When Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

Pipes Freezing Solution By Leone PlumbingPipes freezing during the winter season can bring trouble to your plumbing system. How long can your pipes stand the freezing temperature and when should you be worried about pipes freezing? Let’s talk about the issue that freezing pipes can bring and the precautions that everyone can take.

Why Do Water Pipes Freeze And Burst During The Winter?

One plumbing issue to watch out for during the winter season is the bursting of pipes. A pipe may burst if it is not able to handle the pressure that arises from freezing water. During winter, the water inside the line expands as it slowly freezes. While it gets close to freezing, the pressure inside the pipe increases. If the water pressure gets too high for the pipe to handle, it will indeed rupture! The freezing water causes the lines to contract and the weak areas of the pipe may burst. It is recommended that you get your pipes checked and repaired before the winter season.

Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

If the outside temperature is at less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should be worried about pipes freezing! Water begins to freeze as the temperature drops which causes the pipes to freeze. Cold winds can also freeze the pipes. Pipes with cracks or holes allow the cold air from the outside to blow in and may cause ice formation. Once the pipe is freezing, it is at risk of bursting, resulting in leaks and unexpected flooding. But don’t let these scenarios worry you. There are precautions that you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting.

Precautions To Prevent Pipes From Freezing And Bursting

The contraction of pipes caused by the cold weather is something that we cannot control which may cause leaks. However, there is something you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here are some of the precautions you can follow:
  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe (even at a trickle) helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, and set it to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Protect Your Pipes From Bursting This Winter

The winter season can be fun without being worried about your plumbing system. Preventive measures can alleviate the concern you have with pipes freezing. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or water leak this winter, just contact us and we are here to help you!
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Sustainable Eco-Friendly Solutions For Bathroom Drains

Leone Plumbing Eco-Friendly Bathroom DrainsAnother important aspect to consider when building or renovating a bathroom is sustainability. We can achieve sustainability in our projects by considering eco-friendly solutions available in the market. Going green is doable by using sustainable building products such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), porcelain, reclaimed wood, and bamboo flooring. These materials are very popular because they are durable and can last for many years. But today, we will highlight one interesting shower solution that is eco-friendly that meets the standards when it comes to quality sustainable products.

Why Should We Go For Eco-Friendly Solutions For Our Bathroom?

Savoring the good things that life has to offer doesn’t always come with ease. Carbon dioxide emissions are one thing that has a negative impact on the environment around us. In the United States, residential and commercial establishments contribute almost 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. But we can lessen the percentage by going for eco-friendly solutions for bathroom renovation. One successful eco-friendly innovation is the QuickDrain complete shower solution!

The QuickDrain Complete Shower Solution Is An Eco-Friendly And Time-Efficient Option

The QuickDrain shower solution has taken one step towards sustainability from the time of production. Since 2015, the brand has repurposed 19 million plastic bottles into thousands of pre-sloped and tile-ready shower pan systems. For every QuickDrain shower pan system installed, 450 plastic bottles are recycled! The product is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles which makes it the best eco-friendly product you can find. It’s not only friendly to the environment it’s time efficient too. Its interlocking design can be quickly and easily modified directly on-site into any size or shape. Another perk of installing the product is it offers the chance to earn LEED certification points. Eco-Friendly Bathroom Drains Solution

What are LEED points?

LEED is — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design— points from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). USGBC is an organization that promotes and advocates greener and sustainable building design, construction, and operation. It is the most widely used green rating system in the world. LEED-certified homes utilize less energy and few resources which promotes healthy and safe homes.

Go Green With Sustainable Bathroom Drains

It’s a “green choice” to install sustainable bathroom drain systems such as the QuickDrain complete shower solution. Using sustainable materials for your bathroom renovation is a wise contribution you can make to the environment. Let your bathroom renovation go green! Contact us and let’s talk about sustainability for your bathroom renovation needs.
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The Advantages Of Hydro Jetting To Unclog A Drain

Leone Plumbing Hydro Jetting Services It’s not fun to encounter clogged or slow drains. At some point, a homeowner experiences the hassle of dealing with stubborn clogs! Blockage such as grease, minerals, and other debris can create a large mess that can ruin your day. There are many ways to unclog a drain, but for the most stubborn blockages, the best solution is hydro jetting.

What Is Hydro Jetting And Why Is It Highly Recommended To Unclog A Drain?

Hydro Jetting is an effective method to remove dirt buildup on surfaces and also clogs on pipes. This method uses high-velocity water pressure which is injected into pipes using advanced equipment, special hoses, and jet nozzle. The hydro jetting system can work at pressures of as low as 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi) to as high as 60,000 psi (414 MPa), depending on the work to be done. We highly recommend hydro jetting to unclog the drain because of the following advantages.
Extremely Effective In Cleaning Pipes
Hydro jetting requires the use of a high-powered pressure washer in order to unclog a drain. The pressurized stream of water is effective to get rid of any clogs and dirt buildup on pipes. This method is long-lasting compared to snaking and it’s a perfect choice for any size or type of pipe.
It’s Cost-Effective
You can definitely save more money with hydro jetting. This method enables plumbers to clear the drain without opening up the pipes or resorting to expensive and tedious digging. You will yield additional savings with hydro jetting because it prevents future issues such as persistent clogs, water backups, and the risk of pipes bursting.Leone Plumbing Unclog Drain Services
Environmentally Safe
Since hydro jetting only uses a pressurized stream of water, there is no need to use harmful chemicals that can damage plants, trees, or contaminate nearby water sources.
It’s More Sanitary
Using conventional plumbing methods increases the risk of coming in contact with sewage debris. This is not the case with hydro jetting since the plumber will minimize contact with sewage and spend less time unclogging the drain.
More Flexibility
To unclog a drain with hydro jetting doesn’t require digging underground or opening walls. It can clean hard-to-reach areas of your pipes without exposing your home piping system. This method is also ideal for older homes where plumbing is less accessible and fragile as well. It’s safe and won’t damage pipes despite the high water pressures.

Need Help To Unclog A Drain?

We can help to resolve clogged drains in no time through the hydro jetting method. Contact us today to know more about hydro jetting, and to schedule an appointment.              

Photo Credit: “Pipes” from Canva 

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The Importance Of Professional Drain Cleaning Service

Leone Plumbing and Heating Professional Drain Cleaning Services With all of the events that happened last holiday season, have you thought of what went down to your drain? After the party when you are washing dishes, grease and food particles are washed down your drain. That is in addition to soap, hair, and dirt that are making their way through your plumbing system when you take a shower. When was the last time you scheduled a drain cleaning service? Perhaps, you need to prioritize giving your drain the service it deserves.

Why should you prioritize drain cleaning service?

Drains can sometimes go unnoticed until they clog. Irregular cleaning of your shower and sink drains can wreak havoc on your plumbing system which can be very costly! That is why you must prioritize drain cleaning service routinely to reduce any future damages to your home’s plumbing system. Business establishments also need to consider getting their drain serviced since commercial plumbing system tends to work heavily on regular basis.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

Professional drain cleaning services are important with the following benefits.
Reduces Clogging For Faster Drains
Over time, accumulated food particles and debris can result in serious clog issues. Regular cleaning can clear clogs which results in faster drains.
Extends Your Drain’s Lifespan
Regular cleaning can prolong the lifespan of your drains since it minimizes any damages that gradually accumulate.
Eliminates Bad Odors
Stucked food particles and debris on your drain may cause unpleasant odors. Drain cleaning removes not only clogs but eliminates odors too.
Prevents Expensive Repairs
Regular drain maintenance can resolve small issues before they get worse. A professional plumber can identify the issues early on with routine maintenance.

What can you expect from a Professional Drain Cleaning Service?

A professional drain cleaning service ensures to prevent and even eliminate clog issues that pose as a health hazard that can also damage the property. A professional plumber also has the appropriate tools and expertise to resolve plumbing issues without putting your plumbing system at risk of further damage. As a plumbing professional, here is how we approach drain maintenance service.
Clog Assessment
We carefully assess the problem first before offering the right resolution.
Video Inspection
A video camera can identify the cause of clogging. This tool can go below the home or business establishment’s pipes using visible light. It can also identify other issues that need attention like fine cracks that cause leaks. Professional Drain Cleaning Services Provided by Leone Plumbing
Clog Removal
Upon figuring out the issue, we perform Drain Snaking to remove clogs. Depending on the type of clog, we may use hand-cranked or motor-operated snakes.
Hydro-Jetting
For commercial customers such as apartment complexes and plazas that have restaurants, we use a “Jetter” to clean out the sewer lines. This is mainly done to prevent a clog from happening in the future that may cause business downtime. Leone Plumbing Offers Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Set Up An Appointment With Us

We can help you with any professional drain or plumbing concerns. Contact us to book an appointment!  

Photo Credits: Canva

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The Importance of A Clean Shower Drain

Importance of A Clean Shower Drain By Leone Plumbing A clean shower drain is important for a healthy and efficient plumbing system. If you disregard any small clogs or pile up such as hair, it will accumulate and can become a serious plumbing concern to deal with. A clogged shower drain can disrupt the balance of the pressure in your plumbing system which causes the pipes to rupture. The obvious sign of a clogged shower drain is the presence of murky standing water pooling on your ankles. To maintain a clean shower drain, you need to identify the culprits that can clog your drain.

The Culprits That Causes Shower Drain Clogs

There are many culprits that can clog your shower drain. Hair is the most common cause of drain clog. Normally, people may shed 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. Hair can wrap itself with other items that can intensify the clog issue. When you shower, it produces soap scum which flows to the shower drain. Soap scum is a binder that holds together hair and other items in the drain. Aside from hair, other causes are loose towel thread, plastic fibers, and small toys (this can happen if you have a toddler) that could be washed down the drain and cause a clog.

Simple Preventive Methods For A Clean Shower Drain

Achieving that goal of having a clean shower drain is easy with preventive measures. Here are the suggested methods to prevent your shower drain from getting clogged.
  1. A Drain Cover Can Help
Small items and hair can easily get through your drain every time you shower. A drain cover can stop small items and hair to enter your drain. Leone Plumbing Clean Shower Drain Tips
  1. Minimize Oil And Grease Usage
Most shower and bath products contain oil and grease that can cause clogs. The residues from oil and grease every time you shower can build up on your drain over time. We suggest using these occasionally to avoid oil or grease getting into your drain.
  1. Routine Rinsing
If you see visible small items and hair, clear them out immediately and don’t wait for them to accumulate. Once you are done showering, you can let the hot shower water run for a few minutes.
  1. Baking Soda And Vinegar
These are natural alternatives that are less corrosive than chemical cleaners. They contain properties that can dissolve clogs. Regularly pour vinegar into the drain and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. After that, flush the drain with hot water. It’s also the same with baking soda. Pour some baking soda into the drain with hot running water. This can help clear the drain and stop odors.

For Persisting Shower Drain Clog Concerns, Consult An Expert

Do not tolerate a slowly draining shower. This can be a sign of serious plumbing concern. Call us for professional help! Contact us today.      

| Photo Credits: From FreeImages – Csaba J. Szabo, PexelsKsenia Chernaya

 
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Common Problems With Kitchen Sink Drains

  Kitchen Sink Plumbing Service by Leone Plumbing The kitchen sink drain is one of the most essential parts of your kitchen. For your kitchen to perform efficiently and smoothly, it needs to have a well-functioning plumbing system. Many homeowners are still intimidated by kitchen sink plumbing issues. It is not only inconvenient to deal with, but it can also cause serious damage to your home!

Can I fix kitchen plumbing issues by myself or call a professional?

It is important to know when to pick up the phone to call a professional and when to fix the issue by yourself. Regardless, any of these common kitchen sink drain problems can bring you much stress:
Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain
This is a common issue with any kitchen sink drain. Food and other debris may cause a buildup on your sink drain which causes foul odor and may attract insects. One way to deal with this issue is to simply pull out food waste or blockage from the drain. Using a plunger can help to pull the clog out by yourself. You can also use (non-acid-based) chemicals to dissolve clogs.  If these tactics don’t work, you need to call a professional plumber.
Leaking Kitchen Faucet
Before calling a professional, you may attempt to fix it on your own. If the leakage is coming from the base of the spout, the O-ring seal might have been worn out. Before you dismantle the faucet, turn off the water source. To locate the O-ring, pull out the coupling nut and gently coax the spout from its socket.  You can then replace the O-ring seal if it’s worn out.
Leak Under The Sink
The possible reason why there is water beneath your sink is because of a leaking drain basket. It is the area underneath the drain where water should flow into the plumbing. Leaking may happen if there is a bad connection or it is not sealed properly. This kitchen sink plumbing issue is very easy to fix by replacing the part.
Clogged Faucets
This is a kitchen sink plumbing concern that is mostly overlooked. To determine if your faucet is clogged, you need to unscrew it to the very end. You then need to pull out the strainer and check if there is any debris that is causing the obstruction. Clogs can happen when there is a build-up of mineral deposits or sediments in the internal faucet parts. You may attempt to investigate prior to calling in a professional. If not, leave it to us and we will take care of everything!

Kitchen Sink Plumbing Tips

Avoid using acid cleaner products for your kitchen sink drain that can erode the pipes. Go for an enzyme-based cleaner instead. Kitchen sink drain clogs are usually resolved using a small snake machine. Using a plunger might help, but it can be challenging due to several openings that don’t allow the plunger to get good suction.

Trust The Kitchen Sink Plumbing Experts

If the issue is out of your control, leave it to us. Contact us today and we are here to help!   | Photo Credits: Pixabay, Canva  
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