Category: Plumbing Tips

A toilet that won’t flush is frustrating, but here’s the good news: It’s probably an easy fix.

Our team of experts at Len The Plumber has put together the following guide to the most common reasons a toilet won’t flush. Depending on the issue with your toilet, you may be able to solve the problem yourself without needing to call a plumber.

The Lift Chain Has Too Much Slack

If you push down the handle and feel no resistance, the lift chain inside the tank, which connects to the flapper and releases water, has probably shifted, resulting in too much slack on the chain.

Solution: Remove the tank lid and shorten the length of the lift chain until there’s no longer slack between the flapper and the handle.

The Toilet Is Clogged

If someone in your family used too much toilet paper, dropped an item like a toy into the bowl, or flushed a sanitary product, a clogged toilet is almost inevitable.

Solution: You might be able to fish out items like toys on the surface. However, for absorbent materials, such as sanitary products or diapers, try to plunge out the clog or use a toilet brush to clear it.

The Water Level Is Low

When there isn’t enough water in the bowl, your toilet can’t flush. The float ball in your tank might have been misadjusted — signaling to your toilet that there is not enough water to flush properly.

Solution: Lift open the tank lid. The float ball should be floating 1 to 2 inches below the overflow tube and fill valve. There might also be a line etched into the porcelain indicating what level the float ball should stay at. Adjust the float ball to remain at that level.

The Flapper Is Warped

If you notice your toilet is running often, the flapper might be warped. The flapper is connected to the lift chain and opens when you press the toilet handle. Over time, a rubber flapper can bend or warp, making it unable to seal the flush tube hole and release water to flush the toilet.

Solution: Purchase a new flapper at a hardware or home improvement store. They are inexpensive and easy to find. Turn off your water main, drain the toilet tank, and replace the warped flapper with the new flapper. Turn your water back on and try flushing the toilet again.

There’s a Drain Line or Sewer Problem

If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and your toilet still won’t flush, it’s probably time to call a professional to check your plumbing and sewer system for major backups. The biggest sign that you have a drain line or sewer system issue is when there are clogged drains throughout your home, not just in your toilet.

Solution: Call a licensed plumber who has the tools and expertise to find clogs without needing to remove pipes. When there’s a drain line or plumbing issue, the problem is no longer something that a DIY solution can fix. Your plumbing professional will probably use video pipe inspection as well as long-reaching augers to make the necessary repairs.

Call Len The Plumber for Plumbing Repairs in the Mid-Atlantic Region

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic region and would rather a professional take a look at your toilet, contact Len The Plumber. Our expert, licensed plumbers have the experience and expertise to provide same day service, seven days a week.

Call Len The Plumber today at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 or contact us online, and we’ll send a certified plumber to fix your toilet as soon as possible.  

When we talk about water heaters with our homeowners, we’re often surprised by the way they think of it. If you’re taking your water heater for granted, we want today to be the last day you do so. Your home’s water heater is one of the hardest working and most important systems that you have in your home. This is because you use your water heater daily and heavily. It’s the system you’re relying on to take a shower, wash your dishes, and wash your clothes. If you need great water heater service in Peoria, AZ, then understanding your water heater is a great place to start. 

Today, we want to make the subject of your water heater knowledge start with the anode rod. If you have a tank water heater in your home, the anode rod is essential for the function of the system. 

What’s an Anode Rod?

An anode rod is a rod made of magnesium and zinc housed in the tank water heater. The reason that magnesium is used in this system is because magnesium breaks down much faster than steel does, especially when in contact with zinc. You need a magnesium rod breaking down inside of your tank because your water heater tank is made of steel. Without the magnesium rod inside of your tank, the steel of the tank would break down and corrode in no time. 

If you talk to professionals about an anode rod, you might hear it referred to as a “sacrificial anode rod.” This is because an anode rod breaks down to better benefit your home’s water heater. It’s necessary for the overall function of your system.

The Genius of Water Heater Manufacturers

Most things that are exposed to water long enough will eventually break down. Although your water heater has one job and it’s to heat up your home’s water, this isn’t something that’s going to be feasible without the right protection. The people who manufacture tank water heaters understand this. Your water heater is typically full of certain chemicals over time. This is when the anode rod needs to go to work.

The anode rod is the unit that hits back at any corrosive elements sitting in your home’s water heater system. The anode rod consumes corrosive elements like steel. This can occur in your home’s water heater over time as the unit corrodes from age. The anode rod keeps your system balanced. 

What Professional Service Does for You

Now that you know the ins and outs of your water heater and the anode rod specifically, we want to leave you with our most important note—professional service is required. Don’t think that you can sidestep professional care when you need repair work or any maintenance care. Professional service is important because we’re the only ones who have the training necessary to keep your water heater in good working condition. 

Our plumbers are ones that you can always rely on for quality service. We make sure that the service we provide is as prompt as it is high quality. 

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

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=257

According to a study done at the University of Scranton, of the 45% of people who make New Year’s resolution, only 8% successfully achieve their goals. While this number is quite low, we’re encouraging all of our customers (new and old) to at least consider our New Year’s resolutions. This year we hope you consider the following resolutions:

1. Be nicer to your garbage disposal.
This year, try to make a more conscious effort about what you’re throwing down your disposal. Here’s a great reference to see what you should and shouldn’t put down your disposal.

2. Give your water heater a little T.L.C.
Just like the oil in your car, your water heater needs regular maintenance as well. Our technicians will ensure your system is running properly by flushing the system making sure to get rid of any buildup or sediment.

3. Save Water.
If you’re in the market for a new toilet, consider installing low-flush toilets. This will save you water and money on your next water bill.

4. Keep your pipes warm.
Winter temperatures can affect your pipes. Make sure they’re properly insulated to avoid pipes bursting in your home. Follow these important tips to winterize your plumbing!

5. Get your home’s plumbing system inspected.
When we’re in your home, you’re entitled to a free home plumbing inspection. While some people decline this service, we encourage you to allow our technician to make sure everything is in good working order. You never know when that hidden leak could start costing you a lot of money!

6. Fix plumbing issues sooner rather than later. 
Keep your eyes and ears open for leaks, drips, noisy water heaters, running toilets etc.

This year, we hope that you’ll make your first resolution to get a hold of us as soon as you think you have an issue with your plumbing.

Waiting until it’s too late to fix a plumbing problem can be a costly headache. Since we’re here for you 365 days out of the year and don’t charge extra for service on weekends and holidays, give us a call at any time!

Garbage disposals are the power horse of the average kitchen. They suck away food waste, slurp up flat soda, and in general help make homes a little less wasteful and a little more eco-friendly.

It’s not too difficult to keep your garbage disposal working at its best. First things first, know what things aren’t supposed to be put into the garbage disposal.

Fibrous materials, coffee grounds, liquid grease, bones, fruit pits, or egg shells. These are all things that can dull blades, cause clogs, or generally impede the performance of your garbage disposal. Next up is regularly cleaning it. We’ve listed a step-by-step process for deep cleaning your garbage disposal below.

First, flush it out with water.

This is going to work to dislodge any loose food waste, dirt, and grime. The best way to do this is by plugging the opening to your garbage disposal and filling the sink until there are around three inches of hot, standing water. Add some dish soap, swish it around, and then remove the plug so it can flush through the disposal’s pipes. Hot water is needed because it will liquify any grease or similar crud that’s built up on the insides of the pipes.

Next, throw some ice cubes and salt down the disposal.

This might seem like a peculiar step, but trust us when we say it works. After the ice and salt are in the disposal, two and one cups of each respectively, turn on your disposal. It’ll be loud, but don’t worry – that’s part of the process. Turn on water from the tap to run during this process and the combination will work to remove sludge and other debris from the inner walls of your disposal. An added bonus of this step is that grinding ice works to sharpen your garbage disposal blades, improving its overall performance.

Now you want to give it a good scrub.

Let us preface this by telling you that you absolutely should not put your hand inside your garbage disposal. We recommend using a long-handled scrub brush or an old toothbrush to reach inside and manually clean the inner walls of any remaining debris. You can do this with just water or with the help of some dish soap to be especially thorough. Like with previous steps, rinse it out with water afterwards.

Voila! Your garbage disposal is now clean. If you’d like to take further steps to freshen up the useful appliance, you can throw some citrus peels or essential oils inside and run it for added fresh scent.

If you’re interested in a garbage disposal installation, or have a clog you can’t quite clear, get in touch with the pros at Len The Plumber.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=226

If we had to guess, we would say that it’s unlikely you think about your plumbing drains too often. That’s okay! Most folks don’t think about them at all—that is, until they have a stubborn clog or a smelly sink.

It’s important to keep your drains in great shape. Otherwise, they can cause a number of problems for you. It’s also important to know when it’s time to call for professional drain cleaning, so you can keep your plumbing system as efficient and healthy as possible. Read on as we uncover some of the most common signs that it’s time for you to call for professional plumbing in Glendale, AZ, and invest in drain cleaning services.

Slow Drainage

It’s rare that a clog will form in one of your drains without warning. Most of the drain clogs we treat have formed over time, as waste such as FOG (fats, oils, and grease) in the kitchen sink or hair and soap scum in the bathroom drains stick to the walls of the pipe and build up. As this buildup increases and worsens, the drain becomes less likely to allow for the free flow of water, and you’ll notice backup as a result.

If you do discover that one of your drains is draining slower than it used to, it’s a good indication that it’s time to call for drain cleaning services.

And no, before you ask, you shouldn’t use that bottle of drain cleaning “solution” you bought at the store for situations “just like this.” These chemical-laden liquid drain cleaners are highly caustic and can do more harm than good. They’re only able to dissolve certain clogs, leaving behind residue that just builds up on other clogs, defeating the purpose of the solution. Plus, the chemicals corrode the pipes they sit in, eventually leading to leaks and subsequent plumbing problems.

Foul Odors

This is another common indication that you need professional drain cleaning. If the smells are coming from your kitchen sink drain, then it’s likely a buildup of food and other waste stuck to the inside of the drainpipe. If this is coupled with slow drainage or at least a delay in drainage (you may see water bubble for a moment before it goes down the drain) then it’s likely you have a problem brewing in the drainpipe.

If you’ve recently had your drain cleaned and still smell foul odors, it is possible to treat the odors yourself. Many people use a combo of vinegar and baking soda, or if you have a garbage disposal system, you can cut up some citrus peels and put them down the drain. Be careful not to get excessive here, as then you could end up causing a drain clog.

You Haven’t Had Drain Cleaning Done in a Year

Drain cleaning should be part of your annual preventive plumbing maintenance. Drain cleaning using video camera inspection to find any trouble spots, followed up with a drain snake or hydro-jet, will help keep your drainpipes in good condition. And now is the perfect time to have this service done, right before the holidays when you’re sure to have a lot of cooking byproducts going down your kitchen sink and guests using your bathrooms and showers.

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

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=220

You’ve got a home automation app for everything from turning on your oven to closing your garage door. But how about using this same smart home technology to save you thousands by preventing a major plumbing issue or saving you money on your water bill?

Smart home automation is helping to make our lives easier so it’s no surprise that smart plumbing technology is becoming part of the high-tech highway.  Check out these ways smart home automation is working with your home’s plumbing system today.

Smart Leak Detectors

Perhaps the most important home automation system you can install for your home’s plumbing is a smart leak detector. This device alerts you when it detects water from appliances where it shouldn’t be and can send a notification to your phone while you are away!

Whole-Home Leak Detection System

New to the market is a whole-home water monitoring system that can not only detect if your home has a leak in its plumbing system, but it can identify its location and alert you via your smartphone. The technology also enables it to shut off a water supply line if it detects an issue. That’s a gamechanger when it comes to preventing costly water damage.

Smart Appliances

From faucets that automatically fill to the desired level, to washing machines that can be activated remotely, smart appliances are helping homeowners conserve water and energy.

LED Temperature Monitors

If you have small children or love your bath at a specific temperature an LED temperature monitor is for you.  Smart fixtures and appliances offer an LED screen that enables you to read when the water has reached your desired temperature.

Smart Irrigation System

Have you ever been annoyed that your sprinkler system set on a manual timer activates no matter what the weather? Save energy with a smart home irrigation system that adapts to weather changes and tracks soil status to prevent your landscaping from getting over or under-watered.

Smart Sump Pump System

Prevent basement flooding with a smart sump pump system that gives you real time data, smart diagnostics, and early warnings about your sump pump activity. Sump pumps work in your basement or crawl space to ensure groundwater does not rise to the level of your basement floor and cause a flood. You likely don’t realize it’s working but you will definitely know if it is not! Sump pumps pump the water up and away from your home. If your sump pump fails, is inefficient, or is in need of maintenance, the smart pump system can send an alert to your mobile device so you can avoid major basement flooding.

Choose Len The Plumber for Smart Home Automation Plumbing Technology

Smart technology is flooding into our daily lives. Why not let this technology help you conserve water and save you money by preventing costly repairs? Smart home technology is easier than you think to integrate into your home’s plumbing system. Our experts at Len The Plumber can help you navigate the smart home technology field and make it work for you.

Contact Len The Plumber online or call our team at 800-950-4619 to learn more about our smart home automation plumbing technology.

Scheduling water heater maintenance for your system might not be at the top of your to-do list, but there are many reasons why it should be. Professional water heater maintenance provides homeowners with numerous system benefits that they wouldn’t experience otherwise. Read on to discover the benefits you’re missing out on if you don’t schedule routine water heater maintenance with a plumbing professional!

1. Keep the Manufacturer’s Warranty Active

Did you know that annual system maintenance is required to keep your manufacturer warranty active? It’s true — unless you adhere to the professional maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual, you could be sacrificing your warranty. That means if your system ever malfunctions within the warranty period, you won’t be able to take advantage of any repair services that might be covered unless you can prove your unit was maintained annually.

2. Improve System Energy Efficiency

With time, minerals will settle at the bottom of your water heater, making it increasingly difficult for your unit to produce hot water. Inevitably, this will reduce the amount of water available to heat, lowering your hot water supply — especially if you have a traditional storage tank system rather than a tankless water heater. During water heater maintenance, your plumbing professional will remove any mineral buildup within your system. By removing sediment from your water heater, your system will be able to operate much more efficiently.

3. Identify Repair Needs Early

In addition to removing excess sediment from your system, your plumbing maintenance professional will also help identify repair needs early. This will help you better anticipate what water heater repair requests you may need in the near future and can also help you prevent a full system breakdown. And by better understanding your water heater’s current health, you’ll be able to plan financially for your system’s needs rather than facing an unexpected expense down the road.

4. Reduce Water Expenses

One of the greatest benefits to professional water heater maintenance is the reduced water expenses you’ll incur as a result. As your plumber eliminates excess buildup within your system to improve efficiency, this will translate into lower operational costs throughout the year as your unit doesn’t have to work as hard to produce hot water. You’ll also enjoy reduced water heater ownership costs as well since your plumber will be able to identify and repair small problems before they escalate into a professional repair request.

5. Increase System Longevity

With proper system maintenance, your water heater unit can last up to 20 years or longer, depending on the type of system you have installed. However, an annual maintenance schedule is the only way to achieve this type of longevity. Systems that do not undergo annual maintenance are much more likely to break down and require replacement prematurely.

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance With Len The Plumber!

If it’s been more than a year since your last water heater flush, Len The Plumber has the plumbing professionals you need to maintain your system. Our water heater maintenance services will leave you with improved system efficiency, performance, and longevity so you can enjoy stress-free hot water access in your home.

Schedule water heater maintenance with Len The Plumber by calling (800) 950-4619 today!

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=192

If you’ve ever encountered a clogged drain, then you know that things progress from slow-moving drains to an outright clog seemingly overnight. This problem is as frustrating as it is expensive. If you’d like to keep your drains clean, then you should familiarize yourself with the drain cleaning services available to you.

There are certain things you should know when it comes to your home’s drain cleaning services and we’re the team who can help you understand. We’re experts on everything plumbing in Avondale, AZ.

How Clogs Occur

Your plumbing system does a considerable amount of hard work on a daily basis. If even minor things go wrong, it can create a domino effect and cause a clog. Try to avoid the following things to avoid future clogs:

Hard Water: Hard water is typically part of your water system. The problem with this is that it doesn’t stay part of your water system. Eventually, the sediment is going to settle at the bottom of the pipes. It’s important to handle hard water because it can constrict the flow of your home’s plumbing.Inorganic Waste: You don’t want to put things down your garbage disposal that aren’t food scraps, and you don’t want to put things down your toilet that aren’t organic waste. If you do, then it’s going to set you up for a fast track to a clog.FOG: FOG stands for fat, oil, and grease. It’s important that you avoid ever putting these substances down your drain. If you do, it’s going to settle, congeal, and become a bigger issue down the line when it causes a clog.

Now that you know that clogs occur, you should familiarize yourself with how we handle clogs.

How Our Team Handles Them

There are two major ways that we can handle a clog. Those two main ways are either with hydro-jetting services or with a motorized drain snake.

A motorized drain snake is a professional version of an auger. Our professionals use a corkscrew motion to dig down into clogs and break them up or remove them. We know that augers are available to you as a homeowner, but it’s not something that we suggest you do on your own. Professional service gives you long-lasting care.

Another way we can handle your clog is via hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is when you blast a highly pressurized stream of water into your plumbing system. This gets rid of any hard water deposits or other grime that’s sitting in your drains.

Why You Should Trust an Expert

You should always contact an expert for your plumbing services. You’ll hear us reiterate this often, but it’s because this is truly vital. You need to make sure that you have a service that’s going to address your needs now and keep your plumbing in impeccable shape later.

We have the experts you can trust. We put quality care into all the work we perform. You won’t have to worry about your plumbing care with our team members.

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

What counts as a “plumbing emergency” in your home? The easy answer to this is “Whatever feels like an emergency to you, the homeowner.” It’s a good adage, because even if you’re wrong about whether the plumbing problem you’re facing is an emergency or not, you’ll be glad you had the trouble investigated. Better to be cautious and avoid a big disaster.

There’s more to defining emergency plumbing needs, however. Sometimes, plumbing emergencies hide behind what look like lesser issues. Things that just don’t feel like big deals. Troubles you can get to later. These are the truly tricky and dangerous emergency plumbing jobs, because you’re much less likely to treat them as such and call us for emergency plumbing in Glendale, AZ to get the issue fixed before it becomes a major problem. 

To help, we’ve listed four plumbing problems you may encounter that may seem mild, but are a good reason to call our plumbers ASAP.

#1. Water spots on the ceiling

Discolored spots on the ceiling are leaks, and you probably know that. If you notice these spots developing on the ceiling of rooms of your two-story house, it might seem like something you can get to at a more convenient time. But these leaks are serious business: they’re likely coming from bathroom plumbing (check to see which room is above the discoloration) and mean that water damage has already occurred and spread. This not only wastes water, it weakens the building material and could even cause collapse. The quicker this is solved, the less expensive and extensive the repairs.

#2. Multiple slow drains 

A slow drain is an annoyance, but because it’s not a full clog, people will often ignore them or simply deal with them rather than call a plumber. A slow drain isn’t usually an emergency, although we recommend you move sooner on this rather than let it get worse. But when multiple drains in your house are slow, something is wrong deeper in the drainage system, and it might be trouble with the sewer line. Sewer line repairs are always emergencies, since you may end up with no drainage at all or sewage backing up into the house. 

#3. Red discoloration in the hot water

You’ll see a reddish color in the water from a tap that hasn’t been turned on in weeks, but after a few seconds it will clear up. If you see this discoloration coming from a hot water tap and it doesn’t clear up, it probably means the water heater is rusted through and on the verge of a full breakdown. At this point, the water heater will probably need to be replaced, and you’ll want plumbers on the job fast before your hot water is gone. 

#4. Water pressure suddenly drops

The water coming from the taps is abruptly much weaker than before. Maybe not impossible to work with, but noticeable. This might be a municipal issue (see if the neighbors have a similar problem). If it’s not, we recommend calling for plumbing assistance right away, as there may be trouble in the home’s water main. 

Call The Trusted Plumber no matter what you need for plumbing help. We have emergency plumbing available!

The water heater is typically the unsung hero of every single home. Your water heater accounts for almost 17% of your home’s energy usage. Let that statistic sink in—it works harder than every other appliance in your home combined. If you want to have an efficient home and you’re trying to find one point to improve, then you should start with your water heater.

We’re experts when it comes to everything related to water heaters in Avondale, AZ. Make sure that you come to our professionals for the services you need. We’re going to help you figure out what’s up with your water heater today.

What’s Going On?

Let’s get to the bottom of your issue. Here’s what might be going on with your home’s water heater:

Rust-Colored Water

Have you noticed that the color of your water is just … a little off? Your water should always be completely clear. If you notice that it’s tinged red, orange, yellow, or any other color, then you should get in touch with a professional as soon as possible.

What’s likely happening is that your water heater is rusting and flaking off on the inside. If this is the case, then you’ll notice that your water is tinged.

Lukewarm Water

If your water heater is struggling to perform, then you might notice that you’re getting lukewarm water from the taps. The hot water that you receive from your freshwater system should always be consistent. If it isn’t, then you’re going to need to take a closer look at your home’s water heater. We’ll help you get to the bottom of any issues that you’re experiencing.

Scalding Water

You might be having the opposite problem with your home’s water—it could be too hot. To anyone not experiencing this problem, they might be asking themselves how you can have too much of a good thing. If you’re experiencing this, though, then you know that extremely hot water can be both dangerous and painful. We’re prepared to help you get it under control in no time.

Foul Odors

Your water just smells … a little funky. What you might notice is a rotten egg smell. This smell occurs because your home’s water heater is full of sediment with bacteria. As the bacteria sits around and decomposes, you’ll start to notice the smell.

Odd Sounds

The two odd sounds that you might hear coming from your water heater are rattling and rumbling. You’re going to hear this when a layer of sediment forms on the bottom of your tank. This happens because there’s a natural amount of sediment in your water. Some of it settles and then hardens over time and the sounds you hear are the water attempting to break through this layer.

Leaks

Have you noticed leaks coming from your water heater? You might hear a sizzling sound coming from your water heater cabinet if this is the case. These leaks are a problem because they greatly reduce your water heater’s capacity.

Contact The Trusted Plumber for your water heater services in Avondale, AZ.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.davieplumbingandsupplyfl.com/?p=142