Author: Kevin

When pressure levels reduce the flow of water to a trickle, it can be worse than annoying. On the other hand, if the pressure is too high, it can damage your pipes and appliances. An excessively high or low rate is usually an indication of a plumbing issue. Here are some common pressure problems and their possible solutions.

1. Issues With the Main Valve

The main shut-off valve is usually inside a closet, garage, or utility room on the front part of the house. You should be able to turn it by hand without using tools. However, some may require a turnkey.

Once you locate the valve, ensure that it is fully open. This is a common culprit for low pressure, especially if you have had plumbing done recently. It could be that it wasn’t opened properly after the repairs.

2. Low Pressure From One Faucet or Showerhead

If the problem seems to be from only one faucet, it could be an issue with the gate valve. You can locate it behind the sink and make sure it is fully open. When sediment has accumulated, the gate valve will sometimes fail to turn. You may clean the gate valve with an appropriate solution to remove the sludge. However, it is advisable to replace it to avoid the same issues in the future.

If there is still low pressure, another issue may be leakage. Leaks can reduce the flow rate of water and can raise your water bills. They can also be complicated to fix and can be tricky to locate. The best course of action is to contact a professional plumber before the problem leads to structural damage and high utility bills.

3. Blockages

If you only notice water pressure problems in certain parts of your home, it could be due to blockages within the pipes. Water usually has minerals that react with your plumbing and leave deposits that restrict flow. Debris may also get into your plumbing system inadvertently.

Such deposits are harmful to your plumbing as well as to appliances. Limescale can reduce the performance of your water filtration system and water heater. A plumber can locate the blockage and determine the source of the deposit in order to address it conclusively.

4. Low Pressure From All Your Taps

You may also notice that the pressure is low when several people are using the water at the same time. In such instances, the pressure is equally low from all the faucets and showers in your home. Close some taps so that water is directed to one or two where it is most needed.

However, the main cause of the low pressure in your home may be the local line. That means that your neighbors are also experiencing the same issue. Once you establish that the problem is with the municipal supply, you can send a complaint to the water authority.

5. Clogged Showerheads and Faucets

It is also possible that your showerheads and faucets have been accumulating limescale. You may remove the shower heads to check if there is sediment. If there is, you can clean the mineral buildup by using a suitable solution to clear the inside of showerheads, faucets, and aerators.

6. Leaking and Banging

When the pressure is well above average, there may be leaking around faucets. You might notice water gushing out, or you might hear pipes producing banging sounds. The cause of this problem often lies with your local municipal line. High pressure can weaken your pipes and damage your home. Therefore, you ought to fix it as soon as possible. Qualified plumbers from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can examine your system in South Charleston and determine the cause.

7. Faulty Pressure Regulator

Another source of pressure problems is a faulty regulator. This device is connected to your plumbing system to reduce the risk of damage to your pipes and appliances. The ideal pressure for residential use is between 52 and 75 psi.

Unlike blockages and corrosion, when the regulator is not functioning, you will notice an immediate change in pressure. This will often require a replacement of the regulator, and a professional is the best person to examine it. Our plumbers will use a gauge to determine whether the issue actually is with the regulator. The main valve will be shut off before replacing this component.

When you have a water problem, you need to fix it before it damages your plumbing and appliances. Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is a family-owned company with a reputation for outstanding services throughout the South Charleston area. We offer quality heating, cooling, and plumbing solutions whether the assignment entails installation, maintenance, or repair. Call us today for more information.

As long as you take good care of your plumbing, all the pipes, drains, and fixtures should stay in decent condition. Responsible homeowners do not want any problems with their properties’ plumbing because leaks and other issues lead to costly repairs. Contacting a plumber at the first sign of trouble remains a smart move, and so is taking preventive steps. Requesting a plumbing inspection could assist with staying on top of any necessary repairs. Often, the sooner you get to a problem, the less expansive the repairs turn out.

Plumbing Inspections: The “Why’s”

Questions do arise about the frequency of a plumbing inspection. Most homeowners, unfortunately, do not request routine inspections. Any frequency would be better than nothing, but some intervals are better than others. Before figuring out when to have a plumbing inspection done, it is a good idea to know why. A perfect example will become clearer when discussing issues surrounding pipe corrosion. If a home’s pipes show signs of early corrosion, chances indicate a leak is imminent. Discovering such problems can lead to replacing the worn pipes months before the leak occurs. The discovery has many upsides. Once a leak starts, the resultant water could do a great deal of damage. Replacing the pipe before a leak happens helps homeowners avoid such extra expenses.

Choosing a Reliable Plumbing Inspection Duration

As for when you should get plumbing inspections, once every two years is recommended. An annual review might not be necessary as plumbing systems do not degrade as quickly as mechanical ones, such as an HVAC system. Therefore, having a professional check it out every 24 months makes sense. That said, there may be times when requesting an inspection earlier than once every two years becomes a good idea — looking at a few examples of when more frequent inspections are worthwhile. Requesting a plumbing inspection in South Charleston is not difficult. Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling provides inspection services and more, including repair and installations.

Moving Into a New Home

Someone who only recently bought a new home might find frequent inspections to be advisable, at least during the early years of ownership. Lacking a track record living in the home means there is not a full picture of the plumbing’s condition. Likely, you only go by what the previous owner told you in the lead up to the closing. So, waiting 24 months before requesting a plumbing inspection could be too long. Maybe once a year is more advisable.

Troubles in the Neighborhood

External factors could necessitate calling someone in to check the plumbing more frequently. For example, if sewer lines or drains tend to back up in the neighborhood, problems outside of your home’s control create more preventive maintenance responsibilities. Do you also notice that roots are breaking up sidewalks on your block? Underground roots may be causing chaos in the neighborhood. They might not have disturbed the plumbing when you had the last inspection done, and you do not know how fast those roots are growing. So, you have to keep a closer eye on things. Many factors can cause trouble for your plumbing system. Ultimately, if you are unsure about the intervals between full plumbing inspections, ask your plumber for a recommendation.

Plumbing Fixes and Inspections

When plumbing woes occur and you have called the plumber from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to fix things, this could be a good time to request a thorough inspection. A plumber is already at your residence. Take the opportunity to ask the pro to check things out. Make the request in advance, though. This way, the plumber prepares for the inspection and does not have to come back on a different day.

Staying on Top of the Plumbing

In the aftermath of either repairs or inspections, stay on top of any issues with the plumbing system. If you notice the signs of leaks such as yellowing or peeling plaster in the walls or ceiling, do not wait several months before asking someone to check things out again. Even though things were fine a few weeks ago, things can go wrong unexpectedly and lead to a new problem.

Since 1950, Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has served local customers for any plumbing needs. We also handle heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and ductwork. If you want any assistance, please call Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston today to set up an appointment.

A home’s plumbing system sometimes suffers from benign neglect because people don’t worry much about it. The pipes and drains operate without any troubles. The same is true of the fixtures. So, why worry? Things work without problems until, one day, they don’t. Then, we realize how important it becomes to keep a careful eye on the plumbing system in your home. Things can go wrong even when we try to be diligent. Unfortunately, not everyone practices the best habits for taking care of a plumbing system. A homeowner might also commit more than a few mistakes known to damage pipes, drains, and more. Doing so creates both unnecessary costs and hazards. Here are some things to think about to avoid causing damage.

Relying on Corrosive Drain Cleaners

Corrosive chemicals can do a lot of damage to drains. When sinks become clogged, however, people rush to pour chemical drain cleaners down into the pipes. They could do so time and time again, not realizing they are potentially damaging the metal.

Even worse, they could be pouring the wrong kind of cleaners to deal with a particular clog. Drain cleaners intended for the sink should not be flushed down the toilet. People don’t always read the labels, however, and rush into taking the wrong action. The result may prove costly if excessive damage results.

Allowing Pipes to Rust and Corrode

Over time, pipes may suffer from corrosion. If the metal pipes are replaced on time, some disasters could be avoided. However, allowing the problem to persist could lead to leaks springing up everywhere and drains crumbling. Now, expect to spend a lot of money to cover the repair and replacement work.

Sometimes, the corrosion problem might not be as obvious. Rusted valves, for example, may not move, but the owner may even know since he or she isn’t in the habit of turning the valves on or off. When an emergency breaks out and the valves don’t work, the homeowner learns how dire circumstances are. [Company_name] handles a wide range of plumbing services. South Charleston locals can call and ask about leaks or faucet repairs and more.

Leaving Pipes Unattended and Unprotected

Homeowners who leave a property unoccupied, even for a short period, should take steps to protect the plumbing. Shutting off the water at the curb and draining the pipes could prevent serious problems. In the winter, pipes are at risk of freezing. With no water in the drained pipes, there won’t be any expanding ice that would shatter the copper lines. Taking the extra step of insulating the pipes could add even further protection against freezing.

Even in moderate climates, it might be best to shut the water off when going away from home. A pressurized leak could occur and run until discovered. If that takes several days, the damage could be extensive.

Be Wise With Disposals

Please understand that plumbing systems have limited disposal options. Certain things should not be flushed down the toilet because they can cause clogs or other problems. Also, even the most durable garbage disposal has its limitations. Some may think they can get rid of virtually any refuse from the kitchen by dumping it down the disposal. Instead, they end up with terrible clogs and, possibly, a ruined garbage disposal.

Don’t abuse the plumbing system, or else the chances of damage increase. With damage comes regrettable expenses related to the necessary repair.

Fix Obvious Problems Without Delays

Ignoring what seems to be a minor problem could lead to disaster in the not-so-distant future. For example, a leaky faucet could send moisture into the air that creates corrosion. Rust is never the friend of any plumbing system and, in particular, other fixtures in the house. Moisture in the air can also cause damage to the walls and the ceiling, which further drives up repair costs due to extensive damage.

Dealing with a plumbing problem as soon as possible could make things easier for the budget-conscious homeowner. Pretending things aren’t as bad as they are, however, may prove highly regrettable.

Don’t hesitate to call Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston to request a routine or other plumbing work. Heating, cooling, and even home remodeling work is available for customers. The business first opened in 1950 and maintains a long reputation for helping people in the local area.

A certain amount of pride comes with being able to handle your own plumbing repairs at home. If you’re a weekend do-it-yourself enthusiast, you probably like to see the finished results and know that your handiwork allows important fixtures in the house to work better.

However, for all of your effort, you could risk compromising important fixtures and violating local codes for plumbing repairs and upgrades. Read on to learn about some common code violations to avoid when you work on the plumbing in your South Charleston home.

Using Illegal or Improper Materials

When you work on your home’s plumbing, it is important to find out what materials are allowed and which ones violate the local code laws. For example, you may think nothing of using corrugated pipes or rubber fittings to repair a drain or toilet. In fact, these materials are not permitted for plumbing use in many states now.

It is also illegal to use materials that are not designed for plumbing purposes. You cannot use a plastic soda bottle to repair a broken pipe under a sink, for instance. You also cannot use masking tape to seal holes and cracks. You must use the proper materials for the job if you want to avoid code violations where you live.

Failing to Leave Space Around Fixtures

Code enforcement laws require you to leave sufficient space around key bathroom and kitchen fixtures like the sinks and cabinets. You cannot crowd them into a tight space and expect them to be reasonable and comfortable to use. You must allow for the required amount of space as outlined by plumbing codes in your area.

This same space allowance must exist for the toilet in your bathroom. You must install it in a place that leaves plenty of room for it to be used comfortably without causing others to feel crowded or possibly get injured.

Plugging or Improper Installation of Water Heater Valves

One of the more dangerous code violations involves plugging the temperature and pressure valve in your water. This component, called a T & P valve, releases pressure and steam if the temperature or pressure in the tank gets too high. The valve will leak water as part of its proper function.

Some homeowners, however, plug the valve so that it cannot leak water on the floor. Plugging the valve can lead to the tank exploding. It can then cause significant injuries to people in the home.

If you fail to install the valve correctly, you likewise put your tank and home at risk of danger. You must learn how to install the valve properly or hire a professional plumber for the job to avoid this critical code violation.

Improperly Installed Sink Traps

Another job to hire a plumber for involves installing the traps in your bathroom and kitchen sinks. If you install it yourself improperly or use the wrong kind of trap, you risk violating the local plumbing code.

In fact, many homeowners still think it is OK to use S-traps in their kitchen and bathroom sinks. However, most modern plumbing codes stipulate that these traps do not allow for proper venting. Therefore, they are in violation of local codes and cannot be used in your home. Rather than use an obsolete sink trap, you need to find out which ones are allowed under your local code laws.

Wrong-Sized Drainage Pipes

You can violate the local plumbing codes where you live by using the wrong-sized drainage pipes. The piping that you use in this project must align perfectly with the size of the drain on which you are working.

If you use one that is too small, you will commit one of the most common plumbing code violations. At the same time, if you use piping that is too large for the drain, you also commit a violation.

Before you install piping in your home, you need to find out what size matches up to the drain. If you are not sure of how to make the match, you need to hire a professional plumber for the repair.

To spare you from committing these common plumbing code violations, consider hiring a professional plumber. At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we are ready to assist you in your home plumbing projects. Our technicians have the training and experience to get the work done properly and according to the city’s plumbing codes. In addition to plumbing, we also provide heating, cooling and indoor air quality services in South Charleston, WV.

Your plumbing system can break down or malfunction at any time of the day. Plumbing emergencies are usually due to one of 10 common reasons. All of these need to be dealt with promptly to prevent them from wreaking havoc in your home.

1. No Hot Water

The first thing to check is that the temperature setting on your hot water heater hasn’t been changed. This issue is usually otherwise caused by your hot water heater failing, an electrical issue, or a leak in your plumbing fixtures. Having a plumber figure out what’s happening is the first step toward a solution to this problem.

2. Leaky Faucets and Toilets

Leaky faucets and toilets can become an issue in your house. It’s not only annoying to listen to, but it can also cost you a lot of money as your cash figuratively goes down the drain. Just one faucet dripping in your home can result in hundreds of gallons of water needlessly being wasted each year. It’s usually the case that an internal washer has deteriorated or become dislodged. With the right tools, a homeowner can take care of this problem himself or herself.

3. Clogged Sinks and Bathtubs

Kitchen and bathroom sinks can become clogged for many reasons. People pour grease in their kitchen sink, for example, not realizing that once it cools, it will harden and clog the plumbing. Hair is a big issue for bathroom sinks and bathtubs.

You should be cautious about using chemicals to clear a clog. Don’t mix different chemicals as that can produce toxic gas. Chemicals can damage your pipes if you use them multiple times. You should also be cautious about using a snake tool since you can damage the pipe, resulting in possible major water damage and a need for a plumber to replace the pipe altogether.

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is a full-service heating, cooling, and plumbing company located in South Charleston, West Virginia. Our plumbers can safely clear your clogged sinks and bathtubs.

4. Burst Pipes

A common reason pipes burst is due to extremely cold weather. They can also burst due to being corroded by minerals and other particles in your water.

5. Sewer Backup

There are few things worse than the sewer backing up in your house. Sewers back up as a result of a blockage somewhere in the discharge pipe. Signs indicating that you may soon experience sewer backup are bad odors coming from your drains and a gurgling toilet.

6. Leaking Washing Machine Hoses

Washing machine hoses can break and begin to leak water. You should check them at least a few times a year to make sure they aren’t deteriorating. A leaking hose can result in mold and property damage.

7. Water Heater Leaks

Water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years. At some point, they’ll begin to leak water and eventually burst. This can result in property damage. Water heaters can also spring a leak due to a damaged water heater valve, which isn’t that expensive to fix. If there’s any rust, it’s time to replace your water heater.

8. Broken Waterlines

This can happen due to tree roots growing into them, normal deterioration, and poor water pressure. Another common reason is homeowners digging a hole without finding out first if there’s a water line in the area.

9. Clogged Toilets

Toilets getting clogged is a common occurrence. A toilet may be blocked, leaking, not flushing, or making strange noises. This needs to be handled quickly; it’s a possible health risk and can result in property damage.

10. Failing Sump Pump

Sump pumps are used in crawlspaces to remove water. Their failure is often the result of a stuck switch. This can happen when the sump pump shifts its position. The float that moves the switch becomes stuck against the side of the pump, which means the switch stops working. Another common issue is that debris has made the float immobile.

Your Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Specialist

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has been in business since 1950. We’re based in South Charleston, and our company proudly provides service to customers in Putnam and Kanawha counties. We install, maintain, and repair plumbing, cooling, and heating systems.

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we work on jobs of all sizes. We also offer 24/7 emergency repair services, and our company is locally owned, licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact us today if you have any questions.