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4 Plumbing Quick Fixes You Should Learn

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When a pipe bursts or an appliance starts to leak, you can’t always afford to wait for a plumber. Water damage will take its toll quickly. Knowing a few basic but important plumbing quick fixes can make a big difference in how you recover from a plumbing disaster.

Here are some easy repairs you can perform to minimize damage before your local smell good plumber arrives on the scene. These simple stop-gap solutions may not sound like much, but they could save you money and spare your home from greater catastrophe.

leaking pipe quick fixes
Leaking Pipe

No matter how small a pipe leak is, you don’t want water pouring out into your home. Even small drips can develop into big problems. Luckily, there are plenty of home plumbing tools designed to help you make quick fixes to prevent disaster.

Whatever method you go with, start by turning off the water. and measuring your leaking pipe’s circumference.

How to turn off the water

To turn off the water to a leaking pipe locate the nearest shut off valve. Sinks and toilets will have a small knob underneath where the water supply connects. Showers and tubs often have an access panel on the opposite side of the wall. Simply turn the shut off valve counterclockwise to stop water from flowing.

If your leak is not located near a local shut off valve, you may need to turn off the water to your entire home until the leak is addressed. Locate your water main where the city water supply enters your home. It will have a knob or lever type valve where you can shut off the water supply into your home.

 The right repair supplies

Your nearest hardware store should have what you need to temporarily stop leaking pipes until they can be replaced. If you have iron pipes, purchase an epoxy compound. If you have copper, PVC or other, purchase a pipe clamp or wrap.

To repair a leaking iron pipe: Apply epoxy directly onto the leaking pipe, like you would with caulk or plumber’s putty. The epoxy will temporarily form a seal over the leak.

To repair leaking PVC or copper pipes: Affix the pipe clamp or wrap around the leak. The pressure should hold in the water until you can get the pipe replaced.

Remember that none of these three products offer a permanent solution. While they function admirably as quick fixes, the only foolproof way to be rid of a plumbing leak permanently is to replace the pipe.  

leaking pipe joint quick fixes
Leaking Pipe Joint

Leaking pipe joints are a little trickier than normal pipe leaks. The angle of the joint can make quick repairs awkward or ineffective. Luckily, there are a few tools designed specifically for administering quick fixes to vexing leaks like these.

Repair sleeves and rubber pipe connectors are flexible enough to wrap around a leaking joint and will press in on it to squeeze water back through the pipe.

To use a rubber pipe connector or repair sleeve: Measurement is important here. Cut rubber pipe connectors so they fit tightly around the leak. The rubber of the connector resists water if it’s wrapped tightly enough, but it won’t last forever. Repair sleeves work well on smaller joint leaks. Add a clamp over your rubber wrap to hold it in place.

Over time, however, the leak may grow wider than the sleeve. In a real pinch, you could supplement either of these tools with duct tape, but keep in mind how temporary a solution it would be.

cracked porcelain quick fixes
Cracked Porcelain

Toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and showers can crack or break just like anything else. Unlike everything else, however, these appliances are sometimes full of water. It’s easy to panic if the bottom of your toilet cracks open and starts flooding your bathroom. In cases like these, you’ll want to prevent the leak from damaging the floor as quickly as possible.

This is where our old pal plumber’s putty comes in. First, apply plumber’s putty to the inside of the leak. Try to squeeze it in as snugly as possible. Plumber’s putty naturally resists water, so it should hold for long enough. After you’ve squeezed the putty in as much as you can, apply caulk right over the top of it. The caulk will help form a secondary seal and lasts longer than plumber’s putty will, but it would be hard to put on without the putty. Neither the caulk nor the putty will last forever, however, so consider having your toilet, sink, or tub replaced soon after.

Faulty water heater quick fixes
Faulty Water Heater

If your water heater isn’t working well, it’s likely that sediment has collected in the tank. When a layer of sediment builds up at the base of a water heater tank, it blocks the heating element. The water heater wastes time and power trying to heat through the sediment. You don’t get hot water as quickly, and your water heater becomes strained. All water heaters need to be replaced eventually but flushing your tank can extend its lifespan significantly.

To flush your water heater

First, turn off the water heater. Run hot water in a sink for about 10 minutes to drain the tank of hot water. Shut off the cold-water supply on top of the tank, and then attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Make sure the hose leads to the nearby floor drain. Re-open the cold-water supply WITHOUT closing the drain valve or disconnecting the hose. Watch the water drain until you can’t see sediment discoloration in it.

For Plumbing Emergencies in L.A.

Try these quick fixes for any of the above plumbing emergencies and then call us right away. We can fix your emergency quickly, effectively, and permanently. Mike Diamond has been on the Los Angeles scene stopping all manner of home plumbing problems since 1976.  

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Benefits of a Reusable Water Filter

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Reusable Water Filter is a great option to filter water at home. It can save you money over the long run as it can last for several years. Many filters have refillable cartridges that you can wash and reuse. The best part is that these filters are made of heavy-duty materials and are designed to fit through a letterbox. This makes them an excellent investment. Reusable water filters are an easy way to reduce the cost of drinking water in your home.Reusable Water Filter

Another advantage of a reusable water filter is that it will also work as a water softener. It will remove rust, iron, manganese, and sands from water. It will also minimize stains on fixtures, kitchen wares, and pipes. Reusable water filters are designed to last a long time, and they will not need to be replaced regularly. Once installed, a reusable water filter will help save money on water bills for years to come.

Reusable water filters are a smart investment. The cost of a reusable water filter system is relatively low, and its features are motivating. The water canisters usually have a metal spigot, which prevents corrosion of household fixtures. Most of these filters are backed by a lifetime warranty. They also come with a warranty and a lifetime guarantee. A reusable water filter is a great choice for a home that has high-quality, city-supplied, or well-water.

The most important feature of a reusable water filter is its ability to save water. It includes a sanitizer and lubricant, which can improve the quality of your water from a city water system or well. It will also reduce the risk of rusting your kitchen wares and fittings. In fact, the filter will also prevent the occurrence of any of the problems above. This is a great way to protect your family’s health and save money on bottled water.

The 3-stage filtering system is the most durable and low-maintenance water filter. It is easy to clean and has an automatic flushing system. The 3-stage process also removes microorganisms. The lubricant can also protect against rusting and other common plumbing problems. These are just a few of the benefits of using a reusable water filter. They are an excellent choice for those who have well-water and need clean, healthy water.

Reusable water filter is a great option for homes that have a well. This system will help you conserve water while keeping your family safe and healthy. It is easy to clean and is also reusable. A reusable water filter can be a great investment for your home. Its high quality, durable, and affordable water filter will increase the value of your home. Its filters will also improve the quality of the tap water and improve your health.

The 3-stage filtering system is durable and low-maintenance. It will remove iron, sulfur, and manganese from water. In addition to removing these elements, the filter will also get rid of microorganisms that make the water unsafe for drinking. This type of reusable water filter can be used for home, irrigation, and swimming pools. Its maximum temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The three-stage process will ensure that your filtered water is free from harmful substances.

This 3-stage system is low maintenance and durable. It can remove rust, iron, manganese, and sulfur from water. The filtration process will also remove dissolved solids and other debris. The system will improve the quality of your city water or well. Some of the iron and manganese in the water can cause rusting in kitchen ware and fittings. If you have a well, you should consider a reusable water filter.

A reusable water filter is a great option for home use. Most of these units are made from carbon, which has a large internal surface that traps chemical impurities. Most domestic water filters have granular activated carbon, which removes undesirable tastes and smells. Other reusable water filters have carbon block elements, which have micron-level particle-removal capacity. A 10″ pleated cartridge is ideal for cleaning and reducing chlorine.

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What’s That Smell in My Kitchen?

by Posted in Plumbing Services

Do you have a mysterious, unpleasant odor in your kitchen? Something that doesn’t go away, no matter how many times you mop or take out the garbage? Check your kitchen sink.

Your kitchen sink might be the hardest working plumbing appliance in your home. If there’s a problem with it, chances are the food you run through the disposal or the grease you rinse off dirty plates isn’t getting properly removed from your house.

When food or grease gets caught in your kitchen sink’s pipes, it begins to rot. Rotting food or other debris can produce terrible smells and become a breeding ground for bacteria and pests. Even if you don’t have a disposal, the kind of stuff that drops down the kitchen sink’s drain can collect and start to smell surprisingly quickly. If your kitchen sink has a sour odor that you just can’t scrub away, here are a couple possible explanations and what you can do about it.

Grease on plate
Grease in the Drain

If you pour cooking grease or vegetable oil down your kitchen sink’s drain, it can congeal to the sides of the drain, disposal, or lower pipe. Then, the grease starts to decompose and trap other falling debris. Soon, an unruly rotting smell wafts back up out of the sink and into your kitchen.

Scoop about a cup of baking soda into your kitchen sink’s drain. Follow that up with about as much vinegar, then let it sit for about ten minutes. While the mixture is doing its thing, boil a pot of water. When ten minutes have passed, pour the boiling water into the sink. The baking soda and vinegar should foam up and eat away the grease in your drain, and then the boiling water will flush it all out.

Garbage disposal
Dirty Garbage Disposal

Sometimes, scraps of food or other gunk can catch on your garbage disposal’s blades. That food rots and starts to smell. Problems increase if:

You use your garbage disposal often.You run hot water with it.,You run no water.Your garbage disposal is older.

Grab about two cups of ice cubes and a cup of salt. Turn on the kitchen sink’s cold water and run the disposal for about 20 seconds. After that, dump the cups of ice and the salt into the disposal. Let the disposal keep running until all the ice cubes are gone. Cutting up the ice in cold water should have helped clear away the gunk caught on the blades.

For extra odor prevention, drop lemon, grapefruit, or orange rinds down the disposal while you’re running it with the ice. You can also add lemon juice and vinegar.

Kitchen p-trap
Problem with the Trap

If your kitchen sink smells more like sewer than rotten food, there might be a problem with its trap. A kitchen sink’s trap is the ‘P’ or ‘U’-shaped pipe directly beneath the sink basin. The trap’s job is to prevent sewer gas from drifting from the pipes back up into your house. It’s also handy for recovering lost wedding rings.

Usually, a sewer smell means that the water in the trap that blocks sewer gas has evaporated. This can happen if the sink hasn’t been used for awhile. If that’s the case, all you should have to do is run the sink and let the water fill back up in the trap. Watch the trap while running the water to make sure it isn’t leaking.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, take the trap out, empty it, scrub it down with an old toothbrush and a cleaning agent, and replace it. Clogs can build up in kitchen and bathroom traps. They may need to be cleaned periodically but if the problem persists, give us a call.

Roof vents
Clogged Vent

If there’s a sewer smell coming from your sink and you don’t think the trap is the problem, the next most likely culprit is the vent. The plumbing drain vent is basically a long, narrow, vertical shaft connecting your main sewer line to the outside air. This shaft vent stabilizes the pressure inside the pipe connecting to your sewer. Without it, water may siphon out of your sink’s trap, letting sewer gas in.

Plumbing vents are located on the roof of the house. When they’re not working, it’s usually because something is obstructing it, such as a bird’s nest or a piece of debris. There could also be a leak in the vent’s shaft, which would interfere with its pressure mitigation or could even let sewer gas into your house. In either case, you may want to consider calling a professional. Clearing a vent obstruction may not sound like a big job, but roof jobs are always trickier than they seem.

 Keeping L.A. Smelling Good

If your kitchen sink smells, hopefully one of these quick fixes solves the problem. If the stench is coming from a simple clog, try plunging with a cup plunger.

If you’ve tried everything and you’ve still got a bad smell, give us a call. There’s more than one reason Mike Diamond is your “Smell good plumber.” With our pipe cleaning technology and years of experience, we guarantee we’ll find and solve your problem and get your kitchen smelling fresh again.

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The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance

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Regular plumbing maintenance is very important to keep your home running smoothly. Performing these preventive measures will save you energy and water costs. Not only will they help you to save money on your water bill, but they will also help you keep your house in order. This can prevent plumbing problems and also save you from spending a lot of money on repairs. However, you will have to make sure to do these simple things regularly. The best way to perform plumbing maintenance is to hire a professional. Click Here to learn more about plumbing services.

plumber

Clogs are a very common problem when it comes to plumbing. Whether you have a clog in your sink, shower, or toilet, preventing it from getting to the sewer will make your home run smoothly. You should also make sure to maintain the cleanliness of your pipes regularly. This will help you avoid costly emergencies down the road. By performing plumbing maintenance, you can extend the life of your system and ensure that you are getting the best water quality possible.

A regular plumber will check your drains, look for clogs, and fix the problems preventing your plumbing from working properly. They will also look for leaks and corrosion. They will also inspect your pipes and fixtures to ensure that they are in good condition. A plumbing professional will be able to diagnose any problems and keep them from developing into bigger ones. A good plumbing maintenance plan will keep your pipes in pristine condition and save your business from expensive headaches.

It is essential to have a well-maintained plumbing system to conserve water and reduce energy costs. Not only is plumbing maintenance important, but it is also essential to have a proper maintenance plan. The following tips will ensure that your plumbing system is always in top shape: You should vacuum your carpets regularly to remove excess water and clean up any stains. In addition, you should inspect your faucets, pipes, and faucets every week.

Annual plumbing maintenance will prevent the need for costly repair bills. It would be best to replace your old faucets and other fixtures that are prone to leaking. You should also schedule your plumbing inspections according to your needs. If you want to have a professional plumber perform these checks regularly, make sure to contact them. They can save you time and money. They can provide the needed assistance you need. They can perform any necessary repairs.

In addition to plumbing maintenance, you should also check sewer lines for problems and repair them. Sewage backups are a major issue that may require major plumbing repairs. Your sewer line can also be a sign of a problem. Keeping your plumbing system well-maintained is crucial to your home’s value and health. By doing regular maintenance, you can prevent the problem and save money. In addition, your home will be more appealing, and your wallet will thank you.

You can save a lot of money if you do regular plumbing maintenance. In addition to plumbing repairs, you can also have your plumber inspect your system for leaks and clogs. It is important to have your plumber perform maintenance on your sewer line. This will ensure that you aren’t spending too much money on repairing a pipe. If you have a leaky sewer line, your water bills will go up as well.

You can save a lot of money and time by doing routine plumbing maintenance. This type of preventative maintenance can help you detect a problem before it can become a huge problem. By performing a thorough inspection, you will be able to see whether your pipes are clogged or not. This will help you save time and money. It will also make your pipes more durable. Further, plumbing maintenance is a great way to prevent the development of mold and fungus in your home.

Besides performing regular maintenance, you should make sure your plumbing is working properly. By doing so, you’ll not need to deal with the risks associated with waterborne diseases. When you do regular plumbing maintenance, you’ll get better water pressure and avoid dangerous situations. A plumbing problem can even kill you. But, it’s very easy to avoid problems with regular maintenance. You have to be proactive. When you do regular maintenance, you’ll be able to save more time and money.