Do You Have A Hidden Leak? Look Out For These Signs

A hidden leak in your home can cause a lot of damage and leave you with an expensive water bill. While some leaks are immediately obvious, others are hidden deep within the walls of your home. And what’s even scarier, is you may not be able to see them at all. You can, however, watch out for these tell-tale signs that you have a hidden leak in your home to save you some frustration, damage and money.

Increase In Water Bill Costs

Has your water bill increased seemingly out of nowhere? If you haven’t changed your showering, cooking, cleaning, or laundry schedule, then a hidden leak might be to blame. When you have a leak, even if it’s small, water is continuously flowing out of your pipes and through a hole. This results in higher water usage and increased water bills. 

Moldy Smells

If you’ve been smelling something moldy but can’t identify the source, you might have a hidden leak somewhere in your walls or in your flooring. Stale water emits a bad smell. On top of this, when water drips onto wood or other surfaces it can cause it to rot, which results in unpleasant, moldy odors throughout your home. 

Damage For No Apparent Reason 

Are you noticing water damage on your walls, ceiling, or floors? Perhaps the paint has been chipping off your walls, or you notice dark spots appearing on your ceiling. If so, one of your pipes might have sprung a leak, and the leaking water is causing seemingly random damage to your home. 

The Water Pressure Is Lower Than Usual 

A change in water pressure is an indicator that you might have a hidden leak. If you take a shower and notice that your water pressure is lower than usual, or if you run the kitchen faucet and the water isn’t coming out at the same pressure it normally does, one of your pipes might have a hole in it. 

For more information about finding a hidden leak in your home, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today or visit our website.

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/signs-you-might-have-a-hidden-leak/

Tankless Water Heaters Or Not?

Is it time to replace your water heaters? Are you trying to decide between a hot water tank or a tankless water heater? Your water heater is one of the most frequently-used appliances in your home, so it’s important to invest in one that will last you for years to come, while also being energy efficient and affordable. With that said, we’re here to highlight tankless water heaters and how they just might be the right choice for you. 

Tankless Water Heaters Are Cheaper

Tankless water heaters are the cheaper option in the long run, because unlike hot water tanks, they only heat up the exact amount of water that you need. If you have a hot water tank, it’s constantly re-upping the hot water supply. Not only that, hot water tanks expend more energy to keep the water hot, even when you aren’t using it. 

They Are More Energy Efficient

Because tankless water heaters only heat your water on demand, they are more energy efficient than hot water tanks. As we briefly touch on above, a hot water tank works around the clock, while a tankless water heater only expends energy during the exact times you’re using hot water. You won’t have to worry about 40-50 gallons of unused hot water sitting in a tank.

Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

Did you know that tankless water heaters have a lifespan of more than 20 years? Compared to hot water tanks which last on average between 10-12 years, it’s easy to see why a tankless water heater is a great investment. For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for decades to come, a tankless water heater will stand the test of time. 

Types Of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters either run on electricity, natural gas, or propane. Some of the market-leading brands include Rinnai, Rheem, and Stiebel Eltron, and they can be installed inside or outside of the building. However, we recommend installing the heater as close to your appliances as possible. 

Where To Find The Perfect Water Heater For Your Home

At Cross Town Plumbing, we stock many market-leading tankless hot water heaters, and we can advise you on installation, cost, and other important elements to consider when making your choice. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/tankless-water-heaters-or-not/

Choosing The Right Type Of Valve

Are you trying to select the right type of valve for your plumbing application? Whether it’s for your shower, dishwasher or perhaps something a little bit bigger like your sprinkler system,  there are many factors to consider. If you’re unsure, we recommend consulting with a plumbing professional to discuss valve features and recommend what’s best. In this article, our team explains the various types of plumbing valves and important things to consider when making your choice. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help. 

What Are The Types Of Valves?

Some of the most common types of valves include:

• Ball valves
• Metering valves
• Needle valves
• Toggle valves
• Pinch valves
• Relief valves
• Regulators 
• Check valves
• Butterfly valves

Be Sure Of The Size

Selecting the properly sized valve is critical. Undersized and oversized valves can cause operating problems in your plumbing system. For example, a valve that is too small can cause a build-up of pressure, while a valve that is too large doesn’t properly regulate the flow in the transfer system. If you would like a second opinion, we recommend checking with a trusted local plumber to ensure your valves are properly sized. 

What Does The Valve Need To Do?

Valves have two basic functions: shut-off and regulation. The action you need the valve to perform will determine which type is right for you. Ball valves are used to stop fluids from circulating, butterfly valves control the flow rate of fluids, and needle valves are used to regulate low-flow gases or liquids, just to name a few. 

Consider What The Valve Is Made Of

Valves come in a range of different materials, including plastic, brass, stainless steel, and PVC. If your valves will be coming into contact with extremely hot water or gases, you’ll need to use a material that doesn’t corrode or slowly melt from the high temperatures. Valves used in applications for restaurants and other food suppliers must also adhere to certain regulations, so please seek guidance from a professional who can ensure you’re also selecting the safest option for your patrons. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/choosing-the-right-type-of-valve/

4 Plumbing Issues to Check Before You Buy a House

Buying a house is an exciting yet stressful time. We’ve heard from many homeowners that it ended up costing them more time and money than originally intended due to existing plumbing issues they weren’t aware of when purchasing the home. To be sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before buying, we recommend always checking for some common plumbing issues before signing any final contracts. Here’s what to look for when checking plumbing in your potential new home: 

Faucets, Sinks and Toilets

Testing the sinks and toilets throughout the house will give you an understanding of the water pressure, and the general health of the plumbing. You should:

• Check underneath all sinks for signs of leaks
• Turn on all faucets and flush all the toilets
• Watch how quickly the water drains down the sinks
• Check around the base of each toilet for signs of leakage or rust

Main Sewer Drain

There are several issues you might encounter with the main sewer drain, like tree roots growing into it, or breakdown due to age. Unfortunately checking the main sewer drain isn’t as simple as flushing a toilet. You’ll need a licensed plumber to conduct an inspection and verify that there aren’t any issues or signs of damage. A damaged sewer drain can be very costly to repair, so it’s critical that you have this checked before buying a house. 

Water Heater

Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, and one you’ll rely on every day. When it comes to the water heater in your potential new home, check for the following:

• Any unusual noises coming from the tank when you switch it on
• Discolored water, or water with particles coming out of the hot water tap
• The age of the hot water heater. If it’s more than 12 years old, chances are it will need replacing soon
• Rust or corrosion on the tank

Water Meter and Supply

Looking at the water meter is a telltale way to check for leaks. Shut off all of the faucets throughout the home and take a look at the water meter. Is it still turning? That means the plumbing system has sprung a leak somewhere. 

If you’d like more information about how to check out any potential plumbing issues before you buy a house, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today and visit our website at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/check-for-these-plumbing-issues/

Signs your Hot Water Heater Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

Your hot water heater is an essential appliance in your home, but because it’s out of sight, it’s easy to forget it exists until something goes wrong. Most homeowners are not in the habit of regularly checking on their hot water heater, so when it breaks or malfunctions it can quickly become an urgent situation. Here are three of the most common signs that your hot water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. 

Irregular Water Temperature

You’re enjoying a relaxing, hot shower after a long day, when suddenly the water starts running cold. It’s happened to most of us before and it’s definitely not a pleasant experience. If you notice your water temperature is fluctuating often from hot to warm or cold, there might be an issue with your hot water heater. Mineral deposits build up over time and can cause irregular water temperatures, so the best thing to do is ask a professional to inspect your hot water heater. 

Discoloration of Water

If you’re getting yourself a glass of water from your kitchen sink and notice the water has small dark particles floating in it, or the water is brownish in color, it’s time to have your hot water heater checked. Sediment leaking into your drinking water can be a health hazard if it goes untreated. Your tank will need cleaning as soon as possible if you’re encountering this issue. 

Running Out of Hot Water Too Fast

It’s possible that one of the heating elements in your hot water heater is malfunctioning if your water only stays hot or warm for a short amount of time.  Most new models of hot water heaters are able to provide homes with a steady and lengthy supply of hot water, but it can be a big inconvenience when the heater stops working in your time of need.

If you’d like more information about hot water heater repair, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today and visit our website at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/hot-water-heater-repair/

Should you Rent or Buy a Water Softener?

Water softeners are very popular in households across the country because soft water is gentler on your appliances, better for your skin and your hair, and doesn’t cause as much staining and build-up as hard water. If you’re interested in trying a water softener you might be wondering: should I rent or buy one? In this article, we’ll give an overview of each option, discuss factors to consider, and review the cost. 

Overview of Renting a Water Softener

Your local water company will most likely have a rental option if you want to try a water softener before committing to buying one. Renting is a great option for people who don’t want to pay the upfront cost of installing an entire unit, and on average, a water softener rental will cost you around $30 to $50 each month. 

If you don’t own the property where you live, please consult your landlord before you decide to rent a water softener because it does change the plumbing systems. 

Overview of Buying a Water Softener

Head over to your local home improvement store like Crosstown Plumbing to purchase a water softener unit for your home. You can often get a deal whereby installation is included in the cost, as well as a lengthy warranty. You can expect to spend around $2,000 on a market-leading water softener, and if you plan to live in your current home for a long time, it’s definitely a worthy investment. 

Other Factors to Consider

• Salt-based or salt-free? Salt-free units are slightly more expensive, which can affect your overall installation costs or rental costs. 
• The size of your water softener unit. How big of a system do you need for your home? Someone in a studio apartment can get by with a much smaller unit than a family of four living in a five-bedroom house. 

Are Water Softeners Worth the Cost?

For homeowners, the answer is absolutely yes. Water softeners help preserve the life of your appliances, they reduce build-up and limescale, they’re gentler on your hair and your skin, and soft water is better overall for things like cooking and cleaning. 

If you’d like more information about renting or buying a water softener, or if you have any other plumbing questions, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today or visit our website at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/rent-or-buy-a-water-softener/

WHAT HIGH WATER PRESSURE DOES TO YOUR PLUMBING

Irregular water pressure or consistently strong water pressure from your taps and faucets can mean that the water pressure coming from your mains is too high. This may not seem like a serious problem, but it generally leads to significantly increased water bills and a dramatically higher likelihood of leaks in your pipes and fittings. Here’s some advice on what to do from your local plumbing supply company in New Jersey.

How to identify too high water pressure 

Signs that your water pressure is too high include:

• Water coming out of your taps too hard, splashing out of the sink
• Banging in your pipes (this is also known as a water hammer)
• Purchase a pressure gauge and install it onto your hose outlet or a faucet near your water meter. Anything over 80 psi is too high for your pipes and requires lowering. Be sure to check at a few different times during the day, as pressure can fluctuate.

Causes of too high water pressure 

There are several reasons for water pressure going too high, including:

• Living at the bottom of a hill, so your water pressure is affected by running downhill
• Thermal expansion in your home caused by your water heater
• Your water company increasing pressure to help supply tall buildings and fire hydrants in your area

What to do about too high water pressure in your NJ home 

Installing a pressure regulator is the most effective way of keeping your home’s water pressure at a reasonable level. This will prevent water wastage as well as safeguard your pipes, fittings and appliances against damage caused by high pressure wear and tear.

Parts, tools and advice from your local NJ plumbing supply company 

If you are concerned about your home or property’s water pressure or require replacement parts, fittings and appliances for plumbing repairs, speak to our experienced staff at Crosstown Plumbing Supply.

We stock a wide range of plumbing parts and tools as well as high-efficiency hot water heaters and commercial/residential boilers – all at affordable wholesale prices. Customers can also benefit from our 3.5% NJ sales tax!

As wholesalers who also supply directly to plumbing specialists, we can also put you in touch with reliable, experienced plumbers in the area if you need assistance with your repairs or maintenance job.

For more information about the plumbing supplies we have on offer, please visit our website today at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

Original content posted at https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/what-high-water-pressure-does-to-your-plumbing