Author: Jason Garsjo

Don’t Get Pinched by Rising Water Bills!

With the arrival of spring weather can come numerous outdoor chores for homeowners involving water, including planting, landscaping, seeding, and turning on the sprinklers. These tasks can quickly raise household water bills. This post will offer tips for homeowners to trim their water bills, including habits for reducing their water usage, using key plumbing fixtures to help save water, and finding and repairing leaks as soon as possible.

Turn off the Tap and Reduce Outdoor Water Use

When a household’s water bills rise, homeowners may start paying attention to when water is being used and how often it is being wasted. They can take some simple steps to reduce water usage and utility bills. To cut back on water use inside the house, households should:

• Turn off the water while brushing their teeth and shaving
• Use the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand
• Reduce how long household members let the shower run before getting in, or make daily showers shorter
• Wash full loads of laundry when using the washing machine

To reduce outdoor water usage, homeowners can use key methods when watering their lawns and plants. Households should avoid watering the yard in the middle of the day as the heat can cause the water to evaporate. They can also install an irrigation controller to reduce the amount of water the sprinkler system uses.

Invest in Water-Saving Fixtures

Installing water-saving fixtures is a key way for homeowners to reduce their water bills. These devices allow households to enjoy the same conveniences while reducing water use. Some popular water-saving devices are:

• Low-flow showerheads: These mix air with water, which allows the unit to maintain good water pressure while using less water.
• Low-flow faucets: Like showerheads, low-flow faucets reduce water flow by mixing air with water.
• Dual-flush toilets or other water-saving toilets: There are many types of water-saving toilets, including dual-flush toilets, that can save water and money.

Fix Leaks

When homeowners notice their water bills rising, it can signal a leak in the plumbing system. If a leak occurs, wasted water seeps out of the pipe or fixture instead of reaching the plumbing fixture or appliance for use.

To prevent water bills from rising and conserve water, homeowners should spot the signs of a leak as soon as possible and call for leak repair. Homeowners can spot water leaks by watching for the following signs:

• Increased water bills
• A running water meter when plumbing fixtures and appliances are not in use
• Water stains or damp spots on the walls, ceilings, or floors
• Mold or musty odors
• A sudden drop in water pressure
• Sounds of running water, even when plumbing fixtures are not being used

When homeowners suspect a leak or notice other issues that can result in higher water bills than usual, they should schedule repair services and water leak detection services with a trusted local plumber. This can help with water conservation and reduce their water bills.

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has over 20 years of experience serving Salem, OR, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Salem, OR.

Ways to Detect Leaks So Leak Repair Can Be Scheduled Quickly

When homeowners have a burst or leaking pipe, it can immediately strike fear and panic since they can cause a spike in water costs and major water damage in a home. Even if they start as small leaks, they can escalate into costly problems, so catching and repairing them quickly is important. This article will share tips to help homeowners recognize they have a leak so they can call for leak detection and repair services before more water damage and costs occur.  

Signs That Can Indicate a Leak

Many signs can indicate homeowners have a leak in their house. Some of the most common include puddles or wet spots on the floors, low water pressure, mold or mildew growth, and the sound of running water even though the plumbing fixtures and appliances are not running. 

Some other common signs of a leak are water stains or discolored spots on the walls, floors, or ceiling and other issues that can indicate water damage, like damaged floors, sagging ceilings, and peeling or damaged paint or wallpaper. Spotting these signs as early as possible allows property owners to schedule repairs promptly.

Rising Water Bills

Another common sign of a water leak homeowners should look for is rising water bills. If the household’s water costs increase without a change in the household’s water usage, it could also indicate there’s a leak. When there’s a leak, water will be wasted even when it’s not needed, increasing costs.

Even a seemingly tiny leak, like a dripping faucet, can create a lot of water waste and increase costs, so if homeowners notice their water bills increasing without explanation, they should schedule leak detection services with a plumber as soon as possible to locate and fix them. The faster an expert repairs the leak, the sooner the water costs will go back down.

Using the Water Meter

One way for homeowners to identify the presence of leaks in their homes they might not think to check is their water meter. If the water meter’s leak indicator dial continues to run when the household is not using any water from any of its plumbing fixtures or appliances, it can signal a leak. But even without a leak indicator, the water meter is still a helpful tool to find a leak. 

To ensure they get the correct water meter reading, homeowners should ensure all plumbing fixtures and appliances that use water are turned off, including the sprinklers. Then, they should record the water meter’s reading, wait around an hour without using any water, and then check the reading again. There’s likely a leak if it has changed without any water being used. The sooner a leak is identified and repaired, the better chance homeowners have of saving money and limiting the amount of water damage.

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has been serving Salem, OR, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for water leak detection and water leak repair in Salem, OR. 

All About Sewer Camera Inspection

When homeowners experience a clogged sewer line or a blocked drain or suspect another defect with their line, they need to have the issue detected as soon as possible. The faster a problem is located and repaired, the sooner the line will be restored.

The best way to quickly and accurately locate a defect in a line is to schedule a sewer video inspection. These non-invasive services find issues like clogs, corrosion, and other problems. While these are convenient services, many homeowners may question how these are performed – and why.

Salem, OR plumbers answer common questions about sewer camera inspections, including what it is, when it is needed, and what the benefits of the services are.

What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

Sewer video inspections are accurate, non-invasive ways to diagnose issues in a sewer system. These techniques can quickly locate a problem, determine the cause, and find the exact location of the defect.

Some common problems these cameras locate are sewer line clogs, cracks, sewage leaks, tree roots, and other issues.

During these services, plumbers place a waterproof, flexible camera on a long cable down the plumbing system’s pipes. It will travel through the entire plumbing system, taking footage a plumber can review in real time.

The technician will document anything the footage inspection detects and review the full results with the homeowners. If needed, the plumber will make recommendations for repairs or replacements.

What Are the Signs to Get Sewer Video Inspection?

Because a home’s sewer lines are not visible to the property owners, it can be challenging to know when to schedule sewer video inspection services. Plumbers recommend that homeowners watch for the following symptoms:

• Frequently clogged drains. If drains are clogged often, or if multiple drains are blocked simultaneously, it can indicate a problem that needs to be diagnosed.
• Slow drains throughout the property. If more than one is draining slowly, it can signal a problem with the main sewer line.
• Foul odors coming from the drains or the sewer line. Bad smells can indicate a problem with the sewer line.
• Lush green patches in their yard. While patches of lush, green grass may seem like a good thing, they can develop due to sewage leaks.
• Gurgling noises coming from the drains or the sewer line.
• Evidence of backflow in multiple plumbing fixtures.
• Rodent or insect infestations. This can indicate a sewage leak, as it will attract pests.

What Are the Benefits of Sewer Camera Inspection?

Scheduling sewer camera inspections on their sewer line can benefit homeowners. When a plumber arrives to perform these services, some of the advantages they might experience are:

• A complete view of the sewer line and an accurate diagnosis of the problem and location.
• A non-invasive inspection of the line that doesn’t require digging up the yard or the home’s foundation.
• Cost savings by not needing the extra labor and repairs involved with digging up the yard to access the line to determine the problem.
• An accurate diagnosis with the exact location documented for easy repairs.
• Complete documentation of any defects in the line that can be used during sewer line repairs, sewer line replacements, or provided to insurance companies when needed.

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has over 20 years of experience serving Salem, OR, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing and sewer line repairs in Salem, OR.

Why Get a Sump Pump Installation?

Property owners should consider adding a sump pump to their homes for protection. Sump pumps can save homeowners a lot of money by removing floodwater from their homes, preventing water damage. This post will share the benefits of these systems, the most common types of sump pumps, and why it helps to install a backup for the sump pump.

Advantages of Installing a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a powerful appliance installed in the lowest part of a home, like a basement or crawl space, that helps prevent flooding by removing water. It detects when water levels rise and automatically pumps excess water through a discharge pipe outside. Sump pumps are necessary because they help protect homes from potential water damage caused by heavy rains, melting snow, or burst pipes. If left unchecked, the water can cause structural damage, mold growth, and other costly issues. A sump pump helps to prevent this by efficiently removing water before it has a chance to accumulate and cause damage.

Installing a sump pump also helps to lower the humidity levels in a home, reducing the risk of mold growth and improving indoor air quality. Another benefit of installing a sump pump is that it can save homeowners money. The cost of repairing water damage can be expensive, especially if it affects the foundation or structure of the home. By investing in a sump pump, homeowners can potentially avoid these costly repairs and save money.

Common Types of Sump Pumps

Homeowners have a few options when selecting a primary sump pump for their house. While plumbers can help property owners choose the right option for their homes, households can weigh the pros and cons of these popular types of sump pump systems:

• A submersible sump pump is the more powerful system of the two and operates more quietly, but it is more expensive and has a shorter lifespan.
• A pedestal sump pump has a longer lifespan and is less expensive to install, but it is not as powerful and is noisier than submersible sump pumps.

Reasons to Get a Backup for a Sump Pump

While a sump pump can provide protection from flooding and water damage, households might need additional help, especially in areas that experience power outages and heavy rains. The backup sump pump can take over when the primary system fails or loses power during a power outage. A few of the sump pump backup options are:

• A battery backup sump pump is the most popular backup option, as it is affordable and easy to install.
• A water-powered sump pump backup has an unlimited run time as long as the home has a working water supply and a long lifespan.

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has been serving Salem, OR, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for sump pump services in Salem, OR.

How Hard Water Can Affect Homes

Hard water occurs when there are high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water, which happens when minerals dissolve in groundwater. Hard water is not dangerous to household members, but it can cause many negative impacts on their household, including plumbing appliances and fixtures.

If hard water is wreaking havoc on a household and plumbing system, it’s important to treat it by installing a water softener. This post will discuss water softeners, their benefits, and signs of hard water to watch for, indicating water softener installation is needed.

How Water Softeners Treat Hard Water

Water softeners treat hard water by removing minerals from the water supply, and there are many different types of water softening systems that remove them in different ways. The most common type is an ion exchange system that removes hard water minerals from the water through an ion exchange process. Dual tank water softeners also use this process for water softening.

The first step is hard water flowing into the water softener resin tank, which is filled with negatively charged resin beads, which take hold of the positively charged ions in hard water. The water is softened when the calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions. Then, water from the brine tank goes into the resin tank to create a brine solution. A backwash cycle then happens, rinsing away accumulated minerals in the resin bed. The softened water then travels through the plumbing system so the household can use it.

Hard Water: Signs to Watch For

To prevent their plumbing appliances and pipes from being damaged by hard water, homeowners should watch for signs indicating their water needs to be treated with a whole-house water softener. There are numerous symptoms that households can watch for, including:

• Mineral deposits and white scale on plumbing fixtures and appliances
• Hard water stains and spots on glasses and dishes after washing them in the dishwasher
• Decreased water flow due to mineral buildup in pipes
• Residue on the skin and in hair after being washed or dry, itchy skin
• Clothing fades and wears out quickly from being washed in hard water

How Whole Home Water Softeners Benefit Your House

When homeowners install a water softener in their household, there are many benefits. One of the biggest benefits of water softening is prolonging the lifespan of plumbing and water-using appliances by preventing minerals and residue from building up and causing them to wear out and malfunction. The appliances will also run more efficiently, saving homeowners money on their energy bills.

Other advantages homeowners might notice are cleaner dishes, less residue and buildup on fixtures, improved water pressure from their faucets and showerheads, clothes that don’t fade as quickly, and more hydrated, healthier skin and hair. When a property owner decides to schedule a water softener installation at their home, they should call a professional to perform the work.

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has been serving Salem and the surrounding areas since 2002. They offer same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for water softener installation in Salem, OR.

Help Prevent Scary Plumbing Emergencies This Fall

Spooky encounters can be expected around Halloween – including haunted houses and scary movies. However, homeowners don’t expect plumbing problems that can lead to terrifying issues like water damage. Homeowners can help avoid plumbing problems by using tips from trusted plumbers. This post will provide advice on preventing clogged sewer lines, why routine maintenance should be scheduled, and the advantages of water heater tune-ups.

Ways Households Can Prevent Clogs

If a household notices slow-draining sinks or sewage backups, it can indicate a blocked drain or a sewer line clog. But households can better avoid these issues and clogs if they follow tips from plumbers on what not to put down their sinks and toilets. Always throw all food scraps into the trash instead of down the kitchen sink. Putting waste down the drain can cause problems for the garbage disposal and sewer line, including items like grease and oil, bones, pasta, rice, eggshells, stringy vegetables, etc.

Families should also be careful not to flush the wrong items down the toilet. Some things to avoid flushing are feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs, cotton balls, or any item other than toilet paper. This can be made easier by putting a small garbage basket in the bathroom to entice family members to throw these items in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.

Homeowners can also schedule regular drain cleaning services with a professional to remove the buildup in lines before they can form clogs that will inconvenience the household. Hydro jet drain cleaning can eliminate blockages and remove everything in the pipes that could make the line clogged in the future.

Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance Services

The best way for homeowners to avoid scary plumbing issues and extend the life of their plumbing is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance on their systems. These regular appointments let plumbers check the plumbing system to detect and repair problems before they become more prominent and cause plumbing emergencies.

Plumbers suggest scheduling inspections about once a year to let plumbers identify defects in the system and make the necessary repairs. During these services, plumbers will inspect the plumbing lines and fixtures and look for leaks that can cause costly water damage and high water bills.

Water Heater Maintenance Also Must Be Done

Scheduling regular water heater maintenance allows homeowners to ensure their water heating system works correctly and identify any defects that need repair. During an inspection, experts drain and flush the tank to remove sediment and check the system for leaks and other defects. Plumbers will also inspect the pressure relief valve to ensure it works correctly and determine if the anode rod is in good condition or needs replacement.

Having a plumber perform routine water heater maintenance will keep the water heater working correctly with fewer issues, last longer, have better efficiency, and reduce energy bills, making it another great way to prevent problems and save money. Following these tips will help homeowners take better care of their plumbing systems and avoid issues.

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has more than 20 years of expertise serving Salem and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Salem, OR.

Avoid Blockages in Drain and Sewer Lines

A clogged sewer line can result in numerous issues for homeowners. Some of the first symptoms households might notice are slow-draining sinks, backed-up toilets, and foul odors. In order to prevent these effects, homeowners need to help prevent clogs in the sewer lines. Some steps plumbers recommend they take include scheduling professional drain cleaning services, installing mesh drain screens, and knowing what foods cannot go down the sink.

Drain Cleaning Services

Plumbers recommend that homeowners schedule routine professional drain cleaning services to prevent clogs from forming in their sewer lines. During these services, experts will remove any residue in the pipes that could lead to blockages forming later. Additionally, drain cleaning services can be used to clear clogs and prevent them from causing more problems for the household.

In addition to performing these sewer line cleanout services, plumbers will be able to inspect the lines for other defects that may have caused the clogged sewer line, like tree roots that can grow into the underground piping in search of water and nutrients. If spotted, experts may need to perform sewer line repair after removing them with specialized tools and methods such as hydro jet drain cleaning.

Add Mesh Drain Screens to the Home’s Drains

Sewer line clogs can be formed by any debris that goes down the drains, which commonly includes hair down the shower or bathtub drain, soap residue, and food that goes down the kitchen sink drain. These common causes of drain and sewer line clogs should be prevented from going down the drains. 

This can be easily avoided by homeowners purchasing and installing mesh drain screens over their drains. These devices can collect this debris before it goes down drains and into the sewer line. These inexpensive screens are also easy for homeowners to install and clean up, making them ideal for households. 

Food Waste Shouldn’t Go Down the Kitchen Sink

Many homeowners think that if they have a garbage disposal, they can put all food waste down the drain. However, this is false. Even with garbage disposals, most food waste should still be put in the trash. Food scraps can easily cause clogs, so don’t put foods like these down the drain, even one with a garbage disposal: 

• Grease, fats, and cooking oils, which solidify as they cool
• Coffee grounds 
• Eggshells 
• Pasta, rice, and other starches can expand in the pipes
• Stringy and fibrous foods, like many vegetables

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has more than two decades of experience serving Salem and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Salem, OR.

How to Identify and Respond to Dangerous Gas Leaks

A gas leak at a home is a serious threat. If it’s not repaired immediately, it can lead to health issues and even a fire or explosion. Homeowners must recognize the signs of a natural gas leak and have it detected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible to avoid these threats. This blog post will provide tips for how property owners can identify the symptoms of a gas leak, what to do if there is a gas leak, and how professionals can repair gas leaks.

Signs of a Gas Leak

Besides installing a gas leak detector at home, the most effective way for homeowners to protect themselves from a gas leak is to recognize the signs. Some gas leak symptoms professionals recommend watching for include:

• Gas leak smell: If homeowners notice a strong, rotten egg-like smell in their homes, it can indicate a gas leak.
• Hissing or whistling sounds: Unusual hissing or whistling sounds near a gas line, appliance, or gas meter, can indicate a gas leak.
• Dead plants or brown patches: Gas leaking from an underground pipe can cause plants to wither and die.
• Bubbles: If households see persistent bubbles in standing water outside or inside their home, it could indicate a gas leak beneath the surface.
• Physical symptoms: Exposure to natural gas can cause certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, or eye and throat irritation.
• Higher gas bills: If property owners notice a sudden, unexplained increase in their gas bill, it could indicate a gas leak. A leak in their gas line can cause excessive gas to escape, leading to higher consumption and costs.

How to Respond to a Gas Leak

If homeowners suspect they have a gas leak, they must take the proper steps to keep everyone safe. Experts recommend households follow these steps:

• Evacuate the house: If households suspect a gas leak, they must evacuate the home immediately. They should leave the doors open behind them to allow the gas to dissipate.
• Avoid open flames: Homeowners cannot light matches, candles, or cigarettes and must avoid using any open flames or ignition sources near the suspected gas leak.
• Do not operate electrical devices: Using electrical devices, including light switches, appliances, or anything that could cause a spark, could trigger an explosion if there is a gas leak.
• Shut off the gas supply: If it is safe to do so, homeowners should turn off the main gas supply valve.
• Call emergency services: Once everyone is at a safe distance from the suspected gas leak, they need to call their local emergency services or the gas company’s emergency line to report the situation. They must also schedule gas leak detection and repair services with an expert.

Professional Solutions

To schedule gas line repairs, homeowners need to hire a trusted professional. Dealing with gas leaks is extremely dangerous and needs to be handled by experienced technicians to ensure it’s repaired correctly and with all precautions taken to avoid serious risks. When experts arrive at a home with a suspected gas leak, they will take the following steps:

• Assess the situation: They may use specialized equipment like gas leak detectors to pinpoint the leak’s location.
• Shut off the gas supply: If the gas leak is coming from a specific appliance or gas line, professionals will locate the appropriate shut-off valve and turn off the gas supply to stop the gas flow.
• Ventilate the area: To dissipate the accumulated gas and reduce the risk of ignition, professionals will ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors.
• Repair the gas leak: Once the immediate safety measures are in place, professionals will repair the gas line leak. They may need to replace or repair a damaged pipe, valve, or appliance, determining the extent of the damage.
• Safety test: After repairs, professionals will conduct tests to ensure the area is safe. They will check for remaining gas leaks and verify that gas levels are within acceptable limits using specialized equipment.

After performing repairs, experts may then give recommendations to the homeowners. One suggestion they might make is to install a gas leak detector to alert them to future gas leaks.

About Swell Plumbing

Swell Plumbing has over 20 years of experience serving Salem, OR, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for gas leak repair in Salem, OR.