Cast Iron Pipe Repair: Should You DIY or Let a Professional Help?

Cast Iron Pipe Repair: Should You DIY or Let a Professional Help?

Cast iron pipe repair is a serious issue for anyone who owns a home built before 1975. Is it possible to DIY a repair job? In this article, we discuss how to fix a leaking cast iron pipe and when you should contact a professional plumber. If you home has cast iron pipes, listen up. Sooner or later, your pipes are going to leak. It’s not a question of if but of when, and when it happens, you need to be prepared. Want to learn how to fix your leaking cast iron pipes? Curious about when it might be time to bring in someone who knows what they are doing? Here’s everything you need to know. How Do I Know if I Need to Repair My Cast Iron Pipes? 1. Leaking If you find leaks coming from your wall or floor, it might be time to check for cracks in your pipes. This damage allows water to seep through the iron and wreak havoc on your home. 2. Mold or Mildew Similar to leaks, cracks in your pipes can allow excess moisture inside of your home. Humidity creates the perfect environment for fungus to grow. 3. Pungent Odor Your sewer … Continue reading Cast Iron Pipe Repair: Should You DIY or Let a Professional Help?

How Long Do Cast Iron Pipes Last? 4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Them

How Long Do Cast Iron Pipes Last? 4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Them

How long do cast iron pipes last? It’s an important question if your home’s plumbing is on the older side. This article explains a few of the signs to look for if you have cast iron pipes in your home. If your home was built before 1970, it’s likely that you could have cast iron plumbing. Why is this a problem? Well, unlike current options, cast iron pipes are susceptible to corrosion, which means you could be looking at expensive repairs if you don’t nip the problem in the bud. It’s not always possible to know when your plumbing needs to be replaced, since it’s hidden behind plaster, wood, and drywall. However, if your pipes are made out of cast iron, these signs could mean that it’s time to get in touch with a plumber. Water Discoloration If you sometimes see discolored water—usually brown or yellowish in color—coming out of your taps, your pipes could be damaged. Discoloration is the result of years of corrosion. This is the most common sign that your cast iron pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. Frequent Leaks A leak here and there might not point to a widespread problem with your plumbing. … Continue reading How Long Do Cast Iron Pipes Last? 4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Them

What’s the Average Cost to Repipe a House?! 5 Reasons to Get an Estimate Now

What’s the Average Cost to Repipe a House?! 5 Reasons to Get an Estimate Now

The average cost to repipe a house depends on many different factors—the size of the house, the material the plumber uses, and the rate of the plumber, to name a few. In the end, the cost can range anywhere from a few grand to $15,000 and above. The bottom line is this: the longer you wait to get your home’s pipes inspected, the more likely the damage and wear are going to be severe. And that means you are going to be spending more to get things in working order. Here are five reasons you need to talk to your plumber to get an estimate ASAP. You Know Your Pipes Are Getting Old If it has been a long time since you have had your home’s pipes replaced, you should contact a plumber as soon as you can. The general rule of thumb is that if your home is between 40 and 50 years old and the pipes have never been replaced, then you probably need to start looking for a plumber you can trust to do the job. You have Frequent Leaks It should go without saying, but the pipes in your home should not leak. If you have … Continue reading What’s the Average Cost to Repipe a House?! 5 Reasons to Get an Estimate Now

Dishwasher Drain Clogged? Top 3 Reasons (and Some DIY Tips)

Dishwasher Drain Clogged? Top 3 Reasons (and Some DIY Tips)

Is your dishwasher drain clogged? It’s easy to take this kitchen appliance for granted, so when yours stops working because of a clog, it can leave you elbows-deep in dirty dishes. If you are dealing with a clogged dishwasher drain, here are some of the most common reasons that the water won’t drain properly. Clogged Drain Basket Most dishwashers have a filter basket that prevents large scraps of food and other debris from going down the drain and mucking up your plumbing. If you do not clean out this filter basket regularly, it could cause a clog. Does your filter basket look like a clogged street drain? You should remove it and clean it by hand. If you have hard water and you notice buildup on the filter, soak it in vinegar to loosen it up. Clogged Drain Hose If your filter basket does not appear to be the problem, you should check whether the drain hose is clear of blockages. This hose is what connects your dishwasher to your home’s plumbing. Broken Sewer Line If your dishwasher drain clogged and neither of the above reasons is the cause, you could be looking at a more serious plumbing problem. One … Continue reading Dishwasher Drain Clogged? Top 3 Reasons (and Some DIY Tips)

That Clogged Shower Drain Could Be a Sign of a Major ($$$) Plumbing Problem

That Clogged Shower Drain Could Be a Sign of a Major ($$$) Plumbing Problem

No homeowner wants to deal with serious plumbing issues. Unfortunately, many people miss some early warning signs of problems that end up costing them hundreds if not thousands of dollars. One of those early warning signs? The clogged shower drain. It seems so benign, an easily fixable problem that is nothing more than an inconvenience at the start of the day. Want to catch a critical problem before the water rises above your head? Here’s how to address three different clogged shower drain problems. If Your Shower Drains Slowly If you find yourself in the shower every morning standing in an inch or two of water, it’s possible that you have a partial clog. For clogs that do not completely obstruct your drain, you may not think you have much to worry about. The water is still going down, isn’t it? You just have to wait a bit longer. This type of clogged shower drain often requires a simple fix—perhaps you just need to remove a bunch of hair and debris that has built up. However, if removing an obvious clog does not improve your slowly draining shower, you could be looking at a more serious problem. For instance, your … Continue reading That Clogged Shower Drain Could Be a Sign of a Major ($$$) Plumbing Problem