Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Lacey’

Plumbing FAQ: How Does Professional Drain Cleaning Work?

Monday, April 15th, 2013

We rely on our wastewater disposal systems to keep our homes clean and hygienic. Unlike the pressurized water supply systems, our wastewater system relies on gravity to transport organic waste from the drainpipes in our homes into the sewer line and into the septic tank or municipal waste management system. Over the course of their service life, our drain systems accumulate waste and debris. When this builds up on the inside of our pipes, it can present all sorts of problems. Even minor blockages can eventually become serious clogs that require  Lacey, WA plumbing professional to remove. That’s why routine drain cleaning is so important: it allows your drains to operate as they should. For more information, or to schedule drain cleaning in Lacey, WA, call Brooks Plumbing today!

Let’s take a look at the process of professional drain cleaning. Your Lacey plumber will use a variety of tools and techniques, depending on the application, but let’s look at two steps, and then review the benefits:

  • Video pipe inspection. While this is not strictly part of the cleaning process, it is often a necessary aspect of professional drain cleaning. Knowing where the problematic areas of your drains are allows your plumber to concentrate his efforts and target specific blockages. It’s an excellent technology that removes much of the guesswork. By offering a first-person view from within the internal view of your pipes, you’ll be able to know exactly what’s going on.  If necessary, your plumber may recommend repair or replacement if it looks as though your sewer line is cracked.
  • Drain snake. You’re probably getting drain cleaning due to a partial or even complete blockage. Removing deep clogs is no job for a plunger. You need a drain snake. This is an augur attached to a long cable that usually has some kind of attachment at the front that allows for breaking up blockages
  • Benefits.  Rapid wastewater disposal leads to extended pipe life, odor elimination, and any discomfort caused by blocked and slow drains. The greatest benefit is preventing major and sometimes costly repairs and replacement.

For more information about professional drain cleaning and how it works, contact the Lacey, WA plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing FAQ: How Does Professional Drain Cleaning Work?

Plumbing FAQ: Does my home need a grease trap?

Monday, March 25th, 2013

When you think about grease traps you likely think about commercial restaurant and kitchens that need to dispose of lots of fats, oils and grease—sometimes called FOG for short. These types of food waste don’t break down and can form terrible clogs. In fact, in some municipalities it used to be illegal to dump FOG down your home drain because it required extra maintenance and treatment from the water utility to remove them and remove clogs in city pipes. Homeowners had to install grease traps and get them regularly maintained, cleaned and sanitized. Because garbage disposals are so prevalent now grease levels in city water are likely rising again. Contact the Lacey, WA plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing

if your home has constant clogs from fats, oils or grease. We can help you figure out if a grease trap is right for you. Here are few things to consider before that.

Why Install a Home Grease Trap?

Unless you’re opening a donut store in your home or if you do a lot of frying your home probably doesn’t need a grease trap. However, if you do find yourself doing a lot of frying in your home or if you’re trying to start a small restaurant then it could be a good idea to install a grease trap. This will protect your plumbing system and help you keep your plumbing system working well. Contact the Lacey, WA plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing if your home is having any plumbing issues.

However, if you are concerned about the amount of treatment that has to be done to your city’s water supply then doing your part to remove your fats, oils and grease from the sewer system could be a good idea. A grease trap can be installed at your home near your sink drain. You can either get it regularly serviced by a company or use bacteria to keep the trap clean and to avoid the foul odors commonly associated with grease traps.

For all your Lacey, WA plumbing services, including plumbing repair and plumbing installation, contact Brooks Plumbing.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing FAQ: Does my home need a grease trap?

Plumbing Tips: Bathroom Plumbing Upgrades

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

If you are starting a bathroom remodeling project, Brooks Plumbing provides bathroom plumbing installations throughout the Lacey area. Always call a professional Lacey plumber you trust to install any new plumbing equipment. Your bathrooms get a lot of use, and that’s why you want to make sure that the plumbing is installed correctly.

In addition to proper installation, you want to be sure that your bathrooms have the design and look that matches your tastes. Our professional plumbers can provide both. Also, hiring a plumber to install your bathroom fixtures and plumbing is much faster than trying to do it yourself, not to mention preventing issues. You also want to make sure that your plumbing system will provide lasting results. Contact Brooks Plumbing for Lacey bathroom remodeling services today!

Here are some of the upgrades that you may want to consider for new bathroom fixtures and plumbing.

  • Low flow faucets and fixtures: Save water and money with these simple upgrades.
  • Dual flush toilets: Older toilets waste gallons of water with each flush. Consider this upgrade to help conserve water.
  • Water heater upgrades: Consider a tankless water heater for on demand hot water.

With all the use that your bathroom gets, you want it to work as efficiently as possible. With the help of a professional plumber, you can be sure that your bathroom plumbing will get installed correctly to prevent problems for you in the future.

The Lacey plumbers at Brooks Plumbing have many years of experience working with all different kinds of bathroom installation jobs. We can get your new fixtures or pipes in quickly and without sacrificing quality. Call us for your next bathroom remodeling job! Contact Brooks Plumbing today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Tips: Bathroom Plumbing Upgrades

Sump Pump Tip: How to Maintain Your Sump Pump

Monday, December 10th, 2012

While the sump pump in your Lacey WA area home should rarely have issues, it is important to maintain it so that you don’t have any problems. If your sump pump breaks down, you could find yourself facing a flooded basement or major water damage to your home.

Here at Brooks Plumbing, we want to help you maintain your sump pump with a few maintenance tips.

Test the Float Switch

Most sump pumps are submersible pumps that are installed inside an open well. Like the floater inside a toilet tank, the float switch will turn on the pump once the water reaches a certain level. Occasionally check it by lifting it for a second to see if it turns on the motor. If not, check to make sure it is plugged in or that there’s not a blown fuse. Call a technician if the float switch isn’t working.

If your motor is constantly running, this means that the float switch is stuck in the on position. This could cause the motor to burn out, so unplug the pump and see if you can clear out any debris stuck underneath the float switch. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber.

Clean the Well and Filters

Try to keep your basement area clean so that debris doesn’t fall into the well. Also, check the filters on the pump and clean out anything that can cause a clog. Call a professional if you aren’t sure how to do this.

Check for Other Damages

Submersible pumps are more susceptible to corrosion and other damages, so check for rust and other obvious damages. Call a Lacey WA plumber at Brooks Plumbing if you notice any problems with your sump pump. Contact Brooks Plumbing today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Sump Pump Tip: How to Maintain Your Sump Pump

How Can I tell if I Have a Broken Main Water Line?

Monday, November 12th, 2012

A broken water line is one of the most dreaded repairs for many homeowners in Lacey. The reason is because water lines are normally buried in the ground under your home. The process for fixing the break is inconvenient and expensive. Compounding the problem further is the face that because the pipe is in the ground, detecting the leak can be very difficult. We thought that it would be helpful for our customers in Lacey if we put together a short list of symptoms that might indicate that you have a broken water line. However, you should never attempt to fix a broken water line in Lacey on your own. If you suspect that your water line is broken, call the expert plumbers at Brooks Plumbing immediately.

What Causes Broken Water Lines

It could be helpful to know what some of the common causes of water line breaks.

  • Tree roots – This is probably one of the most common culprits for a break in your water line. Tree roots can slowly work their way into the pipe joints in their search for water. Over time, this can break your pipes or clog them.
  • Natural disaster – Natural disasters can be devastating to your water line.
  • Rust and Corrosion – Over time, mineral deposits and rust can eat through your water line. Even if the pipes are made of plastic, eventually they will just get old and break.

Sudden Increase in Water Bill

You probably don’t enjoy opening your water bill. But if you peel open that envelope one day and discover a huge spike in your bill, it could be a sign of more than just increasing water prices—it might mean that you have a broken water line.

Soggy Spots

If you start to notice soggy spots in your yard, this could mean that the water line below is leaking. The water is saturating the dirt beneath your yard making it wet and soggy.

Strange Bumps

Depending upon the type of dirt that’s in your yard, the leaking water from your main might not make it soggy. It could actually push the ground upwards. If you start to notice any cracks in your home’s slab or strange bumps in your yard, you may want to call a professional plumber.

If you’ve started to notice any of these things at your home in Lacey, call the professional plumbers at Brooks Plumbing. We can get to your home quickly, diagnose the problem and then offer a reasonable solution.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on How Can I tell if I Have a Broken Main Water Line?

Water Heater Tip: Improving Water Heater Efficiency

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Improving the efficiency of the water heater in your Olympia area home will depend on several factors. The type of water heater installed in your home is the first factor, and improving efficiency can be easy if you know what to do.

If you want to increase the efficiency of your water heater, there are a few initial steps to take. If you have questions or would like more water heating tips, call the expert plumbers at Brooks Plumbing. Here are some ways to get you started today on cutting back on the energy used to heat the water in your home and to lower your utility bills.

Installing a high-efficiency tank water heater or a tankless water heater to replace your old inefficient model is only one way to more efficiently heat the water in your home.  You can also make small upgrade, such as installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. Other areas include the dishwasher and washing machine. Use cold water when possible to wash your clothes, and only use the hot temp settings on the dishwasher for heavier loads. Using less hot water means using less energy to heat the water.

You can also lower the thermostat on your hot water heater, which can save you up money on energy costs and reduce the chances of scalding if the water is too hot. Most manufacturers recommend 140°F for water heater thermostat settings. In reality, many people don’t need hot water to be heated above 120°F. Call a plumber or check your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to locate the thermostat on your water heater or if you have other questions about proper temperature settings.

If you have an older tank water heater, one easy way of improving efficiency is to insulate the tank. This will help prevent heat loss while the water is being heated at all times. You can find water heater “jackets” easily, but keep in mind that you may need to know the R-value of the water heater tank before you make your purchase.

Call the Olympia water heater specialists at Brooks Plumbing if you have further questions.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on Water Heater Tip: Improving Water Heater Efficiency

Plumbing Question: How Do I Know if I Have a Leak in My Plumbing System?

Monday, October 1st, 2012

Some leaks in your Lacey home’s plumbing are quite obvious, especially if they occur very near the fixture. For instance, if the pipe leading from your kitchen sink drain is leaking, you’ll quickly see water spilling out onto the floor. But because your pipes crisscross your home mostly out of sight, there is always the possibility that a leak will develop in a less-obvious and accessible area.

In fact, it’s often hard to know you have a leak at all, but there are a few tell-tale signs to watch for that can indicate a problem in your plumbing system. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a Lacey plumber immediately to find the source of the problem and minimize the damage from the leak. These signs include:

  • Lower Water Pressure – Of course, your home may naturally have low water pressure. But any sudden reduction in the pressure of the water coming from taps in your entire home or just in one area indicates a problem somewhere along the line. Even if you see no other outward signs of a leak, be sure to get professional attention right away.
  • Higher Water Bills – If you notice that your water bill has increased without a corresponding increase in your water usage, there’s a good chance that extra water you’re paying for is leaking out of a pipe somewhere.
  • Dampness and Unexplained Puddles – Dampness in any area of your home can indicate a leak as well. And a leak in the main water line leading into your home can often cause puddles to develop in your yard even when it hasn’t rained. If you notice this type of pooling, or if any of your walls or floors feel damp, you should suspect a leak and call a professional promptly.

For any plumbing repairs in the Lacey area, give Brooks Plumbing Co. a call!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Question: How Do I Know if I Have a Leak in My Plumbing System?

Plumbing Tip: How Sump Pumps Work

Monday, September 24th, 2012

In areas like Olympia, WA, a sump pump acts as a primary line of defense against water getting into your home and causing damage to your basement, garage or bottom floor. These devices are actually quite simple to operate and relatively affordable to have installed, so they represent a very effective, highly recommended option for anyone with water issues in their Olympia home.

If you are having such a problem and are interested in learning more about what a sump pump does and why it is such a good investment, here are a few more details about them and how they work.

Sump Pump Technology at Work

A sump pump is exactly what it sounds like – a pump installed in the bottom floor of your home or basement, if you have one, that removes water before it can back up and create a problem. When the system is installed, a secondary drainage system is usually installed that will funnel water into a pit somewhere in your basement. As water fills this pit, a float rises and eventually triggers a switch on the sump pump.

The sump pump then turns on and starts removing water from that pit, pumping it into a drainage pipe or sewer line (depending on your municipal regulations regarding sump pump installation). The result is no water in your basement and a very efficient means of removing the water from your home.

Because the system consists of nothing more than a simple pump and some drain tiles to funnel water into the pit, it is relatively affordable to install and requires minimal maintenance – usually just a quick inspection once a year and a test during dry months of pouring water into the pit to ensure it comes on. Not bad for a device that will actively keep water out of your home for years to come.

If you’d like to install a sump pump in your home’s basement, call Brooks Plumbing today! Our Olympia, WA plumbing technicians are experts in sump pump installation and repair.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Tip: How Sump Pumps Work

Plumbing Question: What is a faucet aerator?

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Your Olympia home is filled with little things that you don’t even think about – technologies that have been developed to save us money or reduce energy consumption that, when not present, can have a very negative impact. One such thing is the aerator on your sink faucets. If you don’t have an aerator on your faucets, or if you have a clogged aerator, it’s important to know what these little things are and why they are so important.

What Is an Aerator?

Put very simply, an aerator is a screen installed at the end of your faucet. When you turn on the water, the aerator blocks part of the water flowing from the water line by splitting the flow. This does a few things. First, it ensures your water flow is not too powerful – wasting a large volume of water. Old faucets, installed in Olympia Homes before the 1992 law that required a certain level of efficiency, would use between 4 and 7 gallons of water per minute (gpm). With an aerator, a modern faucet uses 2.5 gpm or less.

Second, this ensures that the decreased water flow isn’t noticeable. When you wash your hands, plenty of water comes out to rinse your hands of soap, and unless you need to really fill up the sink fast, you’ll rarely, if ever, notice the decreased water flow.

Problems with Aerators

If you have high levels of minerals in your water supply, the aerator on your faucet can eventually get clogged. This happens slowly over time, so you will not notice at first, but eventually water flow will slow to the point that your faucet will either seem to slow or stop temporarily. This can be fixed easily enough by removing and cleaning your aerators, though it is also good to have your water supply checked to ensure the mineral levels are not too high. A water treatment system can help with this.

An aerator is an important component in your Olympia home’s plumbing – a simple little screen that saves you $100 or more per year on your water bill and helps you do your part for the environment by reducing wasted water.

If you have any questions or are in need of plumbing repairs, call us today! Brooks plumbing has been a trusted provider of quality services throughout the Olympia area since 1994.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Question: What is a faucet aerator?

Plumbing Question: How Does a Drain Tile System Work?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Drain tile systems seem to be the most common solution to problems arising from basement dampness and flooding. An increasing number of people inLacey are switching to these systems. But before you can do the same, it can be helpful for you to know how these systems work.

The technology that drain tile systems use was first put to its modern use in the United States in 1838. The main principle of this system is the use of special perforated tiles to absorb water and direct it away from the foundation of your home.

These drains are used for several purposes. When used as a farm draining system, they help prevent over saturation of water in fields. These tiles can also be used in irrigation systems for the transport of water. On the other hand, a drain tile system can be used domestically to drain yards as well as regions around the foundation.

Drain tiles are perforated (they have tiny pores) to allow the water in. When used in drainage systems, these tiles are immersed in a bed of loose stones, which allows the drain to lead to the piping. You can find various kinds of stone for this purpose. However, the three or four inch washed gravel allows for the best kind of water flow. These pipes are usually cylindrically to follow convention. However, even the cubical ones serve the same purpose as their shape has no effect on the flow of water.

Depending on your requirements, you can go for piping ranging from a diameter of two inches to 18 inches. Most people using these systems around their foundations prefer the 4” variant as a standard size. The pipe used for draining could be made from plastic or PVC. Any standard type of pipe can be used in this purpose. However, the pipe must be connected to the system well so no water is lost when draining out.

So there you have it. Drain tile systems are efficient and tested to absorb excess water from any area and help it flow out in an efficient manner. This is quite a popular and effective method that has been in use for many years now and continues to serve the purpose in agriculture as well as for domestic purposes. For more information about installing a drain tile system in Lacey, give Brooks Plumbing a call today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Question: How Does a Drain Tile System Work?