holiday Archives | A&A Plumbing

Reasons to Add a Sump Pump to the Holiday Wishlist

Sump Pump Installation Should Be #1 on Homeowners’ Wishlists

Having a sump pump can mean the difference between a flooded basement and business as usual. These underground appliances gather moisture and rainwater from the soil around the basement and route it into a tank. Then, when the tank gathers enough water, the sump pump directs water away from the home, sometimes into a retention pond, other times out a gutter.

A solid sump pump should last about 10 years. However, homeowners should consider sump pump replacement even sooner based on its wear and tear. To determine what appliance works best, a sump pump service provider can evaluate a house’s plumbing needs and repairs.

Why Should Homeowners Consider Installing a Sump Pump?

A flooded basement is more than still, standing water. It’s broken appliances and a compromised foundation. It’s drywall damage. It can even be thousands of dollars in repairs––and that’s just the beginning. Sump pumps prevent flooding. For many homeowners, it’s a safety net.

The main reasons to install a sump pump include:

It protects the home’s foundation against water damage, pressure, and flooding
It reduces the likelihood of property damage
It protects the home from infestation, like termites
It increases the home’s property value
It protects the home against mold and mildew

Sump pumps also reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes. By routing water away from the home, residents minimize the risk of standing water freezing inside pipes.

Different Sump Pumps, Same Function

In general, there are three different types of sump pumps:

Pedestal sump pumps: These appliances are usually the cheapest to buy and the most common to have. The motor is located on the top, making it easily accessible to repairmen and more efficient. The only drawback is that these sump pumps risk overheating,
Submersible sump pumps: Homeowners place these sump pumps underwater. While these pumps are initially pricey to install, they prove to be extremely efficient over time. They also don’t run the risk of overheating.
Combination sump pumps: These appliances are relatively new on today’s market. It’s a combination of an above-water sump pump and an underwater one. Some plumbers recommend these for areas with intense rainy seasons and flooding.

A homeowner should speak with a sump pump service professional to learn what appliance meets their needs.

Homeowners Should Consider Getting Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps

There’s some real truth in the adage: “The more, the merrier!” This is especially true for appliances. A stalled sump pump could mean a flooded basement if a system stops working or inclement weather knocks the power out. Homeowners may consider purchasing a battery-operated sump pump because:

They can last years without “dying”
They work even when the power goes out
Some models are cheaper than traditional sump pump systems

Battery-operated models range anywhere from $600 to $1,600 each. While it might seem like a lot, it’s a solid investment.

About A&A Plumbing

Residents of San Antonio, TX know who to turn to with their plumbing problems. These professionals have years of experience and tons of positive reviews online. They specialize in sump pump replacement, frozen pipes, and nasty clogs. Interested parties can reach out today for sump pump services!

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Prepare the Home for Holiday Visitors!

Ready the Bathroom and Kitchen Plumbing

The holiday season has arrived, which means homeowners and their families will soon be gearing up to welcome many guests into their homes for Thanksgiving dinners. Given how many people may be in the home around the holidays, homeowners should make sure that their homes are fully ready to go for coming guests.

One of the most important things homeowners can do to achieve this is to do a thorough review of their bathroom plumbing and kitchen plumbing. These areas of the home will be getting a lot of attention, as guests will want to use the toilet, and the kitchen will be in high demand for dinner preparations. Continue reading about important actions homeowners should take immediately!

Address Any Necessary Toilet Repairs

The first action homeowners can take is to hire professional plumbing services to address any necessary toilet repairs. If homeowners are having clogging issues, they should be able to address this issue themselves. But some signs may indicate that homeowners could be dealing with something more complex:

Breaks or cracks in the toilet foundation
Inability to process water and waste properly
Rusting or corrosion
Unusual leaking in or around the toilet area

If homeowners notice even just one of these signs, they should seek help immediately. It may be something minor that requires a basic toilet repair, but if the problem is more complex, one might need a full toilet replacement. Regardless, this work should be left to experienced plumbing professionals.

Prepare the Kitchen Plumbing

The second action homeowners can take is to prepare their kitchen plumbing, particularly their important appliances. They should make sure that their dishwashers are functioning properly, as there are a lot of dishes that one will use throughout the preparations and the dinner itself. The oven, of course, should be well functioning, or else there will be no turkey this year!

Two other very important appliances include gas lines and garbage disposal. Properly functioning gas lines are important for any stove usage, and a properly functioning garbage disposal is a must, considering how much food waste may need to be taken care of!

Consider Upgrading Fixtures

The third action homeowners can take is to consider upgrading their home plumbing fixtures. This may seem excessive, but it would in fact be a great time to invest, particularly if homeowners already determined they required upgrades before the holidays. Now is a great time to upgrade from faucet replacement to cabinet replacement to sink replacement and everything in between.

And best of all, homeowners can hire professional bathroom contractors to help them with this process! These contracts will have a depth of experience in planning plumbing renovations and selecting the best upgrades. They will work with the unique features of each home to create a beautiful upgrade that works for homeowners’ budgets, too!

About A&A Plumbing

A&A Plumbing of San Antonio, TX is a local, family-owned, and operated company that has been in business since 2007. They always believe in keeping their customers’ best interests in mind and do so by providing top-notch solutions and superior customer service. Call them for plumbing help today!

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How Will Your Toilet Hold Up This Holiday Season?

Tips To Keep the Toilet Working Even With Holiday Company

The holiday season is coming, and with many, many get-togethers. As the traffic through the home increases, so, too, will the traffic through the bathroom. Many homeowners may consider, is their bathroom plumbing up to snuff? Its frequent use during the holiday season may determine it's not.

To prepare in advance, homeowners should look for the following five signs that the toilet may need replacement. These tips can prevent a clogged toilet during the holidays.

5 Signs a Toilet Needs Replacing

Planning to have company this holiday season? Homeowners might consider replacing their toilet before they arrive, especially if they notice any of these five symptoms:

Frequent clogs: If the toilet becomes clogged very frequently, it may be a good idea to replace the toilet and the plumbing underneath it. Old plumbing is narrower and likely to have buildup on its walls, which contributes to clogs.
Age: Older toilets use a lot of water to flush waste down. Toilets manufactured before 1982 use 5 to 7 gallons of water per flush! Modern toilets use only 1.6 gallons, in keeping with conservation regulations. Older toilets are also more likely to develop a crack.
Constant running: If the toilet tank is constantly refilling, and a homeowner has already ruled out the usual suspects of the flapper and chain, they may have a leak. A leak can sometimes be repaired, but it may be better to replace the whole toilet.
Low, round bowl: Toilets with short, round bowls tend to be more uncomfortable than newer models that are taller and elongated. This is purely a matter of comfort, but it can make a world of difference in user experience, especially for an often-used toilet.
Rocking or wobbling: When the toilet wobbles or rocks, it is usually a sign that the wax ring underneath it needs to be replaced. However, if the toilet isn't designed to hold a lot of weight or the floor itself is uneven, the problem will reappear. It may be best to upgrade to a newer toilet and have it professionally installed.

How To Keep a Frequently Used Toilet From Clogging

There's no need to forbid holiday guests from using the toilet or limit the number of uses. Instead, here are some simple steps homeowners can take to help prevent clogs from forming, especially in a highly trafficked bathroom:

Use thinner toilet paper: Two- or three-ply toilet paper may feel more cushioned, but it doesn't help people use less, and too much of it can quickly cause a clog. Thinner toilet paper, on the other hand, is easier for plumbing systems to handle. Homeowners can look for varieties that are safe for septic tanks for the best performance. Whatever the option, toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed.
Switch to a high-efficiency toilet: If toilet replacement is needed, look for a modern high-efficiency model, which offers different flush modes for light use or heavy use. Not only will this keep everything moving smoothly, but it will also save money on the water bill.
Have the drain professionally cleaned: A professional drain cleaning before the big day will provide ultimate peace of mind. Plumbing companies have a few different drain cleaning methods, and most can reach way down to the sewer main.

Professional Clogged Toilet Solutions

If the worst does happen and the toilet clogs while guests are over, there's no need to panic. Most toilet clogs can be broken up with simple at-home remedies such as plunging, snaking, and drain opening chemicals.

If the clog still won't budge, it's a good idea to call a professional plumber. Plumbers are very familiar with residential plumbing systems and know the quickest, safest way to remove the clog. They will most likely use a snake to pierce through the clog, but if it comes down to taking apart the plumbing, they have the expertise to do so and put it all back together again.

Get Assistance From A & A Plumbing

Family-owned and operated since 2007, A & A Plumbing is San Antonio's go-to plumbing company. They specialize in clogged toilet repair and are available for emergency service too. A & A Plumbing provides affordable plumbing solutions homeowners can trust.