plumbing Archives | A&A Plumbing

New Year, New Plumbing Fixtures

2023: New Showerheads, Bathtubs, and a Whole Lot More

The new decade got off to a rough start––but that doesn’t have to continue. Instead of looking at the same outdated plumbing fixtures each day, one can completely outfit their kitchen and bathroom with new features. Not only can these upgrades bring a home into the 21st century, but they can also save homeowners money in the long run.

Changing the Kitchen Faucet

The kitchen’s faucet can take a lot of damage throughout its lifetime. While the internal components can last decades, a faucet’s exterior could show signs of rust, corrosion, and other blemishes. A worn-down-looking faucet can even make the most modern kitchens seem stuck in time.

Thankfully, homeowners have many options when seeking to upgrade their kitchen sinks and faucet. Some considerations include the following:

Getting a touchless faucet. Touchless faucets have only been on the market for a few years, but they’ve made their mark on the home improvement world. Touchless faucets dispense water at the slightest touch. Homeowners don’t have to worry about regularly cleaning faucets or washing their hands before each use. Some touchless faucets even use voice commands, making matters even more convenient.
“Smart” faucets. Smart faucets are a lot like touchless faucets but have one key difference: they rely on a Wi-Fi connection. Here, homeowners can control faucets using their phones. This is ideal for people who have disabilities or spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Remodeling the Bathroom

Per the Daily Infographic, one could spend more than two years in the bathroom throughout their lifetime. That’s a long time to look at ugly faucets, knobs, and other fixtures. Instead of turning a blind eye to outdated decorations, homeowners should instead consider getting:

Rain showerheads. Who doesn’t like standing in the rain every once in a while? What if that could be an everyday thing––except instead of cold water, it’s warm and refreshing? Rain showerheads make that possible.
A bidet. Bidets eliminate the need for using toilet paper. Many are even add-ons to already-installed toilets, so one doesn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on one.
A new bathtub. Over time, bathtubs can get dirty and are a pain to clean. Some can even rust. A homeowner should consider getting a porcelain tub; these are easy to clean and can last decades.

Hiring a Professional

It’s tempting to install new plumbing fixtures without professional help. After all, there are countless videos online. Yet, homeowners should work with professionals instead of trying to install fixtures themselves. That’s because:

Amateur installations could violate county ordinances and codes
Some repairs come with serious safety hazards
A homeowner risks damaging their home while making repairs

It’s worth mentioning that a homeowner could come into contact with toxic substances, like black mold, while installing new plumbing fixtures. If inhaled, this could cause various concerns, from respiratory ailments to cancer.

A professional knows how to do the job without endangering the home or their health.

About A&A Plumbing

More than ten years of experience. Countless five-star reviews. Licensed and insured professionals. These are just some of the many things the San Antonio, Texas residents have come to expect from A&A Plumbing. To ring in the new year, homeowners should consider upgrading their plumbing fixtures. They should also schedule their annual maintenance checks to avoid any problems. For more information, one can call A&A Plumbing to learn more.

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Steer Clear of a Frightful Plumbing Emergency This Halloween!

Don’t Let a Potential Plumbing Emergency Haunt Your House!

One of the joys of Halloween is decking out the house with all sorts of fun, spooky decorations for a festive atmosphere of chills and thrills. But no matter how scary the Fright Night decorations are, they pale in comparison to the real horrors of a plumbing emergency!

Whether it’s a backed-up sewer line, an overflowing toilet, or a broken-down water heater on a cold October night, plumbing emergencies can be the stuff of nightmares for any homeowner. So to help homeowners enjoy the spooky season without being haunted by the possibility of a plumbing catastrophe, here are a few tips for preventing common plumbing problems!

Keep Drains Clean

One of the best ways to avoid a potential plumbing emergency is to keep the home’s drains clean and free of debris. All of the home’s drains lead to one main drainage pipe called a “lateral line,” which leads to the city sewer main or septic system. Individual drain clogs are bad enough, but if the lateral line becomes clogged, it can cause every drain in the home to back up - yuck!

Preventing such a scenario starts with being mindful of what goes down the drains - the most common contributors to drain clogs are grease, hair, coffee grounds, eggshells, and certain hygiene products that get flushed down the toilet (more on those shortly).

Of course, small amounts of grease, soap scum, and other debris will wind up in the drains and build up over time, so it’s necessary to clean the drains regularly. This will help prevent clogs and reduce nasty odors and indoor air quality concerns from mold and bacteria. Periodic professional drain cleaning is the best way since pros have the tools to thoroughly clean the drains as far down as the sewer line.

Many homeowners may be tempted to use liquid drain cleaners, but these contain harsh chemicals that can damage the plumbing and release toxic fumes - so it’s best to avoid these. Homeowners can instead use non-toxic household substances (such as baking soda and vinegar) to help keep the drains clean between professional drain cleaning visits.

Prevent Toilet Clogs

Toilet clogs are nearly as common - and just as unpleasant - as ordinary drain clogs. The number one cause of clogged toilets is inappropriate materials being flushed. This includes paper towels, sanitary napkins, feminine hygiene products, makeup remover wipes, pet litter, and the occasional toy or action figure. The only things that one should ever flush are toilet paper and human waste - even “flushable” baby wipes don’t properly disintegrate and cause blockages.

Unflushable materials don’t just get stuck in the toilet plumbing itself but can also get lodged in the sewer line and cause large-scale clogs. Fortunately, preventing these clogs is usually as simple as not flushing the wrong items. However, many older toilets may be more prone to clogs than today’s more efficient models, so a toilet upgrade may be in order if clogs are a recurring issue.

Stay On Top of Water Heater Maintenance

One plumbing emergency that often gets overlooked is a water heater breakdown. It may not be as big of a deal in the heat of summer, but as autumn brings colder weather, getting stuck without hot water can make things uncomfortable. On top of that, having to shell out for a new water heater unexpectedly can be horrific in its own right.

The primary cause of water heater problems is a lack of maintenance. Without regular maintenance, mineral sediment can build up inside the tank and compromise the tank lining. More than that, the anode rod can deplete and expose the tank to corrosion, gas burners can get clogged with grime, safety devices can fail, and the unit can become less efficient. In short, nothing good can come from neglecting water heater maintenance.

Having the water heater serviced annually by a professional will not only help prevent unexpected breakdowns, but also extend the lifespan of the unit, improve energy efficiency, and keep the home safe from the truly scary dangers of a malfunctioning water heater, such as fires, scalding water, and carbon monoxide or gas leaks.

About A&A Plumbing

The family-owned and operated A&A Plumbing has been San Antonio’s go-to plumber since 2007. As a testament to their outstanding customer service, personal attention, clean and courteous technicians, and expert workmanship, they have been awarded Service Titan’s “Titan of the Year” finalist award and HomeAdvisor’s “Top Rated Business” title. They offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, and a money-saving membership plan, so call A&A today for plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning services in San Antonio, TX!

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Go Back to School with Plumbing Basics

Learn About Your Home's Plumbing

Home plumbing systems connect the home's plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, washing machines, and pools to the main water line. Professional plumbers undergo years of rigorous training in the classroom and on the field as apprentices to learn how to service plumbing systems. Homeowners should also have basic knowledge of their home's plumbing to properly maintain their system.

Knowing how the plumbing system works, what kind of maintenance it needs, and the warning signs that something is wrong can help homeowners to save money in the long run. A small plumbing issue can usually be quickly resolved, but leaving it in a state of disrepair can lead to expensive property damage and complicated repairs if it worsens. Learning about plumbing systems has a lot of benefits for homeowners.

The Main Water Supply

The complicated network of pipes and plumbing fixtures in a home connects to one main water source. Most people rely on city water, but rural homeowners often have well water.

A water meter measures how much water enters the home's plumbing. This meter is used to troubleshoot plumbing issues and for utility companies to bill for the amount of water being used. A damaged, leaking, or malfunctioning water meter can lead to higher utility bills, water damage, and low water pressure.

The water meter also has the main shut-off valve that cuts off the water supply for the whole home. Plumbers use the main shut-off valve to stop the water flow and safely service the plumbing system.

Water exits the home through drains in the plumbing fixtures. Once the water enters the drain, it travels to the city sewer or a septic tank. The pipes that carry wastewater away to be disposed of are called the sewer line.

Common Plumbing Fixtures

Showers
Bathtubs
Sinks
Faucets
Toilets
Dishwashers
Clothes washers

These are the main plumbing fixtures that are found in most homes. Some homes also have outside plumbing fixtures such as pools, hot tubs, fountains, and sprinkler systems. Properly maintaining plumbing fixtures by keeping them clean and replacing outdated parts helps improve the plumbing system's longevity and performance.

New plumbing fixtures are more eco-friendly and water-saving than ever before. Homeowners can save money on utility bills by replacing old plumbing fixtures with new, energy-efficient models. Saving water is good for homeowners' wallets and for the environment.

Plumbing Maintenance

Having a maintenance schedule can positively impact a home's plumbing system. Homeowners can lengthen the lifespan of their plumbing fixtures, save money on utilities, and prevent plumbing disasters by doing bi-annual maintenance. Drain cleaning services are one example of a beneficial maintenance service that homeowners can invest in to improve their plumbing performance.

Water heaters provide essential hot water for cleaning, bathing, and other daily tasks. When the water heater works, natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium in water separate into solid sediments. Over time these sediments build up and can cause corrosion. During maintenance appointments, plumbers drain water heaters safely and flush water heater tanks out to remove sediment buildup.

Plumbing maintenance should always be done by a qualified professional. During maintenance appointments, the plumber will have a chance to inspect the plumbing for signs of damage or malfunction that the homeowner may not know to look for. Benefits of hiring a professional plumber for routine maintenance include:

Improved safety
Less time spent on maintenance
Getting professional advice on how to improve plumbing performance

About A&A Plumbing

A&A Plumbing provides the personalized service that homeowners can count on in San Antonio, TX. Since 2007, their community has trusted this locally-owned plumbing company to provide expert plumbing services with honesty and integrity. Call them today to schedule an appointment for plumbing maintenance or repairs in San Antonio, TX!

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Why Is Plumbing Maintenance So Important?

Three Benefits of Plumbing Maintenance Visits

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses maintaining the home’s plumbing system. It uses a direct quote from John W. Gardner, the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare from 1965 to 1968: “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness…neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.”

There is no denying the importance of maintaining the plumbing system. It keeps water coming and going from the home and is also key to residents’ health. A healthy plumbing system is a healthy home.

Regular Upkeep Keeps Everything Running Smoothly

By maintaining the plumbing system, homeowners can avoid:

Clogs: Most clogs don’t happen overnight. There are usually small signs that become big signs over time. For instance, poor water pressure at first may seem inconvenient, but really, it can point to a clog. Foul smells from a sink’s drain may also indicate a hidden obstruction.
High utility bills: Homeowners should have a rough idea of how much water they use each month. They know what to expect when the water bill comes around. An unexplained increase in water consumption (and, by extension, higher-than-normal utility bills) could point to a leak.
Flooding: Flooding is one of the worst plumbing disasters that can befall a home. This can cause mold growth, wood rot, and water damage.

Maintenance Extends the Plumbing System’s Lifespan

How long the plumbing system lasts depends on many factors, including what the pipes are made of. For example, copper pipes generally last 50 years. On the other hand, some PVC pipes can last up to 70 years.

To have the home’s pipes last long, homeowners need to maintain their plumbing systems. To extend their system’s lifespan, homeowners should:

Schedule annual visits: A trained professional can assess the plumbing system and catch any problems before they become expensive.
Promptly address any leaks. Leaks don’t go away on their own. They only cause more damage the longer they’re left alone.
Remove any water-damaged drywall: Water-damaged drywall may seem nothing more than an unappealing blemish. However, it can serve as a hotbed for future mold and mildew growth. Over time, these organisms can damage the home’s plumbing system, causing irreparable damage and threatening the home’s safety.

These are just some considerations that can prolong the plumbing system’s life. They’re also

Being Vigilant Saves Money

Nobody wants to shell out thousands of dollars to fix a once-avoidable problem. They’d rather catch the issue before it causes serious damage. Saving money is just another benefit of maintaining the plumbing system. By being mindful of any problems, they can avoid paying for:

Underground water leaks
Burst pipes or water mains
Damage to drywall or structural foundations
Chronically breaking appliances

Plumbing problems can go beyond the cost of repairs. They can also cause higher-than-average utility. Sometimes, the cost difference is so small that homeowners might not realize it.

About A&A Plumbing

When a homeowner calls A&A Plumbing, they can learn more about maintaining the plumbing and access a host of home improvement services. These professionals offer same-day service, upfront piercing, and reliable repairs. Interested parties in San Antonio, Texas, can call these experts today for plumbing services!

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How Plant Growth in the Spring Can Damage Plumbing

Spring Gardening Could Hurt Your Plumbing

Many people look forward to new blooms of flowers each spring, but being careless with planting can lead to plumbing issues. Homeowners in an HOA may already know that their planting options are limited based on underground plumbing and electrical wiring. Homeowners should be aware of how the growth of plants on their property could lead to problems with plant roots growing into underground pipes.

Tree Roots Intruding Pipes

Tree roots are at least as long as the tree is tall, which means that they reach deep within the soil and can interrupt the path of underground pipes. When planting new trees, homeowners should plan their landscaping around the layout of their underground plumbing. Consulting with a trusted local plumbing contractor on new landscaping projects can help save homeowners a headache down the line from tree roots growing into the pipes.

During the winter months, trees and other plants become dormant. Once the weather heats back up again, trees and roots can grow rapidly. These roots work their way into the plumbing system through any crack they can find.

Eventually, the pipes can become blocked and result in a burst pipe. A pipe burst underground can be hard to detect, so it is best to take preventative measures with careful planting to prevent future issues. The plumber will need to repipe the plumbing to fix a burst pipe. Underground repiping is disruptive to the yard’s landscape and should be avoided.

Warning Signs of Tree Roots Intruding

Underground plumbing issues can be hard to diagnose because they are hidden away from the eyes of the homeowners. Homeowners should be on the lookout for some warning signs of underground plumbing blockages caused by plant roots. Tree roots can affect both the main water line and the sewer line.

When tree roots grow into the sewer line, it can cause slow draining as the water has to work its way past blockages of roots in the pipes. Slow draining can be frustrating and can even be a hazard to human health if dirty water containing waste remains stagnant in the home for a long time. On the other hand, when tree roots block the main water line, it can low water pressure. There are three signs of tree roots in the pipes: sudden spikes in utility bills, slow draining plumbing fixtures, and low water pressure.

How Professionals Fix Tree Root Pipe Obstruction

Homeowners can help prevent tree root growth from affecting their plumbing systems by carefully planning their landscape around underground piping. When a blockage from tree roots does occur, homeowners should give a trusted local plumbing company a call. Professional plumbers have several professional tools to remove roots growing into the pipes.

Plumbers use hydro-jetting to blast away roots that have grown into the waterline. Hydro-jetting involves using pressurized water at high speeds to dislodge blockages from tree roots. To find the source of the problem, the plumber may need to insert a camera into the pipes to find the tree roots visually.

One can install a root barrier to prevent tree roots from growing into the home’s plumbing or foundation. Homeowners concerned about trees on their property expanding their roots into their plumbing systems should ask their local plumber how a root barrier can help.

About A&A Plumbing

A&A Plumbing is a trusted local plumbing company proud to serve San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding communities with high-quality services from professional plumbing contractors. They provide personalized service for every call. Homeowners can depend on A&A Plumbing for friendly, professional customer service and affordable, up-front pricing. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment for plumbing service!