Prevention and Removal of Limescales In The Plumbing System

Limescales Prevention and Removal Service By Leone Plumbing and Heating At some point, a home may encounter issues with limescale building up on a plumbing system. It happens over time which affects the performance of your plumbing system. Today, we will talk about the causes of limescale buildup and how we can treat and prevent it from accumulating on pipes.

What Causes Limescale to Buildup On Pipes?

Most homes that are affected by mineral or limescale build-up are those that are located in areas that use hard water supply. Hard water is known to have a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals transform into a hard crust inside the pipes. These mineral deposits are not only building up inside the plumbing system but they can also accumulate inside your water-using appliances. If not treated, you may encounter plumbing issues such as:
  • Low Water Pressure
  • Clogged Pipes
  • Corroded Pipes

How Do We Prevent Limescale From Building Up On The Plumbing System?

Before we talk about the different solutions to remove the lime buildup, you should know the ways you can prevent it from accumulating.

Installing An Inline Filter

Installing an inline filter on the incoming water line is one way to prevent minerals from building up on pipes. These filters remove minerals and other substances from the water preventing them from accumulating in the pipes.

Use Water Softeners

Using water softeners is a known effective way of preventing the build-up of lime in the plumbing system. Through a process called ion exchange, it works by exchanging minerals like calcium and magnesium for sodium or potassium. This process removes the amount of minerals (e.g. calcium and magnesium) in the water that may build up in the plumbing system.

Use Deionized or Distilled Water

Using deionized or distilled water won’t contribute to lime buildup since they are free of minerals.

Installing Stainless Steel Pipes

Installing or upgrading to stainless steel pipes is also recommended to avoid issues with lime buildup. Stainless steel pipes are known to be resistant to corrosion and rusting (which are often the result of limescale buildup).

Removing Limescale Buildup From The Plumbing System Leone Plumbing and Heating Tips on Limescales Removal

Home remedies such as pouring vinegar on the drain and leaving it overnight can help dissolve stubborn limescale. Vinegar is an effective dissolving agent due to its acidic properties. After leaving your drain with vinegar overnight, just flush it with hot water. Another home remedy you can use is baking soda. You can use baking soda as an abrasive agent to scrub minerals that are building up on pipe surfaces. Simply mix a cup of baking soda with two cups of warm water (consistency should be similar to a paste). You can also regularly pour hot water on pipes to flush the minerals before they accumulate and clog the pipes over time.

Having Problems Dealing With Stubborn Lime Buildup?

Minerals building up on your plumbing system can be a very difficult problem to deal with. If home remedies and preventive measures don’t resolve the issue, the best option is to contact a professional to provide a better solution! So contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are here to help!  
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What Makes My Air Conditioner Water Leaking?

Causes air conditioner water to leak and what can be done about it. A leaking air conditioner is a very unsettling issue to handle. Looking at your air conditioner water leaking on the floor is such a messy sight. It adds to the discomfort given by the hot summer weather! Why is your air conditioner water leaking and what can be done about it?

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Water Leaking

Common causes of air conditioner water leakTo handle the issue of air conditioner water leaking, you have to be aware of the following causes.
Deteriorating Pipes
How old is your AC? Old deteriorating pipes may cause the AC water to leak. One possibility is that the pipes are not actually leaking and instead, condensation is forming on the pipes because the insulating cover has deteriorated. Purchasing a new cover would solve this problem. If the water is still dripping despite replacing the pipe cover, it’s possible that the leak isn’t condensation but an underlying problem with the pipe itself. In this case, it would be best if you contact a professional plumber to inspect and fix the problem.
Unwashed or Greasy Air Filters
The AC’s airflow can be blocked if the air filters are dirty. It hampers the air to get into the evaporator coil until it becomes cold and freezes. Eventually, the frozen water would melt excessively causing it to leak indoors. It’s better to replace the air filter if it’s filthy!
Clogged Drainage
Always remember that water will always find its way to get out. Dirt and dust collected on the drainage can block the water. To avoid this problem, make it a habit to regularly check the AC drainage for any clogs that block the water flow. If the issue keeps on persisting after cleaning the drainage, then it’s time to seek help from a professional.
Leaky Refrigerant
The refrigerant is one important component of an AC that converts warm air into cool air. If there is a gurgling or hissing sound coming from the indoor unit, and when the AC is not blowing cool air as it should be, these can be signs that you have a leaky refrigerant. A refrigerant leak is not only harmful to your health but also to the environment. It’s best to contact a professional to deal with this issue.
Incorrect AC Installation
Water from your AC may leak if the unit is installed unevenly. AC water may flow indoors causing unpleasant puddles. If your AC is unevenly installed, contact a professional plumber to place your AC correctly.

Leone Plumbing Air Conditioner Water Leaking Repair ServiceDo You Need Help Fixing Your AC Water Leaking?

If you need a hand to fix your AC water leaking, contact us and our team of professionals is here to help! We are Rochester New York’s best plumbers. We commit to providing quality service for all your plumbing needs.    
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Dealing With Sewage Water Backing Up Into The Bathtub

Experiencing sewage water backing up through your bathtub is a terrible issue to deal with! It is one of the dreaded plumbing concerns for any homeowners. Sewage coming up through the bathtub not only brings unpleasant odors but also health hazards due to harmful organisms and contaminants present in the dirty water. It is important not to touch or directly have contact with the sewage water as it may cause serious illness. How do you deal with this trouble and why is it happening?

Reasons for Sewage Water To Backup

A clogged sewer line is the main culprit for sewage backing up through your tub. Your bathtub, sinks, and toilets are all connected to a single sewer line. This line carries the wastewater from your residence down to the main sewage system of the city. If this sewer line is clogged, the wastewater would back up through your drains, shower, and bathtub. There are no other passages where the wastewater would flow but back to your home! Many items can block your sewer line like: What causes sewage water backing up into the bathtub by Leone Plumbing
  • Cooking oil, grease, and fats
  • Small items, kid’s toys, and jewelry
  • Refuse or litter
  • Food waste
  • Tree roots invasion
  • Rodents
  • Hair

How to Prevent Sewage Water From Backing Up?

Early detection and treatment of clogs on the sewer line is one way to avoid sewage water backup. By taking heed of the following common signs, you can intercept the problem.
Recurring Clogs
If things get out of hand despite home remedies, it is better to leave it to the professionals than take a chance that it gets worse. Frequent clogging of drains calls for a professional plumber to work on the issue. Keep small items (kid’s toys, jewelry, and the like) away from your sink or shower drains so they won’t shoot accidentally into the drains causing clog. Simple home garbage management can also help. 
Slow Draining of Water
If the water is draining slower than expected, it’s a sign that something is clogging your sewer line. You can unclog the pipe by snaking it to break whatever is causing the blockage. If the wastewater drains smoothly, then you have successfully gotten rid of the clog. If not, then it’s time to contact a professional plumber to handle the problem.
Gurgling Noise While Draining Water
If you hear an unusual gurgling noise from your sink or shower drain when you shower, it can tell you that the sewer line is clogged. You can try using simple home remedies like pouring baking soda and vinegar or hot water to unclog the pipe. If the DIY remedies won’t work, a plumber knows what to do.

Hire A Professional Plumber To Deal With Sewage Water Backup

Free yourself from the stress of sewage water backing up into your bathtub. If simple home DIY remedies or solutions do not go well, then contact a professional plumber! At the early signs of sewer line clogs, contact Rochester, New York’s best plumbers to schedule an appointment. We are here at your service!
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Fixing Low Water Pressure In Your Home

Fixing Low Water Pressure In Your Home By Leone PlumbingEnding the day with a refreshing shower is satisfying and it relieves all the day’s stress. But this moment can be spoiled with a trickle of water coming out from your shower due to low pressure. This issue does not only affect your shower but also the kitchen and the toilet. If you are getting a few drips of drinking water from your kitchen faucet or your toilet tank is slowly filling up after you flush, then it’s telling you that the water pressure has dropped.

Why Are We Having Low Water Pressure?

The most common reasons for your water pressure to drop are:
  • Clogged pipes (due to mineral deposits).
  • Corroded pipes.
  • Blocked water meter valve or damaged main city water supply pipe.
  • High water demand.
  • Malfunctioning pressure regulator.
  • Tree roots invasion on pipes.
There are practical solutions to address the issue. Let’s look at some of the ways to remedy the problem. Leone plumbing low water pressure service solution

How to Increase Your Home’s Water Pressure

Test the city water pressure. 
First, perform a test by using a water pressure gauge connected to the hose. What you will do is screw the gauge to the hose faucet. For an accurate reading, make sure that your home’s water supply and (water-using) appliances are all turned off. Normal results should be between 40 and 80 psi for residential use. If you are getting below the normal psi reading, then it’s relatively low. If you find similar results with your neighbors, then it’s a citywide issue. Contact your city’s municipal water supply to inspect and fix the problem.
Installing a pressure booster pump.
You can boost the pressure by installing a booster pump. This is ideal if you are on a public water supply and frequently experiencing low pressure.
Adjusting the pressure-reducing valve.
If your home’s main water supply has a pressure-reducing valve, then it may need a bit of adjustment. Simply loosen the locknut on the valve so it can increase the pressure.
Check your faucet and shower head for clogs.
Mineral deposits may build up over time that clog your faucet and shower head. These clogs can decrease the pressure. You can fix the issue by using simple home remedies. You can detach the shower head and faucet then soak them in a container of white vinegar for a few hours and rinse them with water. This process will naturally dissolve the mineral deposits.
Replace corroded pipes. 
The inside of the pipes becomes narrow due to pipe corrosion which prevents normal pressure. You can tell if your pipes are extremely corroded if the water coming out from the faucet is red and rusty. The best way to deal with this issue is pipe replacement.

Leave Your Low Water Pressure Concern To Us!

We understand how frustrating it can be. But we got you! Contact us right away to make an appointment.
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Bubbles In The Toilet: Is There Something Wrong?

Fixing Bubbles In The Toilet by Leone PlumbingYour toilet can show unusual signs if there is something wrong with it. One sign that you should be concerned about is when you see bubbles in the toilet. If the toilet is bubbling with an unusual gurgling sound after you flush, it could indicate that there is a problem. You should not ignore these signs! Today, let’s discuss why this could be happening and potential solutions.

Why Do I See Bubbles In The Toilet?

There are reasons why you see bubbles in the toilet. If you see this initial sign with unusual rumbling and gurgling noise, then it can be for the following reasons.
Clogged Drains
If the toilet drains or the overflow openings of the toilet are clogged, air won’t flow properly. This occurs because there is no other outlet in addition to the toilet bowl, pressurized gas created by the trapped air comes out as bubbles every time you flush. This issue calls for a service of a professional plumber. A professional plumber can find and remove any objects (large or small) that are clogging the main drain pipe and the overflow openings of your toilet.
Obstruction On The Vent Stack
The vent stack is designed to be open at all times. It regulates air pressure in the plumbing system and releases exhaust gas. If the vent stack is blocked, it will release negative pressure that slows down the draining system. The common obstructions are leaves, twigs, and birds’ nests. You need to contact a professional plumber to inspect and fix the issue.
Clogged Mainline
A clogged mainline can also cause negative air pressure in the pipes which causes the odd toilet bubbling and gurgling. If the clog is in the municipal sewer line, then it is your town’s responsibility and you should not do the repair yourself.
Too Much Air In The Water Tank
If you hear your toilet gurgling every time you fill up your water tank, then it means there is excess air. You will also see bubbles in the toilet because of it. To fix this, you need to open your toilet’s filler valve and let the water drain, then refill it again. In this way, you can get rid of any excess gas inside. If the issue still persists, contact a professional plumber to avoid further complications.

Get Rid Of That Toilet Bubbling And Gurgling!

Do not let yourself be bothered by the gurgling sound and bubbles in the toilet. If your toilet is starting to bubble with a gurgling noise, call us and allow our licensed plumber to help you. Leone Plumbing Professional Fixing Bubbles In The Toilet Conern  
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DIY Emergency Solutions: How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?

how to unclog a toilet without a plunger by Leone plumbingUnexpected situations can happen anytime. It may stress us but also push us to become resourceful in resolving a problem. Take it as an example if you deal with a clogged toilet without a plunger. Dealing with a clogged toilet without any tool on hand can be a nightmare! So how to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In this article, we will discuss other resources you can find at home which you can use to deal with a clogged toilet.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Using These 5 DIY Solutions Found At Home

Pour Hot Water
If you have a bucket (or any large containers), fill it up with hot water. Do not use boiling water or else it may crack the porcelain toilet. From the waist level, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. As you pour the hot water, its pressure and heat can dislodge whatever is clogging your toilet.
Use A Dish Soap
Your kitchen has an available solution on how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You can use dish soap as a quick remedy! If pouring hot water doesn’t work, add about half-cup of dish soap into the toilet. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then flush it again with hot water. Its lubricating property can help the clogged debris to flow down easily.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Another popular DIY solution is using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the clogged toilet. What you need to do is add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Next, slowly pour the vinegar into the toilet until it bubbles. The fizz may dissipate the clog through the pipe as you flush.
DIY Drain Snake Using A Wire Hanger
You can turn a wire hanger into a DIY drain snake. To do so, straighten out the wire hanger. Then, push it down and prob whatever is clogging the toilet. Though this can be effective, we do not recommend this approach as it may scratch the porcelain (do this approach at your own risk).
Use A 2-Liter Plastic Bottle
Fill the plastic bottle with warm water. You should wear rubber hand gloves when doing this since you’ll get your hands into the bowl. Once you fit the top end of the bottle into the toilet bowl, place your thumb over it and squeeze to shoot out warm water. The water pressure that it makes should displace the clog.

What To Do If The Toilet Is Still Clogged?

There are many resourceful ways how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. But there are times when DIY solutions may not do well in our favor. There might be a serious clogged issue on your toilet that needs to be dealt with by a professional. If this happens, contact us and we will be glad to help you!
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