Category: Plumbing Tips

Help Your Overworked Summer Plumbing

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

You might be having a relaxing summer, but your plumbing isn’t. Whether you know it or not, your plumbing gets more of a workout during the summer than any other time of year. This is due to the number of outdoor activities that we enjoy. By following these tips, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly during its summer workout while saving money at the same time!

Check your washing machine regularly.

With more time spent outdoors, that also means more dirty laundry. Since your washing machine will be used more often in the summer, inspect it regularly for leaks or cracks. A leaking washing machine can waste large amounts of water while causing expensive damage to your home. An increase in washing also means an increase in drying. Be sure to dispose of dryer lint regularly to avoid fires and save energy!

Use your dishwasher instead of hand washing.

Most dishwashers today are energy efficient and save gallons of water compared to washing dishes by hand.

Know what can and can’t go in the garbage disposal.

The food at the backyard cookout was great, but now it’s time to clean up. Stringy and fibrous foods like cornhusks, lettuce, and onion peels will cause clogs and should be disposed of in a trash can. Grease and oil are also bad for your drains and should be avoided. If you are cleaning greasy or oily foods, run cold water at full blast for 15 seconds before and after to help your disposal flush everything down.

Be wary of sewer line backups.

This is a common problem during the summer months because rainfall can enter your sewer line through cracks in the pipe. This added pressure may cause the sewer line to back up. Tree roots may also end up causing problems as they search for water during the hot days. Contact Eastern Plumbing today to have one of our trained technicians inspect your sewer line and ensure there are no problems. You might be taking it easy this summer, but your plumbing is hard at work. By following these tips, you can help your plumbing handle any challenges that come its way and keep your summer worry-free.

What to do in a Plumbing Emergency

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. Whether it’s a random occurrence or a problem that has been building for years, they’re sure to cost money and ruin your day. What you do during a plumbing emergency can either limit the damage or make it worse. Follows these tips to keep your emergency as small as possible.

Turn off the water.

This is the first thing you should do for almost all plumbing emergencies. Shutting off the water will stop it from continuing to flow into your house and will minimize damage. If there is only one fixture causing the problem, shut off the water going directly to that fixture. If there is a larger problem, shut off the main valve that can be located somewhere in your home or near your water meter.

Turn your water heater off.

Once your water is off, pressure and hot water can build in your water heater. This can lead to your water heater busting, which would be a plumbing emergency in itself. It can also lead to overheating and could burn someone who uses the hot water for the first time once the water is turned back on. Turn off your water heater to avoid these extra problems.

Open outside spigots.

This will drain the water from your pipes once your water is shut off. By opening the outside spigots, you are directing water outside of your home, which will hopefully lessen the damage inside.

Assess the damage.

Before calling a plumber, try to assess the damage. The more information you provide the plumber beforehand will give them a better idea of the problem when they arrive. This will allow them to fix it faster.

Call a plumber.

Calling a plumber can be the difference between a minor emergency and a major disaster. Whether it is just a leak or your whole house is flooded, a plumber will be able to professionally fix the problem and prevent it from happening in the future.

No one wants a plumbing emergency, but knowing what to do when they happen can make the difference between a small problem and catastrophe. If one should occur, Eastern Plumbing is here to help. Our trained and experienced staff is on call 24/7 and will quickly and professionally fix any emergency you encounter!

4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Drain Cleaner

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

With summer quickly approaching, your home’s plumbing drains are more susceptible to being clogged. Kids are home from school and will most likely get into some mischief around the house. Beach trips have become the norm and washing off sand in the shower can build up over time. Bathroom drains seem like an easy thing to fix yourself, but there are many benefits to leaving the task to a professional drain cleaner like Eastern Plumbing.

  1. Safety.
    Chemical cleansers are dangerous and can lead to serious injury if not handled with care. Even store-bought tools won’t perform an adequate job and can also be hazardous without proper training. An experienced plumber like Eastern Plumbing handles hundreds of clogged drains every year and knows how to treat the issue safely.
  2. Efficiency.
    Store-bought solutions don’t always treat the clog the way it should. In many cases, the clog can lead to more plumbing issues down the line. Professionals have access to speciality equipment and can treat the clog right the first time.
  3. Saves money.
    When you use chemical cleansers, you could potentially damage plumbing pipes or other components of your system. This can lead to costly repairs. Eastern Plumbing is licensed and bonded and offers quality work, ensuring that your pipes aren’t inadvertently damaged while repairing a drain.
  4. Experience.
    Having a properly working drain is an important part of our daily lives. When your drain gets backed up, it makes simple household tasks more difficult. When choosing a drain cleaning service, it’s wise to choose a well reviewed, experienced, established and insured service. If you choose not to hire a professional, you could end up spending a lot more money in the long run.
If you have a clogged drain in your kitchen or bathroom, give the experts at Eastern Plumbing a call. We have the experience and skills to fix the problem right the first time, every time.

Tips for Remodeling your Bathroom

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Spring is the busiest time of the year for remodeling your home. People are coming out of hibernation with the warmer weather and are ready to change their surroundings. The bathroom is a practical area to renovate first, and it’s one of the best ways to improve your home’s resale value. Are you considering remodeling your bathroom? Read the following tips before you begin your next home improvement project.

1. Investigate.

Before purchasing new materials for your bathroom, make sure you evaluate the current structure of the room. If you have any hidden rot, rusty pipes or frayed wiring your project can quickly escalate in cost.

2. Plan.

Check the blueprint of your home to determine the plumbing and electrical layouts. You’ll save time and money if you work with the existing system, as rerouting plumbing and electrical lines is expensive.

3. Measure.

Don’t forget to measure your bathtub and any fixtures that you’ll be replacing. Try the showroom samples out before you buy and check to see if the products are user-friendly before you mount them in your bathroom.

4. Choose the right products.

Think about your carbon footprint and choose plumbing fixtures that will help you save money on your water bill. Consider energy-efficient light bulbs to brighten your bathroom. Make the most of the space you have. Glass doors on showers and tubs can make your bathroom appear bigger than it actually is. Additionally, a pedestal sink takes up less space than a vanity. If you need extra storage, consider installing a medicine cabinet.

5. Order beforehand.

Large items like special-order toilets and vanity tops can take several weeks to arrive. Before you demolish your bathroom, make sure everything you need is on hand. Waiting for parts to arrive can be frustrating, but it’s better than tearing up your fixtures and having an unusable bathroom until the new items arrive. When your new products arrive, you’ll know if you need to do any extra work before you rip up your walls.

6. Don’t be afraid to call a professional.

If any part of remodeling takes you out of your comfort zone, call a professional. You might need Eastern Plumbing’s help if your water or drain lines need to be moved. When you’re dealing with electrical or plumbing, DIY mistakes can be a costly disaster.

At Eastern Plumbing, we specialize in remodels and installs. Give us a call today for help with your home renovations.

5 Jobs Best Left to a Professional Plumber

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

As a homeowner, you know firsthand that plumbing repairs are needed when you least expect it. Your first instinct is to follow directions you find online or in repair manuals. However, some jobs are better left to professionals. You could spend hours of valuable time fixing the problem. If you don’t repair it correctly, you can end up paying more money out of your pocket. A small water leak can quickly turn into thousands of dollars of damage, and plumbers charge a premium to make an emergency call.

Here are several examples of jobs you should consider hiring a professional plumber for:

1. Permits

A bathroom remodel or adding a gas line to your backyard for your grill will require a permit and inspection. A professional stays up to date on local, state and national codes and regulations and will know what permits to pull and make sure the job will pass inspection.

2. Low water pressure

Many factors can cause low water pressure, occurring anywhere between the well or city water supply and the water lines. If you try to find the cause by yourself it can take hours, but a professional plumber can quickly troubleshoot the problem and fix it.

3. Sewer line problems

A tree root may be the cause of your sewer line not draining properly. You can rent a machine to fix the problem, but trying to remove the tree root can cause extensive damage to the sewer line. A plumber can resolve the issue without causing further damage.

4. Problems with the main line

Notice any backup in your tub or shower? Your main line may be blocked. Repairing the main line requires special equipment most homeowners do not have. You can rent the equipment, but professionals have the experience to use it to get the problem fixed quickly.

5. No hot water

A number of problems can cause a loss of hot water. If your tank isn’t visibly leaking, it can take hours to find the problem. A professional can troubleshoot both gas and electric heaters to quickly find the problem and make repairs.

Frustrated with plumbing repairs? Our experienced and reliable plumbers are here to help. Give Eastern Plumbing a call!

8 Essential Plumbing Tools You Shouldn’t Live Without

Posted on by thomas

Plumbing tools are good to have on hand when a sink clogs or a toilet overflows on the weekends, holidays or before a dinner party. For big problems, such as a burst pipe, shut off your water and contact Eastern Plumbing. DIY plumbing requires not only the proper skills, but also the right equipment, to ensure the project is done well. You’ll be able to fix everyday annoyances if you have these essential plumbing tools at your disposal.

1. Plunger.

No home should be without this handy tool. There are several types of plungers and each of them is used for a specific fixture. The cup plunger is used to clear clogs in tubs, showers and sinks. The flange plunger is used to clear toilet clogs.

2. Pipe Wrench.

This tool is useful when it comes to something threaded, such as an iron pipe. It delivers a strong grip and leverage, which allows you to loosen or tighten fixtures, pipes, joints and plumbing parts. Buy two pipe wrenches–one for gripping and holding, one for turning.

3. Sink Snake.

Also referred to as a sink auger, this tool is a must-have when getting rid of clogs in your sink or tub drain. It breaks down solid materials into smaller pieces so you can grab them out of the pipes.

4. Toilet Auger.

This tool is also known as the water closet augur or closet auger. It works like a sink auger only that it’s specifically designed for toilets. Toilet augers allow people to break up clogs and retrieve obstructions that are causing blockages.

5. Faucet Packing and Washers.

Having faucet packing and washers on hand will save you a lot of hassle during plumbing emergencies that involve your faucets. Use these tools when your kitchen tap leaks or your tub faucet is loose.

6. Screw Drivers.

Most likely, you already have one of these tools lying around the house. Various shapes and sizes are preferred because there are so many different types of screws to remove when doing plumbing repairs.

7. Hacksaw.

This versatile saw is used to cut through metal pipe, hardware, screws, nuts and bolts and plastic pipe. Make sure the blade is tense in the frame for tough cuts, and be sure to keep extra blades on hand. Consider more than one type of saw if possible, such as one large and one small, for different repairs.

8. Caulking gun.

A caulking gun has a metal frame and a trigger that holds and applies caulk to seal seams around the edges of tubs and sinks. Caulk can be made of silicone or latex, and is used to bond a wide-range of materials.

7 Bad Home Plumbing Habits to Avoid

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Plumbing chores are a routine household issue that everybody has to endure every now and then. Your plumbing system is critical to your home. Much like any sophisticated operation, it has rules that must be followed if you want it to run smoothly. There are some common mistakes you may not realize you are making until serious damage has occurred to your plumbing. Are you guilty of these bad home plumbing habits?

1. Leaving outside hoses connected.

A hose that is left attached to an outdoor faucet in extreme winter weather can become damaged, which may result in a leak when warmer spring weather comes. The damage usually requires a new water tap. In addition, the hose may degrade if it goes through many winter freezes.

2. Overusing drain cleaner.

Drain cleaners may seem like an effective and affordable solution to getting rid of blockages in drains if you use them carefully. When you are cleaning a drain, make sure you don’t use too much or you could corrode the drain and make the blockage worse.

3. Damaging hidden pipes.

When working on home improvement projects, don’t forget to consider where hidden plumbing pipes are located while using an electric drill, screwdriver or hammer on your drywall. If you are not careful, you can puncture a pipe, which may result in water pouring out of the wall.

4. Contaminating a septic system.

Be careful about pouring harsh chemicals or cleaner down your drain, including chlorine bleach, paint and anti-bacterial soaps. They can disrupt waste-eating bacteria in your septic tank, resulting in a sewage backup. Septic systems rely on healthy bacteria in the tank to function effectively.

5. Misusing garbage disposal.

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you know it’s a useful appliance that makes chores less strenuous. However, disposals are not trashcans. If not maintained properly, a garbage disposal can break down, block and clog drains. Read your manufacturer’s manual to find out what is and isn’t acceptable to put in your disposal.

6. Careless use of kitchen sink.

When washing dishes, it may be tempting to pour food scraps down the sink. Oils and fats should not be poured down the drain, as they will harden as they cool and block drains. Not only will you need to call a plumber, but it will also cause a terrible smell. A sink strainer is able to prevent this from happening.

7. Improper toilet flushing.

One of the most common plumbing emergencies is a blocked toilet. Never flush feminine products, wet wipes, cotton balls or q-tips. If a waste pipe becomes blocked, this may result in other pipes in your system blocking up. Anything other than human waste and toilet paper should go in a trashcan.

The best way to avoid costly repairs is to prevent problems in the first place. Make sure you explain proper plumbing procedures to all members of your household, especially young children. If you find yourself with a plumbing problem, you can trust us at Eastern Plumbing for prompt and professional solutions.

5 Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

The New Year is an excellent time to take initiatives to better care for yourself, your family and your home. This includes your plumbing. Not all resolutions are meant to be broken! Plumbing and drains are fundamental elements of your home. They work tirelessly, but usually do not get much attention. They keep a home running smoothly. This year, along with your diet, be mindful of how you treat your plumbing. To ensure it functions better, read this list of resolutions to keep in the upcoming year.

1. Conserve water usage.

Have you ever thought about how much water you use on a daily basis? Although you might not realize, it’s easy to scale back on water usage. Start out with a simple adjustment like turning the water off while brushing your teeth every day. Before long, you’ll see a decrease in your utility bill.

2. Treat your toilet well.

Toilets work hard for you. They endure messes no one wants to deal with. That is why you should be careful with what you flush down your toilet. There are many things your toilet can’t process, such as sanitary pads, q-tips, tissues, wet wipes and more. Rather than flushing these items, put them in the trashcan.

3. Be kind to your garbage disposal.

Much like your toilet, you should be observant of what you put in your garbage disposal. Learn which items are acceptable to go inside it. Be sure to run water each time you use your disposal to avoid buildup that causes unpleasant odors in the home.

4. Keep your pipes warm during winter.

When the temperature drops, don’t let your pipes suffer in the cold weather. Burst pipes are a huge hassle and can be very expensive to repair. Make sure they are properly insulated to avoid plumbing disasters in the future.

5. Contact Eastern Plumbing as soon as possible.

This year, as soon as you notice something wrong, contact Eastern Plumbing instead of waiting until it’s too late. Plumbing issues only get worse, and more expensive, as time goes on. Our team of professionals consists of some of the most experienced and qualified plumbers working today. They are ready and available, no matter what time of day.

Not only will these resolutions ensure your plumbing will perform better, it will also lead to long-term savings. A well-run and maintained plumbing system will break less frequently and be more energy and water efficient. This means monthly savings on your utility bill with less risk for expensive repair services.

If you find yourself in need of a professional plumber to help you handle a plumbing disaster in the upcoming year, you know who to call! We wish you a happy and healthy new year, from all of us at Eastern Plumbing.

Water Heater Tips & Tricks

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Did you know that 12% of your home’s total energy costs can be attributed to your hot water heater? There are several different types of water heaters. Here is a bit of information about each of them and tips to save money and conserve water.

Gas and Oil Heaters

Older water heaters are typically powered by fuel oil or natural gas. In order to work properly, they need a pilot light. There is a significant danger of fire if flammable materials are placed too close to the unit. Make sure to properly vent these heaters to prevent build-up of deadly fumes like carbon monoxide. Gas and oil heaters do a good job of keeping your home supplied with hot water, but they can be expensive to operate because of the rising cost of fuel.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are safer than gas or oil powered heaters since they don’t use flame and a combustible fuel. These units are energy efficient and easy to install. Electric water heaters also require less maintenance than other heaters, saving you money on servicing your unit over its lifetime.

There are many different kinds of electric water heaters. They come in a variety of sizes depending on what your household needs. Most residential storage water heaters vary in size from 40 to 100 gallons.

Heat Pump Heaters

Heat pump water heaters pull heat from the air and transfer it to the water store in the tank. This allows your heating costs to be dramatically reduced by as much as 50%! These units are more expensive to install, but the energy savings covers the difference in just a few years.

Solar Heaters

Solar water heaters use renewable energy and produce no greenhouse gases, making them a much better choice for the environment. Installation costs are high because you will need solar panels as well as a new heater system, but the energy savings are significant.

How to Save on Hot Water

We recommend setting your hot water heaters at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for comfortable showering and bathing, laundry and dish washing and cleaning. Setting your hot water heater at this temperature saves energy and prevents scalding.

Make sure you insulate your hot water pipes to prevent heat loss, and to help you save even more on your energy bills. Repair hot water faucet leaks as soon as you can. A single drop per second waste as much as 200 gallons of water a year.

Another tip to save money on your electric bill is to turn the hot water off when shaving or doing dishes. In addition, set your washing machine to the cold cycle.

Contact Eastern Plumbing

Setting the standard in quality service for over 15 years, we help thousands of homeowners in eastern North Carolina with plumbing needs. The best defense to making sure your plumbing systems are running properly is to schedule annual maintenance inspections and keep on top of your systems before it’s too late. Our team of professionals consists of some of the most experienced and qualified plumbers working today. We’re available 24/7 for any plumbing emergency.

Cold Emergency

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Don’t Get Caught in the Cold with a Plumbing Emergency

The temperatures are dropping. This is the time of the year where your home is most prone to plumbing problems. Serious plumbing problem like cracked and frozen pipes should be left to plumbing professionals. However, there are many things homeowners can do on their own to prevent plumbing mishaps during the cold weather.

Be Wise. Winterize.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure your outside hoses are disconnected from faucets. To ensure your outside pipes don’t freeze and expand, causing serious leaks and flooding, turn off and drain the pipes.

Shut-off valves.

Close your valves and drain the water off, which makes the shutting down of external pipes easier. Once the exterior faucets are disconnected, they can be protected from the cold weather with lagging.

Insulate Pipes.

Use heat tape or insulating sleeves, available at most hardware stores, to protect your pipes from extreme temperatures.

Seal Windows and Doors.

Increase energy efficiency by sealing doors and windows from drafts. You can use materials that you can find in any home center. This will add a few degrees of warmth to your pipes and fixtures, keeping warm air inside your home.

Check Hot Water Heater.

Your water heater has an extra burden placed on it during cold months. Flush your heater out to get rid of any build-up sediments to prevent corrosion. Check the water pressure release valve, which should snap back into place when lifted after allowing a spurt of water to the drain. If you notice a slack, get a professional to replace the release valve.

For optimum performance during the cold season, set your water heater’s thermometer to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to clean dead leaves and other debris from around the downspouts to allow for better drainage.

Bring Your Faucets to a Slow Trickle.

Prevent ice build-up in your pipes during the cold months by leaving your faucets on at a very slow trickle, especially at night when temperatures can take a sudden plunge. This will ensure that water doesn’t accumulate in one place and freeze.

Close Main Water Valve.

If you plan on going on a winter vacation for an extended length of time, it’s a good idea to close the main water valve. Open the faucets at the top and base of the house to drain the system, keeping the heat on as you do.

Use Your Pipe Wrench.

A pipe wrench is an important tool to use in plumbing maintenance. The wrench enables you to get a good grip on pipes and fittings. Another good tool is a pair of pliers, which will help you adjust nuts and bolts. For bigger home plumbing jobs it’s best to get the help from a professional.

Contact Eastern Plumbing

Setting the standard in quality service for over 15 years, we help thousands of homeowners in eastern North Carolina with plumbing needs. The best defense to making sure your plumbing systems are running properly is to schedule annual maintenance inspections and keep on top of your systems before it’s too late. Our team of professionals consists of some of the most experienced and qualified plumbers working today. We’re available 24/7 for any plumbing emergency.

Top 5 Plumbing Tips For the Holidays

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

The holidays are a great time for family, friends, fun and cheer. More people in the home mean more toilets flushing, more laundry being washed, extra showers and more hair going down the drain. The last thing you will need is for a clogged drain to become part of your entertainment plans. To avoid these problems and costly plumber fees, here are five important holiday plumbing tips.

Watch What You Pour Down Your Drain.

If there is one plumbing disaster that is likely to spoil your winter holiday it will be a problem with your drainage, and one thing that will almost guarantee that your drain will not be functioning properly will be something that you pour down it. Never pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain. This can harden and clog your drains. Before washing your greasy dish ware, let them cool and wipe grease off with paper towels and place into the garbage.

Use Your Garbage Disposal Properly.

The kitchen is the biggest holiday culprit for plumbing issues, with the garbage disposal being one area that is often misused. Your disposal is not able to sufficient grind certain items that will ultimately clog your sink drain. Some of the more common culprits are pumpkin pulp, poultry skins, celery, fruit, potato peels, lettuce, egg shells and vegetable peels. Anything that is not able to be ground properly will very likely cause a blockage.

Ensure Enough Hot Water and Proper Pressure.

Much of the hot water used at home is in the bathroom, with members of the family and guests taking showers or soaking in the bathtub. Turn up your water heater to increase its capacity to meet holiday house guest demands. However, to avoid scalding water, don’t exceed 125ºF. The best way to ensure there is enough hot water for everyone, is by spacing out the times people shower or bathe. This will give the hot water tank enough time to heat up between uses.

If water pressure while taking a shower is weak this could be because of mineral deposits in the shower head. A simple solution is to tie a plastic bag filled with vinegar over the shower head. Leave it overnight and scrub off those mineral deposits with an old toothbrush the next morning.

As an added tip, use a drain screen to stop hair from clogging the drain. The drain screen will help filter out the water but keep the hair from going down the drain.

Prevent Frozen Pipes.

You can prevent pipes becoming frozen by fitting them with insulation, either in sleeve form or wrapping. You should also prevent faucets dripping during freezing weather. New piping should be installed, where possible, in places which are already insulated or heated. Another good idea when burying pipes under the ground is to ensure they are installed below the frost line.

Identify And Repair Broken Pipes.

Should you suffer broken pipes during the holiday season, the first thing to do is turn off the water at the mainline. Identify the broken pipes by checking out your home’s water pipe layout. When you discover where the problem is, the damaged pipe can be removed and the replacement piping wrapped with insulation.

Contact Eastern Plumbing.

If your home and plumbing system is five years or older it is a good idea to have the plumbing inspected by a licensed and bonded plumber, Eastern Plumbing, to determine if there are any hidden problems you may not be aware of that will cause you unexpected problems and expenses during these cold days ahead.

Setting the standard in quality service for over 15 years, we help thousands of homeowners in eastern North Carolina with plumbing needs. The best defense to making sure your plumbing systems are running properly is to schedule annual maintenance inspections, and keep on top of your systems before it’s too late. Our team of professionals consists of some of the most experienced and qualified plumbers working today. We’re available 24/7 for any plumbing emergency.

How to Choose a Plumber

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

You jolt out of bed and look at the clock. “Why didn’t the alarm clock go off?”, you think to yourself. You see the big red PF letters on the face of the clock and realize that the power went off in the middle of the night. Not a good start to the day. While you are downstairs, frantically making your breakfast, you notice a strange sound coming from the hallway. You turn the corner to find your dog lapping up water from a puddle on the floor. “What now?” You follow the wet mess to discover that your toddler flushed his favorite squeaky toy down the toilet and the water has been overflowing for who knows how long. You know you need professional help, but who do you call? You quickly perform an online search only to find a list of dozens of plumbers. Who do you choose in a time when you need them the most? Eastern Plumbing has compiled the following checklist to help you make your decision easier.

Ask your plumber:

1. How long have you been a plumber?

When it comes to plumbing, repairs completed by an inexperienced person can be costly. Give yourself peace of mind and hire a plumber with experience. At Eastern Plumbing, we have set the standard in quality service for over 15 years, servicing thousands of homes in eastern North Carolina.

2. How did you receive your professional plumbing training?

Most plumbers learn their trade through formal schooling or through an apprenticeship with a seasoned professional. Plumbers also receive on-going training to keep their skills sharp. Our staff at Eastern Plumbing is full of experienced technicians who constantly stay up-to-date on the newest technologies to provide more energy efficient plumbing practices.

3. Do you have any special certifications?

There are many different certifications a plumber can receive. A plumber who is certified in any special skills will be able to provide you with a higher quality service than other professionals. Along with being certified to test your back flow preventers, Eastern Plumbing is certified for Rinnai tank-less water heaters and has relationships with A.O. Smith and Pro-Flo.

4. Are you licensed and registered?

This is another way to protect yourself from sticky contractor situations. Never hire a plumber or home improvement professional that cannot show proof of a state license and certificate of registration. At Eastern Plumbing, we are proud to be full licensed with NC #28579.

5. Are you insured?

It is important that any plumbing professional you hire carries adequate insurance. That’s why we are fully licensed at Eastern Plumbing.

The best defense to making sure your plumbing systems are running properly is to schedule annual maintenance inspections, and keep on top of your systems before it’s too late. Our team of professionals consists of some of the most experienced and qualified plumbers working today. We’re available 24/7 for any plumbing emergency.

How to Winterize the Plumbing in Your Home

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

In the coming weeks temperatures will continue to drop, so now is the best time for homeowners in eastern North Carolina to begin preparing their homes for plumbing problems associated with cold weather. To prepare your home for the harsh winter months ahead and to ensure you avoid any unwanted plumbing nightmares, our experts at Eastern Plumbing have compiled a list of fall maintenance tips.

Disconnect Water Hoses.

If your water hoses are left connected, the water in the hoses can freeze and expand, causing faucets and pipes inside your home to break. Make sure to disconnect all outside water houses to prevent a potential flood.

Check Faucets.

Inspect your outside faucets to make sure they are not dripping or leaking. If they are, make the necessary repairs or call a plumber before the freezing temperatures arrive. When pipes freeze, water pressure builds up causing cracks. A tiny crack can unleash enough water to cause serious damaging or flooding. If you have an underground sprinkler system this will also need to be turned off by a professional.

Clear Gutter Debris.

Remove fall leaves and other debris from exterior gutters and downspouts. Throughout fall, winter and spring, temperatures will drop and rise and water will freeze and melt. Clearing your gutters and downspouts will ensure easy draining throughout the ever-changing seasons.

Flush Water Heater.

Your water heater works its hardest during winter months. Be sure to flush your water heater during this time of the year. When left untouched, sediment can buildup and cause corrosion, which shortens the life span of the water heater and reduces heating efficiency. To flush, drain several gallons of water from the faucet near the bottom of the tank. Connect a hose to the faucet and direct water into a nearby drain. As an added tip, test your pressure relief valve yearly. If the valves are dripping, have them replaced. Over pressurized tanks are dangerous if not addressed. For information regarding your specific make and model of water heater, visit your manufacturer’s website.

Insulate Pipes and Seal Leaks.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and garages, especially if your water heater is in the garage. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipes that are exposed and prone to freezing. Seal leaks around doors and windows to reduce cold air penetration.

How to Solve Low Water Pressure Problems

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Low water pressure is an annoyance for any homeowner. Inadequate water pressure increases the time it takes for simple tasks like showering, washing dishes and watering outdoor plants, and it also increases the amount of water used which means higher water bills. A water pressure reading tells you how forceful your water is in PSI (pounds per square inch). Normal water pressure is generally around 50 PSI. If you find your water pressure isn’t desirable, there are a few steps you can take to fix the problem.

1. Identify Water Leaks.

Check visible water pipes for cracks or leaks. Damaged pipes allow water to seep out, which can negatively impact the water pressure in your home. If you are unable to identify any leaks, turn off the main water valve in your house. Check the water meter reading, wait two hours and read the meter again. If the number on the meter has gone up, it means you have a leak.

2. Check Your Pressure Regulator.

You can find a pressure regulator below the hose connection attached to your house. When a pressure regulator breaks or stops working, you will notice low water pressure coming from every faucet in your house. You’re much better off leaving this kind of plumbing repair to a professional plumber. Trying to fix a broken pressure regulator on your own can cause more damage.

3. Check the Elevation.

The position of your water storage tank can impact water pressure. If your house is situated higher than the tank, water pressure will be difficult to maintain. Whenever possible, make sure your tank is elevated higher than your house to ensure great water pressure.

4. Identify Faulty Valves.

If the main water valve in your house is turned off or closed slightly, it can dramatically impact water pressure. Valves can also unexpectedly slip without you realizing it. If you are experiencing low water pressure, locate your main water valve and make sure it is wide open.

5. Check For Mineral Deposit Buildup.

Overtime, mineral deposits can clog water pipes, block faucets and shower heads, and cause a low water pressure problem. To clean mineral deposit buildup, try using a commercial cleaner or a simple solution of white vinegar and baking soda. Scrub with a toothbrush to remove stubborn deposits. If that doesn’t do the trick, you may need to hire a professional plumber.

Remember, any plumbing task you can’t easily handle on your own requires the help of a qualified plumber. You can turn a simple plumbing problem into a dangerously costly one if you don’t know what you’re doing. Setting the standard in quality service for over 15 years, Eastern Plumbing helps thousands of homeowners in eastern North Carolina with plumbing needs. Our team of professionals consists of some of the most experienced and qualified plumbers working today. We’re available 24/7 for any plumbing emergency.

5 Home Plumbing Myths That Cost You Money

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Are you a new homeowner or someone learning how to maintain your home plumbing system? There are many myths surrounding home plumbing, all of which can lead to costly repair to systems and pipes. Before you take your mother’s advice and go the “DIY” route, read below for some of the top myths of home plumbing you’ll want to avoid.

Myth #1: Lemons Clean Your Garbage Disposal.

Many people believe that if your drains smell clean, they are clean. However, this is not the case. While running a lemon rind through your disposal may make your drain smell better, it won’t actually get clean. If you want to clean your drains, you will need to use a disinfectant. Spray the cleaning solution into the disposal, wait a few minutes for it to work its magic, and then use a cleaning brush to scrub the disposal. As an added tip, always remember to disconnect the garbage disposal from its power source before you clean.

Myth #2: Running Water While Using the Garbage Disposal Helps the Waste Travel Smoothly.

While using a garbage disposal, many homeowners believe they can put just about anything through the system as long as the faucet is running water. This is not the case, as hard or thick food items such as eggshells, banana peels and even sticky spaghetti can cause a blockage and damage the disposal blades. Before you put thick foods down your disposal, break the food into small pieces and mix them with water to ensure the waste will be disposed of properly.

Myth #3: As Long As Water Keeps Running Down My Drain, It Isn’t Getting Clogged.

This is another common misconception. Blockages are caused from a long term build up on the inside of the pipes that occurs over time. You can prevent and maintain blockages by making sure you routinely use an anti-blockage chemical as well as a drain filter to ensure that hair and non-perishable items do not go down the drain.

Myth #4: It’s OK To Clean Plumbing Fixtures With Hand Soap.

When cleaning the kitchen or bathroom, it is common to see people cleaning their sinks and faucets with hand soap. The truth is, this method is actually causing damage to the surface of material. Sinks, faucets and toilet bowls should always be cleaned with a strong disinfectant to keep them free of germs. Gently clean your faucets with a solution made from cut lemons and baking soda.

Myth #5: Plumbing Fixtures Require Little to No Maintenance.

Out of all the common plumbing myths, this is a dangerous one that will likely cause you the most problems in the future. Pipes are often obstructed by clogs, trees roots, or shifting home foundations, which can result in expensive plumbing repair such as sewer line replacement or a pipe replacement. Homeowners should routinely inspect and maintain sinks, faucets, toilets and pipes to make sure any sign of damage is addressed immediately. Remember, prevention is better than the cure.

Choosing the right plumbing service will be so much more beneficial to you and your family in the future. Having a trustworthy and professional plumbing service such as Eastern Plumbing, on call any time, will provide you with a peace of mind. You can be assured that all of our plumbers are continuously trained on all of the latest plumbing techniques and technological advances to stay ahead of the rest. Eastern Plumbing is always here to assist you with all of your plumbing needs and resolve any plumbing issues quickly, efficiently and at an affordable price.