Dripping Faucets

A Quick Guide To Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets can be a huge pain. Although they are not a severe plumbing issue, they are still something that you want to get sorted as soon as possible. A leak can be caused by a range of different factors, so it’s always best to phone a professional plumber who can identify the cause and get the problem fixed quickly.

Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent drips from occurring in the first place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about dripping faucets.

What Are the Causes?

There are a few common causes for dripping faucets, including:

● High Water Pressure
● Broken Seal
● Broken Fixture
● Damaged Faucet O-Ring

Preventing Faucets from Dripping

Drip, drip, drip, drip. We’re all familiar with the annoying sound of water droplets echoing off the sink. Although it’s impossible to avoid getting a dripping faucet completely, there are a few ways in which you can prevent one. From choosing the right faucets to having maintenance carried out, here’s what you can do to avoid that dreaded dripping noise.

Choose High-Quality Faucets

Over the years, the quality of faucets has come a long way, but there’s still a significant difference between the less expensive and more expensive ones. When you buy taps for a sink in your home, you may go for the cheaper option to save a bit of money. You’ll most likely have heard of the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ and in most cases, its right. If you invest in some taps that are higher quality, they’re going to last you longer than what lower quality faucets would.

If you’ve paid a bit more for your faucets, the components get made to a much higher standard. Nothing lasts forever so eventually if it begins to drip, you will need to replace whatever has gone wrong with it, but the components should last you a lot longer than those in a cheaper faucet. If your faucet is dripping due to the water pressure in your home, then of course whether the quality of them is high or low, it has nothing to do with the fixture.

Replace Old Fixtures

If the faucets in your home are old and worn, a drip could be right around the corner. By replacing your faucets, you can prevent having to deal with a dripping faucet in the future.

Plumbing Maintenance

Plumbing maintenance is just as important as it is for your air conditioner, electrical system or car. When you call in a professional plumber to carry out maintenance on your plumbing system, it allows them to detect any problems. One of the issues that they can find throughout a plumbing service is if your home has low or high water pressure.

If your home has high water pressure, it can cause your faucets to leak and drip. You may be unable to detect unstable water pressure on your own, but by having maintenance, your plumber will be able to spot any signs and efficiently sort it out. If you want to avoid getting a dripping faucet, make sure that you get annual maintenance carried out on your home’s plumbing system.
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Toilet Repair: Tips and Advice

Toilets are items that get used every day; they’re part of every person’s daily routine. Whether it’s a toilet in a residential property, in an office or a mall, it’s essential that they function efficiently. When they become broken due to plumbing issues, it can cause a lot of inconvenience to both homeowners and business owners. If you’re property ever suffers from a toilet problem, don’t neglect it, it needs repairing. The quicker that an issue can get sorted, the less damage it will cause and the less money it will cost you.

When it comes to plumbing issues, most should be carried out by a professional plumber. If undertaking a plumbing problem yourself, you do run the risk of making the problem worse if you don’t know what you’re doing. However, there are some simple repairs that most homeowners should be able to carry out on their own.

Below are some tips and advice for dealing with plumbing complications in your property:

Stubborn Recurring Clogs

Signs to look out for: When it comes to clogs in your toilet, one of the main tell-tale signs is if your flush is weak. A reduced flush indicates a partial or full clog.

If you have a toilet clog that just won’t budge, it can become a huge nuisance, but you’re not suffering alone. Toilet clogs are one of the most common problems that can surface. If your toilet is completely clogged, it will fill to the brim when you flush it and most likely overflow. If it’s only a partial clog, the water will fill the bowl more than usual, decrease slowly and waste won’t get removed.

DIY or Professional? When it comes to toilet clogs, you’re better off going to a professional unless you have experience with plumbing. If you were to cause more damage to the toilet while attempting to unclog it with a drain snake or plunger, it could end up costing hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Broken Toilet Handles

Signs to look out for: A handle that is loose or broken.

DIY or Professional? If you think of yourself as a bit of a handyman, then this repair is pretty straightforward and easy to complete. The handle can become stuck and seem broken when there’s a buildup of debris, so for the first step, you need to remove the toilet tank cover and give the mounting nut a clean. If the handle is loose, all you need to do is tighten up the nut by turning it clockwise.

The Phantom Flush

Signs to look out for: After you’ve flushed your toilet, you’ll hear the tank refilling. If you can hear the toilet refilling when no one has flushed it, you’ll know that there’s a problem.

When your toilet keeps refilling, it can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day; that’s not only a lot of water, but also a significant amount of money that gets added to your utility bills. Phantom flushes occur when water leaks out from your toilet’s tanks and is often caused by the flapper being damaged.

DIY or Professional? This repair can be solved DIY by draining the tank and the toilet bowl. You then want to check the flapper seat and replace the flapper if any damage is visible. If you don’t trust your plumbing skills, then get in touch with a professional.

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How to Fix Dripping Faucets

With so many different styles available on the market, it’s easy to spend a lot of time choosing your perfect faucet. Once you’ve bought it, the last thing you want is for it to start leaking. Dripping faucets can cost you unnecessary added expenditures on your water bills and will become irritating very quickly.

While experts recommend that you have your plumbing systems professionally checked on a yearly basis, it is possible to attempt to fix some minor problems yourself at home. This guide will explain step by step how to repair a dripping faucet. If this doesn’t work, then it’s probably time to call in the experts.

Understanding Your Plumbing System

There are four different types of faucets that you may have in your home: the compression type, which is equipped with a washer, the cartridge or sleeve style, the ceramic disc and the ball type.

The washer in the compression faucet serves to seal the valve, while an O-ring serves this function in the other three types of faucets. As a dripping or leaking faucet is a relatively minor problem in most cases, any kind can usually be fixed using the same methods.

Preparing Your Faucet
The first step is to switch off the water supply at the mains and turn off the hot water supply from your water heater tank. This will enable you to work on the dripping faucet without any fear of an accident occurring that may result in flooding your home.

You will need to be equipped with a wrench and flat head screwdriver, as well as replacement washers if you have a compression faucet, as this may help to fix the problem.

The next thing you should do is to remove the decorative top from your faucet or tap, as this will allow you to perform any minor alterations that will stop it from dripping in the future. Use your flat head screwdriver to loosen and remove the internal screw that is attached the decorative handle top.

Identifying the Problem
From here you should be able to untwist the stem of the faucet and remove it, which will allow you to examine it for any damage, corrosion or wear and tear. If you can identify any issues, this could be the cause of your dripping faucet. The stem is easy to replace, with suitable parts available in your local hardware store. Make it easier to find the correct parts that you will need to purchase by taking the old, damaged stem with you, as you will be able to seek the assistance of one of the employees who will show you exactly where the necessary elements are located.

In many cases, it is the washer or O-ring that can be causing the problem. The seat of the washer is located just underneath the stem. Removing and replacing these parts could remedy the problem. It is important that you make sure the replacement washer or O-ring you use – depending on the type of faucet installed in your home – is the correct size. Once you have removed the washer, you can use it to determine the size of the new elements you need to buy by taking it to the store with you, or you can invest in a multi-pack of different sized washers or O-rings. These packs cost only slightly more and can be useful if you are unsure of the size you need.

Testing the Faucet
You can now reassemble your faucet, in the reverse order that you dismantled it. Test your tap to check if it is still dripping over the next few hours, as simply cleaning the internal elements and replacing some older parts may have remedied the problem. If you find that your faucet continues to drip over time, it may be best to call in a professional plumber to investigate further.

Now if all this is too much for you, just call us at @ Chambliss Plumbing 210-490-7910

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DIY Plumbing Solutions

Even though we are publishing a DIY here, we generally recommend you calling us for most of your plumbing problems!

When you have a plumbing problem in your home, depending on the severity of it, calling in a professional plumber is often the best idea. However, if you’re feeling confident or you have some DIY skills, there are some solutions to plumbing problems that you can carry out yourself.

Now. would be a good time to call Chambliss Plumbing in San Antonio

It’s always a good idea to have a tool kit in your home filled with a range of different tools. If you think that the problem you are dealing with is too big, and are worried that you could make the matter worse, call in a local plumber; they’ll be able to diagnose any problem and get it repaired as quickly as possible. Below are some DIY solutions to some minor plumbing problems.

Fixing an airlock

If you have an airlock in one of your faucets, the task to cure the problem is quite simple, but it can be time-consuming. One end of a garden hose needs to be connected to the affected faucet, and then the other end needs to be connected to your kitchen’s cold faucet. Both fixtures need to be turned on then left for around 5 minutes. The mains pressure should force the trapped air out. This may need to be repeated a few times until the problem is completely cured.

Fixing a frozen pipe

Pipes in your home that are exposed to low temperatures can often run the risk of freezing. Pipes located in the attic or basement are the ones that will most commonly freeze. The pipes may freeze up and prevent the water from flowing to any outlets or faucets. When a pipe freezes, there is a potential risk of the ice causing the pipe to split.

To help prevent your pipes from freezing and causing damage if you go away over the winter, you will need to set your thermostat to the lowest setting possible – some thermostats have a frost setting. If the temperature is getting close to freezing point, your heating will automatically come on.

If you have a frozen pipe that needs thawing, the best DIY solution is to hold a hair dryer to it. Work your way along the entire pipe until the ice is defrosted and the water can run again. If you aren’t in the mood to hair dryer a pipe, another solution is to place a hot water bottle on the affected area. If excessive heat, for example, fire, is applied to the frozen pipe it can potentially cause it to explode.

Fixing a dripping faucet

A faucet that’s dripping can be incredibly annoying, especially if it’s a faucet in your en suite and you can hear it when you’re trying to get to sleep. Fixing a faucet that is dripping is simple – all you need to do is replace the washers. The washers in the faucet eventually wear out, and this is what causes the faucet to drip water. Once you have replaced the old parts, you can prolong the life of the new ones by trying not to turn off the tap too hard.

Professional plumbing help

If a pipe in your home is leaking or has burst, you need to call in a professional. Before you make the call to your plumber, you firstly want to turn off your power and your water. Electricity and water do not mix, so it’s really important for you to get it turned off. Once the problem has been diagnosed and repaired by the plumber, you need to start the clean up.

Start by mopping up any water; you want to ensure that there has been no water damage caused. You then want to make sure that all of your electrical equipment, switches, sockets, etc. are dry before you turn the electricity back on.

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What To Do If Your Water Heater Leaks

Water heaters require annual professional maintenance to ensure they continue to run safely and efficiently. This means it is equally as important to make sure an experienced plumber evaluates your plumbing system regularly. With daily use throughout the year, your unit can develop wear and tear. One of the most common problems people notice is a leak in their water heater. While this is a sign that you should arrange to have your system checked in the near future, there are some things you can do at home to try to help fix a minor leak.

Check the Pressure and Temperature

Your water heater may be prone to leaking if the temperature of the pressure is too high. You can find out the level of pressure by checking the valve at the top of the tank. An average temperature reading for household water heaters should be approximately 120°F or medium. If the temperature gets above this, it is time to check the valve for a possible blockage or build-up of minerals. The valve can become corroded, which suggests it is time to replace this part of your water heater.

If the temperature of your water heater is normal but there is still a leak, it could be that the pressure if too high. The valve can be easily removed for examination or assessment at home if your hot water heater continues to leak after you have checked the temperature and the pressure.

Tighten the Pipe Joints on the Water Heater

Leaks can also be prevalent in the areas where the hot and cold water supply lines bend or curve. You may notice water dripping or spraying from the joints of the hot and cold water inlet and outlet pipes that are connected to the water heater, as these can often loosen over time. The majority of the time, this can be easily remedied by using a wrench to tighten the joints of the pipe.

If this doesn’t completely solve the problem, you can use plumber’s tape – available at most hardware stores – to wrap around the joints of the pipe. Turn off the water and power, wait for the hot water outlet to cool, before disconnecting the fittings and applying the tape.

Leaking Gaskets

With an electric water heater, water collecting underneath the tank could be a sign of a damaged gasket. The gaskets seal the elements that help to heat the water as it goes into the chamber. To examine this, you will need to turn off the power and water before checking the gaskets for the presence of water or drips. This will allow you to drain the tank and replace the damaged gaskets or corroded elements. Ask your Plumber for advice if you are unsure or visit your local hardware store to find the parts that you will need. If you are confident in your plumbing skills, you can do this yourself and have it checked by a plumber during your annual assessment.

An Internal Water Heater Leak

If the leak appears to come from the bottom of your water heater, this suggests it could be due to an internal leak from inside the tank. This is most likely caused by deterioration or corrosion from frequent use over an extended period of time. If you find that the leak originated from the inside of your water heater, this is a sign that you need to call a plumber. A skilled, trustworthy plumber will diagnose the problem and explain your options to you. Your main options are to have your tank repaired or replaced with a new one, depending on the cost and how old your water heater is. If your water heater is nearing ten years old, it could be more cost-effective to invest in a replacement tank.Call Chambliss Plumbing for the right water heater for your household.
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Bathroom Remodeling – Things to Remember

Things to Remember When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Renovating and remodeling your home can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. This is particularly the case when it comes to bathroom remodeling, which requires careful planning and skilled plumbing. Before you start to work on remodeling your bathroom, make sure you have a detailed plan and seek advice from both your contractor and your plumber. The final design must work for your family and be cost effective in regards to your household water bills, while also looking just the way you envisaged it. Consider some of these details before approving the start of any remodeling work on the bathroom in your home.

Refinishing Rather than Replacing
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to breathe some new life into your bathroom, think about refinishing some of the fixtures already installed. You can have your faucets, bath, shower, sink, and tiling refinished for a fraction of the price than it would cost to have your existing fixtures ripped out and replaced with brand new ones. This may also be more practical for you and your family as it takes less time and doesn’t leave you without any amenities in your bathroom if there is a problem or delay in the work.

By having your fixtures finished rather than replaced, this also saves you the hassle of moving your plumbing around. With bathroom remodeling, many people often decide to change the layout, which can involve altering the placement of plumbing. This can cost more and cause problems during the renovation. You can use the money you have saved to purchase new accessories, redecorate and update your current plumbing fixtures.

Measure Your Space Carefully
Once the fixtures and fittings have been installed in your new bathroom, the space you have to work with is limited. One of the first things you need to do once you have decided to remodel your bathroom is to take careful measurements of the space you have and the areas where large appliances – such as the bath, the shower, and the toilet – will go. Ensure you measure more than once and record the figures as accurately as possible. Take these measurements with you whenever you go shopping for bathroom fixtures and accessories. This will prevent any mistakes being made with any new purchases, so there will be no unfortunate surprises when the work begins.

Think carefully about the layout of your new bathroom so that you make the most out of the space, but don’t end up with a bathroom that feels cramped. You want to have enough room to move around and store toiletries and cosmetics in your bathroom. Storage is important in your bathroom, so make sure to incorporate space for cabinets or cupboards. Use tricks such as wall cabinets and built in cupboards surrounding or around your fixtures and fittings. For example, a storage area can be fitted underneath your sink or bathtub, hiding any items you want to store, such as towels, shampoo or medicine.

Cohesive Design Scheme
There are a number of things to think about when creating a design scheme for your new bathroom. From the right lighting to durable, water resistant flooring, paint that complements the rest of your home, and matching accessories, there’s a huge range of choices to consider.

Choose towels and bathmats in matching colors that contrast the shades you have chosen for your walls and flooring. A large mirror is one of the most important accessories that you will use in your new bathroom, both in terms of aesthetic design and practicality.

Taps and faucets are also something you should take the time to think about. There is a large selection available on the market, so take the time to find something that works well with your existing fixtures and the design of your bathroom. A cohesive design scheme will create a sleek finish that will help you relax in your warm bath once your bathroom is finished.

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