Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing’

Plumbing Tip: Basic Water Heater Components

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you are looking for ways to extend the life of the water heater in your home, we’ve put together some tips for you. We’ve also included an outline of the basic water heater components so that you can understand how the equipment works and how to take care of it. Call the Olympia water heater experts at Brooks Plumbing today!

Most homes have a standard tank water heater, and these will need routine maintenance to ensure worry-free and lasting results. Tankless water heaters do not have a storage stank, but they still need basic maintenance. We are focusing on the tank water heater since these are more common and require a little more maintenance.

One of the safety features in a tank water heater is the cold water supply valve, which is a shutoff valve that will need to be turned off before any repairs or maintenance is done on the tank. The sediment in hot water heater tanks needs to be flushed out regularly so that it doesn’t burn inside the water tank from being heated by the burners. The cold water runs through a dip tube.

Because cold water is denser than hot water, the cold water settles at the bottom of the tank and rises as it is heated. Once this happens, it is supplied to the showers, sinks, and other applications through the hot water discharge.

In some models, there’s a metal rod in the tank called a sacrificial anode that attracts corrosion instead of the tank itself getting corroded. Some have alarms that alert you when it is time to replace the anode. If you hear popping noises, there could corrosion or sediment burning inside the tank.

Contact Brooks Plumbing if you have questions or would like to hire a Olympia plumber for routine maintenance.

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Sump Pump Tip: How to Maintain Your Sump Pump

Monday, December 10th, 2012

While the sump pump in your Lacey WA area home should rarely have issues, it is important to maintain it so that you don’t have any problems. If your sump pump breaks down, you could find yourself facing a flooded basement or major water damage to your home.

Here at Brooks Plumbing, we want to help you maintain your sump pump with a few maintenance tips.

Test the Float Switch

Most sump pumps are submersible pumps that are installed inside an open well. Like the floater inside a toilet tank, the float switch will turn on the pump once the water reaches a certain level. Occasionally check it by lifting it for a second to see if it turns on the motor. If not, check to make sure it is plugged in or that there’s not a blown fuse. Call a technician if the float switch isn’t working.

If your motor is constantly running, this means that the float switch is stuck in the on position. This could cause the motor to burn out, so unplug the pump and see if you can clear out any debris stuck underneath the float switch. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber.

Clean the Well and Filters

Try to keep your basement area clean so that debris doesn’t fall into the well. Also, check the filters on the pump and clean out anything that can cause a clog. Call a professional if you aren’t sure how to do this.

Check for Other Damages

Submersible pumps are more susceptible to corrosion and other damages, so check for rust and other obvious damages. Call a Lacey WA plumber at Brooks Plumbing if you notice any problems with your sump pump. Contact Brooks Plumbing today!

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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.

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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.

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How Can I tell if I Have a Broken Main Water Line?

Monday, November 12th, 2012

A broken water line is one of the most dreaded repairs for many homeowners in Lacey. The reason is because water lines are normally buried in the ground under your home. The process for fixing the break is inconvenient and expensive. Compounding the problem further is the face that because the pipe is in the ground, detecting the leak can be very difficult. We thought that it would be helpful for our customers in Lacey if we put together a short list of symptoms that might indicate that you have a broken water line. However, you should never attempt to fix a broken water line in Lacey on your own. If you suspect that your water line is broken, call the expert plumbers at Brooks Plumbing immediately.

What Causes Broken Water Lines

It could be helpful to know what some of the common causes of water line breaks.

  • Tree roots – This is probably one of the most common culprits for a break in your water line. Tree roots can slowly work their way into the pipe joints in their search for water. Over time, this can break your pipes or clog them.
  • Natural disaster – Natural disasters can be devastating to your water line.
  • Rust and Corrosion – Over time, mineral deposits and rust can eat through your water line. Even if the pipes are made of plastic, eventually they will just get old and break.

Sudden Increase in Water Bill

You probably don’t enjoy opening your water bill. But if you peel open that envelope one day and discover a huge spike in your bill, it could be a sign of more than just increasing water prices—it might mean that you have a broken water line.

Soggy Spots

If you start to notice soggy spots in your yard, this could mean that the water line below is leaking. The water is saturating the dirt beneath your yard making it wet and soggy.

Strange Bumps

Depending upon the type of dirt that’s in your yard, the leaking water from your main might not make it soggy. It could actually push the ground upwards. If you start to notice any cracks in your home’s slab or strange bumps in your yard, you may want to call a professional plumber.

If you’ve started to notice any of these things at your home in Lacey, call the professional plumbers at Brooks Plumbing. We can get to your home quickly, diagnose the problem and then offer a reasonable solution.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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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