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Summer Plumbing Tips

Water trickling out of an outdoor water spigot

With the soaring temperatures, a reliable water source is crucial during the hot summer months. We need it to water the lawn and the flowers, wash vehicles, and fill pools. Plumbing issues that interrupt your water usage are never convenient but they’re especially problematic during the heat of summer. While looking for potential plumbing issues in your home may not be top of mind, it can protect your plumbing from costly damage and disruption. Here are some summer plumbing tips to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape all summer long.

What to Look For

During the spike of summer heat, most homeowners are probably thinking about fun in the sun, not their pipes and drains. Here’s a list of things you can check to avoid any interruptions to your water supply during the dog days of summer.

Clogs and buildups: For many of us, the summer weather may mean more showers (or baths, for the kids). If you’re using a shower or bathtub and water is draining more slowly than usual, it’s most likely due to an accumulation of debris. Don’t wait to unclog your drain. The longer you leave a blocked drain clogged, the worse it will likely get, especially with increased summer usage.
Water pressure: The optimal water pressure is between 40 and 60 PSI. A water pressure gauge can tell you if the pressure in your plumbing is outside this range, which can indicate a problem. If your pressure is outside this range, you should consider calling a local plumber.
Leaks or broken pipes: Summertime is a great time to inspect pipes and plumbing fixtures in and around your house. Homeowners should check for cracks and leaks in pipes, faucets (indoor and outdoor), shower heads, toilets and sprinkler systems at least once per year.
Water heater issues: You’ll want to inspect your water heater for any signs of leaking, like rust or water pooling around or underneath it. Also, if you have a summer vacation planned, most water heaters have a dial or switch for ‘vacation’ or ‘low’. Changing this setting before you leave can save you some money.

Your Local Plumbing Experts

If you find leaks or damage while inspecting your pipes or plumbing fixtures in the Portland OR area, you can count on the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling! We’ve proudly served homes and businesses in the area since 1927. We’re dedicated to providing you with fast and dependable services that you can rely on. From pipes and drains to water heaters and other plumbing appliances, our team has you covered! Give us a call today to get your personalized quote.

Plumbing Plumbing Tips

How Inflation is Impacting Plumbing Projects

Plumber performing plumbing project in Portland OR - D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

If you’ve ever listened to your grandparents reminisce about how low prices used to be when they were younger, then you’re probably familiar with the concept of inflation. While it can be fun to hear about the days when you could get a cheeseburger for under a quarter, the reality of inflation has had a detrimental effect on many households today – especially when it comes to home improvement projects.

If you’re planning a plumbing project, then you’ve probably noticed how prices have been gradually rising over the last several years. Understanding how inflation is impacting plumbing services and products can help you anticipate prices while lowering the overall cost of your project.

Why Are Plumbing Projects Getting More Expensive?

While inflation has definitely contributed to the steady rise in plumbing prices, it isn’t the only factor at play. Another big reason why home improvement projects have gotten more expensive in recent years is COVID-19. The global pandemic worsened trade labor shortages and sparked supply chain issues, resulting in much higher prices for products and services alike.

How to Save Money on Plumbing

Plumbing is a crucial part of your home, and some repairs or improvements are essential. Though inflation and rising project costs can be overwhelming, there are a few ways you can make plumbing more affordable. Here are a few tips you can follow to save money on your plumbing projects:

Plan ahead: A little bit of planning can go a long way. Scheduling service far in advance will ensure your project is completed on time even if there are labor shortages. Buying parts ahead of time could also save you money and stress if there are supply chain issues that would otherwise cause delays.
Work with a professional: While it may be tempting to cut costs by DIY-ing your projects, large plumbing projects are best left to the professionals. Small errors could lead to leaks or breakdowns, which could cause significant damage to your home and lead to even more expenses than if you had worked with an expert in the first place.
Ask for a full quote: Requesting a detailed quote in writing allows you to anticipate expenses and avoid surprises. This not only allows you to plan ahead, but it also provides you with the opportunity to discuss costs with your contractor before they begin work.
Work with local plumbers: Local plumbers generally offer faster and more cost-competitive services than national companies. Most local contractors are responsive and willing to deliver personalized services tailored to your individual needs. They are also well-versed in local codes and regulations, which helps projects move along seamlessly.
Look for discounts: Some plumbing companies offer special deals to make their services more affordable. When shopping around for a plumber, try looking for coupons or asking about discounts to see where you could save money.

Your Local Plumbing Contractors

If you’re looking for quality plumbing services in the Portland OR area, you can count on the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling! Our experts have proudly helped homes and businesses since 1927, and we are dedicated to providing you with fast and dependable services that you can rely on. From pipes and drains to water heaters and other plumbing appliances, our team has you covered! Just give us a call today to get your personalized quote.

Your Spring Plumbing Checklist

Your springtime plumbing checklist in Portland OR & Vancouver WA - D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

Spring has sprung, but hopefully a leak hasn’t! With the warmer weather rolling in, it’s time to tackle that to-do list that’s been piling up all winter – and that includes taking a look at your plumbing system. To make sure your system is in great shape for the new season, go through this spring plumbing checklist:

Check for Leaks & Clogs

Winter can wreak havoc on your plumbing system – particularly on the pipes or fixtures that are located outdoors or near external walls. To make sure nothing is leaking and causing damage throughout your home, it’s a good idea to check around your property for any leaks or clogs. If you notice any issues, a professional plumber can help identify and fix the root cause of the problem while preventing any further damage to your home.

Change Your Hoses

While you’re checking your pipes and fixtures for leaks or damage, you can also take a look at the condition of your hoses. Check the hoses to your dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, and other appliances. Keep an eye out for any bulging or discoloration in addition to leaking and cracks. You or a professional can replace any damaged or worn out hoses to keep your appliances functioning flawlessly.

Clean Your Storm Drains

If your storm drains are clogged, you could face some serious flooding during springtime rain. Taking the time to remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris from your storm drains will keep things flowing properly, which will protect your property while preventing other issues like soil erosion. If you run into serious blockages or drainage issues, then it may be useful to invest in an outdoor drain cleaning service to keep everything in good working order.

Test Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump plays a big role in preventing basement flooding, particularly during times of heavy rain. That’s why spring is the perfect time of year to check in on your sump pump and make sure it’s functioning properly. To test your sump pump, first look to make sure that it’s plugged in correctly. Then, pour a bucket of water into the basin to see if the pump is able to clear it. If your sump pump is unable to clear the water, or you notice any signs of moisture issues in your basement, then it may be time to contact a professional.

Adjust Your Water Heater

Water heaters get a lot of use in the cold winter months, which is why spring is the perfect time of year to perform any maintenance and check in on your system. An expert can flush your tank while also screening for any potential issues to make sure yours is working wonderfully for the new season. Now is also a good time to turn down the temperature, which will save you money during the spring and summer.

Plumbing Plumbing Inspection Plumbing Tips

Why Your Sink is Slow to Drain

We can fix clogged sinks like his around Portland OR and Vancouver WA - D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

At D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we know that when your sink is slow to drain, your temper is quick to rise. It’s easy to take something you use so often in your daily life for granted until your sink, and, in turn, your bandwidth, overflow. Also, it’s not helpful to learn that there are many more potential causes than you might imagine for a clogged sink. The problems just keep building up!

You’re probably wondering, how can the plumbers at D & F unclog my sink? Before we do that, we’d like to help you figure out why your sink is clogged in the first place. Read on and we’ll clear things up!

Reasons for a Slow Sink Drain

There are several reasons why your sink might be slow to drain, some of which you might have to own up to, others far out of your control! Let’s find out where you can place your blame:

Minor clogs: This is the most common reason for a slow-draining sink. Dirt, soap scum, food, and hair can all contribute to clogged pipes. There are plenty of at-home solutions to minor clogs, but there’s no way to tell if this is your problem without the eye of a plumber.
P-trap issues: The P-trap is the part of your pipe directly under your sink. The most common reason for a P-trap clog is grease being poured down the drain. When grease settles in the P-trap, it catches other items and creates more blockage.
Tree roots: Tree roots growing into a sewer line can disturb the entire system. This problem is usually only identified and certainly only corrected by a professional plumber who can remove the growth and replace the damaged piping. Try on your own if you like, but let us know how it goes!
Deterioration over time: Just like we do, plumbing systems tire with age. Corrosion by chemical cleaners, rust, and wear from outside factors all contribute to the weakening of a plumbing system, which can result in a clogged sink.

How to Fix a Clogged Sink

You can pour all of the chemical drain cleaners down your sink that you wish, but you’ll never know if you’ve assessed your problem properly until it eventually works or you run out of product. To add, as we’ve covered, too much exposure to corrosive chemicals can contribute to further problems in your plumbing fixtures.

The benefits of hiring a professional to take care of your plumbing don’t stop at seeing the bottom of your sink again. You’ll also save your kitchen or bathroom from mold and mildew build up, improve the longevity of your system, and have the chance to have any other current issues assessed and dealt with. Leave the work to us!

Clogs Fauctets Plumbing Sinks

5 Common Winter Plumbing Issues

Once you’ve got your fuzzy socks and a warm mug of cocoa, you’re all ready for winter – right? Well, though these things are definitely essentials, you might be missing a couple of important steps. Before you bundle up for the winter, it’s important to prepare your home – or more specifically, your plumbing system – for the cold weather.

Your plumbing system is particularly susceptible to breaking in freezing temperatures, and damages could be quite expensive to repair. Experts estimate that a single burst pipe costs about $5,000 in damages (eek!). To ensure your home is protected from the cold weather, it’s important to know about the common winter plumbing issues and how to prevent them:

1. Burst Pipes

When water freezes inside of a pipe, it expands and causes an increase in pressure that could cause the pipe to break. That’s why burst pipes are such a common problem in winter, and why it’s crucial to protect your plumbing system as temperatures drop. To avoid a burst pipe, you can insulate exposed pipes with heating tape or other pipe insulation. If you aren’t sure how to properly insulate your pipes, an expert may be able to help.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue that can happen during any season. However, winter holidays often mean more cooking and more guests. The combination of increased usage and possible substances – like oil or fat – going down the drain could cause a tough clog. To prevent a backup this winter, try to keep things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and grease from going down the drain.

3. Water Heater Failure

When cold temperatures hit, your water heater has to work much harder to bring you the same amount of warm water – especially if you have guests who are increasing your water usage. The extra strain on your water heater could increase wear and tear while amplifying any problems with your unit. To ensure your water heater is prepared for winter, we recommend draining your tank and scheduling a professional inspection.

4. Frozen Septic Tanks

Septic systems are particularly susceptible to the cold. If your tank freezes over, it could prevent bacteria from treating the sewage, which may cause your tank to overflow or leak raw sewage. That is why it’s critical to winterize your septic tank before winter is in full swing. You can do so by insulating exposed pipes, regularly using hot water, and keeping the drain field clear of any traffic. If it has been 2 or more years since you last pumped your tank, you may also want to do so before winter to avoid backups. To ensure your septic system is totally protected from the cold, you could also contact an expert for personalized recommendations.

5. Leaks and Drips

Leaks and drips are common plumbing problems year-round, but they are more common in the winter. Cold temperatures often cause old or weakened pipes to freeze over and develop more leaks, which are often more challenging to fix in winter weather. To prevent more leaks and drips in the winter, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection to fix any weakened pipes before cold weather sets in.

Plumbing Winterization in Portland OR

Winterizing your plumbing system is an important part of protecting your home from the damage that freezing temperatures can cause. A little bit of preparation and maintenance could save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

If you want to ensure your plumbing system is completely protected from the cold, call a licensed plumber like those at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to get personalized recommendations. Our skilled technicians have been proudly serving the greater Portland OR area for nearly 100 years, and we can use our expertise to help keep your home safe all winter long. If you want help winterizing your plumbing, call the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today!

Home Winterization Plumbing Plumbing Tips Winterization

Oh Snap! Don’t Let a Frozen Pipe Ruin Your Winter

Learn how to avoid frozen pipes with the D&F Plumbing experts in Vancouver WA!

A frozen or burst pipe can really throw a wrench in your winter plans. The last thing you want is to be patching leaks over the holidays or redirecting a waterfall on New Year’s. But, as temperatures drop, your plumbing system could freeze or crack, leading to some serious and potentially costly problems.

So, as winter sets in, it’s time to get snappy and protect your plumbing! Here are some tips for keeping your pipes in good shape through freezing temperatures this winter:

Wrap pipes with insulating materials. Wrapping any exposed pipes in insulating materials, such as heating tape or mineral wool, is a great way to protect them from the cold. That way, they won’t freeze over and risk cracking and leaking.
Seal leaks around your home. A lot of homes have some drafty areas. But, if your home has a lot of cold air blowing near your plumbing system, it could become an issue. Sealing off any air leaks around dryer vents, pipes, or electrical wiring can keep your pipes from freezing.
Shut off and drain water from outdoor plumbing. Your outdoor pipes are most at risk of freezing and breaking. Since most of us don’t use our outdoor spigots during winter, it’s usually best to shut off water to your outdoor plumbing when cold weather hits. We also recommend draining the pipes and storing your garden hoses indoors.
Keep your thermostat the same temperature day and night. A lot of people are in the habit of shutting off their thermostat for the night – after all, you’ll be cozy and wrapped in blankets anyway! But, temperatures are lowest at night, and a particularly cold night is all it would take to freeze your pipes.
Open cabinet doors under sinks and near exterior walls. The heat inside of your home can seep into your exterior walls, keeping your pipes nice and toasty. Opening up cabinet doors near exterior walls can facilitate the transfer of warmth from your home to your plumbing system.
Keep garage doors closed as much as possible. The more you keep your garage doors open, the colder your home – and plumbing system – can become. Keeping your garage doors closed can protect the pipes near that part of your house.
Thaw frozen pipes with warm water or hair dryers. If worse comes to worst and you notice a pipe is frozen solid, you’ll want to thaw it out quickly. Warm water or the heat from a hairdryer will likely do the trick. It’s important to remember that this should only be used as a last-resort tactic, and you should never use an open flame to thaw out a frozen pipe.
Call for help immediately if you run into problems. If you wake up to a burst pipe or a flooded basement, it’s important to call for immediate help. An experienced plumber can help fix the leak quickly and efficiently while providing some guidance on how to prevent future plumbing problems.

Dependable Plumbers in the Pacific Northwest

Winter plumbing problems can be intimidating, not to mention costly without the right attention. However, you’re not alone! The expert technicians at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Vancouver WA and Portland OR are committed to helping you keep your plumbing system in great condition. Whether you are facing broken pipes or just want help with winterizing your plumbing, we’ve got you covered! Just give us a call today to get started!

Home Winterization Plumbing Plumbing Tips

5 Common Fall Plumbing Issues

Clogged gutter overflowing with rainwater - D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, serving Portland OR & Vancouver WA talks about the 5 common fall plumbing issues homeowners may experience.

Leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice is everywhere, and Halloween is right around the corner. It’s definitely fall. What do you love most about this season?

Here at D and F Plumbing, we appreciate all of the above- in addition to fixing fall plumbing issues! Read on for five of the most common fall plumbing problems:

1. Frozen and burst pipes

As temperatures cool down, pipes run the risk of freezing- and possibly bursting. If a pipe were to burst it would be thousands of dollars of damage and a major inconvenience. To combat this, we can utilize UL-listed heat tape or heat cable on your water pipes that are exposed.

2. Drain blockage

Pay attention to the drain in your sink. Does it appear to be draining slowly? While in the kitchen, food could be the cause of this. However, if it’s the bathroom sink, such blockage could be the result of fall leaves blowing into the drains.

Rake leaves regularly. Keep them away from your gutters and the foundation of your home. You can count on us to install a special drain cover that will block debris.

3. Water heater issues

Did you know the water temperature can be 25 degrees cooler in fall? This means your heater is working double duty all season. Older or poorly maintained units require even more effort to run. Stay up to date with your heater inspections and consider insulating the pipes.

4. Clogged gutters

At first glance, this may not seem like a plumbing issue. Think again! We’ve already discussed how leaves can block drains. When water can’t drain properly from the roof, it can pool around the foundation and create slippery patches of ice- which can easily cause somebody to slip and injure themselves.

5. Issues arising from self-inspection

Be sure to give your plumbing an inspection for fall. This is something you can do yourself, without calling in a professional. However, if any of these have issues, give us a call so we can get it handled promptly.

Check your water heater
Look for any signs of moisture in your attic or crawl spaces
Check for cracks on the exterior of your home
Inspect all pipes

Plumbing Experts in Portland OR

Since 1927, the experts at D and F Plumbing have assisted thousands of customers with all of their plumbing needs. Our rave reviews speak for themselves. We proudly serve the Portland and Clark County areas. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Portland (503) 852-9079 / Clark County (360) 309-0317

Why is My Basement Flooding?

Flooded basement-D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, serving Portland OR & Vancouver WA explains why your basement may be flooding.

It’s been months since you’ve been in your basement. But after watching hours upon hours of HGTV, you’re finally feeling inspired to get down there and organize it once and for all.

You begin walking down the steps and get a whiff of mildew. Oh no! Your basement is flooded!

Although we can’t take you back in time, we can help you prevent future incidents from happening. So continue reading (after you clean up your basement of course)!

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

Preventing a flooded basement is easier than it sounds, all it takes is some dedication to your home’s state of health. To stop flooding before it begins you can:

Improve drainage, aim to clean your drains and gutters twice a year.
Seal all basement cracks and openings.
Build a 6-inch soil incline around your home so rainfall is driven out to the street.

While these are great tips, if you’re really wanting to ensure your basement is protected, it’s best to install a sump pump.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump is a naturally constructed cavity below your basement floor also known as the basin. This pit is designed to hold and protect the sump pump. A sump pump’s job is to relocate water sitting around your home’s foundation to an area further away. Sump pumps aren’t only cost effective, but they can last for many years after installation (about 25 to 30 years).

A sump pump is also able to detect when and how much water needs to be pumped out away from your property. Moreover, they are known for being very effective tools to prevent flooding.

Professional Sump Pump Installation

A flooded basement can not only destroy some of your most valuable possessions, but it can also impact the structural integrity of your home. So if you’re looking for professional Sump Pump installation, D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has got you covered! Our plumbing technicians are highly experienced in sump pump installations and we’d be happy to equip your basement with an effective anti-flooding system, so contact us today!

Sump Pump Installation Sump Pumps

Tips for Adding a Backyard Water Feature

Backyard water feature. D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Portland OR & Vancouver WA offers tips for adding a backyard water feature. Do you need a little spice added to your backyard? Is it bland and needs a little seasoning? Well, look no further because we have the perfect idea for you — add a beautiful water feature to bring a little sparkle to your yard! Keep reading for the best tips and tricks in the biz.

How to Choose Your Water Feature

When choosing your water feature, there are many details to consider. Keep in mind that with any water feature, you can make it as simple or extravagant as you like! Here are just a few ideas for inspiration:

Swimming pool
Hot tub
Pond
Fountains
Stream
Waterfall
Wishing well

Fitting the Water Feature Into Your Yard

An important thing to keep in mind when choosing your water feature is to make sure that it fits okay in your yard. Make sure the sizing doesn’t get in the way of any electrical or plumbing. If the water feature requires any digging, you will want to check that there aren’t any pipes or electrical that could be damaged in the process.

Plus, depending on the type you choose, you’ll need to consider the landscape of your yard and how the feature will function and flow. For example, if you decide on a stream, you will have to have a slight incline for it to work properly.

Making sure your water feature fits perfectly in your yard is a key piece of picking the right type.

Figure Out the Statement You Want to Make

This tip sort of fits in with the last one because you want to be sure that the water feature fits the natural aesthetic of your yard. But you also want to make sure that the feature is making the right statement.

Do you want a breathtaking oasis with expansive pools, caves, and waterfalls? Or do you want something charming and subtle, like a quaint little wishing well?

Take some time to think about this before you make a materials list and start breaking ground. Your space and budget will have a big role in how you can transform your backyard.

Living Water Feature

Depending on which type of feature you choose, you can add something living to make it even more special. This works best with ponds because you can add fish and different sorts of water plants. Go as simple or fun as you like! Maybe you’ve always wanted some rare fish or plants — this is your perfect chance to add them to your yard.

Maintenance

Make sure to do your research on what type of maintenance you will need to do for the water feature you install. For some features you may need a pool skimmer or pump to help keep your feature looking good and clear of algae and debris. Keeping it clean and well maintained are important if you want to avoid repairing or replacing your feature.

And it’s also important to be positive you’re getting a good installation. Whether you DIY it on a weekend or hire a team of contractors to handle the install, this will help you to relax and enjoy your feature instead of worrying when it’s going to break and interrupt your free time.

A good installation and a little maintenance now is much better than a complete replacement soon after it’s finished.

When to Choose a Pro

Tackling a DIY water feature project can be a fun task, but if you need to hook up some plumbing, you should call in a pro. This will save you from having to deal with pesky leaks, water waste or major malfunction. There’s a good chance hiring a professional will save you tons of money and a headache in the future!

Making your backyard a beautiful retreat may take a bit of elbow grease, but it can be a rewarding addition and can even increase your home’s value when done right!

If you want a water feature that impresses — the Plumbers in Plaid can help you plumb your beautiful backyard water feature.

Water Feature

Do You Need A Water Softener? 7 Warning Signs of Hard Water

Hard water on faucet. D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, serving Portland OR & Vancouver WA explains the 7 warning signs of hard water and if you need a water softener.

Has your skin been dry and itchy? No, this isn’t an ad for a lotion…but it could help! Your flaky skin could be because of your water.

The type of water you have can affect your skin, clothes, faucets, and more.

Let’s have supple skin with ultra-gentle water, shall we? Here’s a deeper look into how to know if you need a water softener.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener is an appliance that hooks into your water supply lines. This appliance helps get rid of any extra magnesium and calcium ions and replaces them with sodium or potassium ions.

The process used to waste much more water and be less energy efficient. Luckily this technology has improved.

To see if a water softener is right for your house, you’ll want to check the hardness of your water. If you don’t have hard water, there could be impurities instead. In that situation, you might need to replace your pipes or add a water filtration system instead.

Let’s do some investigating to see if hard water is causing a problem in your home. Read on!

Is There Scale Build Up on Your Fixtures or Appliances?

Last time we checked, your coffee pot isn’t supposed to look crusty! If your coffee pot is starting to have a chalky build-up, you may need a water softener.

This nasty build-up is made of calcium and magnesium bicarbonate. The limescale on your coffee pot can also end up on your pipes, which makes them less efficient.

You might notice staining on your faucets too. Limescale can be removed by wiping the deposits with a little vinegar or using a cup of bleach with a half cup of dish detergent. But, the best way to keep the stains and deposits away is to get a water softener.

Does your water taste bad?

If you notice that your water tastes bad, it could be due to the hardness of the minerals in your water.

Harder waters don’t contain as many dissolved salts and usually have a more metallic taste than softer waters.

The most common causes for this are scale build-up on pipes (mentioned above) or an increase in concentration from chemical reactions with other substances found in tap water like chlorine.

To make sure that your incoming water tastes like water should, invest in a whole house system that has built-in filters. This will remove any other impurities and salt content levels before they reach your faucet!

Clean fresh drinking water from the tap is the way to go!

Is Your Glassware Fragile?

Sadly, the minerals that are in hard water cause glass to be a lot more breakable. Buh-bye favorite wine glass!

It also commonly causes stains on your glass dishes. These stains can be removed, but that’s such a pain to deal with (who wants extra chores on their to-do list? Not us!).

It’s much better to solve the bigger problem and prevent more stains from appearing.

Does Your Plumbing Constantly Need to Be Fixed?

The limescale buildup from your hard water can cause less efficiency, which leads to plumbing problems.

For example, if you start having build-up around your washing machine and dishwasher valves, the valves can’t fully close, which causes leaks.

This can also shorten the lifespan of your appliances.

The effect hard water has on your pipes can depend on what kind of pipes you have in your home. Although hard water isn’t good for any type of piping, copper and pvc pipes handle it much better than other types.

Not sure if your plumbing problems need the attention of a pro? Find out if you need a fix with these signs that it’s time to call in the experts.

Is Your Water Bill Going Through the Roof?

Having hard water means your pipes are likely clogged and working less efficiently. This means they are working extra hard to allow the same amount of water to flow.

That’s when the water bills skyrocket!

Worry not! A water softener can help with that efficiency, resulting in lowering your bills. The investment is worth it when you’re already paying more than you should.

Does Your Water Stink?

Who doesn’t love a basket of fish and chips in the summer? But if that fishy smell happens every time your water is turned on, you could be experiencing transient odor from your pipes.

This happens when sulfates in hard water react with organic substances that are present in ground or surface waters and sewage systems.

Not only is the smell annoying, the result of the hard water can irritate your eyes!

The best way to prevent this from happening is by installing a water softener system that contains an activated carbon filter and a salt-based ion exchange resin bed.

Is Your Hair Frizzy and Unmanageable?

If your hair feels like a horse mane or looks like a mad scientist, it might be time for a water softener. Unless that’s the look you’re going for…

Hard water and hair don’t mix. After showering, you might even notice more soap scum in your bathtub than usual. If bathtime is more brutal than the spa session you’re dreaming of, consider a water softener.

As you can see hard water can cause a lot of problems.

Call the Plumbers in Plaid today and flush this plumbing problem down the drain! We’re well-qualified and experienced in water softener installation.