Plumber Tips: Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure At Home? | Vancouver, WA

Plumber Tips: Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure At Home? | Vancouver, WA September 30, 2021 admin It can be stressful to have low water pressure at home. But sometimes, you have low water pressure because there might be some problems on the water supplier’s end. You may want to ask around some of your neighbors first and check whether they are experiencing the same issue. If they’re not having the same problem, consider our tips below. If you need more assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber in Vancouver, WA. Check the Main Shut-Off Valve As a homeowner, ensure that you know where this is located. It’s usually found close to where the main water pipes are located. You need to make sure that the shut-off valve is open all the way. When the handle isn’t parallel to the pipe, it can limit water flow to your home. If you need additional help, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber in Vancouver, WA. It’s essential to know the location of the shut-off valves as you need to switch them off in the event of a plumbing emergency such as burst pipes and other leaks in your plumbing. Before calling a plumber, switch it off first to avoid further water damage. Clogged Aerator When the shut-off valves are open all the way yet you still have low water pressure at home, try to check your faucet’s aerator. Do this only when the low pressure is limited to just one tap in your home. If you don’t know what an aerator is — it’s that tiny screen on the faucet’s end. Over time, they can become clogged or rusted by debris. To remove, you need to unscrew the screen from the faucet and clean it properly. Reattach it after cleaning. If you don’t know how to do this, it’s best to call a professional in your area. Our plumbers at Pilot Plumbing can help with any plumbing repairs or replacements. Call us anytime, and we’ll quickly dispatch a licensed professional to your home or business. Water Softener A water softener that’s not working efficiently can cause a sudden decrease in your water pressure. This is why it’s essential for homeowners to properly maintain their water softener to prolong its lifespan and avoid other plumbing issues down the road. Always call a professional to help you service your water softener. Don’t worry; our plumbers at Pilot Plumbing are experienced and skilled with any water softener installation or repair. Tips for maintaining the water softener: Regularly check the salt and refill it every two months or when necessary. You will need to replace it when the salt is dry and the water level is low. Do this frequently if your water softener is more than ten years old. Also, always use good salt for replacement. As much as possible, go with evaporated salt pellets or contact a plumbing company for advice. Clean your water softener brine tank regularly and know how to spot any trouble. Then, call for a plumber right away if you suspect that there might be a problem with the water softener. Otherwise, your water pressure may suffer. Watch out for those layers of crust that build up in the tank, as it can affect the efficiency of your water softener. Check for it regularly and make sure you remove the buildup to avoid other issues. Mineral Buildup Sediment buildup in the pipes can cause a reduction of the water pressure in your home. However, you can remedy this only when you call a professional in your area for a thorough inspection of your plumbing system. Our plumbers will use specialized tools to help us properly inspect your pipes and rule out any problem. Then, we can either repair it or replace them entirely with new pipes to improve the water pressure in your home. Apart from the corroded pipes, a leaky pipe can also contribute to the reduced water pressure in your home. Call for a professional leak detection service to help you repair leaky pipes. As a homeowner, make sure that you also ensure that your plumbing is in top shape. Insulating the pipes during winter, flushing mineral buildup in the water heater tank, and periodically checking your plumbing are some of the things you can do to avoid major plumbing emergencies. Faulty Pressure Regulator The pressure regulator helps you regulate the water pressure in your home. But if they’re faulty, they can also be the culprit for low water pressure. So contact a licensed professional to inspect the regulator and safely fix it for you. Sediment Build Up in the Water Heater As we mentioned, routine maintenance of your water heater is essential as a faulty water heater affects the water pressure in your home. Once a year, make it a point to flush the sediment buildup. You need to also schedule regular plumbing inspections so a professional can do a proper inspection of your appliance and help you resolve any issues that may come up. Contact Pilot Plumbing Today! Are you having problems with the water pressure in your home? Call Pilot Plumbing & Drain as soon as possible. Our plumbers in Vancouver, WA, are licensed and experienced and tackle any plumbing job. Let us know if you’re having any issues, and we’ll quickly dispatch our skilled plumbers to your home or business. You can always rely on us for any plumbing problem because we’ll make sure that you are wholly delighted with the service we provide. Pilot Plumbing offers a wide range of plumbing services, including water heater repair, water softener, drain cleaning, leak detection, and much more. Call us today for an appointment. Previous PostNext Post

Tips For Choosing A Good Plumber | Battle Ground, WA

Tips For Choosing A Good Plumber | Battle Ground, WA September 27, 2021 admin The plumbing system is an important part of almost every residential and commercial building in Battle Ground, WA. A well-maintained plumbing system ensures that a building has an adequate supply of clean water at the right temperature and pressure. The plumbing system also ensures that the wastewater from a home or a business is efficiently drained out. However, like any other mechanical system, plumbing systems develop problems that make it necessary for homeowners, business owners, and property managers to work closely with professional plumbers. Unfortunately, although there are many plumbing services providers in Battle Ground, WA, finding a good plumbing company is not necessarily easy. Below are some tips you can count on as you shop for a plumbing company that can help you with installing, repairing, or maintaining your domestic or commercial plumbing system. Know Your Local Plumbing Services Providers If it is your first time looking for the services of a plumber, then you probably do not know where to start. You can simply start by creating a list of dependable plumbing companies in your city. You can do this by asking your friends, neighbors, relatives, or even workmates to refer you to the plumbing professional they know. You can also go to the internet and search for plumbing companies in your city. The objective is to end up with a comprehensive list of renowned plumbing companies in your area. Once you have created the list, you can consider the qualities that set each of them apart and pick the plumbing company with what it takes to help you solve the issue at hand in the most efficient way possible. Know the Different Types of Plumbers When looking for a plumbing professional, it is imperative for you to remember that plumbing is quite a broad profession. Therefore, it is hard to find a plumbing professional who can handle all kinds of plumbing jobs. As such, there are many different types of plumbing companies. Some common types of plumbing professionals include residential, commercial, sanitary, and water supply plumbers, among others. Therefore, the right type of plumbing professional for you to pick depends on the plumbing assignment at hand. For instance, if you are looking for a plumbing company to help you solve a plumbing issue in your business, then you should go for a commercial plumbing company. On the other hand, if you have a leaky faucet in your home’s kitchen, then you should look for a residential plumbing professional. Check Online Reviews Once you have created a comprehensive list of potential plumbers that you can hire, you need to remember that the fact that a person you trust is telling you that a given plumbing professional is good does not necessarily mean you will be satisfied with the services of that plumbing company. Therefore, you need to dig deeper and find out what other people have to say about the plumbing professional. The most convenient way of doing this is by looking for online reviews on review sites, such as Yelp. From the review sites, you might find the general feeling that people have about a given plumbing contractor. Of course, it is hard to find a plumbing company without some negative online reviews, but if a particular company has attracted too many complaints about unprofessional conduct, then you should avoid hiring it completely. Insist on Licenses Plumbers are important players in the construction industry, and therefore, they are strictly regulated in order to ensure that the prevailing building standards are enforced with ease. Therefore, good plumbing professionals should be properly licensed by the relevant local authorities. If a plumbing company is not willing to provide you with proof of their licenses, then you should not even think of hiring them. Plumbing professionals have to receive adequate training and have some experience in order to receive their licenses. As such, if you make the mistake of hiring an unlicensed plumbing company, you will be taking the risk of hiring an incompetent plumbing company, and the cost of doing this can be extremely high. For instance, if you hire an unlicensed plumbing company to repair your water heater, you can end up causing more harm than good to your water heater, and you could effectively void its warranty. Get Written Quotes Once you have significantly narrowed your list to just a few plumbers, you need to insist on getting written quotes. A written quote will enable you to understand the work that has to be done. Written quotes will also allow you to compare the various plumbing professionals based on their charges. Given the complex nature of your plumbing system, you can expect the plumbing professional to come to your home in person to assess the issue at hand before submitting a quote. Therefore, if a plumbing company is insisting on giving you a quote via the phone, that could be a red flag unless they charge a flat rate for all their services. Ideally, a plumbing professional should see your plumbing issue to determine what needs to be done and charge you based on their assessment of the plumbing issue at hand. The Bottom Line Overall, it is apparent that given the importance of your plumbing system and how complex it is, you need to call the most qualified plumbing company when it has a problem or when you are making a new plumbing installation. However, finding a good plumbing professional is not easy, and therefore, you need to do enough research before picking a particular plumber for any plumbing work at your home or business. If you are looking for a dependable plumber Pilot Plumbing & Drain is an excellent plumbing contractor to consider. We have been providing plumbing services in our community for many years, and we are a household name in and around Battle Ground, WA. Feel free to contact Pilot Plumbing & Drain today for more information about our company and the services we offer. Previous PostNext Post

Plumber Tips: Types Of Water Softeners Ideal For Your Home | Portland, OR

Plumber Tips: Types Of Water Softeners Ideal For Your Home | Portland, OR September 24, 2021 admin The underground water supply in Portland, OR, is averagely hard. Hard water is detrimental to the condition of copper supply pipes because it causes clogging. It also leads to soap wastage as it does not lather easily with cleaning detergents. Additionally, bathing with hard water could leave your skin and hair itchy and dry. It also fades the clothes you wash and, in the long run, increases your water bill. Homeowners get plumbers to install water softeners in their homes to avoid the challenges of using hard water. Water softeners eliminate Magnesium and Calcium mineral elements from the water, leaving it soft and safe for use. There are different water softener types that your plumber can install in your home, depending on factors such as capacity, budget, and preference. Keep reading to ascertain the water softener that’s perfect for your home. Ion Exchange Water Softeners These are the most common water softeners and employ a scientific process known as ion exchange to eliminate minerals from the hard water. Usually, hard water contains Magnesium and Calcium mineral deposits while the water softener contains positively charged Sodium ions. The water softeners contain special salt that is poured over a resin bed in resin tanks. The salt ions attract the magnesium and calcium minerals in the water, leaving the water soft and safe for use. Once the resin runs out of salt, the regeneration cycle begins all over again. It occurs after you pour water on the brine sink, at least once a week. The ion exchange water softener doesn’t provide much other than softening your water, and it requires a regular refill of the brine tank. Conversely, the resin does not require refilling for several years. If you’re searching for a new water softener or need to replace the one in your home, consider having your favorite plumbing company install this kind of water softener. Salt-Free Water Softeners These kinds of water softeners don’t require as much maintenance as ion exchange water softeners. Instead of taking the hardness out of the water, they neutralize the hard water minerals to prevent them from sticking together, which essentially causes water hardness. Salt-free water softeners are advantageous because they contain a filtration system to eliminate impurities in water rather than only softening it. Additionally, they take up less space. Although their initial cost might be higher, they are less costly in the long run as they do not require a weekly refill of the salt. Reach out to your favorite plumber to handle the installation of a salt-free water softener in your home if you prefer to have clean and pure drinking water. Dual-Tank Water Softeners Dual-tank water softeners feature two tanks; one is always in operation while the other is in regeneration. Essentially, they are ion exchange water softeners with double tanks. If your home in Portland, OR, has many dwellers that need soft water, these types of water softeners are ideal. The downside to these softeners is that they’re capital intensive to purchase, and they take up more space than sing-tank water softeners. Contact a reliable plumber to have dual-tank water softeners if your household requires large amounts of soft water during the day. Electronic Descalers Electronic descalers, also known as softener system alternatives, soften water without removing the hard minerals. Like salt-free water softeners, these magnetic water softeners create an electronic field that neutralizes the hard minerals. The magnetic field prevents Magnesium and Calcium from bonding, making them insoluble. It, in turn, blocks the minerals from building up in the copper pipes. These water softeners are easy to install as they are not mechanical and don’t require much maintenance. However, your plumber should notify you that they are dependent on electricity and do not get rid of the hard minerals. Contact a reliable plumbing company to install electronic descalers if you’re on a tight budget as they are relatively affordable. Reverse Osmosis Water Softeners Reverse Osmosis Water Softeners clear any water impurities, including hardness, foul smells, unpleasant smells, chlorine, and dirt. They feature a reverse osmosis membrane that expels microscopic and minute particles out of the water. These water softeners are ideal for Portland, OR, homeowners that prefer extremely clean and healthy water in continuous supply in the taps. Conversely, your plumber should advise you that this water softener can only supply soft water to a single faucet at a time. Additionally, they are also expensive to purchase and install. They also require attention from the plumbing company as filters are prone to damage. Showerhead Water Softeners It may be expensive to purchase water softeners for each appliance in your home. With this in mind, you can opt for an affordable water softener for your shower. They’re ideal for homeowners that require soft water for their hair and skin. You can get a reliable plumbing company to install this water softener by replacing the old showerhead with a softener filter. However, the technician should remind you that the filter needs replacement every two months as the mineral deposits accumulate on its surface. These water softeners are also available in vitamin option filters to revitalize the user’s skin. Portable Water Softeners |These water softeners make it possible to have soft water wherever you go. They’re ideal for owners of RV homes. They require no electricity and may go for several weeks before needing a refill of the salt. They can supply enough water for drinking or showering for a few people but are not ideal for a large group of people. Reach out to a nearby plumber to install this water softener in your RV home for soft water. Pilot Plumbing & Drain: Plumbers You Can Rely On Pilot Plumbing & Drain has a knowledgeable staff that advises homeowners on what water softener is ideal for their homes, depending on their budget and the volume of soft water needed. Do not hesitate to give us a call whenever you’re looking for plumbing solutions, including water softener installation, repair, and maintenance. Our plumbers have modern

5 Signs You Need To Call A Licensed Plumbing Service | Portland, OR

5 Signs You Need To Call A Licensed Plumbing Service | Portland, OR September 21, 2021 admin You rely on water for many daily household tasks. You need water to drink, cook, shower, clean, flush the toilet, and many other things. Without running water, life in your home will come to a complete standstill. You also rely greatly on the drainage system in your home. If the drainage system isn’t working properly, water and waste won’t be removed from your home properly. Many people make home repairs DIY projects, but plumbing repairs should never be a DIY project. Your home’s plumbing system needs to be repaired by a professional. Attempting a DIY plumbing repair with no education or knowledge on the subject could cause more harm than good. If you are experiencing any of the following issues with your plumbing system, you should leave the job to a licensed plumbing service. #1 Water Leaks Under the Sink If you open the kitchen cabinet or the bathroom vanity in your Portland, OR home and there is water pooling inside, you should immediately call a licensed plumbing service. There is a leak in the pipe, and if you don’t have it repaired quickly, the water will continue pooling, causing water damage and mold growth. Many homeowners will try to fix the pipe themselves, which isn’t the best idea. Plumbing issues require a licensed professional to find the source of the problem and make the necessary repair. Just because a person has a wrench in their toolbox, it doesn’t mean they are qualified to repair a leaking pipe. You will need a licensed plumbing professional to repair the job correctly. #2 Discolored Water When you turn on the water in your home, you expect the water to come out clear. If the water has a brown tint, you should call a licensed plumbing service immediately. As the pipes age, the inside can become rusty and corroded. When the issue becomes serious, the rust and corrosion will contaminate the water coming from your faucets and showerheads, making the water unsafe for use. A plumber will inspect your plumbing system to find the corroded pipes so they can be replaced, and the water coming from the taps come out clear and will be safe for your family to use. #3 Poor Water Pressure When you turn on the water in your Portland, OR home, you want the water pressure to be strong enough to wash your hair or rinse food from your plates. If you don’t have adequate water pressure, simple tasks like these will take longer than they should. In addition, your water-based appliances won’t function properly. If you have issues with your water pressure, it is not something you should try to get used to. There is a reason why your water pressure is poor, and it could be causing damage to your home. There are a few reasons why your water pressure is poor. Clogged pipes: If the poor water pressure is due to a clogged pipe, the clog will disrupt water flow into your home, resulting in poor water pressure. High water demand: Expecting too much from your plumbing system can result in poor water pressure. For example, if you run your washing machine or dishwasher and shower, your water demand will be too much for your plumbing system. If this happens often and you don’t want to change the way you do things around the house, a plumbing service can install a water-pressure booster to improve the water pressure in your home. Leaking waterline: If there is a leak in a water line, water will escape from the leak, resulting in poor water pressure. This is not an issue that can be ignored. The pooling water from the leak will result in water damage or mold growth in the area. Poor water pressure is more than a frustrating issue. It signifies an issue and would require an appointment for plumbing service. #4 Drain Issues When you turn on the water in your home, you expect it to flow freely down the drain. If the water is going down the drain slowly or won’t go down at all, you should call a licensed plumbing service. You may be tempted to try to remove the clog yourself with a liquid drain cleaner. However, there is no guarantee that the entire clog will be removed. If part of the clog remains in the drain, it is only a matter of time before the water starts draining slowly or the drain becomes completely clogged. In addition, these products contain harsh chemicals that are necessary for breaking up a clog and can do serious damage to your pipes. When you call a plumbing service, a plumber will have access to the necessary tools and chemicals to remove a clog, and they have been highly trained and know how to use them. #5 Water Heater Issues If you have an issue with the water heater in your home, you will need the help of a licensed plumber. Water heater repairs should not be a DIY project for two reasons. First, water heaters are complex, and if you don’t know how to inspect and diagnose an issue, you could do more harm than good. In addition, if your water heater is under warranty and your attempt a DIY repair, the warranty will be voided. If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, you should call a licensed plumbing company. No hot water The water isn’t getting hot enough. Poor hot water pressure Discolored hot water Cloudy, hot water Foul-smelling hot water Strange sounds Moisture and leaks A plumber will inspect your water heater and make the necessary repairs to get your water heater functioning properly again. Why Choose Pilot Plumbing? If you are having an issue with the plumbing system in your Portland, OR home and want to work with the best plumbing service around, contact Pilot Plumbing. We have been serving customers in the area for over 15 years and have an excellent reputation in the

The Many Improvements To Your Home And Lifestyle That Water Filtration Systems Can Bring | Portland, OR

The Many Improvements To Your Home And Lifestyle That Water Filtration Systems Can Bring | Portland, OR September 18, 2021 admin From better shampooing in the shower to better-tasting coffee and longer-lasting appliances, the potential benefits of water filtration systems make them a “why didn’t we do this before?” decision for many homeowners. Water quality from wells and city water can vary considerably over time, as sources change and groundwater characteristics evolve, but fine-tuning your home’s water supply on your own terms can keep it consistent and refreshing. Water filtration systems are easy to maintain, and as your expert plumbers in Portland, OR, at Pilot Plumbing we are glad when the plumbing we’re working on isn’t subject to the high levels of corrosion some water supplies can cause. If you’ve lived with hard water for some time, you’ll be remarking on the changes water filtration systems can bring to your home. Reducing Plumbing and Appliance Issues One of the most noticeable concerns from water quality problems is the minerals that are present in hard water. They tend to encourage corrosion in metal pipes, appliances, and hot water heaters, resulting in more frequent repairs and pipe leaks. They can even lead to earlier repiping of your home to replace metal pipes that have corroded and are at risk of springing leaks on the incoming side, and causing clogs or leaking wastewater on the outgoing side. Water filtration systems can provide an economical way to extend the life of plumbing components in your home, especially if they are made of materials prone to corrosion. More frequent water heater repairs are also a product of hard water, from the removal of scale that limits the efficiency of your heater to anode rod related issues that affect both corrosion rates and the growth of anaerobic bacteria that produces an all-too-familiar rotten egg smell. Our water filtration systems expert can explain how to remove that smell from your water supply also if needed. Source Independent Safe Drinking Water No matter what the origin of your water supply, it can change over time. Your well can be affected by groundwater issues, and city water can come from varying sources including rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater. Though these sources are designed to provide you with good quality water, your standards may be higher and you may want the consistent quality that water filtration systems provide independent from the incoming source. In the case of sudden issues with your water supply, you’ll likely be protected by filtration, especially if you have some of the more advanced types such as reverse osmosis or RO. If you’ve been wanting to drink more water, having high-quality water in your home lets you drink from taps and especially use the water and ice dispenser on your refrigerator and enjoy the fresh taste. Saving Money on Bottled Water Many families solve their desire to drink plenty of water by hauling their drinking water home from the supermarket or other commercial source, taking time, and using fuel to transport it on an ongoing basis. Of course, this also means that large or small plastic containers are being used to transport the water, and that can be costly as well. When it comes time to dispose of plastic, recycling is the preferred method but it can take time and energy to accomplish as well. The bottom line? Just turn on the tap and get fresh, clean water from your water filtration systems instead. Reducing Skin Irritation Minerals in hard water and other contaminants can irritate your skin, leading you to use additional products after your shower to compensate for the problem. With water filtration systems, high-quality water won’t have the contaminants that were causing trouble, and you’ll feel better after showers and not have to compensate with additional skincare just because you had a shower or bath. Better Soap and Shampoo Performance Soaps and shampoos are much more effective in good quality water than they are in hard water. That’s how they are designed, although there are some soaps and shampoos that can help with hard water problems including lower lather, skin irritation, and less cleaning power. Laundry soap is also affected by water quality and can produce less satisfactory loads of laundry than water from water filtration systems. For families that have lived with problematic water for years, sometimes their whole lives, it may be surprising what a difference better water can make. Sometimes plumbing customers notice on vacation that they’re having very different shower experiences, with cleaner hair and better feeling skin, and they may not realize why they’re not getting that experience at home. Solving Bad Taste and Limescale from Your Drinking Water Hard water’s minerals can produce a disagreeable taste because they occur in such quantities that they actually form a hard scale in some of your appliances and pipes. It’s not like some commercial products with a touch of minerals for flavor, unfortunately. Bad taste can also arise from anaerobic bacteria, which produce a rotten egg smell from their growth in enclosed, tight spaces with little oxygen. Filtration can remove many organic components as well that are causing flavor issues, and we can help locate any other sources of contamination such as leaks. Limescale in Plumbing and Heating Systems Hot water heaters aren’t the only appliances affected by scale, sometimes known as limescale. Your coffee maker is a classic example, and your home heating boiler can be affected also. Your Water Quality Solution Experts in Portland, OR At Pilot Plumbing & Drain of Portland, OR, we’re your water filtration experts and water quality advocates, helping you make sure that your home’s water is the best it can be. We have a selection of systems providing different kinds of filtration to meet your needs, budget, and water supply. We can also help with water quality issues related to your hot water heater that can develop from time to time. Give us a call and we’ll get to work helping you live better with better quality water. Previous PostNext Post

4 Methods That Drain Cleaning Service Providers Use To Remove Clogs | Battle Ground, WA

4 Methods That Drain Cleaning Service Providers Use To Remove Clogs | Battle Ground, WA September 15, 2021 admin Drains are essential to your plumbing system; they remove all the water that was used and the waste too. Sometimes things can end up in your drain that will impair the flow of water which will cause problems for your household. Since there are different things that block your drain, there are also different methods that can be used to remove those blockages. A professional drain cleaning service provider would determine the best one for you but it is always good to know more about the options. Pilot Plumbing & Drain in Battle Ground, WA would like to inform you of the four common methods that are used in drain cleaning services, namely pressurized air, chemical drain cleaners, drain snake, and hydro jet cleaning. Pressurized Air The first method that will be discussed is the pressurized air method. This method is useful when the blockage is caused by a bunch of small items and not a singular large item. Drain cleaning service providers will remove any water in the sink. The plumber will place the air compressor with the appropriate attachments in the sink and secure it with a cloth. The cloth ensures that the air or attachment cannot escape. The air has to build up for a couple of minutes before it is ready to travel down the drain. The air will dislodge the object which will travel down the drain. The plumber will remove the air compressor and check if the water will drain. It is common for this process to be repeated a couple of times to make sure that the blockage has been removed. This method is not suitable for pipes that are old and faulty as it can damage the pipes further. It is an environmentally friendly method because you are not using any harsh chemicals. Hydro-jet Drain Cleaning Hydro jet is when high pressured water is used to remove blockages. The drain cleaning service provider will inspect your pipes with a small camera. This will help them to determine where the blockage is and what it consists of. If your clog is caused by one of the following things then hydro jetting would be the best option, tree roots, mineral build-up, and grime. The method of using pressurized water is very similar to the pressurized air method. This method is effective at removing blockages as well as cleaning your drain in the process. The high-pressure water is strong enough to remove grime and bacteria from your pipes without damaging them. Pilot Plumbing always recommends a professional plumber conduct drain cleaning services as you can damage your pipes if the stream of water is too powerful or left of the pipe lining for too long. This method is more effective than a drain snake which will be looked at next. Drain Snake The drain snake is a very common method and was used a lot before pressured air and water made an appearance. This method is also highly effective when your pipes are not in the best condition. The drain snake is a very fitting name because the tool looks like a snake. The drain snake is made of a long flexible wire that has a corkscrew attachment on one end and a crack on the other end. The drain snake is placed in your drain and pushed until it makes contact with the clog. The corkscrew attachment is pushed into the blockage while the crank is being turned. The clog will get stuck on the corkscrew attachment which will be removed with the drain snake. The drain snake can also break up and push through the bits of the blockage. The drain snake is an easy, quiet tool that can be used for shallow and deep clogs. Chemical Drain Cleaners This method is the last one on the list because it is not a good method to use. This method makes use of harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes. There are three main types of drain cleaners that can be used to unblock your drains. The first one is an oxidizing drain clean. It contains bleach, peroxide, and nitrate. These chemicals react to organic material and dissolve them through heat and gas that is produced by the reaction. This heat can damage the lining of your pipes. The next drain cleaning chemical that you would get is the caustic drain cleaner. It contains lye and potash. When these chemicals come in contact with grime, it turns the grime into a liquid since and it produces heat. The third one is the common drain cleaner that you find in stores. It is an acidic drain cleaner. These drain cleaners have a high concentration of sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. This drain cleaner can be very damaging to metal pipes and should only be used on PVC pipes. It is best to avoid these chemical drain cleaners are there are more effective and better alternate methods. These four types of drain cleaners are common and it is good to understand the process behind them, so you will know what your drain cleaning service provider is up to. As mentioned above different methods of drain cleaning services are more effective at certain blockages than others. It can be changeling to determine which method will be the best for you thus it is best to hire a professional plumber. If you live in the Battle Ground, WA area and you are looking for a reliable plumber that also provides drain cleaning services then you should hire Pilot Plumbing. They provide a wide range of services that will suit your every need. If you are in need of drain cleaning services then call Pilot Plumbing & Drain today to schedule an appointment. Previous PostNext Post

8 Bathroom Remodeling Plumbing Service Tips | Vancouver, WA

8 Bathroom Remodeling Plumbing Service Tips | Vancouver, WA September 12, 2021 admin Bathroom remodeling doesn’t only update the look of your bathroom but can also improve its functionality. When you work with the right plumbers, you know that your bathroom plumbing is more efficient, which means you get to save more water and money down the road. If you’re thinking about remodeling or renovating your bathroom, make sure that you only get a professional plumbing service in Vancouver, WA, to avoid problems in the future. 1. Decide Whether You Want to Install or Skip the Bathtub Some homeowners prefer to have bathtubs for relaxation purposes. Others who want to sell their home in the future may want to install them so the value of their homes increases. If you really want to install a bathtub when renovating your bathroom, consider having just a small tub so you can save on water. There’s no need to install bigger bathtubs if one of your goals is to conserve water at home. During installation, make sure that you get a plumbing service. Don’t get tempted to hire inexperienced plumbers for bathtub installation to avoid other problems such as incorrect installation. 2. Add a Little Luxury It wouldn’t hurt to add a little luxury to your bathrooms, such as heated toilets and wall-mounted features. Wall-mounted toilets, water heaters, washbasin, and cabinets don’t take up much floor space, which means you will have extra storage. Also, a little luxury adds to your bathroom aesthetics. Make sure that you get a professional plumbing service in Vancouver, WA, to install these fixtures. 3. Choose Durable Bathroom Materials When it comes to bathroom plumbing, we suggest that you hire a reliable and knowledgeable professional for it. You need someone to help you choose the best bathroom materials to ensure that they last longer. Getting a plumbing company can help because licensed plumbers know where to get these high-quality materials. Durable fixtures, pipes, and appliances may cost you a little more, but you get to save money in the long run as they don’t require frequent repairs. As much as possible, avoid cheap cabinets too or walls. You may contact your contractor regarding furniture for your bathroom. Contact Pilot Plumbing for any plumbing-related bathroom renovation. 4. Decide If You Want to Hide or Exposed Plumbing Pipes Homeowners who want to have an industrial theme in their bathroom may want the plumbing pipes exposed. However, if you want a cleaner and neat look, we suggest concealing the bathroom pipes. One of the benefits of concealing the pipes is that you won’t have to keep insulating them during winter. Exposed pipes need to be insulated, especially when the temperature reaches below zero in the winter. When pipes are exposed, the water inside them may freeze, causing the pipes to expand and then burst. You can avoid this problem by concealing the pipes. 5. Upgrade Your Plumbing Fixtures What kind of toilet or showerheads do you have in your bathroom? Do you intend to keep them? We suggest that you upgrade your plumbing to eco-friendly plumbing solutions, one that can let you save more water too. For example, installing dual flush toilets and low-flow showerheads. You may speak with one of our plumbers about this to help you make an informed decision. And then make sure that you get a professional plumbing service for installation. 6. Avoid DIY Plumbing You may be tempted to do some of the work by yourself so that you can save money. We suggest that you don’t do this, or it may even cost you more down the road. While DIY videos can provide you with the step-by-step procedure, they may not be able to give you enough information, such as what to do when you suddenly make a mistake during installation or replacement. Get a professional plumbing service instead to ensure that everything is working efficiently — from your water heater to your toilet and showerhead. 7. Choose the Right Plumbing Company Getting a professional plumbing service can give you peace of mind knowing that your appliances will always work efficiently. Experienced plumbers can also handle any plumbing renovation job, big or small. They are familiar with the different appliance models and types and will not have any problem installing them in your home. With the right plumbing company, you know that your fixtures and appliances will always work. You won’t have to call for emergency plumbing down the road. We also suggest you get a plumbing service to maintain your bathroom plumbing to ensure that problems are diagnosed and resolved early, should there be any. Bathroom plumbing maintenance can also avoid costly plumbing repairs in the future. 8. Hire a Licensed and Reliable Plumber Are you thinking of renovating your bathroom soon? Make sure that you only hire certified and licensed plumbers to avoid problems with your insurance company. Also, professional plumbers are familiar with the building codes, and unlicensed plumbers may not adhere to the codes. It’s necessary, or you risk another costly installation or repairs. Licensed plumbers will also make sure that your bathroom plumbing is efficient and working properly. Don’t worry; they are equipped with the right tools and experience to help them get the job done. Are You Ready to Remodel? Contact Pilot Plumbing Do you need plumbing service for your bathroom renovation? When it comes to bathroom renovation or any plumbing service, you can always count on Pilot Plumbing & Drain. We are your trusted and reliable plumbing in the Vancouver, WA area. Our plumbers are highly skilled and experienced to efficiently do plumbing installations for your bathroom. We have also worked with different plumbing appliances and fixtures. Think of us as your go-to plumbing company for all your bathroom renovation needs. Call us today for an appointment. Previous PostNext Post

6 Signs That You Need To Call A Plumber Specializing In Water Heater Repair | Vancouver, WA

6 Signs That You Need To Call A Plumber Specializing In Water Heater Repair | Vancouver, WA September 9, 2021 admin Every appliance in your Vancouver, WA home is designed to make your life easier. For example, your washing machine washes your clothes, and your dishwasher washes your dishes, so you don’t have to. Although every appliance is essential, some are more important than others. For example, you can live without a dishwasher or washing machine, but you cannot live without your refrigerator and water heater. If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, you won’t be able to take hot showers and clean your home properly. In addition, your dishwasher and washing machine won’t function properly if your water heater is faulty. Because your water heater is so essential to your daily life, it is essential that you can recognize the signs that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If you don’t make the call as the issue begins, a small issue that is easy to fix can become a major one that could require a water heater replacement. If your water heater is experiencing any of the following issues, you should call a plumber specializing in repairs immediately. #1 No Hot Water Coming From the Taps If you turn on the hot water in your home, the issue could be something that you can handle. For example, if your water heater runs on gas or oil, the pilot light could be out and needs to be lit. In addition, you can make sure there is oil in your tank or that your gas bill has been paid. If you have an electric water heater, make sure that a circuit hasn’t tripped and there is power going to your water heater. If everything checks out and you still have no hot water, you need to schedule an appointment or water heater repair. There could be an issue with the heating elements that keep the water in the tank hot. A plumber specializing in water heaters can inspect the unit to determine if it can be repaired or if replacing the water heater is the best option. #2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough If you turn the hot water in your home on full-blast and it doesn’t get hot enough no matter how long you let it run, you may need to schedule an appointment or a repair. Before you make the call, check the setting on the water heater’s thermostat. If it is set below 120 degrees, adjusting the thermostat could solve the problem. If the thermostat is set correctly, you will need to schedule an appointment with a plumber specializing in water heaters. There could be an issue with the thermostat, which controls the water temperature in the tank. There could also be an issue with one of the heating elements. If just one is functioning, there won’t be enough heat to keep the water in the tank hot, causing it to come out lukewarm. A professional in water heater repair can inspect the water heater and make the necessary repairs. #3 Poor Hot Water Pressure Poor water pressure can be a very frustrating issue. If the water pressure in your Vancouver, WA home is poor, simple tasks like washing the dishes and washing your hair will take longer than they should. If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, there is likely an issue with the waterline or the water main. If it is just the hot water pressure that is poor, the issue is with your water heater. Over time, sediment can build up in your water tank. If the sediment gets into the waterlines, it will cause inadequate water pressure. A plumber specializing in water heaters can try to unclog the waterlines, restoring the water pressure. If there is too much sediment in the waterlines, you may need to replace your water heater. #4 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly If you can barely make it through a shower without the water getting cold, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call, you should consider your hot water demand. If someone recently moved into your home, or if you installed a new appliance that requires hot water, your water heater may be too small to handle your hot water demand. If this is the case, you will need to install a larger water heater or a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand. If your hot water demand hasn’t changed, you should schedule an appointment for a repair. If large pieces of sediment have built up in the water tank, there will be less room for water storage. A plumber specializing in water heater repair will inspect the water heater to determine if it can be repaired or if you need to have it replaced. #5 Strange Sounds If the water heater in your home is functioning properly, it won’t make any noise. If you hear a banging sound coming from the water heater, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. When large pieces of sediment build up in the water tank, they can bang against the inside of the tank, causing a banging sound. If you ignore the issue, the sediment can put a crack in the water tank, causing the water inside to flood your home. It is best to schedule an appointment for a repair as soon as you discover the issue. #6 Moisture Around the Water Tank There should never be moisture or water pooling around the water tank in your Vancouver, WA home. If there is, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair right away. There could be a broken or disconnected hose, which is a simple fix. However, if you allow the problem to persist, the moisture can cause water damage in the area and promote mold growth. If there is water pooling on the floor, there could be a crack in the water tank, which will flood your

10 Benefits Of Water Filtration Systems | Vancouver, WA

10 Benefits Of Water Filtration Systems | Vancouver, WA September 6, 2021 admin You rely greatly on water in order to perform many tasks in your Vancouver, WA home. Water is essential for drinking, bathing, cooking, cleaning, and washing your clothes. The water that comes into your home has been treated; however, it often contains chemicals and additional impurities. The best way to ensure the water coming from the taps in your home is pure is to look into water filtration systems. If you aren’t sure if filtration systems are worth the cost, you should consider the benefits of having one installed. #1 Your Water Will Taste and Smell Better Before the water reaches your home, it is treated at the water supply facility to remove chemicals and impurities. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for impurities to be left behind that can affect how the water tastes and smells. Water filtration systems can remove excess contaminants such as bacteria and chlorine, which affect the taste of your water. When the filtration system is installed, your water will be pure, and it won’t have a foul smell or taste. #2 Your Drinking Water Will Be Safe As mentioned above, it is not uncommon for traces of fluoride, chlorine, bacteria, and other contaminants to be left behind when the water is treated at the water supply company. If you are concerned about the safety of your water, a filtration system can help. Water filtration systems can purify your water by removing 2,100 toxins that are often found in drinking water. Installing one will give you peace of mind that the water coming from the taps in your home is safe for use. #3 Lead Removal Lead can cause significant health issues and birth defects. If there is lead in the water coming into your home, it can put your family’s health at great risk when it is consumed. If you are worried about your family being exposed to lead through your drinking water, a filtration system can help. Water systems are designed to remove lead from the water, ensuring it is safe for your family to drink. #4 Water Filtration Systems Can Save You Money If you purchase bottled water because you are worried about what is in the water coming into your home, you are wasting a significant amount of money. On average, a family of four can go through 5,824 bottles per year, costing up to $4,500 per year. Water filtration systems will filter the water, ensuring that it is safe for drinking. Systems can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, and this is a one-time fee. In just one year, water filters can pay for themselves in the money you will save on bottled water. #5 Better For the Environment Over the course of just one year, 60 million bottles are thrown away. Unfortunately, plastic water bottles are not bio-degradable. If they aren’t disposed of properly, it can take 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose, which is very harmful to the environment. These systems eliminate the need for plastic water bottles, allowing you to do your part for the environment. #6 Better For Your Skin Or Hair The water that comes from the city water supply often contains fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals, which can be hard on your skin and can cause damage to your hair. If a member of your household has skin issues, such as psoriasis or eczema, these harsh chemicals can worsen their condition. Water filtration systems will remove these harmful chemicals, which will leave your skin feeling softer while keeping your hair shiny and healthy. #7 Save Money On Soap You need different types of soap each day. You need soap to bathe, laundry detergent to wash your clothes, dishwashing liquid to clean your dishes, and multi-purpose soap to clean various areas in your home. The water that comes from the city water supply often contains harsh chemicals that can affect the ionic reaction of the soap, which affects its ability to properly clean, causing you to need more. These systems work like water softeners and remove the chemicals in the water. This will allow the soap to do its job, and you won’t require much. When you don’t need as much soap as you once did, you can save money. #8 Prevent Soap Scum and Limescale Unfiltered water contains harsh chemicals that can leave soap scum and limescale in your sinks and bathtub, which can be very difficult to clean. Water filtration systems can eliminate the chemicals that cause limescale and soap scum buildup, making it easier to clean the bathroom and kitchen. #9 Remove the Impurities and Clothes When you wash your clothes in unfiltered water, the chemicals in the water can leave deposits in your clothes. These contaminants can cause the colors to fade and can leave an unpleasant odor behind. In addition, your clothes can cause rashes and skin allergies. Water filtration systems will remove the harsh chemicals from the water, keeping your clothes looking newer, longer, and prevent skin issues. #10 Protect Your Water-Based Appliances The harsh chemicals in the Vancouver, WA water supply can cause damage to your water-based appliances, such as your refrigerator with an ice maker and water dispenser, dishwasher, washing machine, and garbage disposal. These systems can remove the harsh chemicals from the water, which will keep your water-based appliances functioning properly and at peak performance. Why Choose Pilot Plumbing? If you are thinking about having a water filtration system installed in your Vancouver, WA home, contact Pilot Plumbing & Drain. We have been serving customers in the area for 15 years, and during that time, we have earned an excellent reputation in the industry and the community. We are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and have a 5-star rating on Google. Home Advisor names us a Screened & Approved business, a Top-Rated business, and an Elite Service business. We can discuss the water filtration systems available and can install the best one for your home. To schedule an appointment for a water filtration

Plumber Tips: From Bird’s Nests To Tree Roots, The Battle To Keep Your Drains And Sewer Flowing | Vancouver, WA

Plumber Tips: From Bird’s Nests To Tree Roots, The Battle To Keep Your Drains And Sewer Flowing | Vancouver, WA September 3, 2021 admin When people call Pilot Plumbing in Vancouver, WA for drain services, our plumbers have to be prepared for just about anything. Drain systems are complex and between aging pipes, false flushes, clog accumulations, and mother nature playing tricks, there are a lot of potential causes for even what seems to be the simplest of slow drains. That’s why our plumbers come prepared with a variety of tools and techniques and count on their experience and training to invent new ways to unclog drains when they need to. Fortunately, we have many new technological resources that make some of the biggest drain disasters much less trouble and usually less costly to repair as well. Don’t wait until we’re your last resort — we can save you a lot in drain recovery and overflow clean up when we get to a drain issue early. One Big Advantage Our Plumbers Have: We Can See Inside the Pipe Video inspection equipment has made a big change in the practice of plumbing. We can now take a look inside many pipes and inspect to find the source of a clog, nearby or further down the pipe, and check the condition of the pipe inside to see if it’s corroded or otherwise worn out. This helps a lot in locating leaks, also, and in determining whether pipe replacement or even repiping is something we suggest to avoid further leaks and clogs. Video inspection also helps determine whether the pipe is sound enough to withstand the powerful spray of hydro jetting that’s a great resource for drain cleaning. Down in your sewer line, video inspection now allows us to locate problems such as pipe damage from crushing or tree root intrusion, large sewer line clogs, and pipe degradation. In many cases, when we can see and locate the sewer line issue, our plumbers can use that information to recommend solutions such as patching instead of total pipe replacement, a big improvement over the days before the video. Modern patching and relining of sewer pipes are designed to last about as long as replacement pipes, too. Beating the Tree Roots Below and the Bird’s Nests Above Steadily growing tree roots are known enemies of sewer lines, breaking into the sewer pipe and causing leaks, backups, and extensive damage. At the other end of your plumbing system are the plumbing vents, which allow air in so that your drains can flow down to the sewer naturally. When they get blocked by nests and other material, flow tends to stop or become irregular. Blocked vent pipe problems can look like drain clogs, which makes solving toilet flushing issues more complicated. Since the problem may not be downstream, plungers and augers may not be the solution. It takes a professional plumber to figure these things out and solve them correctly. Blocked vents can also prevent the venting of sewer gas, which you’ll definitely notice indoors, and which should be handled by your plumbing company as soon as possible. Many homeowners aren’t aware of their home’s plumbing vents and how critical they are for proper drain function. To Minimize the Battles Fought, Consider a Whole-House Drain Cleaning Service Each Year One of the problems with a typical home’s plumbing is that there are various bits of material clinging to pipe walls, forming clogs, gathering at pipe bends or in the middle of horizontal pipe runs, and when wastewater doesn’t flow freely, things get complicated and clogs begin to grow. A drain cleaning service by one of our plumbers clears out the pipes so you’re back to free-flowing, and even if you have material that would like to cling somewhere and start to form a clog, there are no good candidates for that adhesion and so they keep on moving down the line. This, of course, makes it much simpler to handle toilets that aren’t flushing right and sinks not draining, since it’s very likely the problem is not too far down the pipe, knowing that the rest of the way is pretty clear. That means you’re more likely to get blockages from objects and hair accumulation, not backups from way down the line. This will also help avoid backups that appear in multiple places since the lines between floors should be clear now. Dishwashers and Garbage Disposals Your garbage disposal has a connection for the dishwasher to drain through, and backups in their common drain can be somewhat strange. There’s a vent device that helps avoid problems, but sometimes you’ll experience sink material popping up in the dishwasher if the lines and vent are not clear. We can help sort it out and make sure that your drain line and P-trap are flowing well since a lot of material goes down this drain. From the garbage disposal, in addition to materials like slippery vegetable peels and hard or crunchy material that damages the blades, certain materials like rice and pasta that continue to be absorbent even when they’re ground up can swell and block the P-trap. Using lots of water and small amounts of material can help avoid this problem, but composting or putting them in the trash is a good idea. It’s also important to avoid sending large amounts of fats or grease down, both for the sake of the garbage disposal’s operation and to avoid creating fat-based clogs in the drain. Count on Pilot Plumbing in Vancouver, WA If you need help with complex drain problems and other plumbing challenges, we’re the ones to call. Our team of professional plumbers serves the Vancouver, WA area with expert drain cleaning, pipe repairing, appliance installing, and other plumbing skills, perfect for the project or emergency you have in mind. With over 15 years in business, we’re the licensed plumbers area homeowners count on for reliable repairs and promises fulfilled, time after time. Give us at Pilot Plumbing & Drain a call for emergency service or to schedule a visit from one of our