Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Happy Holidays!

We hope everyone has a safe, happy and healthy holiday!  Don't forget some of our plumbing tips to help prevent any plumbing issues:

-If travelling for the holidays, do not turn your heat below 60. It's also a good idea to turn your water off at the main shut off valve - if a leak should occur while you are gone, this will minimize the damage.

-Try not to put any fats, oils or fibrous/tough materials (including sweet potatoes, egg shells and poultry skins) down your drain or into your garbage disposal.

-Turn your disposal on before throwing any food scraps into it.  Also let your disposal run for at least 10-15 seconds before and after using it to be sure that all of the food waste has flushed through.

-Avoid using flushable wipes - they are often not as 'flushable' as the manufacturer makes them out to be and can commonly cause backups.

-Keep a trash can nearby toilets and make sure it's visible to discourage guests from flushing unwanted items.  

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Don't Forget to Unhook Your Outside Hoses

With temperatures hovering around freezing recently, it's important to unhook any outside hoses. Leaving hoses connected can cause water to freeze all the way back into the crawlspace of your home. You also may want to consider having any outdoor plumbing items (including outside showers) winterized by a licensed plumber.    

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!

The holidays are often the busiest time of year for plumbers. Sometimes issues can arise when you are not home, or because you have too many people in your home. Here are a few tips to reduce your chances of becoming victim to frozen pipes and common clogs this holiday season:

-If travelling for the holidays, do not turn your heat below 60. It's also a good idea to turn your water off at the main shut off valve - if a leak should occur while you are gone, this will minimize the damage.

-Try not to put any fats, oils or fibrous/tough materials (including sweet potatoes, egg shells and poultry skins) down your drain or into your garbage disposal.

-Turn your disposal on before throwing any food scraps into it.  Also let your disposal run for at least 10-15 seconds before and after using it to be sure that all of the food waste has flushed through.

-Avoid using flushable wipes - they are often not as 'flushable' as the manufacturer makes them out to be and can commonly cause backups.

-Keep a trash can nearby toilets and make sure it's visible to discourage guests from flushing unwanted items.  

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Preparing Your Home For Winter

So there you are. Pipe wrench in one hand, flashlight in the other hand, and 2” of standing water soaking into your brand new loafer shoes. You’ve just had a frozen pipe burst in your home!  Chances are, it may be due to lack of a proper winterization of your plumbing system. 

Every spring we see homes with damaged plumbing, floors and ceilings due to lack of, or improper winterization. But don’t worry, Seaside has you covered! See our list of simple items you can do yourself to help protect that beach-home investment. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, please contact a local licensed plumber to help you. A small amount spent protecting your home will save you in the long run!

Year-round residents:
  • Unhook outside hoses from the spigot. Leaving hoses connected can cause water to freeze back into the piping of your home (this is one of the most common causes of frozen pipes!)
  • Have water piping in any exposed areas insulated.
  • Have any outdoor plumbing items (including outside showers) turned off and drained down. Depending on your piping layout, this may not prohibit a frozen pipe….. but it will prohibit a flood!

Vacation Homes:
  • If the home is vacant during the winter months, contact a licensed plumber to have it winterized. Turning off the water main and leaving the heat on is unfortunately not enough! A licensed plumber using non-toxic antifreeze pumped through your water piping system is a sure way to ensure you are protected.

Seaside Plumbing Inc. offers winterization agreements for all types/sizes of homes, and of course we would love the opportunity to earn your business. Give us a call today at 410-641-1368.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Believe in Tomorrow 5k - Sept 30th


Don't forget to sign up for the Believe in Tomorrow 5k on Sat Sept 30th.  Can't make it to the race?  You can still donate by clicking here.  

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Why You Should Flush Your Water Heater

Flushing your water heater once a year can greatly increase the life and efficiency of your water heater.  Over time, mineral deposits can build up which can not only damage your water heater, but also affect your water quality.  Many manufacturers will not cover damage caused by sediment or mineral build up, and in some cases it can void your warranty.  A little preventative maintenance can save you lots of money in the long run, whether you have a tanked water heater or tank-less water heater - both should be routinely flushed and inspected by a licensed professional.  

Click here for more information on the importance of flushing your water heater.  Or as always, you can contact us with any questions!  

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting


Garbage disposal problems can be either plumbing or electrical.  First things first, never attempt to reach your hand into a garbage disposal for any reason!! Serious injury can occur.

If you turn on your garbage disposal, and no sound occurs at all (no "hum" or any sound of the cutter wheels turning), your problem could be electrical.

Try pushing the red reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal.  If you still get no results, check your electric breaker in your electrical panel to make sure that it is not "tripped."  If this doesn't resolve the issue, then there may be a physical clog of debris preventing your flywheel from turning.  Most units provide you with a wrench that you can insert into the bottom of the garbage disposal to manually "unstick" it.  Keep in mind that the electric needs to be turned off to the garbage disposal before you try this step.  If your unit does not respond to these actions, then it is likely that it needs to be replaced.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Does my plumbing system really require maintenance?

This is a common question that many homeowners have, and the answer is most definitely YES! Maintaining your home’s plumbing system is a must to keep everything in working condition and prevent larger issues down the road.  We have the luxury of clean, drinkable water at our fingertips, along with proper waste disposal.  (Almost half of the world’s population does not have these luxuries that have become so second nature to us, we can sometimes take them for granted.)  But, when there is a problem we are very quickly reminded of how important indoor plumbing is!

Water heaters – Arguably one of the most important appliances in your home (especially on these cold winter days!)  Without regular flushes and maintenance, the internal components of your water heater can start to malfunction, or the bottom of the tank can begin to rust out.  This can shorten the life of your water heater, leave you without hot water, or even flood your home.  Regular maintenance can keep your unit operating properly, prolong its life and also ensure that your manufacturer’s warranty stays valid (they can void it if you haven’t kept up with their recommended maintenance). 

Leaks – Unattended leaks can damage your home and in extreme cases cause mold issues.  They can also waste water, leading to higher water bills (in addition to depleting a precious resource!).  As a homeowner, there is a lot you can do to prevent leaks:
  • Make sure any drafty or exposed areas are insulated to prevent freezing pipes
  • Do a periodic visual inspection of your piping in the crawlspace and your fixtures
  • If you call a plumber for any other reason – ask if they can also do a quick once over, or complete a maintenance checklist to alert you to any issues. They look at pipes ALL day so they can certainly identify any areas of concern. (Just be sure to let the plumber know ahead of time, when you call to schedule service.  Most plumbers are on a tight schedule so if you wait until they show up, they may not have time to complete additional items without being late for their next call – this is one of your plumber's top pet peeves!)

Keeping an eye out for these smaller issues, can prevent them from turning into emergencies.  In an emergency situation, not only will most plumbers will charge you higher rates, but availability could be limited (particularly during cold snaps), and damage could occur to your home. 

And lastly, the #1 item you should take from this blog post, know where your shut off valves are located!  Click here for help in identifying them, or call your favorite plumber.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Reduce Your Summer Water Usage

Household water usage increases significantly over the summer months with an estimated 30-70% of water being used outdoors according to the EPA.  Consider purchasing a rainwater catchment barrel to curb your outdoor water usage and save money on your water bill.  


It's also estimated that 50% of water is wasted through evaporation due to poor watering practices.  In order to reduce evaporation, avoid watering your garden during the heat of the day. Generally, early morning or late afternoon are the best times.   

Lastly, consider upgrading your toilets and fixtures to newer low flow options to save money on your water bill and reduce your overall usage. 

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Vote For Us Now!


We've been nominated Best Plumbing Company in Worcester County, please don't forget to vote for us on Coastal Style's website: 

Thank you so much for your support!

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Spring Plumbing Tips

-Think About Saving Water:  Call a plumber to have them do a quick assessment of your fixtures (you can also click here to calculate your water usage). Upgrading your fixtures to more efficient/water saving fixtures can save you tens of thousands of gallons of water every year.  Not only will this save you money on your water bill, but ten thousand gallons is enough drinking water to last the average person about 50+ years.  Small changes can make a big difference!  Also, consider getting a rainwater catchment barrel to use for watering your outdoor plants.

-Flushing Your Water Heater: Water heaters (both regular water heaters and tank-less water heaters) should be flushed on a regular basis (we suggest once a year). Over time, inches of sediment can build up in your regular water heater. Tank-less water heaters also need to be flushed with vinegar to keep lime and scale from corroding the heat exchanger piping.  Having your water heater flushed regularly can help prolong it's life and keep it running efficiently. Spring is also a good time to do a quick visual assessment of your water heater. If you have a tanked water heater that is showing signs of rust, it's time to call a plumber!!  Generally tanked water heaters last anywhere from 10-15 years.  

-De-winterization:  If your home has been vacant all winter, we highly recommend having a plumber de-winterize it (even if it has been winterized). During the de-winterization process, your plumber should air test your piping to ensure it's integrity before the water is turned back on.  Water damage is one of the most common and costly homeowner's insurance claims.  A little preventative maintenance can save a huge amount of money and hassle.  

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Is It Necessary to Flush My Water Heater?

Flushing your water heater once a year can greatly increase the life and efficiency of your water heater.  Over time, mineral deposits can build up which can not only damage your water heater, but also affect your water quality.  Many manufacturers will not cover damage caused by sediment or mineral build up, and in some cases it can void your warranty.  A little preventative maintenance can save you lots of money in the long run, whether you have a tanked water heater or tank-less water heater - both should be routinely flushed and inspected by a licensed professional.  

Click here for more information on the importance of flushing your water heater.  Or as always, you can contact us with any questions! 

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Happy World Water Day!

Did you know that over 80% of global wastewater goes back into the ecosystem without ever being treated?  And 1 in 3 people don't have access to a toilet?  World Water Day on March 22nd was started to bring awareness to these issues.  Visit water.org for more information or to see what you can do to help.  

Photo Credit: By MilaAdam (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Fix a Leak Week

Did you know that more 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted each year in the US due to household leaks?  This is a great time of year to inspect your home for any leaks, and to think about making changes to reduce your water usage.  March 20th-26th is the official Fix a Leak Week.  Call a plumber today to have your plumbing system inspected for leaks, or to have any leaky faucets replaced ASAP!


Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Is It Really Necessary to Have My Home Dewinterized?

Our answer is yes! You've already done the right thing by having your home winterized by a professional plumber, BUT we highly recommend having a licensed plumber de-winterize your home also. Winterization of a plumbing system does not serve as a leak test on your existing piping, so existing issues or leaks could already be present.  Additionally, if the water was accidentally turned on over the winter AFTER the home was winterized, there could be potential issues.  During the de-winterization process, the plumber will perform an air pressure test on your piping BEFORE turning the water back on.  This will ensure that any leaks/issues are caught and repaired ahead of time.  

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Will It Flush? Video

Use caution with what you flush down the toilet.  'Flushable' wipes are often not as flushable as the manufacturer makes them out to be, and can commonly cause issues and backups in your plumbing system. 

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

What Should I Do If I Get An Abnormally Expensive Water Bill?

An abnormally expensive water bill could have a few culprits.  First off - call your water provider and ask them to double check that the meter was read correctly.  Also have them inspect the city owned side of the meter to make sure there are no leaks.  

If the meter was read correctly, and your water provider didn't find any leaks on their side of the meter, call a plumber and ask them to help you investigate to find the source.   A few things to look out for include: water pooled up in the yard (could be indicative of a break in the water main), constantly running toilets, or any visible signs of leaks or water damage.  The issue could be as simple as a leaking flapper valve, or you could have a break in your water main that may need to be dug up and repaired - either way, a plumber can help you identify the cause.  

After the repairs are complete, be sure to get a copy of the invoice from your plumber.  Some municipalities will give you a break on your bill in certain cases if you are able to show them that there was a problem and it has been repaired.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

What To Do If You Suspect You Have A Frozen Pipe

If you turn on a fixture and very little or no water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe.  We highly recommend calling a licensed plumber right away to get on their schedule as soon as possible.  Next, shut your water off at the main shut-off valve.  Click here to learn more about where your shut off valves are located.  If there is a visible leak and you do NOT know where your shut off valve is, then call your local water utility company so they can come and shut the water off for you underground at the street. 
Here are a few tips on thawing frozen pipes for the 'do-it-yourselfers': 
  • Make sure the water is off at the main!
  • Try to locate the frozen pipe.  If you had no water at any fixtures in the home, then the frozen pipe is probably near your main.  If only one fixture was affected, then one of the pipes feeding that fixture may be frozen.  Open the faucet that the suspected frozen pipes are feeding and try to follow the pipes from that fixture. 
  • With the faucet remaining open, try to use a heat lamp or a hair dryer to thaw the frozen area. 
  • Visually inspect the pipe for any cracks or breaks – if the pipe appears damaged then you will want to stop here, leave the water off and wait for a plumber to make the repair.
  • If the pipe does not appear to be broken, you can turn the water back on once the frozen area has started to melt.
  •  Leave the water running at this fixture until the pipe is completely thawed, you may want to leave it trickling to help prevent it from refreezing.
  •  If the pipe froze once, it could freeze again – it’s important to have a plumber or contractor come out to identify any problem areas.  The piping may need to be rerouted, insulated, or your crawlspace may need to be insulated more.
  • If you followed the above steps and were able to successfully thaw the frozen pipe, you should still have a plumber come out and inspect the piping to ensure there are no additional issues or leaks.