Slab Leak Detection Knoxville

How to Handle a Slab Leak in Your Home?

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Dealing with Slab Leaks

Slab Leak Detection KnoxvilleIs your water bill steadily rising each month with no sign of an end to this trend in sight? You might have noticed high amounts of water running through walls in your home or become aware of a warm patch on your floor in your living room. An increased heating bill is another warning sign that you may have starting noticing. If any of these situations above sound familiar or apply to your home, it is possible that you may be dealing with a slab leak.

Here are a few of the biggest slab leak warning signs and how that present themselves within your home:

Do You Hear a Running Water Noise?

Are you hearing running water sounds when none should be apparent? Whenever you are hearing the sound of water in your home, that sound has to be coming from somewhere. If you can’t see a leak with your own eyes, chances are that you have a slab leak. A slab leak is not visible to the naked eye, but it can cause disaster to your home if left untouched.

Warm Patches

Another common sign of a slab leak involves the presence of warm patches on the floors throughout your home. If you start to notice these types of patches in your home, it is a good idea to have your home inspected for a slab leak. How water pipes in your home are constantly insulated except for when they are a part of a radiant heating system. A sign that you might have warm patches can be pets.

Cracks on Walls and Flooring

Cracks on your walls and floors can be caused in a variety of different ways, but if you are dealing with increased water in the soil surrounding your home, it is likely that the cracks can be attributed to a slab leak. The water flow from the slab leak causes a vacuum effect over time that results in floor and wall cracks. At the first sign of cracking, you need to take action to determine the problem and rule out a slab leak.

Excessive Moisture

Increased amounts of moisture can also be the result of a slab leak. Water can flow through the leak and lead to increased moisture that turns into mold or mildew. You should always call a trained plumber at the first sign of mold growth within your home.

 

 

Tree Roots Drain Knoxville

How Do The Trees In Your Yard Effect Your Plumbing?

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Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging Your Plumbing

Tree Roots Drain KnoxvilleNow that spring weather has finally arrived, it is the perfect time of year for trees and shrubs to start to grow and flourish. This might enhance the curbside appeal of your home, but it can really wreak havoc to your home plumbing system. Slow drainage and a variety of other problems are often a result of overgrowing tree roots. If you want to prevent any future issues, there are a few preventative steps that you can take.

Here are the most helpful tips from trained and qualified Knoxville Plumbing professionals that will keep tree roots at bay and protect your plumbing system:

Knoxville Drain Tree Roots1) Be Aware of Sewer Line Location

Knowledge is always your best prevention tool, which means that you always need to know exactly where your sewer lines are located. This will keep you from planting any deep rooted trees or shrubs in the same area. If you can avoid planting near your sewer line, this is the most effective way to prevent roots from causing plumbing issues. If they aren’t near your sewer line, it is impossible for the roots to cause damage.

2) Be on the Lookout for Signs of Root and Plumbing System Issues

When roots start to hinder your plumbing system, it is often a gradual process. This means that there are warning signs before the problem worsens and larger damage occurs. If you notice consistently clogged drains, this could be a warning sign that roots have damaged your sewer line. Don’t let warning signs go without taking action. When you notice an issue, it is best to call Knoxville Plumbing right away.

3) Maintenance is a Great Way to Prevent Problems

Tree Roots Drain Cleaning KnoxvilleIt is always a good idea to have your sewer line inspected by a professional plumber each and every spring. This can help to prevent root growth within your plumbing pipes. Always hire a professional for maintenance, because proper tools and techniques are required for the best results.

If you want to make sure that your plumbing system is not wrecked by growing roots in your sewer line, it is best to call and schedule a maintenance appointment today with Knoxville Plumbing. We employ skilled and trained technicians with vast experience dealing with growing roots and sewer lines. If you have any questions or concerns, you should call us today and have any issues corrected immediately.

 

 

Low-or-no-water-pressure-fixed-by-your-knoxville tn-Plumber

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

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Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

Low-or-no-water-pressure-fixed-by-your-knoxville tn-PlumberWater pressure in your home is strictly regulated by a simple truth; that water flows from higher altitudes to lower altitudes. The water pressure in every tap or shower in your home will depend on the natural flow of water from a storage tank through the pipes to the eventual faucet. The only way you can determine the water pressure other than the natural flow of water is by using air pressure tanks. Unless you have air pressure tanks, you will have to rely on the natural pressure. There are some plumbing fixtures which can increase or reduce the water pressure but they won’t have the capacity or ability to influence the water pressure through the plumbing network. They can only play a role once the water flows into the special faucet or tap system, after which the pressure is controlled, increased or decreased.

You will have low water pressure in your house in certain specific circumstances. You may have very little water in your tank, to the point that it is unable to exert any additional pressure other than gravity pulling the flow of water downwards, to the eventual faucets, showerheads or taps. Or, you may have some problems in the plumbing network that is disrupting the water pressure.

The problem in the plumbing network can be due to leaks or cracks in some pipes, joints or some fissures somewhere. The low pressure may also be due to clogged pipes. Over years of use, pipes can have buildup of sediments. Pipes can corrode and rust, wear down and such obstructions will obviously reduce the water pressure.

It is very difficult for a homeowner to identify these problems without professional help. You may know if a faucet is leaking or if you have some problems with the sink, the flush in the toilet or the showerhead. But you cannot possibly locate a problem in concealed pipes or inside the pipes. That calls for the expertise of a trained and experienced plumber.

You should always get your water pressure checked, ideally much before it begins to become worrying. Leaky pipes, water oozing out from some place that you are not aware of or extremely clogged pipes are not ideal situations for any homeowner. From unclean water to property damage, there can be very serious consequences of not taking low or reduced water pressure seriously enough to call in the experts.

Knoxville tn repipe

Signs That Your Home Needs to be Repiped

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Signs That Your Home Needs to be Repiped

Knoxville tn repipeIt might not be as easy to spot, but an old rusty pipe in your home can act in much the same manner as thief in the night. This is due to the fact that they burst when you least expect it and cause extensive damage that ravishes your home. You won’t be able to believe your eyes when you see the amount of damage and destruction that a bursting old pipe can do to your home. However, we are a plumbing company that can help you avoid this type of damage and destruction by taking advantage of our repiping services. Repiping projects are quite complex and are best left in the hands of experienced and qualified plumbers that you can count on.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The fact is that your day is pretty jam-packed with important tasks. This means that you have little free time to waste and hardly have a minute to give your pipes an extra thought. However, it is essential that you give your plumbing the attention that it deserves to ensure that you never have to deal with the damage left behind by bursting pipes. Plumbing is a convenience that you likely take for granted and just expect to be at your beckon call. Having a repipe in Knoxville is in the back of your mind.

When you turn on your shower faucet or flush your toilet, you hardly give your plumbing a second thought. However, when your pipes burst in your home you will have to pay attention and act fast. The best way to avoid bursting pipes is to be proactive and look for early warning signs that can help you avoid damage. Paying a little now for plumbing services is preferred to paying a lot later when your pipes actually burst.

Keep A Close Eye On Water Pressure

Water pressure is one of the main warning signs that you should be on the lookout for. If your water pressure becomes low or you notice that the actual color of your water is changing, you need to call on a plumber. If your water starts to look like the color of rust, chances are that your pipes are close to bursting and require immediate attention. If you notice leaky pipes this should also be a red flag. If you simply pay attention and look out for signs of aging pipes, you should be able to catch the problem before they burst.

 

 

Knoxville Plumbing-Inspections

Should My New Home Have a Plumbing Inspection?

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Should My New Home Have a Plumbing Inspection?

For most people, a home is the biggest investment they will ever make, and a home is more than just paint and shutters. We inspect for termite damage, so why not plumbing and electrical

Knoxville Plumbing-InspectionsHaving a trained and licensed professional inspect that important part of the house will give you the relief and security to move in and live comfortably. While he cannot see what is inside the walls, he can judge the condition of what is inside, by looking at the condition of what is visible outside the wall; by looking at how and where a pipe enters the wall, and the way it was constructed. Their trained eye will spot things that may look fine to you, but shows signs of poor practices and materials.

Outside – A proper inspection may start at the street to see if the piping, whether galvanized iron, plastic, or copper tubing, is of the proper size and up to current codes. They will insure the water shut off valve is accessible and working. At this time they will make sure the sewer drain line has the proper cleanout trap near the house.

While still outside they will check that there are the proper outside spigots for garden hoses and that they are in usable locations and working condition. They will look to the roof to ensure the vent pipes are in place for all drain locations.

Inside – They will inspect every water access location in the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, and accessories, such as water softeners and icemakers. They will determine that the faucets are new, or in excellent shape and not leaking. They will look under the sinks to ensure there are shutoff valves on all fixtures, and the fittings are tight and not corroding. They will be alert for loose pipes where they exit the wall, and check if there is a bang when the faucets are turned off, indicating the air cushion has been lost, or not installed properly.

These points, and probably a hundred more, are what they will be checking. Sometimes it may be that something is just not right, and should be looked at more closely.

When you are purchasing a new–to-you home, and looking for a Knoxville Plumber to inspect that home, we would encourage you to give us a call! 🙂

Repipe plumbing in Knoxville Tennessee

Does Your Home Need To Be Repiped?

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Signs Your Home Needs To Be Repiped

Repipe plumbing in Knoxville TennesseePipes are sturdy installations. They are meant to last for years, unless a compromise had been made initially to install poor quality pipes. Plumbing installations are usually durable if the right brands and specs have been chosen at the right prices. However, everything has a lifespan and that holds true for pipes as well. Pipes are not meant to last forever. While some poor quality pipes may last just a year or few years, most pipes will show signs of ageing after several years. Also, the type of use and other external factors also play a role in determining the life of your pipes.

Ideally, you should attend to the maintenance of all your plumbing fixtures and that should include pipes. If you indulge in regular maintenance, which could be twice a year or at least once a year, then you will be safeguarded against some rude surprises. Else, you can refer to these signs that your home needs to be repiped.

  • If you find a major leak from any of the pipes in your home, then you obviously need to replace it. You can easily spot such leaks by looking for water damage. A serious leak springing a lot of water will cause damage to your property and that would be very hard to miss. A minor leak will also show signs of water damage or at least buildup of moisture in certain areas of the home which will also be hard to miss. If you find any such signs, then you should not wait any longer. Call an expert and get the pipe or pipes replaced. You should not think of repairing or sealing the leaks in these pipes. Sealing them will be a temporary solution and you will be spending money needlessly without any long term assurance that the leaks won’t recur.
  • You should keep an eye out for the water pressure in your home. If you see that the water pressure in the faucets or taps and showerheads has reduced substantially, then you may want the pipes to be checked. Leaks in the pipes, buildup of sediments, corrosion and other problems in the pipes can cause a drastic reduction in water pressure. You should also look out for water bursting through the taps in short spells. This also indicates obstructions or air gushing into the pipes, both of which are signs that you need repiping.
  • Another very helpful sign is colored water or water that tastes different. Buildup of chemicals, rusting, corrosion and sediments of various kinds will cause this problem. Repiping should be a wise choice at such a stage.

 

 

Knoxville Water Line Replacement

Why Install a Water Softener?

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Why Install a Water Softener?

Knoxville Water Line ReplacementIf you are tired of dealing with hard water in your home, you can have a water softener installed by a Knoxville plumbing professional that you trust. At first, you might assume that the concept of a water softener is difficult to understand, but it is relatively simple if broken down into basic terms. The fact is that some of the groundwater that flows into your home is filled with dissolved minerals. This type of water is referred to as hard water.

Why Does Hard Water Matter?

When this hard water moves through the pipes in your home it can leave behind mineral deposits of calcium and magnesium in your water supply and even result in scale and lime buildup within your pipes. Having hard water in your home is not ideal and a water softener can get rid of it. If you let your pipes buildup with hard water deposits for too long, you will be left with restricted water flow and low water pressure. This means that the fight against hard water is a battle you want to join.

Why Opt for a Water Softener?

Over time, hard water does not allow soaps and grease to dissolve properly, which can lead to clogged drains. If you are looking to not only preserve your water pressure but also keep your clothes and skin from being washes properly you might want to invest in a water softener. Having a water softener installed in your home allows the amount of lime and scale buildup to be reduced substantially. This means that taking showers and washing your clothes can become so much more enjoyable and less harmful to your pipes and drains. You can count on about 75% reduction of soap use once you invest in a water softener. The lifespan of appliances in your home that function using water will also be extended as a result.

How Does it Work?

A hard water softener is specifically designed to remove certain chemicals from your water. The chemicals that it most commonly removes includes both calcium and magnesium. A water softener works in similar fashion to an air purifier. It uses ion charges to deplete water of these chemicals and keep your water from being identified as hard. Now you water flow should be maintained and you will not have to worry about your water pressure being lowered.

 

Knoxville Repipe

Some Homes In Knoxville Needs to be Repiped… Is Your Home One?

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Some Homes In Knoxville Needs to be Repiped… Is Your Home One?

They say nothing lasts forever, and the pipes in your home won’t either. Sooner, or later, you may be faced with the question of whether or not to have the pipes, the plumbing, in your house, replaced.

Leaking-galvanized-pipe | Knoxville RepipeIn very old Knoxville homes

The galvanized iron pipes came in nominal lengths and every joint, connection, elbow, or tee, had threads in all the outlets and may very well begin to leak. In addition, iron rusts and often clogs the pipe so you have very little flow.

In newer Knoxville homes

Copper pipe replaced the galvanized iron pipe, and used soldered joints to replace the threaded ones. When properly installed, they should last for the life of the house. However, due to ground settling, earthquakes, remodeling and other unseen happenings, copper pipe and fittings may  crack, or a solder joint fail.

When Copper is in Short Supply in Knoxville

Which happens from time to time, various replacement materials, usually plastic have been used. Plastic is also commonly used in mobile homes and RVs.

So, How Do You Know If You Need To Repipe your Home?

Before you face the situation, and have your whole house repiped, do some checking. Are you having more leaks, and have your plumber on speed-dial? Does the water flow slowly and have a weak stream at your faucets? Do your pipes bang when the faucets are shut off? Is there rust in the water? If any, or all, these things are happening to your water system, you may need to have your home repiped.

A Major Job

Repiping a home is a major proposition,  so think carefully about the plumber you have do the job. Be sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Check with the Better Business Bureau, to see if any complaints have been filed. Ask if you can contact any of their customers.

If the repiping will require walls, ceilings, or floors be removed, or opened up for access, you might want to consider doing a remodeling and rewiring during the same period. That way there is no need for each profession to close up and finish the openings. In addition, a permit will likely be required to do any of the jobs and a contractor can manage the job and coordinate the sub-contractors

When undertaking such a job, we would recommend looking on line to see what Knoxville Plumbing LLC has to offer. http://knowvilleplumbingllc.com