Signs of an Underground Water Leak

Water leaking on foundation slab in basement

Person in rubber boots standing next to a puddle on the basement floorDo you have creaking and gurgling noises coming from your basement? No, this isn’t the plot of a horror movie (although it may feel like it). This could actually be the sign of an underground water leak in your house. 

Though lots of plumbing problems can be a headache to deal with, leaks beneath the ground may be the most challenging to identify and fix. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can keep those leaks from getting the best of you – read on to learn top tips from the D & F Plumbing team! 

Dangers of Underground Water Leaks 

A minor leak may not seem like a big deal, especially if it’s out of sight and out of mind. However, excess moisture near your foundation can be particularly dangerous to your home and health. If a hidden leak isn’t discovered and treated early on, you could have serious consequences such as: 

  • Damaged foundation: Excess water washing over the foundation of your home can lead to cracks, which may grow and get worse over time. Damage to your foundation can pose serious safety risks and may cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix. 
  • Mold growth: Water dripping beneath your home could lead to mold growth in your basement or crawl space, which can begin within just 48 hours of water exposure. Not only is mold very difficult to get rid of, but it could also have a huge impact on your health – especially if you have allergies or asthma. 
  • Soil erosion: A steady underground leak might wash away the soil in your yard. In addition to wreaking havoc on your once-beautiful landscaping, soil erosion could cause drainage issues or alter the grading of your property.
  • Skyrocketing water bills: Unfortunately, you have to pay for each drop of water that flows through your pipes… even if it leaks into the ground before you have a chance to use it. A slow leak beneath your home will likely lead to a significant spike in your water bills.
  • Safety risks: If water is leaking beneath your home, it may come into contact with electrical components and put you at risk of life-threatening issues. Even if it doesn’t mix with your electrical system, the water will still likely weaken the structural integrity of your home by damaging the foundation.

Signs You Have a Hidden Leak 

Some plumbing problems are apparent immediately, like a dripping kitchen faucet or a broken dishwasher seal. Other issues can sneak up on you. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to remain vigilant for common signs of an underground leak, such as:

  • Slow or clogged drains
  • Recurring blockages
  • Gurgling sounds from drains
  • Unexpectedly high water bills
  • Unpleasant odors
  • Soggy or flooded areas in your yard
  • Muddy of discolored water
  • Foundation cracks
  • Sinkholes on your property
  • Reduced water pressure
  • Musty odors or signs of mold
  • Steady increase in water bill

How Can I Avoid Underground Leaks? 

While you should always keep an eye out for signs of a plumbing problem in your home, some hidden leaks are small enough to go undetected for several days or weeks. However, that doesn’t mean you should always have to worry about what’s going on underneath your home! 

If you want to make sure your plumbing system is in great shape without feeling paranoid about possible leaks that you can’t even see, don’t worry. Help from a professional plumber is the ultimate step in protecting your property from underground water leaks.

We offer three main services to keep your property safe from hidden leaks: 

  • Routine inspections are an excellent way to catch plumbing problems before they turn into leaks. A small investment in prevention could save you hours of stress and hundreds of dollars in repairs. 
  • Leak detection is great if you suspect that there’s an underground leak on your property. During this service, a plumber will use specialized equipment to detect leaks under the house or yard without invasive digging. 
  • Emergency repairs are available to make sure you always have support, right when you need it. Our service trucks are on standby to assist with any burst pipe or hidden leak that can’t wait until morning. 

Whether you suspect there’s a leak lurking underneath your home or you just want to make sure your plumbing system is operating at its best, the team at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has you covered! Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re knee-deep in water damage. Give us a call today to schedule your service.

Leaking Pipes: What to Avoid

blue pipe leaking water

blue pipe leaking water

Every day your pipes work to move waste out and transfer clean water in. The average home’s plumbing system works well enough that, at its very best, you hardly notice it at all. But when something goes wrong, suddenly the state of your pipes is all you can think about. Some may be tempted to put off plumbing repairs, especially if the leak appears minor. However, even the smallest drip can waste up to eight gallons of water a day, and that excess moisture can cause a variety of costly and frustrating problems.

At D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we can help you avoid wasting money on your water bill, while also preventing damage to your home.

How to Find a Water Leak

Not all leaks look the same. And since a good portion of your plumbing reaches into places that you cannot easily access, it’s important to know the signs of a leaking pipe. To do this, it can be as simple as looking back at your past handful of utility bills. Consider the size of your family – a household of four uses less than 12,000 gallons per month on average. Take that statistic and adjust it for the size of your family, and if you use far more than that then you may have a hidden water leak.

You can also detect leaks using your water meter. You can check the meter before and after a two-hour period of using no water in the house, and if the reading differs then you likely have some kind of leak.

What Do Leaking Pipes Damage?

Water waste caused by leaking pipes is a big environmental issue. The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that over one trillion gallons of water in the United States goes to waste every year due solely to plumbing leaks. On a much smaller, but still substantial scale, a leaking pipe can also cause a great deal of property damage – enough to render a home unsafe to inhabit.

Walls

Your plumbing spider webs behind the walls of your home, and if there’s a leaking pipe you run the risk of damp drywall. This deteriorates the structure of your home over time, and it may attract insects or the development of mold. You can catch this early by detecting a musty odor in certain areas of the home or looking for discolored patches on the walls around you.

Flooring

Much like the walls, excess moisture from plumbing leaks can also damage the flooring of your home. The water that escapes your pipes travels downhill to your floors, resulting in misshapen and discolored boards, or tiles that detach altogether. You don’t want the expense of a full floor replacement, so call a licensed plumber and they can fix the issue before it gets that far.

Fixtures

Leaks in your plumbing don’t only concern drains and pipes – they can also damage the faucets around your home. Faucets and showerheads are especially vulnerable, and if a leak lowers your water pressure it can result in reduced performance. When left unchecked for a long enough period of time, you may have to pay upwards of $500 dollars to replace the broken fixture.

Mold

Mold loves moisture. So, if there’s a leak in your plumbing, that invites mold spores to gather inside the structure of your home. Mold can result in several long-term health issues, as well as immediate irritation to those with allergies or sensitive immune systems. That’s why it’s so important to address leaking pipes sooner rather than later. 

Slab Leak Repair

A slab leak occurs when there’s a water leak in the plumbing underneath your concrete foundation. This could be the result of shifts in the ground, mistakes during insulation, or erosion – and it’s a very serious problem. It can cause flood damage to personal belongings, as well as foundation damage due to the movement of the soil. Many plumbing companies in Portland don’t offer slab leak repair, as it can be very labor-intensive. But with D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling it’s easy, and our team knows how to reline your pipes without cutting into your concrete at all. What matters most is that you call us as soon as you suspect a leak, because that initiative just might be the thing to save you time, money, and a lot of trouble.

Fix Leaking Pipes With D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling boasts 95 years of satisfied customers, and when you look at what we have to offer it’s easy to see why. Unlike our competitors, we’re able to diagnose, detect, and repair a leaking pipe, all in the very same session. We have a team of Journeyman Plumbers that are all licensed, bonded and insured – ready to handle scheduled appointments as well as emergency calls. Our customers trust us to support their homes in much the same way that their foundation does, and we think we can support you too. So stop ignoring that strange smell or new stain in your home. Contact D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today and we’ll get things flowing right again.

How to Reduce Your Winter Heating Costs

Gas meter outside home covered in snow

Winter is here and the cold weather means it’s time to crank up your furnace and water heater – but that can mean skyrocketing utility bills. With already tight budgets due to the highest inflation in decades and a possible recession, no one wants the additional financial burden of high energy costs. But don’t worry, there are lots of ways you can reduce your winter heating bills without sacrificing your family’s comfort. In this article, we’ll look at some simple tips for keeping those household energy bills in check during the colder months. Read on to find out how you can save money while staying warm and cozy all season long!

Gas meter outside home covered in snow

Get Your Furnace and Water Heater Serviced

If you want to lower your monthly energy costs and enjoy a comfortable home this season, having your water heater and furnace serviced can make a big difference. A professional checkup can help identify problems and provide a tune-up so that both appliances work more efficiently, helping lower your monthly energy bills. Plus, catching minor issues now can help reduce the need for major repairs in the future! Don’t wait – contact D&F today to schedule a water heater inspection to help ensure peak performance from this important appliance. 

Improve Your Basement and Attic Insulation

Attics and basements are responsible for the bulk of a home’s energy loss. Fortunately, there are some simple and relatively inexpensive ways to make your attic and basement more energy-efficient. Improving the insulation around attic and basement walls, ceilings and floors can help these parts of your home retain more heat. Additionally, sealing attic entrances and placing weatherstripping around window frames in your basement (and your attic if you have attic windows), will significantly reduce air leaks. This will help keep the main living area of your home more comfortable and reduce the use of – and wear and tear on – your furnace. 

Lower Your Thermostat to Lower Your Energy Bills

When the weather gets colder in winter, it’s understandable if your first instinct is to crank the furnace higher. However, small changes made to your thermostat temperature can equal big savings on your energy bill. Every degree lower translates to a savings of about 2-4%. You may not even notice a temperature difference of one or two degrees. And even if you do, it may be worth putting on a sweater to save some money.   

Get Tax Breaks for Making Your Home More Efficient

Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes an Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit that provides tax credits for making improvements to your furnace, insulation, and water heater. So, how does it work? If you make one of the covered home improvements, you can get back up to 30% of what you spent in the form of a tax credit, up to an annual maximum of $1,200. A wide range of home improvements are covered, from installing new, more efficient windows to buying new appliances, to adding insulation to your home. For some improvements, the annual maximum is not based on what you spend, it’s fixed – for example:

  • $250 per exterior door (up to a $500 maximum for all exterior doors);
  • $600 for new exterior windows and skylights, central air conditioners; natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters; natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces, or boilers
  • $2,000 for natural gas or electric heat pump water heaters or natural gas or electric heat pumps (these are a high-efficiency combination of furnace & A/C unit).

If you space out your qualifying home improvements, you can receive the maximum tax credit for multiple years in a row. And finally, if you’re not sure where to start, you can receive a $150 tax credit when you get a home energy audit. For more information on these tax credits and how they work, consult with a licensed tax professional.

High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program

Another provision of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that could save you money is the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program. Instead of a tax credit that reduces the tax you owe dollar-for-dollar, this program provides a discount for similar home improvements. The difference is that to qualify, your annual household income must be less than 150% of the median household income where you live. This calculator estimates the value of the incentives your household is eligible for.  Here are some maximum rebate amounts for qualifying homeowners:

  • $840 for a stove, cooktop, range, oven, or a heat pump clothes dryer
  • $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, or ventilation improvements
  • $1,750 for a heat pump water heater
  • $2,500 for electrical wiring
  • $8,000 for a heat pump to heat and cool your home

The tax credits above may be combined with these discounts, provided you meet all of the requirements and are eligible for both programs. Because this program is new and is administered by the states, they’re still working out how these discounts will work. They may not be in place until later in 2023, but you can start planning now.

Making qualifying improvements is a great way to save on your taxes and reduce your utility bills, and we can help. We’re experts at installing heat pump water heaters which are eligible for a tax credit and, if you’re eligible, a rebate. Contact the team at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today to schedule a consultation to get a new, money-saving heat pump water heater installed.

How to Prepare Your Water Heater for Winter

Person adjusting the settings on their water heater tank

Person adjusting the settings on their water heater tankBetween freezing weather and holiday festivities, the winter months can take a serious toll on your water heater. To ensure you have plenty of hot water all throughout the cold season, it’s important to prepare your water heater for winter as soon as temperatures begin to drop. Fortunately, seasonal maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are the top ways to get your water heater ready for winter weather:

Flush the Tank

Professionals recommend that homeowners flush their water heaters at least once per year to clear out any sediment that is building up inside of the tank. Since your water heater has to work harder in the winter to maintain warm temperatures, fall is the best time of year to empty and clean out your tank. To flush your water heater, follow these general steps:

  • Turn off the power source
  • Give the tank time to cool down
  • Close the water supply valve
  • Attach a hose to the drain valve
  • Open the drain valve and drain the water
  • Test the water quality for signs of sediment
  • Close the drain valve and refill the tank

If you aren’t sure how to flush your tank or have questions about the process, reach out to the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling! Our licensed team has years of experience working on a variety of water heater types, so they can make the process quick and easy. 

Insulate Pipes

Insulating exposed pipes near your water heater helps increase efficiency and keeps your hot water from freezing during cold spells. You may also want to consider insulating pipes in areas that are particularly drafty or cold, such as basements and attics. This will help keep them warm and prevent potential burst pipe damage due to freezing temperatures.

Lower the Temperature

Cold weather places a lot of strain on your water heater by making it difficult to retain thermal energy. To keep your unit from working in overdrive, we recommend dialing back the heat just a little bit during the winter. If you normally keep your unit at 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, consider lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so will not only prevent malfunctions, but it will also lower your utility bills significantly by reducing heat loss through the tank.

Check for Leaks or Corrosion

Leaking and corrosion are surefire signs that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. Look near your unit for puddles of water, dripping, or other moisture problems. Also, it’s prudent to pull out the anode rod to check for corrosion. If you notice any damage, contact a licensed plumber to inspect the water heater.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

If you want peace of mind knowing that your water heater is in great shape for the winter, schedule a professional maintenance service! At D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, our licensed experts are committed to providing you with excellent service and durable results. We are very familiar with common water heater problems, so we will provide you with recommendations on how to keep your unit functioning perfectly long-term. For a free estimate, get in touch with us today!

Brown Friday: Why Plumbers Are So Busy After Thanksgiving

Plumber holding a toilet plunger

Plumber holding a toilet plungerEveryone looks forward to Black Friday shopping deals. But plumbers have an entirely different experience on the Friday after Thanksgiving!

Our experienced D and F Plumbing team knows better than to make big shopping plans on “Brown Friday” because we’re sure to be busy. Today, we will talk about common plumbing emergencies that happen on this notorious day. Enjoy!

Big Family Gatherings Put Extra Pressure on Your Plumbing

All year long, your Grandma’s plumbing has the “duty” of disposing of gray water, waste and solids for one or two people. (See what we did there?) Slightly clogged drains and plumbing don’t act up, and no one suspects a problem. Maybe Grandma only runs the dishwasher a few times a week, and she has a small appetite.

Everything seems fine! The toilet flushes and the sinks and showers drain normally. All is well at Grandma’s house.

Then, after a magical day of cooking for 20 family members, feasting, cleaning and overindulgence, the added strain is suddenly too much. Toilets back up, sinks get clogged, and Grandma doesn’t know what to do.

Grandma needs to call a plumber.

Grandma, You’re Not Alone

The day after Turkey Day is almost always our busiest day of the year. We don’t make plans to watch the Macy’s Christmas Parade or stampede the local Walmart for cheap electronics.

Like the professional football players on TV on Thanksgiving Day, we’ve been training for this all year long. Brown Friday is our time to shine!

What Causes Plumbing Problems on Brown Friday?

Every household is unique, and every plumbing job has challenges. On Brown Friday, we usually find ourselves dealing with:

  • Clogged toilets and pipes because someone flushed feminine products, diapers, wipes and the like.
  • Sink problems and garbage disposal issues caused by turkey bones or tin foil in the system.
  • Bathroom drain issues that went unnoticed until five extra guests spent the weekend.
  • Guest bathroom issues that no one noticed because the room hasn’t been used much since last year.

If you’re like Grandma and need emergency plumbing services on a holiday, contact the “Plumbers in Plaid.” We’ve been training hard for this all year and are ready to serve the entire Portland Metro area.

Your next question is, “How can I prevent Brown Friday emergencies?” Let’s find out.

How to Prevent Holiday Plumbing Problems

Grandma has an old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And, as usual, she’s not wrong!

During the pre-holiday scramble, be aware of your water use. You may wash more laundry — think drapes and guest bedding — and run the dishwasher more often after making all those pumpkin pies. Keep an eye on your drains, and call a licensed journeyman plumber if you notice any slowness. Sometimes a quick “snake” can solve problems before they happen.

If you have a guest bathroom that’s rarely used, take it for a test drive! Spend some quality time there before Turkey Day. (You can even use the little fancy guest soaps and embroidered towels. We won’t tell.) Instead of fleeing your personal aromas immediately, stick around to ensure everything drains and flushes quickly and quietly.

Warning Signs

The best way to prevent Brown Friday mishaps is to maintain your plumbing before the holidays. Watch out for these warning signs:

  • Toilets that need plunging often, even when you’re not flushing a #2.
  • The kitchen sinks drain slowly.
  • The dishwasher backs up into the kitchen sink.
  • Any water backs up into your bathtub or shower.
  • Gurgling sounds are coming from a faucet.
  • Poor water pressure.
  • Unusually high water bills.
  • Any wetness in your basement or a puddle around your sump pump.

Hopefully, your Thanksgiving weekend will go off without a hitch. But emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours. And if you need emergency plumbing on a holiday weekend, you can count on the team at D and F Plumbing. We’ve been training for this all year.

Fall Plumbing Tips

A rainstorm soaks the roof of a house and a tree

A rainstorm soaks the roof of a house and a tree

Vibrant colored leaves, pumpkin spiced everything, and oddly early Christmas decorations in stores. Yep, it’s fall alright- and while we can’t wait to down our apple cider and dig in to some pumpkin pie, we also can’t forget that a new season brings new challenges to our home’s plumbing. Here are some tips to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape this fall.

Keep Your Gutters Clear

Fall means brilliantly covered leaves scattered everywhere- and by everywhere, we also mean the places you don’t want them. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can collect in your gutters, causing them to become clogged and overflow. Instead of water finding its way through the gutters and downspout, it’ll pour over, pooling around your house. This can erode your foundation and potentially cause flooding. Sections of your gutters could even collapse under the weight of all that water. Make sure you inspect your gutters each year in early fall, or even late summer, to make sure they’re clear of any major blockages.

Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets

The changing of the seasons means lower temperatures, so you’ll want to make sure your outdoor faucets are drained and properly insulated. First, shut off the interior valve to the outdoor faucets. With the valve turned off, next you’ll want to turn the outdoor faucet on to drain out any residual water that could potentially freeze and cause a burst pipe. Then, cover the outdoor faucets to insulate them from the cold weather.

Drain Your Water Heater

Did you know sediment will build up in your water heater? This can greatly reduce its heating efficiency- and when the weather starts getting colder, you’ll want all the efficiency you can get. You’ll want to have your water heater periodically drained and inspected by professionals so the warm water will keep flowing when you need it most. 

Check Your Sump Pump

They have an amusing name but sump pumps serve an important function. They are responsible for pumping excess water away from your home. Fall brings rain in the Pacific NW. This can cause flooding if you have a sump pump and it isn’t functioning properly. There’s plenty of water in a Pacific Northwest winter, so you’ll want to take the time to inspect your sump pump. You can test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump basin and watching to see if it pumps the water away. If that doesn’t work, you’ll want to call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.

Local Plumbing Experts

Proper preparation can potentially help you avoid thousands of dollars worth of damage and provide you with peace of mind. This fall, call the plumbing experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. We have convenient locations in both Vancouver WA, and Portland OR. We’ve provided quality local plumbing services to the area for over 95 years! We’ve seen a few autumns, so we know how to protect your plumbing from the hazards that the rainy Pacific Northwest can present. Don’t wait- contact D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today!

Go Energy Efficient and Get a Huge Tax Credit

The sun shines on rooftop soalr panels

The sun shines on rooftop soalr panels

Just a few weeks ago, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed and it will have a big impact on your wallet as a homeowner.

While it’s yet to be seen if this new act will have an impact on the cost of gas and groceries, it will make transitioning to an all-electric, energy-efficient lifestyle more affordable.

We wanted to share all the details, and highlight how we can help you make the switch with ease. Here is the best info we have at this point:

What is the Inflation Reduction Act? (IRA)

The Inflation Reduction Act is a new act that was passed with the intention of reducing inflation in the United States. Some of the ways it can attempt to do this is by offering incentives for people to switch to more energy-efficient systems in their homes, like heat pump water heaters.

These incentives will come in the form of tax credits and rebates for the purchase and installation of new clean energy technology.

What home improvements will be incentivized?

The IRA will incentivize a variety of home improvements, but one that will have a big impact on your plumbing is a new water heater. If you upgrade to a high-efficiency all-electric heat pump water heater, you could receive up to $1,750 in tax credits and rebates.

Here are some other non-plumbing-related home improvements you can make to receive similar incentives:

Installing rooftop solar: The IRA provides 30% off the cost of rooftop solar, which amounts to average savings of $7,000, according to estimates from the Sierra Club. The bill also offers 30% off the cost of home batteries for the first time.

Switching to electric appliances: The Inflation Reduction Act offers homes up to $14,000 in rebates to switch over to electric appliances — covering up to 50% of the costs for moderate-income households and 100 percent of the costs for low-income households.

This includes up to:

  • $8,000 for a heat pump, which serves as an air conditioner in the summer and heater in the winter

  • $1,750 for a high-efficiency, all-electric heat pump water heater

  • $840 for an electric induction cooktop

  • $840 for a high-efficiency all-electric heat pump clothes dryer

  • Up to $9,100 for enabling improvements to the electric panel, wiring, and home insulation

Improving energy efficiency: An alternative rebate option offers to cover more than 50% of the cost of whole-home energy efficiency retrofit or more than 80% in the case of homes occupied by low to moderate-income households.

Households that do not participate in either rebate program can still claim a variety of home energy tax credits, which are improved and extended for 10 years by the bill.

And if you invest in rental homes or apartments: The IRA’s investment incentives aren’t just for individual homeowners. The bill provides rebates of up to $400,000 for whole-building energy efficiency retrofits in large multifamily apartment buildings as well as grants and loans worth $1 billion in total for improving efficiency and installing zero-emission equipment in affordable housing units.

There are also other credits for purchasing new and used electric vehicles.

Benefits of upgrading to a heat pump water heater

Water heaters usually only last 8-12 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its life, you might be due for an upgrade anyway. And with the IRA, there is no better time to switch to a more energy-efficient water heater. Here are 5 benefits of heat pump water heaters:

1. Save money on your energy bill: Heat pump water heaters are 4x more efficient than standard electric water heaters, so a typical family can save around $300-400 per year by switching. This helps offset the cost of installation, which is generally higher for these much more efficient pieces of equipment.

2. Longer lifespan: Heat pump water heaters tend to last longer. Between 10-15 years, while a standard water heater will only last 8-12.

3. Less wear and tear: Since heat pump water heaters don’t use as much electricity to heat water, there is less wear and tear on the system overall. This means you can go longer without needing repairs or replacements.

4. Environmentally friendly: Heat pump water heaters don’t use as much electricity, which means they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, when compared to gas water heaters, studies have shown a reduction in emissions by 50% and more!

5. Functions as an A/C: If your water heater is located inside your home, the heat pump water heater can also help with cooling in the summer. By moving heat from the water in the tank to the air around it, the water heater takes on a dual role as an air conditioner.

Can I start taking advantage of these benefits now?

Starting in 2023, tax credits and rebates will be available for many of the home improvements listed above. So if you’re thinking about making any upgrades to your home, it may be worth waiting just a little longer to receive a bigger discount.

In the meantime, our Plumbers in Plaid can help make sure your water heater is in good shape to last until it’s time to upgrade in 2023.

Fall is quickly approaching, which means now is the perfect time to schedule a check-up or maintenance appointment for your water heater. We can also show you the options available if you want to upgrade to a new water heater in the new year. Here’s to saving money and energy in the years to come!

The Plumbers in Plaid

P.S. Want to learn more about high-efficiency heat pump water heaters? Click here.

Preparing Your Plumbing for the Rain

Rain drops spilling out of a gutter

Rain drops spilling out of a gutterApril showers bring May flowers, and… plumbing issues? With the rainy season right around the corner, it is essential to prioritize the comfort of your home, and nobody wants to clean the muck out of gutters in the middle of a storm!

Your plumbing fixtures are especially vulnerable to rain when it hasn’t rained for more than a month – here in the Pacific Northwest, that usually means late summer or early fall. Plumbing problems usually happen around this time because over the dry months of summer, layers of sediment are able to build up inside of drainage pipes. Once it starts raining again, this sediment can disrupt the flow of water and cause mass blockages. To avoid expensive problems like clogging, leaking, or flooding, it’s important to prepare your plumbing for the rain.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are an essential part of your home’s plumbing system. They collect debris and water and guide it down the perimeter of your home. A good set of gutters not only protects your home from damage but also protects the terrain around your home from erosion. Before we transition into the rainy season, you should inspect and clean your gutters to ensure they’re performing at their full potential.

Ruptured Pipes

Nobody wants to deal with broken pipes. Unfortunately, they’re more common than people think, and they can be very difficult to locate or repair. Ruptured pipes often happen when it rains because the soil surrounding the plumbing fixtures becomes saturated with water and pushes on the pipes. Tree roots can also cause ruptures by growing through pipes and disrupting the flow of water.

Ruptured pipes can be particularly damaging because they allow soil and debris to enter the passage and disturb the flow of water throughout your system. It’s important to get regular inspections to ensure your pipes are prepared to withstand the rain and contact a professional right away if you notice a problem.

Signs You Need a Professional Plumber

Overlooking the signs of a serious plumbing problem could land you with a plumbing emergency. Leaking, flooding, and other problems can be expensive if you don’t catch them right away. Here are some crucial signs that you need a professional plumber:

  • Sewage backflow smell
  • Slow water drainage
  • Septic flooding
  • Visible leaking
  • Water pooling

Local Plumbing Experts in Portland OR

A little bit of effort could spare you the headaches of flooding, leaking, and other expensive damage. If you’ve noticed some warning signs or just want to make sure your plumbing system is in tip-top shape for the rainy season, D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can help!  Your home’s safety is our top priority, and our skilled technicians provide personalized recommendations to get you the best results and emergency plumbing services. Whether you need help preparing your pipes for the rain or have an emergency in the middle of a storm, we have you covered – just contact us today to get your free estimate!

Plants That Can Ruin Your Plumbing

A tree and some flowers in a backyard

Plants in yardJust when you thought you had seen the end of your plumbing problems, plant life adds a whole new obstacle to your maintenance regimen. When shooting for aesthetics, many homeowners overlook the repercussions certain trees and shrubs can have on plumbing fixtures.

While new plants may be beautiful, they could jeopardize your septic and plumbing systems. When enhancing your lawn’s appeal with shrubs and trees, it’s vital to know where and how different plants should be grown to avoid a plumbing emergency. 

Types of Trees That Can Affect Plumbing Fixtures

Trees add beauty, personality, and shade to your yard. Unfortunately, their roots present a significant threat to your plumbing fixtures. Depending on the type and direction of the root’s growth, you may experience blockage in your pipes. Here are the trees that most frequently grow into plumbing lines and fixtures:

  • Birch trees are favored by homeowners who appreciate graceful, slender trees. Birch roots usually grow a 4- to 8-inch-thick mat-like structure, but they still present a threat to nearby pipes. Birch trees need no less than twenty feet of space between plumbing fixtures and your home’s foundation to ensure no damage is done.
  • Citrus trees are a tasty source of lemons, oranges, and more. Although these trees yield wonderful fruits, they’re infamous for their damage to plumbing fixtures and are banned by many HOA’s for this reason. When planting a citrus tree, the placement must be at least 6-8 feet from the foundation of your home to avoid damage.
  • Oak trees are notorious for their longevity and strength, though they’re also infamous for damaging foundations and plumbing fixtures. Because oak trees grow slowly, they can penetrate pipes at a sneaky pace that takes a while to notice. Oak trees should be planted a minimum of 15-30 feet away from important fixtures on your property.

Preventive Growth Barriers

There are many methods you can use to protect yourself from expensive plumbing repairs, and one of the most cost-effective options is to have a preventive growth barrier installed.
A preventive growth barrier is an assemblage of walls implanted into the ground around a plant that’s main job is to redirect the growth of roots. A professional landscaper can help install a growth barrier to make it easier to plant a yard without root-related complications.

Experts In Plumbing Repair

Putting up with the complications of plant-related plumbing damages is no thrilling endeavor. If you’ve done your calculations and a plant’s roots still managed to come in contact with your pipes, it’s best to turn to the experts at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Here at D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we make it our top priority to repair your plumbing and protect your plumbing fixtures from any additional damage. If you require immediate plumbing repair, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Summer Plumbing Tips

Water trickling out of an outdoor water spigot

Water trickling out of an outdoor water spigotWith 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.