Blog
At Connor Plumbing, we have a long and proud of history of helping our customers solve plumbing problems of every kind.
We also have a customer-friendly track record of helping you avoid problems in the first place.
Here are several you can employ to good advantage to help keep your plumbing systems and fixtures in top working order.
Self-Help Tips
To keep your repair costs at a minimum, here are some self-help tips we know you’ll find useful:
- Don’t pour grease down your kitchen drain.
- Be careful what else you put in your garbage disposal. Fibrous foods like lettuce, cooked vegetables, and potato skins don’t easily grind up – if they grind up at all – and eventually will cause your drain to back up
- Use organic vs. chemical drain cleaners for the good of the environment and to help prevent internal pipe corrosion that can later cause pipe leaks and cracks
- Run water when you use the disposal and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn it off.
- Don’t operate the dishwasher if you think there’s a problem. It discharges into the disposal.
- Check your washing machine hoses from time to time for leaks and loose connections.
- Always use a screen or filter (hair snare) over lavatory and tub drains to snag hair and other objects that otherwise can cause your drains to clog.
- To help a blocked toilet from getting worse, keep a plunger and drain snake handy at all times. Start with the plunger and then move to the snake. Even if you think you’ve gotten the clog pour a bucket of water down the toilet before attempting to flush it. If the water doesn’t go down, the clog is still there.
- Periodically check the pipes below your kitchen and bathroom sinks for any leaks
- Attaching an aerator (the small screen at the end of a faucet) will help reduce water consumption by as much as 50% with no loss of pressure. If your pressure should drop, it could be as simple as removing the aerator and cleaning it.
Of course, no matter how careful and diligent you might be, sooner or later you’re bound to experience a plumbing problem that requires professional assistance. And that’s exactly what we’re here for
Contact Connor Plumbing today for the service you need…from the people you trust
Phone: 838-6433
832-0078
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now
gdfg
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Here’s how to keep an eye out for possible mold growth and how to prevent it.
Page Two
The Kitchen
Where should you start when you’re trying to prevent water damage? Where many people spend the most amount of time: the kitchen.
• The Dishwasher: Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.
• The Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.
• The Sink: Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.
The Bathroom
Not surprisingly, the bathroom has several common culprits that cause water damage.
• Showers and Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.
• Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.
• Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak.
The Laundry or Utility Room
Here are two often hidden and very fertile breeding grounds for mold.
• Washing Machine: Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
Page Three
• Water Heater: Most water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain, or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.
If you’re already experiencing problems with mold, call us right away at 901-384-3511. Other services we offer than can help prevent and stop mold growth are:
• Finding and repairing water leaks
• Whole-house plumbing inspection
• Water heater maintenance and inspection
• Sump pumps
• Back-up sump pumps
• And more.
Remember: mold can do more than damage your home. It can be hazardous to your health.
Contact the professionals at Conway Services today. We’re always ready to help.
901-384-3511
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now
Nobody likes to wake up in the morning, step out of bed, and feel wet, squishy flooring under their feet.
Plumbing is one of those luxuries that we tend to take for granted until the day that you can’t flush your toilet or take a hot shower. Chances are that you never thought about having a plumber out until it gets to that emergency status of a flood, backed up drain, or no hot water.
Much like you should see the doctor every year; your plumbing system needs the same attention and care. The best way to prevent a plumbing disaster is to have regular, thorough whole house plumbing inspections. Most people don’t realize that this service even exists. It does, and it can save you many headaches down the road.
When was the last time you were under your crawlspace to check and make sure that nothing was leaking? How about flushing your water heater flushed as required by the manufacturer on an annual basis? Have you had the water pressure checked, ever?
At Connor Plumbing, we inspect all your plumbing fixtures and systems and give you a detailed written report. If we find problems in the making, we’ll point them out and recommend the best course of corrective action.
Here’s just some of what our inspection includes for your greater comfort, convenience, and safety:
1. Leaks in exposed pipes.
2. Signs of corrosion that could indicate water or pipe issues.
3. Water pressure…if it’s too low, there could be problems in your water lines or built-up sediment.
4. Speed of drainage in sink and tub drains…if water is draining too slowly, it could mean you have a clogged drain or blocked vent pipe.
5. Water heater gas leaks…to help ensure your family’s safety and the integrity of your water heater. In the process, we also drain the unit to remove sediment that’s settled to the bottom. Sediment build-up can cause hard water conditions and leaks in your faucets.
And that’s just a small sampling of what our inspection includes. We invite you to contact Connor Plumbing and schedule a whole-house plumbing inspection today…it’s one of our ultimate “peace of mind” services.
Phone: 838-6433
832-0078
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now
New Year’s resolutions are great things…especially if you stick to them and they help to make a positive change in your life.
Got room for one more? Than nothing would fit the bill better than making green plumbing a high priority on your New Year’s “to do” list. Here are three smart and very effective ways to get into the swing of things.
Low-Flow Toilets
Traditional toilets use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. With a family of four, that can amount to hundreds of gallons of water every day. In contrast, environmentally-conscious low flow toilets use just 1.6 gallons per flush, max. Studies show that an average
family of four will save 22,000 gallons of water per year and $100 on their water bill. Less water, greater pressure, and significant savings…that’s the beauty of a low-flow toilet.
Whole-House Water Filtration
Whole house filtration systems can eliminate the presence of chemicals, particulates, and microorganisms from every source of household water. This, in turn, helps to extend the life of hot water heaters and plumbing fixtures, particularly if you have high sediment levels in your water supply. Extended life also means a lower incidence of repairs for even greater savings. And then there’s the obvious health benefit of drinking plus cooking and cleaning with the purest water possible.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water by activating a set of coils that become hot when the unit is turned on. Tankless units conserve energy by heating only the amount of water needed and only when it’s needed. They conserve water, too, as there’s no waiting for the water to get hot…with tankless units, you get hot water on demand. What’s more, tankless water heaters are available for your entire home or single water sources, such as your kitchen sink.
More Green Plumbing Tips
- Never let water run unnecessarily.
- Take a five-minute shower, not a bath.
- Run washing machines and dishwashers only with a full load.
- Fix leaky toilets and dripping faucets.
- Install aerator faucets and low-flow shower heads.
And Now for Some Green Savings!
Today, like always, the professionals at Connor Plumbing can help you go green to help conserve money and natural resources…and all while enjoying more convenient and comfortable surroundings. And it doesn’t get much better than that
Phone: 838-6433
832-0078
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now
Point-of-Use (also called “Undersink”) water filters can give you extra clean drinking water AND add value to your home.
As they name implies, the filter hooks up to the pipes under your sink and connects to a separate countertop tap.
Here are more benefits of a point-of-use filter.
- Water filters provide better tasting and better smelling drinking water by removing chlorine and bacterial contaminants.
- Point-of-use water filters remove lead from drinking water immediately prior to consumption, thus preventing this harmful substance from entering the body.
- Filtered water from a tap costs much less than bottled water.
- Water filters greatly reduce the risk of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from drinking water.
- A solid block carbon water filter can selectively remove dangerous contaminants from drinking water while retaining healthy mineral deposits that balance the pH of drinking water.
- A water filter provides clean, healthy water for cooking, as well as drinking, at the convenience of tap water.
- Water filters reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disease by more than 33 percent.
- Drinking pure water is especially important for children. Water filters provide the healthiest water for children’s developing immune systems.
- Water filters offer the last line of defense between the body and the over 2,100 known toxins that may be present in drinking water.
A point-of-use water filter from Connor Plumbing is a healthy choice for you and your family, all year long. Call for a free estimate today.
Phone: 838-6433
832-0078
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now
The holidays are upon us and you know what that means…lots of company gathering at your home. Friends, college aged children coming home, family gatherings…all the stuff that help to make the holidays so special.
In the process, your home plumbing fixtures and systems are all going to have to work a little harder to keep up with the increased demand. Which means there’s a greater chance something can go awry, and probably at the least convenient time.
Well, at Connor Plumbing, we can’t promise you won’t experience problems of your own, but we can promise you’ll save $50 on any plumbing repair or service of $300 or more. Simply click here to print our online coupon where you’ll find additional web specials.
Whatever the problem might be, Connor has the experience and training to make it disappear…in a hurry!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Phone: 838-6433 | 721-5174
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet.
Problems with sinks, drains, faucets, and other parts of the household plumbing circuits are a major cause of household repair bills throughout Beaumont and neighboring communities. Such as that persistent “drip, drip, drip” from a leaky faucet. Most faucet leaks are caused by a worn-out washer (rubber or synthetic ring inside the faucet), or O-rings and corroded valve seats. Besides the annoyance, a worn-out washer is a source of wasted water and higher water bills.
What to do?
Common tools you’ll need for faucet repairs include screwdrivers (both flat and Phillips), pliers and a channel lock (adjustable jaw pliers). Then follow these easy steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the sink. Valves are usually under the counter close to the wall. It’s also a good idea to close the drain of the sink so any small parts that fall into the sink don’t go down the drain.
- Open the faucet to release any water pressure in the lines.
- Remove the handle, which is usually held in place with a screw or Allen screw (screws with a hexagonal pattern in the head). The screw may be covered with a plastic, metal or rubber cover you’ll need to pop off using a flat screwdriver or butter knife.
- If the faucet has a large metal nut holding the internal parts in place, check to see if it’s loose. Tightening that nut with a channel lock pliers may stop the leak. If not, remove the nut, screw or spring-loaded metal ring that holds the internal parts in place.
- Pull out the internal pieces with a pair of pliers or the channel lock pliers, carefully noting how the pieces fit together. If the faucet contains a cartridge, don’t take it apart; simply replace it with a new one. It’s possible to install cartridges backward so you get hot water when you expect cold, and vice versa.
Replace the washers, O-ring or seals (and springs if there are any behind the seals in a ball faucet). Get precise replacements from the hardware store. Remember it takes only a small gap to allow water to pass through. Hot and cold assemblies may have slightly different parts.- If metal parts have mineral deposits on them, clean them with vinegar and a stiff-bristled brush, being careful not to scratch the metal. In some instances, the uneven metal is the cause of the leak. You can get special tools to re-cut the metal of some faucets to make it smooth again, but it may be just as easy to replace the whole faucet if that’s the case.
- Reassemble the pieces and turn on the water supply to test your work. It may take a few seconds for the air to get out of the line, so turn the water on slowly and expect a bit of sputtering.
But…what if your faucet still drips after you put it all back together? Well, at that point, you have two primary options. First, you can go to a hardware store and buy a valve-seat cutter; a seating tool can also be used to resurface a worn seat.
Again remove the spindle. Looking into the body of the valve—at the bottom—you’ll see its base or “seat.” Using the directions you get with the seating tool, grind away the nicks in the “seat” until it’s smooth. Those nicks let water through, causing the drip. Now that the washer and seat can fit tightly against each other, your problem should be solved. (To repair some single-lever faucets, you will probably need to purchase a repair kit for that particular brand).
However, if none of the above seems to work and your faucet is still leaking, your friends at Connor Plumbing are always on hand to repair any leaky faucets around the house…and most often with same-day service.
Phone: 838-6433 | 721-5174
Same-Day Drain Cleaning in Beaumont, Vidor, Port Neches, Port Arthur, Nederland, Lumberton & Groves.
Picture this.
You’re expecting company any minute. You’ve been cleaning and cooking all day long. Now you just want to clean out the sink, toss a few things into the garbage disposal, and…
…oops, nightmare of nightmares, you have a major clogged drain on your hands. What next? You try all known remedies, like using a plunger, a liquid drain cleaner, pouring boiling hot water down the drain, and whatever other homemade measures you’ve learned over the years.
And yet…nothing is working. Disaster?
It doesn’t have to be…not if you contact Connor Plumbing! Not only do we offer same-day service…most often, we can be there within an hour of your call. And no matter how badly your drain or sewer line might be clogged, we’ll have the problem fixed in no time…and yet in plenty of time for your dinner party to move forward as planned.
You see, we have more than plungers, augers, and drain snakes at our disposal…we have and expertly employ the very latest tools of our trade, including:
Inline video inspection to spot the exact location and extent of the problem.- High-pressure water jetting to break up even the most stubborn of clogs.
- Pipe repair or replacement…if drain clearing doesn’t work, we can often repair one or more sections of your sewer and drain lines.
- Worst case scenario (and let’s hope you never need this), we can install and replace sewer and drain lines for any size property.
Here’s something else to consider. The kind of liquid drain cleaners available in supermarkets are loaded with corrosive chemicals that, over time, will eat away at your pipe and, if used often enough, can cause cracks and leaks. The smart alternative is Bio-Clean, an organic and environmentally sound liquid that does a better job with no pipe damage at all.
Need drain cleaning today? Then contact Connor Plumbing now!! We’re here to help…on the double.
Phone: 838-6433 | 721-5174
2 Easy Water Heater Maintenance Tips.
Your water heater is a pretty complex mechanical object. But there are a few home owner maintenance steps that aren’t complicated at all.
1. Lower Water Heater Temperature
To help prevent scalding and reduce your costs, we recommend keeping your water temperature at a maximum of 120 degrees.
If yours is a gas water heater, just turn the dial to the desired temperature and that’s it.
An electric water heater is quite different. Depending on the tank size, you may have one or two heating elements. These will most likely be located behind small panels on the outside of the water heater. That’s where the temper¬a¬ture adjust¬ments are located.
BEFORE you attempt to adjust the temperature of your electric water heater you must turn off the electricity to the water heater. Next, consult your owner’s manual to the proper procedure for adjusting the temperature.
If you don’t have one, here is where you can find owners manuals.
Next, locate and remove the access panels. After the panel is removed you may have to move aside a bit of insulation to see the temperature dial. The dial usually has a place to put a small slotted screw¬driver in the middle to adjust/turn the pointer to the desired temperature.
2. Drain and Flush Water Heater Tank
At Connor Plumbing, we recommend draining and flushing your tank at least once a year. This helps remove debris and sediment from the tank.
Most water heaters have a plastic drain valve located at the bottom of the tank.
So first, connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Be careful, as these valves typically are often not of the best quality and can easily break.
Once you have the hose attached to the drain valve turn off the electricity to the water heater (at the circuit breaker) or turn the gas off to your water heater.
Next, turn off the cold water supply to the water heater, usually located at the top.
Open the drain valve slowly to check for leaks where the hose connects to the valve. If all is well open the valve and let the water drain.
To make the tank drain faster, open the pressure relief valve on the side of the tank. Once the tank is empty, open the cold water supply on the top of the tank to flush any remaining sediment out. Let the water run for about 1 minute, then turn off the cold water supply.
Once the tank is empty close the pres¬sure relief valve. Then close the drain valve and disconnect the hose. Have a towel ready for any mishaps.
Turn the cold water supply back on. Open a faucet in the kitchen or bath¬room to relieve the air being flushed from the tank and let it fill.
Once the tank is filled turn off the open faucet and turn on the electricity to your water heater. For gas water heaters be sure to follow the directions in your manual for turning the gas back on to your water heater.
Need Professional Assistance?
Then call on the plumbing professional today for hot water heater maintenance, safety inspections, repairs, and new installations. At Connor, we offer more because we can do more.
Phone: 838-6433 | 721-5174
