Plumbing has some information to share with you about how you can improve both your energy efficiency and water conservation this winter. Cut down on the amount of resources you use and watch the saving begin to add up this heating season.

Some of the most effective ways to save energy during the winter months are also the simplest. Did you know that you can reverse the rotation of your ceiling fans? Flip a switch on the fixture and keep them going clockwise. This is generally the winter setting and it forces heated air back down to the living space from the ceiling. You can also buy shrink-wrap and weather-stripping to winterize your doors and windows. Keeping the heat inside your home is one of the most basic ways to reduce heating costs during the winter. Of course the best way you can keep your home heating system as efficiently as possible is to schedule regular, professional maintenance. When your heating system is operating effectively, efficiency soon follows.

Saving water during the winter is a bit different. Some water saving methods are automatic in the winter, such as cutting down on the water you use to maintain your lawn. This is much more of a spring or summertime concern. One thing people tend to do in the winter is spend more time in a nice, hot shower. It may be a nice respite when you get back from the cold outdoors, but remember that you are paying for that water just like always. The biggest water waste concern in the winter is the freezing of your pipes. Make sure that they are properly insulated and, if you are going away, be sure to drain them to prevent bursting. A burst pipe, as you can imagine, is a pretty serious way to waste water.

For more information about cutting costs and increasing water and energy efficiency in Olympia, WA this winter contact Brooks Plumbing. Let us help you improve your comfort while retaining more of your budget. Schedule service today.

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on How Can I Save More Water and Energy in the Winter?

Plumber Tips: Drain Line Do’s and Dont’s

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Are you in need of an Olympia WA plumber for a drain problem in your home? Call the plumbers at Brooks plumbing today! We can tackle any job, big or small. To help maintain the drain lines in your home, we’ve put together a list of do’s and dont’s for residential drain systems.

Call an Olympia Plumber for Backups and Clogs

Whether you have a toilet that is overflowing due to a backup, or you have a clogged sink, always call a plumber before you put chemicals down the drain or try to resolve it with a temporary fix. The plumber will be able to take care of the problem and prevent it from recurring. Using harsh drain cleaners will not solve the overall issue, and it can harm the pipes, particularly in homes with piping made of soft metals.

If necessary, the plumber can view the block from the inside with a video inspection device. They will diagnose the reason for the block and tell you how to avoid further problems. They will also let you know if the block was a sign of a more serious problem with your plumbing. Call us for all your drain line repair needs.

Think Before You Flush

Flushing diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, and other objects down the toilet is another common cause of drain system backups. Homeowners should never flush anything down the toilet that wasn’t specifically designed to be disposed of that way. When in doubt, you should always err on the side of caution.

Hire Brooks Plumbing for Drain and Sewer Line Replacements

We use trenchless technology for sewer line repairs and replacements. That means no trenches will be dug across your lawn, and this technology helps protect driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping. It also means less time spent digging and back filling, which translates to lower costs for you.  Replacing a sewer line is a major project that must be done correctly to avoid further problems down the road. You need a company you can trust.

Contact Brooks Plumbing today if you have questions or are in need of a Olympia plumbing repair.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumber Tips: Drain Line Do’s and Dont’s

Plumbing FAQ: Do Banging Pipes Need a Plumbing Repair?

Monday, November 19th, 2012

While there are many plumbing noises that indicate that it’s time to call a Olympia plumber, banging pipes are the most common. A banging noise in your plumbing system could have many different causes. It’s a good idea to call one of the Olympia plumbers at Brooks Plumbing, to inspect your system and make sure there are no major issues.

Here are a few reasons you may be hearing a banging noise when you shut off your plumbing appliances and fixtures.

When water travels through the pipes in your plumbing system, there’s a lot of pressure behind it. If the pipes are too small, there’s more water, and therefore, more pressure behind  the valve when the water moving to that application shuts off. The momentum of the water causes the pipes to shift when this happens, and that’s why you hear a banging noise. Depending on how loud the noise is and the location of the pipes, it could be something that needs a repair.

Not having pipes wide enough to carry the volume of water running through them puts stress on the pipes every time the valve shuts and you hear the banging noise. There are many solutions to this. Your plumber can install vertical pipe near the valve to absorb the shock of the water pressure. The water will move into the vertical pipe and release some of the pressure.

You can also find valves that are specifically designed to address this problem if it is a problem throughout your plumbing system rather than one area. Installing a pressure-reducing valve onto the main water supply will take care of the issue throughout the home. You may also need to add an expansion tank to your boiler or water heater if this is a recurring problem with any of your hot water applications.

If you have further questions or would like to schedule a repair service, call the Olympia plumbers at Brooks Plumbing. We are here to resolve any plumbing issue with the right solution.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing FAQ: Do Banging Pipes Need a Plumbing Repair?

Why Choose a Storage Tank Water Heater?

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Some people don’t adjust well to change. Others simply like to stick with whatever has been working for them in the past. Whatever the reason, many people just don’t feel the need to embrace new technologies, at least not in all parts of their lives. While many people will sing the praises of tankless on-demand water heaters and attempt to call those sticking with the tank style models old fashioned, this is one of those cases where the oldie is, in fact, a goodie. At Brooks Plumbing we know that newer tankless water heaters are great devices, but we also understand that there are many valid reasons why you may want to stick with a storage tank model in your Olympia home.

Storage tank water heaters keep a constant reservoir of hot water at the ready. Many people will point to the fact that they must continually heat this reservoir when arguing for the superiority of tankless on demand water heaters. While older storage tank models certainly may lack the efficiency of a tankless model, though, the improved storage tanks of modern water heaters have better insulation, reducing the amount of energy that must be used to keep that reservoir warm. Plus, you are much less likely to run out of hot water with a storage tank model, whereas tankless on demand water heaters may have a hard time keeping up in homes with a high demand for hot water.

Storage tank hot water heaters also give you a great variety of fuels to choose from. There is always an ongoing debate about which fuel type is better, gas or electricity. Many argue that natural gas is the way to go, as it is produced domestically, burns pretty cleanly and is cheaper to purchase than electricity. However, you must also consider the efficiency of the particular water heater model in question. After all, if an electric water heater is much more efficient than a natural gas model then the electricity-fueled model may actually wind up saving you money over time in operational costs. Additionally, electricity is available pretty much anywhere, whereas some houses don’t have natural gas hookups or access to a gas line at all. In addition to natural gas and electricity tank water heaters also can be fueled by oil or propane, though these options are much less popular.

We hope that this information has convinced you not to rule out storage tank water heaters just yet. There is nothing wrong with tankless on-demand models, of course, but there is a reason that tank water heaters are so popular. In fact there are several. If you have any more questions about why you may want to choose a storage tank water heater in your Olympia home, call the experts at Brooks Plumbing today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on Why Choose a Storage Tank Water Heater?

Issues with Your Storage Tank Water Heater

Monday, October 29th, 2012

The good news about water heaters that use a storage tank is that they are fairly simply contraptions. They hold a bunch of water, heat it and distribute it the rest of your home. But like everything else in this world, things go wrong. Eventually, you’ll start to have problems with your water heater and you’ll need water heater repair services for your home in Olympia. You should always consult with a professional heating technician about any issues that you’re having with your water heater. While they are fairly simple devices, you could do irreversible damage to your system. Here are a few of the common water heater problems that we see in Olympia.

Water Temperature

If you don’t have any hot water or if the water coming out isn’t hot enough, there are a few things that could be wrong. This could be an issue with the thermostat on the tank. It may have been turned down accidentally or it could be faulty. The other issue could be that the heating element (for electric heaters) or the pilot light (for gas heaters) could be at fault. For a pilot light, it could be that it is dirty. The electric heating element could be broken or the water heater could be unplugged.

Rust Colored Water

If you turn on your hot water faucet and rust colored water comes out, this might be a huge problem. Inside your water heater is a “sacrificial rod”. This rod is made out of some metal, normally magnesium or aluminum, and it sacrifices itself for the sake of your water tank. The rod attracts the tiny electrical current in the water that would normally erode your water tank. But when the rod is consumed, the inside of your tank will start to rust. By the time you start to see the rust flowing out of your water heater, the damage is most likely done. You will probably end up having to replace your water heater.

Stinky Water

If your hot water starts to smell like rotten eggs, this could be caused by a bacterial infection in your water. Sometimes, bacteria can start to grow as they feed on the hydrogen released from your anode rod. If this is the case, a professional heating technician can drain your water heater and clean it to remove the smell.

Noise in the Water Tank

If you start to hear noises inside the water heater tank, this could be due to sediment or mineral build up at the bottom of the tank. As it heats up, it produces popping sounds. A professional heating technician can also help you fix this problem.

If you’re experiencing any of these water heater issues in your Olympia home, call Brooks Plumbing today. We have years of experience offering high quality plumbing services in olympia and would be happy to help you as well.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Issues with Your Storage Tank Water Heater

Water Heater Tip: Improving Water Heater Efficiency

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Improving the efficiency of the water heater in your Olympia area home will depend on several factors. The type of water heater installed in your home is the first factor, and improving efficiency can be easy if you know what to do.

If you want to increase the efficiency of your water heater, there are a few initial steps to take. If you have questions or would like more water heating tips, call the expert plumbers at Brooks Plumbing. Here are some ways to get you started today on cutting back on the energy used to heat the water in your home and to lower your utility bills.

Installing a high-efficiency tank water heater or a tankless water heater to replace your old inefficient model is only one way to more efficiently heat the water in your home.  You can also make small upgrade, such as installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. Other areas include the dishwasher and washing machine. Use cold water when possible to wash your clothes, and only use the hot temp settings on the dishwasher for heavier loads. Using less hot water means using less energy to heat the water.

You can also lower the thermostat on your hot water heater, which can save you up money on energy costs and reduce the chances of scalding if the water is too hot. Most manufacturers recommend 140°F for water heater thermostat settings. In reality, many people don’t need hot water to be heated above 120°F. Call a plumber or check your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to locate the thermostat on your water heater or if you have other questions about proper temperature settings.

If you have an older tank water heater, one easy way of improving efficiency is to insulate the tank. This will help prevent heat loss while the water is being heated at all times. You can find water heater “jackets” easily, but keep in mind that you may need to know the R-value of the water heater tank before you make your purchase.

Call the Olympia water heater specialists at Brooks Plumbing if you have further questions.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on Water Heater Tip: Improving Water Heater Efficiency

Drain and Sewer Tip: 5 Reasons Why Drain Cleaning Is Important

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Here at Brooks Plumbing, we can take care of all your Olympia plumbing needs, including providing tips for preventive plumbing maintenance. Drain cleaning is one of those important maintenance tasks that many homeowners neglect until it’s too late. Here are five reasons that regular drain cleaning services are a vital part of maintaining your plumbing system.

  • Clearing Buildup and Debris Can Help Prevent Backups and Leaks

When food, grease, or other debris get caught in your drain lines, it can create a number of problems for your drain and sewer system. Overflowing toilets or frequent system backups are a few signs that you could have a major clog in your drain lines, but all too often there’s major water damage by the time this happens. Routine drain cleaning is one way to prevent this. It also helps prevent leaks from clogs near joints or weak spots in the pipe.

  • Drain Cleaning Is a Natural Way to Keep Drain and Sewer Lines Clear

Common household drain cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can harm your pipe, particularly if they are made of soft metals, not to mention the environmental impact. Using a drain snake is a much safer way to clear out your drains. Our plumbers also use video pipe inspections to help pinpoint the problem and find the best solution for your particular drain and sewer issue.

  • Professional Drain Cleanings Provide an Opportunity to Check for Other Problems

In addition to clearing out all your drain lines, a drain cleaning service allows our plumbers to check for any other hidden issues, such as tree root intrusion or a damaged sewer line. If these issues are caught early, it could help to prevent major water damage or expensive repair or repiping needs.

  • Cleaning Drain Lines Helps to Extend the Life of the Drain and Sewer System

Because of all the reasons listed above, routine cleanings can help extend the life of your plumbing system. Keeping drain lines clear and addressing repair needs before they become major issues can help extend the life of your plumbing system.

  • Preventive Maintenance Can Help to Lower Overall Operation Costs

In addition to reducing repair needs and water damage, regular drain cleanings can lower the overall operation cost of your plumbing system. A clean system is a more efficient system, in addition to the money you’ll save on major repairs or replacements.

Call Brooks Plumbing and let us take care of all your Olympia drain and sewer needs!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Drain and Sewer | Comments Off on Drain and Sewer Tip: 5 Reasons Why Drain Cleaning Is Important

FAQ: What to Look for in the Different Options for Repiping Materials?

Monday, October 8th, 2012

So you’re thinking about repiping your Olympia house. Whether your current pipes have already stopped working or if you’re doing some preemptive maintenance, choosing the repiping material for your new plumbing system is a big decision. There are a number of different materials to choose from and depending upon your budget and your long-term goals, one may be better for you than the other. Here we talk about 2 of the more popular materials to give you some things to think about as you get started.

Copper

Copper is the oldest and most popular material for repiping purposes. Copper pipe is classified by the thickness of the pipe walls. There are three different classes: M, L and K. Type M is very common and has the thinnest walls. This type is popular for large housing developers because it is less expensive. Type L is most common for single-family homes and usually lasts for 40 to 50 years. Copper is very durable and is very good at resisting bacteria growth and corrosion. However, it is very expensive and over time does corrode and can cause your water to have a metallic taste. Copper pipes are also very susceptible to freezing under cold conditions or breaking during earthquakes.

PEX Piping

PEX piping is a relatively new material that has become very popular with plumbers. PEX stands for crosslinked polyethylene. It is a flexible, plastic-like material that is non-toxic, doesn’t freeze, can flex during earthquakes, doesn’t corrode and doesn’t require soldering or joints. It can also last up to 100 years and is completely recyclable. A big drawback, however, is that PEX cannot be used outside or in direct sunlight as ultra-violet light can damage it.

Other Repiping Materials

There are several other repiping materials that are available. Kitec, galvanized and CPVC are just a few of them. Galvanized in particular is an older kind of piping material that is still in use in many homes and is often replaced. Kitec and CPVC were popular choices for plumbers but have fallen out of favor because of their high rate of failure.

Brooks Plumbing has experience repiping homes in Olympia and can help you decide if it’s time to repipe and what material are right for your particular home. Call us today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on FAQ: What to Look for in the Different Options for Repiping Materials?

Plumbing Question: How Do I Know if I Have a Leak in My Plumbing System?

Monday, October 1st, 2012

Some leaks in your Lacey home’s plumbing are quite obvious, especially if they occur very near the fixture. For instance, if the pipe leading from your kitchen sink drain is leaking, you’ll quickly see water spilling out onto the floor. But because your pipes crisscross your home mostly out of sight, there is always the possibility that a leak will develop in a less-obvious and accessible area.

In fact, it’s often hard to know you have a leak at all, but there are a few tell-tale signs to watch for that can indicate a problem in your plumbing system. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a Lacey plumber immediately to find the source of the problem and minimize the damage from the leak. These signs include:

  • Lower Water Pressure – Of course, your home may naturally have low water pressure. But any sudden reduction in the pressure of the water coming from taps in your entire home or just in one area indicates a problem somewhere along the line. Even if you see no other outward signs of a leak, be sure to get professional attention right away.
  • Higher Water Bills – If you notice that your water bill has increased without a corresponding increase in your water usage, there’s a good chance that extra water you’re paying for is leaking out of a pipe somewhere.
  • Dampness and Unexplained Puddles – Dampness in any area of your home can indicate a leak as well. And a leak in the main water line leading into your home can often cause puddles to develop in your yard even when it hasn’t rained. If you notice this type of pooling, or if any of your walls or floors feel damp, you should suspect a leak and call a professional promptly.

For any plumbing repairs in the Lacey area, give Brooks Plumbing Co. a call!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Question: How Do I Know if I Have a Leak in My Plumbing System?

Plumbing Tip: How Sump Pumps Work

Monday, September 24th, 2012

In areas like Olympia, WA, a sump pump acts as a primary line of defense against water getting into your home and causing damage to your basement, garage or bottom floor. These devices are actually quite simple to operate and relatively affordable to have installed, so they represent a very effective, highly recommended option for anyone with water issues in their Olympia home.

If you are having such a problem and are interested in learning more about what a sump pump does and why it is such a good investment, here are a few more details about them and how they work.

Sump Pump Technology at Work

A sump pump is exactly what it sounds like – a pump installed in the bottom floor of your home or basement, if you have one, that removes water before it can back up and create a problem. When the system is installed, a secondary drainage system is usually installed that will funnel water into a pit somewhere in your basement. As water fills this pit, a float rises and eventually triggers a switch on the sump pump.

The sump pump then turns on and starts removing water from that pit, pumping it into a drainage pipe or sewer line (depending on your municipal regulations regarding sump pump installation). The result is no water in your basement and a very efficient means of removing the water from your home.

Because the system consists of nothing more than a simple pump and some drain tiles to funnel water into the pit, it is relatively affordable to install and requires minimal maintenance – usually just a quick inspection once a year and a test during dry months of pouring water into the pit to ensure it comes on. Not bad for a device that will actively keep water out of your home for years to come.

If you’d like to install a sump pump in your home’s basement, call Brooks Plumbing today! Our Olympia, WA plumbing technicians are experts in sump pump installation and repair.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Tip: How Sump Pumps Work