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5 Tools that Every DIY Plumber Needs

Like everywhere else, the plumbing in Miami Beach can get a bit problematic at times. Faucets can start leaking and drains can get clogged. Calling a plumber for every small problem can be both expensive and frustrating. So, it’s always better to know some DIY techniques that can help you fix the immediate problem. This also means that you need a few essential tools, such as:

Pliers: You will need a pair of water pump pliers or slip-joint pliers.These pliers have long handles and adjustable jaws that are designed to grip different sized pipes. These versatile pliers are the most essential tools in a plumber’s kit.

Plungers: Everyone should have a plunger to clear drains. There are two in use — flange plungers and sink plungers. They are the simplest tools for clearing a clogged drain. The rubber cup of the plunger is placed over the drain and you push down on it. The force of air and water pressure clears the clog.

Pipe wrench: The function of the pipe wrench is like that of a plier. However, it is more effective when dealing with softer metals like iron and steel pipes. It is also the preferred tool when we are using rounded fittings.

Sink and closet auger: These are useful tools for clearing drains. An auger has flexible steel cable which is attached to a hand crank or a control mechanism that helps in guiding the steel cable. The sink auger is like a rotating drum snake. It can be very effective against tough clogs. A closet auger, also known as a toilet snake, is a similar tool that is used for the toilet bowl. It is built in such a way that it can reach the bends in a toilet. If you cannot clean a drain with an auger, it is time to call someone specializing in plumbing in Miami beach.

When to Call a Plumber for Your Water Heater

The average life span of a water heater is 10 to 15 years. But like any piece of machinery it can break down at any time. Heater repairs are best handled by an experienced plumber in south Florida. But what are the warning signs you should look out for?

No hot water: This is the first sign of trouble. No hot water means that something is wrong with your heater since it is obviously not functioning. Sometimes it could be as simple as the thermostat turned low. Low pressure can also cause heating problems. If the cause does not seem obvious to you, call your plumber.

Banging noise: Water heaters, particularly old ones make noise all the time — when someone flushes or opens a tap. It is the unusual noises that you have to watch out for — hissing, gurgling or knocking. The reason could be air in the system, or it could be due to a loose connection inside the heater. Call a plumber in south Florida to diagnose and fix the problem.

Water leak:A water heater can start leaking because of several factors, such as a crack in the body or a loose valve. You should get this repaired immediately. A leak can cause flooding inside the heater, causing corrosion or damaging it irreparably.

Pilot light going off: If the pilot light keeps going off, the heater won’t function properly. Once you have ruled out factors like lack of power, you should get a professional to check out the problem.

Low pressure: If you see that your heater is working, but the water pressure coming from your tap is very low, you could be dealing with more than a heater problem. The trouble may lay with the overall plumbing of the house or a blockage in the pipes. Low water pressure could also be the result of a water leak. It is best to get it checked from a plumber in south Florida.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs a Plumber

No matter how great your garbage disposal is, it is bound to break down. It is subjected to the constant onslaught of running water, soap, garbage, and clogs. Sometimes it is simply because the disposal is not switched on, alternatively, it just needs a reset, but there. But there are other situations that only a plumber in south Florida can fix for you:

When it does not make a noise: If there is no problem with the power, a disposal which is making no noise means that it has broken. You’ll need a plumber who can fix it or replace it.

When it is leaking: The common reason for a leaking garbage disposal is usually the wearing down or loosening of the sink flange. Tightening or resealing with plumber’s putty may fix the problem. Sometimes a the wall of the garbage disposal wall can wear out or  crack. The leak may also occur at connecting points to the drainpipe or dishwasher. It is best to call a plumber to fix these problems.

When it gets jammed: Most disposal units come with a wrench to remove the jam. However, if your don’t have one, call a plumber to resolve this issue.

When it’s draining too slowly: This is usually due to congestion in the drainpipe. You can use a natural cleaner to clear the drain. Chemical cleaners are not recommended because they can damage the unit. If this does not solve the problem, you should contact a plumber in south Florida who specializes in garbage disposals. A professional knows the construction of the disposal and how it should be cleaned and fixed.

Regular Plumbing Checks Are Also Important Like Regular Paint Jobs In A House…

Having a plumbing maintenance schedule is important for your household. Working plumbing ensures that your water supply is working properly and efficiently. Any sudden leaks or breaks in your plumbing can cause a major inconvenience for your family. Hiring a professional plumber Miami can make this task much easier for you because they are trained to know what to look for and can fix any issues that may be happening in your pipelines.

Similarly, heating systems run on the plumbing lines in homes. If any of the hot water lines get blocked due to debris or other substances, it could easily result in pipes bursting, especially during winter months. No hot water in the home can become very inconvenient for families and make it nearly impossible to get daily activities done, such as bathing, shaving, washing dishes, and more. Having a professional check your plumbing periodically can help to prevent this from happening.

Even if you have a minor issue in your plumbing system, you should still call a plumber Miami to fix the issue immediately. They can come and check your plumbing system to make sure everything is working properly, and if not, they can help you find solutions.

5 Signs That May Indicate Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

Having a working water heater at home is important. Like most appliances, a water heater requires a maintenance routine to ensure that it is still working properly. Here are signs to look for that may indicate it is time to replace your water heater:

Age: A water heater has its own life expectancy and will usually not work after that period. Water heaters usually last for 8-10 years and gas heaters have an even shorter life expectancy of 6-8 years. Check the manufacturing date on your water heater manual to see if your heater is near the end of its life.

Rust: Since water heaters are made of steel, rusting can take place. You can tell if this is happening if the water that comes out of a faucet is rusty. The problem is being able to tell whether the rust is in the heater or the pipe. You should also look for rust spots near inlets and valves. If the rusting is in the tank, you will have to replace it.

Noise: As a heater gets old, it can become noisy, which is an indication of sediment build-up. Flushing will normally drain the sediment. But if the problem persists, it indicates a deeper problem that you will need a plumber to check out.

Inadequate heating: If your heater is not producing hot water, this is a common sign that something is wrong. The first step is to rule out other possibilities like an undersized tank, a broken heating element, or a malfunctioning thermostat. You may have to call an expert who can check your water heater Miami for any leaks or other issues.