Author: Calvin Barr

Plumbing Services

All About Video Pipe Inspections

Calvin Barr

When we’re talking about plumbing services in Sun City, AZ, we often get questions surrounding video pipe inspections. This is quite the conversation starter for many homeowners because it’s new technology to many. We understand how this process can be intriguing and we have the right experts to help you learn all about these services.

If you need a great video pipe inspection this fall or winter, we’re the team who can help you with it. We know that your plumbing system as a whole is sort of out of sight and out of mind. In addition to this, there are many areas of your plumbing system that are especially remote and difficult to access if you need repair work. Video pipe inspections get through lots of inaccessibility problems and help eliminate guesswork. 

Understanding the Basics of a Video Pipe Inspection

First things first, let’s start with the basics of a video pipe inspection. It’s really just what it sounds like. Video pipe inspections involve placing a small video camera inside your plumbing system. The camera is mounted on the end of a base that can be manipulated from the video screen. One of our technicians can move the screen around to see what’s going on inside your pipe. 

The technology that backs video pipe inspections is great for things like:

  • Damage to seals
  • Issues with pipe joins
  • Cracks
  • Breaks
  • Clogs
  • Tree roots that have grown into the pipe and caused damage

If you need plumbing care, our professionals want to be by your side to handle everything that’s going on. We’re prepared to help you with what you need.

The Benefits of a Video Pipe Inspection

Here are a few of the benefits of a video pipe inspection for your home:

Everything Is Accessible

This is a perk that we touched upon above. When you get a video pipe inspection for your home, suddenly everything becomes accessible to you. You can get around even in the remote areas of your pipes and drains so that these things can be visually inspected. If you want to make sure that everything is accessible to you so that things can be properly taken care of, then this is probably the service you need.

Less Time Spent During Service Calls

We know that we have some of the most knowledgeable and friendly professionals in the area, but we’re sure that you don’t always want a service professional working in your home. It’s not always the most convenient or comfortable thing that you can have going on it your home. Video pipe inspections can help your technician see and get right to the root of the issue. This means less time spent on service calls. 

Efficiency and Precision

Video pipe inspections are both efficient and precise. There’s no amount of guesswork that happens here because your technician can see everything that’s going on within your pipe. This service is worthwhile. Make sure that you have a qualified technician perform the work for you.

Contact The Trusted Plumber for the plumbing services you’re looking for this fall and winter.

Plumbing Tips

No Plunger? No Problem: 5 Ways to Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger

Calvin Barr

The world’s most common fears include heights, clowns, enclosed spaces, and needing to unclog a toilet when there isn’t a plunger nearby. It always happens at the most inconvenient time — at your in-laws’ house, during a work meeting, during a holiday, on a date…

We wouldn’t wish the panic of rising water with no solution on anyone. That’s why we’ve detailed the best ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger below.

Water That’s Hot, but Not Boiling

It’s really important to differentiate between the two here. Hot water will unclog the toilet by melting away the blockage. Boiling water can cause toilet bowl ceramic to crack, which is a much more irritating issue to deal with.

Get as big a bucket you can handle and fill it with not-quite-boiling water. The movement of the water combined with the heat will help remove and flush the clog.

Dish Soap

Dish soap is designed to break down grease and other food waste it comes into contact with. Because of this, it’s almost just as effective at breaking down toilet clogs. If you have the time to let it sit and wait, dish soap can help to unclog a toilet.

Squeeze at least a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes. After that, check to see if the water has started to lower in the bowl, which is a sign that the soap is working. If the water is lowering, then you can feel comfortable trying to flush!

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt isn’t something that everyone has on hand, but if you do have it lying around, it can work in a pinch. When poured into a bowl, it creates a fizzy chemical reaction that can help unclog and clear drains. Give it about 15 minutes to do its thing before you attempt to flush again.

A Toilet Brush

This is for desperate, last-ditch efforts only. Hold the handle, push the brush into the drain hole, and start to pull your arm back and forth. Don’t get too over-exuberant to the point of harming the toilet, but do get vigorous. This can be kind of gross, so we recommend wearing gloves or old clothes in case of splashing.

Call the Pros at Len The Plumber

If nothing else works, it might just be time to call on the plumbing professionals employed at Len The Plumber. We’re always standing by to answer your call!

Plumbing Tips

Where is the Main Water Shut-Off Valve?

Calvin Barr

Do you know where the main water shut-off valve is in your home? If you can’t answer that within five seconds, then you need to locate it and remember where in case there’s ever a serious leak. Otherwise, you could end up with a plumbing nightmare on your hands…

Where to Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

  • The shut-off valve is almost always located near the perimeter of your home. There’s no need to check the central portions of the house.
  • Forget the upstairs, too, as shut-off valves are going to be located on the ground floor. For those with basements, it will usually be located here.

  • Water lines usually run from the water main to the shut-off valve with no extra piping or detours. Therefore, if you know where your water main is, see where the shortest path to your home would be. The valve is more than likely located here.

  • During the purchase of a house, an inspection report is supplied. The location of your main water shut-off valve is labeled in this report (hopefully, you’re organized so you have easy access to this report).
  • Do you know where the big panel is in your home (not the electrical panel)? This panel houses the shut-off valve since it’s illegal to cover it behind the wall.

Shut-Off Valves on Plumbing Fixtures

When a leak springs, it’s not always a slow drip. Sometimes, the water will begin to rush out and start pooling on the floor of your home. Before you run to the main water shut-off valve, see if the fixture has its own personal shut-off valve.

  • Toilet – On the wall your toilet sits against, there will be a small valve. It is usually located below the bowl and should be turned gently clockwise to stop the flow of water.
  • Sink – Underneath the sink in the cabinet, there will be a small shut-off valve (similar to the toilet). During a pipe or faucet leak, turn the handle clockwise to suspend any water from leaking.
  • Washing machine – Behind every washing machine should be two valves and sometimes a lever. Both of these valves should be turned clockwise (or the lever should be switched the other way) in order to cease water from flowing. If you don’t see these valves or lever, you may have to pull out the washer from the wall a bit.

Knowing how to stop the flow of water coming into your home can help prevent extensive water damage if there’s ever a serious leak. Whenever you need a leak repaired or a plumbing fixture fixed, contact Len The Plumber. If you’re looking for a reliable plumber, check to see if you live in one of our many service areas!

Plumbing Maintenance

Do I Need a Water Softener?

Calvin Barr

Are you wondering when you should get yourself a new water softener for your home? It’s a great question to ask yourself. Especially when this time of year rolls around. Fall is a season that provides enough relief from extreme temperatures long enough to allow you to think about the finer details of your home comfort.

One thing we’d like you to focus on is your water quality. If your water quality is a little on the lackluster side, we suggest that you consider some means of bringing it up to par. One way you can do this is through services with your water softener in Surprise, AZ. Let’s go through everything you need to know.

What Is “Soft” Water?

We find that people typically throw around the term “soft” water without defining it first. We want to make sure you understand what it is. Soft water is balanced water that’s removed of excessive mineral content. What makes water “hard” is the amount of minerals suspended in it.

The minerals that often make their way into your water are things like calcium and magnesium. They come from the municipal water supply and groundwater seepage, and fortunately are completely benign to humans. Although they aren’t going to harm you, they’re definitely going to make life harder for your plumbing system. This is why “soft” water is sought after and water softeners are a great investment. 

Do You Need a Water Softener?

Now let’s determine if your home could benefit from a water softener. These are a few signs that you could:

  • You Have Scale Buildup: Have you noticed that every time you pull a dish out of the dishwasher, it’s covered in little scale spots? This is a byproduct of hard water.
  • Your Hair, Skin, and Nails Are Dry: Have you noticed that your body is uncharacteristically dry? This can actually be a side effect of hard water. It will only get worse the more time you allow to go by.
  • Your Water Bills Are Too High: If there’s a spike in your water bill that you can’t pinpoint the source of, it could be due to reduced water capacity due to buildup in your home’s pipes. This is a great reason to get yourself a water softener. 

How to Get the Most from Your Water Softener

Once you’ve decided you need a water softener, the focus switches from wondering if you need one to purchasing the right one and using it correctly. 

The one thing that you need to do is make sure that you have your water softener installed and maintained by a professional. There’s no way around this. We know that the allure of DIY work or amateur work is tempting. It seems like a feasible way to save yourself some money on your installation services. This isn’t the case. It’s likely you’ll spend more money trying to save on your water softener services. We often repair issues that arise from poor installation. We’re available to help you get the installation work done right. 

Contact The Trusted Plumber today to schedule an appointment with our team members. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=85

Plumbing Maintenance

Add Cleaning Your Bathroom Fixtures to Your Beauty Routine

Calvin Barr

You’ve got your loofah sponge and your deep conditioning hair rinse, but your bathroom fixtures could use a little self-care too. Here are some easy ways to make sure your bathroom fixtures are clean and functioning for their best life.

Head to Your Shower

As you face your shower and let the water stream down on your head, how many of us have actually opened our eyes and looked at how dirty our shower head actually is? Areas with hard water can plainly see the build-up of calcium and other minerals that might be blocking your shower head spray. Not to mention, icky bacteria and mildew that can thrive on your shower head. And if all that hasn’t convinced you of the need to scrub down your shower head, how about the errant spray from the shower head that hits in all the wrong places because the tiny holes have been plugged with gunk?

Okay – ready now?

Shower Head Cleaning Options

  • You can clean your shower head without taking it down. Simply fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attach it to the shower head using a rubber band. After about an hour, remove the bag and turn on the shower to rinse. Voilà!
  • For really crusty shower heads, use a wrench wrapped in a towel to protect the shower head finish and detach the head from the arm. Dunk the shower head into a mix of 2 cups of vinegar to 4 tablespoons of baking soda and leave it there overnight. Use an old toothbrush to give it a good scrub and a pin to unclog the holes. Rinse and replace.

Down the Drain

Lots of self-care happens over top of your sink. And your sink’s drain pays the price of beauty. Have you noticed water isn’t draining from your sink efficiently? That’s because all that toothpaste, shaving cream, bits of hair and soap scum are settling in your drain. So, while you’re rinsing your pores, your water can’t pour down the drain. Here’s what you can do:

  • Remove any debris in the drain that you can see. Pull up the stopper and clear away hair or chunks of toothpaste that might be blocking water from flowing down the drain. Tougher clogs might need the help of a drain snake. If your drain is blocked and not easily cleared, you may need the help of a professional plumber who can safely clear your drains without damaging your pipes or creating a larger issue by pushing a blockage farther down your system.
  • To help mitigate foul odors coming from your drain, try using hydrogen peroxide or other non-corrosive/natural cleaning products to help break up the bacteria inside your drain. Avoid hard drain cleaners that might temporarily help your drain but do longer-term damage to your pipes.
  • You may also hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to do the trick.

Potty Talk

Despite a bad rap, our toilet bowl is an MVP in our home and should be treated as such. Regular cleaning will reduce odors and increase the longevity of your toilet. Here’s how to give the porcelain god the TLC it deserves:

  • When cleaning out the bowl, reduce the water by pouring a half bucket of water into the bowl. This will allow for your disinfectant to not dilute and more properly sanitize the bowl.
  • Use antibacterial cleaners that contain bleach. Scrub thoroughly and rinse. Use a spray disinfectant on your toilet brush prior to storing.
  • Wipe down the exterior of the toilet with wipes (do not flush) or with a sponge/paper towels and disinfectant.
  • Start with the toilet handle, then work your way down to the seat and exterior.

Clean bathroom fixtures are better for your health and the cleanliness of one of your most-used rooms. A dirty bathroom fixture can make it malfunction; but sometimes bigger plumbing issues are to blame. If your bathroom fixtures are backing up your morning routine, call the experts at Len The Plumber.

Whether you are looking for routine maintenance or need a major repair, our professionals will be able to help you no matter how big or small the problem is. Contact Len The Plumber today by calling (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=79

Plumbing Maintenance

How to Help Your Plumbing System

Calvin Barr

Plumbing-LeakWe know there are many factors to consider when you’re thinking about keeping your home in top shape. This is something that you probably work into your home in various different ways. We want you to make sure that you’re thinking about this in regard to your plumbing system as well.

There are so many simple things you can do to improve your plumbing system. We’re going to list out a few vital ones today.

If you need expert plumbing service, our professionals can come out to your home to do the work. We’re the professionals you want when you need a great plumber in Suprise, AZ.

What to Do to Help Your Plumbing

These are a few things you can do to help your home’s plumbing system. We’ve broken it down into three vital steps.

  1. Know What Can Go Down the Drains

Step number one is just knowing what can go down your home’s drains. Getting informed is the proper first step in almost every process you want to take on. Let’s take a crash course. Here are a few things that you should never allow to go down your home’s drains. 

  • F.O.G. (fat, oil, and grease)
  • Coffee grounds
  • Pits, seeds, etc.
  • Eggshells
  • “Flushable” wipes
  • Paper towels and cotton balls

As long as you make sure to avoid these items, you can dodge a major issue with your plumbing system.

  1. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

You need to make sure that you’re avoiding chemical drain cleaners at all costs. Chemical drain cleaners are a no-go because they damage your pipes. You might think that chemical cleaners are the simple solution that’s going to help rectify a problem ASAP, but they’re actually more likely to prolong or worsen plumbing issues.

Yes, you might think a clog is gone after you pour the chemical drain cleaner down the sink drain. It might actually even go away for a little while. The real problem lies in what comes after this.

Most of the time, chemical drain cleaners don’t get to the root of the issue the way a professional plumber can. They leave behind some residue that can create a clog in the future.

On the other hand, your chemical drain cleaner might do too good of a job. Once it’s done eating away at a clog, it’s going to start eating away at the pipe itself. Corrosion is an issue that can lead to terrible leaks in your home. This is why professional cleaning is always the answer.

  1. Invest in Drain Strainers

You should invest in strainers for all your drains. If you’re not going to put one on every different drain in your home, we suggest putting one in your shower and one in your kitchen sink at a minimum. These spaces experience high traffic and can be susceptible to hair, grime, and food particles that cause clogs. A simple, inexpensive strainer can save you a lot of time, grief, and money.

Contact The Trusted Plumber when you’re looking for great plumbing services in the area.

Plumbing Services

How To Test Your Sump Pump

Calvin Barr

Basement flooding is all too common in the Mid-Atlantic—especially with the amount of rainfall we experience! It is important to guard your home against flooding and a cost-effective way to do this is by installing a sump pump and a backup system. However, for those homeowners who already have a sump pump and backup as the first line of defense, it’s important to make sure your system is working before it’s too late.

How To Check Your Sump Pump

Here are a few tips for you to check if your sump pump is working.

  • Locate the outside pipe that catches the water as it drains from the pump. Make sure the inside of the pipe doesn’t have any dirt or debris clogging the drain.
  • Fill a 5-gallon bucket or a large cooking pot with water. Slowly pour the water into the sump pit and watch the water level within the pit.
    • The float on the sump should rise and the pump will kick on well before the water reaches the top of the pit. As the pit empties, the system should turn off.
    • If the float doesn’t rise or the pump doesn’t turn on/off automatically the pump should be further inspected.
  • This may seem like common sense, but make sure the pump is plugged into a working outlet. Sometimes damp areas of a basement can cause electrical outlets to trip.
  • Repeat these steps every 2-3 months!

What Happens If the Power Goes Out?

It’s also important to know that sump pumps rely on electricity to operate.

If the power goes out your pump will not work so consider installing a battery-powered backup system. This will kick on as soon as a power outage occurs—a charged backup system can last up to 7 hours. Installing a battery-powered backup system is like getting extra insurance on your system. It’s always a good idea to have a backup in case of a power outage! You can also consider a water backup system. We install both kinds of sump pump backups and are happy to help you decide which option is best for your home.

Install a Sump Pump in Your Mid-Atlantic Home

If you don’t already have a sump pump, and you’re tired of mopping up water and propping up your basement belongings to prevent water danger—not to mention the associated problems with mold and excess humidity—then you should consider installing a system.

To help protect your home and belongings, contact Len The Plumber today. And as always, we’re here when you need us 7 Days A Week, with no extra charge for evening or weekend appointments.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=60

Plumbing Tips

5 Things Your Bathroom Is Missing

Calvin Barr

checkmark-greenSometimes, there are things that you’re missing in your home. You can get by with missing certain things in other areas of your home, but your bathroom is one of those areas that you should treat with care.

Today, we want to help you take the necessary steps to safeguard your plumbing system in your bathroom. Your bathroom definitely isn’t the most fun place in the home, but it’s definitely one of the most vital. Imagine having to go even a day without it—it’s an unpleasant thought. We want to help you breathe life into your appliances and keep your space in pristine shape. Here’s how…

Tips to Try

Here are a few things to try to help your bathroom plumbing in Glendale, AZ.

1. Watch Those Leaks

Are you noticing your bathroom is springing leaks? Don’t try to tough out this problem. Even small leaks that just create a consistent dripping noise in your bathroom are bad. They lead to reduced water pressure, higher energy bills, and excess stress on the plumbing system for no good reason. It’s always best to contact a professional no matter how mild the problem seems.

2. Prevent Clogs

Know what you can flush down your drains. If you want to prevent clogs in the bathroom, your first step is investing in a drain strainer. This will keep fallen hair out of the drain so you can avoid a clog.

The next step is to pay attention to the toilet. Those wet wipes that companies promise are “flushable” are actually a clog magnet. Flushing these is self-sabotage.

3. Conserve Water Where You Can

The harder you are on your plumbing system, the more repair work it’s going to need. Conserving water is great for the environment, but it’s also great for you. It’s great for you because it will reduce your monthly bills and help your plumbing system avoid repairs.

Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth, wash your face, and install low-flow shower heads.

4. Get Professional Help When You Need It

If you’re thinking about contacting a professional for plumbing service, do it. Professional care is always the answer for your plumbing needs because plumbing systems are complicated. Only let a trained pro like one of ours work on your plumbing.

5. Consider a Water Softener

Hard water is a slow and silent killer of plumbing. When we talk about hard water, we notice that many people tend to focus on the effects of this in their kitchen and sometimes in their laundry room. Although you might see more of the effects in these spaces, they’re just as bad in your bathroom.

As the mineral deposits from hard water settle and layer up, they reduce the flow of water in your bathroom. This means that your showers are going to feel less satisfying because you’re going to have weakened water flow. You’ll start paying more as this goes on too. Don’t let this become a problem in your home.

Contact The Trusted Plumber for your bathroom plumbing services. We’re here to help.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=57

Plumbing Services

Len The Plumber Celebrates First Graduating Class of LTP Academy

Calvin Barr

Baltimore, MD (August 11, 2021) – Len The Plumber, LLC, a Mid-Atlantic-based plumbing company, celebrated the graduation of its first class in the recently established Len The Plumber Academy (LTP Academy). LTP Academy houses the company’s Apprenticeship Program, which focuses on developing driven and capable individuals who are passionate about a career in plumbing and who want to become industry leaders. Len The Plumber’s vision merges the desire to restore honor and tradition to the trade while providing individuals with no plumbing experience a path to career success.

On August 3, 2021, the first five students of LTP Academy graduated from the Apprenticeship Program after successfully completing all required curriculum. LTP Academy curriculum is composed of lab, e-learning, and in-field training, with a goal of instilling the confidence and leadership necessary for plumbers to work independently in the field after graduation.

Led by Program Director and Master Plumber Michael Vettas, LTP Academy offers an environment where students can train and grow professionally. Training areas are outfitted with complete plumbing system simulations for Apprentices to practice and hone their technical skills while being mentored by Master Plumbers. In addition, they are coached on the soft skills needed to deliver the 5-star customer service that is at the core of what Len The Plumber exemplifies.

“A career in the trades is something to be proud of, and LTP Academy is designed to be a beacon in the community of what is possible with a career in the plumbing field. We are extremely proud of our graduates and excited to see them thrive in their careers with our company,” says LTP Academy Program Director Michael Vettas.

About Us

Len The Plumber is a locally operated Mid-Atlantic plumbing company with over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing inspection, installation, and repair services. The company prides itself on upfront estimates and same-day service from an army of experienced plumbing professionals. More information is available on the company website.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Brown, Director of Marketing

Phone: 410.247.9970

Email: [email protected]

 








Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=45

Plumbing Tips

Five Signs Your Home Needs a Main Water Line Repair

Calvin Barr

You are probably pretty familiar with the pipes under your sink or the drain in your shower, but you’ve likely never given a second thought to the pipes that connect your home to the public water and sewer system. Those pipes pull heavy duty for your home. Check out these five signs you have a problem with your home’s main water line.

  1. Your water bill increased significantly.

Summer water bills are often higher than normal because of watering the lawn, filling the pool, and even showering more frequently. But, if your water bill seems out of the ordinary, you may have a leak in your main water line.

  1. You are hearing strange sounds coming from several of the pipes in your home.

Are your pipes talking to you? If you are hearing gurgling from your sink when you flush the toilet or the reverse, that’s a sign of a more systemic plumbing issue.

  1. You’re finding sinkholes or cracks in your foundation?

A leaking main water line can be the cause of major damage to your home’s structure and a source of erosion of your landscape.

  1. Your home has low water pressure at all the faucets.

Low water pressure can be a sign that your main water line is clogged. Clogs can happen from household waste and also from tree root infiltration. Both a clog and tree roots can put pressure on these pipes and create cracks. If not addressed these cracks can evolve into a full break of the line. Did you know the repair of a water line break outside your home is the homeowners’ responsibility?

  1. Your water is cloudy.

While there are a few different causes of cloudy water which can include a problem with that particular fixture or issues with your water heater tank, cloudy water can also be caused by disintegrating or damaged pipes.

If your home is experiencing any of these issues, you might have a problem with your home’s main water line. At Len The Plumber, our experts can get to the root of the problem using diagnostic cameras and the most advanced plumbing tools. And, we have the experience to make sure we repair or replace your main water line quickly to minimize the damage and restore your confidence.

Contact us to schedule a main water line service today. From D.C. to Baltimore, Northern Virginia, Delaware and the Philadelphia area, just call Len The Plumber, your local plumber with same-day service, 7 days a week!

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