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Sometimes a leaky shutoff valve (on the water supply pipe to the toilet, sink, or other plumbing fixture) is simply turned too far open, meaning too far counterclockwise or to the left. Often, aslight turn in the opposite direction will stop the leak.

Replacing a shutoff valve, if it comes to that, is a fairly simple procedure. The pain comes from having to turn off the water supply for the whole house and draining the water out of the pipes up to the location of the shutoff valve.

Step 1 – Turn off the Water Supply

After turning the valve to the full “off” position (all the way to the right), detach and drain the pipes using a wrench or pliers. Use a small plastic tub or pan to catch any water that might otherwise spill onto your floor.

Step 2 – Untwist the Nut

Dis-assemble the valve, remove the screw from the handle and untwist the packing nut. Remove the threaded valve system. In the process, remember the position of the neoprene washers so that you can easily put them back together later.

Step 3 – Clean the Washers

Clean the washers with a rag to remove any mineral deposits.  Keep cleaning until their flexibility returns.

Step 4 – Assemble the Valve

Re-assemble the shut-off valve. Make sure the washers are positioned properly. Once again, tighten the packing nut 1/8 to ¼ turn at a time with your wrench or pliers. Do not use plumber’s putty or you might have a hard time fixing the shut-off valve in the future. Make sure you don’t over tighten the nuts as that could damage the valve.

Step 5 – Turn the Water Supply Back On

Turn on the water from the main water supply. Watch out for leaks as the line is being filled. If you see that the valves are still leaking, then your shut-off valve needs to be replaced.

Not the handy type or just don’t have the time to handle plumbing problems yourself?  At Connor Plumbing, we’re always ready to lend a hand with same-day service, Monday through Friday, with no overtime charges from 7 am – 7 pm.  Give us a call for all the plumbing help you’ll ever need.

Phone: 838-6433
832-0078
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Worried about keeping the air conditioning running this summer?

Well, even if your system is brand new, there’s still cause for worry, especially with the kind of thunderstorms – and worse – that are common here in the Beaumont area.  As you well know, major storms can cause major power outages, sometimes lasting for an hour or two, and sometimes lasting for a week or more.

The next time that happens, wouldn’t it be comforting to have the power in your home come back on as soon as the power in the neighborhood goes off?  Of course it would…in fact, with a whole-house generator, your power will stay on for as long as any local power outage might last.

Most homeowners are somewhat familiar with smaller, portable generators. While these can help you run a few portable appliances around the home, they don’t produce enough power to keep your entire home running in the event of a long-term power outage. While this may not seem like such a big deal in the winter, consider being without your air conditioning system alarm or home security system, refrigerator, microwave, and essentially all other electrical appliances in the heat of the summer.  As you can imagine, being without electricity for extended periods of time can cause pure misery, put your home at risk of a break-in…not to mention the harm it could cause to a family member who relies on electricity for health reasons.

A whole house generator can eliminate all such worries.  Whole house generators charge themselves whenever your home has access to power. When an outage occurs, your generator automatically kicks on and delivers power to designated systems in the home. This can include your entire home, but many homeowners reserve generator power for essential systems, such as the heating system, refrigerator, alarm system, and others.

Severe weather causes enough headaches.  Don’t let a complete loss of power be one of them.  Contact Connor Plumbing today for a free on-site estimate…for your family’s added comfort and security.

Phone: 838-6433
832-0078
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Tankless water heaters can help you save both space and money.

Gas tankless water heaters are small and wall-mounted, unlike bulky tank-type water heaters. Models designed for outdoor installation free up even more space and add versatility to your basement, garage, or utility room.

Of course, saving space isn’t the only reason to buy one.  Here’s more:

• They provide hot water for your entire home or you can purchase one to supplement your current hot water supply.  Many home owners, for example, are using tankless water heaters where their hot water consumption is the greatest, such as at their kitchen sink or washing machine.

• A tankless water heater can save you more than $100 per year on your gas bill.  Larger families can save even more.

• They provide a continuous flow of hot water so you don’t have to worry about suddenly being engulfed in a cold water shower.

• Tankless units have a longer shelf life than storage tank models…up to 20 years vs. 10-12 for storage tanks.

• Lower cost of repairs, too…partly because you don’t have to worry about a leaking tank.

So, to save space and money while getting more years and fewer headaches from your investment in improved home comfort, contact Connor Plumbing today for a free estimate on a tankless water heater for your home.  We look forward to your call.

Phone:  838-6433
832-0078
Click hereto ask questions or schedule service now

The first signs of water damage might seem trivial: a drip here, a drop there – nothing that can’t be dried with a towel.

But warnings like water stains on the ceilings or a leak under the kitchen sink can lead to real problems like a weakened roof or rotten floorboards. A burst pipe can damage your furniture and other personal possessions, and flooding can very quickly lead to problems with mold.

But what about those leaks that aren’t so easy to spot? Water leaks can happen anywhere in your home.

Signs that you may have a pipe leak:
• Water bills that seem unusually high.
• Water meter readings changing when not using water.
• Sewer backup problems that become chronic.
• Running toilets and dripping faucets.
• Running water sounds when nothing is in use.
• Spongy, soft, or discolored walls.
• Musty odors from floors, walls near drains, or sewers.
• Cracked, or unusually damp foundation or slab.
• Warm areas on concrete floors, mildew, or excessive moisture under carpets.
• In the yard, particularly wet or moist areas that are unusually wet or moist, often with very healthy (or unusual) plant or grass growth.
Other water leak indicators:
• Refrigerator – If you have a built-in icemaker, you have a built-in potential floor messer! In fact, the wet spots you see on the floor might indicate a crimped icemaker line and, if it’s crimped, it’s just waiting to burst. Anytime you move your refrigerator, check for water. The smaller the water accumulation, the more damaging the problem can be. That’s because water could be penetrating into your sub-flooring where major structural damage can occur before you even know what’s going on.

• Hot Water Service – The telltale sign? Wet spots surrounding the base. Probable cause? Internal rust or leaking valves. So check your HWS often, and make sure it has a floor drain beneath it if it is installed inside your home or at a minimum an automatic shut-off device.

Locating and Repairing the Leak.

Have you recently noticed any signs of water leaks? Then contact Connor Plumbing today. With our electronic pipe leak equipment, we can pinpoint pipe leaks anywhere…including inside walls, under your floors, and underneath concrete slabs.

Better still, we can do so without ripping up any of these surfaces, and then make the proper repairs while helping you save time, money, and aggravation.

Phone: 838-6433
832-0078

Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

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:

1. Don’t pour grease down your kitchen drain.
2. 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
3. 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
4. Run water when you use the disposal and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn it off.
5. Don’t operate the dishwasher if you think there’s a problem. It discharges into the disposal.
6. Check your washing machine hoses from time to time for leaks and loose connections.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Periodically check the pipes below your kitchen and bathroom sinks for any leaks
10. 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

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.

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 Connor Plumbing today. We’re always ready to help.

Phone: 838-6433
832-0078
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

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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