Your drains are an incredibly important part of your plumbing system.

When drains become clogged, they do not function properly and this can be quite frustrating. Since drains are used so often, it is common for them to get clogged now and then. While most drain systems in your home are out of sight, there are some obvious warning signs that you need to have your drains cleaned.

It is important to have your drains cleaned at the first sign of a clog. If you notice that water is accumulating in the bottom of the tub while you are taking a shower, it is probably due to an excessive amount of soap scum and hair in your drain. Instances where your kitchen sink is not draining properly could be due to food particles and grease building up in the drain.

Think about all the waste that goes through your drains on a daily basis. When you start to notice a foul smell coming from your drains, chances are that there is mildew and bacteria growing in them. If you are running water in a sink that has a clogged drain, it could overflow onto your countertop and floors exposing your family to bacteria that breeds easily under these conditions.

No matter what the cause of your drain clogs, it is important to have a professional clean your drains for you. Failure to take the necessary steps in getting rid of clogs can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Clogged drains can throw off the balance of pressure in your plumbing system and can potentially lead to cracked or burst pipes. Homeowners often try to unclog drains using chemicals purchased at the local hardware store, but these chemicals don’t always get rid of clogs completely. The truth of the matter is that nothing beats a professional drain cleaning by your local plumbing company.

While some clogs may seem harmless like a slow draining sink or bathtub, they should be taken care of as soon as possible. Proper drain maintenance comes along with owning a home just as any other common household issues do. Having your drains inspected and cleaned regularly is the best way to make sure you avoid any of these problems.

Not all home improvements actually increase the value of your home.

Whether or not an upgrade will increase the value really depends on the homes current value and the value of similar homes in the area. Improvements made to improve the homes functionality can in fact increase the overall value of the home.

Many plumbing improvements can add functionality to your home. For example, improvements to your home to prevent floods and upgrading or improving plumbing can increase the value of the home.

Replacing Faucets – This is a small improvement that can make a big impact on the overall look of your bathroom or kitchen.

Installing Energy Efficient Toilets – Newer toilets use a significantly lower amount of water than toilets that are 20 years or older. Newer toilets use about 1.5 gallons of water per flush whereas a 20 year old toilet uses about 5 gallons of water per flush.

Water Conserving Fixtures – Low-flow shower and faucet heads may add value and appeal to your home. The latest designs can conserve water while providing superior water pressure.

Tankless Water Heaters – Tankless water heaters only heat water as it is used eliminating the need to keep water heated in a tank until it is used. These units can both reduce your energy cost and water consumption.

If you’re facing a big plumbing project, you’ll want experience on your side. There are many options out there and it’s difficult to know if you are getting the best for the job. Consider these tips when looking for the right plumbing project contractor for you.

Do plenty of research.

There is a wealth of information and reviews available online—so make sure you take advantage. Check for the length of time they have been in business as well as if they have any certifications. Does the owner have any formal education? Are they licensed as a Master Plumber?

Get fee information right away.

A great plumber that you can’t afford is not useful, so make sure you find out what it will cost up front. Most reliable businesses will give you an estimate and if it’s not an emergency, you have time to get several quotes. They should also give you a quote on anything that might come up outside of that original quote before they do the work.

Come to the meeting prepared.

Bring a list of questions to the first meeting so that you are prepared to get all the information you need to make your decision. Questions about materials, promptness and schedule of work to be done are all completely acceptable and usually expected.

Though there are people who will try to take advantage of you, most plumbers are out to help people and support their families. With just a little bit of preparation and time, you can be sure you are getting a great, trustworthy plumber that you can use over and over again.

Water Heater Replacement: How to Choose Your New Water Heater

Unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever: the life span of the unit is anywhere from 8 to 12 years. After 10 years of life, you may notice your water heater starts to leak, stops working from time to time, and loses productivity. Purchasing a new water heater may seem expensive, but you will be saving money in the long run. A brand new unit will be energy efficient and will likely cause your energy bills to go down. It may sometimes be cheaper to buy a new unit rather than pay for your old one to be repaired multiple times. If you are set on purchasing a new water heater in the Springfield, MO area, where do you start? Here are a few factors to consider when looking for a new unit.

Gas or Electric?

The main two types of water heaters are gas or electric units. If you own a stove or furnace, chances are you probably have a gas water heater. Electric units usually cost a little bit less, but are not as efficient as gas water heater. If you have a large family, you may want to invest in a gas unit. If you expect your energy bill to be low, chose an electric water heater.

Efficiency

Energy efficiency is very important when shopping for water heater units. When looking at a water heater, you should find a sticker on the side of the unit indicating the current consumption of energy. Solar water units are the most efficient types of water heaters, and can cut your energy bill to almost nothing. However, they are a large investment and must be used with another type of unit such as a gas water heater to perform effectively.

Size

Check that the unit you plan on purchasing will actually fit in the space allotted in your home. It may seem silly, but it is always a good idea to measure your current water heater before you go look for another one.

Gallon Capacity and Recovery Rate

These numbers indicate how many gallons the water heater can hold and the quantity of water it can heat. If you have a large family, chances are you will use more water than an average household will. Make sure that you chose a water heater with an appropriate capacity and recovery rate.

Replacing a water heater unit can be a challenging process for someone with no plumbing background. These guidelines should help you understand what to look for when replacing or upgrading a water heater. You should not attempt to install the unit alone, as it is a very complex system and implies dealing with gas lines. Rely on residential plumbing services in Springfield, MO to do the job and help you save money on your energy bills in the end.