Maintenance and Service | Totally Plumbing

How to Find Your Septic Tank

A residential septic system needs regular maintenance to avoid a system backup and ensure the longevity of the septic tank and septic field. Regular septic tank maintenance includes pumping the tanks every 2-3 years depending on the number of bathrooms and occupants in the home.

There are several options for finding the location of a septic tank. These include inspecting the yard for a large divot or hill, identifying areas in the lawn that are patchy or difficult to grow grass on, using a soil probe to find the septic tank lids, following the main sewer line from the home by tracking the sewer line in the basement, and contacting your local Department of Health or county building department to obtain records or plans submitted for design approval of the septic system. Learn more about ways to identify the location of a home’s septic system.

plumbingmbd2022-02-15T15:40:36+00:00February 14th, 2022|

How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?

A concrete septic tank, the most common tank type, can last as long as 40 years. To maximize a septic tank’s lifespan, is it recommended to pump a septic tank every 2 to 3 years. As part of the service call, the septic service company should inspect the complete system for potential issues that could require repairs. Identifying and repairing issues quickly can extend the septic tank and system life. It is also recommended to avoid flushing items down the toilet that could harm the septic system and lead to failure, including hazardous waste, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, paper towels, paint thinner, and other household and personal care items. Learn about septic system lifespan, identifying possible septic tank and septic field failures, and how to extend the life of a septic system.

plumbingmbd2022-01-27T16:07:34+00:00January 27th, 2022|

How to Fix a Sewage Smell in the Bathroom

It is important to resolve sewer smells in your bathroom quickly. Inhaling high levels of sewer gases can cause health problems, including nausea, dizziness, and, in the case of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, even fatality. Airborne pathogens can also be present in your home exposing you to sewer-dwelling germs. And, extremely high levels of sewer gases can even trigger an explosion.

Common causes of sewer smells in a home include clogged sink and shower drains, leaking pipes and p-traps for sink and shower drains, empty p-traps for unused sink and shower drains, a broken wax ring for a toilet, and incorrectly installed vent pipes in a bathroom. Learn about causes of sewer smells in a bathroom and how to resolve them.

plumbingmbd2022-02-12T01:05:47+00:00January 14th, 2022|

How Long Does a Dishwasher, a Key Kitchen Appliance, Last?

A dishwasher – a key kitchen appliance – is constantly exposed to water, acidic food scraps, and abrasive cleaners which can lead to corrosion and breakdown of parts and liners which without regular maintenance, can lead to appliance failure.

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is 9-16 years, with a median longevity of 12 years. There are signs of when a dishwasher needs maintenance or to be replaced, including dishes remaining dirty after washing, dishes not drying when a drying cycle is selected, a water leak, and control panel failure. Steps to take to extend the life of the kitchen appliance include scraping dishes of debris prior to loading, following the manufacturer’s loading suggestions, cleaning filters, air-drying dishes, and making sure water used in cleaning is very hot.

Learn about maintenance that could extend the life of a dishwasher and symptoms that warn of a required repair.

plumbingmbd2021-12-16T18:01:55+00:00December 15th, 2021|

How to Clean Up a Flooded Basement

Basement flooding happens frequently. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the number one disaster in America. Common causes of basement floods include a burst pipe, leaking foundation, or weather-related event. Flooded basement cleanup requires safety precautions and in many instances, professional help.

Flooded basement cleanup typically costs between $3,000-$10,000, with an average cost of $4,000. The estimated cost includes flood remediation and cleanup for approximately 500 square feet and contains 2 feet of water. If the basement is holding only a couple of inches of clean water, the average cost will be approximately $2,000 since there is less water damage service required.

Floods in basements are typically the result of heavy rainfall or fast snow melt, foundation cracks, broken basement windows or poor draining egress, sewer backups, sump pump malfunctions, water heater failure, drainage system failure, improperly sealed basement walls, burst or leaking pipes, and overflowing gutters or improper downspout locations.

Learn about common causes of basement flooding and important steps to remediate the situation.

plumbingmbd2021-11-04T12:33:23+00:00November 3rd, 2021|

Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Systems?

Typically, a home warranty will cover repairs to pipes and other plumbing fixtures. A home warranty is a service plan that provides coverage for service, repair, and replacement of systems and appliances listed in the warranty policy. These policies usually include a deductible but will cover the majority of the service or repair cost. Warranties can provide different types of coverage, including major home systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing as well as appliances.

Plumbing is considered a service, so most warranties provide coverage for indoor pipe and other plumbing repairs. Covered repairs usually include leaks or breaks in pipes, fixing or replacing faucets and valves, fixing or replacing built-in motors and pumps, and basket strainers, and clearing of tub, shower, and toilet blockages and stoppages.

Learn about coverage offered by a typical home warranty.

plumbingmbd2021-11-02T21:39:02+00:00October 29th, 2021|

How to Get Rid of Mold in a Basement

Mold and mildew are common household problems that can cause damage over time if left untreated. This fungus is easy to see, and to ensure that mold and mildew will not come back, you need to find out what caused the mold to grow and address the root cause so that it won’t return. Inspect areas near the mold for active plumbing leaks, condensation on pipes and fittings, basement foundation leaks, high humidity levels, and pre-existing mold infestations.

Mold and mildew infestations can negatively impact the health of those living in the home, especially those with respiratory problems. When mold and mildew are found, it’s important to remove them quickly to prevent harm to the structure and occupants. Common solutions that are used for killing mold include white vinegar, baking soda, bleach, concrobium, and steam. Learn how to remediate mold and prevent it from returning.

plumbingmbd2021-10-22T01:20:37+00:00October 20th, 2021|

How to Hire a Plumber for a Water Heater Repair

While some water heater problems may be fixed with little mechanical knowledge, some issues require professional help. A plumber can assist homeowners in repairing their water heater timely and efficiently, and they can save homeowners money. Hiring a plumber can prevent a homeowner from buying parts for their water heater if the appliance needs to be replaced.

The average cost to repair a water heater is $587, with typical repair costs ranging between $150-$955. Common water heater problems include temperature issues, leaks, and running out of hot water.

When hiring a plumber, make sure the plumber is licensed and is established in your local area, request a quote for the repairs before authorizing work, confirm the plumber has liability insurance and worker’s compensation, and confirm their expertise in water heater repair and replacement.

Learn more about the cost for water heater repair and replacement and considerations before hiring a professional plumber.

plumbingmbd2021-10-22T01:38:29+00:00October 12th, 2021|

Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

There are many reasons why a hot water heater makes noise. Several of those reasons involve minor repairs or maintenance and don’t require a whole water heater replacement. Homeowners should be aware of how water moves and changes inside a water heater and in different parts of a home to understand what causes a water heater to make noise. Understand the cause of water heater noises – including popping, crackling, humming, hammering or knocking, screeching, ticking or tapping, sizzling, and more – and how you can resolve the sounds with simple maintenance or if you need a professional.

plumbingmbd2021-10-12T02:46:03+00:00October 4th, 2021|

Why You Need a Building Permit for a Remodeling Project

To comply with most local building codes, in many instances, you need a building permit for home remodeling projects. Local building departments require a building permit to change load-bearing walls or install plumbing or wiring. Some building departments require permits for other types of updates as well. However, most building departments don’t require building permits for minor home remodeling projects such as painting and replacing carpeting. If a building department or other local authority discovers you didn’t pull a permit for a home remodeling project when it was required, you may face penalties—or worse. Depending on local ordinances, a buyer may be able to back out of a home purchase contract, the updates may need to be removed, homeowners insurance may not cover damages caused by unpermitted work, the homeowners could face fines, and more. Learn more about why a permit should be obtained before starting a home remodeling project.

plumbingmbd2021-10-04T00:56:59+00:00September 21st, 2021|