hvacny

Bring In the Pros When Floodwaters Overrun a Private Well

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Tue, 12 May 2020 23:49:08 GMT

Floodwaters and private wells don’t mix!

Homes with private wells must be careful when there is a flood event or flooding disaster nearby, because the underground well can be contaminated by the floodwaters even after the water recedes. If an underground well has had contact with floodwaters, the water in the well can be unsafe to use for daily drinking or bathing purposes. A well that has been susceptible to contamination from a flood is no longer a potable reserve for water for a residence or commercial property. In those cases, well water that has been open to contamination from floodwaters can be a serious health hazard for humans. Drinking or bathing from water in a well made unsafe by floodwaters can even cause death for individuals who are exposed to contaminated water in those circumstances.

Water testing after a flood is a necessity.

Once the floodwaters have receded, many homeowners will be anxious to get back to their properties to find and salvage their personal belongings, as well as to clean up their flood-related debris. You should never touch, bath in, drink or come into contact with any flood-related debris from floodwaters after a flood. Before the water can be certified as safe to use again for daily household use, it will need to be professionally tested. The water will need to have a chlorinated process applied to it, to clear up all the flood-related contaminants to prevent reintroducing contamination to the area of the well.

When your well may be at risk of being contaminated, you should never use the affected flood contaminated water to:

•    Drink water
•    Make ice cubes
•    Cook with water
•    Brush teeth
•    Wash laundry
•    Bathing and showering

Boiling contaminated water is no fix!

You should be aware that although boiling clear water for over one minute can make it somewhat safer for use in some cases, the action of boiling highly contaminated water can also make the water wholly unsafe to drink. This is because boiling contaminants in water can also serve to increase the concentration of some contaminants such as nitrates. Contaminants hiding in water affected by flood may not be viewed or even seen with the naked eye. For this reason, contaminants and microorganisms may be lurking in what appears to be clean-looking water, but stay forewarned.

Bacteria, viruses, chemicals and even pesticides can remain as viable contaminants in well water that has been overrun by a flood, and these contaminants make your well water unsuitable and unsafe to utilize for your home and family needs.

It is important to remember that floodwaters and carry viruses, bacteria and molds over many large land areas, even over entire neighborhoods, to contaminate water resources serviced by these regions.

For safety reasons, and to prevent the risk of shock, a well pump that has been overrun by floodwater should not be used until it is cleared by an electrical professional to say that it is all safe to use again. After the floodwaters go down again, schedule an electrical professional to come to your home to check out any electrical systems related to the pump to assess any damaged components before it is used again.

If you experience floodwaters in or around your residential or commercial property, just give us a call for assistance. We are here for you 24/7 and can come to you in any season. We are able to give you peace of mind and help you get back to a normal schedule after a water damage loss related to floodwaters.

Hazardous Sewage Contaminants in Charlotte, North Carolina

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Tue, 12 May 2020 23:44:20 GMT

You should always call in the pros when hazardous sewage water invades the home.

Water always finds the path of least resistance when it is invading the home unannounced. Water damage can be a destructive force in a home or business. It can penetrate foundations and lower level structures to weaken materials in the home’s inner walls and foundation quickly. Add to the element of general water damage the factor of sewage that can accompany water when there is a sewage leak event in the home or business property.

When sewage water contaminates the basement area of a home, or lower levels of a commercial property, it brings with it a highly significant threat to human health and safety in those regions. Sewage water contains high levels of contaminants, including:

•    Pharmaceuticals
•    Human waste
•    Lead
•    Mercury
•    Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
•    Sterols
•    Anaerobic bacteria
•    Detergents
•    E. coli
•    Pathogenic organisms
•    Biologically active compounds
•    Environmental hazards
•    Environmental estrogens
•    Nitrogen
•    CODs, BODs, TOCs
•    Phosphorus
•    Grease and oils
•    Biodiesels
•    Bacteria
•    Bacillus
•    Clostridium
•    Salmonella
•    Shigella
•    Staphylococcus
•    Nitrobacter
•    Flagellates
•    Viral pathogens
•    Hepatitis A

The cleanup of sewage leaks can be critical to help prevent adverse effects on human health. The presence of human waste in sewage water is especially dangerous because there are over 100,000 different types of viruses that are found in human waste. Other pathogenic diseases that can be spread through sewage water include:

•    Typhoid fever
•    Diarrhea
•    Gastroenteritis
•    Cholera

The chemicals that may be present in sewage water may also vary depending on the type of catchment, such as to whether there are combined:

•    Domestic wastes
•    Industrial wastes
•    Dead animal wastes

Any time that a residence or commercial building is contaminated with a sewage backup, the sewage needs to be cleaned up and the area requires sanitation immediately. Once the sewage is able to penetrate the walls of a home structure, the wood, concrete or other areas of the home related to the foundation of a building or the building itself, there is the opportunity for the growth of dangerous microorganisms and mycotoxins to occur.

The sewage will leave behind a long list of contaminants, waste products, diseases and hazardous compounds, which threaten human health and safety. Additionally, the water and fungus often accompanying a sewage backup allow the prime conditions to exist for the initialization of a growth of gram-negative bacteria, toxic fungus and dangerous microorganisms that are adverse and hazardous to human health.

Whenever you have a sewage water leak or floodwaters that contain sewage or contaminated water affecting your residential or commercial property, just give us a call. We will come to you fast to remediate sewage water cleanups to protect your property and your health. We will get you back up and running fast. Call today!

Ready for Spring: Schedule Seasonal Plumbing Service Now | Monroe, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 03:29:18 GMT

Springtime is closer than you think, and with the arrival of spring comes the scheduling of seasonable plumbing service and the inevitable readying of the plumbing system in your Monroe, NC, home for sunny days ahead. While your plumbing service professional will do the bulk of the work, there are some things you can do to make sure that your plumbing is spring ready.

Interior Plumbing Maintenance

Checking your indoor plumbing regularly can help you stave off any problems on down the road. Some things to do now, before spring is fully sprung, include:

• Check for damp floors and pooling water under your sinks. Leaks can be expensive to fix once they've taken a foothold and done major damage. While you're under the sinks detecting leaks, be sure to check your scrubbing and drain cleaners for corrosion, cracks, and missing caps. These cleaners are super caustic, so if you have to store them near your pipes, they need to be in good condition.

• Visually check all indoor connectors and faucets. Turn your faucet taps and shut-off valves. You want to be sure they're fully operational and turn on and off smoothly. Test hot and cold water taps independently, looking for low water pressure. This can signify a leak in your plumbing lines.

• Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank on your toilets. Wait several minutes. If you see color seeping through into the bowl, then you'll know that the flapper in your tank has failed or is failing. Your plumbing service pro can replace it in a jiffy.

• Clean your showerhead to rid it of mineral deposits that can reduce water pressure and performance. To do so, just unscrew the head, and then soak it in vinegar to loosen up the debris and buildup of particulate matter before rinsing and screwing it back on. For particularly dirty showerheads, affix a plastic bag filled with vinegar using a rubber band to hold it in place on the showerhead overnight. Scrub off deposits using a scrub brush or a toothbrush.

• Check your water heater, looking for leaks or pooled water. Think about having your tank flushed to remove any sediment that has accumulated since its last flush; this sediment can end up corroding your tank, causing clogs, low performance, and eventual tank failure.

• Make a visual inspection of the pipes running along the interior walls of your Monroe, NC, home. You're looking for signs of damage or leaks. If those pipes are wrapped in insulation, unwrap them to look for dampness or mold, then rewrap them in case another bout of cold weather comes your way.

• Head down to the basement and check on your sump pump, if you have one. Pour several gallons or buckets of water into the pump's pit, and then observe a full cycle of operation. Contact your plumbing services professional right away if the pump fails to turn on or complete a cycle. It should drain the water completely; if it does not, then there's a problem. A normally operating sump pump will come on automatically, discharge the water fast, and then shut itself off again.

• Adjust the temperature of your water heater. If you're like many folks, you turn your water heater up in the winter to counteract the cooler temps and the resulting performance lag experienced when the mercury plummets.

• Look for bulges and leaks in the supply hoses that run to your dishwasher, ice maker, and washer.

Outdoor Maintenance

The maintenance of outdoor plumbing is equally as critical as that of indoor plumbing. Help get your exterior plumbing service up to speed in time for mother nature's arrival with a few simple actions:

• Restore the flow of water to your outdoor faucets. Check each tap to ensure it turns on and off with minimal effort. The faucets should be free of leaks.

• Check and prime your irrigation system, if you have one, or call on your plumbing service pro to do it for you.

• Reattach any hoses that were disconnected in preparation for cold weather. Check each hose to ensure there are no leaks or cracks present.

• Clean the gutters to rid them of any debris that has piled up in them over the winter months and to take care of any flowers and seeds dropping from trees in the early spring. Blocked gutters can result in blocked downspouts and eaves, which can cause water damage.

• Walk around the area where your home's septic tank is installed, if you have one. Make note of any suspicious wet spots or puddling of water, and call on your local plumbing service for an inspection if you think there's a problem. Letting the problem fester will just make things worse, so act quickly to resolve any issues before they become a big and expensive mess.

• Check your plumbing vent pipes for bird nests. Birds are busy making babies this time of year, and they can be creative with nesting.

Reverse De-Winterizing

If you de-winterized a vacation home or rental property, then the time is nearly on hand to reverse all those steps you took in the colder months so that the home is ready for occupancy again. This normally involves programming alarm systems and thermostats, plugging appliances back in again, draining your water softener and water heater, and re-connecting all drain pipes and hoses. If your plumbing service de-winterized your home to begin with, then they're more than happy to come out and reverse the process for you. Calling ahead and scheduling semi-annual plumbing service is a smart move, but there are some things you can do yourself to get a home spring ready.

Count on bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in Monroe, NC, for your plumbing service needs this spring and year-round. We're ready to hop into action to keep your home's plumbing operating just as it should every season.

5 Simple Tricks from Your Trusted Matthews, NC Plumber to Lengthen the Lifespan of Your Pipes

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 15:34:05 GMT

One of the hardest working systems in your home is the plumbing system. While you may be blissfully unaware of how much is going on behind the scenes, your pipes are busy working almost every minute of the day. When you jump in the shower, flush the toilet, brush your teeth, wash your hands, or do the laundry your pipes are working. Water is on the move in most homes throughout the day, which means pipes are in use most of the day.

While it's great news that your plumbing system is working so well you don't have to think about it, eventually, the pipes can wear out leaving you needing an emergency plumber. Pipes that are overused start to thin out, leak, and on some occasions burst. Yearly maintenance visits from your local Matthews, NC plumbing service can help you troubleshoot and replace weak pipes before this happens so you don't end up with an emergency.

However, outside of calling a plumbing service to check in on your plumbing system, there are a few things you can do to help prevent your pipes from wearing out. There is no perfect way to keep your pipes from wearing out, but there are some simple adjustments that can help lengthen their lifespan. The following is a quick list of plumber approved tips that will help you keep your pipes in tip-top condition.

Check Your Water Pressure

The very first thing you should do is check your water pressure. High water pressure may feel good on your back in the shower, but it is hard on your pipes as well as the plumbing joints. In general, most plumbers recommend that your PSI is 85 or less to ensure the safety of your popes. If you think that your water pressure is running high, then you may want to call a plumbing service to find out about installing a water pressure gauge in your home. This is a simple way to ensure that your pipes are not being put under extra duress.

Don't Ignore Leaks

People live very busy lives these days, so it is not unheard of for people to look the other way when they notice a small leak. Outside of spending the money to fix a leak, busy people just don't want to waste time dealing with a plumbing appointment. However, a small leak is a small hassle to fix, a leak that constantly eats away at your piping will grow until it becomes a very large and very expensive leak. At this point, you may be dealing with water damage which will be a much larger hassle to deal with.

If you notice a small leak in your home, call your Matthews, NC plumber sooner instead of later. Not only will this help save your pipes, but it will save your home and money. There is simply no such thing as a small leak. A leak is the first sign of an issue with your plumbing system, treat it like a check engine light on your car and get to the bottom of the problem quickly.

Avoid the Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are rarely a good idea, which is why you should avoid using them if you want to keep your pipes healthy. Any plumber will tell you that chemical drain cleaners may sound like a cheap solution, but end up being a very costly problem for most homeowners. This is because chemical drain cleaners are made up of harsh chemicals that can eat up almost anything that could be causing a clog.

While this is good for clearing a clog, the chemicals don't stop eating once the blockage is gone. They will continue to eat away at your pipes slowly corroding and rusting out your pipes with each treatment. If you use chemical drain cleaners to deal with clogs and blockages then your pipes will likely suffer irreparable damage. The result will be a piping system that needs a complete overhaul, and that is not a cheap venture.

Hire a Plumber for Routine Drain Cleaning

With that thought in mind, instead of using chemical drain cleaners that will destroy your pipes hire a plumber to professionally clean out your drains (and pipes in the process). The more scum that builds up in your pipes the more pressure will build up when water is flowing through them. This added pressure will wear out pipes in the same manner as high pressure in general. In other words, pipes with blockages or clogs are doing double the work that they should. Not dealing with the issue or using shortcuts like chemical cleaners will only break down your pipes more.

Choosing to have your drains routinely cleaned if you know you have issues is a much wiser way to approach the situation. Plus, as a bonus, it will relieve the pressure on your pipes and help extend their lifespan. In general, most plumbers will recommend cleaning your drains on an annual basis. Pick a season for drain cleaning and stick to it. This way your pipes and drains will stay efficient and you don't have to stress about unexpected clogs.

Pay Attention to Slow Drains

An excellent sign that you should contact a Matthews, NC plumber and think about a drain cleaning is if you notice your drains are starting to slowly drain. Slow drains indicate that there is a blockage somewhere along the piping system. A blockage means more pressure and that means your pipes are already being overtaxed.

If you notice that your drains are starting to slowly drain, call bluefrog Plumbing and Drain of Matthews, NC. We will happily come out and assess the situation to determine if something needs to be replaced or if a simple drain cleaning will do the trick. Give us a call today and take some of the pressure of your piping system.

Why Keeping Your Drain Cleaning Service Provider On Call Is Important | Charlotte, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 15:38:56 GMT

If you own a home, you need to make sure you're taking good care of the plumbing system. While most homeowners don't have their plumbing system replaced or worked on too frequently, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Drains are one of the things that a lot of homeowners seem to neglect more than anything. You can save a lot of money on drain cleaning services by keeping up with regular maintenance, and there are a lot of simple ways to do that. If you're wondering why taking care of the drains in your Charlotte, NC, home is so important, here's what you need to know.

What Drains Can Handle

The most important thing to think about if you want to avoid spending a fortune on drain cleaning services is what your drains are capable of handling. The fact of the matter is, drains aren't equipped with any fancy technology that allows them to deal with tough organic matter, so you need to make sure you're careful about what you're putting down there.

Even if you've got a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, you need to make sure you're not putting too much food waste down your drain. Your garbage disposal can only handle a certain amount of waste, and the waste it does take care of can still cause problems in your drain once it all builds up. A lot of people end up having to call a drain cleaning professional because they put things like grease, carcasses and coffee grounds down their kitchen sink.

Another think you need to consider is what you're putting down your bathroom sink, toilet and shower drain. The only thing that should go down your toilet is toilet paper, and the only thing that should go down the drain in your sink or shower is soap and water. If you've got a lot of hair clogging up your bathroom drains, you can avoid major problems by installing a drain grate.

The Right Chemicals

One of the most important things to think about if you're trying to keep your drains in good shape is that there are some chemicals you never want to use in your drain. Despite there being a lot of popular chemical-based drain cleaners on the market, these drain cleaners can actually cause a lot of problems with your drains. On top of that, these drain cleaners don't generally work very well when it comes to eating away at organic matter and clearing out your drains. If you want to avoid spending money on drain cleaning services, you need to make sure you're using the right type of drain cleaner.

The best drain cleaners are the ones that use enzymes to eat away at organic matter in your drains instead of using harsh chemicals that aren't as effective and can eat away at your pipes. You have to be especially careful when it comes to the drain cleaners you use if you've got certain types of pipes, as caustic drain cleaners can react with certain pipe materials to cause serious damage. No matter what type of pipes you've got, using a chemical-based drain cleaner can cause corrosion over time and lead to major problems. If you want to keep your pipes clean without having a drain cleaning service take care of the job for you, the best thing you can do is use an enzyme-based drain cleaner regularly.

Major Drain Problems

Most of the time when you've got a slow-draining sink or toilet, it's because there's a little bit of gunk clogging up the drain somewhere down the line. While this might be an inconvenience that requires the help of a drain cleaning service to take care of, it's also not a huge problem in terms of the damage it can cause. However, there are some cases where you a drain problem can cause a lot of problems, so it's important to know how to recognize those.

One of the biggest things you need to look out for when it comes to your drains is a drain that you can't unclog with long-term enzyme-based drain cleaner used. While you can usually get a clog out by using one of these drain cleaners over a prolonged period, there are some cases where the clog simply won't break up. This might be because you've got a root growing through a main drain line or it might be because you've got a clog that needs to manually removed. Either way, it's important to call a drain cleaning service if you've got a clog you can't remove from your Charlotte, NC, home.

A Little Advice

While it might be tempting to be a little bit lazy when it comes to cleaning your drains or making sure you aren't putting the wrong stuff down them, you can save a lot of money on drain cleaning services by simply keeping up with a little bit of basic maintenance. Next time you think of throwing some food in the garbage disposal, throw it in the garbage instead.

Don't forget, using an enzyme-based drain cleaner every once in a while can take care of a lot of your drain cleaning needs. The more gunk you keep from building up in your drains, the less likely you are to need to do a major cleaning.

The Best Solution

If you want to make sure your drains are clear and you don't have any major problems developing, the best thing you can do is get the help of a professional. A drain cleaning service can help you clear your drains out and make sure you aren't at risk for clogs in the near future.

For homeowners in the Charlotte, NC, area, there's no better choice than bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC. If you need your drains cleared out, give us a call.

Find an Outstanding Plumber in Charlotte, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:45:20 GMT

When you need a plumber in Charlotte, NC, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain can come to your aid quickly. Our licensed and insured technicians can handle all general plumbing services, such as those outlined below.

Drain Cleaning Services

Drain clogs are a major plumbing issue that homeowners and business owners face. A bluefrog plumber can come to your home or building to perform superior drain cleaning services. Ask us about our emergency services and get a technician to take care of your problem any day of the week.

Whether your drain issues involves a tub, shower or sink, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain technicians bring the tools needed to flush, snake or auger the drain and let the water flow freely again. We also work on sump pump clogs and remove tree roots that grow through cracks in the pipes.

For bigger jobs, such as pipe replacements, we provide no-fluff estimates and won't start the work until you fully understand the work and parts needed. Identifying problems early can save you money, so call us as soon as you notice a slow drain.

Sewer Line Services from Bluefrog Plumbers

Sewer line issues can cause unpleasant odors to float throughout your home. It also causes health and hygiene issues when it backs up into your yard or basement.

Our experienced technicians handle sewer excavations, sewer repairs, and sewer pipe replacements. We can perform sewer line video scoping, sewer jetting, and 24-hour sewer services. Our technicians can also provide a second opinion if you are concerned about the estimate given to you by another plumbing company.

Garbage Disposal Plumbing

Garbage disposals make life easier, especially if you like to cook at home. These appliances can last between eight and 15 years, so you don't usually have to worry about them. However, it's good to know who to call if there is an issue.

Bluefrog plumbers can get to the bottom of strange noises and smells coming from the garbage disposal. A humming noise typically indicates stuck blades from objects that aren't meant for the garbage disposal. Be sure to turn off the power before reaching down to clear the blockage.

If your disposal doesn't run, it could just be overheated. It may also have tripped a circuit. We recommend that you leave the troubleshooting to us as resetting the disposal and flipping the electrical breakers involve an understanding of the dangers of working near electrical equipment, which can be dangerous if not properly handled.

We also install new garbage disposal quickly and efficiently.

Call Our Plumbers for Leaky Faucets and Fixtures

Dripping faucets can keep you awake at night, but they aren't as dangerous as damaged pipes that might burst in the wee hours of the day. However, some leaks require immediate attention. That's why bluefrog offer s 24/7 emergency leak services.

When you have a leak that you can't trace, let the expertise of a bluefrog plumber come to your aid. We diagnose where the leak is coming from and how to fix it in the most efficient manner.

No leak is too small or too large for our team. We can assist you with leaks in the bathtub, shower or toilet. Other leaks we repair include:

• Dripping faucet or shower

• Frozen pipes that burst

• Sewer lines

• Leaking boiler

• Waterline repair

• Corroded pipes

• Sump pump leak

We can also replace pipes, fixtures and drain to eliminate annoying drips.

Outdoor Plumbing Leaks

The sewer lines in your home drain into the city waste system. You may also have drains in your patio or porch areas that drain into your sewer line. It's important to be aware of the issues that can occur in these systems.

We can send a plumber experienced in outdoor plumbing to identify leaks that damage your yard and that may carry health risks to pets and children. As always, you can call us for emergency service any day of the year.

We want to help keep your family safe and give you the peace of mind that your indoor and outdoor plumbing is working as designed.

Water Heater Maintenance

You depend on your hot water heater to take a shower, wash the dishes and provide hot water for a number of other uses. To prevent the risk of scalding or a sudden cold shower, call our plumbing specialists to adjust your water heater.

Our plumbers in Charlotte, NC, provide reliable repairs and maintenance to the thermostats, tank, drain, and heating elements of the water heater. We can also find problems with electric or gas power elements.

You can protect your investment in your water heater with a plumbing maintenance agreement with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain.

Get more useful life out of your water heater with a dependable maintenance agreement with bluefrog.

We also conduct inspections and replacements, if needed.

Different Types of Clogs

There are two kinds of clogs that may impact your drains in Charlotte, NC.

Call us today for assistance with both simple clogs and those involving foreign objects blocking the pipe.

Simple clogs involve objects that dissolve easily, such as feminine hygiene products and toilet paper. This also includes items that are relatively easy to dislodge, including diapers.

Other objects are harder to move and may require temporarily removing or replacing a section of the pipe. You can't watch your kids every minute. We get that. That's why our plumbers respond with empathy and take care of the problem such as toys and other items lodged in the drainpipes.

Plumbing Services

Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain performs general plumbing services for our customers in Charlotte, NC. Our plumbers are licensed and insured ready to take care of your plumbing system. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Emergency Plumber for Your Leaky Fixtures and Sinks | Monroe, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 15:50:56 GMT

Any kind of plumbing issue can seem like an emergency, but if the hot water heater bursts in the middle of the night, you need to know who to call without hesitation. Count on the expert plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain to protect your home any time of the day or night. We'll send a licensed, trained and alert emergency plumber to your home or business to fix the problem.

Most plumbing issues require simple fixes and that can be true of emergencies too. When our team arrives, the first thing they do is assess the damage and help you understand what happened. Whether it's in response to a broken pipe, old fixtures or major clog, our emergency plumber has you covered.

Occasionally, every home or business has an emergency plumbing situation that requires our expertise. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain technicians are the quiet in the middle of the storm and make the experience less harrowing.

Leaky Fixtures and Sinks

If you know where it is, it's a good idea to turn off the main water supply if a leak wakes you up in the middle of the night. If you know where the leak is coming from, you can shut off the valve under the sink or toilet instead. This can minimize the damage to your floors and belongings.

Tubs and Showers

Tubs and showers require a bit more effort. Many showers and tubs include an access panel on the opposite side of the wall they are installed against. If you cannot locate the panel there, it's probably under the tub, which could mean going to the floor below or the basement to access it.

Once the panel is open, you can turn off the valve the same way as any shutoff fixture. Don't stress if you can't find it. Our emergency plumber will arrive as quickly as possible.

You Can Also Shut Off the Water to the House

You can also look for the main shutoff for the building, which is probably located at the water meter. Find the meter and you will see the supply line going into your home. There should be a valve running to the water meter.

Use this valve to shut down the water supply and prevent damage until the leak is repaired. Don't confuse this with the valve coming out of your home that won't turn off the water.

After the water is off, if you are able to do so, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain and ask for an emergency plumber to be dispatched to your home right away.

At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Monroe, NC, we offer 24-hour emergency service available at affordable rates to save you when your plumbing decides to be uncooperative.

Emergency Drain Cleaning Services

If you are surprised to see this in our list of emergency services, remember that clogs can cause pipes to back up, crack or burst. So, our emergency plumber may need to clean the drains to contain the emergency. Foul odors and standing water present health hazards that need to be addressed immediately. Call us for help.

Water Heater Emergency Plumbing

A burst water heater can sound like an explosion and terrify you. If your old or damaged water heater breaks and causes a massive leak, our emergency plumber can take care of the damage quickly by replacing or repairing the appliance. When your water heater leaks or pours out hot water, it's time to call in the professionals at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain.

Sewer and Water Lines

When you have a major problem with your water and sewer lines in your Monroe, NC, home, call an plumber from bluefrog Plumbing + Drain to repair the damage fast without charging outrageous prices. Using advanced tools such as video cameras and commercial augers, we'll find and fix the break or leak quickly.

Camera Inspections

Cameras make it possible for our emergency plumber to look inside your pipes and speed up the discovery process when time is of the essence. We come prepared for any issue, but being able to find it fast is a great advantage and can minimize damage to your home or business.

Leak Detection

If you find a leak and need it repaired immediately, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain emergency services can come to the rescue any day of the week. We'll trace the source, make the repair and get out your way with minimal disruptions to your day or business operations.

Commercial Plumbing Emergencies

We understand how essential working plumbing is to any business. That's why our emergency plumber responds quickly when you need help right away. We get your clean water supply back online as fast as we can. Our emergency plumbing service responds to a wide range of commercial plumbing issues in Monroe, NC. This includes blocked drains, flooding, and problems that pose a health and safety risk.

Some of our emergency commercial services include:

• Clogged Drains

• Flooding

• Lateral Line Repair

• Septic and Sewage Repair

• Lateral Line Installation

• Sewer Jetting

• Water Line Repairs

• Leak Detection

• Water Pumping

• Faucet and Sink Repair

Residential Plumbing Emergencies

It seems that every homeowner has at least one emergency plumbing story to tell. The key is finding the right partner to handle the repairs any time of the night or day. Whether you have a problem with your sewer line or a busted toilet, we'll be there.

Our emergency plumber arrives in time to fix the problem quickly and minimize the damage to your belongings. Call us on weekends, holidays and whenever you need help fast.

You can count on the expertise and professionalism of bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Monroe, NC when your plumbing gives you an unpleasant surprise. Call us today.

What to Expect from a Water Line Repair Service Provider | Monroe, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:25:42 GMT

As a homeowner, it's your responsibility to make sure that the water line supplying water to your home is clear and free from cracks and damage. Otherwise, you'll have a bigger problem to deal with. If there is a blockage preventing water from flowing through the line and into the home, you'll notice it right away because of the absence of water present in the residence.

If the waterline has burst, getting it taken care of immediately prevents your utility bills from skyrocketing. It also keeps your property from being damaged by water. Knowing the right plumber to call in Monroe, NC is imperative.

Being able to trust a professional to come to your property and take care of the issue at hand is an asset. It saves you time, money, and the frustration of being without running water for any length of time. To better understand what to expect from the plumber you've hired, we've highlighted some of the most important things to know about their visit to your home.

Plumbers make their living off of helping their customers, which is why they go above and beyond to assist you. If you haven't had the opportunity to work with a reputable company to date, give bluefrog Plumbing + Drain a try.

You'll notice a distinct difference in how the professional plumbers specializing in water line repair handle your request. They take care of your most pressing issues, so you're not forced to spend hours of your time looking for the right experts to work with. You'll have someone you can call on during your time of need to repair the waterline, so it works well for you.

When a Plumbing Company Comes to Work on Your Water Line

When a water line bursts, it can cause a mess that could cost you a lot to repair. That's why it's imperative to have a company to work with that provides water line repair services. You'll be able to have the problem remedied by a skilled and trained professional. The plumber that comes to work on the water line possesses advanced knowledge of the line and what needs to be done to ensure that it's fully operational and no longer leaking or spraying water everywhere.

When a plumber comes to your property to assess the situation, they'll shut off the water for you if you already haven't done the task yourself. That way, they can work on the water line repair without it becoming a bigger problem for you. With the water off, the plumber knows that they'll be able to address the issue without it costing you additional money by elevating your home water bill.

They then begin to work on the line to identify the problem area and start the repair process right away. Knowing how vital water is to their customers is what keeps the plumbers focused on the task at hand. With the water supply shut off to the home, it's impossible to wash dishes, get a drink or water from the tap, run the washing machine, and take a shower.

In a home with multiple residences who keep different schedules, it's imperative to have water running to the house. With the greatest urgency possible, the plumber works to take care of the issue and restore order to a residence and its residents. That's what you can expect from the right company doing water line repair in Monroe, NC.

Biggest Problems That Occur with Water Lines

Waterline issues happen without notice sometimes. Many things could potentially make things worse when an issue is detected. Neglecting to turn off the water is very problematic. If you're unable to do so yourself, contact the water department or a plumber to handle the issue for you.

Not doing so can cause the pipe to break even more. It can also cause you to waste an extreme amount of water. The bill you receive from the water department will be astronomical and for a good reason!

Other issues that cause water line repair issues include a clogged pipe, a frozen pipe, and something that shouldn't be flushed down a pipe, causing an obstruction. All of these issues are 100 percent avoidable and relatively inexpensive to take care of.

By avoiding putting items that don't belong down a drain in toilets, sinks, and tubs, you'll deal with water line repair technicians a lot less often because there will be no need to come to your home to assist with the issue. Instead, everything will flow down the line just fine. If you find that you continuously need to flush the toilet multiple times or that some water backs up into the sink or tub, it's time to have a plumber come out and diagnose the problem.

Why Choose bluefrog Plumbing + Drain?

Now that you know what it takes to complete water line repair as well as the qualities the right plumber should display before hiring them, you'll be able to decide as to which company to hire to do the work for you. Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in the Monroe, NC area for excellent service.

Not only are we licensed, bonded, and insured, we also offer 24-hour emergency services to meet our customers' needs. Getting into touch with us is easy to schedule water line repair. To set up an appointment to have your water line repaired, call (704) 275-8910 today.

We're committed to serving you. Whenever you need assistance with water line repair, let us know. We'll be at your home in a matter of no time to take care of the problem with the greatest skill and efficiency.

Get ahold of us right away to explain your situation to us, so we have a better understanding of the problem we're dealing with. We're here to help at all hours of the day and night. As a company that cares, we go the extra mile to make sure that you are 100 percent satisfied with the work that we do for you.

The Importance of Drain Cleaning for Your Charlotte, NC Home

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 18:57:27 GMT

When it comes to drain cleaning, you may not even realize just how important it is. You probably assume that you only need to call a plumber if you have a clog or a leak of some kind. Well, the truth of the matter is that you can absolutely call a plumber for more than that and you actually should. Your Charlotte, NC home needs more than just a plumber when there's a problem. It needs you to call a plumber to take care of things before they turn into a problem.

First, drain cleaning is something that's done routinely rather than just when something goes wrong. That means you don't just call someone because you have a clog and you don't get a cleaning because there's a leak. Instead, you would call up your plumber every few months or at least every year to get this type of cleaning done. Then, they would come out to your house and clean out all of the pipes. This is an important step because it actually helps you to prevent some of the major problems that could occur in your home if you're not careful.

When you do drain cleaning, you're getting rid of everything in the drains that isn't supposed to be there. So, if there's dirt and debris in there it's going to get swept out. If there's a clog forming it's going to be broken apart and removed. If there's anything else going on in the drains you're going to know about it. So, if there's a crack that's starting or if there are roots coming through the lines you're going to find out about all of those things and you're going to be getting rid of them too.

The plumber that you hire for your drain cleaning can take care of everything right away. They can make sure that you have completely clean and clear drains by the time they leave because they can actually see everything that's happening. They can use a video camera in the drains if necessary to see where a problem might exist and to take care of those clogs that can get in your way or even to recognize that roots are coming in somewhere in the sewer line. All of these things are very important.

When you get regular drain cleaning you aren't going to have those big emergencies, or at least you're far less likely to have them. That's because the plumber that you bring in will be able to clear out the problem before it even actually becomes a problem. You won't notice a difference in the way that your drains work because by the time it's cleaned up it hasn't had a chance to get that bad yet. That's definitely going to be a benefit to you because you don't have to worry about dealing with an actual emergency.

When you let your lines get clogged or you wait too long to get drain cleaning and you end up with a leak you're going to have an emergency that you have to get taken care of much faster. You're going to have the hassle and the nuisance of having to deal with the problem too. After all, you have to deal with low water pressure or no water or leaking water and the mess it leaves all over your home. All of those things are annoying just on their own, never mind the fact that you now have to call a plumber to your home.

Once you do that you're going to have to pay for the emergency service. Now, depending on who you call you may or may not have to pay additional fees because of the emergency and the fact that you need someone immediately but you will have to pay in general. You'll be paying to repair a leaking pipe or to clear a clogged drain at the very least. But if you had brought someone in for regular drain cleaning you wouldn't have had that problem in the first place. That's definitely going to save you some money in the long run.

When you have to call someone in to take care of individual jobs you're going to be paying for each one every time. So, if you have a clog in the kitchen and then one in the bathroom you're going to be calling for two separate trips. What's even worse is that a clog that's not taken care of properly or that's not cleared out all the way through could just come back again. That's why it's important that you do call someone and don't try to take care of anything on your own. You could end up making it worse.

If you get drain cleaning, however, you're going to have a professional to take care of things for you. Not only that but they're going to take care of all of the drains in your home at the same time. You pay one fee and you get everything cleared out so that you're starting over with clean and fresh drains again. That means you're going to have a lot longer before you might be in danger of a clog and if you schedule your next drain cleaning you'll be able to take care of things before that's a problem as well.

Make sure that you're calling bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC to come take care of your home. We'll schedule your next cleaning whenever it's convenient for you and we'll make sure that you're ready to go in no time. After all, you want to make sure that your drains are clear and you're ready to move on with some of the more important things in your life, right? No more waiting around for a plumber and no more dealing with those major plumbing emergencies. Instead, you can make sure that you're getting everything handled as quickly as possible and then moving on with the rest of your day.

Spring Is Almost Here, Is Your Plumbing Ready? | Insight from Your Trusted Indian Trail, NC Plumbing Service

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:46:08 GMT

Flowers are starting to bloom and birds are chirping. It's time to banish the mittens and sweater and make way for warmer weather. Spring is almost here. Is the plumbing system in your Indian Trail, NC, home ready? Chances are you give little thought to your home's drains, faucets, hot water heater, and other components until you have a problem, but the truth is that bi-annual plumbing inspections by your local plumbing service are important to stave off any expensive repairs in the future. By catching problems early on, you can reduce the overall expense of repairs or avoid them altogether.

And while it's a good idea to have your local plumbing professional give your plumbing system a regular once-over, there are a few things you can do on your end to make sure your system is up to snuff. Let's look at what you can do now to ensure the smooth operation of your home's plumbing for the entire season.

Check Your Sinks

Look beneath your sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms for signs of leaks. Telltale signs include damp floors and pooling water. Check all indoor connectors and faucets, being sure to turn the shutoff valves on each to ensure that they turn smoothly and fully. If your drains are draining slowly, you may have a clog, so it may be time to call out your plumbing service pro.

Check Your Toilets

Test for leaks in the toilet by dropping some food coloring in the reserve tank. After a few minutes, if you see the color appear in the bowl, you'll know there's a problem. A replacement of the flapper is generally all that's needed to restore the toilet to full functionality and save water in the process.

Inspect Your Water Heater

Your water heater is probably not even on your radar when you think about your plumbing system, but ask any plumbing service professional and he'll agree—if you have a problem with your hot water heater, life can come to a standstill quickly around the home. Make hot water heater inspection a priority. If you raised the temperature of your hot water heater in the colder months, go ahead and lower it to save yourself some cash. Call out your plumbing service pro to flush and check your water heater twice each year. Flushing gets rid of any type of sediment, debris, and deposits that might build up inside the water heater tank, which can eventually cause erosion and other difficulties.

Check Exposed Pipes

Look for damage and leaks around the pipes that run along the inside walls of your home, if possible. If you wrapped exposed pipes during the winter, unwrap them now and look for dampness and mold. If all is well, rewrap the pipes in case there are some unexpected cold weather still ahead. Be on the lookout for mossy or green areas near wrapped pipes. This can be an indicator of leaking.

Check Out Exterior Plumbing

The time for watering flowers and gardens is at hand, so it's time to restore the flow of water to any outdoor faucets that you shut off during the dormant winter period. Reattach all hoses and give them a good look to be sure that there are not leaks or cracks.

Ice, snow, and general cold can really do some damage to your home's exterior and plumbing system, and although Indian Trail, NC, is known for lovely weather, it is not unusual to experience a few days below freezing, which is enough to cause a big issue with vulnerable pipes. Take note of any broken connections, leaks, or cracks that might have resulted from a frozen pipe. Be sure that your faucets outside turn on and off with ease and that no leaks are observed when you operate them.

A leak may be as simple to fix as replacing a washer, or it may be something more complex that requires a plumbing service professional's help. Either way, nip leaks in the bud to reduce water wastage and expense. The longer that a pipe remains broken, the worse the problem gets, so reach out to your plumbing service professional right away upon discovery.

Show Your Sprinklers Some TLC

Don't forget your irrigation system; now is the time to have it checked and also primed to get ready for sunny days ahead. Follow the instructions from your sprinkler system's manufacturing for restarting the system after its winter break. This can vary by manufacturer, so be sure to go by the recommended procedures to get your sprinklers running like they should.

Check the Basement

If you have a sump pump, get it ready for the rainy season. Begin by pouring water into the pump's pit. Observe your sump pump throughout an entire cycle, ensuring that it turns on like it should and drains water efficiently. If you note any problems, reach out to your plumbing service pro. Check all other exposed plumbing in the basement for leaks and cracks or general signs that something is amiss.

Be on the Lookout for Septic/Sewer Problems

If you have a septic tank on the property, walk around the area where the tank is buried, looking for any problem areas. Soft spots, wet spots, and puddles of water are clear signs of potential problems. Any suspicious area requires an inspection by your plumbing service professional.

Remember, preventing problems with your home plumbing system is possible if you follow a regular maintenance schedule and have your system looked at twice a year by a plumbing service pro. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in Indian Trail, NC, provides expert services and maintenance checks. Call us for all your plumbing needs—we're ready to hop over your way and lend a hand.

Preparing for the Summer with Your Plumber | Matthews, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:49:48 GMT

Are you getting ready for the warm months? Well, if the weather is just getting ready to turn and become warmer you're definitely going to want to be better prepared. After all, you don't want to find yourself trying to turn something on and it doesn't work. That goes for your sprinklers, your plumbing fixtures and more. All you need is the right team to help you along in your Matthews, NC home and take care of all of your plumbing needs.

When the warm weather comes one of the first things you should do is make sure that your sprinklers are working properly. If you haven't removed the hose and the sprinkler during the cold months it's even more important that you check out the sprinkler and see how everything is working. Make sure that there is no rust and that any moisture that may have been left in the sprinkler or the hose has not cause damage including cracks or leaks. You'll want to take a close look and maybe even talk to your plumber to make sure that there's no problems.

You're also going to want to have all of your plumbing and pipes looked at properly to ensure they are in the right condition. Remember that with everyone home more frequently during the summer months there's going to be more use to your plumbing. You want to talk with everyone in your family about proper care for your plumbing and you want to talk with your professional about what problems there might be with the plumbing. You'll also want everything in the house to be looked at carefully so you can make sure that there's no danger of breaking or leaks.

When you work with a plumber you'll have someone to take a look at your drains, your sump pump, the sewer line and everything else about the plumbing in your home. That's going to help you make sure that everything is prepared when it comes to having everyone around the house. Your professional will be able to tell you if something needs to be taken care of immediately or if there are any problems that need to be watched for additional problems in the future. After all, you don't want to start your summer with serious plumbing problems.

For those who plan on heading out for a while this summer it's also important to talk with your local plumber about what you should do with your house. They'll be able to tell you what you can and can't turn off when you're traveling and how to make sure you're keeping your energy bills as low as possible at the same time. You could also extend the life of your water heater, your plumbing as a whole and a everything else as well. Not to mention you'll be able to save some water to improve the planet as well.

Talking with your plumber is also important if you're looking to plant a garden during the summer months. After all, you want to make sure that you aren't planting anything in an area where it could get into your gas lines or sewer lines. This is even more important when you're planting trees or items with large roots, or if you need to dig at all to get down to the right area. That's how you can make sure you're not going to break through anything or cause serious problems for your home.

Look at how your appliances are all connected as well. You want to be sure that all of the connections are put together right and if they're not (or if you have any question about it) you'll want to get in touch with a plumber in your area to take care of everything. They will look over things like your dishwasher, your washing machine and a whole lot more. Not to mention they're going to look over your entire household and all of the plumbing that you have to be sure that there aren't going to be any leaks that could cause damage during the summer and beyond.

Finally, you want to be sure that you have a plumber who will help you prepare your home in every way possible. Talking with them and with your family will allow all of you to make a plan for just what you need to do to keep your plumbing working properly. After all, you want to cut down on the number of times you need to call your plumber, don't you? Well, following some simple rules, that your plumber will tell you about, is going to make sure of that for you.

Things like avoiding putting items through the garbage disposal, using fans and cutting down on moisture and even watching how you use the hot water are going to help. These things will cut down on your expenses and your need for a plumber to come out and take care of repairs or replacement. After all, the less water you use and the less clogs you have the better off you're going to be. That's going to be extremely important when it comes to protecting your home and continuing to do exactly what you planned with your home this summer. Which definitely isn't calling someone to come make repairs all the time.

Are you ready to make sure that your home is ready for anything? Are you ready to make sure that this summer is going to be a great one? Well then, you're going to want to know who to call, right? At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in the Matthew, NC area you're definitely going to get everything you've been looking for and more. You're going to get a service that's ready and willing to take care of any of the plumbing needs that you have. All you need to do is call us up and let us know when you want us to show up. We'll be there whenever you need us.

Keep Your Emergency Plumber on Speed Dial for These Plumbing Problems | Charlotte, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 03:16:25 GMT

If you're like most Charlotte, NC, home owners, you don't think much about your plumbing until you have a full-on problem on your hands and need to call out an emergency plumber. When that happens, it helps to have your plumbing professional's number on hand for fast service, since most plumbing emergencies are not DIY projects. Let's look at what constitutes a true plumbing emergency—one of those four-alarm problems that can't really wait for repairs.

Burst Pipes

If a pipe bursts or fails, this is a true emergency, since water is actively flowing into your home, damaging flooring and other items. Burst pipes can result from freezing temps that cause water to freeze inside and expand. However, more commonly, old pipes that have become corroded over the years are to blame. No matter the cause, a burst pipe can let out up to 100 gallons of water over the course of just eight hours. This is one time you want to have your emergency plumber on speed dial. The only thing you can do once you discover the burst pipe is shut off your main water supply and remove any furnishings and other items from the area to reduce the amount of damage caused.

Water Heater Problems

A myriad of things can happen to your hot water heater that can result in the need for a plumber's help. If the water heater fails to heat your water, then there are several possibilities. Check to see that the breaker powering the water heater is on. If it is, then you could be looking at a spent heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or other issues. If your hot water is leaking, this really is a plumbing emergency that you shouldn't put off.

Overflowing Toilet

If your toilet is flowing over the top, it can create a huge mess. What's more, if you only have one bathroom, things can get really tricky when the toilet is out of order while you wait for an emergency plumber to arrive. First things first—shut off the water valve on the side of the toilet, turning it completely in a counterclockwise fashion. After you've stopped water flow into the toilet, it's time to call your plumber for assistance ASAP. Getting it fixed pronto is important, since it will be operational until that happens.

Failure of Sump Pump

If you depend on a sump pump to keep things dry in the basement of your Charlotte, NC, home, then you may need to call on an emergency plumber if it's not working. Sometimes the fix is as simple as removing the screen on the pump to clean out any debris that prevents the impeller from moving. If that section is clear, then the pump may be suffering from a defect in its float switch or may not be getting an adequate amount of electricity to operate. Also, some pumps shut down after extended use because of thermal overload. If it's been a few hours and the pump's not working, reach out to your emergency plumber for help.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes can signify several different things in your home plumbing system, and none of them are good. The approach to fixing a pipe that's leaking is based on where the leak is located. If it's coming from around the joint in a pipe, some home owners attempt to tighten it themselves. However, this can be a foolhardy move, since tightening one joint can sometimes lead to the loosening of another joint located in close proximity—and before you know it, you have another leak. Call out your plumber instead; he'll know exactly how to nip the problem in the bud the first time.

Clogged Drains

If a drain in your bathroom or kitchen is clogged, then chances are good that something that doesn't belong in the drain was accidentally allowed to be rinsed into it anyway. In the bathroom, in both the sink and the tub, the main culprit is usually hair, as nearly any emergency plumber can attest. In the kitchen, the cause of a clog is typically related to dumping things like coffee grounds, or worse, grease, in the drain. These are big no-no's, but if you're guilty of doing so, you'll likely be looking at a visit from your emergency plumber to clear the clog. Plumbers come equipped with special high-tech cameras that they stick in the drain to look for the source of clog – making it easy to identify the problem and remedy it quickly.

Backed-Up Sewage

No one ever wants to experience sewage backup, but it happens, and a plumber knows just what to do to fix it. A sewer backup is nothing if not messy and inconvenient. Watch for signs of sewage backup: horrible sewage odor coming from your drain, water pooling in your basement floor, gurgling noises from toilets, and clogs in multiple drains. Get your emergency plumber out to fix the problem ASAP, since as is the case with most plumbing problems, the longer you let the problem fester, the harder it is to fix, the more damage it does to your home and property, and the more extensive and expensive the repair becomes.

The world is an imperfect place, and plumbing problems are unfortunately par for the course. Situations requiring the help of a plumber can be the stuff of nightmares, or at very least, enough to ruin your day or evening. Luckily, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in Charlotte, NC, is ready to hop to the task of tackling your plumbing emergency with just a single call. Keep our emergency plumber on speed dial to ensure fast and friendly service, no matter what your plumbing system throws at you.

Types of Household Drains and Problems | Tips from Your Trusted Charlotte, NC Drain Cleaning Service Provider

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 03:35:57 GMT

Drains are an ancient household and community technology and have been in use for as long as human civilization has been. And for as long as there have been drains, drain cleaning has been an unsavory, yet important, task.

A drain is the main conduit for water or waste liquids to be channeled out of a dwelling, and into sewers or storm water main pipelines as waste to be released or processed. They're important for personal and public health as they separate, hold and disburse household liquids in a way that ensures domestic safety.

Because they are often receptacles for more than just water, it's quite common for drains to become blocked. When this happens, they might fail to drain standing water, or drain it incompletely, inefficiently or with a lot of strange noises.

Cleaning drains isn't just a matter of pouring a corrosive solution down the drain, or manually clearing debris. It should be part of schedule of maintenance that insures the integrity of the entire drainage, pipes and sewer system.

That's why calling in an expert such as bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC to regularly handle household drain cleaning is such a smart idea.

Household Drains and Problems

You'll know there's a problem with your drains because physical proof will appear. Water will back up or stand. There will be odd sounds or smells. But each household drain has its own specific function, and problems will manifest in different ways.

Fixture drains such as those found in the kitchen sink typically cause homeowners grief because they are a trap for food debris and grease, which can accumulate and block the drain. You probably clean the contact surface of the drain, the part that is exposed, regularly but the underside and the pipes and traps the drain connects to also need attention.

Bathroom sink and shower drains are notorious collectors of hair, cosmetic product run-off, and other substances that can accumulate and render the drain and connected pipes dysfunctional. We're all familiar with the phenomenon of sluggish drains and backed up water in the bathroom.

Washing machine drains are multi-part systems with hoses and pumps that connect to a home's general drain pipes. If no water is leaving the machine, but the pump sounds like it's working, the drain hose that carries water from the machine to the drain standpipe or secondary washtub is likely clogged. The drain itself can also become blocked with fibers from clothing.

P-traps and toilet traps are designed to mediate the direct flow of things like water, sewer gases and sewage. They are a collection point and as such are particularly vulnerable to blockages, especially if non-biodegradable materials are being flushed.

Main sewer drains connect with municipal sewage infrastructure (unless the home or business is connected to an independent septic system). If this drain ever gets blocked to the point of causing backflow, it can result in serious public health risks. Obstructing sludge may accumulate over time or, again, because improper materials are being flushed.

Floor drains are most often found in basements and, along with backflow devices, they are important for keeping the lower levels and foundations of your home dry. Because they often rely on gravity, sediment can easily accumulate, leading to blockages and potentially hazardous backups. You want this drain to be functioning correctly in the event of extreme precipitation or a sudden surge within the pipes it is connected to.

Toxic Drain Cleaning Products

It's always tempting to tackle seemingly minor household issues like drain cleaning in the DIY spirit of saving money and the hassles of calling in a service person. With clogged drains, the go-to DIY solution always seems to be pouring some kind of corrosive product over the drain and hoping that it will dissolve any blockages. There a few problems with this strategy. Among them:

• the toxicity of drain cleaners is bad for the environment as it can leach into groundwater, contaminate water bodies if it is released as effluent. Fumes can also negatively impact people and pets.

• if it's corrosive, and most drain clearing products are, it may degrade piping infrastructure, and that can lead to leaks or bursts down the line.

• using toxic products is often overkill, in that manual drain cleaning is often more effective, as well as being safer for all involved

Why Clean Household Drains Regularly?

Any household task becomes easier if it's performed regularly and drain clearing is no different. That's where regular scheduled drain maintenance by a professional plumber comes in. They have the skill and the right tools to disassemble drain systems for a thorough periodic cleaning (and repair if needed). Preventative cleaning isn't a guarantee that a clog or back-up won't happen, but it reduces the chances. Preventative maintenance ensures that drains and lines are clear of all debris, thus preventing accumulations.

Why Drain Cleaning Is a Job for Pros

Ok, so you hate drain cleaning. That is probably the number 1 reason to call in a professional service such as bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC. But a professional plumber will also come equipped with specialized tools for cleaning out drains with speed and proficiency. And they may be able to spot looming problems in the course of clearing up the most immediate issue. That can save dollars and heartache going forward.

If you suspect drain cleaning is required to return your household water supply and sewer systems to optimal efficiency, don't hesitate to call the pros at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC. Their expert plumbing team will resolve any pesky problems and getting things flowing smoothly again in no time. And you can schedule them for regular drain cleaning and head off a host of potential problems at the pass. Call now to learn more.

Are You Paying Too Much for Water? A Leak May Be the Culprit | Tips from Your Reliable Charlotte, NC Plumbing Service Provider

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 04:05:25 GMT

Does it seem like you are paying more for your water bill each month then you should be? An average person in the U.S. uses about 80-100 gallons of water. Multiply that number by the people in your home (bearing in mind that children will use less) and take a look at your water bill again. If you are consuming a lot more than the figure you came up, it's time to call your local Charlotte, NC plumbing service.

Most of the time if your water bill is high, and you aren't doing anything to contribute to it such as filling a pool, using a pressure washer, etc., you probably have a leak in your home you are unaware of. If you don't normally have a plumbing service come to your home for preventive maintenance, it is even more likely that this is the case.

Determine if a Leak is Causing the Issue

There are a few things you can do on your own to figure out if a leak is causing your high water bill. To start, make sure all of the water in your house is off. Now take a look at the water meter. The red dial should stop moving. If it still moves, then this is a sign there is a leak and you need help from a plumber in Charlotte, NC to resolve the issue.

If you want to do a little more trouble-shooting before calling the plumbing service, turn off the water that leads to the toilets one at a time to see if that stops the red dial from moving. You can do the same with the faucets in your home. You can also compare the reading you get at night to the reading in the morning. If you still notice that the reading is high then it is time to call the plumbing service for sure so you can get to the bottom of the leak and lower your bills.

What Causes Leaks in a Home?

Wondering what could be causing the leak in your home? There are a few likely culprits that your plumbing service will check first. The list of what could be leaking is exhaustive, so these are just a few of the common sources. A skilled plumber should be able to narrow down the area of the leak and get to the bottom of the situation quickly and efficiently.

It is estimated that homeowners can save about 10% on their water bill each month by fixing small leaks. That may not seem like a lot, but add it up on an annual basis and it gets much more substantive. Even if you don't have a huge water bill, you may want to consider hiring a Charlotte, NC plumbing service to see if your home has any minor leaks. Older homes in particular are more prone to small, undetected leaks. You may be surprised by what the plumbing service finds.

Overactive Ice-Machine

Believe it or not, the ice-machine on your refrigerator may be wasting water. Refrigerators need a water line to create ice, and sometimes the automatic ice maker starts to take too much water in. This malfunction is more common with older models, but it can happen with any model. Sometimes a little adjustment is all it takes to solve the problem.

Faulty Toilet Flappers

The flapper is the large plug at the bottom of the toilet tank. If you can slightly hear a dripping sound behind your toilet it is probably the flapper working improperly. To find out for sure whether or not the flapper is leaking, place a small amount of food coloring into the tank and wait 30 minutes. Make sure not to flush the toilet or you will have to start all over again. After 30 minutes pass, check the toilet bowl. If the water is colored you know the flapper is leaking and can call a plumbing service to get it fixed.

Toilet Leaks from the Overflow

Sometimes the problem is located inside the tank instead of outside. In this scenario, the water may be leaking over the overflow pipe and out of the toilet. In this case, the ballcock valve will need to be adjusted. If you want to see if this is the case of your leak, take some pepper or baby powder and shake it onto the walls of the toilet tank. Watch to see if the powder moves to the center. If it doesn't, then you know the overflow is leaking.

Outdoor Faucets and Bibs

If you are dealing with an undetected leak, there is a good chance that it is located outside because that is one spot you are not constantly looking at. While you will likely notice dripping faucets or running toilets indoors, you probably don't spend too much time watching and looking at your faucets or bibs. Extreme temperatures in particular can cause faucets and bibs to fail outdoors. Look at them carefully and examine the wall of your home and the ground for any signs of leakage. Keep in mind that a leaking faucet can also cause water damage to the side of your home over time so this is something that needs addressed by a plumbing service promptly.

Hot Water Tank Links

The hot water tank is another appliance in your home you probably don't look at frequently, which means you may be dealing with a small leak under your nose. Take the time to go down to the basement and take a good look at your hot water tank inspecting it for small leaks. Water dripping down its side can indicate that the pressure valve needs to be adjusted. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is your local Charlotte, NC plumber and will be able to take care of this for you.

Plumbing Problems You Should Watch Out For | Tips from Your Trusted Matthews, NC Plumber

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 04:27:51 GMT

Most homeowners know how important it is to take care of their plumbing, but that doesn't make it any easier to spot plumbing problems. Even if you aren't a professional, you should know about some of the common plumbing problems and how you can keep an eye out for them. Not only does this help with plumbing maintenance, it also prevents potentially costly water damage and mold growth in your Matthews, NC, home. Plus, knowing how to spot some of the most common plumbing problems means you'll know exactly when it's time to call a plumber for help.

Leaks

It's no secret that leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems, but they still cause millions of dollars in damage to homes across the country each year. The big key with leaks is making sure you spot them early on and get them fixed promptly.

Knowing how to check for leaks starts with knowing where leaks are likely to occur. Some of the most common spots for plumbing leaks include areas around drains, your water heater, faucets, dishwashers and toilets. You should check these spots regularly and call a plumber if you notice any leaking.

Often times, leaks occur in spots that are hard to find. In these cases, you might be made aware of a leak by a moldy or mildewy smell caused by standing water.

Frozen Pipes

As outside temperatures drop, there's a possibility that some of the pipes in your Matthews, NC, home will freeze. While this might not sound like a huge deal, it's something you should call a plumber for immediately if you want to avoid serious damage.

Pipes freeze because of the temperature of the air around them, which means some pipes are much more likely to freeze than others. If you've got a washing machine in your garage, the water line should be properly insulated or wrapped with heat cable. Likewise, you should shut off and drain your hose bib each winter to prevent it from freezing. The same goes for any pipes that are on an outside wall of your home that doesn't have the best insulation. For complete prevention, you might consider having a plumber help you get your plumbing system ready for the winter.

The big problem when it comes to frozen pipes is that water expands and contracts as it freezes and unfreezes. While this isn't a problem in some cases, pipes aren't made with a ton of give in them. When pipes freeze, they often burst and cost hundreds or thousands in water damage.

Clogged Drains

Every homeowner has to deal with a clogged drain at one point or another. Clogged drains aren't a huge deal in a lot of cases, but a slow drain can be a real annoyance. However, what's really important is making sure your clog isn't caused by a bigger problem in your plumbing system.

Most drain clogs are caused by things like hair, soap and food. People shave in the sink and shed hair in the shower, which naturally contribute to clogged drains. The things you put down your garbage disposal are also a contributing factor. The thing is, those clogged drains can be fixed with a simple enzyme-based drain cleaner. If you've tried using a drain cleaner for a while and the problem persists, you might have a bigger problem that requires a plumber.

The biggest concern when it comes to clogged drains is that you could have a root growing into one of your main drain lines. Since drain cleaners aren't made to break down large tree roots, weeks of using a drain cleaner won't do anything. A plumber can run a camera through your drain to figure out what's causing the clog.

Running Toilets

If you ever hear the toilet running when nobody has gone to the bathroom for a while, you've got a running toilet problem. This is an interesting problem because it's something most people can easily fix, but it can also cause a huge spike in your water bill if you don't fix it.

Running toilets are caused by one of the components in the toilet tank, whether it's a flapper or float. When you flush your toilet, the flapper is what allows water to get to the toilet bowl. The float, on the other hand, tells the toilet tank when to stop filling up. A problem with either of these means water will always be flowing, which can cost you a lot of money.

If replacing your float and flapper does nothing, you should call a plumber immediately. In many cases, this is a bigger problem with the toilet that requires a full replacement.

Low Water Pressure

This one is pretty cut and dried, but it's something you should keep an eye out for nonetheless. If you notice you're getting low water pressure in one or more fixtures in your Matthews, NC, home, you probably need to call a professional.

Low water pressure isn't a problem in and of itself, but the things that cause it can be. Low pressure in one fixture indicates a problem with a fixture, often times involving the aerator if you're dealing with a faucet. However, low water pressure throughout your home could be a bigger problem that requires the help of a plumber.

Keep It Up

Keeping your plumbing system in good shape year after year is a lot of work, but it's well worth it. Not only does a good plumbing system save you money on repairs, it also makes things more convenient.

While keeping an eye out for plumbing problems is a good start, you also need to have a plumber you can call when you do spot a problem. Fortunately for you, the folks at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Matthews, NC, are here to help. Next time you spot a plumbing problem in your home, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain.

When Do You Need to Call in an Emergency Plumber? | Charlotte, NC

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 05:30:11 GMT

The minute you see water where you don't want it you know you have a plumbing problem, but what actually constitutes calling an emergency plumber? A lot of people are hesitant about calling for a Charlotte, NC plumber because they don't want to pay if it can wait.

The thing about plumbing issues is you seldom want to wait. Plumbing issues that cause water damage can quickly grow costly by the hour. Once you factor in water damage the costs of a plumber are nothing.

That said, there are a few situations that can wait and some that require a plumber in Charlotte, NC. Here are a few of the situations that should have you running for the phone. If you are currently dealing with any of these you want to call an emergency plumber right away.

Your Toilet Is Overflowing

If you have an overflowing toilet you are no doubt disgusted, but you should also be alarmed. Not only can overflowing wastes create a health hazard, but they can quickly lead to severe water damage if you don't stop the situation. If possible, you should immediately turn off the water to the bathroom with the overflowing toilet and then call an emergency plumber. The longer you wait the more damage will ensue, and if a plunger isn't working chances are the blockage or issue is deeper than what you can see.

No Hot Water

Waking up without hot water is uncomfortable to say the least, but it can also become a huge problem if left unattended. Chances are something is wrong with your hot water heater, and it's always better to fix an issue sooner than later. The longer you wait the higher the chance that the repair will end up being costly. If you have already checked the flame then it is time to call in the emergency plumber. They can assess the problem and let you know if it is something that can be repaired or if needs replaced. No hot water on a summer day might not seem horrible, but no hot water in the dead of winter is a completely different story.

Sewer Backup

Walking into your basement and finding feces floating around is never a good start or end to the day. If you have a sewer line backing up into your home you need to call an emergency plumber in Charlotte, NC to get to the bottom of the issue quickly. Until the issue is resolved, you cannot use any of the water in your house because it will make the backup larger, and it could potentially cause a lot of water damage if your basement is furnaced. You cannot cook, clean, or flush the toilet when you have a sewer backup so this is not something you should wait around on.

Some people rent a snake and try to remedy the issue themselves, but this is really a task that should be left to a professional plumber. While a snake may be able to fix the problem for the day, it doesn't identify what caused the backup and it is likely to recur. You don't want to be dealing with sewer backup multiple times in a month, so call the emergency plumber and get a solution that sticks.

Burst Pipe

Whether you have a burst pipe or you are concerned that a pipe is about to burst, this is always a situation that warrants a phone call to an emergency plumber in Charlotte, NC. Frozen pipes in particular are cause for concern because they can lead to no water or the risk of flooding if they expand and crack. Frozen water expands and can cause a crack that you are unaware of. Once they thaw the water starts pouring out resulting in a large amount of potential water damage.

This is just one of the many reasons why you should always know where the water shut off valves are located in your home. If you don't, ask your plumber the next time they are out to your home or even ask the emergency plumber if you need to call one out now.

You Have No Water

While this may seem like a no-brainer, some people wait around a bit to see if the situation will change. However, if you have no water then it is not suddenly going to reappear on its own. If the water is not coming out of your taps and you have paid your water bill, then something is wrong with the plumbing in your home. You might call the city first to make sure that there isn't a larger problem, but then your next phone call should be to an emergency plumber.

Major Clog in the Sink

Generally speaking a minor clog is not something that constitutes as an emergency. A plunger or small drain snake could be enough to break it free, but if you have a major clog and your hand tools are useless against it then it may be time to call an emergency plumber. First evaluate how frequently you use the sink and if it is leaking anywhere else. Sometimes a clogged sink can be leaking down the line, in which case calling a plumber is even more vital.

Flooding, Water Damage, & Wastes

As you may have noticed, most of the above examples have to do with situations that involves flooding, water damage, and/or wastes. As a general rule of thumb, whenever you have a plumbing situation that involves any of these three you need to call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for emergency plumber. If the issue is small and does not run the risk of flooding or unsanitary wastes in your home, then you are probably okay to wait until the weekend is over.

What’s the Deal with Pipe Materials? | Tips from Your Monroe, NC Plumber

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 05:47:14 GMT

Whether you're building a home, you just purchased a home or you're planning on re-piping your home, you've probably heard about some of the different options you have in terms of pipe materials. While there are some pipe materials that are essentially mandatory for specific uses, you also have a lot of freedom when it comes to the pipes you use in your Monroe, NC, home. If you're planning on having a plumber re-pipe your home or help you with a new construction project, here's what you need to know about your different options when it comes to pipe materials.

Why Is Pipe Material Important?

When a plumber installs piping or replaces a section of piping in your home, they have an important decision to make when it comes to the material. The type of piping you use determines the cost, longevity and ease of plumbing project.

Obviously, one of the big things you have to consider when it comes to different pipe materials is the cost. If you're planning on having a newly built home plumbed by professionals, there could be a large difference in cost between one of the cheaper options and the more expensive stuff. However, you also have to consider the quality of the pipe you're having installed in your home. The lower quality pipe material you opt for, the more likely it is you're going to have to call a professional to fix your pipes in the coming years.

Another thing you have to consider when it comes to pipe material is that you have a limited number of options depending on what you're using the pipe for. While certain types of lines may need to be run in one material, that material may be unacceptable for another type of line.

Cast Iron

There are a lot of materials that are more common in older homes, but you can still opt for cast iron pipes in your home if you're so inclined. As a matter of fact, our plumbers deal with plenty of cast iron pipes on the job.

The biggest benefit to choosing cast iron pipes over other pipe materials is the fact that they're a lot tougher than most pipe materials. Cast iron pipes are very resistant to abrasion, which means you don't have to worry about anything wearing them down over the years for the most part. Unfortunately, cast iron pipes are also a lot more expensive than other types of pipe.

If you're having a professional install cast iron lines in your home, chances are those lines are going to be waste lines. This is important to consider since you still need to choose a pipe material for the water lines in your Monroe, NC, home.

PVC

When you're hiring a professional to install new water or waste lines in your home, it's always a good idea to ask them about the different options available to you. As far as waste lines go, a lot of plumbers will recommend PVC above everything else.

Much like cast iron, one of the biggest advantages to using PVC in your home is the fact that it's so durable. While most pipe materials have an estimated lifespan based on their ability to resist corrosion and abrasion, PVC pipes are supposed to last indefinitely.

Since PVC pipes are used for waste lines in homes, you'll need to find another material for your water supply lines. However, PVC does have a close relative called CPVC that does the trick.

CPVC

When it comes to installing new water lines in your Monroe, NC, home, the best material you can choose is CPVC. Not only is CPVC a little tougher than PVC, it's also a better fit for water lines while PVC is best for waste lines.

If you ask any good plumber what material you should choose for your water lines, they'll choose CPVC. One of the big reasons CPVC is such a great pipe material is the fact that it's capable of withstanding temperatures up to 200 degrees F while PVC can only withstand temperatures of about 140 degrees F. Another nice part about CPVC is the fact that you can find it in a lot of different sizes, so plumbers don't have to worry about struggling to find pipe in a size that fits other parts of your plumbing system.

Copper

While most people opt for CPVC in their homes when it comes to water supply lines, copper water supply lines are also fairly common. As much as CPVC has become the popular option in terms of water supplies, there are still plenty of benefits to opting for copper water supply lines.

One of the best parts about copper is that it's a tough metal but it's also not very heavy. While materials like cast iron need a lot of support when you're running them long distances, a professional can easily run a long stretch of copper without much support. Another benefit to copper is the fact that it's a lead-free metal, so you don't have to worry about what's in your water.

The biggest downside to copper water supply lines is the fact that they're expensive. While you might not have to pay a plumber more to install them, you'll definitely end up paying more in parts costs.

Make It Easy

If you're looking for the perfect pipe materials for your Monroe, NC, home, chances are you're having a pretty tough time. The fact of the matter is, only a qualified plumber can give you the truth when it comes to choosing the best pipe materials.

Lucky for you, you've got a whole team of qualified plumbers on your side when you choose bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte. Not only can we help you find the perfect pipe materials for your home, we can install everything for you. To find out more and schedule an appointment today,

Do You Know Where Your Sewer Lines Are Located? | Tips from Your Matthews, NC Plumbing Service

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:55:26 GMT

Generally speaking, sewer lines tend to be out-of-sight and thus out-of-mind. However, they enable a building's plumbing system to remain functional, meaning that they play a very important role to say the least. As such, people in Matthews, NC needs to get a good understanding of where their sewer line is located either on their own or through professional plumbing service, particularly if they are planning to make major changes to their property.

After all, if they are making major changes to their property, there is a good chance that the process will involve digging around on their property. As a result, if they don't know where their sewer line is located so that they can avoid it, there is a serious risk of them cutting into or otherwise damaging it. Suffice to say that fixing the sewer line as well as cleaning up the resulting mess will be both laborious and time-consuming, thus increasing the costs of a process that already promises to be so. On top of this, if someone is planning to make an addition to their existing building, knowing the location of their sewer line becomes even more important if they want the resulting addition to have any plumbing capabilities whatsoever. Simply put, in this as in other things, being prepared is critical for maximizing the chances of securing the best results.

How Can You Locate Your Sewer Lines?

There are various methods that people in Matthews, NC can use to locate their sewer line without calling in professional plumbing service. Please note that none of these options are guaranteed to produce the desired results, which is why it can be a good idea to know more than one of them.

First, they might want to contact the previous property owner to see if they have any knowledge of where the sewer line is situated. If they don't have said individual's contact information, they can consult municipal records to see if that will help. Of course, if they don't know where the sewer line can be found, there is no guarantee that the previous property owner will know said information.

Second, someone might want to check in with their neighbors to see if they have any helpful information. If they are particularly lucky, their neighbors might have paid attention to previous work on their property, thus giving them a general idea of where the sewer line can be found. If they are somewhat less lucky, their neighbors might know where their own sewer line can be found, which might be capable of providing some much-needed insight for their own particular problem. Something that could make it easier for the professional plumbers to solve it when they get called in for professional plumbing service.

Third, they might want to check in with the municipal government. It isn't uncommon for municipal governments to maintain property maps as well as sewer line maps, meaning that they might be a one-stop solution in this particular scenario. For that matter, people who are planning to make major changes to their property should check in with the municipal government anyways so that they get an exact idea of where their boundaries lie, which in turn, should inform them about what they can and cannot do when it comes to those changes. Something that can save them from a lot of legal complications in the long run.

Fourth, if interested individuals have a septic tank, that should make it much easier for them to locate their sewer line. This is because the sewer line should be connecting a location in either their basement or their crawlspace with the septic tank, thus making it much easier to figure out its location.

Fifth, it is possible for people in Matthews, NC to brute force the issue to some extent. In short, they can start by locating a pipe in their building that they know to be a drain pipe for certain. After which, they can follow that pipe until it leads to another pipe with a wider diameter, which should put them that much closer to the ultimate pipe coming out of either their basement or their crawlspace. By following that pipe, they should be able to locate the sewer line. After which, it is just a matter of following the sewer line to figure out its exact location on their property. Unfortunately, this part of the process can involve a fair amount of digging because human eyes can't see past the ground. However, if that seems excess for interested individuals, they might be able to get similar results by using small wooden stakes to probe the places that they believe the sewer line to run through. Having said that, if interested individuals have a general idea of where their sewer line is located because of clues turned up by other search methods, they can use small wooden stakes to probe for it as well. Otherwise, doing so is a waste of time and effort because they will be reliant on blind chance, which is never a good way of doing things.

Should You Try This on Your Own?

Interested individuals can use these search methods without calling for professional plumbing service. However, if they don't have the relevant expertise and experience, it tends to be a good idea for them to call in professional plumbers for professional plumbing service anyways. In part, this is because of the sheer amount of effort involved in the search process, which will take away from interested individuals' normal routines. However, it should also be noted that sewer lines can be more fragile than what they might expect, meaning that a moment of carelessness can have catastrophic consequences when the sewage starts spilling out. Due to this, professional plumbing services is the best way to ensure that they get exactly what they want with minimal fuss and hassle.

Contact Us

Still not sure about how our plumbing service can help? Please bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte for further inquiries because we are more than happy to help our potential clients understand why our plumbing service is the best solution for their plumbing problems.

What to Do When Your Drain Is Clogged | Tips from Your Charlotte, NC Drain Cleaning Specialist

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 06:00:20 GMT

Whether you own or rent the Charlotte, NC, home you live in, chances are you're going to deal with a clogged drain at some point. While there are a lot of things you can do to keep your drains from getting clogged, you never know when something is going to build up down there. The worst part is, you have to take care of clogs quickly unless you want to deal with a shower or sink that takes forever to drain. If you've got a clogged drain and are thinking about calling a drain cleaning service, here's what you should know.

Drain Cleaners

If you've got a clogged drain, your first instinct might be to reach for a popular drain cleaner. While these drain cleaners are advertised as a great way to remove gunk from your drains and get them running freely again, they can actually cause a lot of problems.

Not only do chemical-based drain cleaners not work very well, they can also react with your pipes and cause a lot of damage. As a matter of fact, putting chemical-based drain cleaners down your sink for a long period of time may mean you have to replace your pipes sooner.

Instead of opting for chemical-based drain cleaning solutions, check out some of the enzyme-based cleaners that most plumbers recommend. The enzymes in these cleaners are made to eat away at the gunk that builds up and clogs your pipes without causing damage to the pipes in your Charlotte, NC, home.

Gauging the Problem

When you have a plumbing problem in your home, it's only natural that one of the first things you try to do is gauge the severity of the problem. When it comes to a drain clog, the severity depends on which drain is clogged and how clogged it is.

For the most part, you don't have a ton to worry about with a clogged drain; you can simply call a plumber and wash your hands of the situation. If you don't call, the biggest thing you're risking is letting the clog get even worse, which may or may not be a problem for you. In some cases, however, a clog is so bad that it makes a fixture unusable. If this is the case, it's a good idea to call a drain cleaning service before you end up with a flooded bathroom.

Even if you don't need to have your clogged drain fixed right away, it's a good idea to do it anyway so you can minimize the effort required to unclog the drain.

Professional Help

As tempting as it may be to try unclogging the drain in your Charlotte, NC, home on your own, it's simply not worth the risk. Whether you use the wrong drain cleaner or try using a snake to get the clog out of your sink, there's always a chance that something could go wrong.

Hiring a professional drain cleaning service means you don't have to worry about any pipes being broken or any damage being caused to your plumbing system. Aside from that, you never know what the actual cause of a drain clog is, especially if you've tried using an enzyme-based drain cleaner and it didn't get rid of the clog. If your clog is being caused by a tree root in the sewer line in your yard, you shouldn't be jamming a snake down there to remove the clog. In some cases, a snake may break in a pipe, creating a completely different headache for you to deal with.

Another good reason to go with a professional drain cleaning service is that you don't have to worry about your fixtures being out of working order for an extended period of time. When you hire a drain cleaning service, they can take care of things quickly and get your plumbing system back to normal. The one exception to this is when the leak is being caused by something unexpected, such as roots growing in to your sewer line.

Preventing Clogs

Knowing how to get rid of a drain clog in your Charlotte, NC, home is only half the battle; the other half is knowing how to prevent those clogs from forming in the first place. The good news is, there are a lot of little things you can do to make that happen.

For starters, you need to be careful about what you're putting down your drains. We already mentioned the types of drain cleaning solutions you should avoid using in your home, but there are lots of other things to be careful of too.

In the kitchen, you should throw away as much food waste as possible so you aren't putting it all down the garbage disposal. Grease, oils and fats should never go down the drain. In the bathroom, you should avoid filling the sink and shower drains with hair if you want to prevent clogs. As far as your toilet goes, supposedly "flushable" wipes are some of the biggest culprits in terms of clogs. If you want to avoid calling a drain cleaning service to get your toilet running again, don't flush things like flushable wipes, makeup removers, menstrual products and cotton swabs. The less solid waste you can put down a drain, the less likely it is to get clogged.

The Easy Route

Nobody wants to spend a bunch of money on drain cleaning services, but that's a reality you have to face if you don't take good care of your drains. Fortunately, a little bit of conscious effort goes a long way toward preventing clogs in your home.

If you do have a clog you need professional help with, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC, has you covered. We know how frustrating it can be to deal with a clogged drain, so we fix them fast. If you need help getting a drain in your home unclogged, give us a call.

Do I Need to Winterize My Plumbing? | Tips from Your Charlotte, NC Plumbing Repair Service Provider

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 06:16:42 GMT

Winters in Charlotte, NC are wet and cold, with temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing. In addition to keeping yourself and your family warm, it's important to prepare your home's plumbing system for the winter. This process, aptly called winterizing, can ensure your pipes do not burst and cause extensive water damage.

Although it is widely believed that pipes burst when the water inside freezes, it typically happens somewhere between the point where the frozen water is and a closed faucet, which can include sinks, hose nozzles, or washing machines. The built-up pressure from the ice blockage is what actually causes pipes to explode, because it has nowhere to go in these cases except for directly through the walls of the pipes. Winterizing can prevent these plumbing disasters from happening in the first place.

What Is Winterizing and Do I Need to Do it?

The term winterizing is typically used when discussing preparing a home for vacancy, such as cabins in the mountains or second homes that may not be occupied all the time. However, winterizing should be done in all homes and buildings where there are temperature extremes, to prevent the pipes from freezing and ultimately bursting.

The process of winterizing involves completely emptying the house's plumbing system of water, including draining all pipes, emptying the water heater, and filling plumbing fixtures with anti-freeze. It may sound simple enough to winterize your plumbing system yourself, but calling in a professional plumbing repair service such as bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte will ensure the process is done properly and thoroughly.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Winterization

When an expert plumbing repair service comes to your home to winterize it, it's good to know exactly what to expect.

1. A layer of heat tape, followed by a thick layer of insulation, typically made out of fiberglass or polyethylene, will be wrapped around your pipes by the technician. This is your plumbing system's first line of defense against freezing. The colder the area you live in, the thicker the insulation should be. Be particularly cautious of any pipes that have been repaired in the last 12 months or pipes that have previously frozen, as they are significantly more susceptible to bursting.

2. All the drains, faucets, and taps will be opened by the technician. This will prevent a vacuum from being created inside the pipe that could hold water inside and eventually freeze, creating a dangerous blockage.

3. Before completely shutting off the home's plumbing, the plumbing repair company will likely recommend that you allow the faucets to drip overnight, particularly if the weather has already brought freezing temperatures to the Charlotte, NC area. Doing this relieves some of the pressure in the pipes, making them far less likely to burst even if they do freeze. This step can be done as often as you feel it's necessary, and should be done on any nights when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. All cabinet doors below sinks should be left open in the home. This simple task allows more heat to get to the pipes, helping to further prevent them from freezing.

5. The heat should never be turned off in extremely cold weather during the winter in NC, whether the home will be vacant for long periods or not. Your technician will likely advise you to set all thermostats at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Outside the home, the plumbing repair serviceman will shut off and/or disconnect all hoses, sprinklers, and other irrigation systems. These pipes in particular can cause a great deal of damage to the foundation of a home or even cause damage to nearby properties.

7. Cracks, gaps, or holes along the exterior of your home should be repaired. Filling them with spray foam insulation or caulking can go a long way in preventing freezing air from reaching your home's water pipes. This is a step that can be proactively performed throughout the year. As you spend time outside, take note of your exterior walls and make repairs as necessary, or call the plumbing repair experts at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.

8. The plumbing repair technicians will recommend that you insulate garage doors, crawl spaces, and basement and attic windows. Cold air can easily seep through cracks and gaps in these areas and make contact with plumbing pipes. Vents can also be covered using thick pieces of cardboard and held in place with duct tape. Bathrooms or laundry rooms located in or next to garages and basements are particularly vulnerable to freezing pipes, so take extra care in those areas.

Signs of Freezing Pipes to Watch for

Now that we've discussed ways to prevent your home's plumbing from freezing and fracturing or bursting, it's a good idea to know what you should keep an eye out for when the temperatures drop this winter in Charlotte, NC.

• The water is shut off but you can hear the sound of water in the pipes. In particular, be cautious of the sound of rushing water. If this occurs, immediately turn off your home's water supply and contact a plumbing repair professional.

• Your home's water supply is turned on and you turn on a faucet, but nothing comes out. Inspect your pipes for the most likely places a freeze may have occurred, turn off the main water supply, and gently thaw the pipes by using a hair dryer or space heater.

Be prepared with a mop and bucket or several towels, as the water may come out quickly once the freeze is thawed.

Proactively calling a plumbing repair service such as bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC can be the difference of a winter with no plumbing issues and a winter dealing with major plumbing emergencies.

Preparing Your Plumbing for Winter | Tips from Your Charlotte, NC Emergency Plumber

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 06:37:27 GMT

As a homeowner in Charlotte, NC, you know full well that wintertime in this beautiful city can be brutal, and it isn't just you that feels the chill. Your plumbing may also suffer when Old Man Winter kicks his heels and sends the city freezing temps. That's when it gets ugly for the pipes that supply the water to your home and property. If they freeze, they can burst, and then you'll have no choice but to call an emergency plumber for help.

Half of Charlotte's Winter Nights See Freezing Temps

The gorgeous weather can turn nasty in a heartbeat, especially during January and February. In fact, the average low temp is 30 degrees F during January, and that same month, the mercury plummets to 20 degrees F for at least 10 nights. Nearly half of Charlotte's winter nights see temperatures below freezing (32 degrees F). And as your emergency plumber knows all too well, anytime the temperature falls below freezing, water expands and can turn to ice. That includes the water in your water supply pipes. This added pressure against the unyielding inner surface of your home's plumbing pipes can result in tiny leaks, particularly at the joints where two pipes come together. It can also crack a length of pipe, and allow water to fully flow into your home in the area where the pipe fails.

Sound expensive? It can be. In fact, it can cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars of damage before your emergency plumber even arrives to help.

An Ounce of Prevention Yields a Pound of Cure

Luckily, you can prevent frozen pipes in and around your home and eliminate the need to call out an emergency plumber. Just a few steps can help your stave off costly repairs that result when pipes burst and need to be replaced or you have to pay for other damages that result. The key is to winterize the home and have your plumbing inspected to ensure that everything's working as it should prior to the arrival of sleet, snow and ice.

Keep Exposed Pipes Warm

Your first step to ensure the emergency plumber is kept at bay is to insulate any pipes that are exposed to the cold. Pipes that are exposed to areas of the home that are not heated are a recipe for a plumbing disaster; it's just a matter of time before they experience freezing to the point that they fail. Usually, these pipes are found in crawlspaces, attics, garages and basements. Foam pipes sleeves work well for providing additional insulation for exposed pipes, and they are relatively inexpensive (especially if you compare their cost to the cost of calling for an emergency plumber's help). Heat tape, which you can buy at nearly any hardware or home store, also helps. Just wrap your pipes with a plentiful amount of this tape to hold your foam pipe sleeves in position.

Be Weather Aware

Being aware of coming drops in temperatures gives you ample time to take a few other tried-and-true measures for preventing frozen water pipes and keeping the emergency plumber away from your home. Watch the forecast, and when the weatherman predicts temps to fall below 32 degrees F, turn each faucet in the home to a slow drip. This helps keep water moving through the pipes and can reduce the threat of freezing water in your plumbing lines. In addition, on nights when your weatherman advises that temperatures are going to fall to freezing or below, open up the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This allows the heat in your home to reach your pipes where they come into each sink and can really help you avoid frozen disasters.

Give Your Water Heater Some TLC

An often-overlooked tactic in the fight against frozen pipes is water heater maintenance. Winter and the cold temperatures it brings adds stress to your hot water heater. If your water heater fails, leaving you without heated water throughout the home, your pipes and plumbing become even more vulnerable to freezing and cracking. Have your water heater looked at by a plumbing professional regularly.

Outside the Home

As you can imagine, your home's plumbing fixtures that are exposed to the elements tend to fare even worse than interior plumbing lines when temperatures become frigid. It's always a smart move to drain and disconnect any garden hoses and turn off the water supply to your outdoor faucets. This eliminates any residual water that can build up in the exterior fixtures, freeze into ice and expand as the temperature drops, and then cause cracks that affect your indoor pipes.

Identifying Frozen Water Pipes

The first sign of frozen water pipes is generally a tap that won't turn on or that just makes a chugging sound when you open it. Toilets will fail to refill after flushing too. Visually, a pipe that's frozen will likely be coated in a frost-like covering, sort of what you'd expect if you stick a wet glass into a freezer to frost it before serving tea. Pipes that are frozen usually also have a distinct bulging look.

Should You Try to Thaw Out Your Frozen Water Pipes?

While it's tempting to try to thaw frozen pipes yourself, remember that the ice inside the pipe is probably working like a plug. When it melts, if the pipe has cracked or sprung a leak, you'll know right away when water starts pouring through. Emergency plumbers sometimes get the call about frozen pipes too later; homeowners are eager to fix them themselves, and they only call out the pros when their efforts worked but the result is a flooded attic. Best not to risk it. Just call out for emergency assistance from someone who can inspect the pipes for problems before thawing them out—your plumber.

To connect with an emergency plumber at any hour, please call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte, NC. We'll hop on over 24/7.

Handy Garbage Disposal Skills for Charlotte Homeowners | bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 06:46:31 GMT

A garbage disposal is such a useful tool to have in the home. It’s perfect for getting rid of unwanted food scraps and small chunks of debris. Most of us take our disposals for granted, though. We expect it to work as the manufacturer intended from day one to the day we move out, but that’s not always the case. On occasion, your garbage disposal will become clogged or fail altogether.

Invented in 1927 by John Hammes, the garbage disposal has become a staple in the kitchen. Mr. Hammes expected homeowners to take care of his invention, however. After all, it makes our lives easier.

Garbage Disposal Services — How It All Works

Your garbage disposal is connected to the underside of the kitchen sink. Here, it collects food waste in a central chamber, which also holds a series of sharp blades designed to mince the debris even further. Of course, these blades rely on you turning the machine on. Most of us have a switch beside the sink or under the sink that controls the system.

To keep your system in working order year-round, you want to schedule regular garbage disposal maintenance and prompt repairs. Having an experienced technician examine your unit can reduce the risk of costly repairs or even injuries.

What NOT to Put in Your Garbage Disposal

A lot of people see or hear the term garbage disposal and immediately think of their garbage can. They think you can throw anything away down the drain. That’s not the case at all, though. In fact, there’s a lot that cannot go down the drain.

To name a few, you should never throw tough or fibrous food scraps, potato peels, grease, oil, fruit pits, eggshells or bones down the garbage disposal. Doing so can lead to a serious clog or disposal jam.

Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Services

Slow Drainage — If you’ve given the disposal enough time to run and clear away food debris, but you still notice slow drainage, the likely cause is a clogged drain line. It’s important to avoid chemical drain cleaners in this case and opt for professional drain cleaning services.

Foul Odors — Any bad odors coming from your disposal often mean that the food being chopped up has remained in the line and is starting to rot. Either there is a clog or the blades are not chopping the food debris finely enough.

Jammed Disposal — A full-on garbage disposal jam will prevent the entire system from working altogether. Some disposals are easily unjammed by design. Some, unfortunately, require professional service.

Whether your garbage disposal smells a little off or is outright jammed, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte for garbage disposal services.

The Hidden Dangers of Leaking Appliances | bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 07:03:26 GMT

Your home’s appliances are such a useful set of tools. You can easily wash your dishes in the dishwasher, store food in the refrigerator, and wear clean clothes all week long with a washing machine. The convenience of modern appliances cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, these same appliances also commonly cause leaks and water damage. Even worse, many of the most common appliances that lead to water damage are located in just two rooms — your kitchen or laundry room.

The moment you spot an appliance leak, no matter how big or small, call a local plumbing company. The sooner you can schedule with a certified plumber, the better.

Common Household Appliances That Leak

There are four primary household appliances known to leak and cause water damage. These include:

Refrigerators – A refrigerator produces a lot of moisture, especially when cooling items during the summer. When you open the door, warm air passes over the condenser coil and causes condensation. This condensation then pools at the bottom of the refrigerator.

Dishwasher – Your dishwasher may overflow because of too much detergent, the wrong type of detergent, a faulty float switch assembly, or a strainer clog.

Washing Machine – A leak caused by a washing machine can be extensive and costly. It’s likely a worn hose, which will deposit many gallons of water onto the floor quickly.

Water Heater – As your water heater ages, sediment buildup and corrosion begin to affect the tank. If the tank were to burst, that’s many gallons of water dumped onto your floor.

Appliance Leak Damages and Costs

Besides the obvious water damage, an appliance leak is bound to cause both contamination and mold growth. When it comes to mold, you have less than 48 hours before water damage escalates and allows mold to settle in the area. As for contamination, it depends on the source. A dishwasher leak, for example, will likely cause gray water damage. Gray water contains numerous forms of bacteria and potential parasites. It’s best to let an expert handle the matter.

As for the cost of leak detection and repair, it all depends on what appliance is the problem. If the drywall is affected, it might cost you around $400 to replace 100 square feet. Or, if there is mold, it could cost up to $3,000 for professional mold remediation.

In any case, the earlier you can schedule service with a plumbing company, the sooner the damage is handled and the less expensive it is overall.

You’ll find expert leak detection and repair services with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.

Signs It Can't Wait – An Emergency Plumbing Service Call May Be Necessary | bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:08:47 GMT

As a homeowner, you’ll be faced with numerous plumbing mishaps over the years. Some, like a minor fixture leak, are relatively minor. You likely don’t need to hire a plumber in the dead of night to arrange a fixture replacement. It’s an unnecessary cost. Some problems, however, are clearly emergencies.

For example, a burst pipe. The best of plumbers will be there — no matter the hour — to deal with a plumbing emergency. It’s your job to pick and choose what constitutes an emergency in your home, however.

Common Emergency Plumbing Situations You Should Call About

While most plumbing companies are happy to help you at any hour of the day or night, calling for any old reason related to your plumbing is less than ideal. Of course, a plumber will still help you without question. You’ll be hurting yourself, though.

These common emergency plumbing situations warrant a call every time.

Overflowing Toilet – An overflowing toilet is a common plumbing emergency. Most often, an overflow occurs because of a clogged drain line that prevents the water or waste from flowing down the drain properly. The water is usually contaminated as it comes back up.

Leaking Water Heater – If you spot a significant pool of water below your water heater, it’s a clear sign of impending trouble. Even a minor crack in the water heater tank, caused by age or corrosion, can lead to serious flooding.

Sewage Leaks – If there are multiple drainage clogs, unpleasant odors, and noticeable brown water filling the drains, you’ve got a sewage problem on your hands. The wastewater will eventually flood your bathroom and portions of your home with highly contaminated and dangerous matter.

Burst Pipe – As we said previously, a burst pipe is a common plumbing emergency. If not treated soon, the pipe will continue to release water and flood the area quickly. It’s common for burst pipes to also cause mold growth.

Damaged Water Line – It’s typical for a water line to run through your yard. Here, tree roots and severe storms can ruin the integrity of the line and lead to a leak or backup. You’ll wind up with low water pressure or no running water anywhere in the home. You’ll be unable to cook, clean, or wash up after a long day.

If there is no chance to fix a plumbing emergency yourself or the situation cannot wait until normal business hours, do not take the risk. Call a local plumbing company for emergency repairs. At times, especially when there is running water involved, you’re better off safe than sorry.

For top-rated plumbing repairs available at any hour, please call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.

Hidden Benefits of Switching to a Tankless Water Heater | bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:14:41 GMT

These days, more and more homeowners are looking to innovate around the home. They question the efficiency of their plumbing systems, for example. You’re likely in the same boat. You want a water heater that provides the right amount of comfort without breaking the bank. Like us, you’re likely also tired of a cold shower in the morning after someone beat you to the hot water supply.

The answer is simple. A tankless water heater is an investment in your home’s finances and comfort levels. You won’t run out of hot water like with a conventional tank. Even better, you’ll save money each month. It’s a win-win scenario for everyone!

The Benefits of Switching to a Tankless Water Heater

On average, you spend about $400 to $600 per year simply heating water for everyday use. That’s not a small chunk of change. It only makes sense that you want to maximize your water usage and get the most out of your hot water heater, so you’ll love the benefits of switching to a tankless model.

Increased Savings – By savings, we mean both money and energy. A tankless water heater, while more expensive initially, enjoys increased long-term savings and adds value to your home at the same time. With less spent on both water and energy, you’re saving money on two bills at once each month.

Space Savings – Alongside saving money and energy, you’re also saving space. A tankless hot water heater is significantly smaller than a conventional model. The average 40-60 gallon conventional water heater is over five feet tall and two feet wide. A tankless model is the size of a modern computer.

Extended Lifespan – Today’s tankless models enjoy a longer lifespan overall — between 20-30 years, on average. Of all the water heating options on the market today, nothing else comes close to a tankless water heater. An extended lifespan also means even more savings.

Cleaner Water – The interior of a conventional water heater is prone to corrosion and limescale buildup, which makes for dirty, contaminated water. A tankless model does not have the same problem, as the water is heated and transported directly to where you need it all at once. There’s no sitting around in sediment at all.

The One Downside

We would be remiss not to mention the one downside to a tankless water heater, and that’s the initial cost. A tankless water heater can cost up to three times as much as a conventional water heater — from $1,000 to $3,000 for a gas-powered model. Now, the cost will deter a lot of homeowners. It’s important to remember that this type of unit is an investment. You’ll recuperate the cost in time and then continue to save money in the long-run. You can’t say the same about a conventional water heater.

Consider a tankless water heater with professional installation from bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte. We’re available for water heater services.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure and What You Can Do About It | bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:15:18 GMT

It is not uncommon for homeowners to face low water pressure. A faucet, showerhead, even your dishwasher or washing machine can be affected by low water pressure. It’s more than just an annoyance — though you will certainly be annoyed — but it can also be costly.

If it’s only one plumbing fixture affected by low water pressure — say, your shower head — then it’s likely an easy fix. The line may be clogged or corroded, or the fixture could use a good drain cleaning. A simple fix. That’s not always the case, though.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure in Your Home

As we said, dealing with low water pressure is a relatively common complaint. There are a number of reasons why you might suddenly have this problem, too. Let’s go over a few and what you can do about it.

Water Meter Valve

In most homes, there are two shut-off valves to control the water. The first valve is the main water meter, which is located near the water meter on the main city supply line. The second is the supply valve, which is often located along an exterior wall of the house.

You’re unlikely to mess about with the main water meter unless absolutely necessary, like in the event of a flood, but the supply valve is fair game.

On occasion, one or both of these valves may be partially closed. If that’s the case, not enough water will flow through the line and the pressure will be significantly reduced.

Faulty Fixtures

At times, there’s nothing wrong with the water valves or the line itself. Sometimes, it’s the plumbing fixture that’s the problem. In fact, a faulty fixture is one of the most common causes of low water pressure in residential properties.

Most often, it’s a showerhead or faucet that’s simply too old to keep running efficiently. These fixtures become clogged with rust, limestone, dirt, or soap scum and simply fail to live up to your expectations.

Failing Pressure Regulator

It’s not uncommon for residential plumbing to be equipped with a pressure regulator. If said regulator begins to fail, however, it can reduce your comfort levels and water pressure at the same time. You’ll either endure too much water pressure or very little. There’s no middle ground.

Luckily, you can fix a pressure regulator yourself. You just need the same make and model to replace the broken one. However, it’s generally best to leave the repairs to the experts. You’ll receive better results in half the time.

As you can see, low water pressure is commonly caused by a number of factors. Some, like replacing a fixture, are simple. Others, like corrosion, can require massive plumbing repairs and replacement lines.

No matter the cause of your low water pressure, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte provides the best drain cleaning and fixture replacement services around.

How a Sewer Camera Inspection Can Save You Money and More

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 00:07:50 GMT

It wasn’t long ago that a sewer line inspection meant digging up the line and visually inspecting the pipe for signs of wear and tear. It was a messy, costly endeavor that could potentially ruin your landscaping. That’s not the case these days. Today, plumbing technology has advanced exponentially to the point where we no longer need to recklessly dig up your yard.

The solution is simple. Plumbers today offer sewer line camera inspections using advanced imaging equipment that helps pinpoint a leak or clog.

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

Your sewer line is, of course, installed underground. It’s usually buried deep under the foundation of the home. So, that’s a five-inch thick concrete slab, then around two feet of dirt covering the pipe. That’s quite a bit to dig up.

The answer to that problem is a sewer camera inspection. The setup is a video camera attached to a flexible cable that your plumber will insert into the main sewer line clean-out. If the clean-out is unavailable, they’ll opt for the vent stack.

It’s then snaked through the pipe until the problem is found. From above, the plumber will watch the video feed on a small unit, similar to a tablet, to locate any problems.

Reasons to Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection

There are numerous reasons why scheduling a sewer line inspection makes sense. The big three include:

Accuracy – Regardless of your plumber’s experience, seeing underground is an impossible task. If there’s a problem with the pipes, a sewer camera will allow the plumber to visually inspect the line and identify the problem.

Picture Perfect – The camera equipment provides a clear picture or video of the line with immense detail. You would think such a picture would be blurry or grainy. That’s not the case, though.

Simple Process – As we mentioned, it was common in the past for plumbers to dig up entire yards when dealing with sewer line trouble. Now, sewer line cameras ensure quick results through a simple process.

What to Expect from a Sewer Line Inspection

Upon scheduling a sewer line inspection from a trusted source, you’ll likely be curious as to what happens next. The appointment is simple and straightforward. The inspection equipment is lightweight and generally never comes into your home.

The plumber will find the exterior cleanout, insert the camera line, and the entire job will be done within a short time. Upon finding a blockage or tree root incursion, you can then schedule plumbing repairs.

Consider scheduling a sewer camera inspection for easier and faster results. When you suspect sewer line trouble, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.

Gas Leaks and Their Hidden Health Hazards

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 00:22:00 GMT

A lot of people will tell you that a gas leak is mostly harmless. It’s an inconvenience more than anything else, they’ll say. While there are some cases when this may be true, a gas leak is not to be taken lightly. It’s not worth risking your entire home or your health. At the first sign of a gas leak, schedule gas line repairs from a trusted source. The sooner you deal with the issue, the better off you’ll be.

Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home

First, it’s important to understand the most common signs of a gas leak to better address the situation. These include:

Dead Plants – If you have house plants, you might notice the leaves and stalks starting to wither and die. If this happens suddenly, it might be because of a gas leak somewhere close.

Hissing Sounds – A noticeable hissing sound is a telltale sign of a gas leak. The closer you are to the leak, the more pronounced the noise will become.

Rotten Egg Smell – Natural gas manufacturers put mercaptan, a chemical that provides odorless gas with its telltale rotten egg smell, in the gas supply to homes. If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, it’s likely caused by a gas leak.

Bubbles – A good way to test for a gas leak in your home is by spraying a bit of water and soap on the gas line. If you notice bubbles forming, you’ve got a leak.

A Gas Leak’s Hidden Health Hazards

When you have a gas leak, it leads to a reduced amount of oxygen in the air. As you know, your body requires oxygen. Without it, and because of a gas leak, you’ll endure a few troublesome symptoms:

Difficulty breathing

Dizziness

Fatigue or drowsiness

Lightheadedness

Flu-like symptoms

Eye and throat irritation

Those are just the physical symptoms. With a gas leak, there are also potential issues with your home. You are susceptible to fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

After a Gas Leak

After a gas line is repaired and an inspector has cleared the property, it is essential that you wait to return home until you’ve been given the all-clear. Then, it’s smart air out the property; open up the windows and doors and turn on the fans to clear out the place.

If you don’t have any, consider installing carbon monoxide alarms, especially near the kitchen, to protect your home.

In the event of a gas leak, evacuate the property, call your utility company and warn them of the situation, then call a professional plumber who offers 24-hour service. They can ensure your home and family are safe.

When it comes to a gas leak, do not hesitate to call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte. We offer 24-hour gas line inspection and repair services, keeping you safe around the clock.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater with Regular Maintenance

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:29:48 GMT

When it comes to the lifespan and overall efficiency of your hot water heater, a little maintenance goes a long way. In fact, most of your plumbing systems require regular maintenance. Without a tune-up or regular cleaning, mineral buildup and corrosion may lower the lifespan of the system. That means, obviously, that you’ll eventually end up paying more money for a new system or for repairs sooner than anticipated.

The best way to obtain water heater maintenance is by finding a trusted plumbing contractor near you.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater with Maintenance

For a water heater, performing maintenance a few times per year can seriously extend the lifespan of your system and increase the overall efficiency, too. Consider it as an investment in your home’s functionality and comfort.

Maintenance Checks

Schedule regular maintenance checks to determine the health of your system and closely examine working parts for signs of damage or potential leaks. A focal point should be on the tank, which is prone to cracks, leaks, and mineral buildup over time.

Test the Pressure-Relief Valve

A pressure-relief valve is an often-overlooked aspect of a water heater, but a crucial part of the whole system. It releases pressure to prevent a burst tank. On occasion, test the valve to ensure it works as intended or risk an explosion.

Flush the Tank

As we’ve said, it’s common for a conventional water heater to deal with sediment buildup that can cause leaks and a lack of hot water. Every three years, give or take, flush the tank and clean the interior.

Anode Rods

Every once in awhile, check the anode rod, which prevents rust and corrosion, for signs of wear. After three to five years, the rod must be replaced or you risk the tank corroding.

Gas Lines

If your hot water heater is connected to a gas line, regularly inspect the line for signs of cracks or corrosion. A gas line should be repaired immediately and by a professional to reduce the risk of fire or a dangerous explosion.

Water Softener

If you want to address hard water in your home, which affects your comfort and water heater alike, consider installing a water softener. You’ll be less likely to endure mineral deposits inside the tank by doing so.

What You Need

To perform proper maintenance on your hot water heater, you need a few things available. In some cases, you can perform DIY water heater maintenance. For that, you’ll need a bucket, plumbers tape, rags, and slip joint pliers. Often, however, the only tool you need is a working phone.

By calling a professional plumbing service for water heater maintenance, you’ll cut down on the chance for mishaps and invest in your system further.

Take advantage of professional water heater maintenance with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.

Conserve Water and Reduce Costs – The Benefits of a Low-Flow Toilet Upgrade

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:36:44 GMT

Every month, right on the dot, you receive a bill from your water utility company. They, of course, want payment for all the water you’ve used in your home for the past 30 days. That includes any water you’ve used to cook, clean, or bathe with. It can get quite expensive. It’s even worse if your plumbing systems, like your toilet or shower head, are outdated.

The answer is simple. You can invest in a low-flow toilet to help conserve water and cut down on your monthly bills. It’s a win-win for everyone. You help save the environment while reducing what you pay. That money can then go toward a vacation for your family or home renovations elsewhere.

Benefits of a Low-Flow Toilet

Fortunately, the plumbing industry has advanced exponentially over the years. Manufacturers are designing new toilets that use less water per flush, thereby saving you a lot of money over the months and years.

Of course, there are numerous benefits to a modern low-flow toilet, such as:

Water Conservation – Water conservation efforts are at an all-time high across the country, including here in Charlotte. It makes sense for homeowners to invest in low-flow toilets that reduce water waste by many gallons per year.

Saving Money – The less water you use and waste per month, the more money you’ll save. It’s simple math. Each flush can make a huge difference on your wallet, especially in an area where water conservation is a big deal.

Smaller Design – A low-flow toilet is not quite as large as an older model toilet. It will, therefore, save you space in your bathroom when you’re making renovations.

Regarding the cost savings, which are what attracts most homeowners, the EPA estimates that a low-flow, high-efficiency toilet can save you around $110 per year. On average, that means about $2,200 over the entire lifetime of the toilet.

Pair a Low-Flow Toilet with Other High-Efficiency Fixtures

If you want to save even more money each month on your water bills, then consider pairing a low-flow toilet with another high-efficiency fixture. You can find efficient models at a home improvement or plumbing supply store.

Faucets – An old sink faucet could be using a lot more water than you think. Switching to a new, high-efficiency faucet, with less than 1.5 GPM, will save you money over the years for a small upfront cost now.

Low-Flow Showerhead – A low-flow showerhead, at a flow rate of under 2.5 GPM, increases your monthly savings. An old model has a flow rate of around 5.5 GPM. That’s a big difference.

Consider switching to a low-flow toilet to save more money and conserve water year-round. Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.

Sewer & Water Line Maintenance – Is it Time for an Inspection?

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:52:43 GMT

How often do you perform sewer line maintenance? If you’re anything like the majority of homeowners, it’s not very often. Sure, you take care of other maintenance tasks around the home. For example, you keep on top of mowing the lawn or scheduling HVAC tune-ups. Your plumbing system — specifically your sewer line — often goes unnoticed. You expect it to run smoothly. That’s not how it works, though.

On occasion, you’ll notice your sewer line is running a little slower than normal. The drains aren’t draining quite like they used to. Or, you notice a foul smell coming from the drain. In such cases, scheduling preventative maintenance is key.

Why a Sewer or Water Line Backs Up

Your sewer line is designed to be tough. It’s built to move waste and water with relative ease around the clock. However, the system is also, at times, very fickle. You’ll eventually experience slow drainage, a sewage backup, or foul odors.

It’s not your fault, though. Sure, flushing the wrong items or ignoring the sewer line completely can and surely will lead to a problem. However, hard water can lead to sediment buildup in the line. An out-of-control tree can grow through the pipe and spread its roots throughout the interior. There are many causes that lead to a sewer line backup or leak.

Signs You Need Sewer Line Maintenance

Now, it’s quite common for homeowners to deal with plumbing on their own. That way, you save a few bucks and get a little experience. It’s a smart move. However, your sewer line is a more complex system. First, it’s buried underground. Second, the material is highly contaminated. You would benefit more from hiring an expert than saving a few dollars with DIY maintenance or repairs.

That being said, as a homeowner, you should know of a few warning signs. Knowing what to watch for can save you a lot of money and a headache.

Strange Odors – When a sewer line is blocked, its foul odors start to leak back up the pipe and through your drain. You’ll smell a rotten egg or sewage smell in your bathroom and even in your yard.

Slow Drainage – All of the drains in your home are connected to the sewer line. If there is trouble with the line, then your drains will slow down considerably — not just one, but all of them — throughout the home.

Gurgling Noises – Alongside the smell, use your sense of hearing. If you notice a gurgling noise emanating from the pipes, specifically a bathtub drain or when you flush the toilet, it’s a sewer line issue.

When you suspect trouble with your sewer line, schedule preventative maintenance to cut costs and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.

When to Avoid DIY Techniques for That Clogged Drain

kennon@eforceweb.com (Kennon Petrini) — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 14:56:54 GMT

We’ve all dealt with slow drainage at some point or another. Or, perhaps you’ve even encountered a full-blown backup. Your instincts tell you to reach under the cabinet for the liquid drain cleaner. That’s a mistake, though. Store-bought chemical drain cleaners are tough on your plumbing system and can cause irreversible damage to the pipes. Instead of harsh DIY drain cleaning methods, consider professional drain cleaning. The service you receive is worth every penny and guaranteed to leave your drains clean and functional once more.

Side Effects of Chemical Drain Cleaners

We briefly touched on the fact that store-bought drain cleaners are terrible for your plumbing system. The vast majority use harsh, corrosive chemicals. These chemicals, while designed to eat away at a clog, can eat the interior of your pipe instead.

For most homeowners, reaching for the liquid drain cleaner is second nature when dealing with a drainage clog. Unfortunately, prolonged use of such chemicals could spell disaster. A single use would likely be fine. Multiple uses, however, could mean replacing your plumbing pipes many years earlier than intended.

Professional Drain Cleaning Benefits

Of course, hiring a professional plumber offers its benefits. With DIY drain cleaning, most believe they’re going to save money. That’s not always the case, though. One mistake could cost you quite a bit more than professional service.

If you opt for professional services, you’ll enjoy:

Reduced Blockages – Not just for the drainage problems you’re experiencing now, but for your entire home. Professional service means a cleaner, more functional drain system.

No More Odors – A lot of drainage clogs bring about nasty odors – rotten eggs or sewage smells – that tend to make you ill. Expert service helps eliminate these odors by cleaning the entirety of the pipe.

Healthy Home – There is a lot of bacteria growing down your drain, believe it or not. These bacteria will eventually crawl their way back up the line if there is a blockage preventing their escape into the sewer line. Professional service helps combat these bacteria quickly.

Reduced Costs – As we said, DIY drain cleaning can often cost you more in the long-run, especially if mistakes are made. With professional drain cleaning, there are no mistakes. In the rare chance once is made, the specialist rectifies the situation then and there.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons to schedule professional drain cleaning services and skip the DIY route altogether. Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Charlotte.