6 Signs There is a Leaky Pipe in Your Wall and Solutions

While some of leaks are minor and easily found others are hidden inside the wall. These harmful hidden leaks are the most dangerous ones since they can cost you hundreds–even thousands–in damage to your home.

Here are six indicators that a pipe in your house is secretly leaking.

  1. Outrageous water bills
    If you have a lawn, your water cost typically increases in the summer. If you fill a pool or let the kids play in the sprinkler every day, you can anticipate seeing a big bill. But , an unexpectedly high bill could indicate a leaky pipe, which is far less entertaining. It might begin modestly and progressively grow each month. Maybe one month, you might be surprised by a larger-than-expected bill. In either case, if you don’t get it addressed, it will keep draining your finances and causing harm to your house. Keep an eye on your monthly water bill. Most likely, your water provider gives you a month-to-month comparison to aid in problem identification.
  2. Mold or mildew on non-shower walls

    Mold and mildew prefer dark, wet environments, so a leaky pipe in your wall makes the ideal roost. Hence, a leaky pipe could be the cause of mold or mildew growth on a wall other than a shower wall.
  3. Stained, damaged, or sagging walls, ceilings and flooring

    Hidden leaks from pipes nearby can result in warping, bubbling, sagging, or staining on any of the walls, ceilings, or floors of your home. Of course, some of these issues can also be brought on by excessive humidity levels. The likelihood that you have a hidden water leak increases when you couple this issue with high water costs and the aforementioned symptoms.
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  4. Musty smell

    The accumulated old water smells musty. Hence, if you clean your bathroom but it still smells musty, there probably is a concealed leak elsewhere in your house that is causing water to gather.
  5. An ongoing meter
    water_meter
    You turned off the water in the entire house. You make sure no appliances or toilets are running. Your water meter ought to stop entirely, right? Yes. Testing water is far simpler than testing your electric meter. In the absence of a power failure, you always use some electricity. If the meter is still running, you most likely have a leaky pipe.
  6. Wet Areas

    You might actually discover moist areas. They can be on the lawn or close to your house outside. When there hasn’t been any rain, puddles or mud may be visible along the exterior walls. The damp areas could even be inside the house. Mold and mildew will swiftly appear where there is water. possibly even structural harm. Hence, investigate that leaky pipe by paying attention to the signs.

While you clean the area around the hole that has to be mended, turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes. Any sharp edges that might cut through the patch should be smoothed with a metal file. Attach the patch and repair clamp so that they cover the broken pipe segment in a uniform layer. To stop the leak, tighten the clamps. Don’t waste your and quickly call a plumber to fix the leakage.

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Low Water Pressure: Typical Problems and Potential Fixes

You already know that having running water at home is essential for many different chores. But unless you experience a water pressure issue, you might not realize how much you depend on it.

Low water pressure can be very annoying, especially if the issue keeps getting worse. Low water pressure can occasionally be resolved quickly, but it can also persist over time. Homeowners would benefit from being aware of the typical causes of low water pressure as well as possible solutions. Additionally, homeowners might gain from knowing how to avoid future instances of low water pressure.

Water pressure issues can have a number of causes. Here is a look at some of these typical problems and potential fixes.

Buildup of Debris in Pipes

Water pressure can readily be affected by a pipe obstruction. If contaminants back up because of water main breaks, they may clog pipes. Over time, mineral buildup clogs pipes, which lowers water pressure.

Corrosion

Oxidation produced by corrosion builds up on the inside walls of pipes, obstructing the passage of water. It is typical in older galvanized steel pipes, just like mineral scaling. A corroded pipe ultimately starts to develop holes before it entirely breaks.

Meter valve for water

Your home’s water pressure may be affected by a valve that is partially open or closed. Check to determine if the water meter valve is fully open if you just had plumbing work done and the water pressure is low.

Broken Pressure Regulator

The purpose of the pressure regulator is to keep the water pressure constant in plumbing systems when one is installed. Adjustments are typically not required because the manufacturer typically sets it at between 45 and 60 psi. Adjust the regulator if your water pressure is low. But if the gadget is broken, it might need to be fixed or replaced, which calls for a qualified plumber.

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Closed Shut off Valves

There is a main shut-off valve for the homeowner as well as local shut-off valves in addition to the main shut-off valve. Any of these valves may have some of the way closed.

The homeowner should check the main shut-off valve for the house if the water supply for the entire house has been affected. The owner should check the local shut-off valves if only one fixture’s water supply has been affected.

When a plumbing fixture is not enclosed in a cabinet, such as a toilet, local shut-off valves are often found on the wall behind the fixture. Sinks and other fixtures that are installed in vanities typically have a shut-off valve on the wall below the fixture, which is frequently placed in the cabinet.

Sometimes there are shut-off valves in the wall behind the fixture for showers and bathtubs. Homeowners might discover an access panel on the wall behind the fixture to gain access to the shut-off valve. The local shut-off valve may be located in the home’s basement or crawl space if it cannot be accessed through an access panel behind the fixture.

Depending on the design and arrangement of the home, finding the main shut-off valve may be challenging. If a house has a basement, the shut-off valve is generally located 3 to 5 feet or less from the point where the water enters the house.

Water Supplier Issues

You can have low water pressure at home if your water provider is having issues with water pressure. You cannot resolve problems with your supplier or the public water supply from your house. Contact your water supply provider to find out if any issues are occurring and when they are anticipated to be rectified if your neighbors are also having a problem.

Plumbing leaks

Plumbing leaks can cause a wide range of issues. One of them is low water pressure, which occurs when some water in your plumbing system does not reach its intended location. It either pours out of the pipe or is diverted. Contact us immediately away for expert plumbing service in Northern Virginia if you see or suspect a leak. In order to stop further damage, Cardinal Plumbing offers emergency services and may respond right away.

There are many things that homeowners can do to keep their home’s plumbing in good condition. Following best practices can help them maintain their home’s value and a good quality of life in their home.

Some low water pressure problems are straightforward to resolve with do-it-yourself projects, including checking valves and using drain snakes, although this much relies on where the low water pressure is coming from and what’s causing it. However, it could be necessary to hire a professional agency to check your complete plumbing system if low water pressure affects your entire house or structure. You might need to replace your complete plumbing system if your pipes are old or your plumbing system is out of date. More issues than just low water pressure might be brought on by clogged or damaged water lines.

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Elgin, Illinois – Learn How to Spot Potential Repair Scams

Spot Potential Repair Scams That Might Lead to Poor Plumbing Work

Plumbing plays an important role in the proper functioning of a home. Therefore, it is important that you take the utmost care and caution when repairing any work related to plumbing.

Always do your research and be aware of potential plumbing scams. Know what to expect from the professional plumbing experts who come to service your plumbing problem.

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How to Avoid Potential Plumbing Repair Scams

Seek Multiple Estimates
Before finalizing your decision about hiring a plumber, you should seek out at least three estimates with their detailed breakdown costs. If you find any plumbing contractor is proactively giving the quote over the phone, it would be better to avoid him.

After all, a plumber should be able to assess the damage and cost of repairing them only after visiting the job site.

Once you receive the estimates, you need to compare them and if you find one of the quotes is much lower than the others, you should be leery about it. An excessively lower estimate does not include all the labor and equipment costs for which you will be responsible for paying before finishing the plumbing work.

Before starting the job, you need to pay a specific amount of money as a down payment. Usually, 10% of the total plumbing cost is considered as the standard down payment amount. But when a plumber asks for a larger amount, you should be suspicious as it will raise the chance that he could take the money and run.

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Beware of Theft
If you are living in a rental or apartment building, you need to be aware of common scams as a plumber may claim that he has been sent by the house owner or the water department and instructed to check the water connection and do some necessary repairs.

In many cases, these are fake people whose intent is to steal valuable items from your household. Therefore, you must verify the identity of a plumber from the homeowner or the building supervisor before letting him enter into the house.

Compare, Compare and Compare
Another common scam is to seek money in the name of expensive parts. But in reality, the plumbers use the cheaper parts and a major portion of the profit goes to their own pockets.

Hence, whenever you are asking for a quote, instruct the plumber to mention the make and model of every major part or equipment. Then, compare the cost of each item with the local building supply store to know whether any major price difference is there.

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Backflow Testing And Repair In The Chicago, IL Area Simple Solution

Need a backflow system repaired or tested in the Chicago area?

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Things to Consider Before Choosing a Backflow Testing & Repair Service Provider in Elgin, Illinois

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How To Choose A Backflow Testing & Repair Service in Elgin, Illinois.

The task of selecting a backflow testing & repair service or tester to verify your backflow prevention device is not an easy task, especially when your water utility controlling body in Elgin, Illinois sends you the alarming ‘Backflow Testing Due’ reminder. The water distribution system is designed in such a way that keeps the water flow in one direction, that is, from the water supply point toward the consumer.

However, due to unavoidable situations sometimes conditions occur either from the supplier’s side or from consumers when this rule deviates, and that causes the water to flow in opposite direction. This problem is known as backflow. Now, a backflow device helps to prevent the contamination of potable water.

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Sometimes backflow contamination can be extremely risky and even fatal. Therefore, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has entrusted the responsibility to maintain the purity of the water to the local agencies. That’s why water suppliers in Illinois need to test backflow prevention devices annually.

Importance of Choosing the Professional Backflow Testing Services in Elgin Illinois

Whether you need backflow testing or repair service for your residential or commercial place, it is essential to consider a professional service provider with whom you can completely entrust the service.

After all, a properly functional backflow device avoids the potential risk of flowing contaminated water, industrial fluids, used water, and other substances from different sources like residential, institutional, or industrial piping systems into a filtered and pure water system. Therefore, it is essential to conduct the backflow testing typically once you are sent the reminder.

fox-valley-commercial-backflow

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Verify Certification
When choosing a backflow testing or repair service provider company or individual tester, you have to always remember that the service needs to be performed by a person having a valid Certification of Competency issued by the health officer from the county of Elgin, Illinois, or the county of Chicago, Illinois based on your location. In addition, you need to enquire about the validity of that certification in order to find out whether the certificate is current.

Judge the Expertise
Only professional backflow testing and repair services in Elgin, Illinois can offer backflow testing and repairing services performed by certified testers. In most cases, those testers also have expertise in other plumbing services. It is essential to choose a professional tester. Therefore, choosing a professional company that can serve both purposes can save you time and effort.

Looking for a Cost-Effective Solution?
You should find out technicians who are specially trained to evaluate your plumbing system and offer necessary recommendations to minimize or avoid future test failure. Choose a backflow testing company that can not only conduct the test but also suggests you the necessary solution in case of water shutdown.

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Best Practices in Choosing the Right Sump Pump for Your Home

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How do you decide which sump pump is best for you?

There are several cheap units available in hardware stores but should you get them? As with other things, cheap units will cost you several hundred dollars more.

Does every home need a sump pump?

Every area doesn’t need a sum pump as per law. If your house hasn’t seen standing water for considerably long periods, a sump pump isn’t necessary. But if the house feels damp or has seen flooding, a sump pump should be considered. Apart from waterproofing, a sump pump will make the environment healthier and save any appliances or other possessions.

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But what is a sump pump?

This pump remains buried in a tub under the basement floor and collects and discharges water to prevent water from flooding the home. If you need to check before deciding to get a sump pump, plaster a few strips of plastic tape onto the wall and leave it in there for two-three days. Do this in several places and when you peel off the plastic layer, a wet wall will tell you what you seek to know.

In modern constructions, the pump is fed by drain lines placed under the house and around the foundation wall. In earlier constructions, retrofit pumps were used that had drain lines feeding the pump.
Irrespective of the type, the sum pump works to keep the water from flooding the house.

Which type of pump should you buy?

There are two types of pumps: Pedestal and Submersible
• Manual or automatic – choose which type of pump you would prefer. Manual may save you money, but automatic is better.
• Float type – tether or vertical.
• Housing material – cast iron, stainless steel, thermoplastic, aluminum, etc. Probably the stronger the housing, the better the unit.
• Gallons per hour flow – if you live with a high water table, or where there is a lot of rain, more gallons per hour are important.
• Backup and alarm systems – what you prefer will be based on your lifestyle.
• Motor amps – like the vacuum cleaner, the higher the amperage the stronger the motor. Consider 12amps, but fewer than 10amps would probably not serve you long.
• Horsepower – the most popular units, and those recommended by most professionals, are 1/2 to 1/3HP. For minor problems, there is no need to go overboard.
• Discharge port size. A 2″ pipe is usually the largest you can find.
• Price range. Again, you get what you pay for. Online you can find a good cast-iron submersible, 1/2HP unit, with a vertical float, for $200 – $300. Shop around and purchase when you find the best fit.
These are some of the points to keep in mind when looking for a sump pump.

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Barrington, Illinois – Clogged Drains and Pipes What You Should Know

Plumbing issues are like pests that sometimes will not go away easily.

Barrington, Illinois – A clogged drain can occur anywhere and anytime. Some problems can be solved without calling a professional plumbing service. Most experienced plumbing companies can detect the root cause of a clogged drain in a few minutes.

If the clog is not a massive obstruction they can usually unclog the drain within a couple of hours. However, this is not always the case.

Either way, it is always good to have the experience of a professional. This will help you understand what the main reason is behind the clogged drain so you can prevent it from happening again.

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Grease: Cooking oils and greases generally stick to kitchen drains & pipes. Hair grease starts in the bathroom drains. If grease is not removed quickly then it can attach itself to any surface and become hard. This would be a good time to call in professional plumbing service to unclog your drains. Schedule regular maintenance to eliminate problems in the future.

Hair: One of the most common things found in a drain is hair. It clogs a drain almost instantly. This is when draining anything becomes troublesome. Hair and skin oils and lotions can be problematic for your drains.

If possible, always cover your shower and bath drain with a filter or screen. In addition to using organic products, this can help the drain to remain clear.

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Food: It is not surprising to know that food can cause a lot of harm to your pipes and drains. All food pieces can potentially obstruct your drains and pipes. It takes more than water flow to break down food. As we all know this can lead to a bad situation. Making a bad problem worst is not a good idea. Always call professional help to unclog your drains and avoid using drains as garbage disposals.

Paper: Several types of paper are out there. Some claim they dissolve (not), and some have plastics and other dangerous materials in them. Always use toilet paper in the bathroom and paper towels in the kitchen. Napkins & diapers do not belong in the bathroom. Keep all facial tissues; wet towels, wet wipes, and anything other than toilet paper out of the toilet.

Bath Salts: Pampering your body after a tiring day can be invigorating for your mind and body but not your drains. To eliminate the chances of a clogged drain, it is better not to use bath salt. It does not dissolve in water easily and can lead to a clogged drain.

It can be almost impossible for a homeowner to avoid a clogged drain, but preventive measures can stop a bad problem from becoming worse. If you need a drain unclogged in or near Barrington, Illinois Call fox valley plumbing & backflow.

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Does Your Local Plumber Have the Right Qualifications?

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Does Your Local Plumber Have a Good Reputation?

In a service business, reputation is critical. As you’re considering quality plumbers in or around the Algonquin, Illinois area, be sure to get recommendations from peers and family. You can get references from specific plumbers with whom they’ve worked. Call their previous clients and make sure they had a terrific experience.

You can also find out about a company’s reputation online. Don’t put too much emphasis on one review, but if they have a lot of negative comments from different people, that’s surely a no-no!

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Does Your Local Plumber Have the Right Qualifications?

Everyone loves their family and friends, but when you need quality plumbing repair in or around Algonquin, Illinois, it’s important not to call on your family or friends to do the job if they aren’t qualified. Find individuals who have the appropriate qualifications and don’t be scared to call the agencies to make sure their licenses are still valid.

To verify a plumber in Algonquin, Illinois, you can do a search online for Fox Valley Plumbing. A fast and easy search will save you hours in frustration and thousands of dollars in plumbing repair costs.

Finding a quality plumber in or around the Algonquin, Illinois area doesn’t have to be a stomachache or take all day. Just use these four simple guidelines: a well-written transparent estimate, local experience, a good reputation, and updated credentials to find the right plumber. When a plumbing repair company has all four in line, you’re much more likely to have a quality experience.

If you’re looking for a plumber in or around Algonquin, Illinois, you can check us out on HomeAdvisor, Yelp or Google to see what others are saying and then give us a call.

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Quality Plumbers In Or Around the Algonquin, Illinois Area

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Kane County Residents

Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing Services is a full-service plumbing company in Elgin, Illinois. Our professional plumbers are available 24/7 for emergency service.

We carry a variety of top-shelf plumbing brands including Zoeller, Bradford White, Navien, and many others. We can also assist with plumbing installations, repairs, remodeling/renovation, and industrial & commercial plumbing services.

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If you need help with plumbing repair in your Algonquin, Illinois business or residence, you will want to make certain you choose a top-rated plumber. Bad news, so many people out there call themselves plumbers but couldn’t begin to spell “quality work”. They are messy, uncourteous, or in the worst cases outright felons.

Locating a good plumber in Algonquin, Illinois doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these 4 simple guidelines to ensure that the plumbing repair company you hire for your next repair is professional, does awesome work, and gets the task completed in a timely manner.

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Do They Give You A Well Written Estimate?
More bad news, we don’t live in the times where a handshake and a person’s word is something we can depend on.

A professional plumber will arrive at your residence or business first, take a look at the problem and give you a well-written, easy-to-understand estimate. When consumers have a tangible estimate in writing, it’s something they can hold to.

Well-written estimates should be completely transparent.
They should include the work needed for the plumbing repair, the estimate for each task, and an approximate timeline, especially if the issue is major.

Take time to interview plumbing contractors as they walk around to review the plumbing job. If they give you a good feeling about them in person, that’s very important.

Do They Have a Lot of Experience Servicing Algonquin, Illinois, Or Its Surrounding Areas?
You want to make sure that the plumbing professional you hire has plenty of experience with residents and businesses alike in and around the Algonquin, Illinois area.

The worst thing that can happen is that a fly-by-night contractor comes in after a major disaster, does a poor job, and vanishes.

We cannot stress this enough. When you hire a plumber, be certain they have a substantial amount of experience doing plumbing repair in your local area. They should be well known and have a long-term physical location in or close to the Algonquin, Illinois area.

Different geographical areas have their own specific problem problems due to weather, design, and other geographical differences.

Give us a call if you need help with plumbing repair in your Algonquin, Illinois business or residence.

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