Press Releases Archive - Page 2 of 5 - Annapolis Plumbing Contractor

A Relaxing Spa Day at Home is Just What Mom Needs for Mother’s Day

Three Ideas for Recreating a Spa Atmosphere in a Residential Bathroom

Mother’s Day is this month, and if chocolate and flowers just don’t seem special or unique enough of a gift anymore, try treating mom to a spa experience. But make it so that she can access that luxury not just for one day but all the days of the year by turning a bathroom into a relaxing spa-like oasis right in the comfort of the home. This blog post will discuss ideas for creating the perfect atmosphere for at-home spa days.

Choose the Right Showerhead

A showerhead upgrade is a simple way to help transform an ordinary bathroom into one that gives off spa-like relaxation. There are many showerhead choices that can be narrowed down based on their features. Some popular options for shower heads include:

Rain showerheads: Rain showerheads are wider in diameter for better coverage and deliver a low-pressure, steady stream of water meant to simulate the relaxing sensation of rainfall. These are popular options as they are among the most soothing showerheads available.
Low-flow showerheads: Low-flow showerheads are an excellent option for those who want luxury while reducing the environmental impact of their water use in the shower. They reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure and help homeowners save on water bills.
Ones with built-in speakers: Some showerhead models have built-in speakers that allow users to listen to music and podcasts. Imagine enjoying the soothing sounds of spa music directly through the showerhead to enhance the experience.
Showerheads with built-in lights: Lighted showerheads can come in various LED colors and allow the colors to be changed, designed to create ambient and relaxing lighting that fits a variety of moods.

Install a Bathtub for the Ultimate Spa Experience

When choosing a bathtub for the home, there are several important considerations to remember. Beyond the style that best suits the home’s decor and design, people should consider factors such as the size of the tub and its installation process. Bathtubs come in various styles, from classic clawfoot tubs to modern free-standing tubs. With limited bathroom space, an alcove bathtub can do the trick as it can be walled in on three sides and double as a shower.

In addition to the aesthetic appeal, a bathtub can provide numerous health benefits. Soaking in warm water helps the body relax and reduces stress levels. It also helps soothe sore muscles and improves circulation. Taking baths with aromatherapy oils or bath salts can further help relax the mind and body while providing additional health benefits. Ultimately, installing a bathtub can be a great addition to a home, providing a luxurious and relaxing experience that is also beneficial for health. With the right design and features, it can make all the difference in creating a calming spa getaway within a home.

It’s All in the Details

Upgrading the look of your bathroom can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. People can replace outdated faucets with sleek, modern designs like touchless ones that bring new life and charm to the room. Adding a few decorative pieces like a mirror or towel rack can also help elevate the aesthetic when looking for a simpler or subtle upgrade. Bringing in a natural element with plants, flowers, and other aspects of nature can also help to breathe life into a bathroom and help recreate the atmosphere of a relaxing spa.

Finally, don’t forget about the scents. Aromatherapy candles, diffusers, and even freshly cut flowers can bring positive energy into the space. People can also opt for a more subtle scent with organic or natural soaps and oils that will leave the bathroom smelling fresh and inviting. With just a few simple upgrades, a bathroom can be transformed into an at-home spa oasis that helps residents enjoy the peace, comfort, and relaxation it brings.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has over seven decades of experience serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide fast, efficient service, flat rates, and live assistance. Call them today for plumbing and bathroom remodeling services in Annapolis, MD.

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A Brief Guide to Slab Leaks

All About Slab Leaks

Many different types of problems can occur with plumbing. Some are more common, like a clogged toilet or a dripping tap, and others are more serious, like a sewer backup or burst pipe. One of the more challenging plumbing problems is dealing with a slab leak. This blog will discuss slab leaks, their dangers, and how professionals fix them.

What is a Slab Leak?

Slab is a term used to refer to the concrete foundation of a building, typically on or below ground level. A slab leak is a water leak that occurs in the plumbing under the slab of a structure and can cause significant water damage if left unaddressed. Faulty pipes, corrosion, shifting soil, and ground movement are some issues that usually cause these leaks.

The most common signs of a slab leak are damp spots on the floor or walls, continuously running water sounds from inside the walls or floors, and high water bills due to wasted water. If a homeowner suspects a slab leak, it is crucial to contact a professional plumber immediately and have them inspect the plumbing for signs of a leak and damage.

The Devastating Consequences of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks can lead to various consequences that damage a home’s structural integrity. A slab leak can cause water to seep through the foundation, leading to flooding, structural damage, and mold growth. Slab leaks can cause costly water damage, including mold growth and structural damage that can cause cracks in the foundation, leading to cracked walls and uneven floors.

This is not only dangerous for any occupants, but it can be costly to repair. Slab leaks can also increase water bills due to higher water usage from the leak. It’s important to act fast when suspecting a slab leak in the home to avoid such consequences. Seeking professional inspection and repair services can help address the issue before it causes further damage.

Calling Professionals for Slab Leak Repair

Professionals specializing in slab leak detection and repair services can help identify and address the problem. These professionals use various techniques to detect leaks, such as acoustic listening devices, infrared cameras, pressure tests, and video inspection cameras.

Once they have located the source of the leak, they can then determine the best course of repair. This may involve sealing the leak with a pipe liner, replacing a section of pipe, going under the slab, or in some cases, rerouting the plumbing. It is important to note that slab leak repairs should only be done by experienced professionals with the necessary tools and expertise to do so correctly.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing, live assistance, and a preventive maintenance agreement. Call them today for slab leak repair services in Annapolis, MD.

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Go “Green” This St. Patrick’s Day!

Three Easy Ways to Conserve Water and Save on the Water Bill

Everyone wants to do everything possible to save water and money. Yet, some don’t know where to start or how much they spend each month on their water bill. This blog post will share three easy things homeowners can do to start conserving water and saving on their water bills.

Install Water Saving Plumbing Fixtures

Investing in eco-friendly fixtures and appliances is an effective way to save money and reduce water consumption. Some eco-friendly and water-saving plumbing fixtures include low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets. Low-flow toilets are designed to minimize the amount of water used when flushing waste. They are usually between 1.28 gallons and 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to older toilets, which can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush.

Showerheads designed to reduce water usage can also be beneficial. Many low-flow showerheads are designed to maximize the pressure while using less water. Some only use 2 gallons or less per minute, compared to 5 or more with a traditional showerhead. Faucets are another way to save water. Many eco-friendly faucets come equipped with sensors that reduce the amount of water used when someone turns on the tap and an auto-shutoff feature, which will automatically stop the water flow if left running for too long.

Practice Mindful Water-Saving Habits

Saving water and money isn’t a once-in-a-while habit. It’s something that homeowners must practice each day to see long-term results. Some of these practices include:

Turning off the faucet while brushing one’s teeth or washing dishes
Turning off the water when shaving or when possible in the shower, like shampooing
Using the dishwasher or washing machine for full loads only

HuffPost notes that to wave water, homeowners can also take showers instead of baths, as long as the showers are short. The publication notes that a shower without a water-saving showerhead uses about five gallons of water a minute, while a bath uses around 36 gallons to fill the bathtub. Using a water-conserving showerhead will reduce the gallons of water used for a shower to 2 gallons or less a minute.

Only Flushing Toilet Paper

People should only flush human waste and toilet paper down a toilet. Anything else could cause serious problems, from toilet clogs to creating underground fatbergs to polluting the ocean. The following is a list of items that homeowners should throw in the trash––and not flush down the toilet:

Paper towels, napkins, and wipes
Diapers
Menstruation products
Food residue
Cigarette butts
Plastic
Dental floss

Toilet clogs can also waste water because each time a toilet flushes, it uses water. Unclogging a toilet with an average household plunger typically requires multiple flushes to clear, so preventing clogs from occurring can help reduce household water usage.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding communities since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing and a beneficial plumbing preventive maintenance agreement. Call them today for faucet, fixture, and sink services in Annapolis, MD.

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Get a Fresh Start This Valentine’s Day and Kick the Old Water Heater to the Curb

Signs a New Water Heater is Needed

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate the special people in life, but for some, it may be a time to take stock of the relationship and make a decision. Deciding whether to weather the storm or cut and run can be hard, but it takes careful analysis to make a good decision.

Deciding to stick with the current water heater in the home can be an equally difficult decision. Water heaters are expensive appliances, so they shouldn’t be replaced without good reason. On the other hand, water heaters are necessary, so if the current model fails to do its job, replacing it may be the best option. Making this decision can be difficult, but luckily, there are relationship advisers in the form of local plumbers. These experts offer advice to help make a wise decision in this difficult situation.

Corrosion

Corrosion is a natural reaction between oxygen and the base metals that make up a home’s water heater and piping. One of the biggest enemies of reliable plumbing over the centuries has been corrosion, and many creative methods have been used to deal with it. In modern water heaters, the tank is protected by a special rod of metal designed to be corrupted before the metal of the water tank. This rod is called an anode rod.

Over time, the anode rod will be corroded away, leaving the tank unprotected. When this happens, rusty spots may appear on the water tank, or corrosion can occur on copper pipes near the tank. Eventually, the tank will begin to leak and need to be replaced. If the water heater is showing signs of corrosion, then it is a good time to schedule a water heater replacement.

Inadequate Amount of Hot Water

A water heater has one job: to provide adequate hot water to a family for laundry, cleaning dishes, and performing comfortable hygiene rituals. As a water heater ages, it loses its ability to keep up with the demands placed upon it. Inefficiencies develop, and eventually, someone will be stuck in the middle of a shower with no hot water.

While a few water heater repairs may be made to restore lost efficiency, the water heater will most likely need to be replaced. Water heater replacement will allow homeowners to select a unit with a faster recovery time so that no one will get stuck taking a shower without hot water again.

High Energy Bills

A loss of efficiency in the water heater has consequences other than simply losing hot water. It can also drive up utility costs. Heating water is expensive and can account for more than 10% of monthly utility bills. Over the years, the cost will continue to climb as inefficiencies are more pronounced. Water heater replacement is a great place to start for homeowners looking for relief from high water heating bills.

A new water heater will inherently be more energy efficient than one more than five years old. In addition, homeowners can select models that are designed more effectively. All in all, installing a new water heater will restore lost efficiency and lower monthly energy bills.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has served the community of Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They offer flat rates, emergency assistance, and honest, quality service. Call them today for water heater repair and installation in Annapolis, MD.

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This New Year, Make a Resolution to Remember Plumbing Maintenance

Types of Plumbing Maintenance and How Professionals Perform Them

Many people make grand plans and resolutions every New Year to follow a healthy lifestyle, eat better, and stay fit. But this year, why not include one more resolution to the list – to maintain the plumbing system properly? Routine maintenance from professionals helps prevent costly repairs or long-term damages, extends the lifespan of the plumbing, and can even save homeowners money on utility bills. This blog post will explore what homeowners need to know about maintaining their home’s plumbing systems to stay in top condition and what homeowners and professionals can do to keep the plumbing running smoothly.

Keeping the Drains Clean

Drain cleaning can help prevent clogs from stopping the water flow or prevent clogs from forming at all. There are many methods for cleaning drains, and while many are effective, some do more harm than good. There are chemical drain cleaners sold in stores that can actually cause or worsen the corrosion of pipes. This weakens the pipe material, making it more prone to leaks and bursts, and clogs due to pitting within the lines. Some of the safer methods that work for cleaning drains include the following:

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Putting the baking soda in first and then pouring down vinegar sends bubbles of hydrogen through the pipes in order to remove debris.
Hot Water: Allowing hot or boiling water to run down the drain can help clean it. Adding a bit of dish soap can help the process as well.
Pipe Snaking: This is a method that drain cleaning professionals use. A pipe snake or auger is a long cable with a rotating head that can be sent down a pipe to remove a clog. When done by a qualified plumber, this method is safe for pipes and attacks the clogs directly, but it can damage pipes if misused.
Hydro Jetting: This is another method professionals use, which uses a unique nozzle that shoots high-pressure streams of water through the pipes to break up a clog or prevent them by cleaning any debris out. This method is safe, effective, and most often used by professionals.

Regular Tuneups

Getting routine plumbing maintenance done by a professional is essential for ensuring a plumbing system works properly and efficiently. A professional plumber can provide preventive care that will help avoid costly repairs in the future and identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.

During a maintenance visit, a professional plumber will inspect pipes, identify any weak points, and check for corrosion. They will also examine fixtures, drains, and toilets to ensure they function correctly. Additionally, they can detect signs of water damage and identify leaks that could be costing homeowners money unknowingly.

Regular maintenance by a professional can help extend the life of a plumbing system, prevent repairs, and reduce water bills. By ensuring the plumbing system is in good condition with a tuneup, homeowners can also avoid unpleasant surprises like a leaking pipe or broken fixture that could end up costing them more than just the repair bill.

Don’t Forget About the Water Heater!

Water heater maintenance is another vital part of maintaining the plumbing. Water heaters provide so much more than just warm showers. They provide clean clothes and dishes through their connection to the major appliances involved with these tasks. Water heater maintenance involves many important tasks to keep it running more efficiently, with a longer lifespan, and saving money on utility bills, and should be handled by a professional. These tasks include:

Anode rod replacement if needed
Checking the pipe connections
Cleaning the heating element
Flushing the hot water tank
Replacing the PRV (pressure release valve) if needed

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat rates and emergency assistance. Call them today for plumbing, water heater, or drain cleaning services in Annapolis, MD.

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Add a Sump Pump to the Holiday Wishlist!

Sump Pumps Offer Many Benefits

Sump pumps are extremely useful appliances. While many homeowners never see these devices up close, they play a vital role in preventing basement flooding and other expensive complications. Still, many homeowners are on the fence about purchasing these items, especially if they’ve never dealt with basement flooding before.

Here, one can learn about the many benefits of installing a sump pump. Having a sump pump could mean the difference between a stress-free holiday season and one filled with unexpected bills, plumbers’ visits, and other inconveniences.

Why Install a Sump Pump?

When it rains (or snow melts), the area around the home’s foundation can swell with water. This can cause the basement to flood, sustaining water damage and loss of personal property. Sump pumps sense when water threatens a flood relying on sensors and other systems. Then, they direct this excess water away from home, eliminating the risk of severe flooding.

Benefits of having a sump pump include:

They protect the home’s foundation. If the home’s foundation is constantly waterlogged, this could cause serious problems. Eventually, it could make the home unsafe for residency.
They protect personal property. Some belongings, such as electronics, can’t take water exposure. Sump pumps reduce the likelihood that flooding would ever damage these items.
They reduce mold growth. Imagine this—a basement floods. The homeowner calls a specialized service to drain the water. Still, the water can promote mold and mildew growth, causing serious health concerns. It can also be quite expensive to remediate.

There Are Different Types of Sump Pumps

There are different types of sump pumps that suit different types of homes. Some common types of sump pumps include:

Submersible sump pumps: When a plumber installs a sump pump, they dig a small pit filled with water, then place the appliance inside. With this type of sump pump, they’ll put the entire device inside the pit, completely submerging it underwater. These devices save space and even use less energy than their above-water counterparts.
Pedestal sump pumps: These are taller than submersible sump pumps. The sensors go underwater while the motor stays above ground.
Battery-operated sump pumps: Some homeowners rely on battery-operated sump pumps. That’s because these devices can still direct water away from the home’s foundation when the electricity goes out.
Combination sump pumps: Many people call combination sump pumps “flood insurance.” That’s because they can use electricity or a battery to work. No matter how serious a weather event is, a homeowner can rest easy knowing this appliance will work.

What Are Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps?

As noted, some severe weather events can put electric-powered sump pumps out of commission. This is why many people rely on secondary or backup sump pumps. These devices:

Work even when there’s no power
Direct wastewater away from the basement and prevent flooding
Can handle more water than standard sump pumps
Protect the home and homeowners’ property

A plumber specializing in sump pump installation can help homeowners determine what device best meets a home’s needs.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has over 70 years of experience serving its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rates, emergency assistance, and plumbing maintenance plans. Call them today for sump pump services in Annapolis, MD.

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Be Thankful For Plumbers During This Holiday Season

Essential Services Provided by Plumbers

There are a lot of things to be thankful for around the Thanksgiving season. As colder temperatures move in it’s nice to stay cozy in a heated home. Even more, it’s nice to not have to put on a coat to draw water from a well or visit the outhouse. Plumbers do a lot during the year to ensure people have access to the amenities that make life easier. This year, they want to remind homeowners about the hard work plumbers do.

The plumbing in a home is a complicated system that requires professional installation and repair to keep it running. Here are some of the responsibilities that plumbers have that make things easier for everyone else.

Servicing Water and Sewer Lines

Plumbing is comprised of two separate systems: freshwater and sewer. Both are equally important for safety, sanitation, and convenience. The freshwater system consists of all of the piping that starts at the water meter for a home. The pipe runs underground until it reaches the home at which point it branches off to serve the water heater and all of the points of use that people are familiar with. But what good is all that fresh water if there is no way to get rid of it once it is used? The result would be a nasty unhealthy mess without sewer service.

Plumbers work hard to make sure both systems are functioning. From the first pipe that is installed in a new home to the last foot of buried sewer pipe, their expertise keeps things healthy and safe. Without water and sewer line repairs, no one could clean, bathe or use the bathroom.

Fixing Gas Line Leaks

Thanksgiving is the day of feasting all over the nation. Since so many people are traveling, guests will need a hot shower, made possible by plumbers. Many water heaters in homes are powered by gas carried in professionally-installed plumbing.

Without high safety standards and professional service, accidents from gas leaks would be far more common. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can cause fires and explosions. Gas leak detection and repairs are a very important part of the job and another great reason to be thankful for plumbers.

Water Heater Services

Is there anything worse than being cold and wanting to warm up in a hot shower only to be met with cold water? Water heaters are essential appliances in every home, and plumbers ensure they work properly with professional installation, repairs, and maintenance.

Water heater repairs and maintenance are a vital part of a plumber’s scope of responsibilities. To keep a water heater running efficiently, they perform crucial tasks like:

Draining and flushing the tank
Inspecting burners and heatings elements
Repairing leaks in fittings
Inspecting anode rods and replacing them when necessary

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding neighborhoods since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing, emergency assistance, and maintenance plans. Call them today for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.

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Watch Out For a Backflow Scare This Halloween

Prevent Plumbing Backflow

Backflow is when dirty and contaminated water enters a clean water line. It can occur because a clogged or burst pipe creates a sudden water pressure imbalance in the plumbing system. The contaminated water can contain human waste, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other dangerous substances.

Residential and commercial properties should have backflow prevention devices installed. One of the reasons why backflow can be unpredictable is because a sudden storm or flooding could cause backflow to flood plumbing fixtures. Backflow can cause water damage to the property, corrode pipes and plumbing fixtures, and expose homeowners to health hazards.

Homeowners can protect their homes from the horrors of plumbing backflow this Halloween by hiring a professional plumber to perform backflow testing on their backflow prevention devices. Annual backflow testing helps to protect homeowners from the hazards of backflow.

Backflow Dangers

Water contamination is a severe threat to public health. People can contract illnesses and viruses from exposure to contaminated water. Homeowners can do their part to protect their community by keeping their plumbing safe from backflow.

Another risk of backflow is a home flooding with dirty water. The pressure imbalance in the pipes could cause the water line to burst. Moisture from flooding and burst pipes can lead to the growth of mold and mildew in the home. Inhaling mold particles can also cause a myriad of health problems.

Another risk of backflow is damage to the plumbing hardware from corrosive chemicals. Backflow can permanently damage the plumbing system by corroding metal pipes and fixtures. Testing backflow prevention devices annually is the best way to keep the plumbing, home, and community safe from backflow and contaminated water.

Backflow Testing

During backflow testing appointments, the plumber will inspect the plumbing system and ensure there are properly working safety features to prevent backflow from entering the system. Shutoff valves prevent backflow from getting into the plumbing during storms and other plumbing emergencies. The plumber will replace worn-out valves to keep the device working properly.

Homeowners and businesses may receive notice from the city that it is time to do backflow testing. The city can shut off water for commercial properties that fail to complete backflow testing in time. During backflow testing and plumbing maintenance appointments, plumbers can identify the source of any pressure imbalance in the system and recommend solutions.

Benefits of Backflow Testing Services

Backflow testing helps to protect public health from the spread of illness via contaminated water and helps protect the homeowner’s property from water damage and plumbing from corrosion. Trusting a professional plumber with backflow testing can give homeowners peace of mind that their plumbing system will protect them from backflow contamination.

Backflow prevention devices need to be tested to ensure they are working properly in case of an emergency. Flooding and storms can be unpredictable, so homeowners need to be prepared by maintaining their backflow prevention devices with annual maintenance and testing.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They offer flat rate pricing, unparalleled customer service, and emergency assistance. Call them today for backflow testing and certification in Annapolis, MD.

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Clogged Toilet Prevention Tips

Why is the Toilet Frequently Clogged?

Usually, homeowners can unclog toilets quickly using a household plunger, but other clogs require calling a professional plumber. It is important to fix a clogged toilet fast to prevent germs, bacteria, and foul smells from lingering in the air.

Because the entire plumbing system is connected, a clogged toilet could cause issues in other areas of the home plumbing. Clogged toilets could also be a warning sign of a greater plumbing issue, such as a clogged sewer line. Here are three tips homeowners can use to prevent clogged toilets.

What Not to Flush

The only thing that should ever be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper. Even wipes that advertise themselves as flushable can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system and sewer line. Being mindful of what gets flushed down the toilet is one of the best ways for homeowners to prevent the hassle of fixing a clogged toilet and damaging the plumbing system.

Items that should not be flushed include wipes, diapers, menstrual products, paper towels, and tissues. The toilet should never be used as a trashcan. For example, gum, cigarette butts, expired medications, and pieces of paper should also not be disposed of in the toilet. The best way to protect a home plumbing system from toilet issues is to dispose of trash in a trash can and only flush toilet paper.

Reduce Toilet Paper Usage

Some people use too much toilet paper to wipe after using the restroom, leading to frequent toilet clogs. Homeowners should try to minimize their toilet paper use to prevent clogs. Too much toilet paper being flushed at once is one of the main reasons toilets get clogged.

One trick for preventing clogged toilets when using a lot of toilet paper is to flush more than once. Breaking the flush down into two or more increments will help prevent the toilet paper from clogging up the toilet. Children in the home may need to be reminded more than once to only use the amount of toilet paper they need.

Sewer Line Clogs

Home plumbing fixtures all connect back to the main city sewer via sewer lines. Any problem with the sewer line could cause the toilets to get backed up or clogged. Over time, flushing wipes and other items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet can lead to a buildup in the sewer line and, eventually, a nasty clog. Another cause of a sewer line clog is tree roots growing into the pipes.

Preventing sewer line clogs helps to avoid toilet clogs. Professional plumbers can fix or prevent a clogged sewer line using hydrojetting. Hydrojetting involves shooting pressurized water through the pipes at high speed to blast away the source of the clog. Clogs due to tree roots can be prevented using root barriers underground to protect pipes. Working on the sewer line can be dangerous, so sewer line issues should only be handled by a professional plumber.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing, unparalleled customer service, and emergency assistance. Call them today for clogged toilet repair or hydrojetting services in Annapolis, MD.

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Dealing With Sudden Low Water Pressure

What is Affecting the Water Pressure?

Consistent water pressure in a home is something people tend to take for granted. Modern plumbing systems are designed to allow good water pressure with the most efficient amount of water usage, so when people see a dip in water pressure, there is often a problem that needs to be addressed.

Sometimes only one area of the house shows signs of decreased water pressure, and sometimes it is throughout the house. A finite number of things can cause low water pressure, but there are many variations of the same theme.

Leaky Pipes

When a pipe leaks, some water goes in a different direction than it should. Low water pressure may be the first sign of a problem like a leak, especially if the decrease is sudden.

Older pipes tend to become corroded, which can lead to holes in the pipe that allow water to escape and cause structural damage to the home. If there is a pressure problem, especially if it’s throughout the house, the homeowner may need to search for leaks. Once leaks are fixed, the water pressure should return to normal.

Scale Buildup and Sediment Clogs

Aging pipes are not only responsible for leaks, but they can be responsible for clogs as well, which can lead to low water pressure. Hard water can also result in scale buildup and mineral deposits on the sides of pipes that can grow, leading to smaller passageways for water to travel through. This and other debris can get caught in a sink aerator and immediately affect water pressure. Here are a few of the things that can enter pipes that can cause issues:

Rust or other corrosion
Scale(calcium and magnesium) buildup
Dirt, grease, or food waste
Contamination from a crack in the main supply line

The solution to these problems may be fairly simple but will require a trained professional to do it right. Pipes may need to be replaced in extreme cases, or it may be a simple matter of flushing the lines and installing a water softener to prevent further buildup. Contamination in the main line can be a serious problem that may lead back to the municipal source.

Problems With Valves and Fixtures

If the water pressure issue seems to be isolated to a single fixture, such as low water pressure in the shower, this could be a problem with the fixture itself. There could be a loose handle or clog in the shower head. A homeowner may need to verify if all connections are tight. Here are a few examples:

Corrosion or scale buildup: If this has blocked the individual fixture, it may simply need to be removed and cleaned or replaced. The root of the problem (hard water or corroded pipes) will still be there, but the fixture should go back to normal water pressure.
Loose Connections: Sometimes, screws can ream out the threads on valves that control the water, such as sink and tub handles. The pieces can wear out and may not turn on as much as they normally would, leading to a dripping faucet. Replacing these parts is very easy for a trained plumbing technician.

If the entire house is experiencing low water pressure, the issue may be from the main shut-off valve or the water meter valve. If these are closed or are only partially open, then it will result in poor water pressure. These valves are two sides of the same coin. The water meter valve is on the city side of the main supply, and the main shut-off valve is on the home side of the main supply line.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company with over 70 years of experience serving its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, unparalleled customer service, and emergency assistance. Call them today for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.