Tag: homeowners

Back to School: Plumbing Basics Homeowners Need to Know

Plumbing 101 for Homeowners

As schools prepare for the start of a new school year, homeowners should hit the books as well and learn some helpful basics about their plumbing systems. By learning signs indicating plumbing problems and the need for repairs, the issues can be fixed quickly to reduce the costs and damage.

This post will share signs of common plumbing problems, such as water leaks and sewer line clogs and leaks, and explain the benefits of scheduling regular plumbing maintenance.

How to Spot Water Leaks

signs of water leaksThe sooner homeowners find a water leak in their house, the more money they’ll save on water costs, and the better their chances of limiting the water damage. Homeowners should look for these common signs to call for water leak detection and repair:

  • Low water pressure: A water leak can cause water to escape before reaching fixtures, reducing the water pressure.
  • Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew growth can signal excess moisture from a water leak.
  • Increased water bills: Unexpected spikes in the water bill indicate a leak is wasting water.
  • Damaged walls, ceilings, or floors: Water damage from a leak can occur on walls, ceilings, and floors.

Signs of Sewer Line Problems

signs of sewer line problemsOver time, sewer lines can experience clogs and blockages that must be cleared with drain cleaning. Sewer lines can also become damaged, causing them to leak and need sewer line repair. Signs that can point to problems like a sewer line clog or sewer line leak can include:

  • Unusual sounds: Unusual noises coming from the drains can indicate a clog, while running water sounds can point to a leak.
  • Slow drains: If the water takes longer to drain in sinks, bathtubs, or other drains, it indicates a sewer line issue.
  • Sewer backups: Backed-up drains and toilets can also point to a sewer line problem.
  • Foul odors: Unpleasant smells also indicate a problem with the sewer line.

Advantages of Plumbing Maintenance

While plumbing repairs or replacements may be needed from time to time, homeowners should schedule routine plumbing maintenance. Plumbing maintenance allows plumbers to inspect the plumbing, find any existing problems, and perform tasks to help avoid problems.

Regular plumbing maintenance has several benefits, including helping extend the lifespan of the plumbing, helping prevent future issues, and saving homeowners money. Homeowners should typically schedule a routine plumbing inspection and maintenance about once a year to keep their plumbing in top condition.

About Stonelink Plumbing & Heating

Stonelink Plumbing & Heating has been serving the East Providence area since 1976. They provide trustworthy technicians, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and the latest technology. Call them for plumbing services in East Providence, RI.

Why Homeowners Need Backflow Testing

What Homeowners Need to Know about Backflow and Backflow Testing

Backflow is something homeowners hope they never encounter, but it’s essential to schedule routine backflow testing in order to avoid it. Backflow occurs when wastewater enters back into the plumbing system instead of leaving the house because it flows in the reverse direction. This is very dangerous, as it can contaminate the water and jeopardize the community and household members’ health. This blog post will explain the dangers of backflow, what backflow testing is and how often it’s needed, and the importance of scheduling backflow testing. 

Risks of Backflow

dirty water Backflow can occur when the pressure in the water supply is lower than the pressure in the drainage system, such as when a fire hydrant is being used or when a water main is broken. It can also occur when a cross-connection exists between the potable water supply and a non-potable water source, such as a lawn irrigation system.

Backflow in a home’s plumbing system can be incredibly dangerous to not only the household but public health. Backflow occurs when water reverses in a plumbing system. Instead of disposing of the waste, bacteria, and contaminants in the water, backflow can cause them to flow into the home’s water system, leading to water contamination. The contamination of water due to backflow can make people sick and spread waterborne illnesses and diseases. Homeowners can help avoid these problems by scheduling routine backflow testing. 

Backflow Testing Explained

backflow testingWhen homeowners hire experts to perform backflow testing, the technicians will perform numerous tests and other tasks to determine if the plumbing system has a backflow issue and whether their backflow prevention devices are working correctly and can prevent backflow from occurring.

Backlflow testing typically needs to be done annually, allowing backflow testers to test the backflow preventers and fix them if they are faulty. This routine testing allows any problems that could cause backflow to be caught and fixed before they cause water contamination and problems for the community. 

Why Backflow Testing Is Needed

Backflow testing is essential for safeguarding the cleanliness and safety of water in homes and communities’ water supply. It prevents water contamination by ensuring that wastewater does not flow the wrong way. By regularly conducting backflow testing, professionals can detect any issues with the plumbing system that could lead to backflow and promptly address them. 

This routine backflow testing and potential backflow repairs help protect the health of household members and the broader community. Water contamination from backflow can spread waterborne diseases and illnesses, so preventing it with backflow prevention devices and routine backflow testing protects public health and well-being.

About Stonelink Plumbing & Heating

Stonelink Plumbing & Heating has over four decades of experience serving the East Providence area. They offer on-time service, the latest technology, and transparent pricing. Call them for plumbing and backflow services in East Providence, RI.