Your plumbing system is one of the most integral parts of your home’s foundation. Any subtle breaks and malfunctions must be patterned with swift action and immediate repair. Otherwise, it can really lead to bigger issues within your home. Many see plumbing fixtures as merely an outlet to prove their DIY capabilities—which often show them they’re wrong.

While contacting a plumber may be quite an expense, handling your own plumbing can lead to a lot of headaches and issues. Whether it’s simple redecorating, rerouting, or more so in repairs, the experience and expertise of a professional plumber is absolutely necessary. Any wrong move to your water pipes may not only lead to a loss of running water, but it could also damage your home.

Here are several reasons a plumber is necessary when faced with issues in your house’s plumbing:

Improper repairs yield bigger disasters

As much as it is necessary to act on a broken or burst pipe immediately, going at it the wrong way can lead to bigger problems. A wrong sized pipe would cost you the pipe and no solution to your problem, while doing something more fundamentally wrong like putting too much force on a rusty valve can lead to even more flooding. Knowing how to turn off and shut water valves are one thing, but changing entire portions could yield even bigger disasters. 

The help of a trained professional will ensure that you avoid minor mishaps like that while also providing the appropriate procedure in repairing your plumbing. They won’t only be able to identify the plumbing issues properly, but they will also know what materials to use for repairs and the proper approach to avoid water damage within your home’s interior.

Wrong installation can promote corrosion 

Knowing how your water lines work, while generally helpful, is not enough to make you an expert on plumbing. DIY plumbing projects can lead to a disaster if you’re using the wrong materials. If two different types of metal come into contact with each other, then corrosion will become your biggest problem. Knowing the proper fittings for insulation of different metals is a valuable piece of information—something that trained and licensed plumbers already know.

You might face higher expenses

The whole point in avoiding the services of a professional plumber is to avoid spending outrageous costs. You think you might save some money by assessing the damages, buying your own materials, and doing your own style of repair. However, if you get the wrong sized pipe, improper washers, and new tools, it can expound those expenses, shooting up your total bill. Adding those to the time you’ve already spent using the wrong materials just to figure that you need something else, driving back to the hardware store for more, and doing the repairs again, it is actually more costly than calling a professional plumber.

Conclusion

Overall, calling a professional plumber to handle your house’s plumbing system is a wiser choice than handling it on your own. While initially seeming like an added expense, the expertise they have can ensure proper repairs, prevent further breakages, and save you the hassle and the effort. 

If you’re looking for a licensed plumber in Fort Worth, Texas, contact us today. We’ll handle all your plumbing needs, no matter what the time it is!

The plumbing system is an integral part of the house for water supply. It consists of water distribution pipes, such as plumbing fixtures and traps; soil, waste, and vent pipes; and sanitary and storm sewers and drains. These parts and components have respective connections, devices, and pieces of equipment.

As you can see, the plumbing system is a complex one. Ensuring that each part and component is in top shape is a must. That’s why setting regular plumbing maintenance is imperative. For the most part, you will schedule regular upkeep and leave it to professional plumbers due to the system’s complexity.

In the following section, we’ll cover what plumbing maintenance entails. Keep on reading to learn more about what plumbing signs and issues to be wary of and what plumbing upkeep services include.

Plumbing issues to tackle

It’s worth knowing that plumbing issues can manifest in many ways. Before these plumbing problems get worse, it’s better to address them right away. That’s why plumbing maintenance is quite helpful in determining plumbing issues and fixing them as soon as possible. The following are common signs of plumbing issues to be wary of:

Water leak: This is the most common sign of a plumbing problem. It can range from a tiny pinhole leak to a burst pipe.

Falling water pressure: This indicates that water isn’t properly supplied due to blockages in the pipes.

A sudden spike of monthly water bill: This may be brought by the fact that the water is used more than what the entire household consumes. It means only one thing—a water leak.

Presence of mold or mildew: Mold and mildew thrive on a moisture environment. If you notice mold and mildew in your bathroom or kitchen, it indicates that there is a leak somewhere.

Visible water damage: Seeing water damage is better as you can immediately act on it. The chances are that you see broken pipes, leaky faucets, or worse, flooding in your basement.

Plumbing maintenance services

Dealing with licensed plumbers in Fort Worth for your regular plumbing maintenance is a viable solution. If you’re wondering what a professional plumber does, here are some of the maintenance services included:

Pipelines:

Check for leaks and corrosion in pipes.
Examine water pressure to see sediment buildup or water line problems.

Water heater burners:

• Check and clean water heater burners.
• Inspect water heater vent pipes for safe operation.
• Drain and flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup.

Bathroom parts:

• Check the sink, shower, and tub drain for slow drainage.
• Check the flushing handle and inside parts of the toilets.
• Inspect caulking around tubs, sinks, and toilets.
• Examine gaskets and seals in toilets for water-wasting leaks.

Kitchen components:

• Check the sink, faucets, and internal kitchen pipes.
• Inspect caulking around the sink.
• Check garbage disposals for leaks or damage.

Schedule of plumbing upkeep

The plumbing system does not have a season of the year, where it is used more often than not. As compared to your heating and air conditioning systems, they work harder during summer or winter. For this reason, there’s no better way to schedule plumbing maintenance than to have it regularly throughout the year. You can contact licensed plumbers in Fort Worth to have your plumbing upkeep quarterly or at least twice a year. Doing so will ensure that your plumbing system is in top shape and working condition.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know why plumbing maintenance is important. It’s best to work with a highly reputable plumbing company in your locality. Make sure to schedule regular upkeep and have a licensed plumber visit your house on a constant basis.

If you are looking for a licensed plumber in Forth Worth, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Hot water is essential to modern daily living. Most people, if not all, have hot water systems installed in their homes. However, there are times when the water system takes too long to heat up. When that happens, you’re wasting precious time as you wait and stare at the bathroom ceiling. 

To fix this problem, you need to know the factors that influence the heating capacity of your hot water system. Here the five ways to explain your hot water system’s subpar performance.

1 – Your heater and outlets are too far apart

When your water heater is too distant from the outlet you want hot water to flow, it will take more time to get there. Similarly, if the distance is shorter, hot water can flow faster.

2 – Your outlets have low volume restrictors

Some water fixtures contain a low volume restrictor which restricts the delivery of water. Switch to a different installation with a wider restrictor.

3 – Your system is defective

Water heaters have a lifespan too. If your water heater has been serving you for over a decade, consider replacing it with a brand new one. It is best if you hire a professional plumber to check your heater’s current state and determine whether you need a water heater replacement.

4 – Your system has water flow obstructions caused by sediment

Water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can build-up at the bottom of the tank near the heating element. This blockade prevents the efficient heat transfer of the heat to the water, slowing the production of hot water. Call for professional help to help remove the sediment build-up in your tank.

5 – Your water heater capacity is insufficient

Your current water heater might have been purchased at a time when your family was still small. Perhaps it was just you and your spouse. Now, you have two or three kids that share the same hot water system. Although your hot water system might offer the same benefits for the first and second users of the bathroom, it does not guarantee the same experience for others. A water heater upgrade is the best course of action in this scenario. 

Improving Your Hot Water System

If you’re looking to enjoy warm water without dealing with the inconsistency of a malfunctioning system, you may want to think about an update. Here are two you can consider:

Hot Water Recirculation System

A hot water recirculation system reduces the volume of spent water while you’re waiting for it to heat. Aside from transporting water from the water heater to the outlet more quickly, it also recirculates the remaining water back to the heater to keep it hot.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater grants you an unlimited supply of hot water since it doesn’t use a container like tanks to contain or heat water. In a tankless water system, water passes directly over a heating element and immediately becomes hot water. Since there isn’t nearly as much wasted hot water, you’ll be saving energy costs and ensuring everyone in the household has hot water to use!

Conclusion

Every home needs a reliable hot water system to fulfill their necessities. With newer technologies emerging, you may want to consider replacing your old hot water system to save on energy utilities while getting an improved warm water experience. 

If you are looking for a reliable plumbing company in Forth Worth? Reach out to us today to see how we can help.

Solving plumbing problems can get costly, especially when you call for professionals. Although there are plumbing issues that are best handled by experts, some are simple enough to fix on your own, such as replacing a faucet, tightening pipes, or installing a new water supply line. However, if you lack knowledge and experience in plumbing, your DIY projects can easily cause more harm than good.

If you plan to tackle the plumbing problem yourself, here are some common DIY mistakes that you should avoid:

Clearing clogs with chemical drain cleaners

Commercial drain cleaners can be hazardous to your health as they can cause severe burns and emit fumes that can lead to breathing problems. Also, these cleaners can corrode metal and plastic pipe components, which can damage home plumbing pipes and fixtures in the long run. 

To dissolve gunk, use quality plumbing snakes instead. They are more effective and safer to use. 

If you have lots of clogs that need clearing, however, then it’s advisable to depend on a skilled and experienced plumber. At Lasiter, you can depend on our plumbers in Fort Worth to provide you with exceptional workmanship and quality plumbing services.

Failing to turn off the main water valve

Before starting any repair, make sure to shut off your main water supply valve. Failure to do so may cause the water to burst out in full force and may even lead to flood and drench your home.

Overtightening connections

Preventing having leaky pipe joints by overtightening connections can put your pipes at risk. This is because the strain from a too-tight connection can crack fittings, break the hex nuts and bolts, and even lead to rupture pipes that can cause flooding.

Doing plumbing jobs without all the necessary parts

Some plumbing issues require far more work than you might think. To save time, money, effort and prevent plumbing problems to get even worse, you should first figure out all the parts that you need and take a trip to the hardware store. Buy everything that you need before tackling any plumbing job.

Fixing plumbing problems with the wrong tools

Any DIY plumbing project requires using the right tools to deliver better results and get the job done much faster, easier, and safer. By failing to have the proper tools at hand, you can end up worsening your plumbing problems, such as damaging fittings and plumbing pipes, as well as scratching your fixtures.

Not using any tools at all for solving plumbing issues

You need more than just your hands and fingers to get the plumbing project done properly. To ensure your safety and quality of work, make sure to always use the proper tools that are durable and easy to use. These will help you prevent recurring plumbing problems.

Overestimating your DIY skills

When addressing plumbing concerns, it’s important to get the job done right the first time. If you tried fixing your plumbing problem and failed to solve it, then there may be issues in your plumbing that are best handled by professionals. As soon as you encounter a plumbing issue, it’s best to assess first what you can do to fix it. If you think the problem is beyond your skills, then call plumbers you can count on.

Conclusion

DIY sounds an exciting project for many people who want to save on repair services. Follow the tips above to avoid DIY plumbing mistakes that would otherwise be costly. If you don’t have the necessary skills and knowledge of plumbing repairs, call the professional plumbers near you.

If you are looking for a reliable plumber in Fort Worth, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Steps For Testing Your Toilet

Your toilet might have some leaks that you will need to fix. A leak can be tough to find, but it can make it harder for your toilet to work as well as it should. It may also cause stains in your bathroom and use it more water than you expect, depending on the setup.

You can test your toilet from your home to see if it is working accordingly. There are a few steps that should work when getting your toilet ready for use.

Note: Implement this step well after the last person went to use the toilet. You can do this to get a more accurate readout over how well your toilet is functioning.

1. Remove the lid from the tank

The underside part of the top may include condensation. The moisture will drip as you remove the cover, although this is a natural part. You should not expect an excessive amount of condensation in most cases, although an elevated total could be a sign that the water going in and out of your toilet is too intense or hard to handle.

2. Review the water level in the tank

Check on the water line for your toilet. You might have to adjust your toilet depending on where the water is under the line. The fill valve is not working well if the water level is over the edge. You might also have to replace the inside diaphragm if this segment is showing wear.

3. Drop a coloring into your tank

A dye tablet from a water provider may help, although you could also add a few drops of food dye in your tank.

4. Wait to see how well the coloring works

It takes about fifteen minutes for the coloring to go through the water all the way. Do not flush before it goes through, or else the test will not be useful enough.

5. Review the water in the bowl

The color from the dye or tablet should not appear in the pot. If there seems to be something inside the container, that means there is a leak. The intensity of the leak will vary based on how much of the dye got through.

6. Ensure the flapper valve works

You might have to replace the flapper valve in your toilet, as the valve can stop the leak from becoming worse. The flapper should meet the standards for operation in your toilet.

One idea to consider is to look at how much sediment or other debris has entered the flapper. You will have to clean everything up and then test the toilet again to see if the problem is still there.

You’ll have to be sure you look at how your toilet is working if there are any concerns over how it operates. You can ask us at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing for additional assistance in getting your toilet fixed well. We can check on every part of your toilet and figure out a plan for fixing the plumbing issue before it can become more of a concern.

Hair Clogs Can Be Treated Without Chemicals

You’ll eventually come across a hair clog in one of the drains in your bathroom after a while. The clog may come in your shower or sink. Sometimes your toilet might develop such a concern. These issues can be significant depending on the quality of the clog, especially if it has been building up for a while.

Whatever the cause or concern may be, a hair clog can be a hassle to bear with. But you can treat hair clogs without chemicals. We at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing want you to know that a hair-based clog doesn’t have to stick around forever. The clog can be cleared out without having to use anything that might potentially harm someone.

The Magic Materials

You don’t need caustic chemicals that could potentially destroy your pipes and drain system if used improperly. Baking soda and white vinegar are both useful in the process. Baking soda is an alkaline material, while white vinegar is acidic. But when used together, they help to neutralize the impact of excess hair.

Apply Baking soda to the drain area at the start. They apply vinegar in the second step. A cup should be enough for both items.

You may hear a fizzing sound as the two materials get together. The fizzing entails the two materials consuming old compounds on the inside. The two ingredients will destroy the dead hair. 

The effort may require you to repeat the process a few times. But the safe compounds make it to where no one will be at risk of harm due to anything splashing out of the area.

What If the Problem Isn’t Resolved?

There might be cases where the treatment you use for the hair-based clog in your bathroom isn’t working as well as hoped. The failure to work could be due to the hair being too dense or otherwise not moving out as well as it should.

The Fort Worth Area Plumbing Experts

You can ask us at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing for extra help if you aren’t getting a clog out of the way. There might be a case where the clog is too dense, or it is too far away. In other cases, your plumbing system might have worn to the point where a traditional process isn’t good enough for resolving the issue.

You can ask us at Lasiter and Lasiter to fix whatever the issue may be and to check on the quality of the clog or other concerns. The work will ensure a resolved issue.

Drain Width

Our experts at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing can assist you in getting a drain installed in various parts of your property. We can work on drains for your shower, your toilet, and any sinks you have.

But you should look at the sizing standards for your drains. We at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing can assist you in handling all of these features. You must see though that you’re planning your work with your drains as well as possible.

The Shower

Notice how small the shower drains are. A shower drain has to be two inches in diameter. Most local regulations for plumbing systems require the shower to have a two-inch drain. It is easier for the regular setups around your yard to work well.

The drain also provides enough room to allow the water in your shower to move out well. You should take note of how well the water moves through when showering. Any case where the water is not draining well can be a problem. The issue is a sign that there is a clog or other concern within the shower.

The Sink

The size of the drain for a sink will vary based on the sink type you’re using. In most cases, a sink drain will be about one to two inches. The standard is for bathroom sinks.

The drain may be slightly more massive for a kitchen sink. The drain might be up to three inches in this case. The larger size comes from how a kitchen sink works for handling more critical items. But you should still ensure the disposal unit in your sink works and that it will handle anything that might be overly large.

Toilet Drains

A toilet drain can be a little more comprehensive. A toilet drain can be about three to four inches in diameter. The design can be flexible based on the toilet layout you’re using.

It may be easier for you to have a slightly larger toilet drain if possible. A greater diameter provides more room for water to flow through. More importantly, the risk of a clog developing in your bathroom will be reduced. You’ll need this well if you have plenty of people in your home that need to use a toilet.

How Often Should You Check the Drains?

It helps to check the drains on occasion to ensure that they’re still functional. You might need to check these drains every few weeks. Planning enough of a review helps in seeing you’ll have more control over how they work. More importantly, you can prevent significant backups from threatening the quality of your drains.

You must see that the drains around your kitchen and bathroom are planned out well to where the water can move well through them all. You can ask us at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing for further assistance with your drains as necessary. We are open to serve all drains at your home and to improve on how they all work.

Why Does Hair Clog a Drain?

It’s only a matter of time before the drains in your bathroom become clogged with hair. The shower or bathtub drains could take in lots of hair that shed off of everyone’s bodies. The faucets may also take in lots of hair from quick grooming efforts. Those small bits of hair that come off when shaving can stick in a drain.

So, why does hair cause a drain to become clogged? There’s a good explanation for this issue. However, the point is that it might not be easy for you to prevent such clogs from happening. While a strainer material may be useful in avoiding some of the problems, that isn’t going to be a full solution for use.

Difficult to Break Down

Bits of hair often take a while to break down. The hair can become entangled in a spot and will quickly build up. Hair is more durable than you might expect. The issue is consistent among any hair type you might find.

Oils Become a Problem

Your hair may also contain plenty of oil. These oils can stick in hair strands and can stick in a drain. Since it is not easy for oils to break down, it can become easy for a spot to become clogged.

The problem may become more substantial if you use any oils for treating your hair. These include beard oils and other items that might work when maintaining certain spots of hair.

Shape Points

The hair that gets in a drain will change its shape. The hair will curve up and blend in with other bits of hair that get in the same area. The added hair can stick to where it creates enough of a block within the drain and pipe. Enough hair will build up to where the added mass and the included oils will become too much of a burden.

Can the Problem Be Reduced?

The most substantial issue surrounding hair in your drain is that it’s next to impossible to try and prevent the concern. Everyone has hair that will shed off in some way.

A filter could be added to a drain in your bathroom to reduce the amount of hair that goes through. The material can be cleaned out as necessary, not to mention it is easy to set up. But there will always be plenty of smaller bits of hair that will go through your filter.

You’d have to watch for who gets in the bathroom as well. It’s not a good idea to wash any pets in your shower, as they could leave lots of hair all around.

Call the Fort Worth Area Plumbing Experts

The best thing you can do is ask us at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing if you have any concerns surrounding how well your bathroom drains work. We can help you in removing clogs caused by hair and other things in your bathroom. Our job entails efforts that will not harm your bathroom. More importantly, we won’t use any hazardous chemicals in the work effort.

How Can the Water Pressure In Your Shower Be Increased?

Your shower needs enough water pressure to ensure it works well. A shower that has a proper pressure level will be easier to use. It would be easier for you to get yourself cleaned off when you have enough pressure in the shower.

But the water pressure in your shower can get too low. The problem could be from the water, not moving well enough through the shower. It may also be due to some other plumbing features not working all that well.

There are a few things you can do to improve upon the water pressure in your shower. All of these efforts can help in improving how well the shower works.

Check the Shower Head

Take a look at your shower head at the start. Sediment and other materials can build up within the shower. These include limescale and other minerals. The flow of water won’t be all that great if there are lots of clogs all around. Brush out the shower head to improve upon how well the water can move forth.

Note the Water Line

The water line leading to your shower head could be a concern. There might be bends or other issues that are keeping the water from flowing as well as it should. The line needs straightening allow the water to flow through.

Review the Valve

The water pressure in your shower might drop due to the valve not being open all the way. The valve should be entirely free for it to handle the water well enough. You can check the water pressure once the valve stays open to see if things change.

The reason why the valve needs checking is that sometimes the valve can close on itself. In other cases, it might close during other work with someone forgetting to put it back open. Allowing the valve to stay open is essential for making it work.

Note Any Leaks

Leaks might be a threat to your plumbing setup. A leak can cause you to use more water than necessary. It may also cause damages to your property, depending on where the water goes. One of the effects of a leak may be the water pressure in your shower dropping. The lack of water being able to go through all the way can become a concern. You’ll have to get any leaks around your property fixed up as soon as possible to reduce the issue.

When Are You Showering?

Sometimes the low water pressure comes about due to the time you shower. You might shower at a time when you’re using other appliances in your home. A washing machine might take away water that could go to your shower, for instance. There might also be times when you shower at a point when more people in your area are showering at the same moment. You’ll have to plan your showering around a time when it might be easier for you to use the water.

You can ask us at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing if you have any concerns with your shower’s water pressure level. We’ll help you in finding a plan for fixing this issue before it can become worse.

The Three Key Layers Of What’s Inside a Septic Tank

Your septic tank will have plenty of room for handling different compounds. You’ll need to ensure the tank is cleaned out on occasion to ensure it will stay functional and not risk any leaks or other forms of damage that might make your plumbing system function improperly.

To understand what works for your septic system, you’ll have to look at the three layers involved with the septic tank. Our professionals at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing can help you with taking note of how well these parts of your receptacle are operating and that they are working well enough.

The Top – Scum

The scum on the top part of the septic tank includes many things that come through your system and stay in the area. Soap, oils, and other items that might not sink well will go on the top. The worst part of the scum is that it does not break apart as quickly as you might wish. It becomes easy for the scum to build up and cause clogs. You’ll have to watch for what goes through your plumbing system to ensure there is less of a risk of scum going through.

The Middle – Water

The water in the middle part of the septic tank will be essential to allowing your unit to work well. It may include small bits of waste products. The water goes from the septic field from the tank when it works properly. The water is restored over time, and it will ensure that the compounds on the inside are moving out well. But when there is an excess amount of scum, the water may not be capable of building up as well.

The Bottom – Sludge

You will find sludge at the bottom part of the tank. Mud is the byproduct of the wastes that have decomposed and broken apart inside the container. Any heavy materials that go through may also sink to the bottom of the tank. Like the scum at the top, the sludge on the bottom builds and produces excess fatigue and wear. The threat of the scum can be significant, depending on what happens on the inside.

When To Clean?

The best idea to consider for your septic tank is to clean it out every three to five years. Our professionals at Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing can assist you in getting rid of all those things from your tank and ensuring that it will stay functional.

You might also need to get the tank cleaned sooner if you notice any backups around your home, or you see any leaks coming around your yard. Our experts can assist you when you notice any concerns building up around your property.

Contact Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing to learn all about the services for your septic tank. We can assist you in cleaning out your tank and preventing scum and other concerns from being a threat.