Plumbing Maintenance 101

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Whether you're a first-time homeowner or you've been living in your home for years, it's important that you know the basics of plumbing.

Plumbing maintenance can help keep your home running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.

A professional plumber is often required to solve major plumbing issues in your home. Still, if you have a basic understanding of your plumbing system, that job becomes much more manageable.

When you have an idea of what to know about plumbing, you will learn how to solve minor issues and when to call in a professional.

This article will discuss the most critical plumbing basics that every homeowner should know. We'll cover everything from how to unclog a drain to what to do when your pipes freeze!

Where Water Comes In and How to Shut it Off

Every house needs two plumbing systems: one to bring fresh water inside and another to remove wastewater.

The water supply is the water that enters your property, which is referred to as potable (or drinkable).

This water comes from a private well or via a public utility company.

Shutting off the water supply is an important task that every homeowner should know. There are two ways to turn off the water: at the meter or in your home.

To shut off the water at the meter, locate the shut-off valve on the exterior of your home. This is a valve that the water company uses to turn off the water when they're doing maintenance or repairs.

It's usually located near the meter, and there aren't too many reasons you will need to shut off at the exterior, but it is good to know where it is.

To shut off the water in your home, find the main shut-off valve. This is a valve located near where your water comes into the house, and it's used to control the water supply to your entire home.

If there's a plumbing emergency, this is the valve you'll need to turn off.

Being aware of how to shut off the main water supply is one of the most important things to be mindful of as a homeowner. This can help prevent extensive damage to your home in the event of a water-related emergency, such as a burst pipe or a flood.

How to Unclog a Drain

One of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners face is clogged drains. A clogged drain can be caused by anything from hair and soap scum to food particles and grease.

There are a few ways to unclog a drain, but a plunger is the most common method.

To use a plunger, put the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down. You may have to do this for a few minutes before the clog is dislodged.

If plunging doesn't work, you can try using a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a long, coiled wire inserted into the drain to break up the clog.

If neither of these methods works, you should call a professional plumber.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can be both annoying and costly. A single faucet drip can waste up to 100 gallons of water per day!

There are a few ways to fix a leaky faucet, but replacing the washer is the most common. To do this, turn off the water supply to the tap and remove the handle.

The washer is located under the handle, and you can usually replace it without removing the entire faucet.

If the washer doesn't fix the leak, it may be time to call a plumber to replace the entire faucet.

How to Unclog a Toilet

A clogged toilet is an inconvenience that no one wants to deal with. Thankfully, it's a pretty easy problem to fix.

The most common way to unclog a toilet is by using a plunger. Put the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down. You may have to do this for a few minutes before the clog is dislodged.

If plunging doesn't work, like unclogging a shower or sink drain, you can try using a plumbing snake. The long, coiled wire inserted into the drain is intended to break up the clog.

If neither of these methods works or your toilet is constantly becoming clogged, a professional plumber can help get to the root of the issue.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

A running toilet is another plumbing problem that you can easily fix. The most common reason for a running toilet is an issue with the toilet lift chain or arm or leaky flapper valve.

To fix this, turn off the water supply to the toilet, remove the lid, and locate the flapper valve. The flapper valve is usually located at the bottom of the tank. If the flapper valve is leaking, it can cause the toilet to run.

Sometimes, a flush may have caused the flapper valve to misfire. However, you may need to replace the flapper valve if the problem persists. You can usually find a replacement at your local hardware store.

In some circumstances, you may require a plumber where the issue is not solved with a flapper valve replacement or other minor tweaks.

How to Handle Frozen Pipes

One of the worst plumbing nightmares is having your pipes freeze and burst. Turn off the water supply immediately and call a plumber if this happens.

You can do a few things to prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter months. One is to keep your home warm and well-insulated. Another is to insulate pipes on exterior walls, open cabinet doors under sinks, and leave faucets dripping overnight when temperatures are below freezing.

If you notice that one of your pipes has frozen, you can try to use a hairdryer to thaw it out. It is essential never to use a blowtorch or open a flame to thaw a pipe - this could cause a fire!

The Basics of Plumbing

These are just a few plumbing basics that every homeowner should know regarding plumbing.

For more information or help with any plumbing repairs or installations, don't hesitate to get in touch with Cape May's Majewski Plumbing.

Rationale

Plumbing maintenance can help keep your home running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road. There are a few things that every homeowner should know, including:

It’s also important to know how to unclog a drain and fix a leaky pipe.

For more information or help with any plumbing repairs or installations, don't hesitate to get in touch with Cape May's Majewski Plumbing.

Majewski Plumbing

1275 Bayshore Rd

Villas, NJ

08251

(609) 374-6001

https://www.majewskiplumbing.com/

The Importance of Winterizing Your Cottage at the End of Summer

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The end of summer is quickly approaching, and many people are starting to get ready for winter.

In Villas, NJ, we are fortunate enough to experience all four seasons.

Vacationers flock to our beaches and look for summer rentals for fishing trips.

Vacation homeowners in the Cape May County area know how important it is to keep a summer home or cottage in tip-top shape, especially since they typically sit vacant for a few months of the year.

You don’t want to head into the winter without adequately preparing your vacation home. We know that winterizing your cottage can be a tedious process, so we’ve created this blog post to ensure you don’t miss anything important!

Read on to see why it is essential to winterize your cottage at the end of summer:

Save Money on Utility Bills

While some vacation property owners will shut down the power in their cottage for the winter, most do not.

This means that you will still be paying for utilities, even if you are not using as many services as you do while renting your property to guests or spending time there yourself.

Turning off appliances is a common practice in winterizing your vacation home.

However, many cottage property owners will not turn their heating systems off entirely. So you may want to selectively turn fuses off in your fuse box before you leave for the season.

You may want to consider extra security precautions like a security system or lights with timers.

Ensuring that you take measures to save money and energy in your vacation home will keep your utility bills low when you are not staying at the property.

You should also disconnect, store, and turn off any propane appliances before the long fall and winter break.

This includes barbecues, patio heaters, fireplaces, and propane tanks.

To avoid leaks while away from the property for a considerable length of time, be sure to close the valve on your smaller propane tanks before disconnecting and storing them upright.

Avoid Roof Leaks

It is important to regularly clean the rain gutters on your vacation home. Not only do clogged and dirty gutters cause possible water damage inside your vacation home, but they can also cause structural damage and personal property loss.

Gutters offer protection for structures by channeling rain flow via downspouts away from building foundations and properties.

Winter can be particularly hard on homes; heavy snow, freezing rain, and high winds can damage your home, regardless of the age of your home and roof.

Cleaning out rain gutters each year will reduce the risk of water damage from clogged gutters when it’s cold outside.

Taking action around your gutters also protects vacation homes from dampness that can cause unhealthy mold growth.

Avoid Expensive Repairs

To ease the burden during a hectic time of year, take some proactive measures now. Start by checking the exterior and noting potential problems like cracks in your foundation or broken siding.

After thoroughly examining every part inside and out, you may want to call a contractor to complete minor repairs on the damage that could lead to rodent or pest infestation or other foundation or structural issues.

Prevent Roof Damage and Structural Weakening

Damage Winter Roof - Majewski

Fall and winter weather can do a number on roofs.

One way of ensuring that you avoid roof damage while you are away from your vacation property is by inspecting the roof for visible signs of wear, such as raised or curled shingles.

It is good to either spot repair or prepare for roof repairs or replacement if you identify any issues.

If your roof is damaged in the winter, this could deteriorate the integrity of your home’s structure and damage the contents inside.

Keep an Eye on Your Property

One of the most stressful parts of owning a vacation property is being away from it when the season ends. And not just because it would be great to have summer all year round! Many things can go wrong when your vacation home is left vacant for the fall and winter.

However, with the introduction of smart home devices, it is possible to remotely control or monitor many features found in your house. If your vacation home is equipped with smart devices, you will be able to check in from afar!

At Majewski Plumbing, we offer expertise in smart home devices that can manage your plumbing, water usage, lights, thermostat, and more.

With the installation of smart features such as smart water devices or using a smart assistant, you can monitor your vacation home from wherever you are and save yourself money at the same time.

Get alerted to water leaks, and rest assured that your plumbing system will shut down before significant damage occurs with the Flo by Moen, or turn the lights on and off for safety and security, and more—all managed from your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Prevent Water Damage

Winterizing plumbing in a cottage is recommended when it will be uninhabited for an extended period of time or if the pipes are uninsulated.

The winterization process involves draining all water from the pipes, emptying the water heater, and other methods which prevent water from freezing in the pipes and breaking the system.

It is important to winterize plumbing pipes before it starts getting colder. When water freezes, the pressure from expansion can cause leaks and breaks in your household plumbing.

Call Majewski Plumbing

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Even if you plan to spend some time at your vacation property in the winter, ensuring that your plumbing system and other utilities are all up-to-date is crucial.

Here at Majewski Plumbing, we can help you prepare your vacation home for colder temperatures, regardless of vacancy. One of our skilled plumbers can visit your vacation property to prepare it for winter and ensure it is in proper order when spring rolls back around and you are ready to spend time there once again.

We also offer smart home installations. The Flo by Moen smart device is one that can detect leaks. We also can install new water heaters for residential and commercial properties.

Call us to schedule an appointment today with one of our skilled plumbers who can take care of any last-minute fixes before the cold weather sets in!

You don’t want to head into the winter without adequately preparing your vacation home. We know that winterizing your cottage can be a tedious process but it's extremely important.

Winterizing your cottage can:

Even if you plan to spend some time at your vacation property in the winter, ensuring that your plumbing system and other utilities are all up-to-date is crucial.

Call us to schedule an appointment today with one of our skilled plumbers who can take care of any last-minute fixes before the cold weather sets in!

Majewski Plumbing

http://majewskiplumbing.com/

1275 Bayshore Rd

Villas, NJ

08251

(609) 374-6001

What to do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

In New Jersey, we are lucky enough to experience and enjoy the four seasons.

Snow is lovely to look at, and cold temperatures are a part of the winter. Still, extreme temperature drops can be catastrophic for plumbing.

The very idea of returning home or waking up to burst pipes sends a shudder down the spine of every homeowner.

Still, it can happen.

If you have a pipe burst in your home, do you know what steps to take? The first step is to call a reputable plumbing company as soon as possible.

It is essential to have an expert handle the repair of your plumbing system because the extent of the damage may be beyond your scope. Also, you may not be able to see all of the damage.

While waiting for the plumber to arrive, you can take steps to reduce the damage to your home and plumbing system.

These steps are time-sensitive but essential to minimizing the effect of burst pipes and water leaks on your home:

Locate and Turn Off the Main Water Supply

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First, and most importantly, turn off your main water supply. Doing so will stop additional water from moving through your pipes and causing damage.

The shut-off for your main water supply can likely be found under your kitchen sink, close to your water heater, or in your basement.

If the size of the leak is extreme, and flooding is occurring, then you may also need to turn off your electricity.

This is especially true if you think that the water may come into contact with your fuse box or any outlets or sockets. In this case, you should also be making a call to a certified electrician.

Drain Your Cold Faucets

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Once you have ensured that there will be no new water flowing into your home’s pipes, you will need to drain your faucets.

Start at the top of your house, and drain the cold water out of your taps by running them until they stop flowing. This includes showers and bathtubs.

You should also flush all of the toilets in the home at this time. You may want to repeat the steps on the toilets a few times because the aim is to empty the tank.

If the pipe burst is due to cold, this step will help relieve the pressure in your plumbing system and stop other areas of the plumbing from freezing.

Turn Off Your Water Heating System

Locate your water heater and shut it off. Turning off your water heating system will prevent it from overheating and burning up the internal elements because it is working without water.

It is also necessary because there is a slight chance that your tank could start to become dangerously pressurized if the relief valve doesn’t work.

Locate the Burst Pipe

Try to find the burst pipe. There will probably be signs; however, water can travel the length of a pipe and pool. So, a pool of water does not always indicate the exact location of the break. If your pipes burst when you were away and may have been flowing for some time—be careful when you enter a room as the floor could be compromised.

Look for cracks, bubbling walls, or ceiling bulges, which can mean that water damage has already occurred. If the leak is dripping or even pouring, make sure that you place a receptacle underneath it to prevent further damage to your home.

If in Freezing Temps, Turn On the Heater

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Your water will eventually need to be turned back on, so you want to reduce the risk of another pipe bursting due to temperature.

Turn the heat on and open any cupboards, closets, and doors that can block the heat from reaching the pipes.

Warm air circulation will prevent your pipes from freezing, so this is a crucial step.

Document any Damage

Any damage should be documented for an insurance claim, so take photos of the burst pipe and the damage it caused. Damaged possessions are important to note, along with any structural damage.

Damaged belongings and structures are all evidence of how extensive your damage is, so take close-up photos of water-damaged items and water lines.

Use a measuring tape to show how high the water is and take photos from different angles.

File an insurance claim as soon as possible to mitigate mold growth.

You have one to two days before mold begins to grow.

Never be worried that you have taken too many photographs. You want as much evidence as possible to support your claim.

Begin the Cleanup

The first part of the cleanup process is to start drying anything that is soaking wet.

Remove everything from the area that can be moved. That includes soaking furniture or rugs and carpets.

Grab old towels to mop up what you can, and if there is a lot of pooled water, you will need to use a pump or a wet/dry vacuum. You will also need to use fans to help speed up the drying process.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to hire a professional to dry and restore the damaged areas.

Professionals specializing in mold prevention, removal, and restoration have the correct tools for dealing with the after-effects of a flood.

They will also look for moisture and can clean or freeze-dry any documents that need preserving. They will also remove carpets, drywall, or other damaged items.

Prevent Another Catastrophe by Winterizing

The most common causes of broken pipes are fluctuating water pressure, weak pipes from corrosion, and water hammers that weaken pipe joints.

The number one cause is exposure to freezing temperatures because of insufficient insulation.

To prevent a temperature-related catastrophe, you should have insulation added to your plumbing system.

You can have pipe sleeves or heat tape added to exposed pipes, especially on pipes that freeze more often than others, such as under the sink pipes.

Air should also circulate around the pipes and ensure that your home’s temperature never goes below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Microleaks Can be the Root of Your Problem

Micro leaks come from pinholes in your pipes. They can be innocuous until a cold snap, and because they allow cold air to enter the pipes, causing them to freeze and then burst.

If you can detect pinhole micro leaks before they become a significant problem, you can reduce your risk of having burst pipes.

However, it is very difficult for a homeowner to see micro leaks, especially since much of a plumbing system is hidden behind walls.

Enter a Smart Water Shutoff, the solution to pinhole leak detection. The Flo by Moen Shutoff can detect a leak as slow as a drip per minute.

The Flo by Moen will perform daily Health Tests that scan for micro leaks, which will identify pinhole leaks before they lead to disaster.

Majewski Plumbing

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When you deal with a plumbing emergency, Majewski Plumbing, Heating, and Smart Home Technology can assist you with your plumbing issues with quality work and innovative technology.

If you want to make your home more convenient and prevent plumbing emergencies, Majewski is on top of the latest smart home technology.

From smart lighting to smart plumbing, Majewski has the expertise to assess, recommend and install smart home solutions that will suit your lifestyle.

Majewski Plumbing

1275 Bayshore Rd

Villas, NJ

08251

(609) 374-6001

https://www.majewskiplumbing.com/

How To Affordably Replace Your Hot Water Heater

Energy use is a significant part of the monthly budget for most homes.

A large portion of your household energy bill is dedicated to heating your water.

The Department of Energy says heating water accounts for 18% of your household energy usage.

When your water heater no longer works, things around your home can get a little uncomfortable. You cannot take a shower, wash your dishes or clothes, or run your dishwasher; your water heater suddenly becomes an emergency replacement.

Some preventative maintenance can lengthen the lifespan of your water heater so that you can begin to save for a new one. If your water heater is going to go sooner than you can afford, you might be able to use a financing option.

How can you replace your water heater so that it does not overwhelm your budget?

Check The Age Of Your Water Heater

Vintage Water Heater - Majewski

Having hot water on demand is necessary for our modern homes, but we also take it for granted.

If you fail to think about your water heater until something catastrophic happens, you're not alone.

Water heaters have a lifespan of about ten years, and even if you do not have a hot water emergency, your water heater's performance may have been deteriorating undetected for some time.

If your heater is coming close in age to ten years, start building the cost of a new one into your monthly budget, or begin looking into financing options. Buying and installing a new water heater will range from $800 and $1,550.

On average, you can expect to pay around $1,200, which includes the cost of the unit and the labor to install it.

You can also consider tankless water heaters, which range from $1,000 to $3,000. Depending on the unit that you are getting, water heaters can cost as low as $300 all the way up to $2,000 or more. You’re then looking at paying from $45 to $150 per hour for labor to install the unit.

Your water heater might be working at this time, but when you start to approach about ten years, it is a good idea to prepare yourself for the cost of replacing your heater.

Stay On Top Of Regular Maintenance

If you have not been planning on replacing your water heater, then buying a new water heater might throw your budget off-kilter.

But, if you can prepare for a water heater replacement early on. Develop a budget and then stick to a regular maintenance schedule and you will be in a better financial position.

Consider regular maintenance or water heater updates so that replacing your water heater is not incredibly expensive.

You will also avoid more emergency repairs, which will save money in the long run.

Drain The Tank

Gradually (and dependent on the water hardness in your home), the calcium in the water will scale and then settle on the bottom of your water tank.

This buildup is called sediment, and it leads to many problems with your hot water tank.

Most importantly, though, residue acts as a barrier between the heat source located at the bottom of the tank and the water itself.

When sediment is left in the bottom, your water heater is forced to work harder to heat the water. This also causes damage to the integrity of the tank floor.

Regular draining of your hot water tank will remove the sediment buildup and prolong your hot water heater's life. It will also run more quietly.

If draining your hot water tank is not something you feel comfortable with, give your plumber a call. This type of maintenance is something that can be completed every 4-6 months.

Calling a qualified plumber to maintain your water heater will cost less than paying for emergency repairs.

Adjust The Thermostat

One bit of maintenance that you can complete without the help of a plumber is lowering the temperature on your water heater thermostat by at least ten degrees.

You will save up to five percent in energy costs for every 10 degrees your lower the temperature.

Perform A Technical Inspection

The following is maintenance that you can complete on your own.

Let Your Water Heater Breathe

Your appliance needs to breathe correctly and safely, and a considerable amount of airflow is required for the combustion and ventilation of the water heater.

Blocking it with junk or debris will shorten its lifespan by making your heater work harder. So, unless your appliance's manual states otherwise, leave space around your water heater. Your hot water tank should always have two feet (or more) of clearance around the appliance.

Test The Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature-pressure relief valve test is usually completed annually by discharging it a few times. Once you have tested the valve, remember to watch for leaks.

Again, if this is not a test you are comfortable completing, call a plumber for help and add the temperature-pressure relief valve test as part of your water heater maintenance plan.

Check The Sacrificial Anode Rod

When it comes a time, check the sacrificial anode rod by gently removing it. The rod will need to be replaced if the following is evident:

This check should be added to your regular maintenance checklist to be completed every two to three years.

Finance Your Water Heater

Maintaining your water heater is essential, but it is often neglected. Spending a few minutes of your time will make a significant improvement in the life of your water heater.

However, sometimes, even with preventative maintenance and planning, replacing a significant appliance like your water heater does not fit into your budget.

Luckily, Majewski Plumbing offers excellent financing options through a partnership with Hearth. Hearth provides personal loans (O.A.C.) that help you pay for your HVAC upgrade quickly. You will:

Majewski Plumbing and Hearth help you find great deals on personal loans quickly and securely.

Majewski Plumbing

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Serving all of Cape May County, Majewski Plumbing is the best in the field. From plumbing to smart homes, Majewski Plumbing is the leader in the industry.

Call us today to talk about your plumbing or smart home project!

Majewski Plumbing

1275 Bayshore Rd

Villas, NJ

08251

(609) 374-6001

https://www.majewskiplumbing.com/