While you probably don't think about it very often, your home's plumbing system is a very important feature that you use and rely on every day. You wash dishes, do laundry, flush the toilet, take a shower and more, all the while probably taking your plumbing for granted and simply expecting it to work every time.
So what happens when your plumbing fails you? The only thing you're concerned about is getting it fixed as fast as possible.
Plumbing emergencies can certainly be a nightmare. You may be facing a flooded bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, filled with bacteria-contaminated water. You also know that letting the problem go untreated means it will only get worse in terms of wasted water expenses, damaged floors and walls and much more.
So, when an emergency strikes you reach for your phone book or do a quick search online for a Corona plumber who offers emergency services. But the important questions is this: who do you call?
Choosing the right plumber for the job may seem easy, as you probably think you should just hire the person who agrees to fix the problem for the least amount of money. Actually, just because a plumber offers the lowest price is no guarantee he or she will be the best choice for an emergency.
Plumbers who work alone and have only one truck usually offer the very best prices in town, but they have a very limited ability to handle more than one emergency at once. They can only be in one place at a time, after all!
In that case, you may be left waiting for hours with a mess and an entire room out of service.
A local Corona plumber with multiple trucks may charge a slightly higher price, but you have a much higher chance of getting the problem taken care of very quickly. These plumbers have a much greater service area than a solo plumber and they'll have someone available nearby to be at your home quickly.
If you're desperate for an emergency plumber in Corona, call Inland Empire Plumbing. Our team of professional plumbers are standing by 24/7 and ready to be at your home within the hour to get your plumbing issue under control!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
How to Remove Mineral Deposits from Fixtures
Rainshower shower heads are certainly a wonderful luxury, but what happens when you turn on your shower and water doesn't flow like it used to? The problem may not be your plumbing but the showerhead itself.
Household faucets and showerheads are designed to direct water flow in a specific direction. This means they do not have a very wide opening but instead have small screens or holes that let a jet spray through.
Most water in the United States (and everywhere for that matter) carries dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium through your plumbing system and through your faucets. When water evaporates, these minerals are left behind, where they build up on the outflow of the opening and around the opening. Eventually, these tiny crystals of minerals become a hard, scaly deposit that doesn't just look bad -- it may block your water flow.
To prevent and help reduce buildup, it helps to wipe down your faucets with a damp rag and dish detergent regularly. Make sure you put a lot of attention into the back of the faucet and underside of the spout.
For tough stains, lemons are the solution. Wipe own the lime deposits on your faucets with half a lemon or lemon juice. This mild citric acid will help to quickly dissolve those stubborn mineral deposits but it won't harm the fixture at all. It may be used on brass, chrome and copper faucets without worry.
If the stains remain, try using vinegar. Wipe a bit of vinegar onto a problem spot and let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing it off. Combining baking soda and vinegar can also create a paste you can rub on the stain, which may sit for up to 90 minutes to get rid of the deposit.
If you have a showerhead that's clogged with deposits, you don't necessarily need a Corona plumber to fix the problem! Try pouring vinegar into a plastic baggy and tying it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Leave it for about three hours, then remove it and wipe away the deposits, scrubbing anything left over with an old toothbruth.
For faucets with an aerator installed, you can clean deposits away by twisting off this insert that holds the screen in place. Flush off any debris then use a toothpaste to get rid of deposits. You can also soak the whole aerator in vinegar if you're having trouble.
Household faucets and showerheads are designed to direct water flow in a specific direction. This means they do not have a very wide opening but instead have small screens or holes that let a jet spray through.
Most water in the United States (and everywhere for that matter) carries dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium through your plumbing system and through your faucets. When water evaporates, these minerals are left behind, where they build up on the outflow of the opening and around the opening. Eventually, these tiny crystals of minerals become a hard, scaly deposit that doesn't just look bad -- it may block your water flow.
To prevent and help reduce buildup, it helps to wipe down your faucets with a damp rag and dish detergent regularly. Make sure you put a lot of attention into the back of the faucet and underside of the spout.
For tough stains, lemons are the solution. Wipe own the lime deposits on your faucets with half a lemon or lemon juice. This mild citric acid will help to quickly dissolve those stubborn mineral deposits but it won't harm the fixture at all. It may be used on brass, chrome and copper faucets without worry.
If the stains remain, try using vinegar. Wipe a bit of vinegar onto a problem spot and let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing it off. Combining baking soda and vinegar can also create a paste you can rub on the stain, which may sit for up to 90 minutes to get rid of the deposit.
If you have a showerhead that's clogged with deposits, you don't necessarily need a Corona plumber to fix the problem! Try pouring vinegar into a plastic baggy and tying it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Leave it for about three hours, then remove it and wipe away the deposits, scrubbing anything left over with an old toothbruth.
For faucets with an aerator installed, you can clean deposits away by twisting off this insert that holds the screen in place. Flush off any debris then use a toothpaste to get rid of deposits. You can also soak the whole aerator in vinegar if you're having trouble.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
What to Do Before Calling a 24 Hour Plumber in Corona
Once you become a homeowner, you will probably discover at some point that plumbing emergencies can strike at any time. Still, do you know if the situation really requires a 24 hour plumber? At Inland Empire Plumbing, we can send out a professional Corona plumber at any hour of the day, but it may help you to know if the problem requires immediate action or if it can wait until the morning.
Imagine waking up at 3:00am to the sound of running water, only to discover your bathroom floor is covered in water. What do you do? Your first step should be finding where the water is coming from, whether it's the sink, the tub or the toilet. Once you identify the source of the water, you can turn off water to that particular fixture. If you can't find the source or you aren't able to turn off the fixture, you can just turn off the water supply to your entire home, but you'll now be without water everywhere.
Once the water is off, it's time to really assess your situation.
If it's only one item, like the toilet or sink, and you are able to turn off the water at the source, you can just wait until the morning to call for leak detection in Corona. With the fixture off and the water flow over, you can clean up the water in the area to avoid further damage. Just avoid using the fixture until you can get a plumber to take a look during normal business hours to avoid the service charge for 24 hour service.
If it's a real plumbing emergency that can't wait until morning, be ready when you make the call. Do your best to identify the source of the problem and try to figure out where you think the issue started from, what is working in the room and what isn't. The more information you can determine before calling, the more you will have to share with a plumber.
You'll want to give specific details, which will help your plumber assess the damage and determine what work must be done. You can also ask for an estimate, but remember that not everyone will give you a direct quote over the phone until the see the problem. If you know it's your sink, though, they can probably give you a good idea of what to expect. You'll also want to ask for the 24 hour service charge.
Make sure you're comfortable before agreeing to have a plumber visit. If you aren't happy with the first plumbing company you call, try another. With any luck, the problem will be relatively minor to fix and you'll be back in business before long.
At Inland Empire Plumbing, we believe in transparency and great customer service and we have qualified Corona plumbers standing by 24/7. If you're in a tight spot, give us a call and we'll get you taken care of!
Imagine waking up at 3:00am to the sound of running water, only to discover your bathroom floor is covered in water. What do you do? Your first step should be finding where the water is coming from, whether it's the sink, the tub or the toilet. Once you identify the source of the water, you can turn off water to that particular fixture. If you can't find the source or you aren't able to turn off the fixture, you can just turn off the water supply to your entire home, but you'll now be without water everywhere.
Once the water is off, it's time to really assess your situation.
If it's only one item, like the toilet or sink, and you are able to turn off the water at the source, you can just wait until the morning to call for leak detection in Corona. With the fixture off and the water flow over, you can clean up the water in the area to avoid further damage. Just avoid using the fixture until you can get a plumber to take a look during normal business hours to avoid the service charge for 24 hour service.
If it's a real plumbing emergency that can't wait until morning, be ready when you make the call. Do your best to identify the source of the problem and try to figure out where you think the issue started from, what is working in the room and what isn't. The more information you can determine before calling, the more you will have to share with a plumber.
You'll want to give specific details, which will help your plumber assess the damage and determine what work must be done. You can also ask for an estimate, but remember that not everyone will give you a direct quote over the phone until the see the problem. If you know it's your sink, though, they can probably give you a good idea of what to expect. You'll also want to ask for the 24 hour service charge.
Make sure you're comfortable before agreeing to have a plumber visit. If you aren't happy with the first plumbing company you call, try another. With any luck, the problem will be relatively minor to fix and you'll be back in business before long.
At Inland Empire Plumbing, we believe in transparency and great customer service and we have qualified Corona plumbers standing by 24/7. If you're in a tight spot, give us a call and we'll get you taken care of!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
The Plumber or Drano: Which is Best?
These backups always seem to happen at the worst time, and you may be tempted to just go for the "fast" and easy approach to solving the problem, but it may not be the best fix. Dranos and other liquid drain cleaners can certainly work sometimes, but the real issue is what they may do to your overall plumbing system, and how they can hurt you down the road.
Think of Drano as a temporary band-aid, not a permanent fix to the problem.
If your toilet backs up and a plunger doesn't work, you might think it's easy to just pour in some Drano and let it handle the clog. The problem is toilets don't have the same draining system as your tub or sink. The toilet bowl fills with water and reciculates, so anything you put in will stay in the bowl for awhile. These harsh chemicals can settle into the porcelain and cause cracks, or even a mini explosion which forces you to replace not only the toilet but nearby fixtures.
Pouring Drano into a sink or tub can also cause serious damage, as these chemicals will actually eat away at not only the clog but your plumbing. Drano will eat through plastic piping as well as metal piping, although it takes a bit longer in the case of metal.
The next time your sink, tub or toilet isn't working properly, remember the possible downsides to using a chemical drain cleaner. Baking soda and white vinegar can be used together to sometimes eliminate clogs without the use of harsh and potentially damaging chemicals, although stubborn clogs may require the use of professional Fontana drain cleaning service to get you back in service.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
How to Change Your Shower Head
Installing a shiny new shower head is one of the easiest and best ways to improve the look of your bath. If your old shower head is starting to look old, it may be time to grab a few tools and start replacing it today. The plumbing experts at Inland Empire Plumbing will walk you through this simple update with these steps.
Step 1: Prep Work
Make sure you have everything you'll need, including a damp paper towel, the new shower head, adjustable pliers, a wrench and Teflon tape. The water should be turned off and the area should be covered with an old towel to protect the surfaces while you work.
Step 2: Remove the Old Shower Head
With your adjustable pliers, remove the old shower head. It shouldn't be too hard, unless it's been on there a really long time and there's a lot of build-up. Once it's removed, use the paper towel to remove any extra dirt and dry the threads. If there's stubborn build-up, a bit of water and white vinegar on a rag should take care of it.
Step 3: Add the Teflon Tape
Before installing any new shower head, apply Teflon tape around the threads to make sure they're covered. Start at the base and work your way up in a counterclockwise direction.
Step 4: Install the New Shower Head
Now, simply screw the new fixture onto the clean pipe and tighen with your wrench. It should be tight, but not over-tightened. Our Corona plumbers recommend looking at the manufacturer's instructions first as some newer models can be tightened without a wrench.
Step 5: The Test
Now it's time to make sure everything's working! Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If any water is escaping, try tightening the fixture in small quarter-turns to make sure you don't over-tighten.
While switching out your shower head is pretty basic, you might be ready for a complete bathroom makeover. Our experienced plumbers in Corona can help you update old plumbing and fixtures, replace old faucets or even update the design and layout of your bathroom to give you a spa-like retreat to enjoy at the end of the day. Don't forget: bathroom remodels are one of the most practical investments you can make in your home with a mid-range bath remodel giving you a return on investment of about 102%!
Step 1: Prep Work
Make sure you have everything you'll need, including a damp paper towel, the new shower head, adjustable pliers, a wrench and Teflon tape. The water should be turned off and the area should be covered with an old towel to protect the surfaces while you work.
Step 2: Remove the Old Shower Head
With your adjustable pliers, remove the old shower head. It shouldn't be too hard, unless it's been on there a really long time and there's a lot of build-up. Once it's removed, use the paper towel to remove any extra dirt and dry the threads. If there's stubborn build-up, a bit of water and white vinegar on a rag should take care of it.
Step 3: Add the Teflon Tape
Before installing any new shower head, apply Teflon tape around the threads to make sure they're covered. Start at the base and work your way up in a counterclockwise direction.
Step 4: Install the New Shower Head
Now, simply screw the new fixture onto the clean pipe and tighen with your wrench. It should be tight, but not over-tightened. Our Corona plumbers recommend looking at the manufacturer's instructions first as some newer models can be tightened without a wrench.
Step 5: The Test
Now it's time to make sure everything's working! Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If any water is escaping, try tightening the fixture in small quarter-turns to make sure you don't over-tighten.
While switching out your shower head is pretty basic, you might be ready for a complete bathroom makeover. Our experienced plumbers in Corona can help you update old plumbing and fixtures, replace old faucets or even update the design and layout of your bathroom to give you a spa-like retreat to enjoy at the end of the day. Don't forget: bathroom remodels are one of the most practical investments you can make in your home with a mid-range bath remodel giving you a return on investment of about 102%!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Troubleshooting Your Gas Water Heater
Water heaters are usually very reliable appliances, but they do have problems sometimes that require the help of a Corona plumber. These issues may include anything from a lack of hot water to rust-colored water or a strange odor, or even water leaking around the base. Troubleshooting your gas water heater is something you can do on your own, which gives you a good idea of the cost of repairs, but you want to make sure you do it safely.
Problem: No Hot Water
This problem may be caused by one of three things: a faulty gas pilot, thermocouple or pilot control valve. Start by checking the gas pilot flame and pilot operation, then re-tighten or replace the gas thermocouple. The gas pilot control valve may also need to be replaced.
Problem: Not Enough Hot Water
One possible cause is the water heater is not large enough for the demand of your household. If this is the case, you may need to call a Corona plumber to replace the water heater with something larger. The problem may also be caused by broken dip tubes that allow the hot and cold water to mix together in the tank, or faulty plumbing crossing hot and cold connections. It may even be a problem with the gas supply or control.
Problem: Rusty Water
If your water comes out looking rust-colored, it may be caused by corrosion inside the glass-lined tank, or a sacrificial anode rod is beginning to fail. These rods will dissolve slowly to prevent rusting inside your hot water tank, so the rod may need to be replaced with a magnesium rod.
Problem: Odor of Rotten Eggs
If there's an odor of rotten eggs in your water, it is probably caused by bacteria in the tank sediment, which thrive on hydrogen gas from a decaying sacrificial anode rod. Possible solutions to this problem include contacting a plumber for Corona water heater repair to flush the water heater, treat the tank with a hydrogen peroxide solution, replace the anode rod or replace the water heater with one that has a plastic liner.
Problem: Popping Sound
If you hear a popping or rumbling sound, it's actually boiling water you're hearing. This is caused by an excessive build-up of sediment in the tank, which causes the bottom to overheat, boiling the water. The sediment must be removed by flushing the water heater.
Problem: Leaking at Base
Finally, if you find water leaking at the base of the heater, it's time to call for Corona water heater repair as soon as possible. Water around the base may be caused by a leak from nearby plumbing, a faulty temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve or a leaking tank from corrosion.
Problem: No Hot Water
This problem may be caused by one of three things: a faulty gas pilot, thermocouple or pilot control valve. Start by checking the gas pilot flame and pilot operation, then re-tighten or replace the gas thermocouple. The gas pilot control valve may also need to be replaced.
Problem: Not Enough Hot Water
One possible cause is the water heater is not large enough for the demand of your household. If this is the case, you may need to call a Corona plumber to replace the water heater with something larger. The problem may also be caused by broken dip tubes that allow the hot and cold water to mix together in the tank, or faulty plumbing crossing hot and cold connections. It may even be a problem with the gas supply or control.
Problem: Rusty Water
If your water comes out looking rust-colored, it may be caused by corrosion inside the glass-lined tank, or a sacrificial anode rod is beginning to fail. These rods will dissolve slowly to prevent rusting inside your hot water tank, so the rod may need to be replaced with a magnesium rod.
Problem: Odor of Rotten Eggs
If there's an odor of rotten eggs in your water, it is probably caused by bacteria in the tank sediment, which thrive on hydrogen gas from a decaying sacrificial anode rod. Possible solutions to this problem include contacting a plumber for Corona water heater repair to flush the water heater, treat the tank with a hydrogen peroxide solution, replace the anode rod or replace the water heater with one that has a plastic liner.
Problem: Popping Sound
If you hear a popping or rumbling sound, it's actually boiling water you're hearing. This is caused by an excessive build-up of sediment in the tank, which causes the bottom to overheat, boiling the water. The sediment must be removed by flushing the water heater.
Problem: Leaking at Base
Finally, if you find water leaking at the base of the heater, it's time to call for Corona water heater repair as soon as possible. Water around the base may be caused by a leak from nearby plumbing, a faulty temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve or a leaking tank from corrosion.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
4 DIY Plumbing Projects You Should Skip
When you own a home, everything that can break down will. From the plumbing and heating to the siding and lawn, you'll find yourself constantly tackling new projects to keep your home looking and working its best. When the plumbing in your house starts to malfunction, you might be tempted to try fixing it on your own rather than calling up a Corona plumber. If you're a licensed plumber, that's definitely a great idea. If you aren't, and you don't understand plumbing completely, you might just make the problem worse. You may even end up paying a lot of money for a professional to come in and fix your mistakes.
Here are 4 common DIY plumbing projects you should skip doing yourself.
1. Clogged Drains
If the drain is clogged with hair or something else that's easy to fix, you can try fixing it on your own without a great risk of doing further damage. If your problem is very severe, such as drains backing up throughout the house, you need to call a professional plumber in Corona to take a look. Your problem is definitely not something simple like hair and it may need professional plumbing equipment and experience, and maybe even pipe replacement.
2. Dishwasher Installation
If your dishwasher doesn't seem to be getting your dishes clean or performing at its best, taking care of the problem on your own might be a good idea. You may need to check the drain for clogs, or try cleaning the dishwasher by running a cycle with nothing but vinegar.
When you get into dishwasher installation, however, it's time to turn over the job to the pros. Dishwasher installation is a bit more complex than it seems, and there is a lot of work involved. Not only must your new dishwasher be installed under a cabinet near your kitchen sink, you also need to make sure drainage and water lines are installed correctly. One false move and you'll be left with a massive mess.
3. Pipe Replacement
Do you have a plumbing problem that requires pipe replacement? If so, call a Corona plumber. Even if it seems like an easy job to replace a small bit of pipe, you may not find leaks until it's too late. This is especially true for leaks behind your wall.
4. Water heaters and water treatments
Water treatment systems and water heaters should always be installed by a professional plumber in Corona. Water heater installation requires careful connection of gas lines or electricity as well as water lines, and water treatment systems require changing the main water lines as they enter your home. If you make even one small error, you may end up with water pouring into your whole house!
Here are 4 common DIY plumbing projects you should skip doing yourself.
1. Clogged Drains
If the drain is clogged with hair or something else that's easy to fix, you can try fixing it on your own without a great risk of doing further damage. If your problem is very severe, such as drains backing up throughout the house, you need to call a professional plumber in Corona to take a look. Your problem is definitely not something simple like hair and it may need professional plumbing equipment and experience, and maybe even pipe replacement.
2. Dishwasher Installation
If your dishwasher doesn't seem to be getting your dishes clean or performing at its best, taking care of the problem on your own might be a good idea. You may need to check the drain for clogs, or try cleaning the dishwasher by running a cycle with nothing but vinegar.
When you get into dishwasher installation, however, it's time to turn over the job to the pros. Dishwasher installation is a bit more complex than it seems, and there is a lot of work involved. Not only must your new dishwasher be installed under a cabinet near your kitchen sink, you also need to make sure drainage and water lines are installed correctly. One false move and you'll be left with a massive mess.
3. Pipe Replacement
Do you have a plumbing problem that requires pipe replacement? If so, call a Corona plumber. Even if it seems like an easy job to replace a small bit of pipe, you may not find leaks until it's too late. This is especially true for leaks behind your wall.
4. Water heaters and water treatments
Water treatment systems and water heaters should always be installed by a professional plumber in Corona. Water heater installation requires careful connection of gas lines or electricity as well as water lines, and water treatment systems require changing the main water lines as they enter your home. If you make even one small error, you may end up with water pouring into your whole house!
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