Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Olympia’

Plumbing Question: What is a faucet aerator?

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Your Olympia home is filled with little things that you don’t even think about – technologies that have been developed to save us money or reduce energy consumption that, when not present, can have a very negative impact. One such thing is the aerator on your sink faucets. If you don’t have an aerator on your faucets, or if you have a clogged aerator, it’s important to know what these little things are and why they are so important.

What Is an Aerator?

Put very simply, an aerator is a screen installed at the end of your faucet. When you turn on the water, the aerator blocks part of the water flowing from the water line by splitting the flow. This does a few things. First, it ensures your water flow is not too powerful – wasting a large volume of water. Old faucets, installed in Olympia Homes before the 1992 law that required a certain level of efficiency, would use between 4 and 7 gallons of water per minute (gpm). With an aerator, a modern faucet uses 2.5 gpm or less.

Second, this ensures that the decreased water flow isn’t noticeable. When you wash your hands, plenty of water comes out to rinse your hands of soap, and unless you need to really fill up the sink fast, you’ll rarely, if ever, notice the decreased water flow.

Problems with Aerators

If you have high levels of minerals in your water supply, the aerator on your faucet can eventually get clogged. This happens slowly over time, so you will not notice at first, but eventually water flow will slow to the point that your faucet will either seem to slow or stop temporarily. This can be fixed easily enough by removing and cleaning your aerators, though it is also good to have your water supply checked to ensure the mineral levels are not too high. A water treatment system can help with this.

An aerator is an important component in your Olympia home’s plumbing – a simple little screen that saves you $100 or more per year on your water bill and helps you do your part for the environment by reducing wasted water.

If you have any questions or are in need of plumbing repairs, call us today! Brooks plumbing has been a trusted provider of quality services throughout the Olympia area since 1994.

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Plumbing Question: How Does a Drain Tile System Work?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Drain tile systems seem to be the most common solution to problems arising from basement dampness and flooding. An increasing number of people inLacey are switching to these systems. But before you can do the same, it can be helpful for you to know how these systems work.

The technology that drain tile systems use was first put to its modern use in the United States in 1838. The main principle of this system is the use of special perforated tiles to absorb water and direct it away from the foundation of your home.

These drains are used for several purposes. When used as a farm draining system, they help prevent over saturation of water in fields. These tiles can also be used in irrigation systems for the transport of water. On the other hand, a drain tile system can be used domestically to drain yards as well as regions around the foundation.

Drain tiles are perforated (they have tiny pores) to allow the water in. When used in drainage systems, these tiles are immersed in a bed of loose stones, which allows the drain to lead to the piping. You can find various kinds of stone for this purpose. However, the three or four inch washed gravel allows for the best kind of water flow. These pipes are usually cylindrically to follow convention. However, even the cubical ones serve the same purpose as their shape has no effect on the flow of water.

Depending on your requirements, you can go for piping ranging from a diameter of two inches to 18 inches. Most people using these systems around their foundations prefer the 4” variant as a standard size. The pipe used for draining could be made from plastic or PVC. Any standard type of pipe can be used in this purpose. However, the pipe must be connected to the system well so no water is lost when draining out.

So there you have it. Drain tile systems are efficient and tested to absorb excess water from any area and help it flow out in an efficient manner. This is quite a popular and effective method that has been in use for many years now and continues to serve the purpose in agriculture as well as for domestic purposes. For more information about installing a drain tile system in Lacey, give Brooks Plumbing a call today!

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Plumbing Question: What is Commerical Plumbing?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

If you own a commercial building in the area and need an Olympia plumber to visit and perform part or all of an inspection on your pipes and fixtures, it is important that you hire someone with specific experience working on commercial systems. There are a number of reasons for this, not the least of which is that commercial systems are significantly different from residential systems and therefore need a different kind of attention than the systems you would find in a typical home.

 Larger Scale

A commercial plumbing system works on a much larger scale meaning many more things need to be taken into consideration. In a residential setting, water flow, water pressure, and even construction materials used are generally the same from one home to the next. In a commercial setting, you’re going to find that the type of pipe material present, the layout of those pipes and much more will depend almost entirely on the function of the building being serviced and the type of plumbing that is used.

Certain buildings have special water needs and others must follow particular sanitation guidelines because of what is done there. It is important that you hire a plumber who knows these guidelines and can meet them on the scale that is required.

 Quick and Efficient Service

A commercial plumber in Olympia must be able to quickly and effectively make repairs and service your plumbing system – something that may need to be done during off hours or that will require special equipment due to the larger configuration of your plumbing system. Ideally, they will also have training in those particular configurations and with those specific commercial tools.

It is important to hire a commercial plumber for all of your building’s plumbing needs, whether that means finding someone to perform a routine pipe inspection or to replace large lengths of pipe. If you’re interested in making this a part of your routine maintenance, call Brooks Plumbing Co. today.

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Plumbing Tip: Reduced Water Flow from Showerheads

Monday, August 20th, 2012

If your showerhead or other plumbing fixtures suddenly have reduced water flow, call the Olympia plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing to take a look at your showerhead and provide the right solutions.

Causes of Reduced Water Flow

When reduced water flow occurs throughout a home, it can indicate that a serious plumbing problem has sprung up which needs to be addressed quickly.  However, if water pressure remains normal throughout your home, and there’s only reduced water pressure in the showerhead itself, it is usually due to one of a few simple causes. The two main causes are lime-scale build-up or a clogged water screen.

  • Lime-Scale Build-Up:  There could be an accumulation of lime-scale, which is actually calcium, a by-product of hard water.  Vinegar is a simple cleaning substance that can take care of most blockages due to calcium build-up.  Specific calcium cleaning agents can also be purchased at the store, but avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the showerhead.
  • Clogged Water Screen:  There could also be a build-up of gravel or other substances in the water screen within the faucet head.  In this instance the showerhead would need to be removed.  The screen should be able to be cleaned and all debris removed so that water flows freely once again, but if the screen is no longer usable even after cleaning, it may be time to replace the screen or for a showerhead replacement.
  • Showerhead Pipe Problems:  If cleaning off calcium build-up and removing clogs from the water screen to not help the low pressure problem, there is likely something wrong with the pipes leading to the showerhead.  In this case, call an experienced plumber to properly diagnose and resolve the problem.

Brooks Plumbing has a team of experienced Olympia plumbing professionals who can help you out with a wide range of low water flow problems. We also find the best solution to resolve the issue. Contact Brooks Plumbing today!

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Plumbing Question: Why Is My Hot Water Heater Not Heating Water?

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Hot water heaters that stop working can affect an entire home.  Not only do water heater problems create cold showers, but they lessen the effectiveness of doing simple tasks such as laundry.  The Olympia plumbing specialists at Brooks Plumbing understand the most common water heater problems and can not only help you understand them but provide quick and easy water heater repairs.

Common Water Heater Problems: When the Water Heater Is Not Heating Water

  • Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse: If the circuit breaker has been tripped or blown to the circuit that gives power to the water heater, the water heater will not work.  If there are any blown fuses this will also cause water heater to not heat water.
  • Pilot Light Problems:  If the pilot light goes out, it will cause the water in a water heater to not heat properly.  Because it is a gas appliance it will need to be lit again by a trained professional.
  • Bad Thermocouple:  A faulty thermocouple or other gas control can mean that it fails to open the pilot control valve which would result in no water heating.
  • Faulty Thermostat: If a thermostat doesn’t work properly it will not sense the temperature well and will result in water not being heated to acceptable temperatures.
  • Sediment Buildup in the Water Tank:  If too much sediment has built up inside the water tank, the water will not heat properly.  With proper water heater maintenance any sediment buildup will be addressed by the water heater technician who does the inspection.
  • Water Leaks:  Plumbing connections that are not tight can cause water leaks.  If the water tank itself is leaking it is possible that the entire tank needs to be repaired or replaced professionally.

All of these common water heater problems can be fixed by the Olympia water heater service professionals at Brooks Plumbing. Call us today!

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Garbage Disposal Repair: Why is My Garbage Disposal Making Noise

Monday, July 30th, 2012

When you are looking for garbage disposal repairs in Olympia, call Brooks Plumbing Company. One of the more common service calls we get for kitchen plumbing repairs is a broken garbage disposal, particularly for “humming” garbage disposals. A humming garbage disposal can mean there are a few possible scenarios happening, but first, you’ll need to know what signs to look for.

A humming garbage disposal usually means that when you flip the switch to turn the disposal on, it doesn’t grind the food. Instead, it just makes a humming noise instead of the normal noises of a fully-functioning garbage disposal. This typically means that the blades are not working to chop the food waste. Here are a few reasons why this may have occurred and why you could need a repair service.

The first potential reason for a humming garbage disposal is a stuck flywheel. The flywheel is located just above the lower hopper chamber, and it is the device that turns the blades. The humming noise could mean that the blades are not turning because the flywheel is stuck. This is an easy repair that our technicians can take care of fairly quickly.

If the garbage disposal does not work after we fix the flywheel and reset it for you, the humming could be caused by a seized motor or a frozen bearing. In most cases, a seized motor or bearing means that the unit will need to be replaced. Before you try to repair or replace a garbage disposal yourself, it is best to call Brooks Plumbing Company to schedule an appointment.

Whether or not you need a replacement, Brooks Plumbing is the plumbing contractor to call for garbage disposal repair and replacement services in Olympia. If you decide that you want us to install a new garbage disposal, we can remove the old unit and replace your disposal with any number of new models to suit your needs and your budget. We carry a large selection of the latest models, and our technicians make it a priority to provide expert service for any plumbing job. Call today!

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Plumbing Question: What Causes Low Water Pressure?

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Low water pressure in your Olympia home can make just about everything from showering to cleaning more difficult. It is frustrating, but it often seems like there is very little you can do about it. In fact, you may be able to improve your water pressure in a variety of ways, but the appropriate technique will depend on the root cause of your problem.

There are several different possible causes for low water pressure. If the problem is limited to certain areas or fixtures in the house, it may very well be because the pipes feeding that area or fixture are too small. Smaller pipes will only allow a smaller amount of water to pass through at once, making it impossible for you to get the force you are after.

Fixing this, of course, means putting in larger pipes, and that may be easier said than done. However, if the problem is on a small scale, you should not have too much trouble or need to pay too much to have a Olympia plumbing professional complete the job. A problem in a particular fixture can also result from small clogs or backups in the fixture itself, and this is a relatively easy situation to remedy as well.

A low water pressure problem that affects your whole house can result if the main pipes feeding into your house are too small. This could be the case if your house has been added onto since it was built or if you have more people living there now and using more water.

Replacing those incoming pipes is a big job, but it is often the only way to increase your water pressure and make it possible for the system to satisfy the water needs of the house. This is definitely something you will want to have a professional work on, and while it can be costly, it will be well worth it in the end. For more tips on how to improve your Olympia plumbing, give Brooks Plumbing a call!

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How Slab Leaks Can Cause Damage for Homes

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Slab leaks in Olympia, or also known as a foundation leaks, can cause a serious problem in your home. A typical cause of a slab leak occurs when the foundation for the home is poured. While the cement is still wet and setting, copper plumbing is installed, and it is laid in to run wherever it needs to go for the plumbing system of the home. This is a fairly common practice.

The problem occurs when the copper piping is soft. As the cement hardens, any kinks, bends, nicks or other imperfections in the pipe are exacerbated. Over time, these problems can become more and more magnified, eventually resulting in one or more tiny leaks in the pipe. This causes water to leak directly into the concrete foundation.

This causes a number of problems for homeowners, both short-term and long-term. In the short-term, it reduces water pressure and increases water consumption, resulting in higher monthly bills for poorer water delivery. These are inconveniences and annoyances, but nothing compared to the long-term damage that a slab leak can cause.

The moisture in the foundation becomes a breeding ground for mold. This mold can spread throughout the foundation and the house, which is a serious health risk for you and your family. Mold and mildew spores negatively impact air quality and can lead to illness. Plus, the moisture weakens the foundation gradually over time. Eventually, you have a home that is less structurally sound and may succumb to mold, which can cause thousands of dollars to eradicate and repair.

Slab leaks can be repaired, but sometimes after repairing one, another will crop up shortly thereafter. However, they still must be repaired immediately before the problem spreads and becomes too big to handle.

There are a few different methods for repair, including breaking up the foundation with a jackhammer and laying new pipe or lining the existing pipe with epoxy. Consulting with a professional is the best way to figure out which method is right for you.

Common symptoms to detect slab leaks early are reduced water pressure or inexplicably high water bills. If you notice either of these occurring in your home, you may have a slab leak, so call a professional to get it checked out right away before it leads to much bigger problems.

To fix a slab leak quickly contact Brooks Plumbing Company.

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Things to Remember When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Remodeling your bathroom in Olympia can be a great way to not only make it look better and more inviting, but also more hygienic, while giving the resale value of the whole house an upgrade.

As with any big home project, there are some caveats and tips to doing it right. Here are some of those tips to consider before diving right in

  • Before starting on your plumbing or any remodeling project, work out a budget first. Establish what you want it to look like and how much you have to spend, then choose the options that fit into that framework. There are few things worse than having a bathroom left unfinished because you ran out of money halfway through the job.
  • Remodeling is a great opportunity to assess the ventilation in your bathroom and upgrade it if necessary. Proper ventilation improves air quality and prevents mold growth and water damage, so an upgrade in equipment can be an investment that is well worth the expense.
  • As tempting as it may be to make wholesale, sweeping changes to everything in your existing bathroom, try to avoid moving any plumbing around. It’s costly, messy and can really extend the time it takes for the job to be done. Is it really worth an extra week of work to have the tub against another wall?
  • Finally, to save your budget, consider refinishing certain fixture versus replacing them. Refinished tubs and tiles can look just as shiny as new, but without the extra cost and labor.

Keep those tips in mind as you consider that bathroom remodeling job, and you are likely to have the whole experience work out much more pleasantly for you…and isn’t that the whole point?  If you have any questions about bathroom remodeling please call Brooks Plumbing.

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How to Clear Pipes and Sewer Lines with High Pressure Water Jetting

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Many plumbers in Lacey have started using a high pressured water jetting to rid sewer lines and drains of debris and clogs. This new tactic for plumbing maintenance was adapted from industrial water jet cutters which are powerful enough to cut through stone, metal, and composite materials.

How it Works

The basic idea of water jetting is very straight forward. Water is pumped under high pressure through a large diameter hose into a jetter nozzle with a much smaller diameter hole. A thin stream of water shoots out of the nozzle at pressures that can reach 100,000 PSI for industrial jetters. Lower pressures are used for plumbing applications, usually in the 3,000 to 5,000 PSI range, otherwise the water stream would be unmanageable and could damage the pipes.

Sewer jetter nozzles have a forward-firing jet to break up clogs, and back-firing jets to push the nozzle through the pipe while scouring the walls. The nozzle is attached to a long hose that delivers the pressurized water. The nozzle pulls the hose along with it as it moves down the pipe. Debris, grease,  and other material loosened by the jets are pushed back to where the nozzle entered the pipe. Plumbing contractors typically have water jets that can clear up to 200 feet of pipe.

High pressure jetters are most frequently used to clear exterior drains,  sewer, and septic lines. But they can also be used to clear interior waste pipes.

Benefits over Traditional Techniques

The traditional way to clear sewer and drain lines is to run a flexible metal cable or “snake” through the line which rotates and scrapes the inner walls of the pipe. Snakes do a good job, but they don’t always clear grease or mineral deposits. Snakes can sometimes push through a clog without really clearing it or loosening it.  They can also become snagged on tree roots.

Water jets can efficiently remove grease, mineral deposits, and other debris clogging the sewer line. The jet can also cut through roots that have worked their way into the line. The properties that make water jetting so valuable as an industrial tool make it well suited for plumbing applications. Water is non-toxic and doesn’t react with plumbing materials. Water jetting doesn’t release noxious fumes and doesn’t cause the metal piping to heat up. The spent water just continues down the drain flushing any loose sediment with it.   Please call Brooks Plumbing Company with any questions.

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