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Preparing Your Plumbing for Winter Prevents Frozen and Broken Water Pipes that Are Costly to Repair - Boston, Worcester, MA

12 Nov 2014

Almost every homeowner in Boston dreads the winter weather, and fears the possibility of plumbing problems due to the fast drop in temperature. It is hard to say what the cold season will bring. So apart from tuning up the heating system, you also need a professional plumber to check out your plumbing system and fix any issues.

The most common way that plumbing systems are damaged in winter is when the water trapped in a pipe freezes. When water freezes in the pipes, it expands and the pipe can burst. This happens when the temperature is cold for long enough and the pipe can no longer expand. Frozen and broken water pipes can be expensive in terms of repair cost and water consumption.

Preventing frozen pipes and protecting the pipes and components of your plumping system from cold temperatures is the most practical thing to do this winter. You can hire a professional plumber in Boston, MA who can visit your home and conduct thorough inspections so as to ensure that your pipes are prepared for the cold weather.

For questions and concerns about your indoor and outdoor plumbing systems, contact the experts of Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Things Your Plumber Doesn’t Want You To Do – Boston, Worcester

07 May 2014

You have a clogged toilet again. To help you avoid any future clogs, floods or plumbing problems, we asked plumbers to share their customers’ biggest mistakes—and how they can be avoided.

1. Reach for the Drano.

Forget using chemicals to open or clear drains—they rarely get the job all the way done. Plus, not only are the chemicals very harsh and dangerous for you to handle, they can also ruin drain pipes and the equipment used to clear the stoppage. Hint: To prevent blockages in the first place, keep notorious cloggers like grease and hair out of drains.

2. Use the toilet like a garbage can.

Even if they’re labeled “flushable,” don’t toss feminine hygiene products, personal cleaning wipes, toilet scrubbers, make-up remover pads or cat litter into the toilet. The fact is, they don’t disintegrate quickly enough and can ultimately block the drain pipe.

3. Handle the plumbing problems yourself

Don’t try to diagnose and fix a plumbing problem yourself, or hire a handyman to do plumbing work. Plumbers can find and correct a problem faster than an amateur can, which will save you money in the long run.

4. No idea where the main water valve is.

Don’t be in the dark when it comes to knowing the location of the main water valve and every emergency shut off valve in your house. And while you’re at it, learn how to turn off these valves. It’s easy but if you’d prefer to have pro show you how, many plumbers will check emergency shut-off valves at no charge.

5. Use drop in toilet fresheners.

Ditch the drop-in tank toilet fresheners. You may love the blue water it makes in your toilet bowl, but these tablets often contain chemicals that wear out working parts inside the tank. Plus, as these tablets disintegrate, they can get stuck in the flush valve and prevent the toilet from flushing.

6. Forget to replace the hoses.

Water hoses don’t give any warning before they burst, so avoid a potential flood by changing out rubber hoses on washing machines and dishwashers every five years. When you do replace them, use stainless steel on all water lines, if possible.

7. No leak protection system.

Don’t skimp on water leak protection. It only costs a few hundred dollars to get a water leak protection system that offers both an alarm and a main water shut-off should a leak occur in your water heater, dishwasher, sinks and more.

8. The hot water heater is outdated.

Don’t think your tank water heater will last forever—the average lifespan is 8-12 years. Just like toast tends to fall butter-side down on the floor, your 20-year-old tank will inevitably fail and flood while you are on vacation.

9. Overload the garbage disposal.

Be kind to your garbage disposal: Don’t pour grease into it (the goopy stuff will eventually solidify and clog the drain), and don’t put in fibrous food like celery and artichokes. Also avoid pushing through large amounts of garbage at once. Instead, feed garbage slowly into the disposal with cold running water.

10. Mess with the water heater’s pressure valve.

Don’t try to drain your water heater or test the temperature and pressure valve yourself. These need to be done professionally. If the valve is not properly removed, the pressure from the tank can disperse scalding hot water that could cause serious burns as well as property damage.

For help with plumbing problems, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Today.com

Stupid Things that Ruin Plumbing – Worcester, Boston

25 Mar 2014

We will always need plumbing, or more specifically, working plumbing, but unfortunately people will always do stupid things that causes plumbing problems and stops it from working. Here are the top 10 stupid things that people do to ruin their plumbing.

1: Leaving hoses connected during winter.

This is a classic plumbing error that one must assume is caused most often by extreme laziness. Hoses can cause damage when left out all year: they can lead to freezing of the outdoor faucet or its water supply pipe. It’s terrible for your hose, too.

2: Using vent pipes for anything other than venting.

There are reports of homeowners running things like TV cables down the plumbing vent pipes that come up through their roofs. Seems like a tempting solution to getting into the house, but vent pipes aren’t just there for their bad looks. They not only provide air to drains inside the house, to prevent a suction effect that inhibits drainage; they also get rid of sewer gases that come up from the city’s sewer main. If you cut a hole in your vent inside the house to run a cable through, you’re tapping into an endless supply of your neighborhood’s sewer air.

3. Using too much drain cleaner.

When used judiciously and as directed on the right kind of clog, drain cleaners can be effective and relatively safe for drains. When used with abandon, they can corrode some drain materials, and they can actually make clogs worse. It’s also not very nice for the plumber who eventually comes out to clear that clog.

4. Pouring chemicals (and other bad stuff) into a septic system.

If you’re used to living with a “private” sewage system, you probably know how to take care of it. But if you just bought a house with septic you might not think twice about using chemicals like drain cleaner, chlorine bleach, paint and even anti-bacterial soaps. These chemicals kill the essential waste-eating bacteria in the septic tank, and you can guess the result.

5: Screwing, nailing or cutting into a wall with hidden plumbing pipes.

This kind of speaks for itself.

6: Joining two different metals in piping.

DIY plumbers beware: When dissimilar metals, such as copper and steel, are touching, a process called galvanic action leads to corrosion. Corrosion leads to leaking pipes. Such joints must be made with a dielectric union or other approved fitting.

7: Pouring grease down the kitchen drain.

If you’re in the habit of pouring bacon grease down the kitchen-sink drain, you might as well try to stuff the whole pig down there. Grease is one of the best things for clogging drains.

8: Putting everything else down the kitchen drain.

A garbage disposal does very little to stop the following from clogging your drain: flour, rice, potato peels (and some other veggie peels) and many fibrous foods such as asparagus and chard.

9: Removing a sink drain.

This is not a common stupid mistake, but it warrants mention here. Some very well-meaning folks who want to green their everyday lives have been known to remove the P-trap and other drain parts underneath their bathroom sink so that the wastewater could be collected in a bucket and used to water plants outdoors. While the use of gray water is the jurisdiction of the local health department, the issue in this humble missive is the 1 1/2-INCH HOLE PUMPING SEWER GAS INTO THE BATHROOM. You have to plug that drain pipe.

10: Using the toilet as a trash can.

It’s as though, at the back of our minds, each of us believes that if we can just get it to flush away, it will be magically out of our lives forever. Unfortunately, the toilet leads to a 3-inch drain pipe that leads into another drain pipe, which is THE drain pipe to your entire house. In other words, flushing one improper item down the toilet ultimately can stop up everything in the house. The bottom line is, if it isn’t toilet paper or waste, don’t flush it.

For plumbing help, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Networx.com

Happy New Year From Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating – Worcester, Boston

26 Dec 2013

Happy New Year from Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating! We would like to thank our customers and vendors for allowing our business to be part of your lives. We wish you a wonderful and prosperous 2014!

If we have had the pleasure of helping you with your plumbing needs, we hope that we solved all of your plumbing problems with the highest level of customer service available. If you are thinking of building a new home, remodeling a kitchen or bath or have any other plumbing need in 2014, we hope that you consider Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

It is our sincere wish that in the New Year you are surrounded by warmth, family, and friendship. From all of us here at Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating, have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Sincere best regards to you all.

Frozen Pipes are a Common Winter Problem You Want to Avoid – Worcester, Boston

11 Dec 2013

During the winter in Boston and Worcester plumbing service companies get a high number of calls from people needing their water lines fixed.  As the cold weather settles in, many homeowners are worried about their heating costs rising and keeping their houses warm. Another cause for concern this time of year is frozen pipes.

Most of the plumbing problems this time of year are due to freezing pipes. Typically the frozen pipes are caused by open cracks in foundations, windows, and doors that leave pipes susceptible to the outside elements.

Make sure all windows are closed and that cracks are sealed. Any pipes that are within 10 to 12 inches to the outside walls should be insulated.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where your water pipes burst there are steps you need to take immediately in order to prevent a lot of damage in your home. First find the water meter, typically there is a main shut off valve there. Immediately shut that valve and then call your local plumber. Even just a minute of water running from a burst pipe can do thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home.

Also, to prevent frozen pipes, undo and turn off the water to your outside hoses and spickets. If you have an older home with a history of frozen pipes and the temperature is very cold, let some water slowly drip from your faucet overnight or while away. You can also keep the cabinet doors open underneath your sinks to let in the heat.

If find yourself with frozen pipes, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Plumbing Problems During the Holidays – Boston, Worcester

27 Nov 2013

Thanksgiving is here. Happy Thanksgiving to all the customers and friends of Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating. We all should be focusing on blessings, family, and turkey!  We should be..but we know it isn't always possible all the time. The business of Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating is to help homes and business with all their plumbing problems, including clogged pipes, new home construction, gas fireplaces, heating systems and everything else to do with your pipes! During the holidays, plumbing problems don’t stop just because it is inconvenient for you. At Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating our work never stops, if you have plumbing issues, we are here to help.

It is our sincere wish that Thanksgiving finds you comfortable and surrounded by family.  To all of our loyal customers and the citizens of the Boston and Worcester areas, we would like to offer you our most sincere best wishes and thanks.  We work hard to earn your continued trust and we want you to know that we do not take your trust for granted.  Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family, and to all you hold dear.

Hire a Plumber for New Home Construction – Boston, Worcester

25 Sep 2013

In this housing market, many people are building new homes rather than buying. In most cases, they rather build the home they want and need rather than inherit old problems. Breaking ground on a new home can be an exciting time. But did you know that you don’t necessarily need to use your contractor’s plumber? You can hire a plumber for new construction on your own when you are building a home.  In fact, hiring a plumber on your own may save you money and time.  By hiring your own plumber you can ensure that you have a reputable, reliable licensed and insured plumber who is interested in your needs and requirements.
 
Initially, you will meet with your plumber with your home plans to determine the layout of your home and where you want everything to go. The plumber will layout the plumbing pipes, the fixtures, which rooms will have water and why, and they will be sure that all the plumbing will be coded for those rooms. Having a great plumber is very important because all plumbing will have to pass inspection before you can move in.

You need a plumber to handle the water supply lines that go into your new home. Sewer and water ‘tie-ins’ are taken care of during the site work. After the foundation is built, the water and sewage and gas lines are brought into your home from the street.

The plumber will also help you with specifications for which plumbing materials are needed for new construction and they will help guide you in the most efficient and longest lasting appliances.  Of course, once the home is built, toilets, sinks, water heaters and gas lines also need to be placed and tied into the sewer and water lines. Having a plumber you can trust ensures that your new home does not encounter plumbing problems after you move in.

If you are building a new home, and you would like to hire your own plumber, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Plumbing Problems Fixed the First Time Around – Boston, Worcester

19 Sep 2013

Your plumbing problems may not be as bad as the Oakland A’s plumbing problems. But, if you suffer through them once, like the A’s did back in June, then you should hope to get it fixed right the first time, hire the right plumber, that way you won’t have a repeat problem , like the A’s did.

The A's smell like contenders. But, their dugout is another story. Oakland's home dugout flooded on Tuesday night due to a backed-up toilet during the A's vs. Angels game. The maintenance workers had to mop up the disgusting mess during the seventh inning.

It's the second time this season that the aging stadium has had to deal with a sewage backup. Back in June, the stadium suffered a massive backup that spilled sewage into both clubhouses, the managers' offices and all the clubhouse level bathrooms.

Fortunately, after June’s mess they ripped out the carpet so the mess wasn’t as ‘gross’. Actually, it sounds gross to us. That is why Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating is committed to fixing your plumbing problems the first time.

The VP of stadium operations blamed the plumbing issue on a single toilet and said the problem would be fixed before the start of Wednesday's matinee. The A’s certainly hope so.  It better be as it would be a shame for ongoing plumbing problems to soil Oakland's pennant chase.

To solve your plumbing problems the first time, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Excerpts  - NY Daily News

Plumbing Problems that are Most Common - Watertown, MA

12 Jun 2013

Most of us consider plumbing a luxury, it is. When things stop running correctly we are all reminded of how inconvenient life could be without it. When plumbing problems do arise, it is important to contact a plumber that you can count on, with a good reputation and who you can feel comfortable with.

Here are a few of the most common household plumbing problems.

Clogged drain – This is one of the most common plumbing issues. Clogged drains usually can be avoided if you are careful about what you let go down the drain. Be particulary careful in the kitchen, this is the most common drain to get clogged and the most inconvenient when it does.

Dripping faucet – this is very common and starts as the washers in faucets wear out. Use less force when turning the faucet off and on to extend the life of the washer.  

Leaking pipes - This can cause quite a bit of damage to you belongings as well as you floors and walls. Check pipes fairly regularly for rust or lime deposits, this could be the start of a leak.

Leaking water heaters – most often these need to be replaced.

No heat – if you have a broken furnaces or boilers the heat won’t turn on. Check your heating system before you need to use it.

Running toilet –Running toilets usually suggest that some part of the toilet is out of order. It is important to get this fixed immediately because this can use a lot of water.

Leaking toilet – this is a very expensive plumbing repair problem. This can add a lot of money to your water bill. For this it may be necessary to call a professional plumber.

Installing a new faucet – mainly faucets are replaced for decorative reasons. Plumbers guarantee their workmanship.

Many homeowners attempt to fix plumbing problems, but if you are not sure what to do, a DIY fix that isn’t done right can result in an more expensive problem down the line. For help with your household plumbing problems, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.


Plumbing Problems Caused by Homeowners - Wellesley, MA

29 May 2013

Homeowners need plumbing that works. Unfortunately the drains get clogged and the toilet backs up. Regularly, we come across plumbing problems that are caused by homeowners. Here are some things that ruin your plumbing.

Pouring grease down the kitchen drain.

If you’re in the habit of pouring bacon grease down the kitchen-sink drain, you might as well call the plumber now. Grease is one of the best things for clogging drains.

Putting everything down the kitchen drain.
 
Don’t put everything down the garbage disposal.  You should especially avoid putting flour, rice, potato peels (and some other peels) and many fibrous foods such as asparagus and chard down the garbage disposal.

Using the toilet as a trash can.  

If it isn’t waste or toilet paper, don’t flush it. The toilet should not be used as a trash can. The toilet has a 3-inch drain pipe that leads into another drain pipe, which is THE drain pipe to your entire house. In other words, flushing one improper item down the toilet ultimately can stop up everything in the house.

Leaving hoses connected during winter.

This is a classic plumbing error. Hoses can cause damage when left out all year: they can lead to freezing of the outdoor faucet or its water supply pipe. It’s also very bad for your hose.

Using too much drain cleaner.

When used judiciously and on the right kind of clog, drain cleaners can be effective and relatively safe for drains. When used with abandon, they can corrode some drain materials, and they can actually make clogged drains worse.

Pouring chemicals into a septic system.

If you’re used to living with private septic, you probably know how to take care of it. But if you just bought a house with septic, you might not think twice about using chemicals like drain cleaner, chlorine bleach, paint and even anti-bacterial soaps. These chemicals kill the essential waste-eating bacteria in the septic tank.

Nailing or cutting into a wall with hidden plumbing pipes.

Know where you are nailing, screwing or sawing into a wall. You don’t want to hit the pipes.  

Joining two different metals in piping.

When you hire a plumber, make sure they know what they are doing. When dissimilar metals, such as copper and steel, are touching, a process called galvanic action leads to corrosion. Corrosion leads to leaks. Such joints must be made with a dielectric union or other approved fitting. Be sure you plumber is using the right type of metal pipes.

For your plumbing problems in Wellesley, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.

Networx.com


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