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Plumbing Tips
Plumbing Tips

Plumbing Tips (9)


Identifying Plumbing Issues Before They Become Major Problems

Many plumbing issues around the home will have symptoms that show up before major problems occur. By addressing these symptoms before they become larger, you can often prevent damage and expensive repairs.

Here are some of the more common plumbing problems that can cause significant damage if left uncorrected.

Water Leaks - An undetected water leak or drip can cause hidden mold and rot problems. Enclosed spaces like crawl spaces should be inspected for water spots or mold, which can indicate a leak. Check the area under sinks and vanities for water stains.

Screeching Faucets - This could indicate that the air "bleed-off" system is not working right.

Low Water Pressure - This can be caused by a clog, leak, or a pipe that is too narrow for a particular application.

Rattling Pipes - This can indicate air is trapped in the pipes.

Backed Up Toilet - This may indicate a damaged or clogged sewer line.

Water Heater Rust - If you see brown water coming out of your faucets, your water heater may be corroded.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call Grand Lake Plumbing. Our expert plumbers can help identify the small problems before they cause expensive damage. From fixing leaking pipes to sewer line inspections, no job is too big or too small.
Wednesday, 03 April 2013 19:12

Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Written by Administrator

Spring Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Spring is a great time to check your home's plumbing systems and perform preventative maintenance to protect your home against plumbing problems.

Grand Lake Plumbing offers these tips:


Plumbing Fixtures

  • DrainCheck faucets for drips or leaks and repair parts as needed to save water
  • Clean mineral deposits from faucets and shower heads. Unscrew them and soak them in vinegar overnight
  • Cycle water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking


Drains

Ensure that all drains have strainers to prevent debris from clogging your drain lines.

Pour about a gallon of water into infrequently used drains (including floor drains) to fill the trap and prevent odors from entering the house. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they will carry away water quickly in the event of a flood.


Sump Pump

Test your sump pump for proper operation. Pour approximately 5 gallons of water into the basin of your sump pump. Pour slowly until the sump pump turns on and begins to pump out the water. Do not pour in more water than the basin will hold. Expect the sump pump to begin pumping out water when the water level reaches approximately 8 to 12 inches below the surface of the basement floor.


Appliances

Washing Machine
Washing machine hoses should be inspected for leaks or bulges. If the hoses are older than 10 years, they should be replaced. Consider using braided stainless steel hoses rather than rubber hoses.

Toilets
Check your toilets for cracks or leaks. Add several drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 30 minutes, it has a leak that should be repaired.

If the toilet handle has to be held down in order to flush properly, or jiggled to stop from running, you may need to replace the tank parts.

Water Heaters
Water HeaterCheck the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.

If you have a tank water heater, drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out sediment that can cause corrosion and reduce heating efficiency. Tankless water heaters should be flushed to remove mineral deposits. Always check with your water heater manufacturer for specific instructions regarding maintenance of your specific make and model.

Ensure there are no flammable materials stored near the water heater or furnace.

Hard water can cause problems for homeowners in both increased energy usage and a shortened lifespan of appliances. The two minerals most commonly found in hard water, calcium and magnesium, make heating water less efficient. It requires more energy to heat mineral heavy water compared to clear, purified water.

Hard water can also cause limescale build-up, drastically restricting the water flow in your pipes. Steel pipes are the most prone to this problem, copper and PVC are not as susceptible to limescale build up. Over time this scale build up can lower water pressure in your home's plumbing, eventually leading to costly damage to pipes and plumbing fixtures. As the flow in pipes becomes more restricted, the limescale buildup will happen at a faster rate.

The areas that you may first notice mineral build up are in areas around shower heads, plugs, faucets and valves.  Slowly dripping faucets can cause scale build up on sink surfaces and could damage the rubber washers that are required to keep the mechanism water tight. If this occurs, the washers can sometimes be difficult to replace.

Valves that are found in various appliances, such as ice-makers, washing machines and dishwashers can also end up with scale build-up. If small amounts of limescale build up around the valves, they may not be able to completely close, which can allow water to leak.

Hard Water and Water Heaters

Heating elements in water heaters can also quickly form mineral deposits. When there is limescale between the heating element and the water it will act as a barrier, preventing the water from heating up efficiently and causing the burners to work overtime. Mineral deposits from hard water can also dramatically reduce the lifespan of a water heater by clogging pipes, valves and drains.

Wednesday, 07 November 2012 14:21

Identifying Water Leaks Around The Home

Written by Administrator


Water leaks around your home can cost you money not only on your water bill, but in unseen damage to your home.

The most common types of leaks found around the typical home are worn out toilet flappers, dripping faucets, leaking valves and pipes. Fixing these leaks can pay for itself in water savings.

Checking for Leaks Around The Home

When checking for leaks around your home, you first need to determine whether you're wasting any water, and then identify the source of the leak.

Check your water usage during the winter months. A family of four should not be using 12,000 gallons per month. The water is escaping somewhere.

Have a look at your water meter before and after a couple hour period when water is not being used. If the meter shows any increase at all, you probably have a leak.

Leaking Toilets

Leaking ToiletYou can identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 15 minutes, you have a leak.

The most common reason toilets leak is an old or worn out toilet flapper, also called a valve seal. Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time. Replacing them can be a quick and easy fix for your water loss.

Also examine the toilet gaskets and  fittings for any water leaks on the outside of the toilet.

Leaking Faucets & Shower Heads

The most common cause of leaking faucets are old, worn faucet washers and gaskets.

Many times a leaky shower head can be fixed by ensuring there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe and by using pipe tape (Teflon tape) to secure the connection.  For valve leaks in a shower that drips when not in use, contact ABC for professional repair.

Leaking Water Heaters

Old water heater tanks can rust and develop leaks over time. Inspect the area around the water heater tank for signs of water leaks or stains.

If you are still experiencing water loss after checking the plumbing fixtures around your home, call ABC. can help you solve the more difficult water leak problems.
Green PlumbingGreen plumbing is a way to conserve energy and save money in relation to home water usage. Because water-related energy consumes around 19 percent of the state’s electricity, 30 percent of its natural gas, and billions of gallons of diesel fuel every year, every gallon of water you don't use cuts down on the fossil fuels used in conjunction with water consumption. So green plumbing is really about using energy-saving appliances, low-flow fixtures, and a little common sense when it comes to using water.

Here are a some of the best ways to conserve energy and water in your home.


Install Low-Flow Toilets

Toilets use a quarter of the water in the average American household. Originally, low-flow toilets we less than perfect, but new low flow toilets have improved significantly and can save 70% or more than 3 gallons of water over their conventional 5-gallon counterparts. That means a family of 4 that upgrades to a low-flow toilet from a 5-gallon toilet would save over 13,000 gallons of water per year!


Install An Energy Efficient Water Heater

After heating and air conditioning, a water heater is a home's most energy using device. Choosing an Energy Star rated conventional water heater or a newer tankless style water heater, you can save significant energy dollars.


Use Cold Water

Switching to cold water washing can save 80 percent on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year. Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer and save 700 pounds of C02 a year.


Use Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Installing a low-flow shower head rated at 2 gallons per minute you can save 6 gallons over a standard head or 36 gallons over old or modified shower heads. New shower head technology has given us the feel of high volume shower heads without the cost. You'll not only save water, but the cost of heating water as well.


Find and Repair Water Leaks

It may seem hard to believe, but 14% of all household water used is due to plumbing leaks. Toilets are the number one cause of water leaks, with faucets and showers being close behind. Hidden water leaks under your sink or behind walls can also cause significant damage to your home.

Extending the Lifespan Of Your Home Water Heater With Regular Maintenance

Traditional Tank-Style Water Heater Maintenance

Traditional tank-style water heaters should last for many years. However, over time sediment and rust can accumulate, reducing the operating efficiency and shortening the lifespan of your water heater.

To keep your conventional water heater working reliably and lasting longer, follow these regular maintenance steps at least once a year:

  • Drain the water heater tank annually to remove sediment and rust buildup. This is particularly important if you have hard water. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Ensure the opposite end of the hose is placed outside, in a sink or near a floor drain. Be careful, as the water can be extremely hot and cause burns. If you are not sure of how to flush your water heater, call Grand Lake Plumbingm. We'll advise you on the best way to drain your particular hot water heater.
  • Inspect the outside of the tank for leaks and rust.
  • For gas water heaters, check the exhaust flue to make ensure that air is escaping outside by striking a match near to the bell housing. The smoke should exit out the flue.
  • Check the relief valve by placing a bucket underneath the extension pipe and turning the valve to the open position. Water should flow freely when the valve is opened.
  • Make sure the thermostat is set to between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend not setting the water temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit if you have have young children.
  • Always keep a pan under the water heater tank to make it easier to spot leaks.
  • If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light flame to ensure it is burning blue and steady.


Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Tankless water heaters offer an energy saving alternative to conventional tank-style water heaters with the water only getting heated when it's needed. Because there is no storage tank to heat, you'll never run out of hot water as long as the unit is been properly sized for your hot water needs.

Like traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters need to be maintained properly to operate at peak efficiency and to realize their cost savings over conventional water heaters. So, spending some time on maintenance yourself — or calling Grand Lake Plumbing for regular maintenance — will ensure that you are taking advantage of all the benefits of your tankless water heater.

1. Check and Clean the Screen Filter
Periodically inspect and clean the filter located on the water inlet side of your tankless water heater. It's best to have a licensed plumber do this job. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, please learn the correct procedure before attempting this task. Never use chemical solutions to clean your water heater, since it will enter your drinking water. Vinegar is a safe, effective cleaner.

2. Flush the System
To prevent the a harmful buildup of lime and scale, flush your tankless water heater periodically. Grand Lake Plumbing can help you flush your water heater. As noted above, please be sure to flush it with vinegar and not chemicals that could contaminate your water supply.
Monday, 10 January 2011 12:01

Frozen Pipes or No Heat We Have You Covered

Written by Lindsey Morrow

Inside your home, frozen pipes can be downright dangerous! Don't take a chance and wait for the problem to fix itself.

Water expands when it freezes (and pipes don't) so a frozen pipe can lead to a broken pipe, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.
Call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating and avoid the mess and expense frozen pipes can cause. We'll fix it right and show you how to keep it from happening again.

Colorado winters can be harsh and we all depend on our furnace or boiler to  keep us warm and comfortable. Most of us don’t give our heating system a second thought . . . until it stops working.
No heat? Call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating. We’ll respond quickly. Our skilled technicians will arrive with all the tools, materials and experience to service, tune up, or repair your furnace/boiler. Our technicians are expertly trained and service all makes and models.

 

Friday, 03 February 2012 12:01

Frozen Pipes or No Heat We Have You Covered

Written by Lindsey Morrow

Inside your home, frozen pipes can be downright dangerous! Don't take a chance and wait for the problem to fix itself.

Water expands when it freezes (and pipes don't) so a frozen pipe can lead to a broken pipe, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.
Call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating and avoid the mess and expense frozen pipes can cause. We'll fix it right and show you how to keep it from happening again.

Colorado winters can be harsh and we all depend on our furnace or boiler to  keep us warm and comfortable. Most of us don’t give our heating system a second thought . . . until it stops working.
No heat? Call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating. We’ll respond quickly. Our skilled technicians will arrive with all the tools, materials and experience to service, tune up, or repair your furnace/boiler. Our technicians are expertly trained and service all makes and models.

 

Tuesday, 28 December 2010 09:44

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Written by Lindsey Morrow

Preventing Frozen Pipes: Tuesday December 28, 2010

This week we are expecting very cold weather. State Farm Insurance states that an average of a quarter-million families have their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter due to water pipes that freeze.

Bursting pipes occur when frozen water causes a pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to extreme cold. To keep water in your pipes from freezing here are some suggestions.

Before the Cold Hits:

     1) Insulate Pipes: pipes that are in the crawl space or attic are most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
     2) Seal Leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located. Use caulk to keep the cold out and the heat in.
     3) Disconnect garden hoses and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This will reduce the chance of freezing a pipe inside the house.

When the Cold Hits:

     1) Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Very important if you have any pipes on exterior walls.
     2) Set the thermostat in your home no lower than 55* F.

If Your Pipes Freeze:

     1) If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating.
     2) If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, you need to turn off the water at the main shut-off vale in the house.
         (Make sure everyone in your family  knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)
     3) Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with warm air from a hair dryer.

Call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating and avoid the mess and expense frozen pipes can cause. We’ll fix it right and show you how to keep it from happening. We want you and your loved ones to stay safe this winter.

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Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating
P.O. Box 529
Grand County, CO 80447
Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating
1900 Bridge Lane
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating
12208 US Highway 34
Grand lake, CO 80447