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Why Get a Whole Home Water Softener?

Understanding Hard Water and How It Affects Your Home

Water hardness refers to the amount of minerals present in the water supply. High levels of calcium and magnesium minerals would result in extremely hard water, which, while considered safe, can cause domestic inconveniences that can result in additional expenses for homeowners. For this reason, water softener installation is beneficial. This post will discuss water softeners and the effects of hard water in a home. 

Function of a Water Softener

water softenerWater softeners exist to counteract the effects of hard water. They do this by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium that give water its hardness. There are many different ways to do this, which is why there are different types of water softeners. The most common is the salt-based water softener, also called an ion-exchange water softener. This kind of system works by swapping calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions that come from water-softener resin that is loaded with salt, allowing water softening to occur. 

For homeowners who don’t want to add salt ions to their water, salt-free systems that soften water by using a template-assisted crystallization method in place of the ion exchange method are also available to install. Other popular systems are the reverse osmosis system, which uses several semi-permeable membranes or filters to remove not just minerals but also other contaminants present in the water, and the shower-head water softener, which is specific to removing only minerals from the water that comes out of the showerhead. 

Does Your Home Have Hard Water?

These different water softening systems are game-changing for homeowners who suffer from the effects of having hard water at home, and it’s relatively easy to understand why they choose to invest in water softener installation. This is because hard water can have the following effects not just on materials and devices at home but also on the homeowners themselves. Hard water causes:

  • Spotted dishes and glasses after washing
  • Hard water stains on bathroom fixtures
  • Dull and faded clothing
  • Scale buildup in pipes, which can cause clogs and reduce water pressure
  • Scale buildup in appliances that use water, shortening their lifespan
  • Dry hair and skin 
  • Higher energy bills from inefficiency in water-using appliances

Whole House Water Softeners and Their Many Benefits

save money Thankfully, whole-home water softeners are excellent at negating the effects of hard water. Not only do homeowners come out of their showers with their skin and hair feeling hydrated instead of dry and itchy, but their clothes last longer, their dishes come out cleaner and free from spotting, their fixtures, pipes, and appliances last longer, and they save a ton of time that would have otherwise been spent cleaning scale buildup.

As a bonus, many of these benefits help homeowners save money that could have been allocated to buying new clothes or new appliances when they wear out faster. Homeowners also save money on energy bills that are reduced because appliances using water run more efficiently when there are little to no mineral deposits getting in the way.

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC has been serving Chandler and the surrounding areas since 2014. They offer upfront, flat-rate pricing, financing, and on-time service. Call them today for water softener services in Chandler, AZ. 

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Have Questions About Trenchless Pipe Repair? We Have Answers!

What’s the Big Deal About Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Homeowners who needed underground pipe repairs in the past used to have no other option but to suffer with the slow and intrusive process of digging trenches to access underground pipes. Luckily, modern technological advances have yielded faster, more effective, and non-intrusive methods for repairing hard-to-access piping, and this comes in the form of trenchless pipe repair. 

Although they can’t be used to fix all issues in the pipes, they can fix many problems and provide many advantages over traditional repair methods requiring excavation. This post will discuss trenchless pipe repairs, when they can be used, and their benefits. 

How Trenchless Sewer Repair Works

As its name implies, trenchless repair involves repairing or replacing damaged pipelines without having to dig large trenches to access them. There are several methods to accomplish this, including:

  • Pipe bursting: In this method, the damaged pipe is broken up from within while a new line is pulled in to take its place simultaneously.
  • Sliplining: This method inserts a new, smaller pipe into the damaged line. The gap between the old and new pipes is then filled with grout or connected with fittings.
  • Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP): Cured-in-place pipe lining involves inserting a flexible liner coated with resin that is inflated into place and cured into the damaged one to act as a new pipe.

Ideal Applications

pipe corrosionAlthough they cannot be used for collapsed or incorrectly installed pipes, trenchless sewer repair has a wide range of applications. Trenchless methods can be used to repair or replace lines with minor pipe misalignment, fix damage caused by tree root infiltration, pipes that have been damaged by rust and corrosion, if not too severe, and cracks or leaks in the pipes. 

Trenchless pipe repairs are best for fixing damage to a sewer line that is minimal, like a leak or damage from tree roots entering the line. However, if the existing pipe is in bad structural condition, more traditional sewer line repair that requires digging may be necessary. A plumber can inspect the damage to determine whether trenchless repair or replacement can work. 

Benefits and Advantages

save money There are many reasons to consider trenchless repair methods over traditional ways of fixing damaged pipelines. One of the most important benefits of choosing this method over digging a trench for repair is that it can save homeowners a significant amount of time and money by not having to excavate. 

Because of the non-invasive nature of trenchless sewer line repairs, homeowners also end up saving money that they would have otherwise spent to repair damages to the property as a result of the plumbing excavation processes. After all, digging trenches to access underground pipes could require ripping up driveways and concrete or destroying parts of the landscaping. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC has nearly ten years of expertise serving Chandler and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate prices, financing options, and on-time service. Call them today for trenchless pipe repair services in Chandler, AZ. 

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Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Video Inspection Services

Sewer Video Inspection: An Overview 

There are things plumbers can’t see with the naked eye, such as the inside of sewer lines. Instead, they have to rely on specialized equipment, like sewer line cameras, to get to the root of a problem and find the cause. But what is a sewer camera inspection? And how does it help plumbers get the job done? Here, homeowners can learn everything they need to know about sewer video inspection services and how they can benefit from them. 

What Exactly Is a Sewer Camera Inspection? 

camera inspectionA sewer video inspection is what it sounds like. It’s when a plumber uses a small camera connected to a long and flexible line that can move through the sewer line to get a closer look at the inside of a sewer system. Plumbers can view the live video footage from the camera on a small screen. Here are three things homeowners should know about this device: 

  • These cameras rely on specialized technology, like high-resolution lenses, to look at clogs up close. They’re also water-resistant––a necessity. 
  • Time is of the essence when it comes to a serious plumbing problem. Using a sewer camera helps plumbers get to the root of a problem quickly and efficiently. 
  • There’s no room for guesswork when it comes to a plumbing problem. A professional needs to assess the situation and get it right the first time and a sewer camera helps them accomplish this. 

Sewer cameras don’t run cheap and require specialized training to operate, meaning that an untrained homeowner shouldn’t use one. If so, they risk damaging the plumbing system further without addressing the original problem. 

Why Would Homeowners Need Sewer Video Inspection Services? 

pipe clogThere are a variety of sewer line problems that can be diagnosed through the use of sewer video inspection. This advanced technology allows for a detailed look at the interior of sewer pipes, helping to identify any issues or potential problems. Some common problems that can be detected through video inspection include clogged pipes, tree root intrusion, cracks or breaks in the line, and misaligned joints. Some common signs homeowners can watch for that may indicate the need for sewer camera inspection services include:

  • Frequent clogs: If people constantly deal with clogged drains or toilets, it could be a sign of a blockage in the sewer line. 
  • Foul odors: A healthy sewer line should not produce any noticeable odors. If homeowners notice a terrible smell coming from their drains or yards, it could be a sign of a damaged or clogged sewer line.
  • Slow draining: If water is slow to drain from sinks, showers, or tubs, it could indicate a blockage in the sewer line. This is especially true if the slow draining occurs in multiple fixtures throughout the home.
  • Water backups: One of the most alarming signs of a sewer line issue is water backing up into a home. This can occur in sinks, toilets, or even through floor drains. It's important to address this problem immediately, as it can result in significant damage to property.
  • Soggy or lush patches of grass: If there are areas in the yard that seem to be wet or unusually lush and green compared to the rest of the lawn, it could be a sign of a leaking sewer line. The excess moisture from the leak can act as fertilizer for grass, causing it to grow more quickly.

What Are the Advantages of a Sewer Camera Inspection?  

Some benefits of consulting a plumber to perform a sewer camera inspection include: 

  • Accurate diagnoses: As noted, there’s no room for error when addressing a serious sewer line problem. A plumber can rely on a sewer line camera to diagnose a problem more accurately and act accordingly so the problem can be fixed right the first time. 
  • It’s non-invasive: A sewer camera inspection is a noninvasive way to find a plumbing problem without digging up the lawn or taking pipes apart, which can add more costs for homeowners. 
  • Has many uses: Sewer video inspection services can be used to diagnose a variety of sewer line problems like clogs, cracked or collapsed pipes, and tree roots that have invaded the line. They can also be used to check the condition of the sewer lines and if pipe corrosion has taken place to determine if pipe lining or repiping is needed.  

About West Plumbing LLC 

West Plumbing LLC has nearly a decade of experience serving Chandler and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, always on-time service, and financing. Call them today for sewer video inspection services in Chandler, AZ. 

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Stay Safe From Gas Leaks

Are Gas Leaks Dangerous?

Yes, gas leaks are extremely dangerous. Even small gas leaks can cause health issues for residents of a home and a potential explosion. Nobody intends for a gas line leak to happen. However, homeowners must be well-informed and prepared to deal with one. This post will share how people can tell if there’s a gas leak and how to respond.  

Signs Indicating a Gas Leak

smellHere are some common signs of a gas leak:

  • A strong, unpleasant odor often compared to the smell of rotten eggs
  • Hissing or bubbling sounds
  • Dead or dying plants
  • Condensation on windows
  • Physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and eye and throat irritation

What to Do if There’s a Gas Leak

If someone in the home suspects a gas leak, it is essential to evacuate everyone from the area immediately. Do not turn on or off any appliances, and do not use any electrical devices on the way outside, as they could cause a spark. Leaving the windows and door open can help until the professionals arrive, as keeping natural gas bottled inside the house increases the chances of property damage. 

Once outside and at a safe distance, call the gas company to shut off the gas and a plumber to perform gas leak detection and repair. Nobody should go back inside the home unless told it’s safe to do so by the gas company or plumber doing the gas line repair. 

Gas Leak Repair

leakHomeowners should never try to locate or fix a gas leak themselves, as it is hazardous. Professionals have the safety equipment, specialized tools, and training to safely locate and repair gas leaks. Gas leak detectors and specialized cameras are frequently used for gas leak detection.

Once located, the plumber will determine the best way to repair the gas leak, depending on the location and severity, such as using epoxy to seal the gas line. Once the line is fixed, the plumber will test the gas lines to ensure all the leaks have been repaired and the home is safe again.  

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC has nearly ten years of experience serving Chandler and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, financing, and always on-time service. Call them today for gas line repair or replacement in Chandler, AZ.

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Is Your Household Suffering From a Faulty Water Heater?

3 Signs of Malfunctioning Water Heaters

Water heaters are one of the most important appliances in the home. The good news is that with the right information, families can be prepared to deal with a failing water heater. Before water heaters malfunction, they can show certain signs indicating they need service. Here are some signs indicating that the water heater is experiencing problems and needs repair or replacement. 

Unusual Noises 

sounds

Water heaters aren’t intended to be displayed. They are usually tucked away in a closet or basement, virtually forgotten. One of the reasons they may get neglected is because they are quiet and reliable. Since water heaters are so quiet, the first sign that something is wrong is loud noises from the unit. 

Under normal circumstances, gas water heaters will make a quiet rushing noise as the burner cycles, and electric water heaters make even less noise. So if homeowners hear unusual noises from their water heater, it needs service. The most common noises a water heater will make that indicate a problem are thumping or popping sounds. When water heater maintenance is neglected, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the hot water tank. These solids interfere with water heating and allow water to boil underneath the scale. Hearing strange sounds from the tank typically means the tank needs to be drained and flushed by a professional to remove the sediment and prevent tank corrosion. 

Discolored, Stinky Water 

sink

Corrosion is an ever-present problem in plumbing. In water heaters, anode rods protect the tank and nearby plumbing from corrosion. However, these anode rods protect the tank by allowing themselves to be corroded instead. Once the anode rod corrodes, the water heater loses its protection. 

One of the signs that the anode rod in a water heater is bad and needs to be replaced is foul-smelling and discolored hot water. Discolored and bad-smelling hot water could also indicate the hot water tank is already corroded. If the tank is corroded, it will likely require a water heater replacement. 

Water Leaks 

One of the risks of neglecting to replace a corroded water heater is leaks become more common. Leaks in the tank of a water heater caused by corrosion will likely require replacing the system. This is why water heater maintenance is so essential. It prevents corrosion and the need for early replacement. 

However, if leaks not caused by corrosion are spotted in the water heater, it may only require repair. A plumbing contractor can inspect the water heating system to determine the extent of the damage and the cause of the leak so they can recommend the best solution, whether it be repair or replacement. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC was named on the Best of HomeAdvisor list three years in a row serving Chandler and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate pricing, always on-time service, and financing. Call them today for water heater services in Chandler, AZ.

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