How to Tell if You Have a Leak in Your Home

A leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water in just a few days. And if that leak is hidden, it can result in extensive water damage over the course of a few weeks or months. Besides the obvious signs of a leak (pooling water, mold, etc.), look at your monthly water bills to determine whether or not you have a leak. If your water bills have been unusually high, there may be a leak somewhere in your home that is wasting water. You can also turn off all fixtures, faucets, and appliances for eight hours, and read the water meter to see if the needle has moved.

If you suspect that your home has a leak, contact the emergency plumbing repair specialists at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. Our team can help you save water and avoid expensive water damage repair. Visit our website to learn more about our plumbing services in Seattle, or call us at (206) 452-4363 to schedule a service.

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What are the Most Common Types of Plumbing Emergencies?

No matter how well you take care of your home, a plumbing emergency is bound to occur from time to time—and when it does, it’s important to leave the repairs to a professional plumber. Even if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you probably don’t have the tools or experience needed to quickly and successfully repair a plumbing emergency. The faster your plumbing issue is dealt with, the sooner you can return to your daily routine. Here is a look at some of the most common emergencies that require a plumber. 

 

Clogged Pipes

If your pipes become clogged with debris, they will be unable to deliver and remove water from your faucets, sinks, and toilets. Common clogs include hair, oil, heavy paper, and mineral build-up associated with hard water. You may be able to use a plunger or plumbing snake to remove a small blockage near the drain, but you will need to contact a plumber for buildup further along in the pipes.

Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet is no big deal, right? Wrong! Even a minor leak can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water in just a few days, so contact a plumber at the first sign of a leak. The longer you wait to repair a leak, the greater the chances of incurring water damage. Leaky faucets are the most common culprit, but a leak can also develop around a toilet or inside your water heater.

Sewage Backup

An overflowing toilet is never fun, but add sewage into the mix and this plumbing nuisance quickly becomes a plumbing emergency. If sewage backs up into your home, it can expose your entire family to harmful bacteria that can cause serious health issues. Contact a plumber as soon as possible to avoid a bigger disaster than you already have.

For all of your home’s plumbing emergencies, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. We offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services in Seattle. Our plumbers are standing by to assist you with same-day service, so contact us online or call us at (206) 452-4363 if you have any questions.

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Why Do Pipes Burst?

 

 

The cooler winter weather is just around the corner, so it’s important to ensure that your home’s plumbing and pipes are ready for cooler weather. Burst pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies. By understanding why pipes burst when it is cold outside, you can prepare your pipes to withstand freezing temperatures. Let’s take a look at why pipes burst, and how you can avoid this serious plumbing issue.

Frozen Water Results In Burst Pipes

Water expands as it is exposed to freezing temperatures. When water freezes in a pipe, it can cause a complete obstruction of the interior of the pipe. As the pipe becomes blocked by frozen water, water pressure will build up behind the blockage. With nowhere to go, this pent-up water pressure will eventually cause the pipe to burst. Because frozen water is the primary cause of a burst pipe, this occurrence is most commonly reported during the coldest days of winter.

Preventing Burst Pipes

As a homeowner, there are several simple steps that you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting. Before the onset of the cold winter season, it is important to make sure that all of your pipes are properly insulated. If possible, make sure that all of your pipes are located in heated areas of your home. Your plumber should professionally insulate any exposed pipes. At the first sign of a burst pipe in your home, you should call your plumber for emergency services right away.

To learn more about preparing your home for winter, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical. We offer a complete range of highly rated plumbing and heating services, and our experts will ensure that your entire home is properly equipped for the coldest days of the year. Call us at (206) 452-4363 to learn more about the heating, furnace, and sewer repairs we offer to homeowners in the Seattle area. 

 

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How to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies [INFOGRAPHIC]

It’s easy to take your plumbing for granted—until something goes wrong. Sewer line and plumbing emergencies can be costly and create hazardous situations in your home. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent many plumbing emergencies. Perform a visual inspection of all of your faucets, toilets, and pipe connections to see if there are any signs of leaks. Leaks often start as a small problem, but can escalate quickly and cause serious damage to your home. In this infographic from the plumbing experts at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical in Seattle, you’ll learn what else you can do to keep plumbing emergencies at bay. Taking small steps, like using drain covers and being aware of what enters your pipes, can prevent big problems from happening. Please share this important information with your friends and family!

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Simple Mistakes That Can Result in a Plumbing Emergency

While some plumbing problems are unavoidable, other plumbing emergencies are a result of operator error. To help avoid a plumbing emergency in your home, it is important to be aware of how to properly use and maintain the primary components of your plumbing system. By learning about some of the most common plumbing mistakes, you can avoid an embarrassing call to your plumber. Here is a look at some simple mistakes that can seriously damage your plumbing.






















Placing Inappropriate Items in the Garbage Disposal

 

Your kitchen garbage disposal is equipped to handle a variety of food waste. However, not all food waste should be placed in your disposal. Items such as bones, starchy foods, and stringy foods can jam up your system and cause a serious clog. To keep your garbage disposal in good condition, only dispose of soft items that can be easily processed.

Over-Tightening a Faucet Handle

If your faucet has a continuous drip, excessively tightening the handle will not repair the leak. In fact, over-tightening your faucet handle can strip or break the handle, causing more damage than the leak itself. When your faucet begins to leak, call your plumber to provide you with professional repairs right away.

Flushing Household Items down the Toilet

A toilet is designed to dispose of bathroom waste and toilet paper. Household items such as toys can cause a serious plumbing emergency when they are flushed down the toilet. Once a toy becomes trapped in the toilet system, it may be necessary to take out the entire toilet to remove the item.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, do not hesitate to call Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical. Our master plumbers offer a full range of emergency plumbing services, including sewer line repairs and water heater repairs. To make a plumbing appointment for your home in the Seattle area, give us a call at (206) 452-4363.


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Preventing Drain Clogs When Washing the Dishes

Simple dishwashing can turn into a disaster if you’re not careful about keeping debris out of your drain. It’s easy to let bits of food from plates slip down the drain. Over time, even the small crumbs you wash down your drain can build up into major clogs.

In this video, you’ll get some tips for keeping your drains clog-free when you wash dishes. Start by scraping your plates off thoroughly into the trash can or a garbage disposal. Make sure your sink drain cover doesn’t have holes large enough to let food slip through. Clean up any food that ends up in your sink or on top of your drain right away, and avoid putting cooking oil down your drain.

If your drain does become clogged, Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical can help. Our plumbers are available around-the-clock for all of your emergencies. Learn more about our plumbing services by calling (206) 452-4363.

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Benefits of Working with Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical

Here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical, we understand the importance of receiving prompt, professional service for your home or business. Plumbing issues such as leaky pipes and sewage backups are not only an inconvenience; they can also cause severe water damage and contaminate your property. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services all year long. We can generally have an expert dispatched to your home or business in less than 90 minutes!

Since 1999, Beacon has built its reputation as a leading plumber in Seattle and the surrounding areas by employing a team of highly trained and licensed plumbers, offering the latest plumbing techniques such as trenchless repair, and ensuring total customer satisfaction with a 1-year guarantee on all parts and labor. As a locally owned and operated plumbing company, we’re committed to building long-lasting relationships with Seattle residents based on trust and integrity.

The difference is clear with Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. Contact us at (206) 452-4363 to receive an estimate from our plumbing experts, and be sure to follow us online to receive more home maintenance tips for saving money!

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A Look at Residential Re-Piping

Every homeowner is bound to encounter plumbing disappointment or problems at some point or another. When these experiences occur, residential re-piping is almost always the recommended solution.

If you live in a community with potable tap water but the water from your faucets tastes metallic and foul or your existing plumbing infrastructure is prone to leaks, professional whole-house re-piping services can rectify these problems. If you have leaky pipes or backed up sewage on your property, then you may not have any choice but to have your home re-piped.

If you think that your home could benefit from re-piping, contact the experienced plumbers with Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363. In addition to our re-piping services, we also offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services, so contact us whenever a problem presents itself. 

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The Importance of Maintaining Your Septic System

Septic systems provide some 80 million Americans who are not connected to primary sewer lines with hygienic sewage solutions. When properly maintained and treated with care, a septic system can provide a household with safe, effective, and reliable sewage treatment for years. When the wrong materials find their way into the septic system, or when a minor problem is left unresolved, the effects can be harmful to the environment, your health, and your wallet. If you rely on a septic system for treating waste that passes through your plumbing, take the following precautions to maximize the effectiveness and lifespan of your septic system.

Know What is Forbidden
Virtually all of the waste that winds up in your septic tank should be biodegradable or water soluble. Avoid pouring oil or grease down the kitchen sink, flushing condoms, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet, and allowing paint and harsh chemicals to work their way into your septic system. These products should be disposed of hygienically and properly out of concern for both the environment and the health of your septic system.

Have Your Septic Tank Pumped
The frequency that your septic tank needs to be pumped depends on a number of factors, particularly tank size and the size of the household using the tank. Most tanks need to be pumped every three or four years in order to avoid damage to the septic system and pollution of surrounding groundwater.

Minimize Water Consumption
Well-maintained septic systems are capable of processing a considerable amount of water and sewage, but it is wise to try and curb your water consumption to make things easier on your septic system anyway. Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when you have full loads to clean, and invest in low-flow plumbing fixtures to curb your water consumption.

For high-quality septic system and sewer line repair services at affordable prices, call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363. Our goal is to help you make your septic system provide you with safe and convenient sewage treatment for as long as possible!

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Reducing Your Home's Water Usage

Do you know how much water you use each day? If someone told you it was probably around 60 gallons, would you want to cut back on your water consumption? If you are looking for simple and inexpensive ways to do this, check out this helpful video clip.

Since the bathroom and kitchen account for the bulk of a home’s water consumption, you should focus your efforts on these areas. Thinking critically about how much water you are using and living accordingly is one effective way to do this. Another way to reduce your home’s water usage is to invest in low-flow plumbing fixtures and energy-saving appliances.

Are you looking for a residential plumber in Seattle who can maintain and upgrade your home’s plumbing network? With nearly 15 year of experience, Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical is qualified to provide you with the services you need. To learn more about recent green plumbing technologies that you may wish to consider installing in your home, call us at (206) 452-4363 or contact us online.

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A Homeowner's Guide to Slab Leaks

The U.S. EPA estimates that on average, American households lost as much as 10,000 gallons of water due to hidden plumbing leaks every year—in fact, ten percent of homes have leaks that waste over 90 gallons of water or more per day. And worse, plumbing leaks under the home’s foundation may not be noticeable until the damage has already been done. Read on for a few tips about the causes and cures for slab foundation leaks:

 
Causes

• Older homes may have soft copper lines embedded in the concrete foundation itself, which makes them more susceptible to damage as the home and underlying soil shifts and settles. Even a small pinhole leak in the piping will leak constantly, causing your water bill to skyrocket. More modern homes embed the plumbing lines underground, but expansive soil shifting can cause similar damage to PVC sewage and water pipes.

Symptoms

• Aside from an unexplained increase in your water bill, water leaks can permeate the concrete foundation and cause water damage to the flooring. Additionally, water can leak into the expansive soil below the foundation and cause it to “heave” as it becomes saturated. This upward soil movement creates even more distortion in the foundation and plumbing lines and can cause foundation cracks. You may also notice warm spots on slab floors due to water leakage.

Cures

• Slab leaks by nature are not easy problems to fix. Plumbing professionals will likely have to dig under the supporting structure of your home to locate and repair the source of the leak. In some cases, professionals may have to create a hole inside your home with a jackhammer. Having a semiannual checkup from a licensed plumbing specialist can help you prevent hidden plumbing leaks and spot them in their infancy.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical is a licensed, insured, and bonded plumbing contractor that has been serving Seattle and the surrounding areas for years. Contact our 24-hour emergency line at (206) 452-4363 to schedule reliable plumbing repairs today.
 

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Inside the Ongoing Struggle Between Tree Roots and Your Sewer Line

Most sewer line repair calls involve invasive tree roots. Roots can infiltrate a damaged sewer line and cause backups, catastrophic clogs, and recurring problems. However, most issues with tree roots and sewer lines can be prevented. Tree roots cannot penetrate sewer lines; there has to be a leak in order for this particular problem to occur.

The best way to prevent problems with roots and your sewer line is to have regular inspections by your plumber, and to consider replacing an aged sewer line that could leak or have the potential to do so in the near-future. Even a minor leak in your sewer line could lead to a catastrophic root invasion.

 How Root Problems Start

• Older sewer lines made of clay or metals that have corroded will react to shifting soils. Over time, they can develop hairline cracks or small leaks. Trees are always on the lookout for water and nutrients. Their root systems will quickly detect a ready source from a leaking sewer pipe. A sewer line with multiple leaks could be penetrated in different areas by the same tree. Multiple trees on your property with notorious “seeker roots” will jump on the chance to obtain a steady source of water and sustenance from a leaking sewer line.

Why Root Infiltration Happens

• Once a seeker root has found a hole in your sewer line, it’s only a matter of time until a clog develops. Seeker roots tend to be very tiny, and they only need the smallest opening in the sewer line to enter. When a seeker root matures inside the sewer, it produces extra roots rapidly, which grow very thick and eventually will clog the line.

Symptoms of Root Infiltration

• Common signs of tree root infiltration include slow draining or what appear to be clogs in your toilet on a frequent basis. These are in fact symptoms of the slowly building clog in your sewer line itself. Without quick treatment, tree roots can cause your entire sewer to back up, and may even necessitate replacement.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical can give your sewer line a thorough video inspection to identify root problems. We can repair the line and keep it safe from recurring tree root problems. Call us today at (206) 452-4363 to learn more.

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What Homeowners Need to Know about Their Sewer Line

Out of sight and out of mind is often the rule when it comes to the sewer main, and that can lead to problems. If your home is more than 40 years old, it’s time to have your sewer line inspected by a plumber. It could be due for replacement, especially if it is connected to an older pipe. This video from Angie’s List will provide you with some important information about your sewer line.



Leaky joints and tree roots are some of the most common issues that can arise with older lines. Tree roots will only come back if they are removed, because the main problem of the leaking line has not been addressed. Many plumbers can use trenchless repairs or even replace your sewer line with something newer and more robust that will stand the test of time.

To schedule an inspection of your sewer line, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical today at (206) 452-4363. We can extend the life of your sewer line or help you with replacement.

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Browse Through These Links To Learn How Beacon Plumbing Can Keep Your Family Comfortable Year Round

Explore these links to find out what kind of plumbing emergencies need the immediate attention of a professional and what causes low water pressure in the home. Contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363 for more information on these topics, or head to our website to find out how you can earn 50 Beacon Bucks for your next service.

This article by The Washington Post and Tim Carter from Ask the Builder can help you learn how to solve low water pressure problems.

Keep your plumbing in top shape with these great maintenance tips from HGTV.com.

Head to AngiesList.com to explore several causes of low water pressure in the average plumbing system.
Save yourself from the costly damage and frustration of plumbing leaks by following the advice presented in this article from HouseLogic.com.

Read this page from DIYNetwork.com to understand what kinds of tools can come in handy in a plumbing emergency.

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Furnace Maintenance Tips That Will Keep Your Heater Running Strong This Winter

With winter on the way, families across the country are making sure that their home’s heating is in order. Failing to maintain your home’s furnace, however, could make this winter an uncomfortable one.

In this video, you will learn some furnace maintenance tips that will keep your heater running strong this winter. One of the most important parts of furnace maintenance is ensuring that no toxic gases are escaping into your home. Check your furnace for leaks that could potentially pose a health risk to your family and have them sealed as soon as possible. It’s also important to change your furnace’s filter. When placing the filter in your furnace, make sure to follow the arrows.



Failing to maintain your furnace could end up costing you time and money this winter. Fortunately, by taking a few simple maintenance precautions, you can help ensure that your home will stay warm as the temperature continues to drop. To learn more about furnace maintenance, call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363.

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Interview with Beacon Plumbing's Owner

Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical began with a man named Bill and his desire to start a better kind of plumbing service for employees and customers alike. This Bill Cahill to start Beacon Plumbing and develop the principles his company is based on today.

At the plumbing company he originally worked for, Mr. Cahill didn’t appreciate the way management treated employees and customers alike. That’s when he decided to start his own plumbing service in 1999, offering a better employee and customer experience. In the dozen years since, Beacon has become Seattle’s number-one plumbing company. Watch this video to see a one-on-one interview with Bob Cahill, owner of Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical wants to show you how dedicated we are to customer service and our top-notch employees. Give us a call for sewer line, pipe, drain, water heater, and other plumbing repairs today. We also offer 24/7 emergency service. You can reach us at (206) 452-4363.

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Why You Can Stop Freakin' When You Call Beacon!

Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical is one of the most trusted plumbing repair teams in the Seattle area. Check out our online reviews to learn why our service is so popular. You can also reach us for 24-hour emergency service by calling (206) 452-4363.

• Read this article to learn about items that will damage your drains.
• Use this Ready.gov guide to shut off your utilities in case of an emergency.
• FamilyHandyman.com advises readers on how to use a local water shut-off valve.
• Stop a leak with tips from this Sacramento Suburban Water District website.
• Review this resource from West Virginia University to learn which substances are too hazardous for your drain.


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Signs You've Got a Sewer Line Problem on Your Hands



Your sewer line deals with a high volume of wastewater, which is why any problems may not be immediately evident. By the time most homeowners realize something may be wrong, the issue has likely existed for some time within the sewer line. Thankfully, with a little attention and some help from your plumber, you can spot sewer line problems before they get out of hand.

Slow Drains and Frequent Clogs. Each of your home's drains connects to your sewer line. A problem within the line can cause multiple drains in your home to become slow. Sometimes, you may find a smaller clog somewhere within your home's plumbing that affects more than one drain. Other times, a greater issue exists in the sewer line, affecting every drain in your home.
Nearby Tree Roots. Tree roots seek out moisture, so a leaky sewer line can become a problem. It only takes a pinhole-sized leak to allow a tree root to infiltrate, and once it is inside the line, it can grow until it becomes an obstruction. Tree roots can cause multiple problems, from slow drains to clogs and eventual backups.

Older and already-compromised pipes are at greater risk of damage from these roots. Entire pipe sections may need to be replaced in the event the tree roots have damaged them beyond repair. If you are experiencing slow drain issues, have your plumbing service inspect your sewer line to identify the cause of the problem.
Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical can help to identify and rectify any sewer line problems you may have. Contact us when it is time to have your sewer line inspected or at the first sign of slow drains. Visit our website or call (206) 452-4363 for more information.

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Advantages of Trenchless Technology When You Are in Need of Sewer or Water Line Repair

In the past, when you needed to have your sewer or water line repaired, it was an ordeal. Plumbers would have to dig up your yard completely and remove any blockages or replace the system altogether. Thanks to recent advances in trenchless technology, however, homeowners now have many more options. Here are some of the advantages of trenchless technology when it comes to sewer or water line repair:

•Save Time - One of the biggest advantages of trenchless sewer or water line repair is saved time. Without your sewer system, your everyday life would be interrupted. Every pipe in your home, whether it’s your sink, shower, or toilet, eventually drains into your sewer pipe. With conventional trench repair, this could mean waiting days before you are able to return to your daily routine. Trenchless repair, on the other hand, is a quick repair job, often taking no more than a few hours. Since trenchless repairs often go directly through the pipes, there is no time wasted digging up your lawn and filling it after the repair is complete.

•Save Money - In this economy, it’s hard to find money to spare. When it comes to repairing your sewer line, however, you cannot put off the expenses for a later date. With trenchless repair, you can restore your home’s plumbing without having to worry about burning a hole in your wallet. Although the technology is more sophisticated than conventional repair tools, the repairs are much less labor intensive and require less time. This means that you end up paying less to repair your sewer line.

If your sewer is clogged and needs repair, don’t let your misconceptions about the options available stop you from seeking help. There are a number of trenchless repair options that are effective, affordable, and quick. To learn more about trenchless technology, call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363.