What constitutes a plumbing nightmare? A plumbing nightmare means something different for everyone. For some, it might be a water heater that needs replacing. For others, it could be a broken pipe that causes flood damage. Whatever the case, it’s usually an unplanned plumbing emergency that dips into our budget. It also means taking time off work to meet the plumbers. What can a homeowner do to lessen the blow when something arises? Chuck Swindoll once said, “Attitude is everything; life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Here is how we avoid the plumbing nightmare. First, the best thing we can do is relax and don’t overreact.
The Biggest Plumbing Nightmare Is A Burst Pipe When No One Is At Home
Over the years, we have had to deal with some crazy plumbing issues. However, one of the worst plumbing nightmares is a burst pipe when no one is home. In addition to the leak, you must deal with water damage ASAP because mold spores will start developing in 24-48 hours. Don’t panic because who you choose to make the repairs may determine how your plumbing system will perform for many years. Remember to ask for options from your plumbing company. For example, do your pipes need replacing, or is the problem isolated to one area? Also, who will repair the water damage? In most instances, your plumbing company will have a water damage restoration company referral for the water cleanup.
How To Avoid A Burst Pipe From Flooding Your Home
How to avoid this plumbing nightmare? The latest plumbing device may not stop all the water damage, but it will stop the majority. Most homeowners never knew that the latest plumbing technologies include devices that connect to your incoming water supply line. If your home has a water leak, it will inform you immediately through an app on your smartphone. In addition, some of these devices will allow you to turn off your water from your smartphone. We recommend Flo by Moen, but there are many makers, including Brain Pipes.
For Many Homeowners, A Broken Water Heater Is A Plumbing Nightmare
Have you ever met someone that could not bare a cold shower for one minute? Let’s face it, we’re all a little pampered. Unfortunately, many of us would have to include a broken water heater as a plumbing nightmare. Most water heater “emergencies” are completely avoidable, as we stated, “most” but not all. For example, our water heaters usually last between 10-12 years. If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll wait until it breaks down before buying a new one.
The Solution To a Broken Water Heater And Cold Showers
No one wants to replace a water heater because it’s the thing to do. However, the fact is, most heaters can easily be repaired by a plumbing professional. It’s important to get the most out of your appliances, but there is a point of diminishing returns. If your water heater is within the 10-12 year range of life expectancy and has shown signs of slowing down, then replace it and avoid the cold shower. Below are some of the signs that your water heater needs replacing:
- It Makes Strange Noises.
- Decreased or Varying Water Temperature
- Low Water Pressure
- Discolored or Rusty Water
- Hot Water Shortage
- Water Heater Leaks
- Frequent Repairs
- Age of Hot Water Heater
- Higher Energy Bills
- Water Smells Odd
If your water heater needs replacing, the newer models will save you up to 30% in energy costs compared to models built ten years ago. In addition, an Energy Star labeled model will save you up to 8% in costs over standard models. Not to mention other features, such as a larger storage tank that will accommodate a larger family.
Is Having New Pipes Installed A Plumbing Nightmare?
The real nightmare is the clanging or leaking pipes, low water pressure, and bad-tasting, discolored water. Maybe you finally said “Yes,” to replacing the old pipes in your home, and you’re worried about the cost, downtime, and everything else associated with it. Here is the upside to replacing your pipes:
- No more clanging pipes
- No more pipe leaks
- Excellent water pressure
- Great looking and tasting water
- No more weird noises coming from your pipes
- New pipes will last 50 years or more
As for the cost, Big B’s Plumbing has on-the-spot financing with excellent rates or nine months same as cash interest-free. And the thought of your family being sidelined for days or weeks is unthinkable. Big B’s Plumbing has a dedicated team of repipe professionals. A two-bathroom home gets completed in one day, and three & four-bathroom homes are completed within two days. If your home needs repiping, give us a call. One of our specialists will equip you with the answers you need to make an educated decision.
A Sewer Line Repair Is Another Plumbing Nightmare
Another plumbing setback that could be considered a plumbing nightmare is a broken sewer line. Maybe you started having repeated back-ups, slow-moving drains, and sewage smell coming from your home and yard. You have a camera inspection completed only to find a cracked or broken sewer line, and to make matters worse, roots have found their way in and are thriving off the sewage. Then it starts to set in that your landscaping will get torn up, and you’ll have a major mess on your hands, which doesn’t include the replacement cost.
The Solution To A Broken Sewer Line
The upside is that we don’t tear up your landscaping as some might think—some of the latest technology over forty years is trenchless sewer line repairs. Your Big B’s Plumbing contractor will enter your old sewer line by digging two access holes versus digging a trench through your yard. First, a felt liner gets pulled through the old sewer line, and a special epoxy is applied. Next, a new pipe is blown into place, creating a new epoxy sewer line. The new line has a life expectancy of 50-100 years. For those homeowners that don’t have the emergency cash set aside, Big B’s Plumbing provides on-the-spot, interest-free financing for nine months on approved credit. Additionally, we have excellent rates on longer-term financing.
Here are the takeaways:
- When our water heater breaks, buy a new one if it’s showing signs of aging or is over ten years old. You’ll save 30% on utility costs over heaters built ten years ago.
- If you decide to repipe your home, you’ll have excellent water pressure, leak-free pipes, and pipes that will last 40 to 70 years.
- If you need to replace your old sewer line with a new trenchless line, you’ll experience excellent flowing drains for the next 50-100 years.
- Get interest-free financing for one year from Big B’s Plumbing on approved credit.
We don’t have a plumbing nightmare; we have a plumbing opportunity. License #986152
