Water Heater Maintenance: How Is Descaling Done Professionally?
June 22, 2022 Plumbing, Water Heaters No comments yet
Leone Plumbing & Heating Water Heater Maintenance ServiceWater heater maintenance should be done regularly to prolong the life of your water heater. One way that you can maintain your water heater is through descaling. Descaling is a must and should be done at least every 2 years. This is an essential water heater maintenance solution that should not be missed! But how would you do it? Would you do it yourself (DIY) or by a professional?

Why Is It Better To Let A Professional Perform Descaling?

Nowadays, you can easily access information online that can provide you with steps on how to descale your water heater. While DIY descaling can be a thrilling and fun experience, it can further escalate the problem and can create much damage if you mess up. If you fail due to a lack of professional experience, it will not only cause you stress but would also cost you a lot of money. You will then realize that it is more cost-effective for a professional to perform descaling rather than doing it yourself with uncertainty. Water heater maintenance can be easy (which you can resort to DIY solutions) and can also be complicated. In the case of descaling, it can be complicated if you’re not familiar with the parts of your water heater. That is why you should let a professional plumber handle the descaling.

How Does A Professional Plumber Do The Descaling?

Professional Plumbers are certified and well trained to handle the descaling of your water heater. They have hands-on experience in how to locate the pipes and open up the wall if needed. Descaling can be a complicated water heater maintenance solution. It involves detaching and reconnecting the water heater and a professional is good with these tasks. To descale the water heater, a professional plumber performs the following steps.
  • Disconnect (turn off) the heater from its power source.
  • Valves are closed to stop the cold water to fill the heater.
  • The valves that connect the water heater to the home are also closed.
  • To relieve the pressure, purge valves are opened to keep the rubber washers.
  • Hosing lines are attached depending on the model of the water heater.
  • Re-open the purge valves.
  • Run a descaling solution down the water heater to remove the scales.
  • Flush and drain for at least 45 minutes following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Before disconnecting the hose, purge valves are closed.
  • The water heater is then reconnected to the home’s water system.
  • Switch on the water heater to restart.

Let A Professional Do The Descaling For You

For complicated water heater maintenance jobs such as descaling, it is always the right choice to trust a Professional Plumber to do the job. They are more experienced, equipped, trained, and have the know-how in dealing with water heater descaling. Contact us if you seek professional help. Schedule an appointment with us today!Water Heater Maintenance Service By Leone  
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What Is The Difference Between A Cast Iron and PVC Sewer Pipe?
January 31, 2022 Plumbing, Sewer Lines No comments yet
Leone Plumbing's Sewer Pipes Replacement Service Sewer pipes are one of the important components of a good plumbing system. The most popular choices are cast iron and PVC sewer pipes. With these options, which pipe is better? Before you pick which pipe to use, make sure to know the difference so you can determine which material is best for your needs.

Facts About Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes have a long history of usage dating back as early as the 1600s. Most old buildings still hold cast iron pipes for many decades (even centuries). Cast iron sewer pipes can withstand the test of time. The famous fountains of Versaille in France hold the oldest water supply system using cast iron from the late 17th century which is still in use up to this day! With its long history, we can say that durability is the main strength of a cast iron pipe. The fountains of Versailles in France holds some of the oldest water supply system (including sewer pipes) using cast iron from the late 17th century.

Facts About PVC Pipes

PVC pipes have been used for 80 years in plumbing and construction. It is relatively young compared to cast iron pipes. This material is made from plastic and has many benefits. It is popularly used because it’s lightweight and most of all, versatile. PVC pipes are also durable and resistant to corrosion and increasing temperature.

Important Comparison Points Between Cast Iron and PVC Sewer Pipes

Flexibility
A cast iron is indeed a strong material. But when a blunt force is applied, it can become brittle and break. PVC on the other hand is much more flexible and resistant to blunt forces and does not break easily.
Friction In Water
Friction can fluctuate water pressure. PVC pipes are much smoother than cast iron pipes. That means, there is less fluid friction and flow rates are consistent with PVC pipes compared to cast iron.
Cost
PVC pipes are almost half the price of cast iron pipes. Since the material is lightweight, installation is much easier which can also lower the labor cost.
Fire Resistance
Cast iron pipes can resist high temperatures and won’t melt easily. The heat threshold of PVC is 450 degrees which can melt in the event of fires.
Noise
Vibration can produce sound (noise). A cast-iron pipe is thick and dense and does not cause too much vibration when water flows through. Since PVC pipe is lightweight, it could vibrate due to water flows which result in noise.
Corrosion
Over time, a cast iron is subject to rust and corrosion and requires regular maintenance. That is not the case with PVC which can withstand rust and corrosion since it’s made of plastic.
Adjustability
Cast iron pipes are adjustable compared to PVC. The fittings can be adjusted even after the installation. However, with PVC, the portion of the plumbing system has to be replaced should there be changes needed.

Between Cast Iron And PVC Sewer Pipes, Which Are Better?

We highly recommend using PVC pipes for modern plumbing systems. The reality for most home and business owners today is that sewer waste contains much more than pure running water like the fountains of Versailles. Grease from the kitchen as well as other sewer waste can lead to significant corrosion and a shorter life expectancy in cast-iron pipes. Leone Plumbing therefore highly recommends using PVC pipes for modern plumbing systems. If you are unsure of the option, contact us today for a consultation.                                                      

Photo Credit: Versailles Fountain – Ernelina at Pixabay

 
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Radiant Heat Driveway: The Advantages and Drawbacks
July 16, 2021 Plumbing No comments yet
Radiant Heat Driveway Install By Leone Plumbing   Are you shoveling snow at least 10 times (or more) every week during winter? Getting rid of snow and ice on your driveway can be a major back sore! With a radiant heat driveway system, you can put aside your shovels during the winter season. If you prioritize safety, installing a heated driveway helps to minimize the safety hazards of slippery pavements. It can also prevent accidents for your loved ones and visitors. If you are considering installing a heated driveway system, we present to you the pros and cons to help you decide. Radiant Heat Driveway Installation By Leone Plumbing

The Advantages of a Radiant Heat Driveway System

Now, we will take a look at the advantages or the pros of having a radiant heat driveway system.
Minimal Maintenance Service
A radiant heat driveway system can operate for many years upon installation. Barring unforeseen issues, there is nothing more you need to do. Just ensure that the heating components are large and spaced evenly, and sharp stones were not present when the driveway was drenched.
Shovel-Free Winter
Say goodbye to back pain and give yourself a break during winter. Getting rid of snow shoveling lessens accidents such as slip-and-fall. You can also avoid frostbites and hypothermia from shoveling outdoors for a long time. The risk of unintentionally chipping your pavement with shovels can be prevented.
Avoid The Hazards Of Deicing
Rock salts or other deicers have damaging effects on your pavement and close-by plants. It is better to minimize or stop its usage. Aside from that, you can eliminate the risk of contact or accidental ingestion of deicers to your kids and pets.

Drawbacks of a Radiant Heat Driveway System

From discussing the pros, let us talk about the drawbacks or cons of a heated driveway.
Costly Installation
Installing a heated driveway can be expensive. In order to incorporate a sub-pavement heating system, a new driveway has to be set in place. A new driveway plus the heating system itself may cost thousands of dollars.
The Expense Of Repair
If properly placed, the heated driveway system doesn’t require maintenance. But if they do, the entire driveway needs to be dismantled for repair. It is also expensive to fix electrical wires and PVC tubes if punctured. This is why it’s important to choose the right and experienced heated driveway system installers.
Operating Cost
The total expense to operate a heated driveway may depend on the size of the heated area. The bigger the area it covers, the higher the operational cost. Temperature is also a contributing factor including how frequently snow/ice accumulates.

Make Your Driveway Winter Ready

Installing a heated driveway is worth the investment. It will not only keep your driveway snow-free, but it also protects your family and friends from accidents. It is best to install a heated driveway system before winter begins. Contact us today to find out more!                                                                                                                                                                              

| Photo Credits: (Man Shoveling) Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash,  (Driveway) Photo by Eric Mclean on Pexels

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Water Leak Detector: Detect Water Leak And Protect Your Property
June 30, 2021 Plumbing No comments yet
water leak detector installation by Leone Plumbing One of the main causes of property damage is water leaks. This problem is also causing crucial wastage of water resources. If not prevented, water leaks can foster the growth of molds. This can bring serious health concerns to any individual inside the property. For this reason, having a water leak detector is a wise move when it comes to leak detection.

Why should you consider installing a water leak detector?

If you care for your property and the people around you, you need to consider installing a detector for water leaks. Undetected leaks can cause terrible damage due to accumulated water. A small leak may further intensify into inconvenient water invasion incidents if not treated. But with the aid of a leak detector, you can spot water leaks in no time which help you in:
  • Conserving water resources.
  • Preventing the accumulation of molds.
  • Protecting furniture, appliances, and other important keepsakes from water damage.
  • Avoiding structural damages to the property.

Water Leak Detector Types

Water leak detectors come in various types depending on the technology. Here are the three main types.
Flow Meters
It reads the flow velocity, pressure, and vibration inside the pipeline. Any abnormal readings indicate escaping water from a leak. An analytics platform interprets the reading that helps to locate cracks so you can perform maintenance.
Acoustic Sensors
This system uses sound to locate leaks. The noise produced by water seeping through a fracture is captured by the system’s acoustic sensors. The size of a leak is determined through sound. If it captures high-frequency sound, it is interpreted as a small leak and vice versa.
Flood Sensors
This is the most common leak detector type.  A flood sensor triggers an alarm if the gadget came in contact with water. Other flood sensors have an option to adjust the level of water detection to avoid false alarms.

Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector

Aside from the mentioned main detector types, there are other types as well such as Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector. We mostly use Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak And Freeze Detector. This gadget will alert you once it detects moisture and freezing temperatures. Its sensors can record the humidity and temperature of the area being monitored. When you are at home, you are notified by audible alerts or text messages if you are away. Leone Plumbing water leak detector installation

Protect Your Property From Water Leaks

If not prevented, water leaks may cause significant damage to your property. Afterward, they are a huge hassle to deal with and may disrupt your regular activities. Protect your home or establishment from water leaks with the help of a water leak detector. Talk to us to know what device fits your needs and budget. We have a team of experienced technicians to help you with proper installation. | Photo Credits: Pixabay, Canva
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Common Problems With Kitchen Sink Drains
April 28, 2021 Drains, Faucets, Plumbing, Sewer Lines No comments yet
  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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How Are Sewer Cameras Used In Sewer Line Inspection?
April 15, 2021 Plumbing, Sewer Lines No comments yet
Sewer Camera Inspection By Leone Plumbing Before the advent of sewer cameras, excavation was the only option to determine the sewer lines’ condition. Digging may leave a big mess and causes inconvenience not only to you but also with nearby residences or establishment. Today, the job becomes easy with sewer cameras. Doing sewer line inspection with a camera only needs a small entry point. The sewer camera is connected to a flexible cable, and the plumber can watch through a monitor as the gadget travels through the sewer line. Our licensed plumbers now have the ability to see the undetected problems within the sewage pipe.

Common Findings Of Sewer Camera Inspection

The sewer camera findings can help us pinpoint unseen sewer line problems such as:
Tree Roots Invasion
A single undetected crack in your sewer pipe can allow tree roots to invade your sewer line and grow into it. This will cause serious damage to your sewer line if not prevented.
Damaged Pipes
With the help of a sewer camera, unseen damaged pipes can be detected.
Bellied Sewer Line
When the sewer line starts to crumple, waste gets trapped which causes multiple blockages.
Accumulated Blockages
Over time, there can be a build-up of blockages in your sewer line. Items such as towels, feminine bathroom products, and dips in the underground plumbing due to settling dirt over the years can be detected by sewer cameras.

Types of Sewer Cameras

There are many types of sewer cameras available in the market. You can find a wide range of sewer cameras from RIDGID. We have been using RIDGID cameras for our sewer inspection. Here are some of the camera types you can find. Sewer Cameras Used By Leone Plumbing
Manual Feed Black and White Camera
This is the most basic sewer pipe camera. You will only see things black and white. But if your purpose is to only look for blockages in the line, then this is useful.
Power Feed with Either Color or Black and White Camera
This camera type automatically snakes its way through the drain and pipes whenever you press a button and put the camera down the pipe to get it started. It stops when it hits a blockage. You have the option to choose a black and white or full-color video to identify what the blockage is.
Power Feed with Color Camera and Recording Features
The camera system has a recording feature that records what the camera sees in the pipe. With this type of camera, we can further study and find a better solution to solve sewer line issues. This camera has an SD memory card that plugs into a special slot inside the main compartment of the camera’s handheld monitor.

Get Your Sewer Line Inspected

If you are experiencing sewer line issues but the cause of the problem is puzzling you, then you need to get your sewer line inspected. Contact us today to schedule a sewer line inspection. | Photo Credits: Leone Plumbing photos, Canva Actual Sewer Camera Inspection By Leone Plumbing
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