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Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

Leak Detection is Key for Boulder City Homes

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Leak detection for Boulder City homes is one of the greatest aspects of plumbing maintenance you can do for your home. When leaks go undetected wood can be destroyed, mold can grow in crawlspaces, and plumbing throughout out the home can be negatively affected. Setting time aside for leak detection is great because it can pinpoint the problem and and provide a solution quicker than a small bucket will fill with lost water.

Sinks

Cabinets beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks are a good place to start. Look for signs of water damage or build up. Mold and mildew are telltale signs of water leaks. Touch the pipes, particularly the areas where they enter the faucet. Run the hot and cold water faucets for a few minutes and repeat the inspection. Finally, fill the sink with water, let it stand a few minutes and open the drain. Now check the drain pipe and the joints that connect it to the sink for leaks.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers can’t easily be checked for leaks without pulling them out from beneath the counter. But you can inspect the water lines that connect the dishwasher to the kitchen sink. For some units, you may be able to shine a flashlight beneath the dishwasher to look for puddles.

Refrigerators

If the refrigerator has an ice making unit in the freezer, locate the water line that feeds the unit. The lines tend to be fragile and can come loose over time. Trace the line back to the source, which is usually the kitchen sink. Inspect the floor around the refrigerator for condensation leaks. Old refrigerators that don’t evaporate condensation can be a major source of water damage.

Toilets

Toilets can leak from the water supply pipes filling the tank and from the seal between the toilet and the waste pipe in the floor. Flush the toilet several times and carefully look for any signs of leaks in the joints of the water supply pipe and the floor around the base of the toilet. Lift the lid off the tank and flush the toilet. When the tank refills, the water should completely shut off. If the flush valve or water control unit is old, corroded, or loose, the water will continue to run. Running water cools the water delivery pipe to the toilet and the tank, which will cause them to collect condensation in humid weather. The condensation will drip and eventually cause water damage to the floor behind the toilet. Bottom line – don’t ignore a running toilet. Have the water control and flush valve fixed or replaced.

Tubs and Showers

Inspect the caulking around the tub or shower. Old, cracked, or missing caulking can allow water to leak into the wall. Water dripping from a leaky faucet or shower head will go down the drain and not cause any damage, but the faucet may also be leaking water behind the tub or shower.

Washing Machines

For washing machines, make sure the hot and cold water hose connections are open and check for leaks. Inspect the floor around the washer for signs of puddles or water damage.

Hot Water Heaters

Finally, inspect the hot water heater for leaks, and the boiler if the house has hot water heating. The first place to look is the floor around the appliance, but also look at the joints where the water pipes connect.

Don’t wait, call Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing today to schedule your leak detection visit.

Tags: Boulder City, Spanish Trails, The Lakes
Posted in Leak Detection for Boulder Home, Plumbing, Plumbing Maintenance | Comments Off

Faucet Aerators for Las Vegas Plumbing?

Monday, April 30th, 2012

A tap aerator or faucet aerator is a device which is added to the tip of water faucets, and are best used inside with bathroom sink faucets and kitchen plumbing for Las Vegas homes. They are used to separate water streams into a number of smaller streams, in essence adding air to the water stream. This reduces the amount of water which comes out of the tap at one time while also reducing the amount of backsplash which occurs when the faucet is turned on.

Utilizing faucet aerators can be one of the most inexpensive ways to save money on water consumption and save energy.

There are two main types of faucet aerators, some which use metal or plastic screens to separate the water, and some which do not use screens. One advantage to those without screens is that they eliminate problematic clogging which occurs on screen aerators due to sediment buildup. There are also aerators with off-valves and swivel aerators which allow users to direct flow to wherever the water spray is needed.

There are three main flow-types seen today. The needle method creates a circular pattern of small, single streams of water with no water-flow in the very center. The aerated method created a tubular flow with air mixed into the water, creating a single stream of bubbly water. The laminar method has no air mixed in which makes for a single stream of water with no bubbles.

Many aerators are designed as more economical low-flow aerators which optimize the water flow while still providing optimal water-flow performance. In kitchens these low-flow options decrease flow from 2.2 gallons per minute to 1.5 gpm or 1.0 gpm, saving anywhere from 32% to 54% of water-usage. For Faucets found in bathroom plumbing, the water-flow is decreased from 2.2 gpm to 1.0 gpm or even 0.5 gpm saving from 77% to 84% of water usage. When engineered properly, low-flow or economic aerators can provide increased perceived water pressure while in actuality helping to save water.

When purchasing new faucet aerators, ensure that you find the proper type (male or female) and the proper size (regular or small). There are dual-thread options for those who do not know whether a male or female aerator is necessary. Also, look at the tap aerator’s price in conjunction with how much savings it can provide in water usage annually and see how little must be spent on each faucet in order to save hundreds of dollars.

For more assistance with choosing the correct faucet Aerator please call Yes! Plumbing.

Tags: Las Vegas, Southern Highlands, The Lakes
Posted in Bathroom Plumbing, Kitchen Plumbing for Las Vegas, Plumbing | Comments Off

Common Causes for Green Valley Sewer Line Blockages

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

For those who have performed sewer and drain maintenance in Green Valley, they are familiar with the immense challenges that can come up. We use some of the toughest metals for our sewer pipes for the obvious reason: we would rather never have to deal with their contents. That is why it is very important that homeowners call a professional when thinking about servicing their sewer lines. Trust us that any faulty work could be a big mess.

If you have never had encountered a sewer line block, count yourself lucky.

Whichever category you fall into, it is important to know about causes of sewer blocks lie, so that you have an idea what you are up against should you ever encounter (another) one, as well as being able to take some reasonable prevention measures. Read on to learn about some of the common culprits that block up sewer lines.

Flushed Objects

The most preventable common cause of a blocked sewer line is the flushing of objects that should not be flushed. Sewer lines are not meant to handle solid objects like diapers, sanitary napkins or other garbage, so if these get flushed down the toilet — either intentionally or by accident — it can cause an ugly block.

Even smaller objects or bits of debris that seem to move fine through the sewer line can build up over time to cause a block. Paper towels, hair, grease or dirt can collect on the walls of the line and cause a block as well.

Tree Roots

It may seem like nothing happens beneath the ground of our lawns, where the sewer line runs. In fact, there is quite a bit of life going about its business under there, including the root systems of the trees in your yard. These roots can grow right into your sewer line, infiltrating it and causing a blockage.

Defect

The last main cause of a sewer link blockage is shoddy materials. Although sewer lines are meant to be made of high quality material because of the stress they perform under, it is still possible for one to collapse or bulge with use.

When repairing a blocked sewer line call Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. To avoid having to make that call, the best thing you can do as a homeowner is keep solid objects from being flushed down into the sewer line. It can save you a huge headache later on.

Posted in Plumbing, Sewer and Drain Maintenance in Green Valley, Sewer and Drain Repairs | Comments Off

Repairing Common Sump Pump Problems: A Troubleshooting Guide from Southern Highlands

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Sump pumps in Southern Highlands, and almost everywhere else, is a very crucial aspect of a home’s plumbing because it removes excess groundwater. When a home gets too much ground water you home could flood, but sump pumps prevent this from happening. If you have ever had water damage in Southern Highlands or anywhere else, you will understand why sump pumps are vital. If a pump comes to a halt or is unable to turn off, residents can typically fix this problem themselves. During months of increased down pour and flooding is almost inevitable, that is why it is a good idea to examine a sump pump on a very frequent basis to ensure it’s operating properly.

You can maintain your pump by having it inspected by a professional plumber, and keeping the pump clean and the well free of debris. Feel free to call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing if you have questions about how to maintain a sump pump, or to make an appointment for an annual inspection and professional cleaning.

Most issues can be repaired easily and without much plumbing maintenance from a professional. Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help you solve minor issues with your pump.

Check for Electrical Problems

Always check to make sure the sump pump is fully plugged in and that there aren’t any fuses that have burned out. If there is standing water in the basement, you should take extra precautions when handling any electrical equipment, even a plug. Call a plumber or electrician for advice if you have any safety concerns.

Check the Float Switch

Just like the float in a toilet tank, the float attached to the side of your sump pump acts as a guide for turning the pump on and off. This is called the float switch, and it usually has a large bulb or other floatation device attached to a metal arm. This float detects the water level inside the well, and it turns the pump on when the water reaches a certain height in the well.

If the pump is plugged in and there are no blown circuits, move the float switch up and down to see if it will turn the pump on. Debris can get trapped underneath the float causing it to stick. If the motor is constantly running, this switch may be stuck in the “on” position if debris is lodged underneath it, or if there’s substantial corrosion.

You can actually move the entire pump around to change the position if there’s no apparent debris causing the issue. Sometimes the pump gets shifted around slightly, and the float switch cannot work properly if the pump isn’t plumb or level. Be careful not to move it too much, since it could damage the drain line attached to the pump motor.

If your motor is constantly running, and none of these steps work, the motor could overheat and stop working. Unplug the pump while you’re investigating the problem, and if none of these steps work, call a professional plumber.

Check for Clogged Filters

In addition to causing issues with the float switch, debris trapped in the screen can also cause the motor to overheat or shut down. If your filter is dirty, try to get out as much of the debris as possible, but if this doesn’t solve the issue, you could have a clogged drain line. In this case, you will need to call a professional plumber to snake out the line.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

You can prevent issues with the sump pump in your Southern Highlands home with a few preventative maintenance tasks. Keep debris from falling into the well as much as possible, and clean out any particles that could clog the screen or affect the operation of the float switch. Occasionally inspect the pump and well for any corrosion or other concerns. If you are comfortable with the operation of your pump, drain and clean the entire well and pump at least once a year.

Lastly, call a qualified technician at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing for a yearly sump pump maintenance visit.

Tags: MacDonald Ranch, Southern Highlands, Spanish Trails
Posted in Plumbing, Plumbing Maintenance, Sump Pumps in Southern Highlands | Comments Off

Las Vegas Plumbing Repair Question: Why Does My Tub Faucet Leak when the Shower Is On?

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Here is a common and yet seemingly complex Las Vegas plumbing problem for you. You turn on your shower, flip the switch to go from tub faucet to shower head and the tub faucet continues to leak. Not only is it rather irritating, but it draws from the water pressure in the shower head. Let’s take a look at why this happens and how to quickly fix it.

Why the Leak?

There is a valve in your tub’s faucet that diverts water from the tub to the shower head when the switch or lever is pulled to turn on your shower. Because the valve is not a perfect seal, the tub faucet will drip a small amount during a shower. However, if a large amount of water is coming out of the tub faucet and very little is coming from your shower head, it is likely a problem with that valve.

In some cases, the only way to know the root of the problem is to take apart the assembly and check all of the valve parts individually for damage. The specifics of the plumbing repair process will depend largely on the type of shower and diverter valve you have.

Fixing the Problem

To fix this problem, you can either replace part of or the entire shower diverter valve. Start by removing the faucet and pulling the screw that holds the shower diverter valve in place. Once the screw is removed, take out the rubber washer and replace it. Many times, this is enough to fix the problem.

If it is not, however, you may need to replace the entire shower diverter valve. There are some situations that make it hard to reach the shower diverter valve, such as when you have a shower handle instead of a faucet knob. If this is the case, you may need special tools or professional assistance in removing the knob to access the valve.

If you find that this does not fix the problem or that you are uncomfortable attempting this repair, contact a Las Vegas plumber who is experienced all bathroom plumbing, such as Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

Tags: Bathroom Plumbing, Las Vegas, Plumbing Repair, Summerlin, Sun City Summerlin
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off

The Root of the Problem – Why Some Sewer Lines Get Blocked in Las Vegas?

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Have you ever had to fix a blocked sewer line? Well if you have, you are familiar with the nightmare that Las Vegas drain and sewer maintenance can be. Sewer lines are comprised of incredibly tough components for a purpose: mostly because we collectively want to keep their contents inside. So, when a sewer line gets blocked and starts backing up or seeping — or even cracks under the stress — it can be a real mess.

If you have never had encountered a sewer line block, count yourself lucky.

Flushed Objects

Tree Roots

Defect

If Repairing a blocked sewer line is what you need to do, it’s best to call Yes! Plumbing for assistance. To avoid having to make that call, the best thing you can do as a homeowner is keep solid objects from being flushed down into the sewer line. It can save you a huge headache later on.

Tags: Blue Diamond, Las Vegas, Southern Highlands
Posted in drain and sewer maintenance, Plumbing, Repairing a Blocked Sewer Line | Comments Off

Yes! Plumbing Helps Channel 8 News with Fix A Leak Week

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Did you know that those small leaks in your toilet, kitchen sink, or outdoor faucet can contribute to 10,000 gallons of wasted water in your home each year? In order to raise awareness that household water leaks are a national problem, the Environmental Protection Agency made this week Fix A Leak Week. Dennis Thompson from Yes! Plumbing walks Sherry Swensk from Channel 8 News through a typical home to show viewers common leaks that could be affecting anyone’s plumbing. Click on the video below to watch Dennis display where leaks occur and how to address them.

Throughout the video Dennis and Cherry discus how to identify leaks and easy ways of correcting them. Here are a few images of areas that need plumbing maintenance throughout the home.

These are images from the Fix A Leak report on Channel 8. Dennis and Sherry go over how to detect leaks occurring in your toilet, and how to fix them. They also review how to fix common faucet problem in the kitchen and bathroom. Dennis also points out an interesting fact that water used in most homes throughout the Las Vegas desert contains heavy minerals, causing this tap water to become hard water. This hard water will contribute to the deterioration of pipes and plumbing fixtures throughout a home at an increases rate. This abuse from hard water will increase home’s chances for springing a leak.

This final image is of a home’s water meter. Dennis from Yes! Plumbing discusses how to detect if you have water leaks just by looking at this. After you turn off all your water using appliances check your water meter and if the white triangle in the center of it is still spinning, that will indicate that you have a leak somewhere in your house. If you have any questions about how to follow up on this test please call Yes! Plumbing for more information.

Tags: Las Vegas, MacDonald Ranch, North Las Vegas
Posted in Bathroom Plumbing, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumbing | Comments Off

Why is the Garbage Disposal in My Las Vegas Home “Humming”?

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Ah, the garbage disposal: one of the greatest conveniences and frustrations of a Las Vegas kitchen. When it is working well, it seems like few things could be better than this magic machine that whisks away our gross garbage. But when it is on the fritz, there is nothing more annoying.

One common occurrence is the “humming” garbage disposal. You flip the switch to turn the disposal on, but instead of spinning up and sucking those coffee grounds away, it just makes a humming noise and doesn’t do anything. Definitely frustrating. The good news is that since it is making that humming noise, you may be in OK shape. Read on further kitchen plumbing tips.

There are two basic causes of the humming phenomenon. Let’s discuss the simpler one first.

Stuck Flywheel

Most of the time, the problem is as simple as a stuck flywheel. Usually this problem is identified by the brevity of the humming sound, as the garbage disposal will either reset itself or the circuit breaker will trip and the whole thing will shut down.

To fix a stuck flywheel, follow these steps:

Shut down the power to the garbage disposal by shutting of the circuit breaker or pulling the fuse.
Using an offset wrench (it came with the disposal unit, but you can buy a replacement at the hardware store), turn the flywheel clockwise to dislodge it.
For a no-wrench fix, stick a wooden broom handle down the drain and into the disposal, then use that to manually turn the blades.

If the problem is just a stuck flywheel, that should take care of it. However, there is another, more sinister explanation for the humming sound.

Seized Motor Bearing

If your efforts to free the flywheel did not get the disposal working again, then you may have a seized motor bearing on your hands. A disposal with a seized motor bearing needs to be replaced. It’s as simple as that.

However, before you go ahead and assume the worst, it would not hurt to have a professional look at it. It is possible that the flywheel is just quite stuck and needs the touch of a pro. If not, call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and we can go ahead and install a new unit for you.

Tags: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Southern Highlands
Posted in Garbage Disposal, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumbing | Comments Off

Yes! Plumbing Offers $500 Off Premium Whole House Filtration System With Installation

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Starting this month and going until the end of April, Yes Plumbing will be offering $500 off premium whole house filtration system with installation. Installing a whole house filtration system allows residents to stop being concerned about the quality of the water they clean, prepare food with, and drink. These filtration systems will purify water of metals, debris and sediment. By clearing your water of these pollutants you will not only improve the quality of your water, but you will also save your plumbing from the harmful effects of metals and sediment.

Call today to get your water tested by our trained technicians at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Tags: Green Valley, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas
Posted in Plumbing, Water filtration, water treatment systems | Comments Off

What Spring Valley Residents Need to Know About Point of Use Water Heaters

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

For years, most Spring Valley residents have used the same system to heat their water. A single tank that heats and stores water at a set temperature for whenever it is needed. That system, as well as it works, is not very efficient, and with costs for gas and oil rising so much in recent years, many people are looking for better ways to heat their water.

That’s where point of use water heating comes in. These tankless water heaters are designed to heat your water when you need it heated instead of filling a tank of 50 or 60 gallons and heating it continuously even when you don’t.

How Point of Use Water Heaters Work

A point of use water heater works by directly heating the water supply to a single fixture. So, you would install a point of use water heater on your kitchen sink and only one water supply pipe would go to that heater. When you turn on the hot water faucet, the point of use heater would turn on (using electricity) and heat your water to 170 degrees F.

These devices only work on a single fixture at a time but they are much less expensive to purchase than a whole house tankless hot water system. Additionally, you can control where hot water is available.

The Advantages of Point of Use Hot Water

A tank hot water system can cost hundreds of dollars of year extra to run, especially if your family doesn’t use much hot water. Imagine what happens if you have four children that go off to college. Your “just big enough” tank suddenly becomes way too big and your bill stays unnecessarily high.

Point of use heaters allow you to decide where hot water is available and have instantly available hot water as you need it. The cost of the units and installation is affordable for most homeowners and you don’t have to commit to a whole house system if you are not ready. If you have any questions about this topic please call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Tags: Green Valley, Southern Highlands, Spring Valley
Posted in Kitchen Plumbing, Plumbing, Water Heater | Comments Off