Why You Should Hire a Professional for Plumbing Repair
Auburn Hills Plumbing Repair – A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical
If you are in need of top rated Auburn Hills Plumbing Repair, please contact A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical at (248) 371-0494 for a free estimate. Click here to see our plumbing services or read our excellent reviews online!
Many people have made the decision to do things in their homes themselves rather than hiring a professional contractor, and this includes plumbing. But even though a plumber can seem expensive, there are a lot of advantages to hiring one rather than doing the work yourself.
Below are seven reasons why you might want to hire a plumber rather than doing the work yourself.
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1. Latest Equipment for Plumbing
When you hire a professional, they will always carry the latest in equipment. They are highly skilled and experienced for resolving the hardest problems in plumbing.
2. Finding the Permanent Solutions
When you call a professional plumber, you are going to have someone who can offer you a permanent solutions. The repairs and installation services that the plumber does is going to be a permanent solution. You should not encounter the same problems again. If you are remodeling your home and you need remodeling in the kitchen or bathroom, a professional is the best person for the job.
3. Multiple Plumbing Services
Professional plumbers are able to provide a lot of different services. Some of the services that plumbers cover are installing new pipes, replacing the old pipes, installing dishwashers, and repairing water leaks.
Professional plumbers also can provide different levels of services. When you are improving your bathroom or your kitchen, you are going to find that a plumber is the best option.
4. Emergency Plumbing Services
When you have a plumber that you hire to come and do work in your home, they are also going to be able to provide you with services in an emergency. When you have a huge plumbing emergency, you will need to hire someone quickly. There are things that you may be able to do yourself but when it’s an emergency finding a professional is essential.
You may think that hiring a professional plumber is really expensive, but the water bill from a leak or the mess that comes from an overflowing toilet can also be very costly.
5. Detailed Diagnostics
A really big benefit of hiring a plumber is that you are going to get a very detailed diagnostic report. There are a lot of plumbing problems that hidden factors cause. A professional who is well trained can find the problem’s root cause and give you a detailed report. Plumbers check your whole system so that they can find any underlying problems.
Another key benefit of hiring a professional plumber is that you’ll be given a detailed diagnostics report. There are many plumbing problems which are caused by hidden factors. A well trained professional will be able to find the root cause of the problem, and provide a detailed diagnostic report. A professional checks your whole system to establish and identify the underlying problems.
6. Professional Training
When you hire a professional plumber, they are going to be trained. They are going to know the best and the latest ways of doing things. This means that there is less chance for error than if you did the work yourself.
7. Customer Support
Plumbers give you great customer support. When you have a contract with a plumber, you are given a direct number. When you have emergencies, you are able to contact your plumber quickly and easily. This helps you to get things done more efficiently and with a reduced amount of damage.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber rather than doing the work yourself. Don’t take a chance on doing the plumbing work yourself. Find someone who can do it and who has the training to do it. You will have a better chance of getting a job well done.
For experienced and trusted Auburn Hills Plumbing Repair, call A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical at (248) 371-0494 for immediate assistance.
source: titanzplumbing.com
Sump Pump Maintenance in Michigan
Sump Pump Maintenance in Michigan | A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical (248) 371-0494
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As with any other important piece of equipment, regular sump pump maintenance is always a good idea.
Sump pump maintenance is usually as simple as doing these few basic tasks. Spend a few minutes checking pump operation during any rainy season and in early spring to ensure reliable sump pump operation.
- Make sure there is power to the outlet the sump pump is plugged into and during operation can cause it to fall, tilt onto one side, or to shift out of position. This can jam the float arm so it can’t activate the pump.
- Periodically add water to the pit to make sure the pump starts automatically and the water drains quickly once the pump is on. If the pump doesn’t start, have it serviced.
- Physically remove the pump from the pit periodically and clean the pit and the grate on the bottom of the pump. The sucking action of the pump can pull small stones or other debris into the grate, blocking the inlet or damaging the pump over time. That the cord is in …good shape. The sump pump should be the only appliance on the circuit.
- Ensure the pump itself is standing upright. Vibrations
- Ensure the outlet pipes are tightly joined together and draining out at least 15 feet away from your foundation.
- Inspect check valve clamps and rubber sleeves, and tighten or replace if cracks are apparent.
Make sure the vent hole in the discharge pipe is clear. - If your sump pump discharges into an underground piping system make sure the line is clear and that it has a proper overflow.
For added peace of mind, A-fordable Plumbing and Mechanical can install a high water alarm in your sump basket. This alarm will alert you when your primary sump pump fails and the water level in the sump basket reaches a critical stage. This is one of the most important accessories you can add, especially if you have a finished basement.
Our high water alarm system can also be connected to a home security system to alert you even if you are not at home. Remember – All pumps eventually fail. Knowing at the point of failure allows corrections/repairs to be completed before damage occurs. At A-fordable Plumbing, we can respond to an emergency sump pump calls within 1 to 2 hours, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call A-Fordable Plumbing Today for a FREE Estimate: (248) 371-0494
4 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail
Auburn Hills Water Heater Service – A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical (248) 371-0494
If you are in need of a top rated Auburn Hills Water Heater Service, please contact A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical for prompt and reliable service at (248) 371-0494 today! Click here to see a full list of our plumbing services or Follow Us on Facebook!
Most people have no idea that their water heater is about to fail. But there are signs to watch for (and we’re not just talking about soppy carpet or water running from under the garage).
You can avoid the disruption and damage of a failing water heater. Here are four indicators that your water heater may be on its last legs:
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If your water heater is leaking call us at (248) 371-0491
1. How old is your water heater?
It’s crucial to know the age of your water heater. Find the age by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker on the upper portion of the water heater
The serial number contains the date that the water heater was manufactured. But it won’t look the way a date is normally written. Instead, the serial number will have a date code such as “F051052638”.
F is for the month and F is the sixth letter in the alphabet, so it represents the sixth month, June. Next, the first two digits of the serial number are 05, which represents the year, 2005. So this water heater was made in June 2005. Each manufacturer has a similar date code, and they can vary; check the manufacturer’s website to learn more.
Generally, most water heaters that are more than 10 years old should be considered for replacement. If your water heater is in a location that will not cause damage if there is a leak, you can wait until it develops a leak before replacing it, but that really is not recommended.
If your water heater is in a location that will cause damage to your home, you should strongly consider replacing it after 10 years (or before, if any of the following symptoms occur).
2. Rusty water
If you discover rusty water coming from your water heater and it only comes from the hot side piping in your home, this can be a sign that your water heater is rusting away on the inside and it may begin to leak soon.
But if you have galvanized piping, you may have rusty pipes. A good test to avoid replacing a functioning water heater is to drain a few five-gallon buckets of hot water out of the water heater. By the third bucket, if the water from your heater is still coming out rusty, then most likely the water heater (not the piping) is at fault.
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3. Rumbling and noise
As a water heater ages, sediment will build up on the bottom of the tank. As the sediment is heated and reheated, it eventually will harden.
When this happens, you can often hear rumbling or banging sounds coming from the water heater as it is heating up. This is a sign that the water heater is at the end of its useful life.
The layer of hardened sediment means:
Less efficiency — the heater will have to use more gas or electricity to heat the water.
More damage — the extra time spent heating the water will cause more wear on the metal tank and lead to more brittle metal that can crack and develop tiny holes. If you start to hear rumbling from your water heater, keep an eye out for any small leaks. If you find one, then it may be time to replace your water heater.
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4. Water around the water heater
If you notice moisture around your water, you may have a small leak or a fracture in the tank. As the metal heats, it expands and if there are slight fractures, water may leak from the tank. Once the metal has cooled the inner tank will stop leaking.
However, before replacing your water heater, make sure there are no other leaks coming from either the fittings or connections to the tank. Also, make sure the temperature/pressure overflow pipe is not leaking. If all of the connections and fittings are dry, it may be time to replace the water heater.
If you are concerned about water heater failure or if you discover any of the signs above, contact a plumber or a company that services water heaters.
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For an experienced and trusted Auburn Hills Water Heater Service, call A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical for at (248) 371-0494.
source: angieslist.com
Why you should hire a professional for drain cleaning and clearing clogs
Auburn Hills Drain Cleaning – A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical
If you are in need of professional Auburn Hills Drain Cleaning, please contact A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical at (248) 371-0494 today! Click here to learn more about our drain cleaning services or Follow Us on Facebook.
Clogged drains and toilets are a regular part of life in your home. Before you reach for that drain cleaner, however, you should know that there are benefits to bringing in an expert to clear your sink, shower, or toilet clog. When you hire a professional for drain cleaning, you’re getting access to their expertise, drain-safe tools, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your drain was cleaned successfully.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to clean your own drains! Hire a professional!
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Why hire a professional for drain cleaning?
Drain cleaning and clog clearing is a job best left to a professional. Here are five reasons why you should hire a professional for drain cleaning projects in your home:
#1. Home remedies can’t clear the toughest clogs
Some people may swear by them, but most home remedies to clear clogs just don’t work. Many clogs are tougher than they initially appear. Here are some common home drain cleaning tactics and their shortcomings:
Hot water and dish soap
The problem here is that PVC pipes are often not built to handle boiling water. In fact, PVC and the glue at the joints near the sink trap can be damaged by temperatures above 140 degrees. This means that you effectively need to heat water—but not too much—and then hope that it retains enough heat by the time it reaches the clog to re-liquefy trapped grease. It’s a long shot, and this remedy also assumes that grease is the problem.
Coat hanger
Many people use a wire coat hanger to reach into the shower drain and pull out trapped hair. Two issues: first, the coat hanger wire may not be long enough to reach the clog. Second, this may clear some of the hair, but is unlikely to remove all of it. You’ll be right back at square one soon.
Baking soda and vinegar
Again, this home remedy calls for boiling water to be poured down first, which is not recommended for homes with PVC piping. The combination of baking soda and vinegar may clear a mild, weak clog, but it’s unlikely to really impact a deeper, stronger one.
#2. Plumbers have the right tools to get the job done
Outside of a small plunger and a wrench, most homeowners do not have access to the wide assortment of clog-clearing tools that a professional plumber does. Here are some of the tools of the trade and how they help clear a wide variety of drain and pipe blockages:
Plungers
Every American homeowner has a toilet plunger in their home. Professional plumbers often carry several, with different-sized and -shaped plungers playing different roles in drain cleaning projects. The typical plunger, for instance, is highly effective on sinks and drains, but toilets often require a ball plunger that creates better pressure.
Sink Auger
Commonly known as a “drum auger,” this is a specialized tool plumbers use to clear sink and shower drain clogs. The auger contains a steel cord. The plumber positions the cord inside of the drain and then turns the auger’s handle to extend it out. As the cord snakes into the drain and around bends, it pushes into and through clogs, clearing them.
Snake Tools
Plumbers carry a wide range of different snake tools for clearing clogs. The type of clog often dictates the type of snake tool that gets used for a particular job. For example, snake tools with barbs and hooks are better at clearing out shower drains because they can catch amassed hair for the plumber to then pull out of the pipe.
Endoscopic “Snake” Camera
We’ll review more about this in a minute, but this is essentially a specialized snake tool that features a tiny digital camera with a light at the end. Plumbers use this to see into the pipes, typically by feeding the snake into the drain and then watching its travel with the homeowner on a small screen.
Water Jets
While not needed on every job, high-pressure water jets can be used to blast through deep, stubborn clogs. This is preferable to using chemical solutions since the water jet does not harm the pipes or plumbing. Plumbers will often use water jets to clear significant sewer line blockages.
#3. Store-bought chemicals don’t always work
Take a trip to your local hardware store, and you’ll find a wide variety of drain cleaners available. Many homeowners decide to use these chemicals instead of bringing in a professional plumber, but there are drawbacks:
- Ineffectiveness: Many of these drain cleaning chemicals are not powerful enough to clear a stubborn clog deep in your pipes. Even when they break through the clog, they rarely clear it out completely, which sets the stage for future clogs in the very near future.
- Pipe Damage: Avoid drain cleaning products that contain hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. These strong acids may work against the clog, but they can also damage your pipes, sink, garbage disposal, and everything else they touch. According to The New York Times, even the drain cleaning products that say they won’t damage pipes will do some damage to them.
- Storage: For good reason, many homeowners are understandably nervous about keeping drain cleaning products around their homes. These products are dangerous, especially if accidentally consumed by children or pets. If you do have drain cleaning products, keep them elevated and out of the way in a cool, dark place.
- Safety: If you are going to use these chemical drain cleaners, you need to clear the area around the drain. Wear protective eyewear and plastic gloves—preferably ones that cover your wrists. Make sure you properly dispose of the plastic bottle in a way consistent with hazardous waste disposal in your area.
For these reasons, professionals only use chemicals as a last resort to clear a clog. In a vast majority of cases, we can clear the clog with a plunger, snake tools, or other non-chemical methods.
#4. You don’t know what’s down there
Every clog is different. Many shower clogs, for instance, are caused by the buildup of hair deep within the drain, whereas kitchen sink clogs can be caused by stuck food waste or solidified grease. What the clog is made of often determines how it should be handled. For example, plumbers may use a plunger to attempt to clear a toilet or sink clog, but that is far less effective on shower drain clogs, where a specialized snake tool should be used to snag, and then remove, the trapped hair.
In other cases, you may know what’s down your drain—and want it back. Jewelry, such as earrings and wedding bands, often is accidentally flushed or sent down the drain. You’ll want the assistance of a professional plumber for this.
#5. Clogged drains could indicate other problems
A clogged sink, shower, or toilet drain might be just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Your home could be experiencing the start of a sewer line clog. Some of the warning signs of a blocked sewer line include:
- All the drains in your home have clogged simultaneously.
- The physically lowest drains in the home—typically, the bathtub or shower drain—are backing up.
At this point, you need to stop running the water, turn off the water supply to your home, and call a professional plumber for emergency service. A sewer line blockage is a serious issue for any home and could lead to a sewer backup.
Clearing just one pipe will not do anything to remove the clog. Sewer line clogs are much deeper in the system. In fact, it’s often the process of attempting to clear the clog—which may include adding more water, continuing to flush the toilet, or adding liquid drain cleaner—that exacerbates the problem.
For experienced and trusted Auburn Hills Drain Cleaning, call A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical at (248) 371-0494
source: wagnermechanical.com
Signs You Need a New Sump Pump
Auburn Hills Sump Pump Service – A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical
If you are in need of a top rated Sump Pump Service in Auburn Hills, please call A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical at (248) 371-0494 today. Click here to learn about our sump pump service or Follow Us on Facebook.
If you’re a homeowner it’s more than likely that you have a basement in your home. Make sure that your sump pump is ready. You know how important this system is for your home.
The last thing you want as things are thawing off is to realize that your sump pump is no longer able to keep your home safe, clean, and dry. If you want to know the warning signs that your sump pump is on the way out, keep reading below.
Common Signs That You Need an Upgrade
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, then it might be time to replace your sump pump:
Old Age
No machine in your home can last forever. Your sump pump has a life expectancy of about ten years. If your machine is near that age and showing any of the problems below, it’s probably time for you to replace this system.
If you’re concerned about finding the right system for your home then contact our team. Our technicians are extensively trained and vastly experienced, so we can always inform you too. We work with all the best brands and we can assess your home and match you with the right make and model.
Noises
Your sump pump is never going to be completely silent, but if the system is making an excessive amount of noise, then you’ve got a problem on your hands. Frequent noise or exceptionally loud noises mean that there’s probably something wrong with the motor in your home. Make sure you listen out for any rattling, grinding, thuds, and other alarming noises.
Issues Turning it On and Off
Have you noticed that your sump pump goes through a constant cycle of turning on and turning off? It’s probably a sign that there’s something wrong with your sump pump. You might have a power issue, a float switch issue, or a sign that you need a new sump pump in your home.
Your Pump is Constantly Running
If your sump pump is continuously running or just running too much no matter what the weather conditions outside are, it’s a sign that you have a problem. The longer that you let this issue go on, the worse the issue is going to get. This could potentially lead to a system breakdown so make sure that you address issues promptly.
No Water
Your sump pump needs water in the pit to function. If you notice that the system is dry, then you probably have a problem with how the system was installed, how it’s currently connected, or because there’s a problem with your drainage system.
For an experienced and trusted Sump Pump Service in Auburn Hills, contact A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical at (248) 371-0494.
source: mallickplumbing.com
Garbage Disposal Makes A Humming Noise – Will Not Grind
Does your garbage disposal make a humming noise but will not grind?
- Locate the service wrench….Most garbage disposals are shipped with a wrench. The wrench is shaped like a little crank. If you can’t find the service wrench, you can try a standard Allen wrench. If you have an Insinkerator disposal you can order the wrench on line from Insinkerator.
- Unplug the disposal… If the sink if full of water, wait for it to drain or bail the water using a bucket or pot.
- Find the hole in the bottom of the disposal under the sink and insert the wrench…Use the wrench like a crank. Work the wrench back and forth in both directions. If the wrench will not turn easily, it’s OK to use a small amount of force. Continue working with the wrench until it turns freely. With the disposal still unplugged, look inside the disposal grinding chamber using a flashlight. Please, don’t put your hands in the disposal! Instead, use a pair of plyers or tongs to remove any debris.
- Plug the disposal back in and check the Overload button… The Overload button is located under the sink, usually on the bottom of the disposal. (In Insinkerator brands, it is a small square red button).
- Turn on the water, then the disposal…
- The disposal should now run!
If if jams again, you may need to repeat the process or contact your plumbing professionals at A-fordable Plumbing & Mechanical. (248) 371-0494
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