Hard Water – Is it Really a Problem?

Hard water is a problem that can hurt your plumbing system. Hiring a plumber to help you resolve your hard water concerns is vital for the safety of your plumbing system. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains a large number of minerals. The water gets in contact with chalk, limestone, calcium, and other minerals. Such minerals may come off of the pipes and other fixtures into the water. Hard water causes poor tasting water and creates havoc on your plumbing system.

The Risks of Hard Water

Hard water is dangerous to your plumbing system. The minerals can damage the pipes and other fixtures around your home. Small mineral scales may build up around your pipes, thus causing clogs over time. The scales may inhibit the natural flow of water in and out.

A water heater would also require more power to produce the heat needed for keeping your water warm. Mineral deposits inside your heater prevent the unit from moving heat. The lack of movement makes it difficult to get your water warmed up accordingly.

How Hard Water Affects Your Daily Life

Here’s how hard water may affect your day to day:

• It is harder for soap to build up a lather when subjected to hard water.
• Your clothes might wear out when washed in hard water.
• Your dishes will also develop unappealing spots that can impact the taste of anything you consume off of them. Those spots may also weaken your dishes and other items in your kitchen.

Getting the Problem Fixed

A water softener is needed to resolve issues relating to hard water. A softener works to neutralize the development of harmful minerals as they enter your water system.

An expert plumber can install a new water softener system inside your home. The softener will work within a reservoir in the main water line. The system administers a softener around the water line to keep the water from being too hard.

What Materials Work?

The specific water softener that you use will vary. Sodium chloride is often used to exchange ions within minerals, thus neutralizing the metals that come into your water. Potassium chloride may also work as an alternative.

Talk with a plumber to see how a water softener can work in your home. If we can help you with your hard water issues, contact us today!

Wondering what causes weak pressure? The water pressure in your home has to be consistent to get the water that you need every day. But there are also times when the water pressure levels in your home are not as good as you wish.

There are many reasons why your water pressure could drop. Talk with a Lasiter and Lasiter plumbing expert about improving your water pressure if any of these issues come about in your home.

Fixture Issues

The fixtures around your property could be a huge problem. Rust and corrosion around your faucets or taps may cause blockages that make it harder for water to come out. This can affect your water quality and even cause leaks.

Water Valve

Leaving your water valve open allows water to move throughout your home. Over time, water valves can become blocked over time. Blockages come from outside your home or just from the pipes aging over time.

If it’s an outside issue, tree roots and other things in the soil surrounding your home could be a problem too. A plumber can review your water valves and find blockages in those spaces. Your plumber will look at these areas and replace old valve surfaces if needed.

Pipes

The pipes around your home may become clogged, dislodged, improperly aligned, or just worn out. So, clean, aligned or even replaced your pipes every once in a while. Such fixes are vital for keeping your home protected.

Supply Line

The supply line that leads to your home can weaken over the years. However, the supply line is the last thing you would review if there are problems with your water pressure.

Need a Plumber for Better Water Pressure?

Contact Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing if you’re experiencing any of these problems in your home. One of our expert plumbers will help you to fix the issue causing your water pressure level to decline.

You might have seen various commercials on television promoting liquid drain cleaner products. As appealing as they can be, they would do more to hurt your plumbing system than help.

It is true that these products might be cheaper than a plumber’s services, but the long-term costs of a liquid plumbing product could be higher when you consider the possible damages. A plumber will help you with resolving problems safely without risking further harm to your home.

Corrosive Materials

A liquid drain cleaner will use an acid compound. The substance will destroy hair, grease, and other soft clogs. These might work well for clearing out the drain, but the risks associated with such a compound will be high.

The corrosive material that you add into your plumbing system will break down parts of your pipes. A chemical compound may wear out the metal inside your pipes, thus making it harder for them to last.

What is even worse is that such corrosive items may cause the supporting features around your pipes to wear out over time. The materials can damage wood supports and other things.

Human Risk

The liquid drain cleaner you use may be one of the most dangerous compounds you could ever have in your home. The soap can cause burns on your skin if you spill it. It may also be difficult to wash the compound off of a sink basin or other surface that the mixture might drop onto.

What is even worse is that a drain cleaner might come up your plumbing system if not handled right. You might use the soap to clear out a shallow clog. There is a chance the plumbing cleaner might come up the drain as you clear out that clog. The impact would stain the sink or drain basin and even cause burns if the compound splashes onto your body.

Professional Solutions Work Better

Contacting a professional to help you with clearing out clogs is best. In many cases, a plumber might use air pressure or something else that will not require the use of chemicals to clean out a clog that might become a problem in your space.

For cases where you need chemicals, a plumber will figure out the appropriate compound. The plumber can use the correct mixture to help with clearing out any problematic surfaces in your plumbing system.

Have a Problem? Call the Plumbing Experts

Do not risk using a commercial drain cleaner as it is far too dangerous to have in your home. The cleaning compound may also cause more harm to your plumbing system than what you might think. Talk with a plumber today to resolve your plumbing issue.

There are often times when a clog or blockage in your plumbing system might be overwhelming. A drain vacuum may be used if you have such an obstruction. But what makes a vacuum helpful?

What is a Drain Vacuum?

A drain vacuum is a large unit that can be applied to any drain in your home. It may be added into the drain to create suction inside your plumbing system. This may work for cases where you have a solid clog or another blockage that is keeping your plumbing system from working. This can also work for toilet blockages caused by one of life’s more embarrassing moments.

Steps for Getting a Drain Vacuum Ready

1. First, the vacuum nozzle has to be sized appropriately. You can find nozzles that fit into drains of varying sizes. These include ones with a 1.25 or 2.5-inch diameter. The hose that the nozzle links up to should be around the same width as well.
2. The nozzle is then applied into the drain. The setup must be supported well enough to add enough coverage. Your nozzle should be made with a sturdy rubber material. The rubber compound can link into your nozzle while being flexible enough to move into a surface without problems.
3. Suction is then generated through the vacuum. The suction should come through as the nozzle gets into the drain and through a part of the plumbing setup. This should add enough power to move through even the toughest clogs. Sometimes the suction may collect water, but that would be natural considering how difficult it might be for water to move down a clogged surface.
4. The blockage should be broken apart and collected by the vacuum after a while. The timing for this to work may vary based on how significant the blockage is. Take a look at how well the obstruction can be treated so there will be no problems with making it work.

The process works for cases where you know there is a physical blockage inside of your plumbing system, and you need to get it cleared out. The vacuum also works when the item on the inside is not budging.

Does This Always Work?

For Starters, a vacuum can only be used if your piping system is strong enough to handle the suction that the vacuum produces.

Naturally, the suction process does work for when there are distinct physical items that fallen down a drain. Whether it entails a ring, a key or another solid object, you can get a drain vacuum to remove that item before it can be lost or before it could produce further damages inside your plumbing system.

Having a drain vacuum on hand to help you with getting a drain blockage under control can make a real difference. Be sure you to consider your safety when performing any at home plumbing project.

Great strides have been made in recent years with respect to the plumbing industry. Along with durable new material and product selections, technology has made an entrance to seemingly provide more accurate and simpler inspections and repairs. However, there may still be times when the modernized technology of trenchless repair doesn’t take the place of tried and true trenching.

Pipes Are Too Damaged

At times, your underground pipes may be too damaged to use a non-trenching method. Damages, like caved in piping or pipes with large or multiple cracks, will need to be replaced using traditional trenching methods.

Too Expensive

Typically, trenchless repair methods are more costly than trenching. However, when you add in the repair of your landscape, driveway, or sidewalk, the expenses usually even out. When the upfront cost is more than you can handle, trenching methods can be used for a more affordable repair.

Pipes Are Too Old

Typical steel water delivery pipes are meant to last for 20-40 years. This means that as they begin to approach the end of their timeline, they could begin to have serious problems. Usually when dealing with aged pipes, your plumbing professional will recommend a complete replacement, which will call for trenching.

Shallow Pipes in Low-Impact Areas

Sometimes, the pipe that needs to be replaced is simply in an area that doesn’t need heavy landscaping. When your pipes are shallow and in areas of low traffic, trenching can be an affordable method for quickly and effectively repairing your pipes.

If you’re unsure of which method will be best to repair your underground pipes, call the [nw_data field=company] experts. We can help you decide on the most beneficial technique to complete your repairs. Call us today at __PHONE__.

Is your water heater not providing your family enough hot water? Have you been running out of heat during your morning shower? Brrr! Nobody wants that. Here are three ways your can expand your hot water supply with water heater upgrades!

Option #1: Get a Booster

Hot water heater boosters provide an easy way to expand the amount of hot water your system has available. A booster is simply attached to your existing heater, raising the sitting temperature to 140 degrees. This hotter water is mixed with your cold water supply before it is dispensed, creating a larger supply of comfortable, cleaner water. This option is great for homeowners still looking to get more time out of their existing heater system.

Option #2: Get Faster Recovery

If your looking for a replacement for your water heater, a quick recovery water heater might be the way to go. This system uses two heating devices within your heater: one general heater at the bottom and another near the dispensing point. When the supply of hot water is depleted, a quick recovery unit heats smaller batches of water. This way, you’ll have hot water ready faster for your shower time.

Option #3: Using the Air

Heat pumps provide an entirely different concept of water heating. A heat pump works by drawing in surrounding air, heating it, then using the air to convert cold water into hot. This process conserves energy, it supplies a steady stream of hot water for your home. Try this electric heating system if you’re looking to replace your aging water heater.

If you’d like more information about water heater upgrades, or if you need repairs on your water heating system, talk to one of our experts at [nw_data field=company]. You can give us a call at__PHONE__.

Your main water line provides an indispensable service for your household. Problems with this line can result in low water pressure, contaminated water, or no water whatsoever. To avoid disastrous consequences like these, you’ll want to recognize the signals for main water line problems. Pay attention for these signs, and call for immediate service from [nw_data field=company] if you live in or around [nw_data field=seo_city], [nw_data field=state].

High Water Bills

If your water bill inexplicably spikes from one month to the next, you probably have a water line issue. A higher water bill indicates greater usage. When none of your household activities can explain the surge, you have to look elsewhere for this missing water. In all likelihood, it has leaked beneath the surface of your lawn from a crack or rupture in your water line.

Decreased Pressure

Underground water leaks can also lessen the water pressure in your home. An annoying problem, low water pressure from a main line issue will affect every tap in your house. Until you have the problem repaired, you can expect to struggle with inadequate pressure in your shower, sinks, and elsewhere. Any symptom of a possible water leak should warrant an immediate call for repairs. When water continually leaks underground, into your foundation, or beneath your home, you have a recipe for disaster that can result in serious damage.

Additional signals, including brown water, flooded spots in your yard, and the sound of running water, can all indicate problems with a main water line. You should never ignore these issues, as they can worsen over time and create even more serious consequences. Any time you need work on you main water line in [nw_data field=seo_city], [nw_data field=state], call the team at [nw_data field=company]. You can reach us anytime at __PHONE__.

Few things in life are as frustrating as dealing with a clogged toilet. Not only does it create a serious inconvenience, it is also a health concern. If you’re dealing with a toilet clog, it is best to stay away from drain cleaners from the store. For your clogged toilet needs, contact the office at [nw_data field=company]. We offer professional services to ensure that your pipes are running smoothly.

What Causes a Toilet Clog?

Some toilet clogs are easy to address with a plunger, while others require the assistance of a plumbing professional. It all depends on the type of toilet clog you are dealing with. Here are some common causes of toilet clogs.

Low Flow Toilets
Low flow toilets are an excellent way to conserve water.  However, they don’t always have the water pressure necessary to be able to move waste through your pipes. If your home has a low flow toilet that is constantly clogging, consider using less toilet paper.

Flushing Non-Flushables
Just because the packaging says it’s safe to flush, that doesn’t mean it won’t create a toilet clog. Items such as feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, cotton balls and dental floss can all clog up your toilet and cause serious problems with your sewer system.

Clogged Trap
Your toilet has an S trap that prevents sewer gas from coming back up into your home. If this trap gets clogged with toilet paper or other waste, it can create a serious toilet clog. Fortunately, this problem can be resolved with a plunger.

If your home is experiencing multiple toilet clogs, be sure to call [nw_data field=phone] to schedule a sewer inspection today.

Every home has at least one toilet, and everyone knows how essential they are. If your toilet has become damaged, it is important to have it repaired right away, even if it is still performing it’s primary function. Today we will go over several signs that indicate your toilet needs to be replaced. If you notice any of the signs below, give us a call at (817) 589-1678 to get started with professional plumbing repairs!

Water Leaks

If the toilet has begun to seep water, then you definitely have need of repair or replacement. Straightforward repair work will do the job in the scenario of a leak. If you have cracks in the tank or bowel, however, you might need to consider new installation.

The Wobble

If you become seated on them, toilets must keep securely in place. A jostling toilet may need a couple varied fixes. On the one hand, you may just need to have some bolts tightened. Excessive discharged may also have led the toilet to rot the floorboards beneath. This level of damage will likely lead to flooring repairs, and the chance for an updated toilet.

Many Repairs

A toilet that has a consistent necessity for maintenance ought to probably become a target for replacement. Extreme age might be a factor, as could imperfections inside the toilet. In regards to improved characteristics and efficiency, new toilets should typically stand as a beneficial expense.

Old Age

A toilet should age out of effectiveness, as with every other appliance. Even toilets that possess zero apparent indicators of deteriorating can gain from replacement once every decade or so. Updated toilets have constantly upgraded components and energy-efficiency. Even if it requires the placement of a operative toilet out of commission, replacement with an upgraded unit will yield positives to your finances.

So you’re in the market for a new home? The last thing you want to be worrying about is a plumbing issue, so being aware of what is out there is the first step to keeping your plumbing running smoothly. There are so many issues out there when it comes to buying a home, here at [nw_data field=company], we want to help you make sure your plumbing isn’t one of them so we’ve compiled a plumbing checklist for you.

A Few Things to Look For

When you are walking through your new or potential home, pay attention to a few of these things:

Flush the toilets- Make sure that every toilet flushes properly the first time. Stand next to the toilet and listen to see if it runs longer than it should, or is making any strange sounds. You will know if something doesn’t sound right.

Turn the showers on- Every home has different water pressure, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be a strong flow of water in your shower. If you turn your shower on and the pressure doesn’t seem quite right, it’s probably because it isn’t and this could be a sign of a water pressure problem.

Water heater- Take a look at the water heater, does it look a little old? Don’t be afraid to ask when it was serviced last. If it has been a while, have someone out to give you a thumbs up, but if it looks old and corroded, ask for a replacement. You don’t want to be the one that gets stuck dealing with a water heater problem in your new home.

When it comes to buying a new home it is important to make a plumbing checklist to avoid any red flags that may come up later on. Although we can’t make your home buying experience perfect, we can make sure your plumbing is. Call us today at __PHONE__ and let us help you get prepared, or answer any questions you have. We are always happy to offer advice or have one of our certified plumbers come out and walk your home with you.