Is the House Haunted by a Water Hammer This Halloween?

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What to Do About That Spooky Banging Sound Behind the Walls

Every house has its unique soundtrack of little noises it makes, from creaks and groans to thuds and pops. Most of these are just products of the house settling and wood contracting or expanding as temperatures change. But if loud banging or knocking sounds are coming from inside the walls or under the floors, there’s cause for concern. 

These frightful sounds aren’t caused by ghouls, ghosts, or goblins but by a slightly less terrifying phenomenon called water hammer. Apart from being annoying and downright spooky, water hammers can damage pipes and fixtures and may even indicate larger issues with the plumbing system – so this article will explain what a water hammer is, its risks, and how to get rid of it!

What Exactly Is Water Hammer?

A water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, is a pressure surge or shockwave inside a water pipe that occurs when the water flow suddenly stops or changes direction (the technical term for this is transient flow). This usually results in a banging or knocking sound caused by the shockwave traveling through the pipe. The pipe may also rattle against any surrounding wood if it’s not tightly fastened, contributing to the noise. A water hammer is generally the culprit when anyone refers to banging or noisy pipes.

Water hammers are usually caused by a valve closing suddenly, such as the automatic valves in a washing machine or dishwasher. However, even a faucet being turned off quickly can cause a hydraulic shock. But in many cases, excessively high water pressure is at the root of the problem – if the water is moving faster and under higher pressure, more force will be behind it when it suddenly slams into a closed valve.

What Are the Dangers of Water Hammer?

water hammerApart from the irritation of noisy pipes, water hammers can cause serious issues with the plumbing system. Over time, the constant pressure surges and shockwaves can loosen pipe fittings and joints, potentially causing small leaks or even a ruptured pipe. The sudden pressure surge can even cause old or corroded pipes to burst. 

If this weren’t bad enough on its own, the resulting water damage can be extensive – not to mention expensive to clean and repair. A water hammer can also damage any valves that bear the brunt of the shockwave. This will mainly affect automatic valves that close very rapidly, such as those in washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets.

How Do the Pros Fix Water Hammer?

fixing water hammerWhen it comes to fixing water hammers, professional plumbers have a few options at their disposal. One of the first things they will do is check the home’s main water pressure regulator to see if the water pressure is at a normal level - typically somewhere between 50-70 PSI - and adjust it if necessary.

The next step is typically to see if the home’s air chambers are full of water (if the house has any). Air chambers are vertical sections of pipe in the water supply system that act as a sort of buffer, giving water somewhere to go if there’s a pressure surge. If the air chambers are full of water, they must be drained. Another water hammer fix professionals may employ is to install water hammer arrestors near potentially problematic valves. These small devices serve a similar function as air chambers, acting as cushions where sudden changes in pressure and flow occur. 

These fixes - not to mention diagnosing the cause of the water hammer - are outside the realm of DIY plumbing repair, so to make sure the issue is fully resolved and avoid damaging the plumbing system, it’s always best to leave water hammer repair to the professionals!

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has over 35 years of expertise serving Miami Lakes and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing with no extra charges for overtime work and personal attention. Call them today for plumbing services in Miami Lakes, FL.

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How Homeowners Can Catch Water Leaks

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Tips to Catch Leaks and Prevent More High Water Bills 

Quick leak detection is vital to home maintenance, whether it’s a subtle leak under the kitchen sink or a geyser shooting from the toilet. However, many water leaks won’t be that obvious. The longer a leak goes unaddressed, the more water and money it wastes, and the more water damage can occur. These problems do not fix themselves and don’t get better with time. That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to know the signs of a leak and act quickly. Here, one can learn about common signs for spotting leaks.

Know the Signs of a Leak 

Some signs that can indicate a leak include: 

  • Mold growth: Mold grows where there’s water and moisture and can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.  
  • Poor water pressure: If a leak interrupts the flow of water, it can affect the water pressure of showerheads and faucets.  
  • The sound of running water: If no faucet, showerhead, or other water-using fixture or appliance is on, a homeowner shouldn’t hear running water. If they do, this could mean there’s a leak. 

Time is of the essence when finding and fixing a leak. A leak wastes more than just water; it can damage personal property, saturate drywall, and attract rodents. As soon as signs of a leak are noticed, a plumber should be called to locate and repair the leak. 

High Water Bills Indicate Leaks 

billBecause leaks waste water, higher than normal water costs without a change in water usage indicates there’s a leak. Even tiny leaks like a dripping faucet can waste a lot of water and money. When there’s a leak, homeowners may find themselves spending even more, not just on water bills but from the secondary consequences of a leak, including: 

  • Mold remediation 
  • Replacing soggy or damaged flooring
  • Repairing water damage to the home’s foundation 
  • Controlling humidity with a dehumidifier 

Nobody wants to spend more money than they have to. That’s why when a homeowner suspects they have a leak, they should consult a professional immediately to prevent additional costs and damage to the home. 

Check the Reading on the Water Meter 

water meterThe water meter is an essential tool that lets homeowners know how much water passes into the plumbing system. Some water meters measure water by the gallons, while others measure by the cubic foot. It depends on the house's age and the water meter itself. 

Whenever somebody flushes the toilet or washes their hands, the number increases. So, if a homeowner is concerned about a leak, they can use their water meter to check for it. Here’s how to use a water meter to check for leaks: 

  • Turn off the water main or stop using any water-using devices or fixtures
  • Write down the number on the water meter 
  • Wait around an hour without using any water  
  • Check the reading on the water meter again to see if there’s a change

If the number has increased without the household using any water, this means that a leak is causing water to be wasted, and a plumber should be called. 

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing has over thirty years of experience serving Miami and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing and personal attention and never take shortcuts or cut corners. Call them today for water leak detection and repair services in Miami, FL.

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Understanding the Threat of Backflow in Plumbing

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Everything Homeowners Need to Know About Backflow and Prevention

As a society, people place a lot of trust in engineering. Even with all the advances in the plumbing infrastructure that have made safe water cheap and accessible, there are still continuing threats to the safety and cleanliness of the water homeowners use daily. 

Backflow is a plumbing problem that can cause water contamination and threaten public health. The good news is backflow prevention devices and practices are in place in every home and business. However, property owners may not understand the massive consequences when they fail and the importance of testing them. This article is a quick guide to inform people about backflow, backflow prevention, and their responsibility to help keep the water grid clean with backflow testing. 

Understanding Backflow 

Backflow occurs any time water flows through a pipe in a direction not originally intended. Most often, it is caused by water line breaks or industrial demand that quickly causes the flow to change direction due to siphoning. When this occurs, a vacuum can form at points of use in the plumbing system, wherein pollutants can be sucked into freshwater piping. 

From the treatment facility to the tap in a home, the water pipes are sealed to protect treated water. Anytime a foreign contaminant is allowed inside, it can contaminate the entire water supply. In order to prevent this, backflow preventers are installed at vulnerable points in the water grid and plumbing system, ensuring regulations and codes are followed. 

Preventing Backflow 

back flowWhen backflow occurs in piping, it causes people to be exposed to harmful chemicals, contaminated groundwater, and human waste. Preventing backflow is every property owner's responsibility, including installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices and methods. 

Backflow preventers are special devices fitted to pipes and methods like air gaps that act as a check valve, only allowing water to flow in one direction. In homes and businesses, they are usually installed on the service entrance for the water line and on irrigation systems. If homeowners are unaware of backflow preventers on their property, they should call a plumber to locate it and look for problems. 

Testing Backflow Preventers 

back flowSince backflow preventers are essential for keeping the water clean and free from contamination, they must be tested regularly to ensure they are operating correctly. When backflow preventers are present on a property, it is required for them to be tested annually by a licensed plumber. 

A plumber who is a certified backflow tester has special training and experience, allowing them to perform backflow testing and certification services. They will repair or replace any backflow prevention devices they find an issue with to give homeowners peace of mind their drinking water is safe. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has over 30 years of experience serving Miami and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day or next-day service, upfront pricing, and quality workmanship. Call them today for backflow testing and certification in Miami, FL.

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A Beginner's Guide to Slab Leaks

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What Every Homeowner Should Know About Slab Leaks

No one wants to deal with a plumbing issue in their home. Sometimes homeowners ignore things because it seems easier than dealing with the problem. Unfortunately, this may end up causing more damage and lead to a plumbing emergency. Slab leaks are one such problem. They are often difficult to detect and can cause significant damage if not dealt with. This blog will discuss slab leaks, their dangers, and how professional plumbers can fix them. 

What is a Slab Leak?

A slab is a concrete foundation that supports a building structure. It lies beneath the structure's floors and usually extends several feet below ground level. A slab leak is a water leak that occurs in the plumbing pipes underneath this concrete foundation. These leaks are typically caused by corrosion of the lines or a poor connection between two pipe sections. 

Diagnosis of slab leaks is difficult due to their location beneath the concrete. Early signs of a potential slab leak include discoloration of walls or floors, a musty odor in the home, unusual sounds from the plumbing system when no water is being used, and an unexpected increase in the water bill. If any of these signs are noticed, call a professional plumber for inspection immediately. Taking action early on can help avoid more costly repairs down the road.

The Negative Effects of Slab Leaks

saveSlab leaks can lead to various consequences for homeowners, some more serious than others. Like any leak, a slab leak wastes water and can cause high water bills. Slab leaks can also cause significant damage if left unchecked, leading to flooding and water damage in the structure above the slab and costly repairs. 

Water from the leak can seep into walls and flooring, creating unsightly mold growth, warping wood floors, and causing other structural damage. So, in addition to higher water costs, slab leaks can cause expensive repairs and cleanups due to the structural and water damage they can cause. If left unchecked, this moisture can lead to the growth of mold, which is a serious health hazard.

Slab Leak Detection and Repair Services

detectionAn inexperienced homeowner cannot deal with slab leaks. It is a job for professionals. They have special tools and equipment, allowing them to detect leaks and perform slab leak repair safely and efficiently. Professionals use advanced technology such as electronic amplifiers, acoustic listening devices, and pressure testing to locate cracks or leaks in the concrete foundation beneath a home. 

Once the leak has been identified, they can recommend the most effective solution to repair it. Repair methods vary based on the severity and type of leak. They may excavate and replace the damaged part of the pipe or use epoxy pipe liners to seal the broken line. A professional will ensure the slab leak is handled, preventing further damage.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has over 30 years of experience serving Miami residents and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, and personal attention. Call them today for slab leak repair services in Miami, FL. 

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Don't Get Pinched By High Water Bills This St. Patrick's Day

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Three Ways to Save Some Green 

Green is popular on St. Patrick’s Day, but for many people, the color green also conjures up the idea of money. Either way, green is trendy this time of year, and for homeowners that want more of it in their pockets, there are some easy ways to do it.

Saving money around the home is usually simpler than most people expect. When it comes to plumbing and water bills, so much gets wasted unnecessarily that simply by saving water, homeowners can lower their monthly water bills. Here are some tips from local plumbing experts to help homeowners start saving by reducing their water bills. 

Shut Off the Water 

tapMost people pay very little attention to how much water they use daily. Plumbing and fresh water are so common in the home that most people take them for granted. This leads to a lot of waste but also a lot of opportunities to save money by cutting down on water usage. The simplest way to reduce water usage is to shut the water off between tasks. 

Many people leave the tap running longer than necessary, wasting ample fresh water. By turning off the tap while brushing their teeth or shaving, homeowners can reduce their water bills to manageable sizes. For extra savings, try turning off the water while soaping and scrubbing in the shower or keeping showers short. 

Invest in Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances 

Turning off the tap can take some getting used to, and it can be easy to forget for those that have long-standing habits. To save water more effectively, get the plumbing fixtures to save water by themselves. This goal is best accomplished by investing in water-saving, eco-friendly appliances and plumbing fixtures.

What sets water-saving appliances and fixtures apart? They are designed to use far less water than their traditional counterparts. This includes low-flow showerheads that provide a comfortable shower with less water, touchless faucets, and washing machines that use 20% less water per load. In addition to saving water, Energy Star appliances also use less energy so that homeowners can save even more. 

Be Careful About What Gets Flushed 

toilet When flushed down the drain, certain inorganic materials such as plastics, cigarette butts, cotton swabs, and medication can lead to water pollution. These materials often contain toxins not filtered out by sewage systems and end up in the oceans. This harms marine wildlife and ecosystems. 

In addition, objects that aren’t designed to be flushed can cause clogs that lead to costly problems like leaks and burst pipes, which massively contribute to water wastage and high water bills. It is essential to be mindful of what is flushed down the drain as it can significantly impact the environment. Only flush human waste and toilet paper to avoid polluting the oceans and wasting water. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a woman-owned and operated company serving Miami, FL residents for over 30 years. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, and quality workmanship. Call them today for toilet repair and bathroom or kitchen plumbing services in Miami, FL.

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Signs to Break Up With That Old Water Heater

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When is Water Heater Replacement Necessary?

As a homeowner, there comes a time when essential appliances need replacing. If a shower’s hot water has taken on an unexpected chill, it might be time to replace the water heater and return to enjoying warm showers and baths. But how would a homeowner know when precisely this life-saver of an appliance needs updating? This blog post will explain the common signs of a water heater malfunctioning and whether or not a repair is possible. 

Signs of Corrosion

corrosionCorrosion of water heaters is common for older models because it occurs over time and with a lack of maintenance, and it's important to keep an eye out for corrosion as a sign that the water heater may need replacing. If there’s rust on the tank, it's a sign of corrosion. It's important not to ignore this problem because if the corrosion is left unresolved, it could end up costing more in the long run because of leaks and water damage and because the worse the corrosion, the more likely a full replacement is needed. 

Depending on how bad the corrosion is and which components are involved, water heater replacement will need to be considered for the continued functionality of a home. To prevent corrosion, it is essential to get routine maintenance on the water heater. Maintenance tasks like flushing the tank and changing the anode rod are vital to preventing corrosion and extending the lifespan of a water heater. 

Water Does Not Heat When it Should

No one wants to wait around for water to heat only to find that it never will or to see a glimmer of hope with warm water only for it to turn cold quickly. If water from the water heater does not heat when it is supposed to, homeowners likely need to replace the water heater. This can seem daunting because of the cost, but replacing water heaters can be financially beneficial in the long run, thanks to their energy efficiency benefits. 

Old water heaters that don’t work efficiently anymore cost more in monthly water heating costs because they have to work harder for the same results due to the loss in efficiency. Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency water heating system with a fast recovery rate leads to decreased utility bills and will provide reliable hot water available around the clock. To maintain good efficiency in a water heater, regular water heater maintenance is crucial. 

Energy Bills Continue to Rise Without Explanation

If energy bills in the household are spiking without explanation, it may be time for a deeper investigation. If the energy bill spikes coincide with an old water heater unit or a water heater that hasn't been professionally maintained on a regular basis, the homeowner may want to look closer at the age and condition of that unit. 

Water heaters lose efficiency as they age, so if the unit is over ten years old and energy bills have risen, it’s time for a replacement. If a water heater is under five years old and is experiencing higher utility bills, it may point to neglected maintenance. A qualified plumber can help homeowners determine whether their water heaters can get by with repair and maintenance or need a replacement. Homeowners should contact their local plumber when they notice any of these signs. 

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing has more than 30 years of experience as a family-owned business serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, personal attention, and same-day service. Call them today for water heater services in Miami, FL.

Celebrate the New Year With a New Plumbing Installation

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Ring in the New Year With Plumbing Fixture Upgrades!

There’s something to be said about starting the New Year right. One great place to start is by upgrading old plumbing fixtures. Not only can some of the upgrades mentioned below save homeowners money in the long run, but they can also increase the aesthetic appeal and value of the home. Read on for the best plumbing fixture upgrades and trends for the New Year!

Kitchen Sink Upgradeskitchen

Kitchen sinks have seen a lot of use throughout the years. Whether for food prep or washing dishes, the sink and faucet should function well together for optimal performance and aesthetic pleasure. Some of the most popular sink trends this year are:

  • Single-Basin - Single-basin sinks allow for a less cluttered kitchen sink experience. They can easily fit large pots and pans for easy cleaning, helping to keep the water in the sink instead of on the floor. Stainless steel is still the go-to material for these kinds of sinks. 
  • Granite Composite - Granite composite sinks are less expensive than pure granite, making them a stylish statement for any kitchen. These sinks are durable, easy to clean, and hygienic. They’re also heavy and may require more support than a stainless steel option. 

Many homeowners prefer to upgrade their faucets along with their sinks. Others just want to replace the old or leaky faucet with something better. A great option available is a touchless faucet which can help conserve water. They can have many capabilities, including voice control, sensors, and even app control. So no more getting the handle dirty after handling raw meat or sticky foods!

Bathroom Trendsbathroom

Upgrading plumbing fixtures in the bathroom can mean anything from getting a new low-flow toilet to replacing an entire bathtub or shower. But one of the easiest and cheapest ways to spruce up the bathroom is by upgrading the showerhead. One trend going strong is the use of showerheads with built-in LED lights. These lights can change colors to make showering a more pleasant experience. They can also help save water by switching on a timer to let the user know it’s time to finish up. 

Bathroom faucets are another fixture that can be upgraded, and there are many styles to choose from, including center set, single-hole, widespread, and wall-mounted. Centerset and widespread are the two most common, but single-hole faucets are becoming more popular. They have a single handle that controls the water temperature. Wall-mounted faucets are a unique option that only some bathrooms are set up for.   

Tips for Easy Installation

When it comes to any plumbing upgrade or remodel, it’s best to hire a professional. While the do-it-yourself method can seem like it will save money, most homeowners aren’t thinking about the time it takes to complete the project. And since these DIY projects almost always take longer than expected, a sunk-cost fallacy comes into play, which takes more time and effort. 

With a professional plumber, homeowners don’t have to worry about the headaches of unexpected problems. They don’t have to worry about a pipe bursting or installing the wrong fixture for the bathroom. Professionals will make quick work of the plumbing upgrades so the whole home can enjoy them quickly!

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has proudly served Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. They offer flat-rate pricing and never charge more for overtime work. They also provide personal service and fast response times. Call them today for bathroom remodeling or kitchen plumbing services in Miami, FL.

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Three Easy Ways to Prevent Clogged Sinks

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Live a Life Free of Drain Clogs 

Heading into the holidays can be a stressful time for homeowners. There are a lot of plans to be made and guests to be hosted, but at the same time, schedules can change for essential services making it hard to find reliable plumbers when the need arises. Add this stress to the heightened chance that a clogged sink will occur during food prep, and it can be a recipe for disaster.

Instead of waiting until the situation is dire, why not be proactive? There are several things that every homeowner can do to decrease the likelihood of having a clogged drain during the holidays. By taking action and changing a few habits, homeowners and party hosts can be confident that they are ready for anything the season can throw at them. Here are the best recommendations for dealing with and preventing clogged sinks this season.  

Hire Professional Drain Cleaning and Maintenance Services 

For a hassle-free drain cleaning experience, why not hire a professional? Cleaning drains can be a nasty job requiring specialized tools and time to which the homeowner may not have access. But this doesn’t mean they don’t have the means to unclog a drain. Simply by scheduling routine drain cleaning before the holidays get busy, homeowners can have the assurance that their drains are ready to handle the added work of preparing holiday feasts. Drain cleaning professionals are skilled at their job and have all the tools necessary to quickly clear clogged drains or prevent them from occurring at all. 

When professional drain cleaning is coupled with plumbing maintenance, the chances of a plumbing emergency drop drastically. Plumbing maintenance allows professional plumbers to be proactive with the plumbing, find any potential issues, and make repairs preemptively before damage occurs. This will enable them to stop problems before they become major emergencies. 

Use Mesh Screens 

meshOne of the primary causes of clogged sinks, especially during the holidays, is debris that makes it into the plumbing. No solid debris should ever flow down a sink drain. Instead, homeowners should get in the habit of using sink filters to remove debris before it goes down the drain. 

Whether a sink has a garbage disposal or not, the method is the same. All drains, including ones in the shower, can benefit from a drain screen to catch debris as water drains. Getting in the habit of using mesh screens can help prevent drain clogs from things like food scraps, coffee grounds, and hair. 

Change the Way Food Scraps and Grease are Dealt With 

foodAlong with using mesh screens, another habit can help eliminate clogged sinks. Instead of allowing grease and food waste into the plumbing through the drain in the kitchen sink, try these tips: 

  • Pour warm grease into a used can or grease saver so that it can be safely discarded in the garbage
  • Wash greasy dishes with hot water and dish detergent
  • Scrape the food scraps from dishes into the garbage before washing them or leaving them in the sink 
  • Peel vegetables over a bowl or trash can instead of the sink

Along with these tips, using mesh screens, routine maintenance, and drain cleaning can help homeowners prevent holiday plumbing hiccups. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a woman-owned and operated company serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas since 1986. They provide free estimates, same-day service, and quality workmanship. Call them today for maintenance or drain cleaning services in Miami, FL.

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Reasons to Thank Plumbers This Month

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Essential Services Local Plumbers Offer 

When confronted with a plumbing problem, homeowners have two options. First, they could resort to DIY repairs that only serve as band-aids for major problems. Or, they could consult a plumbing repair service. A professional can inspect one’s plumbing system, advise a homeowner on the best solutions, and even suggest upgrades. 

This Thanksgiving, homeowners should give thanks to plumbers and the services they provide. These licensed and bonded professionals offer the following: 

Help with Water and Sewer Lines 

sewer lineIn an ideal world, a homeowner never sees their house’s water or sewer lines. However, not everyone is so lucky. There comes a time when a professional's help proves invaluable. When faced with a water or sewer line problem, an expert can: 

  • Use non-invasive measures to identify problems: These days, plumbers don’t have to destroy homeowners’ lawns to find problems. Instead, they can resort to other measures, like video inspection equipment and trenchless pipe repair, to remedy specific issues. 
  • Suggest preventative maintenance measures: Ideally, a home’s underground plumbing system can last decades without significant problems. However, this lifespan isn’t magic; it requires homeowners to practice preventative maintenance measures. Some considerations include refraining from flushing certain items and regularly scheduling professional maintenance. 

Gas Line Repair 

Gas line repair does more than keep a home’s appliance running; it also keeps a home safe. Gas leaks affect many homes each year, with some yielding lethal consequences. When performing gas line repair, a professional understands: 

  • The importance of safety: A trained professional will turn off the home’s gas supply before performing any repairs. This eliminates the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other health concerns. 
  • How to replace specific components: Nothing lasts forever––and that goes for the home’s appliances and gas-powered systems. A professional understands how to remedy certain issues without causing further problems or endangering homeowners’ health. 
  • How to reduce energy costs: A faulty gas-powered appliance or system can waste hundreds of dollars in energy bills. A professional knows how to remedy seemingly-minor problems to save homeowners money on their gas bills. 

Gas line leaks are serious matters. If a homeowner suspects that they have one, they should evacuate the house and consult a professional immediately. 

Water Heater Services 

water heater The U.S. Department of Energy reports that water heaters can last anywhere from 10 to 20 plus years. However, even to reach the 10-year mark, homeowners must regularly consult with trained professionals for water heater maintenance. When a technician evaluates a water heater, they will: 

  • Check for any leaks
  • Flush the water heater tank
  • Evaluate the home’s energy bills for any unexpected increases 
  • Replace any faulty or malfunctioning components, like heating elements 
  • Measure how hot (or cold) the water gets 
  • Suggest replacing the water heater (if it’s more than 15 years old) 
  • Address any potential problems 
  • Seal any pipes 

Water heater maintenance does more than cut down on problems and unexpected expenses; it also makes a house a home. No one wants to deal with cold water during the holiday season, even in mild places like Miami. Reaching out to a water heater professional isn’t just smart––it’s crucial to a home’s habitability. 

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing is family owned and has over 25 years of experience serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, and live, friendly greetings whenever someone calls. Call them today for plumbing services in Miami, FL.

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Hydrojetting Solves Several Common Sewer Line Issues

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What Exactly is Hydrojetting?

Hydrojetting or high-pressure drain cleaning is the latest innovation for breaking up sewer line clogs and cleaning sewer lines. Sewer lines are the most abused pipe in any household because they are expected to carry away a variety of types of waste without failing. However, sometimes they get overwhelmed and need attention. 

Until hydrojetting was developed, a drain auger was the best tool for the job regarding sewer line problems. Drain augers were great innovations, but they have some drawbacks. Modern hydro jets are much more powerful and versatile than drain augers or early high-pressure drain cleaning machines. These machines are so successful because they use pressurized water to cut through clogged debris while also spraying water against the inside of the pipe to remove scum and greasy buildup. Here are common scenarios that cause sewer line problems where hydrojetting can help. 

Breaks Up Invading Tree Roots 

rootsA common problem in sewer lines is tree roots that have invaded through a crack in the pipe wall. Before anyone can detect the sewer line has a crack, tree roots will send out feeders to tap into the rich water source and nutrients within. Once inside, tree roots rapidly grow, but they also catch debris in the sewer line. This makes some of the most serious clogs that plumbers see. 

Drain augers, often called rooters, were named because they were once the tool of choice against this problem. However, they often left roots within the pipe, only delaying the problem, not solving it. Hydrojetting completely removes roots, allowing for faster drainage, and once the crack is repaired, the problem is solved. 

Blasts Away Grease 

greaseAnother common cause of nasty sewer line clogs is a buildup of grease inside sewer lines that will trap any debris going down the drain. While cooking oil or grease should never be introduced into a drainage system, accidents happen. The best solution to solve these tough clogs is hydrojetting. 

Hydrojetting is also a great preventative measure because it removes any grease or debris in the pipe by blasting it with water at high pressure. After a sewer line has been cleaned and all debris flushed away, nothing is left to cause a clog. So, whether there is an active clog or just a vague feeling that a homeowner might be overdue for one, hydrojetting is the best answer. 

Pushes Non-Flushable Materials Down the Sewer Line

Non-flushable materials are things that should never be flushed down a toilet and include anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Most items deemed flushable are certainly not and can still cause damage to the plumbing, including nasty sewer line clogs. Things that shouldn’t be flushed include:

  • Wipes
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Debris that falls into the toilet

When these items are flushed, they may not cause the toilet to clog, but that doesn't mean homeowners are in the clear. They can slowly build up inside the sewer line and cause a nasty clog. Hydrojetting is the best way to break up these clogs. Then homeowners can start practicing better flushing habits, so they never have to deal with these types of clogs again!

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a woman-owned and operated business serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and personal attention. Call them today for sewer line repair and replacement in Miami, FL. 

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