Red Rock Mechanical, LLC Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

The Facts about Water Hammer

Friday, January 30th, 2015

Have you ever been disturbed by a loud knocking noise in your pipes? When this happens while you are comfortable resting at home, it may come as a bit of a shock. In fact, when homeowners believe that paranormal activity has occurred in a home, they often list knocking on the pipes as one of the reasons. But this noise actually has a far more probable explanation: water hammer.

Get the facts about water hammer in today’s post, and be sure to schedule plumbing repair in Essex, VT with the friendly technicians at Red Rock Mechanical at the first sign of pipe problems.

“Water Hammer” Describes a Particular Plumbing Event

Many people use the word “water hammer” to describe any strange noise in a plumbing system, assuming it’s a fairly universal term. But it turns out that water hammer is actually a specific event caused by changes to your plumbing system or an imbalance in the pipes. Water hammer occurs when there is a sudden change of pressure. If water is forced to stop suddenly, a wave of pressure forces it to change direction and knock against the pipes. This may happen because of a waterlogged air chamber or a valve that shuts too quickly.

Water Hammer May Severely Damage the Pipes

This change in momentum can actually cause some detriment to your pipes. The vibration that follows from the pressure wave may knock fittings loose and could even force a pipe to burst. This will result in costly renovations, an enormous mess, and the potential for mold growth.

What Works In Some Plumbing Systems May Not Work for Yours

Although many plumbing systems are fitted with air chambers that work to provide a cushion of air to protect against water hammer, these may become waterlogged and will need to be purged. In other cases, there are not enough protective features in your plumbing to safeguard against water hammer, and a technician may recommend any of several solutions. A new air chamber may not be possible because they are quite large, so your technician may prefer to install an arrester part. Sometimes, plumbers choose instead to install slowly-shutting valves or even new pipes.

Your best bet is to call an expert, like the plumbers at Red Rock Mechanical, to check out your pipes and decide on the optimal course of action for plumbing repair service in Essex, VT. Call us today!

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How to Tell You Need New Toilet Installation

Tuesday, January 13th, 2015

Of course, you use your toilet every day, but you probably try not to think much about the fixture itself until it needs a good scrubbing or when something goes wrong. In today’s world, a D-I-Y mentality leads homeowners to believe that they may be able to fix a broken toilet with a few supplies from the hardware store and a little bit of skill and hard work. But there are many circumstances under which it may turn out you simply need a new toilet, which a trained technician should install.

Always leave major plumbing installation in Stowe, VT to the professionals, like the certified plumbing experts at Red Rock Mechanical.

Signs that a Toilet Has Passed Its Prime

If you notice any of the following signs, a simple repair most likely won’t do the trick. While professionals may be able to find a way to fix some common ailments, the following signs likely indicate that replacement is necessary.

  • Cracks in the Tank or Bowl: If you notice a crack developing in the tank or bowl of your toilet, the risk of a broken toilet and water leaking all around your bathroom is simply not worth it. No amount of sealant can prevent the risk of a flooded bathroom and a major water leak.
  • Frequent Repairs: If you find yourself frequently making repairs on your older toilet, new installation may be your best option. Replacing the toilet today is likely to actually save you some money over time.
  • Wobbling: A toilet should never wobble, as it means there is a potential for leaking and even the possibility of a damaged floor. You should have a technician come and check out the problem to make sure the damage isn’t too extensive. While it may just be that you need a new wax seal, it could also be that your toilet is compromised.
  • Old Age: Finally, old age often indicates that it’s almost time for a toilet to go, especially when you consider the money-saving benefits of a new toilet. New low-flow toilets flush with ease using high pressure instead of exorbitant amounts of water like older toilets did, cutting your toilet’s water usage in half.

Call Red Rock Mechanical today to speak with an expert about toilets and any other new plumbing installation in Stowe, VT that you’ve been considering.

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Ways to Avoid Plumbing Repair Problems

Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

You don’t have to be a plumbing expert to do a few things that can help reduce the incidence of plumbing problems in your home. While you should leave repair work to a trained and certified professional, there are some simple steps you can take to help maintain your plumbing:

Schedule Annual Plumbing Maintenance

Just as your heating and cooling systems need annual maintenance, so does your plumbing system During an annual plumbing maintenance appointment, your entire plumbing system is inspected for problems, safety issues and performance. This includes all water-using appliances, faucets, toilets and sinks. Water pressure will be checked, and if any problems are found, you’ll be given a written report and recommendations on how to repair the issue. Annual plumbing maintenance can get you ahead of potential repairs before they can become large problems.

Fix Faucet Leaks

The vast majority of faucet leaks occur because the seals and/or rubber around the faucets wear out and break. Leaks do not repair themselves, so while a leak may be quite small at first, it’s best to have it taken care of right away.

Don’t Put Everything Down Your Drains

It can sometimes be pretty amazing what will get flushed down a toilet, dumped down a drain or put into a garbage disposal. Plumbing is made to remove liquid and items that easily break down in water; things that can clog, like plastic, large amounts of paper and hard items like metal or glass, should never be put into any kind of plumbing.

Don’t Do Repairs Yourself

Unless you are a trained and certified plumber, it is never advisable to conduct plumbing repairs on your own. Plumbing systems can be complex and come into contact with other systems in your home; a mistake made in your plumbing repair can affect other parts of your home, including the sewer and septic.

There’s no way to guarantee that you’ll never need plumbing repair service in Williston, VT, but taking the steps above can help reduce your incidence of it. If you do experience problems with your plumbing, call the people you can count on: Red Rock Mechanical.

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How to Tell if You Have a Hidden Plumbing Leak

Wednesday, November 19th, 2014

A hidden plumbing leak can mean major trouble for your home. The pipes that make up your plumbing system are installed behind walls, underneath the property, and in the floors or ceilings. Water can slowly leak out and form water spots in the walls that lead to a buildup of dangerous mold and mildew. Or, water can begin to damage the structure of the home, leading to major renovations that may force you to relocate for a period of time.

In any case, you need to be able to sense when a water leak may lead to complications for your home. This may seem easy enough. Oftentimes, there is a pool of water underneath the sink or in the bathtub that indicates trouble. However, usually a plumbing leak isn’t so obvious. When it’s behind the walls or elsewhere in or around your property, you’ll have to rely on the following warning signs to tell you it’s time to call for plumbing services in Montpelier, VT.

  • Dark Spots on the Walls or Ceiling: A dark, damp spot on a wall or ceiling could indicate a pipe leak behind it. Unfortunately, this could also point toward mold or mildew development, so you should be sure to speak with a plumber right away.
  • Grass Growing at Different Rates: If there is a plumbing leak underneath your property, it may cause puddles of water in your yard. Alternatively, you might notice that one patch of grass seems longer or fuller than the rest.
  • Reduced Water Pressure: The water pressure in your home is reduced as soon as there is a leak. Many homeowners tend to ignore low water pressure if showers and other activities are still possible, but this is a problem that deserves your immediate attention.
  • High Utilities: Finally, check your utilities to find any sudden and unusual changes in your monthly water usage.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to speak with a plumber with the right tools for leak detection and plumbing repair. Call Red Rock Mechanical today to make an appointment for professional plumbing services in Montpelier, VT.

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What to Do if the Toilet Starts Overflowing

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

One of the most common phone calls we get here at Red Rock Mechanical is the call from the frantic homeowner panicking because the toilet has overflown. If this ever happens to you, don’t fear; there are steps you can take to fix the problem and keep the flooding under control. However, you may need to call a professional to get your toilet up and running like normal. In this guide, we’ll go over how to stop a toilet from overflowing, what to try first to fix it, and how to prevent this from happening in the first place.

How to Stop the Water

Of course, the most important step to protect your home is to find a way to shut off the water. Look for the shutoff valve which shuts off the water to the toilet, usually located by the bottom of the bowl. If you cannot locate this valve, try carefully removing the tank cover and lifting up the float until the water stops. Shutting off the water stops it from overflowing any longer but won’t correct the cause of the overflowing.

Fixing the Problem

To fix the problem, there are a couple of steps you should take. Your toilet is most likely affected by a drain clog that allows water or sewage to back up into the house. If the backup occurs right after you flush, the clog may be localized to the toilet, in which case you may be able to clean up the area a bit and use a plunger to move the clog into the sewer. If this won’t seem to work, the problem might be further along in the drain pipes or the sewer line. In this case, you need a professional to come in and use drain cleaning equipment like motorized drain snakes that will pull out the clog or send it into the sewer.

Preventing Overflowing

An overflowing toilet can be quite an ordeal for any homeowner, and cleanup may feel like a nightmare. Keep this from occurring again by scheduling plumbing maintenance once a year with a skilled contractor. During plumbing maintenance, many of the components of your plumbing system are cleaned and inspected, so you can learn about clogs before they become a disaster.

Call Red Rock Mechanical if you need quality plumbing repair in Burlington, VT.

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What Happens During Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014

Plumbing maintenance can cover a wide range of different procedures and repairs, far too many to encompass in one article. Specific areas of the house that often need plumbing repair are far easier to discuss in short form, though. Let’s examine two of the areas in your home that likely need plumbing services the most often, and what that entails.

Kitchen

Kitchen plumbing experiences some of the most wear and tear of any home system. Chances are you use your kitchen sink, dishwasher, and garbage disposal every single day. This also makes these systems some of the most prone to issues.

The first thing your plumber is likely to do during a visit is check for leaks in your sink, faucet, and garbage disposal. Leaks can lead to all sorts of other issues like rust and mold growth, so it pays to find and fix them as soon as possible. Drains will be addressed next. If blockages are found, they can be cleared by snaking or solvent.

Bathroom

Just like the kitchen, the bathroom is used on a daily basis by homeowners. It is subjected to quite a bit of wear and tear over time, and after the kitchen it is the area that is often in the most need of repair. The first thing a plumber will check in a bathroom during a maintenance call is usually the shower. Shower leaks can waste many gallons of water if not properly addressed, making addressing them a top priority.

Drains are another area that are always addressed. A drain doesn’t have to be completely blocked to be a problem. Debris that collects in sink and shower drains can cause water to drain much more slowly, becoming a quite annoying issue.

Finally, toilets are checked to ensure that they are flushing properly and not running. A toilet has a number of moving parts that allow it to operate properly. Over time, these parts can degrade and cause issues. If your toilet is running constantly or won’t flush, you probably need to have a part in it replaced.

If you are having plumbing issues anywhere in your house, call Red Rock Mechanical. Our professional plumbing maintenance service covers all of Essex, VT.

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There Is No Such Thing as a “Small” Plumbing Leak

Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

Most homeowners know to call a plumber when there is severe damage to their pipes. But occasionally, leaks in your plumbing system are so small that they go unnoticed for some period of time.

At the first sign of a leak, no matter how small it may seem, you need to call for immediate repairs. This is because what seems like a minor leak can actually spiral into something much bigger, causing major plumbing repairs and affecting your daily activities. When you need plumbing repair in Burlington, VT, call the experts at Red Rock Mechanical to prevent major problems from occurring.

First, a leak can reduce your water pressure. Your water is kept pressurized so that it can easily flow from your faucet. Small leaks reduce water pressure, and, if a leak becomes larger over time, you may only feel a trickle just when you need a hot shower. Keep your family happy, clean, and healthy by calling a plumber at the first indication of low pressure.

Second, leaks can attract mold and mildew that seriously affect the living conditions in your home. As water pools in often-hidden areas of the home, mold forms and spores can move into the air. These spores can trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems which may affect some of the members of your household. Pools of water can also damage the structure of your home.

But perhaps the most important reason to repair issues now is that leaks will not fix themselves. Any leak can develop into a larger problem over time, flooding your yard or house and costing far more in repairs, which is why early intervention is key. Homeowners sometimes have a hard time detecting minor leaks. But if you notice any water spots in your home or yard or reduced water pressure, it could be an indication. Catch leaks even earlier by scheduling plumbing maintenance every year to make sure the most important components of your home are free of leaks and other problems.

Remember: any plumbing leak may become an emergency plumbing repair later on. Why wait for a costly fix? If you need plumbing repair in Burlington, VT, call Red Rock Mechanical today. We offer 24-hour emergency service so you can get that “small” leak repaired right away!

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Some New Plumbing Installation Ideas for Your Home

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

When you want to improve your home, and perhaps save a little money on your monthly bills in the process, there are a lot of plumbing installation options available to you in Essex, VT. It can be difficult to decide whether you need to replace some components of your plumbing system, but in this guide we’ll show you why you may be more satisfied with low-flow toilets, a tankless water heater, or new sink installation.

Low-flow Toilets

Your current toilet may be responsible for a large portion of your water bills. Toilet use accounts for about 40% of your indoor water use, but, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, switching to a low-flush fixture may save you over 30% on your water bill. This is because low-flush toilets use greater pressure to flush as effectively as other toilets that rely on high volumes of water per flush.

Tankless Water Heater

If your existing water heater is nearing the end of its life, or if you’re looking for a unit for your new home, consider an efficient tankless water heater. Tankless systems are more efficient than other systems because there is no standby energy loss. While a storage tank water heater keeps water heated all day, a tankless unit heats water directly as it flows past the heating element and to your faucets whenever a hot water tap is turned on. Tankless heaters have a longer lifespan than storage tanks and may require fewer maintenance and repair visits.

New Sink Design

If your current sink doesn’t meet all of your needs, a plumbing company can install a new sink for aesthetic purposes or to create more space for storage and cleaning. For example, if you want your sink installed at a higher level to allow for more cabinet space in the bathroom, or if you want a sink with two bowls instead of one in your kitchen, a plumber can take care of installation for you.

Interested in making a few improvements to your home? Call the experts at Red Rock Mechanical for new plumbing installation in Essex, VT.

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The Benefits of Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

A working plumbing system is vital to many of the tasks in your home, but you may not think about where your water comes from too often—unless something goes wrong, that is. And repairs can be a major inconvenience when you need water or a working drain right away. While you may be able to spot some leaks and clogs or notice signs of problems before your plumbing is in need of serious repair, other issues are often undetected until it’s too late. Many major repair needs can be prevented, however, with regular maintenance from a plumbing professional. In this guide, we list some of the best reasons to schedule regular maintenance.

  • Longer Lifespans: The pipes in your plumbing system may need replacement someday, but this can happen sooner if they do not receive proper maintenance. Corrosion or rust can cause sudden leaks and other plumbing problems that are caught early with a maintenance visit, to extend the lifespan of your whole system. Furthermore, your water heater and other fixtures in your home may develop problems over time that could cause them to need replacement. A plumber will inspect and clean these parts of your plumbing system as well to keep your system running smoothly for longer.
  • Fewer Repairs: If you don’t schedule maintenance, you may find that repair needs occur more often. With maintenance, leaks, clogs, and other problems are often caught early on, which means you won’t have to worry about repair needs occurring as often.
  • Better Water Pressure: If you have low water pressure from your shower and faucets, it may be due to leaks, mineral buildup, or other plumbing issues. Increased water pressure is just an added bonus that may go along with regular plumbing maintenance.
  • Lower Bills: If you have leaks in your pipes or problems with your water heater, you may not realize that you’re paying too much for utility bills. When you schedule plumbing maintenance, your bills may actually be lower than they were before.

When you decide to schedule plumbing maintenance in Stowe, VT, call the dependable professionals at Red Rock Mechanical.

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What to Look for in a Plumbing Repair Company

Thursday, August 14th, 2014

Picking out the right company to handle your plumbing repairs can present some difficulties: you only have to make a quick search on the Internet to pull up a seemingly unending list of people who will offer to fix your plumbing troubles. How best to make the choice?

Below, we’ve listed a few qualities to place high on your criteria for a company to call for your plumbing repair service in Williston, VT. We think that you will discover that Red Rock Mechanical can meet all your needs, and that we go above and beyond to deliver quality plumbing work, whether it’s repairs, installation, or maintenance.

Look for These Qualities in a Plumbing Repair Company

  • Longevity: A criteria that applies to almost any company in any field: how long has the company served customers? A plumbing contractor with only a few years of experience (or which doesn’t reveal how long it’s been in business) is generally not as dependable as one with at least a decade of work under its belt. Longevity not only means more hands-on experience and better decision-making, but it also indicates a company that has earned the respect of many customers and the community in general.
  • 24-hour emergency service: Plumbing troubles wait for no one. If you have a pipe burst, a toilet overflow, or an unconquerable sink clog, it won’t necessarily happen during weekday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours. You will need to have a repair company you can reach around the clock and around the week, and which can dispatch out emergency repair technicians when you need them.
  • Proper certification and licensing: Anybody can call themselves a “plumber,” but to work as an actual professional plumber you must have certification. The highest certification is Master Plumber, so make sure you find a company that keeps certified Master Plumbers on staff. If you need plumbing work for gas and propane pipes, you must also look for a company that has the special licensing required for these jobs—this is a major safety issue.

When you have emergency need for plumbing repair in Williston, VT, give Red Rock Mechanical a call any time of the day: you won’t receive a recording, but a live person who can send out the fast service you need. We have served Northwest Vermont for over 23 years, and we have Master Plumbers on staff and the proper licensing for propane and gas line work. We think that you will have a hard time finding repair plumbers more suited for whatever job you need done.

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