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Questions To Ask A Plumber About Your Home’s Plumbing | Maryville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on December 17, 2022

Are you curious about how your home’s plumbing works? Do you know the most common issues that merit a call to a plumber? If you don’t, you’re not alone. Most people have no idea what their home’s plumbing system looks like or its function until there’s a problem that they must seek assistance for professionally.

If you happen to relate to the narrative above, you’re not alone. Most people don’t think of their home’s plumbing on a daily basis. They only take interest in it when there are issues needing to be resolved. Learning what you can from a plumber can benefit you long-term, however, so it’s worth knowing all that you can about how your home’s plumbing works today.

What a Plumbing Professional Lets You Know About Your Home’s Plumbing

What a professional has to say about your home and its plumbing is vital. It helps you accomplish more with every plumbing visit. It prevents many of the issues that make toilets, sinks, and tubs inoperable. It ensures that you have a home that functions well throughout the year without plumbing issues. The advice you receive from a professional can literally save you a ton of money.

Here are some questions to ask a plumber about your home’s plumbing in Maryville, TN:

  • How do I prevent clogs and blockages in my drains? Keeping your drains clear takes effort. The plumbing pro will make suggestions on the things that shouldn’t be put down drains. They’ll also recommend a drain catcher for debris. Drain cleaning services are another option that the professional will likely recommend. Having a professional clean the drains in your home frequently frees up any blockages that may be building up.
  • How can I tell that my washing machine hose is loose? If it is, you’ll see water on the floor. It can lead to electrical issues and shock you, a family member, or a pet. Making it a point to know the correct way to have water-operated machines in your home hooked up prevents them from draining incorrectly. You’ll have less safety concerns if you follow the advice of a plumbing expert and call them when your hose looks loose.
  • What things should never be flushed in a toilet? It may seem like common sense, but there are a lot of things that should never be put into a toilet bowl. You can learn what those things are by contacting a plumber and asking them the question directly. You and your family can then avoid flushing things that should never go into the toilet. It’s clog prevention 101.
  • How frequently should I have my pipes inspected? This is something that can save you lots of money in the long run. A lot of older pipes need replacing because they rust. You don’t want to find out the hard way. When you have a pipe break, it can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. It’s completely avoidable by having your home’s pipes checked out and replaced when they start to show signs of unrepairable wear.
  • Is there a timeline for replacing pipes? If so, how long is their lifespan? What should you do to get them taken care of for you? The smallest things make the biggest difference. Paying attention to the age of your pipes matters. It can save you money.
  • How often should I replace my water heater? Just like your pipes, the water heater also has a lifespan. Learn what it is and the signs that it needs to be replaced. You’ll appreciate having a plumber tell you that information. It can keep you from having a bad experience with a flooded basement or utility closet.

There are many questions you can ask a plumber. Some of the suggestions listed above will apply to you, while others will not. If you haven’t had a chance to get to know the plumbing professional of your choice well enough to assess their capabilities, asking questions helps. You’ll see what they can and cannot do for you as well as what they recommend when it comes to caring for your home’s plumbing system.

Maryville, TN is the type of place where residential plumbers are absolutely necessary. You can lessen your dependency on their services by asking the right questions and tapping into the professional’s vast base of knowledge. They can give you pointers on ways to keep your home’s plumbing in excellent condition year-round. You won’t be at the mercy of an emergency plumber because you failed to notice a clog forming in a sink, tub, or toilet.

A plumbing pro in Maryville, TN can give you all of the answers that you seek. The professional makes dealing with the biggest plumbing issues much easier. You can learn more about what a company has to offer you by visiting its website and calling it on the phone. That way, when you’re in need of a plumber, you have a very good idea of how they can be of service to you and your household.

You Deserve Immediate Assistance When You Have a Plumbing Emergency

My Professional Plumber is the company to call when you’re in need of plumbing services. We’re available day and night to give your issue the attention it deserves. If you haven’t had a chance to speak to us about your problem and secure our assistance, now is the time to do just that. You never know when a big plumbing issue will occur and disrupt the flow of your day.

At My Professional Plumber, we want you to experience the greatest ease in requesting our services. That’s why we make them available round-the-clock for the times where waiting overnight for a plumbing pro to arrive just won’t do. When you have the opportunity to discuss our services with us, you’ll see what we can do for you and how we’ll make it happen. It’s an excellent feeling knowing that we can get the work done for you without disrupting the flow of your routine much with our presence.

Photo By Jezper at Shutterstock

How You Can Avoid Common Plumbing Scams With A Reliable Plumber | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on August 27, 2021

Photo By lucadp at istock

As a homeowner, it is expected that you are going to need the services of a plumber at some point. Good plumbers in Knoxville, TN are able to assess the nature of the plumbing issue you are facing and give you a fair quote for the job that needs to be done. However, not every plumbing professional is honest, and therefore, you need to be skeptical when dealing with plumbing professionals. Unfortunately, common plumbing scams do not always seem obvious, and it is not necessarily hard for you to get reeled in before you can realize that something fishy is going on. To make the matter worse, these scammers can cause extensive damages to your plumbing issues in addition to taking thousands of dollars from you. Below are some signs of an unfolding plumbing scam and how you should respond to it.

Elusive Estimates

Your plumbing system is quite complex, and therefore, it is not realistic for a plumber to give you accurate estimates of what a plumbing job will cost without visually inspecting the problem. Of course, some plumbers charge a flat rate for simple plumbing jobs, such as removing grain clogs. However, if a plumbing job is more involving, a good plumbing professional can only give you rough estimates before coming to your house in person. Therefore, if a plumbing company is giving you firm estimates via a phone call, you need to be worried. You should be even more worried if the quoted estimates are too low to be true. But even if a plumbing company comes to your house, you need to remember that a verbal estimate is not enough. A plumbing professional who is not willing to provide a written estimate is probably doing it on purpose with aim of overcharging you. Therefore, if a plumbing professional is not willing to come to your home, assess the work at hand visually, and itemize the quotation clearly, it is wise for you to avoid them completely.

Dodging Details

When you are looking for a plumbing professional, there are several credentials that you will need a plumber to have to be certain that they are capable of solving the plumbing issue you are facing. For instance, you need to ensure that the plumbing professional is well licensed and insured. A good plumbing company will know that you are looking for these details, and they be willing to let you see them. If a plumbing company seems hesitant or unwilling to show you their credential, it is likely that they don’t have these credentials, and they are just scammers who will take your money and fails to deliver according to your expectations. In fact, they might leave your plumbing system and property in a worse condition.

Unnecessary Assistants/ Subcontractors

This scam is common in more complex or multi-day plumbing projects. After you and your plumber have signed the paperwork to get the job started, extra people show up and start working alongside your plumbing company. In some cases, the extra person may be an apprentice or an assistant doing legitimate work. However, you should never assume anything. When you have unfortunately settled for a shady plumbing company, the extra person could be the plumber’s friend who has come to do some basic plumbing tasks only to charge exorbitantly for it. Your plumbing company will then tell your that the extra person is a sub-contractor who sets his/her own rate, and there is nothing they can do about it. To avoid losing money in such a scam, you need to ask why the extra person is necessary and ensure that the cost of their work is covered in the written quotation.

False Promises

Many homeowners are usually happy to pay top dollar for high-quality plumbing products and services because they want their plumbing system to last. Unfortunately, some scammers take advantage of this and use substandard plumbing products to pocket the difference. For instance, a dishonest plumbing company can promise that they will install durable PEX pipes and end up installing PVC pipes. To avoid getting scammed this way, you need to ask your plumbing company to provide a list of the parts they intend to buy and confirm their prices from a hardware store. You can expect your plumbing company to make some profits, but if they are charging you several times more, you need to start asking why.

Pushy Plumbers

The aim of a good plumber is to solve your plumbing problems in the most efficient way possible. Therefore, a good plumbing company will not try to bully you into spending your money on unnecessary products or services. On the other hand, dishonest plumbing companies use scare tactics to pressure you to spend money on their services. For instance, they might tell you that your plumbing system is endangering the nearby homes, and your neighbors could sue you for property damages. If the pushiness of a plumbing company leaves you feeling uneasy, you should let them go and seek the opinion of another more reputable and experienced plumbing company.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that when you are looking for a plumbing company, you need to do your due diligence to ensure that you settle for an honest professional. However, this is often easier said than done because some plumbing scams are not always obvious, especially in your initial engagement with a plumber. Therefore, you need to be extra careful even after signing the contract with your plumbing company. If you are looking for an honest plumbing company in Knoxville, TN, My Professional Plumber is an excellent plumbing contractor to consider. We have been serving our community for many years, and our reputation as a professional plumbing services provider is well established. Therefore, you can count on us to honestly advise you on the most efficient plumbing solutions. Feel free to contact us today for more information about our company and services.

Have A Plumber Help You Choose The Right Type And Size of Water Heater | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on October 5, 2020

Photo By JackF at istock

Jumping into the shower and being splashed with cold water is most people’s nightmare. It has to be one of the most unpleasant feelings out there, which is why most people prefer hot showers to cold showers any day.

Your water heater is responsible for making sure that there is always hot water in your home. While these tanks tend to be rather durable and can last decades, they will need to be replaced sooner or later. If it’s time for your water heater to be replaced, you might have a hard time figuring out what you need. After all, the model that you had installed might already be outdated. There are so many newer models out there now that are more efficient.

Knowing how to choose the right type and size of water heater isn’t common sense. You may need the help of a plumber to get you started. This article will also give you some insight into this issue.

Water Heater vs. Boiler

First and foremost, we’d like to differentiate the difference between a water heater and a boiler. While these two machines do similar things, they are very different

A water heater will take cold, incoming water from the main water line and indirectly warm it with a gas burner or some type of heating rod inside the tank. Once the water is warmed to the right temperature, the heater will store the water for you until the next time you hop into the shower or run yourself a nice steaming hot bath. You might even have a tankless water heater. This machine can heat up your water instantly, so it doesn’t need to store any of it inside a tank.

A boiler is slightly different. This machine will turn water into steam, as steam is a very inexpensive and efficient way of transporting heat throughout your entire home. Most homes nowadays rely on hot water heaters for their hot water source.

The Different Types of Water Heaters

As mentioned previously, technology quickly advances. Nowadays, there are many different types of hot water heaters that you can choose from. Each one will have its own benefits and drawbacks. They’ll also be in different price ranges. When choosing the right type of water heater, you’ll need to take all those factors into consideration. Our plumbers can help you figure out what type of water heater is best suited for your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of water heaters:

 

  • Storage tank water heaters. This is by far one of the most common types out there and one of the most installed heaters by our plumbers. These traditional models have an insulated tank that will keep the water hot for as long as possible. You can usually choose between electric and gas models. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, ask one of our professionals. In general, gas models tend to be pricier; however, the operating costs associated with these models is lower.

 

  • Tankless water heaters. These water heaters are quickly becoming more and more popular. Our plumbers are installing more of these units. While they tend to be pricier to install, they’re a lot more energy efficient, so you’ll save money there. You’ll also get an unlimited supply of hot water, as you’re not relying on a tank to heat the water up.

 

  • Solar water heating system. This is considered as one of the newer technologies. These systems may either use an active solar water heating system or a passive solar water heating. An active solar water heating system will involve the use of circulating pumps and controls while a passive one will not use any pumps or controls at all.

 

Each water heater type has its own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding what each type has to offer will help you make a more informed decision.

Calculating the Size

Once you’ve decided on the type of water heater that’s best suited for your home, you then need to consider the size that you need. The general rule of thumb is to install a 30- to 40-gallon water heater for a one or two-person household. This will ensure that everyone gets as much hot water that they need, provided that no one is taking hot showers for hours! A 40- to 50-gallon tank will be best suited for a household with three or four people, and a 50-gallon tank will usually be large enough for homes with more than 5 people.

It’s important to note that tanks that have a capacity more than 50-gallons are rarely installed in residential homes. In most cases, anything larger than 50-gallon will be overkill. Your home may also not have the space to store such a large tank.

Our Plumbers in Knoxville, TN Can Help You Choose the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Is it time for you to upgrade your home and replace your water heater? The whole experience can be very overwhelming to some homeowners who have no idea where they should start. This isn’t a job that you should attempt to do by yourself, as you’ll need experience and technical know-how on how to install and remove a water heater. This is a job that’s best left to the professionals, like our plumbers. Our plumbers will get the job done in no time and can even help you choose a water heater that will satisfy all of your needs.

My Professional Plumber offers plumbing services for those who reside in the Knoxville, TN area. Our plumbers have decades of experience under their belts, so they’re well aware of the latest water heater technologies that are out there. We can come to your home to assess the situation and give you some recommendations based on what we see.

For more information, give us a call at 865-248-2549. Or, contact us online through this online form! We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

 

Plumber Tips: Myths That Will Harm Your Plumbing System | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on August 30, 2020

Photo By nito at Shutterstock

Homeowners have all heard stories about what they can and can’t do with their plumbing system. For example, are flushable wipes really a thing? And can you pour grease down your sink? There are many things that homeowners regularly do that actually damage their plumbing systems.

This article will debunk some of the most common plumbing myths. Avoiding these common mistakes will allow you to keep your plumbing system in good working order.

If you’re searching for a plumber in Oak Ridge, TN, or the surrounding area, you may like to contact My Professional plumber. The company employs a highly skilled team of professionals who can carry out all types of plumbing work, including drain cleaning, maintenance, and repair and installing plumbing systems into new builds.

Do Flushable Wipes Really Exist?

You may have heard that it’s ok to flush wipes down the toilet. Some wipes even say on the packet that they are flushable. Plumbers tend to disagree and are often called out to unblock toilets that have been caused by flushable wipes. Some will even go as far as to say that flushable wipes are a myth.

Some people think that wipes are more hygienic than standard toilet paper, or they use cleaning wipes on their toilets and then flush them. There is a problem with these types of wipes; they aren’t flushable. Most wipes are unable to effectively breakdown in your plumbing system, which can cause blockages. In time, multiple wipes will cause a build-up in your system and create a clog that will result in a blocked toilet and back-up.

Plumbers think that flushable wipes are one of the biggest plumbing myths. Do yourself a favor and put wipes in the bin rather than the toilet. It would help if you didn’t flush anything other than toilet paper. Avoid flushing things like sanitary products or q-tips.

Are Drop-in Tank Tablets Good for Cleaning a Toilet?

Drop-in tank tablets allow you to easily keep your toilet clean and fresh for weeks with minimum effort. But are they good for your toilet and plumbing system? Professionals urge you to think about what the tablets are doing to your toilet and the plumbing system’s inner workings.

Many toilet cleaners are actually very corrosive and have a detrimental effect on your toilet pipes. This is a significant problem, and many toilet manufacturers won’t give you a refund if they see that an in-tank cleaner has damaged your tank. You must recognize the damage that some chemical cleaning products can do to your plumbing system.

Can You Put Grease into Your Sink if You Run Hot Water at the Same Time?

There are many things that should never be allowed to get into your drains, including food particles and loose hairs. However, you may have heard that it’s ok to pour grease into your kitchen sink as long as you pour boiling water down the plug afterward or run the hot tap as you’re doing so.

Plumbers say that this is, in fact, a myth and that you should never put grease that’s leftover from cooking down your sink. The misconception here is that using hot water will help to melt the grease and will allow it to flow through your plumbing system. This isn’t the case as grease will solidify and can cause blockages in your drains and pipes. Over time this can cause severe problems, and you’ll need to call out a plumber to unblock the sink.

Instead of putting grease down the sink, you can use a paper towel to absorb it and wipe out cooking pans and trays. If you have a lot of fat, you can pour it into an old jam jar and leave it to set. This can then be thrown into the trash. It’s a good idea to pay attention to what goes down your sink and gets into your drains.

Putting a Brick in Your Toilet Tank Will Save You Money

Some people may tell you that in order to save money on your water bills, you can put a brick in your toilet tank to make it use less water. This is one of the oldest and most common plumbing myths there are.

This myth assumes that the brick will displace some of the water in your toilet tank, which means that it will use less water per flush and therefore reduce your water consumption and save you money.

Homeowners want to save themselves money, but putting a brick in your toilet tank isn’t a good idea. A brick in the tank can cause damage to your toilet. If the brick begins to crumble, as it will do over time, it will ruin your toilet flushing mechanism. Toilets have also been designed to use a specific amount of water to run correctly. If you force your toilet to use less water, you may find that it isn’t flushing effectively.

Water Heaters That Are Making a Noise Need to Be Replaced

It can be worrying when your water heater starts making a noise, but this doesn’t automatically indicate that it needs to be replaced. While sounds can indicate that a malfunction is occurring, it may be able to be repaired. If your water heater is making a noise, you should phone a plumber as soon as possible as your water heater has a risk of catching fire or even exploding.

Don’t automatically believe the myth that noise means you need to replace your water heater. Ask a professional to service your equipment as it might need to be cleaned and maintained. Water heaters should be regularly serviced and do tend to need regular maintenance. This can cause worrying noises.

My Professional Plumber

If you’re looking for a professional in Oak Ridge, TN or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to contact My Professional Plumber. They can provide plumbing installation, can unblock drains and toilets, and also offer emergency repair. They can be contacted on 865-248-2549.

Plumber Tips: Common Hitches That You’re Likely To Encounter In Your Plumbing System And How To Fix Them | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on July 20, 2020

Photo By

Different problems occur in the plumbing systems of average U.S. homes, with leakages being more common than others. The leading causes of household leaks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), include worn-out toilet flappers, faulty faucets, showerheads, and broken pipes.

Nearly 10,000 gallons of water from homes across the United States leak and go to waste yearly. It’s not surprising that 10% of households, including those in Oak Ridge, TN, lose 90 gallons or more per day. Not to worry, though. You could save about 10% on your water bills by fixing these leaks with the right tools and basic knowledge about your plumbing system.

However, it’s prudent that you hire a professional plumber to run diagnostic tests on the entire plumbing system, identify the root cause, and perform repairs or replacements. Here are some of the common hitches that you’re likely to encounter in your plumbing system and how to fix them:

Leaky faucets and pipes

Taps at various user points contain washers that are made of silicon or rubber components. They help to regulate the flow of water, for instance, when you turn off the tap, the washers form a water-tight seal that inhibits more water from making its way out via the faucet.

For this reason, the leading cause of leaking taps is a worn-out, dislodged, or hardened internal washer, corrosion, and poorly installed faucets. Leaky pipes are frequent during extreme winters when the water flowing through them freezes and expands, leading to drips or bursts, especially at the pipe joints. Breakages may also occur as a result of human activities such as repairs and constructions in sections where the pipes pass through and attack by rodents.

Water lost through leaky faucets and pipes translates to higher water bills, provide a conducive environment for mold growth, and may lead to accidents such as slips. As a homeowner, you should conduct regular inspections of your plumbing system as you carry on with your daily activities to identify dripping faucets.

Visible rusting, dripping sounds, and tiny pools of water collecting below your pipes are indicators of leakages. Given that you need water daily in your house, it’s likely that you’ll be faced with leaky faucets at a certain point when the washers become obsolete.

You could consider fixing small leaks in pipes using a rubber sheet or leak tape as a short-term solution. Also, avoid straining the handles of your taps as a preventive measure. The long-term remedy for leaky pipes and faucets is hiring a professional to replace broken sections in your pipework and faulty washers.

Clogged drains

Clogged drains occur due to the accumulation of household waste and debris, including congealed fat, food remains, personal care products, hair, and foreign objects that restrict the flow of wastewater.

The blockage poses a significant health risk to your entire family in the form of potentially life-threatening infectious diseases spread through contaminated food and drinks.

Clogged drains manifest as backflows when you flush the toilet, empty a sink, or take a shower. When faced with a clogged drain, you could always try to unblock it using a plunger, and don’t hesitate to call a licensed professional to help you out.

You could prevent frequent blockages by installing a drain guard at appropriate drain points such as kitchen sinks and shower drains to trap hair and other debris.

Also, ensure that you only flush dissolvable waste products down the toilet and proper garbage disposal. Plumbers in established companies employ advanced methods and tools, including air pressure, chemicals, plungers, and plumbing snakes, to dislodge or remove the clogs from your pipes.

Low water pressure

At times, you may notice water trickling when you open your tap rather than gushing. This indicates low water pressure. You could check with your neighbors if they’re experiencing the same problem or reach out to the water company that serves your area to confirm that the issue lies in your plumbing system.

Several factors could be attributed to low water pressure in your houses, such as pipe corrosion, hidden leaks, or clogs. The water entering your pipes carries sediments and dissolved minerals that eventually build-up and deposit on metal surfaces, filters, and aerators, thus impeding the water flow at the user points.

You can fix minor clogs in the aerator by soaking it in vinegar and reduce the build-up of calcium deposits and sediments by flushing your water tank. You could also hire a dependable plumber to replace corroded and leaking pipes, thus restore normal water pressure.

A wobbly and running toilet

A wobbly toilet is caused by loose connections in the bolts that hold your bathroom to the floor. However, it could result from leaking water eating away at your sub-floor or faults in the wax seal around your toilet.

Besides, a running toilet is primarily due to a faulty flapper valve, which regulates water flow from the tank to the bowl. Other causes include sediments that could affect the toilet’s flushing and filling, corroded shower handles, and refill tube problems. A running toilet could translate to significantly high water bills if you don’t seek a plumber to fix it for you.

Malfunctioning water heaters

Hot water is a necessity in your home for routine activities such as laundry, showers, and dishwashing. Several factors could contribute to a malfunctioning water heater, such as mineral deposits, poor installation, loose electrical connections, and faulty thermostat and heating elements.

You’ll notice malfunctioning water heaters when you get water of undesired temperature at the designated user points. You could try flushing your water tank regularly to get rid of mineral deposits as a preventive measure. Due to the sensitivity of the electrical components in your water heater, it’s recommended that you hire a certified plumber to carry out repair and maintenance.

Sewer odors

Sewer drains consist of vents and traps that are designed to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. Thus, sewer odors occur when there is a crack in the vent line or worn-out traps in your drain. Sewer odors are a menace and could cause an infestation by flies, rendering you uncomfortable in your own house. You should contact an experienced plumber in Oak Ridge, TN, before things get out of hand.

A reliable plumbing company

My Professional Plumber is a plumbing service provider that serves homeowners with plumbing installations and repair, drain cleaning, tankless water heaters, and garbage disposals. Our licensed plumbers respond to emergency services promptly and are available on a 24/7 basis.

When faced with any plumbing needs, don’t hesitate to call us. Our plumbers are well-equipped and conversant with contemporary practices in the plumbing sector to help restore normalcy in your home.

Why You Need to Hire a Plumber | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on April 30, 2020

Photo By Andrey_Popov at Shutterstock

A plumber is the type of professional that you’ll want to have access to right away when you move into your new Knoxville, TN home. They provide you with peace of mind in the event a pipe bursts or a toilet clogs. You won’t need to do without the plumbing system you rely on for long when you have a professional you trust to do work for you.

Plumbers provide many different services for you to choose from immediately. They can be simple fixes or complicated repairs. Either way, you’ll get the same high level of service from the professional you decide to hire. They restore order to your home so you can return to business as usual with the greatest of ease.

This short guide helps you find the right plumbing pro to work with long-term. It takes the stress out of hiring multiple companies to do the same job. It identifies the issue and remedies the problem before it has a chance to grow in size and cost. By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll know who you want to hire and why.

Investing in Plumbing Services Is the Smart Thing to Do

Plumbing services provide you with the assistance that you need when you experience problems with the plumbing in the home. It’s a way to address the issue immediately because most plumbers are available around-the-clock to meet your needs best. Plumbing services are an investment in your home, family, and future.

Here’s why you need to hire a plumbing professional:

  • To repair and replace pipes. If a pipe bursts, breaks, or collapses, it will need to be repaired or replaced. A plumber can take care of the problem in record time so that they can minimize the amount of damage and inconvenience you experience inside your home. Pipes are often the cause of many emergency plumbing service calls. If they freeze, they can burst and create a mess for you to clean up. Your home could flood very quickly if you weren’t home to address the issue immediately.

 

  • To keep a clog from worsening and causing water damage. Many things cause blockages. They can be as small as a sliver of soap or as large as a big tree root. Having a professional come out and take care of a clog gives you the benefit of knowing what the main culprits are causing the blockage. Hair, small toys, tree roots, food scraps, and other small to medium-sized objects that can fall down a drain can cause a clog. If you notice water backing up into the sink or tub or the toilet overflowing when flushed, you have a blockage that needs a professional to remove it right away.

 

  • To install a water heater. If you need to replace an old tank or need to have a water heater put into a new home, the plumbing company that you hire can do it for you. They go above and beyond to make sure it’s working well for you before they leave, too. Tankless water heaters exist now and are a great way to save space. If you live in a smaller residence and don’t have a dedicated spot to put a water heater tank, consider the alternative. It makes a world of difference because of the small amount of space it requires.

 

  • To install a water softener. Hard water deposits destroy appliances. They also do a number on your pipes and fixtures. A water softener reverses the damage done by hard water so that it isn’t an issue for you. Filtration systems can also be installed and worked on. The water quality inside the home improves dramatically because of the introduction of a water softener or water filtration system.

 

  • To clean a drain. Debris can clog a drain fast. Having the drains cleaned regularly prevents problems from occurring. It’s something that you should have a plumber do often. Drains get clogged blocking what flows down them from arriving at their final destination. If you don’t clean the drains regularly, you’ll face a big problem.

 

  • Repairing and installing garbage disposals. If you want to replace the garbage disposal that you currently own or need one put in because you never had one, the plumbing professional that you hire can do it for you. All you’ll need to do is let them know that it’s the service that you require. The plumbing professional will make sure to bring the right tools with them to your home so they can work on your garbage disposal.

Hiring a plumber helps prevent a plumbing problem from worsening. It allows you to address an issue before it ends up costing you a small fortune to repair. A professional can also help improve your home in many ways, from installing garbage disposals to replacing toilets for new models.

The right plumber can save you time, money, and the frustration that comes with sustaining water damage or dealing with a clogged toilet repeatedly. By having the contractor come to the home and clean the drains and test the garbage disposal, you’re able to prevent costly repairs from occurring. You won’t need to call for emergency services as frequently because of the time and attention you gave your home’s plumbing.

The Best Plumber Company in Knoxville, TN

Some plumbing companies go above and beyond for their customers. They exceed your high expectations by providing greater value than you anticipated paying them for. The professionals are available to answer your call when you need them the most and make your project a priority.

If you haven’t had a chance to get to know a plumbing company in the area yet, don’t worry. Allow us to introduce ourselves! We are My Professional Plumber, a company that has your best interests in mind.

Let us know how we can be of service to you today. We offer 24/7 emergency services for those times when you need help stat. The phone number to reach us at is 865-238-7049.

Plumber Advice: Plumbing Strategies to Reduce Environmental Impact | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on April 10, 2020

Photo By percds at istock

Plumbing is not the first thing most people think of when they decide to be more environmentally conscious, but plumbers work with commercial and residential buildings and water. Water conservation and preventing pollution of water sources is one of the most important environmental issues of our time. Buildings, whether homes or businesses, account for nearly 40% of all energy use in Oak Ridge, TN, and the United States overall.

These factors make plumbing a frequently overlooked opportunity to lessen the impact of human constructions and behavior on the environment. Small changes can save on utility costs and cause less harm to natural environments. Other possible changes may require a larger commitment of time and resources, but they offer substantial long-term benefits.

Water Conservation Fixtures

Bathing accounts for the majority of water used by the average American per day. Taking short showers instead of baths reduces water use, but there are other options for people that do not want to give up longer showers. The simple act of replacing standard showerheads with low-flow fixtures reduces water use by hundreds of gallons each year for every person in a household. Rain-style heads are a type of shower fixture that uses less water pressure and spreads the flow over a wider area.

Faucets generally account for approximately 15% of a household’s indoor water use. A restricted flow faucet restricts water pressure by 30%. The pressure reduction does not inhibit or slow daily tasks such as brushing your teeth or washing your hands, but it reduces a family’s water use by up to 700 gallons per year.

Toilets made before 1993 use over 2 gallons of water more per flush than modern toilets. Dual flush toilet models improve water use even more by allowing a weaker pressurized flush for liquid waste and a more powerful flush for solid waste. Replacing old toilets may be the most effective way to cut down water use in your home. Dual flush toilet models are available for purchase, or homeowners can hire a plumber to modify some standard toilets to dual flush systems.

Insulated Pipes

A modern, energy efficient water heater saves energy and provides reliable hot water. Recirculation pumps let hot water reach faucets faster, so the water loses less heat during transport. These pumps also reduce the water wasted while waiting for it to warm up before a shower.

Insulated pipes also conserve energy by lessening the amount of heat lost while water travels to fixtures. Pipe insulators can reduce heat loss by up to 80%. Consult your local plumber to insulate the entire plumbing system in your home. An insulated plumbing system also reduces the amount of energy needed to heat houses and other structures.

Cured-In-Place Piping

Pipe repair used to be a very time and labor-intensive process. It took weeks and the home’s plumbing system was out of commission for most of that time. The installation process tore up driveways, sidewalks, floors, and lawns. Families had to deal with major disruptions in their daily lives.

Cured-in-place piping, or CIPP, is a fairly new type of piping in Oak Ridge, TN. It is much less disruptive and causes less environmental harm. Almost no digging is required for CIPP. It requires only one or two access holes and plumbers can repair breaks and leaks in the pipeline without tearing up a lawn or floor.

CIPP is constructed from felt tubing made of fiberglass cloth or polyester saturated in resin. The lines bonds with the original pipe and protects it from root intrusion, wear and tear, friction from stones and gravel, and other common causes of damage. It usually takes only a single day for a professional to complete repair or replacement work with CIPP.

Trenchless Sewer Installation

Construction of any kind often damages microclimates extensively in the environment around job sites. Trenchless sewer installation and rehabilitation is much less disruptive than standard sewer line installation. Plumbers can place trenchless sewers with minimal destruction of plant life in many cases. Trees, shrubs, hedges, or bushes that can be relocated are saved to re-plant after construction is finished. Dirt removed during installation is reused at the end of the project.

Knowledgeable plumbers, possibly with the help of other professionals, can also use landscaping to reduce water runoff and promote efficient drainage. Metal piping and fixtures removed from prior sewage infrastructure is recyclable. HDPE is very common in plumbing systems. It can be used for adjustments in pipes during new installations or recycled at appropriate facilities.

Pipe Bursting

Trenchless sewer lines are placed with pipe bursting or pipe lining technologies. Pipe bursting involves a machine that tears existing pipes apart while placing new pipes. Two access holes are created as well. One goes into the house and the other facilitates the connection between the home’s sewer lines and the sewer mains.

Plumbers perform pipe bursting with a machine that breaks out the old pipe while laying the new pipe in place behind it. Two access holes are made, one where the sewer line goes into the house and the other where it joins the sewer main.The new pipe is the same size as the old pipe and accommodates the same water flow.

Pipe Lining

Pipe lining is a flexible pipe coated with resin. The flexible new pipe is forced or pulled through the existing pipe then inflated once it is in place. The lining method reduces pipe diameter by approximately 1/4-inch, which is small enough not to make any difference for most homes. Pipe lining usually requires only one access hole.

Call My Professional Plumber for advice on making environmentally friendly changes in your home. A professional plumber can help you choose the most feasible and beneficial changes to make. Changes to a home’s plumbing should be completed by professionals to make sure everything is installed correctly and prevent future problems.

Materials a Plumber Uses: Are Copper or Plastic Pipes Best? | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on March 20, 2020

Photo By aristotoo at istock

Are you a homeowner who’s looking to replace some old, leaky piping? Or are you managing a new build and wondering what type of pipes are best? When plumbing your home, several important decisions need to be made. Do you opt for traditional copper piping or modern plastic pipes? This article will look at the benefits and disadvantages of both.

If you own a property in Knoxville, TN, and are looking for a plumbing company, don’t hesitate to contact My Professional Plumber. The company is available for general plumbing as well as carrying out emergency repairs.

Copper or Plastic Pipes

When deciding on whether to use copper or plastic pipes for your build, there are many things that you’ll need to consider. It’s essential to be sure about what type of pipes you want, as changing your mind mid-project will waste both time and money.

Before you hire a plumber, you’ll need to decide on the material you’d rather use. If you’re unsure, consider getting the opinion of a qualified technician.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes have been used for generations across much of the developed world. Most plumbers still like using copper as it allows them greater flexibility when switching out parts. In the past, copper has been a very popular choice; if you buy an older property, it’s almost certain to have copper pipe insulation.

The Benefits of Using Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are very hard-wearing, durable, and long-lasting. They are also less corrosive and, as a result, can be easily used outside. Copper can cope with whatever conditions are thrown at it; it can handle hot situations without losing its strength. Copper is less affected by high water pressure than plastic.

The Disadvantages of Using Copper Pipes

The rising popularity of plastic pipes is in part due to the cost of copper. Copper pipes cost a lot more to install, and while they may last a lot longer, then plastic the initial cost could be expensive. Copper is also not as flexible as plastic pipes.

If you choose to have copper pipes, you’ll need a filtering system in your home; otherwise, your tap water is likely to have a metallic taste. This will also add to the cost of the installation.

Copper piping isn’t resistant to sweating, and you may also have problems during the winter months if water freezes inside the pipes.

Overview

Plumbers have a long history of using copper piping as they work well in residential properties. Copper is popular as it’s a softer material to work with and offers flexibility and durability. Copper pipes are also able to resist water corrosion and are more hard-wearing than other metal pipes.

It’s important to remember that copper is a metal and is, therefore, a conductor of heat. This means that heat (if you’re heating water to run a bath) or cooling can be lost as the water travels through the system. Exposed copper pipes can also be dangerous to children as they can get very hot to the touch.

Copper pipes are still regularly used as it’s a fantastic material which lasts a long time.

Plastic Pipes

Plastic pipes, made from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have increased in popularity in recent years due to their flexibility and the cheaper cost of installation. PVC is one of the most commonly used plastics in the plumbing industry.

The Benefits of Using Plastic Pipes

Plastic pipes are resistant to substances such as acids and halogens. If installed correctly by a skilled plumber, they can carry hot water without losing heat. They find it easier and faster to install PVC pipes as they have quick fit connections, and the pipes are more flexible.

One of the main advantages of choosing plastic pipes is that they are cheaper than copper pipes. The pipes don’t get as hot, have lower noise emission, and the water can flow through the pipes faster as there’s less resistance. The water’s heat won’t be lost as the water travels through the pipes.

The Disadvantages of Using Plastic Pipes

Although plastic pipes may seem like the obvious choice for your home, they also have many disadvantages that need to be taken into account when making your decision. One of the main problems is that PVC isn’t resistant to solvent, they are also prone to expanding or shrinking, depending on the temperature of the water they’re carrying.

Your plumber will need to choose the correct type of PVC pipe if it’s to be used with hot water, and you want it to have reasonable longevity. PVC pipes have a shorter lifespan than their copper counterparts. Plastic is also a weaker material, and your pipes may, therefore, need more support.

Another disadvantage of using PVC pipes is that they are not suitable for outdoor use. The sun’s UV rays can damage the plastic. If PVC is used outside or in underfloor heating, it could be gnawed by rodents.

Overview

When deciding on whether to use copper or PVC water pipes, there are a few things you may like to take into account or discuss with your plumber. Are you planning to use your pipes outside, or are they going to be exposed to intense heat? Do you need a pipe that’s able to withstand different water types and inorganic materials? There is an obvious difference in using copper or plastic pipes, ask a plumber for advice if you’re struggling to choose between these two material types.

My Professional Plumber, Knoxville, TN

If you would like any help and advice about choosing the best type of pipes for your home, contact My Professional Plumber. They can provide plumbing installation, emergency repair as well as general plumbing services. The company works in Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding area and is a locally owned and operated business. My Professional Plumber has won a super service award from Angie’s List in 2018 and 2019. They can be contacted on 865-238-7049.

Location

118 North Peters Road
Knoxville, TN 37923

Hours

Monday–Saturday
8:00 am–5:00pm

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