Emergency Plumber | Clogged toilet | Clogged sinks | Servicing Ma and Ri

We are finding many ways to tap the power of the sun.  Solar panels are common on home roofs these days.  There is another easy to capture the energy of the sun and make it work to our advantage.  How?  By using the power of the sun to heat all the water we need for our home’s hot water usage.

Solar hot water heaters are growing in popularity while dropping in price.  Plumbers are getting more and more calls about installing these systems.  They are hot ticket items, especially now that everyone is looking to save money.

Do not invest in a solar hot water heating system without knowing for sure if it would be beneficial for your location.  Your climate is only part of the equation.  If you have too many trees on your property or if your home isn’t oriented correctly to the sun a solar hot water heating system may not be worth the money for you.

Going green is an admirable thing but it isn’t always economically feasible.  Solar power may not be the best way to spend your green dollars.  Invest in the areas which make both financial as well as environmental sense.

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Most homes could use an extra bathroom, especially if it is an older home.  Old homes never have enough bathrooms because they were built before indoor plumbing was invented or very common.  When trying to determine where an extra bathroom could be added the basement is almost always on the list.  However adding a bathroom to the basement poses special problems not present in other areas of the house.  Much of how a plumbing system operates is based on pressure and the law of gravity.

First you will need to determine if adding a bathroom to your basement is even possible.  Older basements are often very small and there may not be enough room for the new plumbing lines to meet current building code requirements.  If that is the case do not attempt to circumvent the rules and install one by yourself.  Plumbing codes are in place for safety reasons.  A basement with an improperly installed bathroom can be turned into a whole home health hazard with sewage backing up because there is not enough drop for the sewage line to clear properly.

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Neglecting your hot water heater will shorten its lifespan. Hot water heaters can break down for any number of reasons. If you do not flush out your tank regularly sediment deposits can form and build up at the bottom of the tank.  This will cause a popping sound when the burners ignite. The unit thermostat can malfunction or fail outright. A broken dip tube can mix incoming cold water with the outgoing hot water. Uncontrolled thermal expansion can cause dangerous pressure levels and burst pipes. These and other less common problems can result in a loss of hot water, excessively hot water, or plumbing damage.

A hot water heater tank repair is best left to a certified professional.  Repair may be just as costly as purchasing a new tank so be sure to ask how much it will cost before the job starts.  If you decide to just replace the unit ask your plumber for advice on which unit is the best for your situation.  Take into consideration not just price but also warranty length and energy efficiency of the unit. If your current tank can be repaired be sure to ask how much longer it can be expected to last once the repair is complete. If the repair will only extend the unit’s life briefly consider replacing it now.

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Going green is all the rage.  Everyone wants to save the environment.  Many people don’t realize that there are many ways to go green with your home’s plumbing system.  And it is one place everyone should be looking at.  In fact, more than half of the United States anticipates fresh water shortages in the next 10 years. Without a united effort to conserve water, we will be facing a water epidemic in the near future.

Saving water is critical.  The typical family of four living in the United States will use 150,000 gallons of water per year. An even more shocking statistic shows that the United States in general flushes 6.8 billion gallons of water down the toilet daily.  This waste of toilet water immediately jeopardizes our drinking supply.  Planet Earth only has a fixed amount of water for the inhabitants of the world.

If every homeowner in the United States of America utilized a high efficiency toilet, we would conserve billions of gallons of toilet water each year.  So go green in the bathroom and save the planet.

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Looking to build a house and wondering if you need a sump pump?  If you are planning to build in an area of the country that is very flat, has a low elevation, or an area that has a high water table, then your home site is most likely at risk of being flooded at some point.  These places are called floodplains. Flooding in these areas isn’t just related to water overflowing the banks of lakes and rivers. Heavy rain can cause major damage in these areas. In fact, after heavy rains, you will probably experience a flooded basement. It doesn’t take much for water to cause some serious harm.  A couple inches of standing water will do thousands of dollars in damage.  Therefore in order to avoid a swamped basement or sub-level, it is in your best interest to install a high quality sump pump.  It really is worth the investment.  If you do not install one and flood even one time you will probably spend more money cleaning up the mess than it would have cost to protect your home with a sump pump in the first place.

Most city dwellers have no idea what a septic system is for and those who do probably think they have no use for one since they do not live in the country.  There are septic systems inside major cities even if the majority of citizens don’t realize it.  That is because they are often disguised.  But sometimes they are hiding in plain site, much like people not seeing the forest for the trees.  That’s right there are septic systems that are used every day that most people don’t even realize are septic systems.  What are they?  Port-a-potties!  That’s right portable toilets are basically self-contained septic systems.  As such they need to be properly maintained or they can become a public health hazard.  If you have one located on your property for any reason, such as a big party or family reunion, be sure to call a qualified professional to have them cleaned.  Do not attempt to drain one on your own.  The units contain chemicals that can be dangerous on top of the health issues that are present with human waste matter.  Call a professional! Friendly Plumbing® services Ma with 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

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Building your new home in a rural area where public sewer is not available will require you to install a septic system.  There are different types of septic systems.  You will need to have a perk test done to determine which system is best for your area and situation.  The perk test will also determine if you can install one at all.  A building site that fails a perk test drastically reduces the property’s value.  Make sure a perk test is done before you buy a piece of land.  Otherwise you may overpay for a piece of ground that will severely limit what you can do with it.

Get good advice on not only the different types of septic systems but also on what size you will need.  Always go bigger than you think you will need because it is much harder and much more expensive to expand a septic system at a later date.  Ask a lot of questions and do proper due diligence before investing in a septic system.  They are expensive and they need to be installed properly or it can give you major problems down the road.

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The overwhelming majority of drinking water that is consumed in the home is drawn from the kitchen faucet.  With that fact in mind if you are considering having a water filtration unit installed make sure that it will be hooked up to the tap for your kitchen sink water.  The kitchen is the family hub so if you only have one filtration unit for the home it should be added to the kitchen.

One of the most reliable, decent, and effective forms of under counter water filter is the carbon based filter.  A granulated carbon filter is preferable.  Their porous surfaces enables the filter to easily and more efficiently collect the various debris and sediments that are so often found in tap water. More than that however, the carbon based filter will also be very effective at filtering out the harmful chemicals typically found such as chlorine in addition to the sediments which will be removed.

Price is not always an indication of quality so be sure to research the various filtration systems you are considering for purchase.

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The majority of city water systems provide clean clear fresh drinking water that is perfectly safe to drink and tastes fine.  However there are regions that do not provide the best water possible.  If you reside in one of these areas you should consider a home water filtration unit.  Water is a vital element to life.  But having water is pointless if it isn’t safe to consume and or bathe with.

The risks and health hazards that unclean or impure tap or well water poses is far and wide.  A horror story could easily be written about the devastating damage that could be caused by some toxin that enters the water system of a major city.

Fresh clean drinking water use to be taken for granted but that has changed.  More and more people are concerned about the quality of the water they get from their faucets.  This concern has fueled the rise in popularity of home water filtration units.  There are now many types to choose from.  They range from pitchers that filter a gallon at a time all the way up to whole house filtration units.  Do you research to know which is the best system for your needs.

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If you have seen the advertisements on reverse osmosis and how good it is at producing clean water for drinking you might actually be considering purchasing one of the units.  Don’t believe the hype, the units aren’t nearly as efficient or effective as the advertisements claim.  If you speak to your plumber about installing one he or she will most likely try to talk you out of it.  There are much better ways to filter your drinking water.  Ask your plumber for recommendations.

There are some important things that every person should know about why reverse osmosis is not the best option for water filtration.  Reverse osmosis works by using pressure to force contaminated water through a membrane that removes contaminants and leaves only filtered water behind. This filtered water is then put into a storage tank.  What most people do not know is that this process is very inefficient.

If you want a home water filtration system choose one other than a reverse osmosis system.

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It’s never too late to check your plumbing until it’s too late. Have a certified plumber inspect any building or home before you sign a contract to purchase it.  Plumbing systems can be very complex and the cost to repair a system in poor condition can be extremely costly.  The average person does not know enough about how plumbing systems are put together to do their own inspection.

Plumbing systems are more than just your water lines.  Plumbing equipment present all heating systems are pumps, backflow preventers, water heaters, heat exchangers, water meters. Plumbing installation and repair work on homes and business generally must be done according to plumbing codes.  If the work done on the house you are considering buying was completed by the last homeowner and not a certified plumber you may run into trouble with the codes department at some time in the future if something was installed incorrectly.  Know in advance if something is wrong and ask that it be corrected before you take ownership.

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Before attempting a home remodel that involves plumbing repairs it may be a good idea to completely drain all the water from the pipes.  The first step to draining the plumbing system of a home is to shut off the main water valve.  This is usually located next to or near the water meter.  Make sure to turn the knob tightly.  You need to make sure the water is completely shut off.  Once you are sure the water is shut off you begin at the top floor of the house and open up each and every one of the sink and tub faucets.  If you have any water using appliances up stairs, such as a washing machine, you need to open the water valves on those too.  Next, you’ll go to all the other floors and do the same.  Then to the basement or to the lowest level of your home, and open up the faucet in the laundry tub or lowest sink. Let all of the water from the above floors drain out. Then, flush all of the toilets. Leave the faucets in the open position. You should see that there is no water coming out of the faucets. There might be a slow drip coming from the faucet at the lowest level of the home, as all of the water remaining will dribble out. That is the quick run through on how to drain the plumbing in your home.

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if you are closing down your summer home for the season make sure that you call a plumber to drain the water from your plumbing system.  Many homeowners attempt to do this themselves and overlook something which ends up coming back to haunt them in the form of major damage and an expensive repair bill.

If you are doing a seasonal shutdown, chances are that you are doing much more than simply draining the pipes, but that is a big part of it. If you don’t drain the pipes, they might freeze, and this could cause them to burst.  That will not only ruin them, it will also cause a mess. For major repairs, any type of water left in the pipes can cause problems, so it is always best to drain the water completely.  If you are unsure of how to do this please call a plumber.  Have him or her walk you through all the steps to do it properly.  If you take good notes you will be able to do the seasonal shutdowns yourself from there on out.

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Your home’s plumbing system basically has two purposes.  One is to take water in, and the other is to take water out. More accurately, clean water in, dirty or waste water out. If that simple order or sequence gets mixed up, it’s time to call a plumber right away before a major plumbing disaster occurs.

Many homeowners who attempt to repair their own systems often forget the science behind the plumbing system.  That is a disaster waiting to happen.  Many people have flooded their homes because they didn’t understand the roles pressure and gravity play in a home’s plumbing system.

A greater problem than flooding your house with clean water is what can happen if you screw up a sewage line and end up with waste material all over the place.  Not only is that a major pain to clean up it can also be a major health problem.  Waste water can contain all types of bacteria.  Make sure you wear protective gear, including eye protection, when working on a sewer line if you decide to do it yourself.  Clean up any mess immediately and use plenty of disinfectant.  Shower immediately after the job is completed.

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Homeowners looking for a quick and easy way to save money on their energy bill should invest a small amount of money and buy an insulating blanket for their hot water tanks.  And also consider buying some of the foam pipe insulating wraps to put over the pipes that come out of the tank.

The inner tank is the one holds the actual hot water has to be insulated to prevent unnecessary heat loss.  Wrapping the outside of the tank with an insulating blanket helps to cut down even more on heating loss.  The surrounding pipes can also be wrapped to ensure no heat is lost while the water is traveling to its destination.  Every little bit helps.
There is a big emphasis on environmentally friendly hot water heaters and energy saving appliances in general.  Up to 20% of your heated water is wasted through poor insulation or poor maintenance and management of your water heater. Not only does this have a negative effect on the environment but it also means your household bills will be more expensive.  Taking steps to reduce that wasted energy will help your wallet and the environment.

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Homeowners should understand their hot water tanks before attempting to work on them.  Most people should call a plumber and avoid possibly damaging the unit.  There are many things that can go wrong and some small parts that are critical to a properly functioning unit.
All electric water heaters must be built with a TPR (Temperature Pressure Relief) valve, to prevent them from blowing up if the temperature or pressure reaches an unsafe level. This works to release any excess pressure, in the form of steam or water, through a safe outlet.  The valve should be tested manually on a regular basis, as the effects of the tank exploding can be very dangerous. ??Another important feature of a water heater is the drain valve, which allows for any sediment build up to be drained out of the unit.  Built up sediment is one of the main reasons hot water heaters fail.  It is recommended that the drain valve be flushed every six months, to prevent any blockages and damage to the tank. Be careful not to break the drain valve.??The anode is another key element of a water heater, preventing electrolysis from eating away at the tank. Basically the anode attracts the corrosion. It is very important to check the anode regularly.  Most modern tanks have an easily accessible ‘port’ where the anode is located and easy to see.  Understand that once the anode is worn away the corrosion will start on the tank itself.  Don’t allow that to happen.

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Homeowners should understand their hot water tanks and how to use them to save money.  The way that hot water heaters work is by heating the water from the bottom of the tank, where the heating elements are positioned.  Because cold water is more dense the hot water then rises to the top of the tank where it is then carried off to whichever spigot has been turned on.  Try not to use too much hot water too quickly, because if you are using more than the heating elements can keep up with you will run out of hot water in the middle of whatever you are using the water for, such as a shower.  Hot water heaters are fitted with a thermostat, which acts to ensure the heat of the water in the tank never drops below a certain level.  You can set that temperature higher or lower depending on your personal preference.   When the temperature in the tank drops too low the thermostat kicks in and powers the heating elements which then warm the water.  You can install a timer so that the thermostat will only trigger the heating elements to come on at specific times, when you are most likely to need hot water. By doing this you will save money by not heating water you will not use, like all the hours you are either asleep or at work.  You can also turn down the tank when you plan to be away from the house for a few days.

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Saving energy with a tankless water heater is a hot topic these days.  Most American homes spend 25% of their energy budget on the simple task of heating the home’s hot water.  Water that is heated and not used is basically wasted money.  With the economy taking a turn for the worse most people are looking at ways to slash their bills.  If your home heats a lot of water that goes unused then it is time to seriously consider installing a tankless hot water heater.

Tankless hot water heaters are basically “on demand” water heaters.  They are also called instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash or instant-on hot water heaters.  They are gaining popularity because they save a huge amount of energy, especially in homes where hot water isn’t used very often.  Single people and small families really see a benefit from these units.

Buy the right type of unit for your home or building.  There are “point of use” tankless water heater systems, which as you can guess work at the point of use.  They are installed right next to where the hot water will be used such as under a sink or behind the wall where the shower or tub plumbing pipes are run.   There are larger units that serve multiple plumbing fixtures or even the entire house.

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Improperly draining sinks and tubs is one of the biggest plumbing problems a homeowner faces.  If a slowly draining sink is not addressed as soon as the problem is noticed a clog is going to happen.  Unfortunately clogs seem to happen at the most inopportune times.  We always seem to think we can get by a little bit longer than we actually can.  We always put off today and get hit with a bigger plumbing problem tomorrow.

The two most common types of clogged drains are grease clogs and hair clogs.  Homeowners can try many different things to keep their drains clean and clear.  Preventing grease and hair from entering the drainage system is the easiest way to avoid the clog problem.  It isn’t exactly easy to avoid when you have long hair however.  Steps can be taken to reduce the amount of hair entering the system though.  Brushing or combing your hair before showering really helps, as will using a wire screen hair trap over the drain opening.

Clogs do happen but they can happen less frequently with proper maintenance and taking proactive steps to reduce the amount of hair and grease entering the system. If you need drain cleaning in melrose or any plumbing problems solved Call Friendly Plumbing at 888-978-2247

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The best way to save money on plumbing problems is to prevent those problems from occurring.  This starts from the time the house is built.  Proper planning of the plumbing system is key.  If you have ever looked at the pipes inside old homes you can tell just how awkwardly they were sometimes put together.  This is because many old homes were actually built before indoor plumbing was a common feature.  The hodge-podge pipes were hobbled together after the structure was already in place.  I am sure you can imagine how many obstacles the plumbers trying to retrofit those homes had on those jobs.

When building a new home it is important that you build not only with current needs in mind but also with future needs considered.  If you don’t have the money at the moment but would eventually like to put in a steam room or another bathroom, it is worth considering having the plumbing pipes laid out now for those future desires.  It will be far less costly and less intrusive to do it when all the walls are open and exposed instead of having to retrofit all the pipes later.

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If you are not a “handy” person call a plumber to fix any plumbing problems you may have.  One wrong twist of a pipe can cause a great deal of damage and the cost to repair the damage may be much greater than you would have paid to have a qualified plumber fix the original problem.  Forget to shut the water off before removing a fixture and the water damage can be far more costly than the repair.  Sitting water can led to mold and mildew problems too, which are health concerns.

If cost is a concern call around and price shop the going plumbing rates in your area.  Be sure to ask if the plumber offers a cash discount for instant payment.  You’ll be surprised how often a plumber will give you a much better rate if you pay in cash as soon as the job is completed.  The cheapest plumber isn’t necessarily the best option.  Pick the plumber who is best qualified for your situation.  A plumber who specializes in new construction probably isn’t the best choice for your 150 year old house.  Be smart and find the best plumber for your project.

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Anyone who has long hair knows that eventually that long hair is going to cause the shower drain to clog.  It is one of the tradeoffs for having long hair.  There are things which can be done to minimize the number of clogs a shower drain will have in a given year but short of getting a hair cut there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility that the clogs will happen.  Not many people are willing to cut their hair just to eliminate the occasional hair clogged drain.  Using a hair trap on the drain plug holes and regularly cleaning out the drain helps but does not ensure a blockage will not occur. You can use drain cleaner each month as a way of being proactive against clogs but that isn’t necessarily environmentally friendly.

If you have long hair it is a good idea to comb it out good before getting into the shower, this will remove many of the lose hairs so they won’t come out while you are shampooing or conditioning.  It is a quick and easy step to help stop a hair clog from happening, or at least delaying it as long as possible.

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Grease is the enemy of your drain system.  Grease of any type, whether hot or cold, clings to the inside of your pipes and will eventually cause a blockage somewhere in your line. Grease thickens very quickly when exposed to the cold pipes.   Whether is food grease like from bacon or beauty items such as baby oil or moisturizing lotion, all types of grease are bad for your pipes.  As with kitchen grease, never wash oils used for mechanical or cleaning purposes down your sink. Lubricating oils for joints or hinges, and motor oil are two of the major culprits that are often unknowingly rinsed down the drain. As well as blocking your pipes, disposing of outside oils in this way is bad for the environment. The EPA or Environmental Protection Agency has regulations which state that it is illegal to put motor oil in anything other than a designated container.  This may seem like common sense to some but many people do not realize the dangers that exist from flushing these oils down into the public sewer systems.  So be green and dispose of waste oil and waste oil by products in a safe and legal manner.

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Grease is a major problem for the kitchen sink drain pipes.  People too often don’t consider that grease will solidify very quickly once it is exposed to the cold pipes in your plumbing system.  Eventually these pipes will get blocked up from the accumulated grease that collects in them.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to NEVER rinse grease down the drain.  Wipe that greasy bacon dish off with a paper towel before putting it into the dish washing water if you wash by hand or the dishwasher if you have one.  If the grease has hardened then you can scraped it off into a container to then put into the garbage.

Another thing you can do is to use a dish washing detergent like Dawn which will help break grease down.  This will not stop all grease from building up however.  It just slows the build up.  If you put grease down your drain it will eventually lead to a blockage of the pipes.  The little bit of time it takes to wipe the grease from plates is worth the effort.  Having a plumber come out to clear the grease blockage is also going to take a bite out of your wallet.  Be smart and avoid the expense by being proactive.

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Many people don’t even consider their kitchen sink drain until they need to reach for a plunger.  Keeping your drains clear and unblocked is one essential household task that is too often overlooked until it is too late.  The only things that should be put down the kitchen drain are liquids.  No food scraps unless you have a garbage disposal.  Even small particles of food can block a drain because they often build up and you don’t even realize it.  Grease of any kind should NEVER be put down any drain.  Too many times people will rinse bacon grease down the drain and think nothing of it.  This is a big mistake.  Grease of any kind, hot or cold, will cling to the inside of your pipes and causes blockages eventually. Grease thickens very quickly when exposed to the cool water or cool pipes underneath your sink going to the outside. Grease should be left sit to cool and harden before being scraped into an airtight container and then be disposed of in the garbage.

Giving a little thought before you go ahead and rinse anything and everything down your sink may save you a lot of drain and pipe unblocking in the not so distant future.

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If you do not take care of your drains, you are eventually going to have to call a plumber.  As Ben Franklin once said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Take care of your plumbing fixtures and be careful of anything that may fall down drains.  Never put anything but liquids down a drain pipe.

If you never put anything but liquid down them, it is very easy to keep them running smoothly.  For minor problems here are a couple things you can try to correct the problem:

~ Try pouring plain boiling water down the drain.

~ Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by boiling water.

~ Use baking soda, followed by vinegar.  Let sit, and then use water.

~ Fill the sink up completely with water, and let it drain out.  Basically using the water pressure to clear the pipes.

If none of the above work call a plumber.  Do not take the chance of damaging the pipes.  A professional can clear your pipes safely and without damaging anything.  A small clog or slowly draining sink or tub may not seem like a big deal but it can be quite costly if you don’t take care of it right away.

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Do you know where most of the water usage in your home occurs?  Well the typical household uses 50 gallons of water a day between the sink and the shower?  Long, hot, relaxing showers are incredibly nice but they account for nearly 40% of all hot water usage in your house.

If you are looking to go green or to just save money, curbing water use is one way to do it.  An easy way to save energy and money is to install a low-flow shower head. They will save you an average of 15 gallons of water per shower. That amounts to a nearly 85% reduction in your hot water usage.

The other bathroom fixture that needs addresses is the toilet.  If your toilet is an older 3-5 gallon and not one of the newer 1.6 gallon per flush models you can place a brick two in the tank to displace some of the water and use less water per flush. Or you can purchase and install an early closure flapper from the local hardware store, it can save you 30-50 percent of water per flush.

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Has your hot water tank stop working?  How long have you had it?  Did you do regular maintenance on it?

Hot water tanks are one of those appliances that go unnoticed and under appreciated until they stop working.  A cold shower isn’t very much fun at any time of the year but taking one in the dead of winter is something out of a torture tactics play book.

On average hot water tanks last 10 years.  When they are well maintained they can last much longer.  If they are in a cool damp basement they could spring a leak due to rust in just a few years.  Tankless hot water heaters last much longer, many manufacturers even offer a lifetime warranty against leaks.  So if you find yourself needing a new hot water heater it would be a good time to upgrade to a tankless hot water heater system.

If your hot water tank only needs repaired be sure to call in a professional. This is not the type of repair that a homeowner should attempt on their own.  Take cost into consideration, the repair may cost as much as buying a brand new unit.

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If you are looking to build a green home or be green when remodeling, there are many ways to do it in matters of plumbing.  Greening your plumbing can lower your home energy costs, improve your home from a health perspective, and it’s easier on the environment.  An even bigger plus for those with a conservative budget is that going green in the plumbing department is not likely to cost you much more than using non-green materials.  For the few times where it may cost more to go the green route you will most likely recoup your additional costs in the form of a lower energy bill and reduced water bill.  That monthly savings should make the investment well worth doing financially because that savings will continue even after you have recouped the initial investment in the green plumbing.  Though the true benefit of going green is to the environment and your health.  Green plumbing provides cleaner drinking water, which is healthier for you and your family.  Cleaner water will also be better for your appliances that use water, like your hot water tank, dishwasher and washing machine.

Friendly Plumbing® services Attleboro Ma with  24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repairs and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their 24-7  plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Winter brings lots of headaches to homeowners in areas of the world where the temperatures drop below freezing for months at a time.  Plumbers get very busy this time of year so even an emergency visit can take a week to get a certified plumber out to look at your problem.  Supply parts also tend to be in high demand, with deliveries being delayed to bad driving conditions and flight delays, it can often take 2 weeks to get a replacement part in for an older system.

It is for these reasons that Attleboro homeowners should consider having a plumber do a winterization inspection to head off potential problems before winter hits.  It may also be a good idea to order replacement parts early if there is a chance you will need them.  If your plumber suggests a filter, seal or gasket is worn it is best to just have it replaced now.  Waiting will require another trip from the plumber, which can take much longer to schedule during the winter, and will most likely cost more at that point.  Prevent future hassle and potential property damage by being proactive.

Friendly Plumbing® services Methuen Ma with  24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repairs and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their 24-7  plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

The lowly sump pump gets no respect.  Its only purpose is to route excess water away from your home.  That may seem like a pointless duty on the surface of the matter but only the uninformed or true gambler would build or buy a house in a flood plain zone that does not have a sump pump installed.  Don’t fall into the trap that it is silly to pay money for a machine that only performs a simple, single task. Water, especially standing water, can be a very dangerous threat to your health and your home.

To understand what a sump pump does realize that your home has tile drains wrapping all the way around the house that captures surplus water whether it be from rainfall or heavy snow melts. AS water builds up the tiles direct the overflow to a central location in your basement, which is called the sump. A sump is simply a well that looks like a small pit in your sub-floor where water collects.  If or when this pit fills with water and reaches a critical level, the sump pump will force the water outside via a pipe that leads away from your foundation and into the city storm drain. This is how the sump pump protects your basement and foundation structure.

Friendly Plumbing® services Weymouth Ma with  24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repairs and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their 24-7  plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Plumbing problems can become health problems very quickly, and in certain situations they can become public health problems.  A minor plumbing leak that goes undetected and uncorrected for a length of time can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.  This fungus growth can adversely affect individuals with allergies and other types of breathing disorders.

More serious problems such as backed up sewage can damage property as well as cause major health problems, with the elderly and young children being the most susceptible.  A damaged pipe can allow poisonous gases to leak into the home that can lead to death, as can an improperly vented appliance.  A gas dryer must be vented outside, not doing so can be deadly.

If you have a plumbing problem in weymouth  contact a certified plumber (Friendly Plumbing)  immediately.  Delaying can put you and your family at risk.  If you are having financial problems ask if the plumber has a financing plan or inquire at local aid organizations and see if you qualify for assistance.  Many agencies can arrange for a portion of the bill to be covered with grant money or by a local charity.

Tankless water heaters, also known as on demand hot water heaters, are becoming quite popular in the United States.  They have been used for many years in other countries so they have been tested and aren’t some new technology you should be wary of purchasing.  Residential domestic on demand hot water heaters aren’t the norm yet so many people have trouble finding experienced licensed installers.  Don’t get caught up in all of that.  Any plumber can install one of the tankless hot water heater units. Understand that your plumber may not have ever installed one of them before but they aren’t too much different than a regular hot water tank.  Do keep in mind that some on demand water heaters will require a larger vent pipe.  Consider this before deciding what model to purchase.  Have the plumber you plan to use for the installation look at the specs.  If a new vent pipe is going to be required for the unit you want ask for a price quote from the plumber so you will know the true cost of making the switch over to a tankless on demand hot water tank.

Friendly Plumbing® offers plumbing services in Massachusetts  If you need a Plumber in Ma, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Friendly Plumbing® offers plumbing services in Revere, Ma. If you need a Plumber in Revere, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Do not neglect to test every faucet, drain, and toilet before you sign a contract to purchase a home.  Even if you had your home built from scratch you will want to test each and every one.  That means you want to run the water in the tub, the sink, and flush every one of the toilets.  Be sure the dishwasher works properly and doesn’t leak.  Make sure the water lines and drains for the washing machine work and are in good condition.  If there is a garbage disposal run it to be sure it works.

Check the water flow, the drain flow (make sure the water isn’t backing up) and how long it takes for hot water to reach the tap.  Is the current hot water tank the correct size for your family?  If the current owner is single or an elderly couple and you have a spouse and two teenagers realize that while the current tank may have met the needs of the current owners it may not be big enough for your family’s needs.

Also check the condition of the hot water tank.  If you see any rust on the unit plan on replacing it and factor that into your purchase price.

Friendly Plumbing® offers plumbing services in Medford, Ma. If you need a Plumber in Medford, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Old homes have steel pipes that often rust and corrode when not used.  If you are buying an old house you really need to have a qualified plumber inspect all of the pipes in the house.  And you will want to get an estimate on what it will cost to replace all of the plumbing pipes and fixtures in the house.  You may not need to replace everything but it is a good idea to know what the worst case scenario is should there be a problem with the house after you purchase it.  You can use that quote as a bargaining tool to get a lower price from the seller.  With an older house it isn’t a matter of if there is going to be a plumbing problem but when.  The problems are worse if you live in a cold weather region because the freeze thaw cycle can really take a toll on pipes.  Aged pipes have a greater danger of experiencing problems.

The price tag of a whole house re-plumbing will cause sticker shock for most people.  But you really want to know in advance so that you can prepare and budget for it.  If you wait until it becomes an emergency the price is going to shoot up even more.

Call Friendly Plumbing®  plumber hot line at 888-978-2247 for fast friendly service in Medford

Friendly Plumbing® offers plumbing services inMalden. Ma If you need a Plumber in Malden, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Did you opt for the cheap low flow toilet and now you need to flush several times in order to get everything flushed out of the bow?  This happens all the time. You will find that with the low flush toilets you will not get as much “spin” as the older large tank toilets had. The spinning (caused by living in Northern Hemisphere) happens on toilets and drains because the water is in tank or drain long enough to cause it to turn. The great thing is it helps clean the toilet bowl as it spins.

New toilets rely on the quick flow of the water entering the bowl to clean and flush. Often the fast flush units do not allow the water to spin as its goes down.

Other issues with cheap toilets and them not flushing properly include the trap inside being small as well as the flush valve in the tank being small. This results in the water not entering the bowl with enough speed to flush it down. Better toilets (not the ones sold in big box stores off the shelf - if you shop there consider a special ordered model) have much larger flush valves and better constructed traps with the bowl area. The result is better flushing.  Ask your friendly plumber of malden Ma to recommend a good toilet and save yourself a lot of hassle.

Friendly Plumbing® offers plumbing services inMalden. Ma If you need a Plumber in Malden, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Friendly Plumbing® offers plumbing services in Taunton. Ma If you need a Plumber in taunton, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Does the little screen near the solenoid on your dishwasher get clogged up with sediment?  Consider having a Taunton plumber install a whole house water filter.  The filters aren’t that expensive and will protect all the other plumbing fixtures in the house too.  Your washing machine will be just as susceptible to the grit issues your dishwasher.
Don’t skimp and try to add a filter just to the water line feeding the dishwasher.  The main points to consider are: 1) filters generally aren’t made for hot water 2) that grit is also going into your hot water tank, which will shorten its life dramatically.  Hence a whole house water filter is worth the extra money.  The filter hooks onto the cold line before it feeds the hot water heater. You may be able to set it up so that the outside water lines (hose taps) do not go through the filter.
As was stated companies don’t make a filter that is ok with hot water - if you try it you will have all sorts of trouble including the possibility of flooding your kitchen.

Call friendly plumbing in Taunton at 888-978-2247 for all your plumbing needs

Did you find a great deal on a bank REO? Great! Now do proper due diligence before you shell out too much money or get stuck with a house that requires a massive influx of cash in order to make it livable. Plumbing problems are the most commonly overlooked area of home buyers.

Friendly Plumbing® services Brookline with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Do yourself a favor and have a plumbing inspection done before you buy that foreclosure! If a house has been vacant for a period of time there could be serious problems that you are not aware of and probably don’t even realize are problems.

Pipes can crack for many different reasons and house that has not been lived in for awhile will dry out. The lack of moisture in the house may dry out the seals of many pipes and faucets. Have the hot water tank looked at to make sure it is still serviceable and doesn’t need to be replaced right away. It is well worth the cost to have a certified plumber look the house over and give you an assessment of how much it is really going to cost to fix any damages that may have occurred due to the house being boarded up for awhile.

Friendly Plumbing® services Waltham with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Notice a wet spot under or around your hot water tank? Hot water tank leaks happen quite frequently. Do not delay in having the problem looked at by a qualified and certified plumbing professional though. Waiting to have it looked at and repaired will cost more and allow more damage to happen. Leaking water will encourage mold and mildew growth, especially if the leak happens in a dark cool basement. A plumber may be able to do a quick fix that will save you lots of money in the long run.

If the cost to repair the unit is too high or if the hot water tank cannot be repaired have it replaced with the most energy efficient model you can buy. The energy savings will really add up over time. You may also want to consider buying one with a timer or adding a timer onto the unit so that you are only heating water during the hours you are awake and home to actually use the water that has been heated. Otherwise you are just paying to heat water for nothing. You will save both money and energy at the same time.

Friendly Plumbing® services Framingham with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Notice a wet spot under or around your hot water tank? Hot water tank leaks happen quite frequently. Do not delay in having the problem looked at by a qualified and certified plumbing professional though. Waiting to have it looked at and repaired will cost more and allow more damage to happen. Leaking water will encourage mold and mildew growth, especially if the leak happens in a dark cool basement. A plumber may be able to do a quick fix that will save you lots of money in the long run.

If the cost to repair the unit is too high or if the hot water tank cannot be repaired have it replaced with the most energy efficient model you can buy. The energy savings will really add up over time. You may also want to consider buying one with a timer or adding a timer onto the unit so that you are only heating water during the hours you are awake and home to actually use the water that has been heated. Otherwise you are just paying to heat water for nothing. You will save both money and energy at the same time.

Friendly Plumbing® services Newton  with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

A leaking faucet that drips one drip per second wastes almost 20 gallons of water a month. Over time that really adds up. You pay for it not only in dollars but also in frustration. The sound of a dripping faucet can drive a person nuts. It is the most annoying noise known to man and tends to put most people into cranky moods. Often they don’t even realize the root cause of their bad mood.

A  plumber in Newton can repair a leaking faucet in no time and the fee is well worth the cost in the long run and a quick repair is often relatively cheap, especially if you pay right away in cash. Ask for a cash discount and you will most likely get it.

Having the leak repaired quickly is also beneficial to the environment because fresh clean drinking water is not being wasted. Until the plumber arrives place a bucket or milk jug under the faucet to catch the drips. You can use that saved water to water your houseplants or take it out to dump on your garden or landscape plants. At least this way the water will be put to good use and you won’t have to feel bad if it takes a few days to have the leak fixed.

Friendly Plumbing® services Quincy  with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Your plumbing choices are about more than just initial cost alone. Choose what you buy wisely and you can save money over the life of the product. Saving money on heating your hot water will really add up faster if you take a few simple steps.

First buy the most energy efficient model of hot water heater you can afford to purchase. When installing the hot water heater also install a timing unit so that you can control the hours your tank actually heats the water. No need to heat water during the hours you are asleep or at work. Also add an insulation blanket to your hot water heater, it will help even the most energy efficient unit.

Ask your Quincy plumber what you need to do to properly maintain your hot water tank. Proper and regular maintenance is the key to making your hot water tank work well and last longer. You will want to flush the tank regularly to remove any built up sediment. Each unit is slightly different so make sure you know where all of the controls are and how to shut the water off to the unit should there be major damage to the unit.

Friendly Plumbing® services Boston Ma with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Plumbing is one of those home necessities that is often taken for granted or completely misunderstood. That is probably because plumbing pipes are usually hidden behind walls and below ceilings or in crawl spaces underneath the house. Even though they are hidden they should not be overlooked or ignored. Because pipes are hidden it is often expensive to repair plumbing leaks. For that reason homeowners should buy the correct type of pipe for their geographic region, taking into consideration weather conditions. If you live where the temperature drops below freezing you will want to insulate your pipes to save yourself major problems during the winter months. A frozen pipe that bursts is a major disaster.

The plumbing pipe industry was once characterized by limited choices consisting only of galvanized or copper pipes. However today there are many viable alternatives that perform more reliably and hassle-free than their predecessors. There are greener options for those concerned with damaging the environment and cheaper options for those whose wallets are lighter than others.

If you are building fro scratch or doing a remodel have the plumber use the best type of pipe for your situation. A good plumber will save you tons of money in the long run.

Friendly Plumbing® services Braintree Ma with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

When to call a professional plumber.

If a plumbing problem arises at your home, you have to check all of the plumbing problem elements. Very often the solution of your problem can be something like a tightening of a bolt. You can save the money if you change regularly the eroded simple parts. If you need any help with doing that, you can get some directions from the Internet or from the local store for home improvement.

Calling a plumber can cost you some money but it can also prevent the appearance of this kind of problems in the future.

Plumbing problems should not make you confused. There are certain steps which can be taken in order to diagnose or examine some general plumbing problems.

Friendly Plumbing® services Braintree Ma with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Friendly Plumbing® services Mansfield, Ma with Plumbing, 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

One of the most effective ways to look for a plumbing company is through the Internet. Through this source, you will be able to locate a highly-qualified plumber. Mansfield online plumbing companies may either be local or national. As with the other sources, you have to search for local plumbers to avail of quick services. Mansfield Plumbing companies that are found over the Internet are very convenient. This is because online companies come with background information regarding their company and their services. You will also know how long they have been catering to their clients. The longer the union or company has been in the business, the more reliable their services are.

When you search on the web, you will find plenty of plumbers. Manfield plumbing service providers on the Internet include Friendly Plumbing. The services of this company include residential plumbing, burst pipes, water heaters
, sewer line replacement or repair, showers, toilet blockages, remodeling, drain repairs and clearing, trench less sewer repair, and several other services. Friendly Plumbing has been serving Mansfield Ma for more than twenty years, assuring you of reliable plumbing work.

Recommended Plumber in Mansfield

Your toilets or sink sare clogged or its 3am and your water heater just burst and you need a reliable plumbing service and you need one fast Well you’re in luck! Friendly Plumbing® services Brockton with all plumbing services including  24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

If your drainage system has leaks or your shower is not working well, then you need a plumber. Brockton  has a long list of companies and service providers that offer plumbing services. If you do not know where to find a reliable plumber, there are several sources to perform your search. The more time you put into your search for a plumber, the easier it will be for you to locate someone that can do the job well.

When you need dependable plumbers, Brockton plumbing companies offer great services. As long as you know which company provides more reliable services than the other, you will be able to hire the right assistance for you. You will surely find dependable plumbers, when you ask around from your neighbors or friends. Asking for referrals from the people that you know will assure you that the plumber is tried and tested. Aside from getting the best man for the job, you will also be able to hire someone from within your neighborhood. This way, your plumber can tend to the task immediately.

Friendly Plumbing® services Fall River with 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

If you are a homeowner, you will almost assuredly have plumbing problems once in awhile. Anything from simple tap leaks to more complicated problems like clogged toilets or leaking pipes. If you find yourself in a plumbing
situation that you cannot - or should not - deal with yourself, you need a professional plumber. Why knock yourself out trying to deal with the problem, when help is just a phone call away? Call 888-978-2247 or visit www.friendlyPlumbing.com

Friendly Plumbing® services New bedford with 24-7 emergency plumbing, clogged toilets, clogged kitchen sinks and all other plumber repairs.   Call their Emergency plumber hot line at 888-978-2247

Plumbing problems in  can be pretty common, especially in older homes. They can come in as simple a task as a leaky faucet