August 18th, 2011
Exposure to sewage from broken sewer lines can cause serious health issues. Organisms found in the sewer waste – Pinworms, Salmonella, E. Coli, Hepatitis A. and a few others – not only cause disease, but may be life threatening, as well.
If you are unlucky enough to have a sewer line rupture and leak into your home, you have a few options; you can try to clean the mess yourself, or you can hire a professional to do the dirty work for you. And seeing as bacteria likes to hide in small cracks and recesses, it is often impossible for a novice to properly clean everything as thoroughly as necessary. This just leaves the second option – hiring a professional plumbing service.
However, if you do try to clean sewer waster on your own, please be cautious.
• Use clean and neat gloves and boots and discard them after use.
• Allow enough ventilation by keeping your windows open, and clear moist air using an exhaust fan.
• Wear a mask that can prevent inhaling contaminants and allow walls to be dried from the inside out.
• Any wet material or furnishing that cannot be restored should be discarded.
• Be cautious in using any electrical appliance.
• Keep away from the wet breaker box and wet outlets or when they are located near any water.
But as we mentioned above, hiring a professional plumber is the best way to deal with a broken sewer line. They will be able to asses the damage, aid in cleanup, look for any additional damage or problem areas in your sewer lines, and advise you as to your best course of action.
For more information on the subject, read this article from TheRestorationResource.com.
If you have any questions, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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August 10th, 2011
When you suspect pipes may be broken or damaged in your work, home or community, it is important that you repair them quickly. According to this article broken pipes can lead to many environmental and financial problems if not dealt with in a timely manner.
If a homeowner encounters a broken pipe the first thing they should do is turn off the source of water. This will minimize the amount of water lost. The next step the homeowner should take would be contacting the insurance company so that they can see if there is any water damage.
After these two steps are taken the pipe should be repaired as fast as possible. A broken water pipe can cause a major inconvenience to not only the homeowner but also the community. Also, if the pipe is broken it can be hazardous to health because debris and bacteria can enter the water stream.
Broken pipes usually can be detected visually. If a nearby area of land is constantly wet or there is always a puddle present, this may be a sign of a broken pipe. Professionals have other ways of spotting water leaks such as pressure gauges and special hearing devices that listen for leaks.
If you suspect broken pipes in your area you should be proactive and contact a professional like those at Mahon Plumbing ASAP. Click here for more information on any plumbing needs or broken pipe inquiries.
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August 1st, 2011
Your home is undoubtedly the biggest investment you have ever made. Because of this, it only makes sense that you would want to protect that investment. One way to do this is to ensure that you have a proper working sump pump in your home.
A sump pump is a device that helps to prevent, or minimize the effects of, a flood in your home. It is located in the basement and has a sensor that detects water level. When there is an increase in that water level, the pump automatically removes the water from your house. But what happens if your power is knocked out during a storm? Your sump pump is, after all, run by electricity.
The solution is actually quite simple. To avoid flooding during a power outage, you should install a battery backup on your sump pump. This article from AnswerHaven.com explains the benefits of doing just that.
If there is a flood or any other water emergency, a sump pump will ensure that the least amount of damage is done. But if your power is knocked out, the only way to ensure your home is safe is to have a sump pump with a battery backup. This will set you back a few hundred dollars. Although this may seem like a lot, when you consider how much it would cost to repair the water damage caused by a flood, it makes sense to install the pump.
As the old saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.
You will have a few options with your battery backup system:
• Some require 12 volt battery plug
• Some pumps can be charged with rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are the better and more convenient option, though they are slightly more expensive than other batteries.
If you have any questions, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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July 26th, 2011
Your garbage disposal is probably the most used tool in your kitchen, but it is probably also the most temperamental. With so much use comes many common problems. This article from Home & Garden Ideas explains these issues.
The most common problem associated with disposals is obvious – jamming. This issue usually arises when too much garbage is crammed into the disposal at one time. To avoid this, simply insert portions of your waste at a time. Also avoid grinding shells, glass, metals and other hard waste.
Other suggestions to avoid jamming:
• Cold water should be running when operating the unit. This helps congeal grease and prevents clogging.
• Keep water running for a minute after the disposal is turned off.
• To un-jam a disposal, turn off the power and move the flywheel back and forth with a broom handle. This should release any object caught between the blades.
• Never stick your hands into the disposal.
Another common problem is leaking. This is usually caused by loose screws and damaged or eroded gaskets around the areas of the sink, the drainpipe or around the motor. When leaking occurs, it is best to call a professional plumber. But unless it is any easy fix, it is probably going to be more cost-effective to just replace the entire unit.
If you are experiencing a noisy disposal, this could be caused by a few different things. Either you have a hard foreign object rattling around in your disposal (remove this with tongs), a loose mounting screw (simply turn off the unit and tighten), or you may have a broken flywheel, or a faulty motor. The latter two possibilities require you to replace your disposal.
If you need any help with your garbage disposal, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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July 19th, 2011
Garbage disposals are very useful tools as they breakdown and dispose of food scraps, bones, coffee grounds, and other items, reducing the amount of garbage that accumulates in your home. But if they are not handled correctly, garbage disposals can also be very dangerous tools. So how can you minimize your risk?
This article from Home & Garden Ideas provides several safety precautions you should follow when using any garbage disposal.
- Read the Manual: Although many of us ignore them, the owner’s manual for any appliance is a very good source of information. It will list maintenance tips and safety guidelines specific to your product.
- Monitor what you Dispose of: Not all materials can be put into a garbage disposal. For example, rubber, metal and glass should never be inserted into your disposal. These items will most likely jam, clog, or even break your garbage disposal.
- Turn off the Electricity: Whenever performing any type of maintenance on your garbage disposal, turn off the electricity. Do not take any unnecessary risks.
- Wear Work Gloves: Gloves may inhibit your movement slightly, but they will protect you from injury. If you get cut by the blade of your garbage disposal, the likelihood that that cut will get infected is high because of bacteria that may be growing on and around the disposal.
- Don’t Use Chemicals: Chemical cleaners and garbage disposals do not mix.
Practice caution around your garbage disposal. These tools can be very helpful, but if they are not used properly, they can result in serious injuries. So be careful.
If you have any questions, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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July 13th, 2011
Between 1975 and 1995, a new revolutionary piping was used in most home construction – polybutylene piping. Contractors and plumbers loved this new piping because of its low cost and easy installation. But, over time, it was discovered that polybutylene piping can cause several problems, the biggest of which being that these pipes react with water and become brittle, causing the pipes to fail without warning. For this reason, it is very important to know if you have polybutylene piping in your home.
This article from EzineArticles.com explains how you can spot this faulty piping.
You may be able to spot this type of piping on your own. There are a few things you can look for to help you identify polybutylene in your home. Then, once you have confirmed it, you can have a professional check for any potential damage and help you figure out a solution.
- Polybutylene underground water main pipes tend to be blue in color, but can also be gray or black. Black poly should not be confused with polybutylene.
- The pipes tend to be half an inch to an inch in diameter, and can be seen entering the home through the basement floor or wall, through a concrete slab, or even through a crawlspace. Generally, it will come through the home near the water heater, which is a good place to start looking. There are some cases where copper piping is used near the home, and polybutylene piping is used near the water meter, so it is important to check both ends.
- Polybutylene piping can also be used inside the home, and is most easily found near the water heater. It can also be found running along the ceiling in uncompleted basements, and coming out of the walls to provide water to sinks and toilets.
In the end, the best way to recognize polubutylene is to have a professional plumber inspect your home. If you have any questions or think you may have polybutylene piping, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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July 5th, 2011
Like it or not, you, as a homeowner, are your home’s first defense against major plumbing problems. The most common plumbing problem in homes is a leak in a pipe, a joint, or a faucet. Though these seem like small issues, if left unattended, they could become major issues. Fixing a small leak quickly will save you big money in the long run.
This article from EzineArticles.com explains what you should do if you suspect there may be a leak in your home.
1. Is There a Leak?
Start with a simple test of water flow. Turn off all water sources at their inlet valves, located below the sink and at the wall or floor under the toilet. Turn off outbuilding, garden, and lawn water sources, too.
Observe your water meter for movement in the dial. Note the reading or mark the needle dial on meter. Recheck the meter in 30 minutes. If the meter registers additional flow, water is being lost on the house side of the meter.
2. Water is Leaking Somewhere
Check Visible Pipes. To check for wetness on pipes, joints and faucets, use a paper towel. Leaks may also be found by sound, also. A stethoscope is best, but a piece of hardwood one foot in length and an inch square (3/4 inch) will channel the sound of water hissing like a stethoscope. Place one end of the stick on a pipe and listen to the other end for hissing or squirting sounds.
Other signs of leaks include:
- Unusually high water bills
- Sewer backup problems due to extra water flow
- Toilets overrunning and dripping faucets
- Running water sounds when faucets not in use
- Discolored walls, flooring, ceilings are indicative of water damage
- Musty odors from floors, drains, or sewer connections
- Damp slab or foundation, possible cracking of flooring
- Warm areas on concrete floors or moisture under carpeting or flooring
3. No leaks found by sight or hearing, but observed in water meter flow test, call an expert.
If all signs point to a leak, but you cannot find one, it is time to call a professional. If you wait too long, your small leak may turn into a big problem.
If you have any questions or think you may have a leaky pipe, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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June 28th, 2011
Every now and then a technology comes along that completely revolutionizes an industry. For plumbing, that technology was plastic. Up until about 60 years ago, plumbers were still relying on expensive copper piping. As this article from EzineArticles.com explains, plastics have not only made plumbing less expensive, but also more efficient.
Plumbers spend far less time installing plastic pipes than they did copper ones, because plastic pipes can be bent into various angles, require fewer fittings/couplings and don’t require any soldering. This also equates to fewer expenses being put out to service calls for pipe repairs, meaning you – the client – save money.
Furthermore, plastic tubing does not transfer heat as much as copper tubing, making plastic pipes much more energy-efficient than copper. This will save you even more money on your utility bills.
Plastic pipes also come in a wide variety, including:
• PVC pipes are white, durable and resistant to pathogens.
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is resistant to impacts and low temperatures making it best suited for drain and waste lines. The advantage to ABS is that it will not shatter the way PVC can plus it is suitable for handling compressed air.
• Polypropylene (PP) – best used for outdoor watering and drip systems. Lightweight while being durable and the best part is how inexpensive it is. Simply slip the pipes into one another and the compression fittings will form a seal as soon as pressurized water runs through them.
• Polyethylene (PE) and Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) are known for being lightweight, flexible and resistant to chemicals. PE has been chemically modified to enhance its ability to convey radiant heat; most useful in snow melting and ice rinks.
If you have any questions regarding plastic piping, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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June 21st, 2011
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, not quite – especially if you have a septic tank. The worst thing any homeowner can do is ignore their septic system. If something were to happen to your septic tank and it would either burst, spring a leak, or just back up, you could be out thousands of dollars with cleanup costs, repair costs and even replacement costs. Simply scheduling a regular septic tank inspection can save you tons of money, in the long run, by catching potential problems before they become large catastrophes.
This article from EzineArticle.com explains everything you need to know about septic systems.
A septic tank is essentially just a large, often plastic (older models may be concrete or steel), holding tank used for household water waste storage. When the tank is filled, it will need to be drained in one of three ways: by being pumped out, having bacteria or chemicals added that will break down and destroy the waste, or by allowing it to be drained into the soil through a leech field. But, like any system, your septic tank will slowly wear down. Because of this, preventative maintenance becomes a huge issue. And since septic tanks are underground, it is often hard to tell when it is time for regular maintenance, so scheduling regular septic tank inspections and replacement assessments is very important.
Even if you your tank uses a leech field or you use additives to break down waste, you should still have your tank pumped on a regular basis (every 3 to 5 years) to allow service technicians to inspect the system for maintenance issues. This inspection should include a visual check of the tank, connectors, pipes, leech field, baffles (or lids), drainage, and interior. There are tests that field service agents can perform to test the function of the tank itself, like adding dye to the water to test for leaks.
Even with proper maintenance, your tank will still break down over time. But the more attention you give it, with regular inspections and assessments, the longer your septic system will last.
If you have any questions, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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June 13th, 2011
Technology continues to make our lives easier. The automobile made transportation faster, the microwave made cooking faster, the telephone made communication faster and now the video camera has made diagnosing plumbing problems faster and more accurate.
This article from EzineArticles.com explains how the video camera has revolutionized the plumbing industry.
A professional plumbing technician uses a flexible rod with a high-resolution camera on one end. He then threads this camera through your pipes to get a better look at your sewer lines from the inside. This camera also contains a radio transmitter, which allows for measuring to the surface, meaning the technician will know exactly where the problems are. This means…
1. It is now easier to locate damage. Plumbers can see inside pipes and actually locate the damaged areas, taking the guesswork out of plumbing. Now, instead of digging up lines to locate a crack (which was a rather expensive procedure), a professional can find everything he needs with a video pipe inspection. This also greatly reduces the total repair time.
2. Video inspections can also assist in determining the cause and location of a blockage or clog. Knowing what is causing the blockage is a critical aspect in removing it.
3. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way. Plumbers can now locate potential problem areas and address them before they ever develop into a major catastrophe, saving you lots of money and even more heartache.
So next time you have a crack, leak, blockage or clog, make sure your plumber has this video technology. Otherwise, who knows how much time and money it may take to alleviate the problem. If you have any questions, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!
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