plumbing company

The kitchen sink is undoubtedly one of the most used areas of any household. Whether you want to fill a kettle, fetch a glass of water or clean the dishes, the sink is your go-to. Due to its versatility, it can be very frustrating to realize that your kitchen sink is leaking.

At Tioga Contractors, we are a renowned plumbing company that deals with this sort of issue all the time. In this piece, we share with you the common causes of kitchen sink leaks and what can be done to fix the problem.

Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Leaks

Drain Leak

One of the leading causes of a kitchen sink leak is the drain. Usually, a plumber seals the drain using putty to prevent any leaks. However, the putty may dry out over time or have a layer that is too thin. Over time, the drain may also become old and worn out, causing constant leaks. You need to consult a plumbing company to replace the drain entirely in such cases.

If you aren’t sure whether your drain is the cause of the leak, a great way to determine this would be to plug your sink and fill it with water. Unplug it, then check under the sink around the drain. In some cases, simply tightening the nuts at the point where the pipes meet may fix the leak. In other cases, a plumbing company may replace the plumber’s putty and reattach the drain.

Loose Water Connection

Are you still experiencing constant leaks? The problem might be your sink water supply connections. A standard sink has two or three water supply connections. Any of these three supply connections may cause a leak. Usually, the connections are hidden, and you may only notice the leak when your cabinets are soaked. Two solutions that are often effective include either tightening the connection or replacing the gasket can help get rid of the leak.

Faucet Leak

Faucet leaks are often easy to spot and are another cause of kitchen sink leaks. An easy way to determine if your faucet is leaking is if water puddles at the top of the sink when you turn on the faucet. Sometimes, the faucet leak may run under the sink and can only be spotted if you take a look under the counter.

Some of the main causes of a faucet leak are worn-out gaskets or failed washers. You need a reputable plumber to replace them. If the leak is severe, the plumbing company may have to replace the entire faucet.

Damaged O-Ring

An 0-ring is a small disc with a stem screw that holds the faucet in place. The O-ring is a common source of kitchen sink leaks. Over time, it can wear out due to regular use resulting in the faucet leaking near the handle. If your O-ring is damaged, having a plumbing company replace it should fix the problem.

Clogged P-Trap

A P-trap refers to the curved section of a pipe under the sink. Its core purpose is to prevent bad smells from seeping from the drain and back into your kitchen. Normally, the P-trap is hidden from sight hence it’s difficult to determine if it’s the cause of a leak. Food may get trapped in the P-trap, blocking proper drainage and thereby causing a leaking problem. If your sink is made of metal parts, such a clog may cause erosion which will eventually cause a leak.

If any of the above is a problem, you need a plumbing company to replace the P-trap completely.

Worn-Out Washers

Often one of the leading causes of a kitchen sink leak, a washer presses against the valve seat whenever you use the faucet. This constant friction may cause your washer to wear out, causing leaks around the spout. A worn-out washer can be fixed by having a plumbing company around Bedford, TX replace it.

Corroded Valve Seat

Designed to connect the faucet and spout, the valve seat is used for the compression mechanism. When water accumulates at the valve seat, it can cause corrosion around the area leading to a leak. Regular cleaning by an expert from a reputable plumber can help deal with corrosion.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Plumbing Leak-Free

Regular maintenance of your kitchen plumbing is a great way to ensure it lasts long and prevents leaks. Here are some steps you can take to prevent your Bedford, TX kitchen sink from leaking:

Conduct Routine Checks

You may not know what to look for, but a plumber from a reputable plumbing company such as Tioga Contractors can carry out routine checks to determine if there are any issues. Occasionally taking a look at your pipes is one of the most effective ways to spot a problem before it becomes a major problem.

Wrap Your Pipes

Exposed pipes are prone to damage, and without proper care, they could easily cause a leak. If you aren’t using your kitchen during the cold weather, the pipes may freeze. An excellent way to avoid such an eventuality is by wrapping your pipes before the cold weather to prevent any cracks.

Avoid Pouring Everything Down the Sink

While pouring almost anything down your garbage disposal may seem like the proper treatment of waste, there are some things you should avoid. You shouldn’t pour oils and non-degradable items down your sink. Also, avoid putting plastics and hard stuff in your garbage disposal as it may cause costly damage.

Consult Tioga Contractors

If you would like to know more about how best to maintain your kitchen sink, get in touch with Tioga Contractors. We are a reputable plumbing company based in Bedford, TX, and our job is to ensure your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today for any repairs or issues with your kitchen sink or any other part of your plumbing system.

Photo By Hairullah Bin Ponichan at Shutterstock

Out of the numerous septic tank systems installed in homes, evapotranspiration is the only one that works differently. It is a process that The Environmental Protection Agency describes as the net water lost through evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration by vegetation.

The onsite wastewater treatment structure does not need the conventional soil absorption site that treats and disposes of the affluent in the soils because it uses evaporation to get rid of the liquid waste.

Image from https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-systems

How the Evapotranspiration System Works

The wastewater treatment system has a septic tank that serves as a pretreatment unit to separate the settable and floatable solids from the liquid waste. The evapotranspiration system also features a sand bed that a plumber from a reputable plumbing company installs with wastewater distribution pipes.

The bed works well with a fill material, a liner, and monitoring wells. It also has an overflow protection unit and a surface cover. In addition to the sand bed, the structure should also have vegetation on the surface to facilitate the transpiration process for the efficient disposal of effluent.

The liquid wastewater evaporates when it gets to the drain fields, making them the best for Bedford, TX homes with well water.

The following are some of the pros and cons that homeowners are likely to encounter with the evapotranspiration system installed by technicians from a trustworthy plumbing company.

Advantages of Evapotranspiration Systems

Highly Efficient During Sunny Days

The first advantage is its efficiency during summer, late spring, and early fall because of the latent heat. The process requires latent heat to evaporate 590 cal/g of wastewater at 15 °C and vapor pressure to eliminate vapor through the diffusion or convection processes.

The ET system works best with a continuous water supply on the soil’s evaporative surface. With proper installation by a plumber from a well-known plumbing company, the system efficiently disposes of wastewater to the atmosphere. The effluent undergoes evaporation into the air through the soil or transpiration through the plants.

Safe for Groundwater

Suppose you have well-distributing water to your house. In that case, a plumber from a reputable plumbing company may recommend the evapotranspiration septic structure to protect the water in the wells, nearby springs, streams, or lakes from sewage contamination.

When an expert plumber constructs the evapotranspiration septic system correctly, you never worry about groundwater safety. The ET structure significantly reduces the risk of groundwater contamination because of the sand bed’s impermeable water-tight liners.

Overcomes Soil Geological Limitations

Since most conventional septic systems require soils that can optimally absorb the effluent, the ET system is preferable for homes without absorbent soils. The expert from a trustworthy plumbing company evaluates the ground before advising on the type of septic tank to install for efficiency in removing wastewater from your house.

Therefore, the professional will consider installing the evapotranspiration system if your home cannot have an absorption soil site to discharge the effluent safely and efficiently. They are the next best alternative to the conventional septic systems, such as the drip system, aerobic, chamber, and mound.

Cost-Effective

Another advantage that most people consider before making the final decision is the cost of the entire system, including the installation expenses. It is wise to visit a nearby reliable plumbing company to do the cost estimates before plumbers start constructing the septic system in your home.

The access rises, air vents, and open-air tanks are cost-effective. Sand and gravel are also affordable, especially if they can be easily accessible from your location in Bedford, TX.

Efficient in Shallow Soils

Homeowners also prefer the evapotranspiration wastewater discharge method because it works perfectly in parts with shallow soils. The slowly permeable shallow soils cannot perform well with other conventional septic systems that need an absorption soil absorption site.

So, after the plumber you hire explains that your soils are shallow, the best alternative would be the ET system because of the evaporation and transpiration ways of eliminating waste instead of absorption.

Adds Beauty

In addition to the supremacy of the evapotranspiration, the system is the aesthetic look it gives to your home. The experts from the best plumbing company in Bedford, TX, can construct the septic structure in a landscaping manner that beautifies your yard or the area.

The Cons of the Evapotranspiration System

Everything has benefits and downsides, and the evapotranspiration septic system is not an exception. Some of its limitations include:

Governed by Climatic Conditions

The ET waste disposal systems work best in certain environmental conditions with adequate sunlight and heat, making them the best during summer. The evapotranspiration septic tanks have higher chances of failing on wintry, snowy, and rainy days.

Without the latent heat, the open-air tank where transpiration and evaporation occur remains full of effluent because of failed processes. The low temperatures, high wind speed, and precipitation compromise the evaporation of the effluent into the atmosphere.

Plumbers from a reputable plumbing company will advise against installing the ET system in places where temperatures are mostly low.

Non-efficient in Limited Space

If your residence has restrictions in size, the professionals cannot install the evapotranspiration system.

Its storage space is also limited, hence cannot store too much effluent for longer during winter because of the low level of evaporation.

Therefore, to avoid the tank from filling and overflowing, people should go for a vacation or to an alternative residence with a sewer line system or other conventional septic structures during the cold days.

We Are Here for Professional Help!

Septic tanks are an alternative to the sewer line system for removing wastewater from households. An evapotranspiration system is preferable in homes near groundwater sources, shallow soils, and soil geological restrictions.

If you want a septic system constructed in your home, call Tioga Contractors for the best installation services. Our family-owned and operated plumbing company has qualified and trained plumbers ready to address all your plumbing challenges.

Photo By Coompia77 at Shutterstock

Anyone who ever had to deal with a sink that constantly leaks, or showers that run cold after five minutes, understands how invaluable a good plumbing company can be. Plumbing issues can happen at any time and often without notice. With this knowledge, we take pride in being a plumber that goes above and beyond for our Bedford, TX residents.

Customer Service You Can Count On

We’re a plumbing company that values every interaction with our customers. We also value interaction with our future or potential customers. It all counts. This is one of the many reasons why transparency and integrity mean a great deal to us. From the first time you reach out to us, we do our best to understand your issue and get one of our licensed and skilled plumbers out to your home or business. We understand that plumbing issues can be very inconvenient and costly. We also know that business owners who run into plumbing issues at their place of business want solutions that will allow them to quickly get back to normal.

We’re a plumbing company committed to resolving your plumbing issues quickly and efficiently. This often means that we may need to make service calls in the middle of the night or on holidays or weekends. However, this is all a part of our commitment to customer service. Our emergency service allows us to be there for our customers when they need us most. Our round-the-clock service allows both businesses and homeowners to get the help they need when they need it most.

Licensed and Skilled Plumbers

Our plumbing company takes pride in being an environmentally conscious company as well as being technologically advanced. Our plumbers/contractors have seen a little bit of everything. Our contractors utilize digital plans, eliminating a ton of paperwork and making it easier to relay information about different plumbing issues. Plus, we take pride in showing up on time and working quickly and efficiently to resolve your plumbing issues. Our plumbers utilize the latest GPS systems to help them show up on time and get the job done right.

Our Services

We take pride in being a plumbing company that has tackled and resolved many plumbing issues both big and small. We perform plumbing services that include sewer and drain cleaning, and water and sewer testing to list a few. However, our services don’t stop there. We also provide installation and repair of many plumbing appliances, water treatment systems, grease trap repair and installation, and site utilities. Of course, we also perform preventive maintenance for many plumbing issues as well. However, this detailed list of services doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of our comprehensive menu of expert services. Our skilled technicians show up at your home or business, thoroughly assess the situation, and determine the best plan of action.

Great Service from a Skilled Team

We also keep our customers in the loop from beginning to end. We take the time to explain the issue to our customers, as well as the steps needed to resolve the issue. We also provide options and do all we can to meet both the needs and preferences of our customers. We are committed to meeting the needs of our customers. We are dedicated to keeping our promises. We are a plumbing company that takes pride in delivering the best plumbing service to our customers. We also take pride in being available to our customers rain or shine day or night. We are committed. Our company has been in business since the ’50s and we still take every promise we make, seriously. We know that it takes time, skill, and consistency to create a legacy of trust and excellence, but we’re here for it and always have been. We have a history of delivering on promises year after year.

We Do It All…

No plumbing job is too difficult for us. Our team of skilled plumbers has experience with a wide variety of different plumbing issues. Our contractors can perform plumbing services for ground-up construction, remodels, and additions for both commercial and residential properties. From simple leaks to expansive backflow issues, we get the job done right. We are happy to be the go-to plumbing company for many Bedford, TX residents. We know how powerful the right tools can be when you’re trying to resolve a plumbing issue. For example, our high-tech sewer cameras allow us to quickly find blockages. Our plumbers know what tools to use to resolve your issues, as well as when to use them.

Our Comprehensive Menu of Services

The world of plumbing has many moving parts. Luckily, our team of skilled plumbers understands how all of these parts are supposed to work together. Plumbing issues can range from simple to complex. However, we take both simple and complex issues seriously. A simple leak may be more annoying than serious, but we still work quickly to resolve your leak. Conversely, your shower pan may need repair, and your sewer line may be backed up. However, we dig in and go to work in the same dedicated way regardless of how minute or large the problems are. Basic services like sink and faucet installation, floor drains, and toilet installation and repair or examples of common plumbing services we perform. We’re a plumbing company that also deals with washer lines and tree root removal.

We’re here to meet all of your plumbing needs. Best of all, we provide service to a wide variety of customers. We can perform plumbing services for homes and businesses, multifamily buildings, and assisted living buildings. We really do it all. Plus, our menu of services is truly exhaustive because we do so much. If you are having any plumbing issues that affect your ability to run your business or your home, give us a call. We understand how a leaky faucet or a toilet that runs for hours can be both annoying and costly if neglected for too long. Our plumbing company serving Bedford, TX also knows that smaller issues can wear away at your peace of mind as both a business owner and a homeowner. Large or small, we at Tioga Contractors can resolve all of your plumbing issues.

Photo By PeopleImages at istock

Planning for a renovation of your old house is an overwhelming process that requires you to make sure you get every detail right. The project requires a detailed plan for the entire project, a budget, and professionals that help you get your dream home in terms of windows, plumbing systems, and the interior and exterior look.

Apart from expert architectural contractors and window technicians, you will need to find the best plumber from a reputable plumbing company before setting a timeline for the renovation project. Before starting the remodeling of your Bedford, TX home, you should hire plumbing experts for the following reasons.

Project Budgeting

When renovating your entire plumbing, drainage, and sewer systems in your house, you will need a plumber to help find the quotation of the pipes, sinks, bathtubs, showerheads, and drainage lines. The budget should have all the materials, cosmetic touches, and labor costs.

The technician from a well-known plumbing company helps identify and analyze the plumbing fixtures, from the high-priority ones to the least. This gives you an idea of what to start with if the cost estimates are higher than your budget.

Selecting Fixtures and Faucets

A plumber is also vital in the remodeling of your kitchen and bathroom. They are crucial parts of your home because of changing the sinks, bathtubs, showerheads, and faucets with the most advanced models in the plumbing market. Using their experience and knowledge of different material types, the professionals you get from a renowned plumbing company help select the best fixture in terms of functionality, aesthetic looks, trending, and durability.

They will explain the pros and cons of the different types and materials of sinks, bathtubs, showerheads, toilets, and faucets, giving you the chance to select the ones you want in your home that are within your budget without pressure. You should get the best because you are upgrading your home to be better than before the remodeling.

Therefore, when you go shopping for new fixtures, fittings, and faucets for your bathroom and kitchen, tag your plumber from a plumber in Bedford, TX, along with professional guidance. The technician can advise you on the choices that blend well with your kitchen or bathroom design and interior decor that will give your home a state-of-the-art look.

Selecting Pipes

The piping system is the most crucial part of the entire plumbing system. The water lines supply hot or cold water to all the plumbing fixtures and water supply equipment that include:

  • Water heating systems
  • Pressure-regulating valves
  • Thermal insulation
  • Pressure booster systems
  • Backflow preventers
  • Water filtration systems
  • Temperature maintenance systems

The plumber will help you get water pipes that:

  • Comply with local codes and standards: The pipes you get with the help of a hired professional from the nearest plumbing company should meet the water supply needs of your home and comply with the local codes.
  • Are properly sized: the best size of pipes for your home are the ones that can handle the rainfall intensity of Texas.

The venting and waste pipes and fittings also need a professional to select the appropriate materials and sizes for efficient functioning. The drainage and venting systems, which are sanitary collection units, are complicated and only experts from a trustworthy plumbing company have the experience and skills to handle them. The technicians know the perfect size and materials of vents, drain pipes, and other fittings fit for your household sanitary needs.

They install the drain and vent pipes for the kitchen, floor drains, bathrooms, and bathtubs to eliminate wastewater to the drainage system and sewer lines. The contractors from a highly regarded plumbing company can also help you get efficient floor drains for your multi toilets, laundry, kitchen, and bathroom areas.

Another essential aspect when buying and installing the piping system is the materials of the pipes for hot and cold water supply. The plumbing professional will explain the benefits and limitations of copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), galvanized steel, cross-linked polythene (PEX), and other types of pipes to help you choose the most durable, lead-free, and corrosion-free plumbing pipes for water supply and waste drainage. The ease of installing the piping system is also an aspect to bear in mind to ensure optimal functioning of the plumbing system for the longest time.

Accurate Installation

If you want the best results from the remodeling project, get a professional plumber you trust to install the new plumbing fixtures, fittings, faucets, and piping system. An expert plumber skillfully and professionally removes the old fixtures from your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry area and calculatingly installs the new ones in the manner and places you want.

With the installation accuracy, the plumbing, drainage, and venting systems work efficiently for longer and give your kitchen and bathroom a classy look that leaves envious neighbors and friends jealous.

The best installation will also add value to your home, and if you ever want to sell your home, you will reap higher returns on your investment. With that in mind, if you desire your residence to have your dream aesthetic look or curb appeal, search for the best plumbing company with highly trained and experienced plumbers and hire them for the entire remodeling project.

Maintenance Issues

During the remodeling process, the expert from a plumbing company identifies any maintenance problems and other hidden issues in your fixtures, water lines, drains, sewer lines, and toilets that crop up and fixes them immediately.

Such issues might be mold growth or tree encroaching the pipes, threatening the survival of the new fixtures, faucets, and drainage systems. The hired plumber from a nearby plumbing company might suggest measures that eliminate the issues permanently.

Call Us!

In short, as the aim of renovating your home is to get a perfect-looking home and the value of your money, you should hire the best plumbers to achieve it. To avoid flushing your time and money down the toilet, you should call Tioga Contractors in Bedford, TX.

Our family-owned and operated plumbing company will give you value for every dollar. We are staffed with technicians who provide quality and individualized plumbing consultation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation services. Give us a buzz today!

Photo By TriggerPhoto at istock

Having a water filter in your home is one way of making sure your family has access to clean drinking water. Tap water from the municipal system might seem clean but can actually contain contaminants leading to water-borne diseases, such as typhoid and diarrhea.

Under-sink water filters have a diverter valve that diverts water from the water lines directly to the filtration system under the sink. An expert from a licensed plumbing company installs the water filter at the point of use to purify the water that goes out through an exit valve to a separate faucet ready for drinking.

The filters give homeowners the option of filtered or unfiltered water when using the kitchen sink. With the help of a trusted plumbing company, you will be able to select between simple or conventional under-sink water filters. You can reap some of the benefits below by having an under-sink water filtration system in your Bedford, TX, home.

Improved Water Taste

Municipal water with chlorine or fluoride makes water have an unpleasant taste, forcing you to depend on bottled water for clean drinking water. You might also opt to consume less water a day, which leads to dehydration. Getting either an under-sink water filtration system in your home is a way of bidding goodbye to water with an unpleasant taste.

The water filter removes all the impurities such as chloramines and chlorines that produce the awful taste at the point of use, ensuring you get purified water for drinking. Getting a qualified and certified plumber from a reputable plumbing company to correctly install the under-sink water filtration system guarantees purified water provision.

No Need For Additional Space

If your kitchen space is small or you don’t want a filter to cover your countertop, you should go for the under-sink water filters. The water purifiers require no additional space because the hired plumber from the nearby plumbing company installs them under the sink for peak efficiency. Since most sinks have nothing underneath, it is hassle-free to find space for a filtration system, which will be conveniently out of the way.

Variety of Filters

Homeowners should also invest in under-sink water filters because of the available varieties in the market. Many brands of under-sink water filters exist, and a plumbing company can help you select the best option for your home.

The under-sink water filters fall under two main categories, which are simple and conventional filtration systems. Some under-sink water filters have one filter cartridge, while others have multiple filters in them. You might also choose to have filters that only add minerals to the water. Many households prefer the conventional under-sink water filtration systems.

Ease of Maintenance

The under-sink water filtration systems are also easy to maintain, which is why you should get one for your home. Like other filters, the under-sink water filters need occasional cleaning and replacement of worn-out parts to run smoothly for a long time. The plumbing company you contact will get you a reliable and skilled plumber that will make sure the tank, valves, and faucet are clean and working at their peak.

The professionals also change the sediment and carbon filters in the under-sink water filters. They adjust the tank pressure for maximum efficiency. You will not have to dig deeper in your pockets to pay the plumber in Bedford, TX, for the short maintenance process. You should contact a plumber semi-annually for maintenance services if the municipal water coming to your home is full of dirt, debris, and chemicals.

Easy To Install

Most folks fear plumbing or water filtration systems that require complex installation because the installer might get it wrong the first time, making it an expensive process.

Installing the under-sink water filtration system is not a complicated procedure. Any qualified plumber from a full-service plumbing company can promptly and accurately fix the water filter under your kitchen sink securely, ensuring it operates efficiently for longer.

Separate Faucet Installation

The under-sink water filtration systems require a faucet connection that provides clean filtered water for drinking and cooking. Ask a reputable plumber to install the water filter and they will connect it to its dedicated faucet.

Having a separate tap for clean filtered water helps your family members to choose between clean drinking water and unfiltered water for dishes.

Maintains a Healthy Water Supply

The under-sink water filters remove all the unwanted and disease-causing agents such as chemicals, bacteria, and particles from water, making sure your family accesses healthy water. Some water filtration systems can also add minerals to water to improve the quality and the physical development of kids.

As earlier mentioned, water with an unpleasant taste can make people avoid drinking the municipal water leading to dehydration and other diseases such as diarrhea that might stifle development.

Therefore, it is essential to get an experienced plumber from a trustworthy plumber to install the under-sink water filters as a way to maintain a healthy water supply for your children’s health.

Cost-Efficient

Folks should also invest in under-sink water filters because they are cost-efficient. Instead of buying bottled water every day, which is quite costly, it is best to hire professional help from a plumbing company to get and install an under-sink water filtration system to provide you and your family with purified filtered water. Although the price depends on the brand of the filters, the benefits you will get from the filters are more, making them worth the investment.

Here for Professional Help!

Under-sink water filters are the best water filtration or purification systems that permanently live under your sink, ensuring the continuous provision of clean drinking water. The filters are undisputedly a great addition to your kitchen sink and will run smoothly with correct installation. If you want the under-sink water filtration system in your home, you should contact Tioga Contractors. The family-owned and full-service plumbing company in Bedford, TX, uses technologically advanced tools and equipment to provide quality and on-time services all round the clock for 365 days. Its certified and experienced plumbers address a wide range of plumbing issues, including the installation of plumbing and water filtration systems.

Photo By jjn

No home is immune to leaking issues. In most cases, the leaks could be due to plumbing fixtures, but the appliances in your home could sometimes be responsible for the leaking. It’s common to notice that your refrigerator, freezer, or washing machine leaks because they could be connected to a water supply.

Water will pool on your floor once appliances in your home start to leak. The water damage may not be severe compared to a burst in plumbing pipes, but it would cause some inconveniences in your daily operations.

For instance, if your appliance is leaking, you’ll need a professional from a plumbing company to inspect the device and fix the issue. The damaged floor may also need to be replaced if it’s been damaged extensively.

Continue reading to find out the appliances in your home that could leak, resulting in damage to your home.

Faucet

This is the common plumbing problem experienced by most households throughout the United States. For instance, approximately one trillion gallons of water are wasted annually through household leaks. A leaking faucet not only causes high water bills but could also keep you awake the entire night with the irritating drip, drip, drip sound.

Whether it’s a leaking faucet in a laundry area, kitchen, or bathroom, it’s crucial to have a plumber in Bedford, TX, troubleshoot and repair it on time.

Ignoring this minor issue may worsen it, and you end up replacing the entire faucet, which will be costly. A professional from a plumbing company may replace the O-ring and rubber washer or perform a replacement depending on the interior condition of the leaking tap. If it’s leaking a showerhead, all that’s needed is to replace the cartridge.

Toilets

A leaking toilet can lead to unnecessary flooding when it’s not fixed immediately. Unlike other leaks that may be easily detectable, a leaky toilet may be difficult to notice until you receive high water bills. Below are some of the signs that will help you know that you have a leaking toilet:

  • Loud noises in the pipes
  • Continuous running
  • Puddles on the floor
  • Constant dripping

The above signs could indicate that you could be having a possible leaking toilet. In such circumstances, you need to contact a plumbing company to resolve the issue.

The plumbers will inspect your water line for any leaks, and if it’s in proper condition, the professional will tighten the fittings. But if it’s not in good condition, the professional may have to conduct a replacement. The toilet could be leaking due to clogging, leading to flooding in most cases. If the clog goes deeper, you may have worse problems, such as a backup in the main sewer line.

In Bedford, TX, a competent plumber will help you troubleshoot any leaking or clogged toilets. If the toilet is not repairable, the plumber will mount a new one.

Washing Machine

Imagine coming home to find a flooded laundry room? Washing machines also experience leaks, and sometimes they overflow, hence putting your home at risk of severe water damage.

After five years, most washing machines’ hoses start developing problems, such as leaking. Therefore, if the washing machine hoses have not been replaced for over five years, you can contact a reputable plumber to help you fix new ones.

Dishwashers

It would be difficult to deal with a family’s dirty dishes every day or entertain guests without your time-saving dishwasher. Some homeowners take for granted this appliance and forget to check it regularly until it starts misbehaving. Dishwater can encounter many problems, but the most common issue that most plumbers respond to is a leak.

Some leaks can go undetected for some time, especially if they happen in hidden places or behind cabinets. For instance, if your dishwasher has a malfunctioning water inlet valve, it will trickle under the dishwater and not the floor, making it difficult to notice.

It may drip for months, causing the floor underneath the dishwater to rot, leading to mold contamination. Once you notice the problem, you must contact a plumbing company to fix the problem because that issue may have been ongoing for some time. The plumber will also inspect the other parts that could cause the leaks, such as the door gasket or defective float switch.

Water Heater

Beware of leaking water heaters! If this appliance leaks for a long time, it ends up damaging your walls, floors, and other valuable possessions. A water heater can be dangerous when it leaks in certain areas and may cost you time and money if not located and fixed on time.

Shut-off, temperature and pressure, and drain valves could be the source of leaks. A competent plumbing company will have various water heater parts on-hand to respond to your call for service.

To avoid floods that could happen when the water heater malfunctions, it’s vital to have professionals from a reputable plumbing company conduct regular maintenance. Such a plan helps extend the life of your water heater.

Need To Find A Plumbing Company In Bedford, TX?

As your appliance ages, it may become less efficient. Although it may continue working as normal, sooner or later, you’ll notice something wrong with it, especially when your water bill expenses increase. In such cases, it’s advisable to replace the old appliance with a new device. If the problem is not old age, you contact a reliable plumbing company to help you fix the leaking faucet or appliance.

Tioga Contractors is a licensed plumbing company staffed with qualified plumbers to help you with any plumbing issues. Besides addressing leaking issues, our plumbers can assist you with major and plumbing problems such as backflow prevention, grease trap installation and repairs, water heater problems, video camera inspections, and drain cleaning services. Ring us up today.

Photo By TommyStockProject at Shutterstock

Nothing could be more terrifying than drinking contaminated water. According to the CDC, you’ll not only experience health issues such as reproductive problems, gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological disorders, but you are also at risk of succumbing to a diarrhoeal death.

Because of these safety concerns, millions of homeowners in the United States invest in water treatment units. As a matter of fact, over four out of ten Americans use a home water treatment unit. These units could be cheap, simple pitchers or modern reverse osmosis units that cost hundreds of dollars.

Among the various water treatment units, reverse osmosis filtration stands out as among the most stunning, evolved forms of water filtration technology.

If you’re a resident in Bedford, TX, interested in upgrading your water filtration unit, you could consider a reverse osmosis water system. Investing in these systems ensures you have a constant supply of bottled-water quality drinking water throughout the year. For beginners, reverse osmosis systems remove micro water-borne particles or smaller contaminants compared to a water molecule.

In essence, a reverse osmosis system ensures your water is free from unneeded and unhealthy minerals such as lead and arsenic. Purifying your water of these minerals gives you peace of mind knowing your water is safe for consumption.

Before dwelling on the benefits of reverse osmosis water systems, it’s essential to understand the concept of reverse osmosis.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

Unlike other water filtration methods, the reverse osmosis process sifts out particles bigger than 0.01 micrometers or so, including various types of bacteria, fluoride, and even lead particulates.

The reverse osmosis process does not use thermal energy; instead, it depends on high-pressure pumps. In essence, it only needs a lot of water pressure and not any source of power.

This is how it functions; when water is delivered to your home under pressure, reverse osmosis capitalize on this pressure to pump it through a semipermeable membrane.

While passing through the semipermeable membrane, the water leaves most particles on the other side of the membrane. Thus, water coming from your tap is sparkling clean. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds; reverse osmosis systems utilize several filtration stages to produce clean, pure, and uncontaminated water.

So, What Are The Benefits of A Reverse Osmosis Water System 

Although water softeners can remove hard minerals from your water, they cannot purify water to reach the quality required to consume the water. Some minerals are best left to be handled by a reverse osmosis water system. Below are several of the benefits of having a plumbing company install a reverse osmosis system in your home.

Removes Sodium

Reverse osmosis filters can effectively remove between 90 to 95 percent of sodium from water through the thin membranes that also expel other contaminants. According to WHO, a glass of drinking water may contain about 12 mg of sodium on average. Sodium in water could be due to ion water units, natural processes, and water treatment methods.

Individuals on a low sodium diet can find reverse osmosis filtration beneficial to their diet. If there is more sodium in the water you are drinking, you may be exposed to high blood pressure, kidney diseases, and even liver problems. You can contact a plumber to help you install this water filtration system and enjoy the above benefit.

Eliminates Lead

Even at low levels, lead could have dire effects on human health. EPA has revealed that children exposed to low levels of lead could end up with damaged central and peripheral nervous systems, shorter stature, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, and diminished formation and function of blood cells. Even though drinking water is not the primary cause of lead poisoning, its mere presence in water can also affect your body.

Although enough research has not been conducted to detect the extent of lead in drinking water in Texas, the good news is that it is not worse compared to Flint, Michigan. However, if you live in a house built before 1988, the chances are that it could have lead pipes.

Since lead has been noted to be prevalent in U.S. drinking supplies, having technicians from a plumbing company install it in your property could keep you and your family safe from adverse lead effects. Plus, this system reduces the percentage of other elements not suitable for consumption, including salt.

Powerful Filtration

Shockingly, the water you could be consuming contains compounds, such as Fluoride, Lead, Ammonia, Mercury, Phosphate, and even Cyanide, which have been known to cause eye issues, cancer, organ complications, and reproductive issues. Moreover, tap water could contain dangerous fertilizers and pesticides.

To check how bad your water is, you can use an at-home testing kit to measure the harmful contaminants in it or smell it. If the water smells like rotten eggs, then it means it has impurities such as hydrogen sulfide. Although hydrogen sulfide may not have adverse effects on your body, it’s a pollutant that shouldn’t be in the water, plus no one wants to consume foul-smelling water.

With such excessive amounts of contaminants in water, it would be wise to invest in a reverse osmosis system, which effectively removes all harmful molecules from your body. When professionals from a plumber fit a reverse osmosis unit in your house, you won’t have to worry anymore about solids and chemical compounds.

Lowers Energy Costs

Besides keeping you and your family safe from compounds that could affect your health, reverse osmosis water filtration systems consume less energy compared to other types of water filtration systems. This is because they filter water more efficiently than other water filtration systems.

Therefore, to save on power costs while still getting the purest water, you can contact a plumbing company in Bedford, TX, to guide you on the installation.

It Takes Up Very Little Space

Most reverse osmosis units are personalized to fit your home. Therefore, if your home has a small space, a reverse osmosis system will be ideal. Compared to other water treatment systems, these units are smaller and easily fit under kitchen sinks and small corners. You can visit a reputable plumbing company to select the one that could fit in your space.

Simple To Maintain

Unlike other complicated systems, reverse osmosis systems are easy to maintain. You only need to change them every six months to keep them functioning at optimum capacity.

Although you can do it yourself, you can call in a professional water contractor from a reliable plumbing company to do a perfect job.

Better Tasting Water

Reverse osmosis systems are capable of completely removing minerals that influence how your water tastes. Hence, you end up with pure and fresh water. No one likes the taste of iron that often infiltrates into the water, hence you can visit a plumbing company to enjoy sparkling clean water.

Your Reputable Plumbing Company in Bedford, TX

To enjoy the above benefits of reverse osmosis systems, you can reach Tioga Contractors for a quality installation. Our plumbing company also helps with plumbing issues such as backflow prevention, shower pan, and toilet repairs, drain cleaning, and installation of appliances. Please book a consultation with our plumbing company today!

Photo By wertinio at Shutterstock

Apart from the kitchen, the bathroom is the most used place in every home. Its plumbing fixtures experience a lot of wear and tear because of daily usage. Water continuously flows towards or away from this popular room in your house.

Although regular maintenance may help prolong the lifespan of these fixtures, there comes a time when you will need to repair or replace them. Some plumbing issues are easy to fix, while others may require you to seek help from a professional plumbing company in Bedford, TX. At times, you may not know if it’s right to call a plumber or not. But, leaking faucets, offensive odors, or slow drains are signs you desperately need to reach out to a plumbing professional for rescue.

Fixing minor plumbing issues in your home can save you a lot of cash down the road. The following is a list of indicators that can tell you the condition of your bathroom plumbing. Read on to learn more and know the right time to seek immediate help.

Weak Water Flow

When you turn on your bathroom faucet, you expect to be hit by a strong flow of water. However, if you notice a low water pressure or no water at all, it means there is a problem with your water pipes.

At times, a shortage in water pressure may be of less concern, but this can be the case if it only happens in one fixture. When it happens in multiple faucets, then it’s time you talk to an expert from a certified plumbing company near you. Before you contact a plumber, you can examine the showerhead or taps for any clogs.

If the problem persists, then you should hire a plumbing professional to inspect the whole system. Diminished water pressure may be a sign of a failing water heater or a leaking pipe. Whichever the reason, the issue needs to be resolved immediately.

Constant Dripping

Have you ever been woken at midnight by constant drip! drip! drip!? I believe that can be annoying, plus those drips also mean a lot of cash going down the drainage.

A dripping faucet can waste up to 3000 gallons of water per year, and that’s approximately 180 showers. If you decide to tighten the tap and still hear water drops, then something could be wrong with your pipes. It can be a minor issue for some Bedford, TX homeowners, but it can result in permanent water damage if left unresolved.

The constant drips could be due to high water pressure or loose faucet fixtures. It’s best to hire a plumbing company to examine the situation. A professional can repair faulty parts or replace the faucets.

Slow Drainage

Blocked drainage is known to be a simple plumbing issue that every homeowner can fix by themselves. However, the problem might become a headache if you cannot see anything clogging the drains.

You may decide to use a plunger or chemicals, but the issue may persist or even worsen. If that’s the case, then you may be dealing with a severe problem down the drain and can only be addressed by expert plumbers from a reputable plumbing company.

Slow drainage can be a sign of broken pipes or tree root intrusion. Ignoring this issue can lead to water damage, mold growth, sewage backup, and still water that causes health problems. Best call a plumbing professional immediately when you experience drainage issues.

Cold or Lukewarm Water

Is your hot shower giving you insufficient hot water? Are you tired of taking a cold shower? If such is the case, you will need to contact the plumbing company. When the water turns from hot to cold for no reason even if no one has used the water, you may have a problem with your water heater.

It could mean that the water heater is too small for your family, or it probably has a leak or defective water heating elements. Whatever the reason, lack of hot water can be inconvenient in every house since most homeowners use hot water in almost every water-related household activity. To avoid inconveniences, call a pro from your local plumbing professional to address it.

Discolored Water

When you turn on your bathroom faucets, the water should come out clean and clear. However, if it comes with strange colors, it’s time you call a plumbing company.

A brownish or yellowish color may be due to rust, while greenish or bluish can be a sign of corrosion. None of these is ever normal as it can affect the health of your loved ones. So, if the water coming from your bathroom or toilet faucets is unclear, be sure to contact a plumber right away.

Gurgling Noises

While sounds of dripping or running water may indicate a leak, knocking noises within the pipes could mean something else. You can hear these sounds when using the shower or the bathroom tap. If you’re experiencing this, then it means you have loose components in the piping system or high water pressure.

Increased water pressure may result in pipe cracks or even bursting if the issue goes unresolved. These noises are not only damaging but also annoying. Consider reaching out to a plumbing company to assess the plumbing system. A certified plumber can rectify any problem you may have with your pipes.

Offensive Odors

A sewage smell could be a sign of cracked pipes or blockages inside the drain pipes. It can also mean you have poorly installed sewer traps. Additionally, an unusual odor can occur because of backflows resulting from heavy rains.

If you try to track and fix the issue yourself, you may worsen it, and the smell may even become stronger. It would be wise to get help from a trusted plumbing company near you. It can give your home a bad picture or send away visitors if left unaddressed.

Contact A Reliable Plumbing Company

If you experience any of the above signs, do not hesitate to contact Tioga Contractors. We are a family-owned company serving residential and commercial clients in Bedford, TX, and the surrounding areas.

Our plumbers have the knowledge and experience in handling plumbing issues you may have. We also provide emergency plumbing services 24/7. Feel free to call us.

Photo By Diy13 at istock

Even brand-new construction can have its plumbing issues, hopefully ones that aren’t severe like a toilet that’s running or a garbage disposal that’s already getting clogged. The same goes for a newly-purchased home, one that may have passed inspection for the major issues, but could still use a bit of care from a plumbing company that has an eye for detail. At Tioga Contractors of Bedford, TX, we’d like to be your plumbing company when you need help with your home, whether you just purchased it or you’ve been living in it for decades.

We can help in several ways, the first being fast response when you have leaks, clogs, and other potential or actual emergencies. Next, we’re here to inspect your plumbing and note areas that might need updates or that could cause trouble in the near future. And perhaps your favorite and ours, we can upgrade your fixtures, remodel your bathroom and kitchen, and provide other ways to make your home more your own, and up-to-date with all the wonderful plumbing improvements that are now available. After all, from voice-controlled and touchless faucet controls to in-line water heaters right by your kitchen sink, there are lots of ways our plumbing company can make your life more enjoyable as well as solve your troubles.

Master Bathroom Upgrades

Many homeowners like to have their own bathroom just the way they want it, with fixtures and decor that’s uplifting and enjoyable. These days, there are many great options that our plumbing company can install for showers that provide broader spray coverage and strong jets without using a lot of water, which makes the morning start well even before that cup of coffee. Modern raised sink bowls with touchless faucet controls save water and add convenience, along with avoiding the issues that twist-style faucet handles had. Paddle-style faucet controls are an excellent upgrade, and ceramic washers eliminate leaks and servicing that rubber washers once required. Some couples start the day together with dual sinks and vanities as well. Upgrading your master bathroom’s toilet is also a great idea, whether it’s with a bidet, pressure flush, or other water-saving and comfort features.

Leak Detection to Find Hidden Problems

Leaks in the walls or under the floor, including the basement, can be hard to notice in a routine inspection. If you suspect problems and observe signs over time such as a slight mold smell near walls or damp spots emerging, our leak detection equipment allows us to inspect the insides of pipes and listen for the ultrasonic sounds of leaks without breaking through the walls or floor, especially the concrete basement floor. If we confirm a problem, then we can also find the target location for repairs and catch it, likely before it causes substantial damage inside your walls or in your rooms.

Water Softener for Quality Water and Pipe and Appliance Longevity

Mineral levels in local water can cause corrosion in pipes and appliances such as water heater tanks, along with issues with scaling or mineral accumulation and poor shampoo and soap performance. Our plumbing company can provide water softener or filter equipment and maintain your existing equipment if it hasn’t been serviced recently. This can help avoid problems such as pipe leaks and premature water heater tank failure. We can also help maintain the water heater.

Water Heater Maintenance

Our plumbers can inspect and evaluate the condition of your water heater, replace the anode rod, check the pressure valve, and perform adjustments and maintenance as needed for good operation. If you don’t know the history of the unit, this can bring you up to proper standards of operation and help your water heater serve you well for the rest of its lifetime. If your home has a tankless water heater system, the serviced components are somewhat different but we’re glad to help with cleaning the vents, checking and cleaning or replacing the filter and heating element, making sure the control board and sensors are working properly and making sure you’re ready for another year of plentiful hot water.

A Few Plumbing Precautions

If your home doesn’t already have them, we highly recommend water hammer arrestors on your appliances to prevent plumbing and appliance damage, and a set of woven stainless steel hoses for your washing machine to eliminate concerns of rubber hose failure and flooding. These are common maintenance items that are very helpful in avoiding major trouble.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

In recent years, it pays to insulate and relocate pipes to avoid freezing, and to replace exterior hose bibbs and faucets with four-season ones. Our plumbing company does surveys of area houses to locate any risk of freezing pipes so they can be handled appropriately, or so the owner is aware that they should be drained and shut off in case of extra cold weather such as we’ve seen in recent years.

Water Pressure Check

High water pressure coming into your home can be rough on your pipes and appliances, and low water pressure is a sign of trouble that could lead to backflow that contaminates your home’s water supply pipes. Our plumbing company provides water pressure checks, pressure regulator valves if necessary and maintenance for these valves if present, and help with addressing low water pressure including identifying local water supply issues and boil notices currently in effect that you should be aware of.

Tioga Contractors of Bedford, TX, Your Professional Plumbing Company

Our team has some of the area’s top plumbers in various specialties, ready to serve you when you need a home plumbing inspection, quick check-offs on your faucet and fixture to-do list, leak detection and repair, and drain cleaning and sewer assistance. Our plumbing company looks forward to helping you with your new home or updating your long-time residence and providing you with expert plumbing in the years to come. Give us a call and get to know us.

Photo By Breadmaker at Shutterstock

The average American uses roughly 82 gallons of water every day. However, with more water-efficient appliances and techniques such as green plumbing, water usage can be reduced by more than 20 percent. Green plumbing refers to the methods and techniques used to reduce water wastage by investing in eco-friendly plumbing modifications. It aims to reduce water and energy bills for both commercial and residential property owners.

Plumbing companies have identified various equipment and techniques that homeowners in Bedford, TX, can have in their homes for green plumbing to be effective. Besides reusing and recycling water, here is an insight into what your trusted plumbing company or contractor might recommend if you wish to go green.

Low Flow Toilets

Besides the usual purpose toilets serve, low-flow toilets can also be used as decorative features in your washroom. They are also an excellent tool recommended by experts to help reduce water usage and wastage. Low flow toilets save water as compared to normal traditional style toilets. One example of this toilet design is the dual-button toilet which lets you choose what to use when flushing. These toilets have two flush buttons, one for liquid waste and the other for solid waste. The two-button feature makes it possible for the toilets to eliminate water loss.

Reach out to a reliable plumbing company that will dispatch technicians to assess and install a low flow toilet in your home. The technicians can also replace conventional toilets that consume a lot of water.

Low Flow Showerheads

Showers account for around 20 percent of the water used in a household in Bedford, TX. They are also the third-largest user of water in your home. Having low-flow showerheads installed in your home could go a long way in minimizing the amount of water that you spent while taking a shower. A shower using the traditional showerhead takes approximately eight minutes and utilizes around 17 gallons of water.

You should install low-flow showerheads to reduce the impact of water wastage on the environment. You should contact a licensed plumbing company to assign you a skilled professional that will install an eco-friendly showerhead in your home. The company you contract should replace your water-wasting showerhead with either a non-aerating or aerating showerhead. Non-aerating showerheads reduce water usage by restricting water flow to small holes. It makes the plumbing fixture create a water splash effect. On the other hand, aerating showerheads operate by combining water with oxygen, creating a softer and bubbly effect.

High-Efficiency Faucets

Faucets are among the plumbing fittings that homeowners use frequently. If the faucet is leaking or inefficient, it could waste lots of water, negatively affecting the environment in the long run since water reservoirs can dry up. Have the plumbing company you trust replace outdated and damaged faucets with high-efficient ones which possess aerators to minimize the water flow. Although the aerators reduce the amount of water flowing out of your faucets, you won’t experience water pressure issues.

If you’re looking to revamp your home and contribute to the conservation of water reservoirs for the next generation, calling a plumbing professional near you to assess and install high-efficiency faucets is the best step to take. The company’s technicians should replace the traditional water-wasting faucets and repair the broken ones to increase water efficiency in your home.

Demand-Type Water Heaters

A water heater is a must-have appliance for every home, especially those located in icy regions. Unfortunately, conventional water heaters contribute to increased energy consumption which adds up to your monthly utility bills. Luckily environment conservation enthusiasts have demand-type or tankless water heaters they can rely on. These appliances use less electricity and water, hence making them energy efficient. Unlike conventional water heaters, demand-type heaters use a substantial amount of water and avoid standby energy loss.

Get in touch with a reliable plumbing professional for the installation of a tankless water heater in your home. Not only will you realize reduced energy bills but also help conserve the environment.

Leak-free Pipes

A leaking pipe leads to extensive water loss issues. A simple leaking pipe can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. The longer the leak lasts without repair or replacement, the higher the rate of water wastage and energy bills. You should ensure all the water pipes are leak-free and in tip-top condition. Contact a plumbing company near your home to inspect, repair, or replace any leaky pipes as well as faucets and other appliances to minimize water wastage.

Additionally, installing insulated pipes could go a long way in environmental preservation. Insulated pipes prevent heat from leaving your home as water travels from your water heater to your faucet, dishwasher, or shower. If you’re looking to go green, get in touch with the plumbing company you trust to help you replace your heat-sapping pipes.

Activated Carbon Filters And Reverse Osmosis Systems

Consider letting the plumbing company install activated Carbon Filters on faucets and showerheads of your home to extract the pollutants in the water. This appliance not only improves the quality of showering water but also preserves the environment.

Additionally, a good plumbing company will advise having reverse osmosis systems installed in the kitchen faucets to purify drinking and cooking water.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines can reduce energy consumption by half. Before you look for new plumbing appliances in stores, you should consult with a reputable plumbing company to advise you on the most efficient ones when it comes to both energy and water consumption.

Get Top-Notch Plumbing Services Today!

Tioga Contractors provides green plumbing services to commercial and residential clients in Bedford, TX, and the surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians are fully equipped and use advanced technologies to install, repair, and inspect plumbing lines, plumbing appliances, and sewer lines. We are available 24 hours a day. Contact us today.

Photo By phototropic at istock