Category: Plumbing Tips

The last thing anyone wants is for their hot water to go out in the winter. There is nothing worse than turning on your shower and waiting and waiting for it to heat up – just for it to stay frigid cold. Sometimes, there may be an easy fix that you can do yourself. Here are four reasons your shower may not be warming up.

1. Your anti-scold device is set too high.

Most showers have anti-scold devices that put a limit on how hot your shower will get. This prevents you from setting your shower too hot and burning yourself when you get in. If yours is set too low, it might cause your shower not to run hot water to protect you. This is an easy fix – simply take your handle off and turn the device slightly to a higher setting. Assess the water temperature and see if it will get warmer. If it does, problem solved!

2. Something may be wrong with your water heater.

A water heater is like every other appliance in your home – they need to be inspected and repaired every now and then. If your shower will not get hot, it may be time to take a look at your water heater. Check for leaks and the condition of your water heater. The issue may be that you need to tighten or replace the connections. Your water heater maintains the temperature to your shower, and depending on the age and maintenance, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

3. Your pipes could be the issue.

Many times, your pipes may be the reason you are having water issues. One issue could be your home’s pipes are corroded. This could lead to problems with your water heater and how hot your water gets, and possibly even water contamination. If this is the case, contact the experts at Eastern Plumbing today. Whatever the issue, we’ve got you covered!

4. The mixing valve could be bad.

Mixing valves are parts of the shower that control the water temperature and allow you to run hot and cold water at the same time. These valves can change the temperature of your shower and may require maintenance. This valve is complicated to find and repair, so give the professionals a call if you think the mixing valve, is the issue!

Checked all of these things out and still having trouble taking a hot shower? Give us a call! Eastern Plumbing has over 20 years of experience and our staff is knowledgeable and prepared to help you. Do not let a cold shower ruin your day, contact Eastern Plumbing at 252-758-7579.

What’s the difference between hard water and soft water, and does it really matter?

The difference between hard and soft water is the level of magnesium and calcium in the water supply. About 85% of US water is hard, but most businesses and homes use water softeners to strip away all the extra minerals.

Water hardness is based on the following scale:

• Soft Water: less than 17 parts per million of magnesium and calcium
• Slightly Hard Water: between 17 and 60 parts per million of magnesium and calcium
• Moderately Hard Water: between 60 and 120 parts per million of magnesium and calcium
• Hard Water: between 120 and 180 parts per million of magnesium and calcium
• Very Hard Water: more than 180 parts per million of magnesium and calcium

It’s important to understand that hard water isn’t contaminated, it just contains minerals. Minerals are needed for nutrients, and though too much of a certain mineral can be dangerous, it’s not likely that’ll happen from using hard water in your home. Some people do think that there’s a difference in taste between hard and soft water, with hard water tasting worse (even though minerals are supposed to improve water’s taste).

If you have an older plumbing system built between the 1940s and 1970s, hard water can be potentially damaging to your pipes. During this time period, pipes were made using galvanized steel, which causes magnesium and calcium to stick to the inside of the pipes and create build up. This can be a cause for concern, but a water softener will be beneficial in helping to ease this.

Neither water is necessarily “better” or “cleaner”, they’re just different. Softer water can feel more slippery because there aren’t minerals that are causing it to stick to your skin. Some people think it makes their shampoo or conditioner work better. However, all of this is personal preference.

If you have any questions about your water hardness or want to explore having softer water in your home, contact Eastern Plumbing at 252-758-7579.

When shopping for feminine products and wipes, you’ll probably notice that they’re marketing these products as flushable. In fact, most say, right on the packaging in big bold letters, that they are made to be flushed. Unfortunately, this just isn’t true. Flushing products like pads, wipes, tampons, or other things marketed to be “flushable” can cause some serious issues to your pipes and septic tank.

At Eastern Plumbing, over 25% of our calls are plumbing problems caused by feminine products and wipes being flushed. We say save yourself a service call and avoid the hassle all together by getting into the habit of NOT flushing these items down the toilet.

The most commonly flushed product is a tampon. These products grow up to ten times their original size when they get wet – making them the ultimate drain-clogger. And, if your plumbing is older, and if roots have begun to breech your pipes, or if it snags just right, a tampon can easily block your drains.

These “flushable” products such as wipes, pads, and tampons never break down. Never. Toilet paper is designed to break down in your sewage tank. Anything else is not. If something gets caught in your pipes on the way to your septic tank, it will never dissolve. They’ll stay in your plumbing system until you’re forced to call a plumber and have it all removed.

Once it gets to your septic tank, it still never dissolves. In fact, they can cause even more issues if they get into your septic system if they make it all the way down. They’ll take up space, displace the water and make it rise, causing solids to build up which in turn can block the distribution tubes. If this backs up enough, water from your septic tank can get pushed back into your home.

If you and your family have been flushing these products, now is a good time to stop. Start throwing them away instead – your plumbing will thank you. If you find yourself or someone else in the house “flushing” instead of “tossing” and you end up needing us, give us a call at 252-758-7579! Eastern Plumbing has been setting the standard in quality service for over 25 years!

In many parts of the country, and especially eastern North Carolina, as the temperatures start to rise and the days become hotter and more humid, you may notice condensation on your pipes. The combination of high temperatures and excessive moisture in the air causes pipe condensation, commonly known as “sweating pipes.”

Sweating pipes are caused by high humidity levels. When the air is saturated with moisture, it can cause water droplets to form on the outside of your water pipes. If you have water on your pipes, but it’s drying, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, if the humidity is really high, condensation can be so much that water can begin to pool on your floors or inside your cabinets. The cabinets under your sink are where real damage can occur. These dark, closed spaces get damp leading to mold and mildew.

Pipe condensation can be frustrating, but here are a few ways to fix your sweating pipes.

Check for Leaks

Leaks must be repaired to get control over the condensation on the pipes. Ceiling stains, wall stains, and floor damage are indications that there might be a hidden plumbing leak. If pipes are sweating even though no water has been running, a hidden plumbing leak may be the culprit. For this scenario, you will need to contact the professionals at Eastern Plumbing to help you identify the location of the leak.

Insulate Your Pipes.

The easiest way to prevent your pipes from sweating is to insulate them. Pipe insulation is a tube that you place over your pipes. The insulation prevents moist air from reaching the cooler surface.

Use a Dehumidifier.

Reducing the level of humidity in the home helps alleviate pipe condensation. A dehumidifier can be used to diminish the moisture in the air and will further help to eliminate pipe sweating.

Run the AC.

Your air conditioner has a de-humidifying effect that can fix this problem as long as the sweating pipe is somewhere in your house that is temperature controlled.

When to Call a Plumber

Most condensation on pipes can be alleviated by using the methods above. The location of the sweating pipes may require professional remediation. Older homes may have pipes situated near electrical systems, breaker panels, or electrical junction boxes and pipe sweating near these fixtures is hazardous.

The solution for troublesome condensation is relatively simple and inexpensive. If your pipes have been sweating, don’t procrastinate too long. Eliminate the excess moisture before it leads to serious damage. Contact Eastern Plumbing to help with your pipe condensation and get effective and permanent solutions.

At Eastern Plumbing, we are experts in all things plumbing related. Over the past 25 years, we have seen it all and picked up a lot of information along the way. Here are some facts and tips to help prevent your plumbing issues from draining your banking account.

Did you know?

• A running toilet can waste up to five gallons of water per minute. Talk about an increase in your water bill!

• Installing a low-flush toilet can save up to 18,000 gallons of water per year.

• The average US household consumes 38% of their water usage just by flushing the toilet.

• A faucet that drips just one time per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year.

• In the US, an average family of four will go through approximately 400 gallons of water each day.

• You should set your water heater to no hotter than 120 degrees F to prevent scalding and save on your energy bills.

• 95% of the water that enters your home goes down the drain.

• The typical household wastes more than 9,000 gallons of water while waiting for hot water.

• And, up to 15% of your yearly water heating costs can be wasted heating those extra 9,000 gallons!

• A tankless water heater only heats water you use, which means they save you money.

• Showering uses less water than an average bath and installing low-flow showerheads can help you conserve water and save money.

• Insulating your pipes can help decrease heat loss which can also save you money.

• And, last but not least, we recommend having a plumber check your pipes at least once, if not twice per year.

At Eastern Plumbing, our plumbing knowledge goes beyond just obscure plumbing facts, we have the tools and experience you need to solve all of your plumbing problems. As a “locally owned, family-owned plumber,” Eastern Plumbing  has always been focused on taking your plumbing issues seriously. We treat your plumbing problems as if they are our own.

To schedule plumbing repairs in Pitt County and the surrounding areas, contact us online at easternplumbingonline.com or give us a call at (252) 758-7579.

You go to turn on your sink to do dishes, and the water that comes out is brown. What’s the problem? Is it contaminated? Is it safe?

There are many reasons your water may be brown – sediment, minerals, and rust can build up in the water and cause discoloration. If there’s construction nearby, the disturbance of the ground can shift deposits and cause your water to change color.

If this is the case, running the water and waiting it out should fix your problem. However, if your water doesn’t clear up, you should call a professional plumber to look at your pipes.

Often, when brown water is coming out of faucets in residential homes, it’s because of a recent pipe replacement or broken water pipes. The discoloration is caused by rust getting into the water pipes due to changes in the water pressure. These damaged pipes must be located before the leak grows, causing even more water waste. A plumber will be able to repair the pipes before there’s any further damage.

If you have well water or use a water supply that contains high amounts of minerals, this is probably what’s causing your discoloration. Brown water can also be caused by mineral build-ups in water lines. If you use a water softener, you may need to clean it out to remove the mineral deposits. If you don’t have a water softener, getting one can help prevent future discoloration.

Brown water isn’t usually dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you should drink it. Unless there are high concentration levels, iron is usually in your tap water and isn’t harmful, but rust can breed bacteria, leading to mold and mildew infestations, those you do NOT want to drink.

So how do you get rid of it? Start by running cold water from your taps for approximately 20 minutes. If that doesn’t work, you can contact your city’s water supplier and request they flush out the brown water via fire hydrant (have you ever seen them letting water out of a fire hydrant and wonder, “Huh, I wonder what they’re doing”?) If there’s still a problem, it’s time to call for professional help.

For help with discolored water or any other plumbing needs, call Eastern Plumbing at  252-758-7579.

You’ve asked, and we are answering! Here are the top 5 frequently asked questions that plumbers receive.

1. What do I do when my toilet overflows?

Don’t panic; there’s still time. Prevent the toilet from continuing to leak water by shutting off the water supply. There’s a valve located behind the toilet that will cut off access. Next, call your plumber and clean up the water.

2. Why was there a sudden spike in my water bill?

Did you have company over the weekend? Did you give the dogs a bath? Was there some other reason your water bill would have increased? If the answer is no, you may have a leak somewhere in your home.

3. What do you mean by “emergency plumbing”?

Any sort of plumbing issue that needs immediate attention is a plumbing emergency. Leaks and clogged drains aren’t normally considered emergencies, but a burst pipe is definitely one!

4. Are drain cleaning chemicals safe to use?

In short – no. They’re damaging to you, your pipes, and the environment. Check out our other blog post about when you shouldn’t use store-bought drain cleaners.

5. How long should I wait to call a plumber if there’s a problem?

As soon as possible. Waiting to call a plumber can only worsen the problem.

And because you read all the way through, here’s a bonus question!

6. Who should I call for plumbing needs in Eastern NC?

Eastern Plumbing of course! All of our employees are trained, certified, and act with professionalism. Our goal is to ensure your plumbing services are done promptly, and we pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time. If you’re having plumbing issues, call Eastern Plumbing at  252-758-7579 or visit our website, easternplumbingonline.com.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

Who doesn’t love a flushable wipe? They provide a more refreshing and cleaner sensation than toilet paper. Flushable wipes are just like regular disposable wipes, except they claim to be septic system “safe” and safe to flush.

What most people don’t realize is that flushable wipes are not made for plumbing because they don’t disintegrate. Wipes are made from a type of paper pulp that is held together with non-degradable materials, therefore they stay intact. As for toilet paper, when it gets wet it falls apart quickly. Toilet paper is made to dissolve, so it’s made so that it doesn’t clog the drain.

Are Flushable Wipes Septic Safe?

If you have a septic system instead of a city sewer system you may want to know how flushable wipes will affect your septic tank. Flushable wipes are not good for the sewer system or your septic system. Non-dissolvable wipes will build up in the part of the septic tank where solids collect, potentially clogging your pipes and leading to more frequent septic pumping. This can increase your plumbing cost as well because flushable wipes clog pipes.

Manufacturers like to tell a different story to keep selling their products, but the experts at Eastern Plumbing have the experience to know that is not the case. If you’ve been using flushable wipes, you could definitely experience a clogged toilet as a result.

Here’s a guide on how to unclog a toilet clogged with flushable wipes:

• Start with a plunger. Using a plunger can help loosen a clog and force the wipes down through the sewer pipe.
• Try a toilet snake. You can use the toilet snake to grab the wipes blocking the pipe and pull them back up through the toilet, then dispose of them in the trash can.
• Call the professionals at Eastern Plumbing. Sometimes the only way to unclog your toilet, is to call a licensed plumber.

Don’t Ever Flush Wipes Down the Toilet

Most homeowners don’t realize how bad flushable wipes are for their plumbing because they don’t break down like toilet paper. This can cause serious damage to your plumbing and/or septic system leading to expensive repairs. You should avoid flushing anything down the toilet, other than toilet paper, even if it’s marked as flushable.

If you and your family have been using flushable wipes and experience clogged pipes, drains or toilets, don’t panic, Eastern Plumbing can help! Give us a call today at 252-758-7579.

We’ll get right to the point. Yes, we install dishwashers! If you recently purchased a dishwasher and don’t know how to install it, call the professionals at Eastern Plumbing – we can help!

What are the benefits to calling a plumber for your dishwasher installation?

It’s certainly easier to ask for a plumber’s help, than trying to figure it out on your own. Although DIY projects work for some, if you are not familiar with indoor plumbing this could be a project for the professionals at Eastern Plumbing.

Here are some reasons you should call a plumber:

1. Improper installation could result in a much bigger problem. If the dishwasher isn’t installed correctly you could end up with leaks and ultimately with water damage.
2. Plumbers will know if any codes need to be followed and most homeowners are not familiar with those. Plumbers will know them and will follow them if they are required.
3. Having the installation done right the first time means you won’t have a malfunctioning dishwasher later. Getting the help of a professional from the start means you are ensured less problems down the road.
4. Avoid warranty issues and expensive repairs. Having your dishwasher installed correctly ensures your warranty will be intact and you could have fewer repairs down the road.

Many people think that you just put the dishwasher in place and you’re done – but that’s not the case. When you use a plumber, they will first disconnect the electric and water from the old dishwasher. They will check the water supply line for kinks and determine if it needs to be replaced. Next, the old dishwasher will be removed while taking measures to ensure there are no water spills or leaks. Now comes the installation of the new dishwasher. The plumber loops the new drain hose to the drain source, connects the water line and secures it so it doesn’t leak. Once the supply line, electrical cable and drain are all properly connected, the plumber will run the dishwasher to make sure it works without any problems!

Again, DIY projects aren’t for everyone or for every home project. If your DIY project involves plumbing or electrical, it may be better to rely on the experts. Using a professional is a sure way to prevent headaches and expenses in the future.

For your plumbing installation needs, call Eastern Plumbing. Our team of professionals will be happy to help you with your dishwasher installation. Call us today at 252-758-7579.

Are you annoyed by the sound of running water coming from your toilet? A continuously running toilet is enough to drive anyone crazy, especially after a long day at work. A running toilet is usually a sign of a problem inside the tank and, most of the time, you can fix it yourself.

Here are some things you can check on your running toilet before calling in the professional at Eastern Plumbing.

• Check the Fill Valve – toilets work by measuring how much water is in the tank by using a float. After a flush, which causes the water to drop below a certain level, the fill valve allows the water to fill back up in the tank before the next flush. A faulty fill valve will allow too little or too much water into the tank, which will cause the toilet to not function properly.

• Check the Float – the float is the plastic part shaped a little like a cup on the fill valve, this is what lets the valve know when the water level is correct. If it is set too high, the water will go into the overflow tube and the water will keep running. If it is too low, the flapper will stay open.

• Check the Handle – the exterior handle of the toilet is attached to the flush rod, the piece connected to the chain that leads to the flapper. Make sure the chain has just enough slack to open the flapper.

• Check the Flapper – many times the flapper can be the cause of running toilets. The flapper must create a proper seal, or water will leak from the tank into the bowl, which will cause the water to continuously run to make up for the water line dropping inside the tank. In order to examine the flapper, you must drain the tank first and then shut off the water coming into the toilet using the shut-off valve.

• Check the Flapper Chain – if the chain is too long it may get caught under the flapper preventing a seal. If the chain is too short, then there is too much tension on the flapper and will prevent it from sealing completely. This is an easy fix….adjust the chain length,

In most situations, a running toilet can be an easy fix, however if you have done the troubleshooting and none of these steps are working, give us a call. The professionals at Eastern Plumbing are happy to come out, take a look, diagnose and fix your running toilet issues – the first time. Give us a call at 252-758-7579 for all your plumbing needs.

Garbage disposals sure are convenient when you are cleaning up your kitchen, however, there’s the possibility it could develop leaks over time. This can lead to water damage under the kitchen sink if it is not fixed right away.

Here are some common reasons why your garbage disposal may be leaking:

• Leaky Sink Flange – Your sink flange is the piece that connects the garbage disposal to the sink drain and they are typically connected to your sink via the flange and plumber’s putty. Leaks could occur because the connection isn’t tight any longer or it has corroded over time.

• Worn Out Gaskets – When your garbage disposal leaks you should check the gasket between the flange and rubber seal. If you discover any water drips, then your gasket is probably defective, and it needs to be replaced.

• Loose Drain Lines – Garbage disposals can leak from the drain lines, so check the spot where the appliance meets the lines. If you find a leak, then check the clamp that holds the garbage disposal to the dishwasher and tighten. Side not, the screws on the dishwasher disposal line may need to be tightened too.

• Loose Seals or Pipes – Since the space under the kitchen sink is typically used to store items such as cleaning supplies, it could be that someone or something hit the pipes causing a leaking garbage disposal.

• Split or Cracked Body – Check for large cracks on the surface of the garbage disposal – these could cause the garbage disposal to begin leaking and happens if the disposal is really old.

• Dishwasher Connection – A garbage disposal leak could be from the dishwasher connection to the drainpipe. The dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal because the dishwasher dumps food waste into the unit and leaks can occur from cracked or loose hoses.

Fixing a garbage disposal leak isn’t always a difficult task requiring a professional plumber, but if you are not up for the task, then call in the experts at Eastern Plumbing today, 252-758-7579!

The holidays are approaching quickly, which means many of us will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing meals and treats for family and friends. It is very easy to let food scraps go down the kitchen sink drain, but there are many foods that should NEVER go down your drain, even if you have a garbage disposal.

To help keep your holiday celebrations from being interrupted due to plumbing issues, do not put the following items down your drain:

1. Grease, fat and oils

These three things seem to be the trifecta of most kitchen plumbing issues. They act as a binder for all sorts of materials and can coat your pipes until nothing can pass through them. We encourage clients to put bacon grease, meat fat and other substances similar to then into a can or jar to allow them to cool and then put in your trash.

2. Coffee Grounds

Over time coffee grounds can get stuck in your garbage disposal and build up in your pipes, which can lead to a serious clog over time – which is fairly common!

3. Eggshells

Eggshells may seem harmless, but when the garbage disposal grinds them up, they can get stuck to fat, grease and oils to create a thick mess that can easily clog your pipes.

4. Rice & Pasta

Starchy foods like rice and pasta will expand when wet and clump together. Even after cooking these two products expand and get sticky. Pasta can easily get caught in your disposal trap causing a clog. A few strands of spaghetti probably won’t hurt anything – just large amount could cause plumbing issues.

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal may not directly cause a clog, but it clumps and sticks to anything it comes into contact with, acting like cement to bind scraps together forming clog.

6. Stringy vegetables

Stringy vegetables such as celery and asparagus are difficult for your garbage disposal to grind up and therefore the strings can get wrapped around the blades.

7. Bones

Bones from chicken, beef or lamb are too hard and dense for your garbage disposal to properly grind – they can get stuck in the flywheel and can cause the blades to break. It is best to throw bones in the trash. Fish bones are the only exception because they are usually very tiny bones.

8. Produce Stickers

These little stickers may fall off easily in the sink while washing your produce, however, they can cause big problems inside your pipes if they go down the drain. If they make it past your pipes, they can then get caught in wastewater treatment pipes and filters, which causes problems with the equipment designed to treat your water.

This holiday season, remember to think twice about what you are putting down your drain. If you are unsure and in doubt, dispose those items in the trash to help avoid a plumbing nightmare. But should you forget and end up with a holiday crisis, call the specialists at Eastern Plumbing at 252-758-7579.

When it comes to your plumbing, you should be on the lookout for signs of wear and tear or possible damage to your faucets. Your kitchen and bathroom faucets play such an important part in your everyday life that they’re easy to overlook — that is, until they start leaking!

Water leaks can lead to serious damage in your home and can turn into expensive home repairs if you don’t fix them when they first start. But if you do a minor repair and still have drips and leaks, it’s time to replace your faucet.

When to Replace Your Faucet

Faucets aren’t made to last forever, and over time they start to break down from use. The older the faucet, the less likely it will run efficiently which means your water bills could become more expensive. Here are a few signs to look for in determining when to replace your faucet:

• Does your faucet have mineral deposits? Mineral deposits can build-up inside your faucet, causing them to perform less than optimally. It can affect appearance as well as the inner workings of the faucet.
• Does your faucet handle stick or crack when you try to move it? Does it take a few seconds for water to come out when you turn it on? These are signs of internal rusting and corrosion. Once this happens, its time to replace it.
• Does your faucet constantly need repairs? When your faucet needs constant repairs to function, it’s time to replace it. A few repairs here and there are normally cheaper than a full replacement, but if the repairs begin to add up, you might as well save your money and replace it.
• What is the age of your faucet? A good rule of thumb for replacing any appliance is by its age. Most will last for about 8-10 years. If yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be time to consider a replacement.
• You may want a more efficient faucet. Older faucets can waste a lot of water, so if you’re trying to cut down on utility costs, consider getting a new modern faucet.

Damaged faucets are much more than a plumbing nuisance; they can cause serious damage in your home if not taken care of right away. So, if it’s time to replace your kitchen or bathroom faucet, call the professionals at Eastern Plumbing. We’ll help you get new faucets installed quickly and efficiently – give us a call at 252-758-7589 today!