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  • Why Sump Pump Installation Could Make the Best Gift This Holiday Season

    Sump Pumps Protect Homes and Property

    A sump pump is a small yet powerful pump used to remove water that has accumulated in the basement of a home or building. Water entering the house can be caused by various factors, such as heavy rain, melting snow, a burst pipe, or excess groundwater seeping into the home's foundation. The primary purpose of a sump pump is to prevent flooding and water damage by pumping the excess water out and away from the house. This post will discuss the benefits of sump pump installation and the different types of sump pumps. 

    Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump

    But why install a sump pump in the first place? The answer is easy. Sump pumps protect homes from flooding and the consequences of water getting into the house, such as water damage, mold growth, and expensive water damage repairs. Preventing water damage also helps protect the home’s structural integrity. 

    Sump pumps are installed in a sump pit or a sump basin that is located in the lowest part of the home. The basin is where water collects, and when the water level in the basin rises, it activates the sump pump float switch, which then signals the sump pump to start drawing water out of the house towards a safe drainage system. This automatic system is beneficial because it doesn’t need to be turned on manually and can protect the home even when homeowners are away. 

    Primary Sump Pumps

    sump pumpsMost homes will require a primary sump pump that becomes operational when excess water is detected. The two types of primary sump pumps are a submersible sump pump and a pedestal sump pump. Both do the job of forcing out excess water from the sump basin, but they differ in how the pump motor is mounted and their pros and cons.

    Submersible sump pumps are the more powerful of the two and operate quieter, but they are more expensive and have a shorter lifespan. Pedestal sump pumps, on the other hand, have a motor located above the sump pit, allowing for easier access to the motor for repair. But because of its location, it is louder. It is also less powerful but has a lower cost and a longer lifespan. 

    Sump Pump Backups

    backup sump pumpMost primary sump pumps do an adequate job of pumping out water and preventing flooding. However, homes that are particularly susceptible to large amounts of rainfall, snowmelt, or power outages may want to invest in a backup for their sump pump. They take over protecting the home from flooding in case of the main pump’s failure or if the primary pump loses power. 

    The most popular of the sump pump backup options is a battery-operated backup for the sump pump due to its easier installation and lower cost. A water-powered sump pump backup is another option that can run as long as there is a working water supply. They have a longer lifespan than battery backups but are more expensive. 

    About Quahog Plumbing 

    Quahog Plumbing has been serving Somerset, MA, and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. They provide same-day services, flat rate pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for sump pump services in Somerset, MA. 

  • Preparing the Home to Prevent Frozen Pipes During the Winter

    Professional Tips for Protecting Pipes 

    Winter is almost here, and most people approach the season with excitement. However, after a few months of being locked indoors and dealing with winter weather, people may not be so enthusiastic. Winter can bring all sorts of hazards that leave homeowners scrambling to prepare. 

    Winter can be hard on people and property. One serious hazard it presents is to a home's plumbing and pipes. Subzero temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leaving homes without water service and dealing with the fallout of flooding. Here is a quick guide from local experts to help homeowners better prepare their homes for winter weather and prevent frozen pipes. 

    Why Are Frozen Pipes So Bad? 

    burst pipePipes exposed to freezing temperatures can freeze. This prevents water from flowing through the pipes, causing a loss of water to whatever fixtures the frozen pipe feeds. However, the main danger of frozen pipes is the damage they can cause. As water freezes in pipes, it expands, putting tremendous pressure on the walls of the pipes. Plastic and metal pipes can succumb to the pressure and burst or crack and leak. 

    When pipes burst, they can cause flooding in the home. Sometimes, the flooding happens immediately, and sometimes, it occurs after the lines defrost. Burst pipes and leaks can cause various problems, such as water damage, foundation issues, and mold growth. Repairing the damage caused by burst pipes can be very expensive, so it’s best to prevent them.  

    Can Pipe Insulation Help? 

    pipe insulationInstead of risking substantial water and repair bills, take steps to prevent frozen pipes. The best thing a homeowner can do to avoid frozen, and burst pipes is to ensure that vulnerable piping is insulated. Homeowners can install insulation on pipes, but a local plumber can help by inspecting the plumbing to find lines that are more likely to freeze. Then, the pipes can be protected using pipe insulation. 

    Pipe insulation is a cheap solution that can help protect pipes from freezing. Of course, that is not their only benefit. Pipe insulation also helps extend the life of piping by protecting it from condensation, and insulating the hot water pipes can reduce energy bills by reducing heat loss. Insulating pipes is a cheap and easy DIY project to ensure pipes don’t freeze during the winter. Be sure to insulate pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outdoor areas. 

    More Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes 

    Besides pipe insulation, there are other steps that homeowners can take to prevent the disaster that could come with frozen pipes and burst pipes. Some other ideas to help homeowners protect their plumbing during the winter are: 

    • Always leave the thermostat set at a consistent temperature, even when away from home, to keep the house warm and prevent pipes from freezing
    • Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate to the plumbing and pipes 
    • Leave faucets dripping during freezing temperatures to avoid freezing

    About Quahog Plumbing

    Quahog Plumbing has been serving Somerset and the surrounding areas for more than 15 years. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day services, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services and burst pipe repair in Somerset, MA. 

  • Why Is Water Heater Maintenance Important?

    Don’t Lose Hot Water This Winter 

    Of all the problems homeowners will have to deal with during their homeownership, one of the worst is losing hot water because of a broken water heater. Surprise repairs and replacements are expensive and can stress the budget, but a loss of hot water feels like being sent back to the Stone Age. 

    Most water heaters last about ten years, so a water heater will likely need to be replaced multiple times during the typical mortgage period. But water heaters that aren’t properly cared for can break down sooner and don’t last as long. Luckily, adding years to the life of a water heater and reducing the operating costs is simple. Water heater maintenance is a manufacturer-recommended service that stops the causes of premature failure and allows them to last longer. Here is a complete guide to water heater maintenance from local professionals. 

    Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance 

    save money When a water heater is well-maintained, it lasts longer, performs better, and uses less energy. Some advantages of scheduling annual water heater maintenance with a plumber are: 

    • Reduces the likelihood of problems
    • Extends the unit’s lifespan
    • Protects or improves energy efficiency
    • Lowers operating costs, saving homeowners money
    • Ensures adequate hot water is always available 
    • Prevents corrosion and leaks
    • Verifies safety devices to protect the home 

    Steps Taken During Water Heater Maintenance 

    water heater In an age where everyone considers themselves a DIYer, as soon as most people hear about water heater maintenance, they take to the internet to figure out if they can do it themselves. While it’s true that some DIYers can successfully perform the necessary tasks, most people decide to let the professionals handle it since they can do it quicker and more precisely. Some of the tasks that the professionals will do during a water heater maintenance visit are: 

    • Drain and flush the tank to remove solids and sediment
    • Check safety devices for proper operation
    • Look for leaks or signs of corrosion
    • Inspect the anode rod and replace it if it’s time
    • Clean the burner 

    It’s important to note that even tankless water heaters need maintenance, not only traditional storage water heaters. 

    When Is Water Heater Repair Necessary? 

    Hot water heaters don’t last too long, especially when they are neglected, but one of the things that causes them to age prematurely is ignoring problems. Water heater repairs are necessary to keep the whole system running smoothly, so it is crucial homeowners know the signs that repairs are needed. Some symptoms that can prompt homeowners to call for professional water heater repairs are: 

    • Unusual sounds like thumping or hissing
    • Leaks around the tank or nearby plumbing
    • Corrosion
    • Leaking safety devices
    • Not enough hot water
    • Slow recovery period
    • Higher utility bills 

    About Quahog Plumbing

    Quahog Plumbing has more than 15 years of expertise serving Somerset and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, rapid service, and the latest technology. Call them today for water heater services in Somerset, MA.

  • Do You Need to Install a Water Softener?

    What Is Hard Water?

    Most people have heard of hard water, but many don’t understand its meaning and importance. Isn’t water pretty soft, being a liquid? Hard water doesn’t refer to the physical properties of water but rather the chemical properties. 

    Every drop of water a home uses is taken from a natural source, be it a river, reservoir, or aquifer. These natural water sources are subject to extensive cycles and can expose water to different geological features. As water interacts with the geology it comes into contact with, it can pick up sediment and minerals from the bedrock. 

    These minerals contribute to undesirable qualities that are connoted with the term hard water. Put simply, hard water refers to the amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium ions dissolved into the water. These sediments and minerals have huge implications to the point it may be advantageous to remove them. Here is a quick article about water softeners, how they work, and why they may be necessary for the plumbing in a home. 

    How Do Water Softeners Work? 

    water softenerWater softeners are the system of choice for reducing the mineral content of hard water, which can be saturated with calcium and magnesium. Water softeners use a special resin that attracts the calcium and magnesium ions. The resin binds the ions so that it is deemed soft as the water flows out of the resin bed. 

    In a typical water softening system, the resin bed is contained in a tank, through which all the water in a home will flow through. This allows people in the house to always have access to higher quality water and protect their plumbing from the consequences of having too many minerals in the water. 

    Signs of Hard Water in a Home 

    waterNow that hard water has been discussed, why must it be avoided? Most homes in the U.S. have water that is deemed hard. While some minerals in the water are okay, too many can be harmful to the home’s plumbing, the household, and residents. Some of the signs of hard water in homes that indicate the need for water softener installation are: 

    • Water tastes or smells off
    • Spotted glasses and dishes in the dishwasher after washing
    • Faded or rough-feeling clothes after washing
    • Premature failure of the water heater or other water-using appliances
    • Crusty, white buildup on plumbing fixtures 
    • Dull or dry hair and skin

    Whole-Home Water Softeners and Their Benefits 

    Removing sediment and minerals from the water supply in a home with a whole-house water softener can be a great thing. Some of the advantages of installing a water softener are: 

    • Reduction in plumbing repairs
    • Restoring water pressure by removing the scale buildup inside pipes
    • Prolonged life of water using appliances and plumbing fixtures 
    • Longer lasting clothing
    • Cleaner dishes after washing
    • Healthier and more hydrated skin and hair 

    If the signs of hard water are present or plumbing repair costs have gotten too high, a water softener may be able to help. For more information, contact local plumbers who can explain the advantages of a water softener to combat the effects of hard water. 

    About Quahog Plumbing

    Quahog Plumbing has more than 15 years of experience serving Somerset and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, rapid service, and the latest technology. Call them today for water softener installation in Somerset, MA.

  • Back to School With Plumbing 101: Learning the Basics of Your Home's Plumbing

    Important Plumbing Basics for Homeowners to Know

    By understanding how plumbing works and knowing some essential information about it, like how to recognize issues, individuals can make more informed decisions and better care for their plumbing systems. Whether someone is a new homeowner or simply seeking to expand their knowledge, this article aims to equip readers with essential plumbing insights. Let's dive in and explore important things to know about a home’s plumbing that can help prevent plumbing emergencies and save money.

    Energy and Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

    tubPlumbing fixtures serve as the unsung heroes of homes, working tirelessly to deliver the water necessary for daily tasks and moments of relaxation. From the refreshing shower head that greets you in the morning to the comforting warmth of a water heater on cold nights, these fixtures play a vital role in everyday life. The plumbing fixtures in homes have evolved into more water-saving and energy-efficient models, enabling homeowners to conserve resources and save on utility bills. Some examples of plumbing fixture upgrades that can help homeowners save on water and energy costs include the following: 

    Symptoms of Plumbing Problems

    billThough mostly tucked away behind walls and under floors, the home's plumbing system can sometimes provide subtle hints of trouble. Spotting these warning signs early on can save homeowners from more significant issues in the future. Common red flags that indicate potential plumbing problems include poor water pressure, slow draining, high water bills, foul smells, and changes in the appearance of the water. When encountering these signs, seeking the expertise of a skilled plumber becomes essential to address the underlying issues effectively.

    • Poor Water Pressure: When the once-strong shower stream or water pressure from the tap transforms into a feeble trickle, it could indicate underlying plumbing issues such as leaks or pipe blockages.
    • Slow Draining: If sinks or bathtubs take an eternity to empty, it's often a symptom of clogged pipes, necessitating professional intervention to keep the plumbing flowing smoothly.
    • High Water Bills: Unexplained spikes in water bills can be puzzling. Plumbing leaks, even minor ones, might be the hidden culprits causing water wastage and inflating costs.
    • Foul Smells: A musty or foul odor from drains can signal potential sewer line issues. Ignoring this unsettling signal may lead to worsening sewer line blockages or other problems.
    • Changes in the Water’s Appearance: Sudden changes in the color or taste of tap water may be a warning of pipe corrosion or contamination. Prompt investigation is essential to maintain the safety and quality of the water supply.

    Plumbing Maintenance

    Regular plumbing maintenance is vital in ensuring the optimal functioning of a home's plumbing system. By investing in routine check-ups and expert care, homeowners can proactively prevent plumbing issues before they escalate into costly problems and extend the plumbing’s lifespan. 

    Skilled plumbers can conduct thorough inspections of pipes, faucets, and fixtures, identifying and addressing potential issues and leaks to prevent water damage and high water bills from becoming a significant concern. Moreover, cleaning drains and testing water pressure are essential maintenance tasks that promote efficient water flow and help prevent disruptive clogs and damage to the piping.

    About Quahog Plumbing

    Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving Somerset and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, rapid service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Somerset, MA.

Experience You Can Trust

With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, we are equipped to handle all sorts of problems- from routine drain cleanings to emergency repairs!

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