Who ya gonna call for plumbing emergencies?
In the past 30 years, we've pretty much seen it all in the world of plumbing in Willimantic CT. If we had to pick the top 4 emergencies that we provide service for, they would be:- Burst water heater
- Dead well pump
- Clogged drain
- Leaky pipe
Burst water heater
A standard water heater is only meant to last 8-10 years. We bet you have college T-shirts older than that! This 8-10 lifespan is only as good as the service the heater has had. If it was installed, then never touched again, chances are you'll have a plumbing emergency on your hands.A water heater check should be scheduled every 2-3 years. This not only protects your warranty, but your home from flood damage. During this evaluation, a licensed plumber will check for signs of corrosion, the pressure relief valve, and the anode rod. It only takes a couple hours out of your day every few years, and can save you a ton of heartache and cash!
Dead well pump
A professionally installed well pump should last about 25 years. The main factor that affects this is the quality of your well water. If you have poor water quality, mineral deposits can collect inside the mechanicals and burn the pump out. High levels of iron can also cause slime buildup.
Another factor that affects the life of your well pump is the size of the well tank. If your well tank is too small for your family, it can cause the well pump to work too hard and burn out prematurely. To get the most life out of your pump, have your well tank checked out by a professional plumber.
Clogged drain
Backed up tub, clogged toilet, and plugged sink are all drains that we service. This is probably the plumbing emergency that's the easiest for you to avoid! Here are some tips that you can do to avoid a clogged drain, without a plumber:- Tub - the biggest cause of a backed up tub is HAIR. Whether it's human hair or pet fur, it creates a mess. Once shampoo and soap is in the mix, it basically creates the monster you pictured under your bed! Install a drain screen to catch the hair. Empty it out after each shower to avoid a clogged tub drain.
- Toilet - the biggest cause of a clogged toilet is flushing paper towels or sanitary products. This one is simple - just don't do it! Put a trash can in your bathroom right next to your toilet. Also, never flush wipes. No matter what the packaging says, there's no such thing as a "flushable wipe."
- Sink - the biggest cause of a plugged sink is food waste. Bones, fat, and grease should all be dumped into the garbage, NOT down your sink.
Leaky pipe
Because we live in New England, we never know whether to wear a windbreaker or pack a parka. The constant temperature changes do a number on your pipes as well. They constrict and expand, just to constrict again. This the cracks and splits that result in leaky pipes.The best way to prevent this type of plumbing emergency is to insulate any areas near pipes where cold air can blow in. If the weather forecasts days of continued freezing temps and wind, keep your faucets dripping and resist the urge to turn your heat down when you're not home.
Aside from weather conditions, your water quality also affects your pipes. If you have very hard or corrosive water, the minerals can eat away at your pipes and cause a leak. The best way to prevent this type of pinhole leak is to have a water treatment system installed by a professional plumber. We can schedule a water sample test for you. Based on the results, a water specialist will go over what system is the best to protect both your pipes AND your family's health!
