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Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

. Posted by in , • Austin
A bathroom

Have you noticed that your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with spots on them, or your glasses look cloudy? You may have hard water in your home.

Some more common signs of hard water include stiff laundry, even though it’s freshly washed, dry skin and hair, soap scum in your shower and your appliances breaking down sooner than they should.

If you’re dealing with any of these problems, it’s worth looking into installing a water softener in your home. A professional plumber can install and maintain it for you, so you can just enjoy the benefits.

Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

Is installing a water softener the right choice for your home? If you’ve noticed an increase in scum spots in your showers or spots on your dishes, you may have hard water. This is caused by a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in your water supply.

Hard water … Read Full Post »

Signs of Tree Roots in Your Sewer Lines

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
tree roots in a sewer line

Planting trees is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. But their benefits go beyond making your yard more attractive. Trees help clean the air around us and give us fresher air.

However, tree roots are notorious for breaking into sewer lines and causing issues with your plumbing systems. The question is, “How do you know there are tree roots in your sewer lines?” When is the right time to call in a plumber? Let’s dive into this issue.

How Tree Roots Get Into Sewer Lines

Most of the time, tree roots grow around a sewer pipe. Other times, they can break into the pipe. If you’re wondering how this happens, here are the three most common ways:

  • They find existing cracks
  • They break pipes
  • They dry out the surrounding soil

Let’s take a closer look at these.

They Find Existing Cracks

A sewer pipe degrades … Read Full Post »

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Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Spinning

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a garbage disposal

Is your garbage disposal acting up? A common issue homeowners notice is a humming sound when they turn this appliance on. While this is often a small problem, this sound can sometimes point to a larger problem.

Garbage Disposal Humming: Quick Fix Or Big Problem?

Do you hear a humming sound when you turn on your garbage disposal? The first thing to remember is that this doesn’t automatically mean there is a significant issue with your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals make humming sounds for several reasons. There are ways to troubleshoot the issue yourself before calling in a plumber.

Some common reasons a garbage disposal may hum include:

  • Jammed shredding plate
  • Motor overheating
  • Clogged drain

Let’s dive into each of these more.

Jammed Shredding Plate

If the shredding plate inside the garbage disposal is jammed with food scraps, utensils or other items, it can’t spin properly. When you turn the … Read Full Post »

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What Is a PFOA Chemical?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a glass of water

As a homeowner, you may use nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and waterproof fabrics to make your life easier. These products are easy to clean, heat and chemical-resistant and last a long time, making them popular choices. But did you know that your nonstick pans and household products can contain PFOA? One way to ensure your home’s water is PFOA-free is to consult a water quality expert.

Understanding PFOA

PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a man-made chemical that falls under a larger group of substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly resistant to breaking down.

Due to their unique qualities, PFOA has been widely used to manufacture numerous household and industrial products since the 1940s. From fast food wrappers to firefighting foam and nonstick cooking ware, all these products contain this “forever chemical.”

Despite its numerous advantages, recent research has concluded that PFOA can have … Read Full Post »

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How to Fix Hard Water

. Posted by in , • Austin
a glass of water

With so many other responsibilities, many of us forget to pay attention to our water supply at home. However, water quality is important and should be a priority. It affects everything, including your pipes, clothes, hair and skin.

Hard water is a common problem you shouldn’t ignore. It might seem like no big deal, but it’s the notorious culprit behind many household problems.

If hard water is causing problems for you at home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. A licensed plumber will provide an effective solution to improve the quality of your water.

How to Fix Hard Water: Here’s the Best Solution

You might not know it, but hard water might be why you have frustrations with your home. Hard water can affect every aspect of your home life, including energy consumption, longevity of appliances and the look of your skin and hair. Problems start popping up one by one when minerals accumulate … Read Full Post »

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Is Well Water Hard Water?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a glass of water

Because water is part of our everyday lives, we often don’t put much thought into the quality of it. However, water quality should be at the top of every homeowner’s priority list because it affects almost everything. From the shine of your hair to the longevity of your appliances and plumbing fixtures, your water at home has an impact.

If there’s a well near your home, can you use it instead of your city’s public water? While it’s an option, it’s important to first determine if the water is hard or soft. If it’s hard, it can cause various issues at home. That’s where a water softener can help. Contact a licensed professional to install one so you can enjoy clean well water.

Is Well Water Hard Water? Here’s Everything You Should Know

If you’re thinking about using well water for your home, you might be wondering: is well water hard water?

First, let’s … Read Full Post »

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What Are PFAS in Water?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a glass of water

Most of us don’t think much about our water. However, everyone should be more mindful of their drinking water supply at home because of synthetic chemicals called PFAS. These chemicals can find their way into the drinking water.

What are PFAS in water? Here’s a closer look into these “forever chemicals” and their harmful effects. If you want peace of mind, contact the professionals for help. Water quality experts can put measures in place to keep it PFAS-free. They can also help you understand why water quality is important.

What Are PFAS in Water? Here’s Everything You Should Know

PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprise a large group of human-made chemicals that have been in production in the U.S. since the 1940s. Manufacturers use them for household and commercial products to make them resistant to chemical reactions and heat. They also repel water, oil, grease and stains. You can find PFAS in … Read Full Post »

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Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a water filtration system

These days, chemicals are everywhere, making health a top concern. It can be hard to know what is okay to consume. Even drinking water carries risks because of synthetic chemicals like PFAS. But before you get too worried, know there are ways to ensure your water at home is chemical-free.

If you want peace of mind, let a professional assess your water quality at home. They can then install a water softener or water filtration system and provide regular maintenance to ensure the unit functions effectively. They can also help you understand why water quality is important.

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS? Everything You Need to Know

PFAS or per- and polyfluorinated substances are man-made chemicals that have been around since the 1940s. They are typically used to make water-resistant or non-stick consumer products. They are also present in firefighting foams and used in various industrial operations.

Here are some common products that can … Read Full Post »

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How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are powerful tools in the kitchen, making it easier for homeowners to clean up after meals. But for all their usefulness, they have one major drawback—they can get smelly. Even if you’re diligent in cleaning your garbage disposal, food particles can still build up and cause an unpleasant odor in your kitchen.

Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with any nasty smells. There are several ways to freshen up your garbage disposal and have it smell squeaky clean. In addition, keeping certain foods away from your unit will prevent clogging and unwanted odors. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, a plumbing professional can help get things moving.

Dealing With a Smelly Sink? Here Is How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

Anything that handles waste is bound to get smelly. Garbage disposal odors usually start with a slight sour smell in the sink. If left unaddressed, the offensive … Read Full Post »

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Why Is Water Quality Important?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a water softener

Why is water quality important? We all know our health depends on it, but we don’t realize that it’s also important for maintaining our homes. Poor water quality is the culprit behind various home issues, affecting sinks, tubs, wall tiles and other fixtures. If you want to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses, it pays to check and improve the water quality in your home.

If you don’t know the first thing about water quality, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll learn about the impact of poor water quality on our health and houses. We’ll also share tips on measuring water quality.

Effects of Poor Water Quality and How to Address Them

While hard water doesn’t pose health risks, its high levels of magnesium and calcium can significantly add to your mineral intake. It also has unwanted effects on your hair, skin, appliances and plumbing system. If you have hard water at home, here … Read Full Post »

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