Homemade Cleaning Solutions for Drain Maintenance

If you want to save a lot of money by using some homemade sink and drain cleaning solutions to maintain your home's drains in between professional cleanings, you can! Maintaining your drains is a lot more than just tossing chemicals down the drain. Chemicals can damage your drain system and plumbing and are toxic, as well. Chemical drain cleaning can cause burns, blindness and even death.

If your kitchen sink is draining slowly, boiling water is the best thing for it. It sounds simple and it is. If you pour a couple kettles of boiling water into the sink, you will probably save your drains from being blocked up. If you have a lot of grease accumulated in the drain, you may need more than just 1 or 2 kettles of water. After you unclog the drain, you can do this every couple days and you will be able to maintain your sinks and drains from clogging.

Salt water is also a great way to clean your drains and sinks. Take 4 liters of water and mix ½ a cup of salt with it. Pour it into a pan, put on the stove until it becomes steamy. Don’t let it come to a boil. Just before the water boils, pour the solution down the sink to maintain cleanliness and unclog drains.

Baking soda and vinegar is a great way to unblock drains and keep your sinks clean. Take some baking soda and pour ½ cup down your drain. Behind this pour a ½ cup of vinegar. Cover your drain and leave it alone for about an hour. Flush the soda and vinegar mixture down the lines with 2 pans of boiling water. Be aware that when you combine the baking soda and water, there will be a bubbling effect that is produced which may cause some splattering. This is a great way to eliminate drain odors as well.

Homemade cleaning products are much safer and less toxic which is all the more reason to use these in your homes.

Time for your home's professional drain cleaning or have a clog that needs to be cleared? Contact Plumbing For Less, your experienced Atlanta Plumber, today at (404) 753-9191.

4 Signs You May Need to Replace Your Plumbing

Plumbing problems in the home can create a lot of damage if they are not taken care of right away. Some leaks or cracks are obvious and can be fixed without much cost to the job. Other problems are not seen so easily and may take longer to find and fix. Any water dripping from a faucet may cause other problems such as mold or mildew in your home. These problems should not be ignored as they may cause health problems to the family. Professional plumbers are well trained to find leaks and replace broken lines for the safety of everyone concerned. Following are 4 signs you may need to replace your plumbing:

1. If your kitchen or bathroom faucet makes a high pitch screech sound when you turn it on, it could be coming from the bleed-off structure in the pipe that is not working properly. The screech noise is caused by air that is getting into the pipes and keeping the valve from shutting down.

2. Water pressure is another sign that will tell you that the plumbing fixture needs replacing. A number of different problems can cause pressure problems. Your pipes may be old and have a leak somewhere down the line or the pipes may be of the wrong size and are causing insufficient water pressure. You may also have a clog in your pipe. Some of these problems can be fixed and sometimes the line needs to be replaced. Professional plumbers will have the proper tools and knowledge to replace your pipes in a timely manner.

3. Toilets that are backing up all the time may have problems of tree roots growing somewhere in the lines. Plumbers have lines with small cameras on them to help them locate the problem. The pipes that have been invaded with tree roots would need to be replaced professionally.

4. The best time to replace any plumbing in your homes is when you are going to remodel that room. Remodeling a room without updating your plumbing fixtures may cost you more in later years. While your kitchen or bathroom is torn apart for its new appearance, the plumbing is easier to get to and replace. If you had to tear up your kitchen or bathroom after remodeling, it would cost you more in money, stress, and time.

If you notice any of the above four signs, it may be time to replace your plumbing. Contact Plumbing For Less in Atlanta today at (404) 753-9191 to schedule an in home consultation by your expert plumbing specialist.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Septic System?

Trying to figure out if you need to repair or replace your septic tank can make you feel like your trying to play psychic. Many times, a damaged septic tank can keep working, then one day it suddenly fails. Next thing you know, you’re stuck with all kinds of repairs and will probably need to call a septic tank service.

Septic tanks are pretty hardy, and they can last over three years before they ever need pumping. A septic tank that has been damaged can be difficult to repair. If the septic tank has years and years of wear on it, it may make much more sense to purchase a new one.

If you aren’t quite sure if you need a new septic tank or if you may just need repairs, there are some symptoms that will help you figure out when you need to call a professional.

Most septic tanks should not have to be pumped out more than every three years. If you continually have to have the tank pumped out, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new septic system. It could be a sign that the family has grown out of the old septic tank system.

Go out in your yard where the septic tank is located and examine the grounds. Do you see any puddles that have collected around the septic tank area? Does the ground feel wet and moist all the time, even when it has not rained? This is a big sign that the septic tank may be leaking water. If the leak happens to be around the ports, a professional septic tank technician can probably fix it. However, if the water leak is on the tank itself, you probably have to buy a new septic tank system. Some repairs would be more costly and time consuming than it would be to purchase a new septic tank.

Trying to figure out what is wrong with your septic tank yourself is hard; that’s why it is really a job for professionals. If you suspect you have a septic tank problem, call your local professional.

Noticing problems with your septic system? Contact Plumbing For Less, your Atlanta Plumbing Professionals today at (404) 509-6866.

The 29th Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show on September 21st - 23rd, 2012

Don't miss Georgia's grandest Fall Home Show this year! For all the latest and best in home fashion, technology and ingenuity, the 29th Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show will be held in the Cobb Galleria Centre on September 21-23, 2012. You don't want to miss these three days: the event will bring together Vern Yip (from TLC's Trading Spaces), Tonya M. Williams (from HGTV's Designed to Sell and Bang for Your Buck) John Gidding (from HGTV's Designed to Sell and Curb Appeal), Joe Washington (from HGTV's Ground Breakers), along with hundreds of exhibits from products and services organizations for the home.

With solutions and soft touches that complete your modern bathroom or spa, the Fall Atlanta Home Show will showcase hundreds of fabulous options. You and your family can browse the dazzling array of streamlined faucets, pipes and accessories. Get ideas and gain information for your next bathroom remodeling project. Better than photos and diagrams, displays and demonstrations show tricks of the trade and explain installation and function of new and improved home products.

Parking is free and general admission tickets can be picked up at the Show Box Office for $10 per adult, children 12 and under are free, and senior citizens 65 and older are free with valid ID. Multi-day tickets can also be purchased for $15 per adult, that allows a 2-day pass. Also, to honor First Responders as well as active and retired military personnel, the expose offers "buy one adult ticket, get one free (with ID)". Complimentary Friday admission is also available for all members of the following organizations: ASID, Georgia Professional Real Estate Agents, HBA, NARI, NKBA, and GaREIA by providing your business card.At the show, you can also enter the Home Show Grand Prize to win a premium outdoor centerpiece fire pit. The Show hours are Friday, September 21st from 10am - 6pm, Saturday, September 22nd from 10am - 6pm, and Sunday, September 23rd from noon - 6pm at Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Centre across from Cumberland Mall. For more information on attending the Home Show, go to www.atlantahomeshow.com or call (770) 798-1997.

Have questions or need help with your bathroom remodeling project? Contact Plumbing For Less, your Atlanta Plumbing Specialists today at (404) 753-9191.

Tips on Troubleshooting a Gas Water Heater in Your Atlanta Home

Many homeowners are now using gas water heaters in their homes. They find these devices energy-saving, convenient, and can heat big areas efficiently. Gas water heaters can be operated on propane or natural gas, and some of these need vent while others do not. Unlike the electric heaters, gas heaters use an insulated standard storage tank.

Generally, gas water heaters are very reliable. Yet, occasionally operating problems occur with these types of water heaters. Some of these problems are just minor and can be corrected easily by simply complying with the troubleshooting steps provided in the operating manual. Following are some of the common problems and basic steps for troubleshooting a gas water heater.

If the gas heater no longer heats the water, making a few adjustment can get the gas heater to work properly again. The first thing that needs to be done is to find the source of the problem. For instance, the heater’s thermostat regulates the amount of gas fed to the burner assembly. It also keeps the initial flame burning. Due to improper temperature settings, kinked thermocouple, and blocked gas lines could cause the thermostat to malfunction. If this happens, consider calling a local, licensed plumber to replace the thermostat as improper replacement of this device can cause danger of leaking gas.

If gas odor is smelled inside the home, shut off the gas and water valve. Open the windows and doors in the house to ventilate the room. Then call the gas water heater company immediately.

If hot water supply is not enough, check the gas heater’s thermostat and increase the temperature. Check also if there are sediments accumulated in the water tank, and try draining it or hire an experienced plumber to do the job. Replacing the water heater with another model that has a larger capacity may also solve this problem. Alternatively, it is also possible that the problem is caused by low gas pressure. If that is the case, have it checked with a utility company.

If you are still unsure of the cause of the problem and what to do, call the gas heater’s manufacturer for troubleshooting instructions or contact your local, professional plumber in Atlanta.

If your water heater is not working and is in need of repair, call Plumbing For Less in Atlanta today at 404-753-9191. Our team of experts is available to quickly repair or replace your hot water heater, and are on-call 24/7 for your convenience.

How to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies This Fall in Atlanta

Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime and usually during inconvenient times. For instance, during winter, the freezing temperatures cause water to freeze and eventually expand. It then causes pipes to burst, resulting in catastrophic damages to your home’s plumbing system. It causes water to flood on the floors, walls, and ceiling, resulting in a costly damage and a huge mess. However, there are a few things that a homeowner can do while the weather is nice this fall season, to avoid plumbing emergencies that can be prevented such as frozen pipes this winter.

The pipes that are located in the unprotected areas are more susceptible to freeze, such as pipes in the unheated attic, exterior walls, crawl spaces, and unheated basements. Insulating these pipes properly through caulking, spraying, and wrapping is an effective way of preventing plumbing emergencies this fall. Also, adequate insulation in the ceilings and walls will not only help in preventing and protecting pipes from freezing, but will also keep the home warmer during winter months.

Installing specific products that are made to insulate exposed pipes, such as pipe sleeves and UL-listed heat cables and heat tapes can also help in preventing pipes from freezing during cold temperatures. Consider engaging an experienced plumber to ensure that the water pipes are carefully wrapped for better insulation.

The flow of water throughout the home is controlled by the main water valve. Turning it off when a pipe bursts can help prevent more leakage until a professional plumber arrives. The valve should be easily located and should always be in a working condition. Test the valve by turning on the faucet in the sink or bathtub, and then turn the main water valve off. The water that is flowing in the sink or bathtub should turn off fully. If the main water valve is not working, consider calling a professional plumber to replace the valve.

Engaging with an experienced plumber to do routine inspections periodically and to fix minor issues or leaks is one great way to prevent major plumbing emergencies. Maintaining the plumbing system in your home will surely increase your peace of mind.

Ready to hire the right emergency plumber for your home's needs? Call Plumbing For Less in Atlanta today at 404-509-6866.

Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaning Options

When it comes to drains and sewers in the house plumbing system, preventing serious clogs and back-ups is better than clearing them out after they build-up. Drain clogs can be removed inexpensively and easily if caught early. However, if the clog stays longer in the pipe, breaking or dislodging it becomes complicated. Drain clogs can cause germs and bacteria to breed and contaminate the home’s water supply. These clogs can also cause the water to back-flow and flood the home. Also, the home’s plumbing lines that are connected to a bigger sewer line can be clogged with the growing roots of the trees. This can also cause flood in the home, resulting in more damages and expensive repairs.

Not until recently, if the drain gets clogged, cracked, broken, or warped, the entire pipe would have to be excavated, unclogged, and replaced. Today, there are simpler, quicker, and cheaper drains cleaning options which are not only as effective as they used to be, but are also more eco-friendly.

One environment-friendly option is the high-pressure jetting. Devices of 300-400 psi are being used for this process. The high-pressure water jets clear most blockages that have been accumulated in drains like grease, debris, and waste. There are also numerous specialized plumbing tools used to clear stubborn drain clogs like chewing gum and graffiti. Mechanical drain snakes and plungers are some of the tools used by experienced plumbers to free up clogs.

Another green option is the use of bacteria-based drain cleaners. These enzymatic biological drain cleaners use natural enzyme and bacterial mixture to keep the drains clear. These enzyme cleaners multiply and eat away all grease, hairs, and any organic matter that have been build-up in the pipes, making them a long-term solution for drain cleaning.

Have a clogged drain or considering preventive maintenance drain cleaning? Contact Plumbing For Less in Atlanta today at 404-509-6866.