HMS Plumbing Tips

It’s that time of year again – when the temperature drops and we begin to experience freezing weather in Northern Virginia. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as last year. Cold weather brings its own problems for your plumbing, though. It can even cause your pipes to burst.

When water sits in your pipes and it freezes, the water expands and that pressure will cause the pipe to burst. The real problem is that you won’t notice it at first – not until the temperature goes above freezing and the water flows through the burst pipe.

Here are some tips we’ve learned as Northern Virginia plumbers that will help you prevent the cold weather from affecting your plumbing.

1.) Make sure your exterior hose-bib is drained, and the hose is detached. Even freeze-less hose-bibs will still burst if you leave the hose attached.

2.) Apply heat tape and insulation to exposed water pipes in areas such as crawl spaces, garages or areas that have previously experienced issues with freezing pipes.

3.) If you leave to go on vacation during the winter season, leave the heat on at least 55 degrees F. If you have an unused property that will have no electricity turned on, make sure the toilets have no water in them. Turn the water off and pour environmentally friendly anti-freeze (glycol) into the toilet bowl. It seals the toilet trap from sewer odors and will not freeze. When the water freezes, it can crack the toilet and cause a lot of other issues down the line.

Following these tips will help prevent a lot of the common problems we routinely face as plumbers in the winter season, and save you some trouble as well!

Our top three maintenance tips, as Northern Virginia plumbers? We’re glad you asked!

Dry Traps

A dry trap can be a source of a foul odor that can drive a home owner mad. Make sure that if you have a bathroom that is not being used that you occasionally run water in the sink, bathtub and flush the toilets. The water in a trap is actually what prevents sewer odors from entering into a building.

Flushing

Flushing a seldom-used toilet is something that should be done to help prevent any damages that will lead to you needing repairs. After a while, the parts in the toilet will begin to stick and get brittle. When it is finally in use again you may find that the handle will stick or it will be difficult to flush or other annoying issues.

Shut-Off Valves

Most people also don’t realize that water shut-off valves have a finite life span and need to be exercised to prevent leaks. Many times if you need to complete a plumbing repair that requires you to shut off the main water, the shut-off valve will either snap off or fail to open or close completely. Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to just turn on and off your water valves. If you notice a leak, call a professional to come out and make the necessary repairs.

Northern Virginia plumbers are called out for many problems, but there’s one situation where a plumber is needed that can be a little bit harder to recognize – replacing your flooded water heater.

If your basement gets flooded because of heavy rain, ground water or a major leak, many unseen problems can occur. Most people don’t know that if your water heater is damaged due to flooding, it is not advisable to just repair it – you should have it replaced.

The reason it is advisable to replace it? A water heater has insulation similar to a 7-11 coffee cup. The seal to the heater is not air tight, though, which will allow the water to seep in. When the water heater activates and heats up, it creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold can be a serious issue and cause a lot of problems not only to your property but to your health as well.

Your plumbing professional will know what type of water heater is best for your home, and Northern Virginia plumbers can be a real help in sorting out any heater issues you run into. Refer to a licensed professional if you have any questions about repairing or replacing your water heater.

Protecting your home from water damage can save you thousands of dollars in the long run in water leak repairs, and means you won’t even need Northern Virginia plumbers. Here are a few tips for maintaining your home and protecting your property and belongings.

• Water Shut-Off Valves: Know where shutoff valves for the main water supply, certain appliances, sinks and toilets are located in your home. In the event of a leak, this will enable you to quickly shut off the appropriate valves before calling a plumber. Consider shutting off your water supply if you will be away from home for a week or more.

• Plumbing Pipes and Fixtures: Plumbing leaks can be a hidden and frustrating source of leaks. Have your plumbing pipes and fixtures inspected for leaks. At the end of the fall season, have your pipes winterized to prevent freezing which can cause pipes to burst once it has thawed.

• Water Heaters: You should annually flush out your water heater to keep if clear of debris. Water heaters can last up to 8-10 years. If you notice any leakage around the water heater tank, you should have it replaced to prevent further damage.

• Appliance Water Hoses: Washing machines, dishwashers, icemakers, air conditioners and garbage disposals all use water to operate. Inspect these appliances for leaks, and periodically replace the supply hoses. Shut off the water supply to the washing machine before leaving your home for an extended period of time.

• Sump Pumps: Sump Pumps are extremely important in preventing ground water from flooding your home. It’s important to keep it well maintained and tested regularly. Most sump pumps last about 10-15 years. Test your pump regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. There are a variety of different types of back up sump pumps to choose from.

• Air Conditioner: Keep pans clean of debris that could obstruct the lines and cause leakages.

• Bathrooms: Check your tub and shower. Ensure that the there are no chips in the grout in your shower. Re-caulk areas where it may be chipping away. Many times, leaks to lower level rooms are caused by lack of caulking around tubs and showers.

• Basement: Periodically inspect your foundation walls and floors for cracks that might allow water seepage, especially if you live in an older home or an area with poor soil drainage.

• Roof: Missing or torn roofing can cause leaks into your home. You should have this repaired immediately to prevent unseen damage or dangerous mold growth.

• Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure your gutter are clear of leaves and debris. If they are full they may find the path of least resistance into your home.

• Grade of Property: Many times ground water can get into your home because of the way the ground is pitched. Regrading may prevent a lot of potential damage caused by heavy rain and ground water.

• Window Wells: Check basement window wells to ensure that they are clear of leaves and other debris. Consider installing window well covers.

• Windows and Doors: Inspect windows and exterior doors for proper caulking and weather stripping.

• Exterior Paint and Siding: Check periodically for cracks or evidence of water.

• Terraces and Balconies: Regularly inspect terraces and balconies. Old or inferior flashing at the intersection of an outdoor terrace or balcony, located above a living area with a vertical exterior wall, can cause water leakage during heavy rain or wind.

• Exterior Drains: Regularly remove all leaves and other debris from exterior patio drains.

A gas leak can be a serious issue if it is not dealt with appropriately. The most obvious sign of a gas leak is its smell. Other signs of a gas leak can manifest with a physical reaction, such as headaches, nausea, chest pains, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms at home but they lessen when you leave your property, this might be a sign of CO or gas at your residence. Gas leak repairs should be the first thing you look into. If exposed to gas and CO for extended periods of time it could cause many dangerous health threats such as brain damage or even death.

As the top Northern Virginia plumbers, we want to make sure your house stays safe and gas-free. If you are suspicious of a gas leak in your home, here are some tips that could save your life.

• Aerate by opening windows and doors

• Exit the premises and call your local gas authority. Don’t hesitate to call the fire department if the situation worsens.

• Be very wary of using any electrical appliances including your light switches – this could cause an explosion. Definitely do not smoke or light a match for any reason at all.

• Do not turn on/off any switches

• Make sure any gas utilities such as your stove is not turned on

• If you know where your gas main shut off valve, turn it off

Do not attempt to do any repairs or hire a handyman (remember, cheaper does not mean better in this type of situation!). Call a licensed master gas fitter for your gas leak repairs. It is required by law that all fixtures and gas lines are thoroughly inspected by a licensed gas fitter before the gas is turned back on.

Let’s talk a little bit about sump pumps. A sump pump is a pump that removes excess water that may potentially flood your home. It is an electric pump, usually located in a crock inside your basement.

During storms, sometimes areas will experience power loss. This can have serious consequences during heavy rainfall because when there is no power, your sump pump will not kick on, and your house is then at risk of serious flooding. There are a few different options to help keep your property safe in the event that your power fails.

1. Battery Powered Back-Up Sump Pump: These pumps work on a battery that is similar to a car battery. They will kick on as soon as power is lost. These back-up systems work fine for short term use. The battery can last anywhere from 6-10 hours depending on the circumstances. However, during extensive loss of power, these pumps will not last very long.

2. Water Powered Back-Up Sump Pumps: These pumps work great if your house runs on city water. The pump acts like a suction to pump the water out of your basement. The great thing about these pumps is that it uses the water to operate and will last as long as necessary. However, many people have the concern that it uses a lot of water to operate.

Of course, if your pump breaks, then you’re going to need to call a plumber for sump pump repairs or replacement. As the top Northern Virginia plumbers, we will advise you on the best course of action and make sure your house is safe again as quickly as possible.

We have been getting a lot of questions about expansion tanks recently. What is an expansion tank? Why do I need them? Are they required?

New Virginia Plumbing code, which we as an Alexandria plumber follow, states that all gas water heaters installed in a closed system (there is a back flow device near) are required to be accompanied by an expansion tank. Here are some helpful tips and information on water heater expansion tanks.

An expansion tank is a device that is installed near a boiler or water heater system. It is designed to relieve pressure caused from the thermal expansion of hot water. It works by using an expanding diaphragm that is activated during thermal expansion. The top part of the tank is hot water, and the bottom part is air. If an expansion tank goes bad – or the diaphragm fails – you can tell because the whole tank will be filled with hot water. Just tap on the top and bottom of the tank. It should make a hollow sound on the bottom (which indicates that it is empty) and a thud-like sound at the top.

The reason expansion tanks are being required is because of new requirements on regulator valves and backflow devices as well as the certain counties increasing water pressure. Before backflow devices were required, the expansion caused from the hot water could easily flow back through the pipes. Now, because of the backflow prevention devices that are necessary, the water has nowhere to go and could potentially ruin household plumbing fixtures as well as the water heater itself. An expansion tank relieves the pressure from the expanding hot water which will prevent a lot of damage.

A good thing to note as a home owner is that some water heater manufacturers will actually void the warranty on their product if no expansion tank is installed with their water heaters. It is always best to read the manufacturer’s manual as well as check with your county’s officials regarding any requirements for the safety of your home – or contact your local Alexandria plumber if you have any further questions!

Stoppages in your bathtub sink or toilet can be a real inconvenience. Prevention is always key to avoiding these kinds of problems but just because you follow the rules doesn’t mean other people do!

Most of the calls we get here at HMS are for simple stoppages. Often times I will try to help someone walk through getting the job done themselves so they won’t have to spend time or money on having a plumber come to their home. Here are some tips from the top Alexandria plumber that have successfully helped clear a few minor stoppages over the years and left some people feeling pretty good about themselves!

Minor Bathtub Stoppage:

Take a coat hanger and unwind it leaving a small hook at the end. Shove the hooked part down the drain and move it around a bit – a lot of the time, what is clogging up a bathtub drain is hair and when you remove the coat hanger it will look like you could make a wig out of all the hair you pull out! Repeat the process until all the hair or debris is clear. Run a lot of hot water down the drain and you should be good to go!

Sometimes the coat hanger works fine – but sometimes you need to get out the big guns. You can buy a small hand snake from any home improvement store. They are relatively cheap and can really come in handy for minor stoppages. I would recommend having one of these around!

Another really cool idea is to use a zip-it. These are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. Check out the videos on their website!

Toilet Stoppages:

A lot of times people don’t realize that they are not suppose to flush things like feminine products, paper towels, or baby wipes. When these are flushed they can cause stoppages ranging from all types from minor ones (surface and only affect that line) or major ones (lodged in the main sewer). If it is a minor stoppage, a lot of times this can be easily dealt with even if you don’t fancy yourself the do-it-yourself type.

For a minor stoppage, the coat hanger trick works well for this too – the only problem with that is that you might scrape up the inside of your toilet with a sharp wire. I recommend trying the good old fashion plunger for this (a lot of times this is actually what the plumbers use to clear it!). You could also use an auger or small hand snake as well for those deeper stoppages.

Sink Stoppages:

A lot of time with sink stoppages, running some hot soapy water down the drain can help break up the debris. The small hand snake or coat hanger trick can definitely be used to pull up or break up anything that may be clogging your drain. If you do use chemical liquid plumber, make sure that it is environmentally friendly – it will not only be good for the environment but it is much better on your pipes. A lot of times with the liquid drain cleaners they use harsh chemicals that can eat away at the pvc glue in your pipes and cause leaks in the futures.

Another great trick for clearing a sink stoppage is actually using a plunger (preferably not one that has been in your toilet). If you have a double sink – cover one of the sink drains with a stopper and use the plunger on the uncovered one, this will often time really do the trick to clearing a minor stoppage in your sink.

I hope these hints have been helpful. If you can save money on an Alexandria plumber by using one of my tips, then take yourself out to dinner because you deserve it!

Spring and summer are the biggest seasons for water usage. But there are simple ways to stop the waste of this precious resource and halt high water bills. As the top Northern Virginia plumber service, HMS Plumbing can offer you some helpful tips.

1.) Locate and mark your main shut off valve. The main shut off valve is the valve that controls the flow of water into your entire house. If something were to burst, this could not only cause serious damage and a call to your Northern Virginia plumbers, but lead to a lot of wasted water. Marking this valve and making it easy to locate in emergency situations can save you a lot of grief!

2.) Repair leaking pipes, valves and equipment. As your local Northern Virginia plumbers, HMS Plumbing can help you with this. During the winter season, you may have had your house winterized. Once you switch over to spring/summer use, turn on your faucets and fixtures that were winterized and check to make sure the valves, pipes, and fixtures don’t have any leaks that may have occurred from the freezing weather of winter.

3.) Make sure you completely turn off your hose bibs when you are done watering your garden. Although hoses that come with shut off nozzles work great in conserving water, turning off the hose bib when you are done will ensure that not a drop of water goes to waste.

4.) It may sound simple, but water can flow between 2-3 gallons per minute out of a faucet, so, when brushing your teeth or washing dishes, turn off the water except when you are using it to rinse. It may not seem like much, but over time it can really add up!

5.) Did you know that your grass and plantings only need, at most, one inch of water per week? Keep tabs on the forecast and only supplement the watering when the precipitation is less than one inch per week. In fact, a good sized downpour can eliminate the need to water for weeks! I couldn’t believe this when I read it, but this actually got backed up by our shop neighbors who own a landscaping company.

6.) The best time of day to water your garden is actually in the morning. The reason they say it is better to water in the morning than at night is because the sun will have a chance to dry some of the excess water. If you water at night, the sun can’t dry off your plants and they may become the perfect breeding ground for all types of molds and fungi which can infect your yard.

If you know any other water saving tips, we’re always happy to hear them here at your favorite Northern Virginia plumbers – please feel free to add to the conversation!

Warm weather causes everything and everyone to surface from hibernation – and that includes home buyers. However, as the gentle, warm-weather breeze sweeps potential buyers past kitchen designs and interior paint, most people tend to miss possible plumbing problems. Unlike some other Northern Virginia plumbers, we don’t want to see you get ripped off. So, here are a few plumbing related things to look out for when shopping the real estate market.

• Check for water damage. You want to check around the base of all the toilets as well as inside any cabinets under a sink. Stains or any kind of warping are signs of water damage.

• Check to see how fast the toilet flushes.

• Check the flooring in the bathroom by straddling the toilet and rocking back and forth. If it feels spongy, there is a good chance that the floor is rotting.

• Check the water pressure of all bathtubs, showers, and sinks.

• If there is a basement, make sure to inspect any exposed pipes for leaks or damage.

• Check the date on the water heater. The first four digits of the serial number are the month and year. Check with your own Northern Virginia plumbers, but anything over 15 years old probably needs to be replaced.

• Also, make sure you check the garbage disposal, dishwasher, and washing machine for any damages or leaks.