While it’s easy to overlook plumbing until something goes wrong, smart homeowners will establish basic plumbing maintenance habits to make sure they spot and resolve small issues before they become major problems. Here are four things you can do stay on top of things!

Inspect for Leaks

It’s a good idea to occasionally walk around your property and inspect any visible water supply lines – such as under sinks, behind appliances, or in the basement. Some warning signs include oozing around pipe joints, dripping along the line, and damp spots or discoloration on the surrounding wall or floor. 

Check Your Appliances

Dishwashers and washing machines are two common culprits for plumbing issues. Make sure that hoses are securely fastened to the both the machine and the hot and cold water faucets. Test the hose flexibility — if it feels stiff or you notice any cracking replace it immediately. Also make sure the machine is draining properly.  

Examine the Water Heater

Look for any signs of water or sediment underneath the tank — this can be a sign of internal corrosion. Also check around the temperature/pressure relief valve for drips, rust, or build up of any kind. You should also make note of the water temperature and water pressure. Too much pressure can put undue stress on your pipes and appliances and decrease their lifespan.

Fix Small Issues Early

Take the time to complete weekend projects like replacing leaky faucets or descaling your water heater. Taking care of small problems in a timely manner can really add up to big savings in terms of preventing costly repairs down the line.

The experts at Best Plumbing are always available if you have questions or need assistance with any plumbing maintenance. Contact us today for an inspection in your home. You can also find great instructions and tricks of the trade on our blog and Youtube channel!

A functioning toilet is an essential piece of any home. However, we rarely think twice about it until something catastrophic happens. The team here at Best Plumbing is here to help when that happens. Not just with fixing the issue, but also with providing an upgrade that can last you years to come. Let’s take a look at common signs that your toilet needs replacing and the popular options to consider.

You may need a new toilet if…

1. Your Toilet Uses Too Much Water: Many toilets installed before 1994 use 3.4 gallons per flush, while low-flow models use only 1.6 gallons. These newer toilets are more efficient and use less water, so it’s really a win-win solution.
2. Your Toilet is Chipped or Cracked: If your toilet is showing chips or cracks, it could be leaking water. Even a small leak can lower your toilet’s efficiency and cause moisture damage in your bathroom. You can always call a professional plumber to check for leaks, but if you suspect that your toilet is permanently damaged, it’s probably time for a replacement.
3. Your Toilet is Constantly Clogged: Frequent clogging could be a problem with the toilet itself. Installing a newer and more efficient model will likely resolve the issue and spare you any additional headaches.
4. Your Toilet Keeps Needing Repairs: Many toilet problems can be fixed with a simple trip to the hardware store. However, if you are constantly calling a professional plumber to fix your toilet, then it’s probably time to replace it.

Top-Tier Toilets to Consider

1. Gravity-Feed: The gravity-feed toilet is a very common fixture in modern bathrooms, and perhaps the oldest modern toilet unit around. Water from the toilet tank is released into the bowl at the press of the flush valve, and the water pushes waste downward through the trap-way. With gravity-feed toilets, the circular motion of the flushing water is used to simultaneously clean the bowl.
2. Pressure-Assisted: Pressurized air compels water from the tank into the bowl with great force, creating a loud, abrupt flushing sound. While far more efficient than your standard gravity-feed unit, a pressure-assisted toilet is best suited to large family homes or public restrooms that see a lot of use.
3. Dual-Flush: Dual-flush toilets are a mixture of the above options for an effective, yet environmentally friendly method of waste disposal. With this unit, you have the option of a half-strength flush and a full flush. The half-strength is equivalent to a gravity-feed toilet and is used for liquid waste disposals. The full-strength will dispose waste with the force of a pressure-assisted toilet and is used for solid waste.
4. Waterless: This is an option of increasing popularity on worksites or campsites. These totally dry units collect waste in a receptacle beneath the seat. Waterless toilets range in quality, with the latest and best unit featuring an electric-powered, odorless disposal system with double-bagging technology for easy switch-outs.

For all questions or concerns regarding plumbing problems and system installations, give Best Plumbing a call at (206) 633-1700.

Photo Credit: © Graham and Sheila

When faced with a backed up drain, you might be tempted to reach for a liquid drain cleaner — but think twice before you resort to pouring chemicals down your sink! Liquid drain cleaners can damage your pipes, are hazardous to your health, and might not even work depending on the nature of the clog. Instead here are some expert tips on effective, chemical-free ways to unblock your drains. Keep reading to learn more from the experts at Best Plumbing in Seattle!

Plungers

While you might associate plungers with toilets, the standard cup plunger is also a great tool for unclogging sinks. If the idea of using your toilet plunger on a sink or shower isn’t appealing, you can always purchase a second plunger specifically to use for non-toilet pipes. It’s a good investment.

To plunge a sink, empty out most (but not all) of the standing water to prevent splashing as you work. If you’re plunging a double-bowel kitchen sink, stuff a wet rag into one drain while you plunge the other. For bathtubs or single bowel sinks, seal the overflow hole with a wet cloth. This will help drive air pressure directly to the clog. Cover the drain opening with the plunger, making sure it seals, and rapidly pump the plunger up and down in 15-20 second intervals before quickly pulling it off of the drain opening. Repeat a couple of times. If this fails to break up the clog, move up to using a drain snake.

Drain Snake

A basic drain snake (also known as an auger) is always a good addition to your toolbox and relatively inexpensive versions are available at most department stores. To use, push the snake through the pipe until you encounter resistance then start twisting it to break up the block. If you don’t have the time to purchase a drain snake you can also fashion a rough approximation using a wire hanger. This is generally enough if the problem is a ball of hair that’s stuck close to the mouth of the sink. If possible, try to pull debris out of the pipe and dispose of it in the trash. This will help ensure that it doesn’t cause another blockage further down the line.

We’re Here To Help

If you’ve tried the above recommendations with no effect, it’s time to consult with a professional. Best Plumbing is available 24/7 to help you with your plumbing needs. Our expert plumbers will be able to diagnose the cause of the blockage and find the best solution. We proudly serve the Seattle and Bellevue areas.

Read on in our blog or Youtube channelfor more great plumbing tips!

Photo Credit: PublicDomainPicture, available under Creative Commons CCO.