If you have an older, inefficient toilet in your home or business, the answer could be yes! Did you know that the average toilet uses 3.5 gallons of water per flush – gallons that YOU pay for each month, on your water bill?  That might have been okay, back in the day, but plumbing technology has advanced significantly.  Low flush toilets can accomplish everything your current toilet is doing — and on average, use 1.25 gallons of water.

When You Use Less Water, You Save More Money!

Your Framingham plumber can be your best friend here.  Simply swapping out your old toilet — which can be responsible for over 20% of the water used in your home! — with a low flush toilet can reduce your water use significantly.

Let’s think about it: The average toilet uses close to 20 gallons of water per day. That’s five or six trips to the bathroom over the course of a day.  If you live alone, that’s not too terrible — but then you start adding in your spouse, the kids, the kids’ friends who are over hanging out. Before you know it, that ‘average’ number goes right out the window!  Business owners have an even tougher situation — how many times do customers use your bathroom?

Your Framingham Plumber Can Help You Save Money!

You can’t stop people from using the bathroom.  What you can do, however, is make getting the job done less expensive for you.  A low flush toilet does the same job, using far less water. This efficiency is due to the toilet’s design: some low flush models use air pressure to facilitate the flush, while dual flush toilets offer homeowners more complete control.  You can use a small flush when you need a small flush, and when you don’t need a small flush, there’s a full flush option, which uses more water when — and only when — you need it!

This means you’re not spending your hard-earned dollars flushing water down the drain.  Let’s be real here: isn’t there something you’d RATHER spend money on?  A lower water bill means more money for other things: groceries, gas, even back to school supplies for the kids.

Repairing leaks that occur at the base of the faucet may mean removing the faucet, replacing the o-rings and fittings, and putting the faucet back in place. This is a little more involved, but can generally be done by the skilled, well-equipped homeowner.

Leaking pipes are another story.

Often, pipes leak where you can’t see them. It’s only after the leaking water has caused some kind of secondary damage – stained wallboards, warped flooring, rotted support joists – that the problem is even noticed. Pipes are often in spaces, such as inside walls or under floors, that are difficult to access and work in. Tightening and sealing joints will repair leaks that occur where pipes come together. Replacement is required where splits, holes, and breaks are found in the body of the pipe.  Generally, this is a plumbing repair best handled by the pros, who can ensure that the new pipe is installed properly and in compliance with local building codes. Additionally, it’s easier for the pros to handle disposing the old, damaged pipes.

Clogged Toilet?

There are times when a homeowner can repair a clogged toilet on their own. Timely use of a plunger can remove minor obstructions in your sewer lines and keep things moving. However, once the clog forms at a point beyond the reach of your plunger, it’s really time to call in your Wellesley MA plumber. Cleaning the lines at this point requires specialized equipment, and it can be a dirty job. Sewer lines can be clogged by household debris, but obstructions can also be formed by tree roots or collapsed pipes. Dealing with either one is clearly requires professional level assistance.

Drain Problems

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to the final issue on our list. Slow, stinky drains are a result of obstructions in the line. Kitchen sink drain traps are often clogged with food debris, grease, soap scum and more. In the bathroom, we see clogs composed of hair, shampoo, soap and other toiletries. Water can’t move completely past these obstructions and remains trapped in the pipes. Horrible odors can result. Regular drain cleaning will stop this issue before it starts – but if you’ve got a clog that just won’t quit, you’ll want to call in the Wellesley MA plumber pros.

Begin by taking a realistic inventory of your home repair skills.

How adept are you at fixing things? There are those of us who can look at instructions online or in a home repair manual, look at the pieces we actually have, and make it all work. Then there are those of us who can’t do that. If you’re in the first group, with some manual dexterity and mechanical ability, keep reading. If you’re in the second group, you may want to consider developing those skills before tackling home plumbing repair. Consider if you have the necessary tools and equipment to do the job, and the time to make it happen.

The next point to consider is the scope and magnitude of the plumbing repair job.

It’s one thing to fix a dripping faucet, and another thing entirely to remove a toilet and retrieve the stuffed panda bear your toddler sent ‘exploring’. If you’re new to home plumbing repair, start small. Build your skills and expertise on minor repairs before moving onto the major jobs. Dripping or leaky faucets are the most common plumbing problem, followed by leaking pipes, clogged toilets, and dirty drains.

A dripping faucet is a surprisingly expensive problem…at least in terms of your water bill!

The steady loss of water needs to stop. Can you do the job yourself? If the water’s dripping from the end of the faucet, the repair can be a simple matter of replacing washers. This is well within the ability of most Wellesley MA  homeowners. Repairing leaks that occur at the base of the faucet may mean removing the faucet, replacing the o-rings and fittings, and putting the faucet back in place. This is a little more involved, but can generally be done by the skilled, well-equipped homeowner.

Wellesley MA Plumber continued …

Outdoor Living Needs Outdoor Plumbing

If you needed to define in two words how today’s families enjoy themselves, “outdoor living” would do it. Cooking, dining, and playing outdoors is a big part of how we live today. Outdoor plumbing, particularly clean up sinks, make outdoor living easier and safer – reduce food borne illness and countless trips indoors to wash your hands by having a sink close at hand. Your Newton MA plumber can also work on landscape fixtures, such as fountains, reflection pools, and other popular features. Strategically placed outdoor spigots for hoses and irrigation systems makes gardening a snap – no more lugging heavy buckets of water out to the rosebushes!

Concerned About the Environment? Go Green With Plumbing Upgrades

One thing we’ve learned over the past thirty years is that small changes in our everyday life can have a large positive impact on the environment. Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource in many regions. Your Newton MA plumber can advise you on what technology works best in your area to conserve water and provide the comfort and convenience you’re accustomed to. Low consumption toilets can save you many gallons of water with every flush. Upgrade common water wasters such as water heaters and old refrigerators and see a nice change in your water bill! You can save the planet and save money!

Increase The Value of Your Newton Home

What is your home worth? That’s really a complex question. The first part of it is “What is your home worth TO YOU?” Translated, this means how enjoyable and comfortable do you find your home? Plumbing can play a critical role here. Upgrading the kitchen so you can cook with your child – or your parent! – creating memories while making the evening meal, can add tremendously to the value you find in your home. Bathroom upgrades are about comfort – or making sure that your entire family can get up and out on time, every morning, eliminating stress, headache and hassle. Outdoor living, environmental upgrades, and planning for your senior years with your plumbing design all guarantee you’ll enjoy long term value from your Newton MA home. All of these features are also appealing to buyers, so if you’re planning to sell? You might want to call your plumber!

Kitchen 101: Sinks, Dishwashers, Refrigerators and More!

If your goal is to make your home work better for your family, there’s no better place to begin than the kitchen. The design and functionality of your kitchen is critical. Not only do you prepare your family’s meals there – and perhaps gather for a bite together, a quiet conversation shared in a busy day – but for many families, the kitchen is literally the heart of the home. Smart plumbing upgrades reflect this aspect of modern life. Secondary sinks allow families to cook together. Energy efficient dishwashers reduce the drudgery and let families focus on the fun. Kitchens are the number one room would be buyers look at: you want your home’s kitchen to be great.

Enjoy Better Bathrooms

Growing families know: You can never have too many bathrooms. If you’re considering adding a second or third bathroom to your home, you should know that advances in plumbing technology offer you flexibility that previous generations never dreamed of. Many homeowners are also making their bathrooms into luxurious private retreats: after a stressful day at the office, is there anything better than sinking into a whirlpool tub and letting all your troubles soak away? Your Newton MA plumber can install the perfect bathroom sink, low consumption energy efficient toilet, multi-jet shower and more. Bathrooms are a strong selling point, especially if you’re trying to move a larger home in a quiet residential neighborhood.

Plumbing Fixes For Your Newton Home continued …

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

There’s a number of factors that go into determining how long your water heater will last. These include usage – families that use a lot of hot water have to replace their hot water heater more often than those who use less – water quality, and the conditions in which the hot water is kept and maintained. That being said, industry estimates average 10-15 years expected life for the typical hot water heater. This is a fact which meshes with the experience of many Natick plumbers.

Does Water Heater Troubles Always Mean Replacement?

Homeowners on a budget often ask if replacement is the only option. The answer is a not a simple yes or no. Some water heater issues such as ruptured tanks, leaking pipes inside the tank, or failure due to age, require replacement. Repairing these issues is cost prohibitive – you would pay more to patch an old heater up than to purchase a new hot water heater! Heating element failure, problems with the thermostat, and similar issues may be repairable; saving you money. Ask your Natick plumber what your options are and if repair is an option.

Do I Need A Plumber or Can I Fix My Water Heater Myself?

Experienced handyman who feel comfortable working with plumbing, electricity, and perhaps gas lines, may want to take on the repair of their water heater on their own. Those lacking that confidence will be happier calling in an experienced plumber to handle the job. Bear in mind, if you’re in a position where you’re replacing a water heater, that the warranty on many water heaters is dependent upon having the unit installed by a licensed, professional plumber. Protect your investment and have a pro do the job.

How Much Can I Expect To Pay To Have My Water Heater Repaired?

What does it cost is often the first question homeowners ask about water heater repair – but the more important question is who will do the job right? As the economy gets tighter and people find themselves out of work, we’ve seen an increasing number of self-proclaimed handymen setting up shop and offering to do jobs like hot water installation at discounted prices. You might save money – but you’re also trusting part of your home’s vital plumbing system to someone without professional training, experience, and equipment. Consider price, of course, but make sure you’re paying for a quality job as well!

When’s The Best Time to Replace a Water Heater?

In a perfect world, we’d get plenty of advance notice that our water heater is nearing the end of its useful life. This isn’t a perfect world, and water heaters can and do sometimes fail abruptly. However, most of the time, you’ll notice some change in performance. This can be the sign that it’s time to replace the water heater. If you know it has been more than ten years since your hot water was installed, it’s a good idea to start planning now to replace it.

Who Can Help Me With My Water Heater in Natick?

When you’re looking for a Natick plumber to help you with your water heater, you’ll want to do your research. Go online and investigate your options. Look for plumbers who are experienced, who have a good reputation in your area and who are competitively priced. You want to work only with plumbers who are licensed and insured! Don’t be afraid to ask for references – most plumbers will happily share a list of satisfied customers with you. Your neighbors and colleagues may be a good source of referrals as well.

What Type of Plumber Do You Need?

Homeowners are generally looking for a residential plumber, while restaurant owners, shopkeepers, and other business owners need a commercial plumber. Consider what type of work you need done. If you’re looking for someone to clean sewer drains, for example, you’ll probably want to look carefully at the company that touts themselves as the sewer service specialist. Selecting a plumber for new construction may be easier by consulting with your general contractor: they often have established relationships with plumbers they work well with and who have a proven track record of quality work performed on time and on budget.

Research Makes Choosing Your Franklin Plumbing Contractor Easier!

They say knowledge is half the battle, and when it comes to selecting a plumber, that’s definitely true. Turn to your family, friends, and neighbors for suggestions: the Franklin plumber who does a good job for them will likely do a good job for you. Ask your home’s previous owner who they used. Research online, and make sure to check with the local Better Business Bureau to ensure that you’re dealing with a plumber with a good reputation. It’s important that you solicit information from people who have had the same needs you have: don’t depend on hearsay when you’re selecting a professional who work on your home.

Conduct an Interview

If you’re not actively in the middle of a plumbing emergency, take the time to briefly interview your potential plumber. You should be able to communicate comfortable and effectively with your plumbing contractor. Select a plumber who is professional, who answers your questions, and who listens to what you say. Feel free to ask your potential plumbing contractor for a list of satisfied customers. Additionally, ask about their experience and training. You don’t want to be someone’s first customer! Plumbing is a sophisticated trade: modern professionals undergo significant training and education. A Master Plumber has the most advanced, specialized training with significant experience in the field and the certifications to prove it.

Have A Realistic Budget

Plumbing is one area where you get what you pay for! Don’t scrimp on one of your home’s most pivotal systems! Yes, it is possible to cut corners on plumbing supplies, plumbing fixtures, and even labor – but when you use the bathroom at 2 in the morning during a stormy Franklin night, don’t you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing that everything’s going to work the way it is supposed to? If a plumbing contractor’s prices are ‘too good to be true’, be wary. Many reputable plumbing contractors run specials on regular services such as sewer service or drain cleaning; that’s not a red flag. However, if you’re having a major job quoted and one contractor returns with a bid that’s significantly less than the competition, you may want to ask questions.

Be Proactive!

The best time to look for a plumbing contractor is before you need one. Few of us make great decisions under pressure – and what can create more pressure than a plumbing emergency? Being a responsible homeowner means acknowledging at some point, you will need a plumber. Act now and begin asking your neighbors about their plumber. Do your online research. Learn about your home’s plumbing system so you can be an informed consumer. Look at your potential plumbing contractor’s reputation in the Franklin area. These factors, taken together, will help you select the best plumber for your home.