Pine Valley Plumbing » Troubleshooting

Wait! Read This Before You Use Those Flushable Wipes!

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:33:14 +0000

Although toilet paper is becoming easier to find, some may still be regularly using alternatives such as flushable wipes. Remember, the package may say that these wipes are “septic safe” and “flushable”, but they take longer to break down. This makes it easier for clogged pipes and blockages to occur often requiring a professional plumber to unclog. So before your plumbing system begins to back up, head to the store and stock up on some regular toilet paper!

Gas Water Heater not Working?

admin — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:54:22 +0000

Are you having an issue with your gas water heater? The wind has been picking up lately, and it may just be that your pilot light has gone out. Before you call a plumber, make sure the pilot light is lit. If you don’t know how to check it and relight it yourself, have your plumber show you how. It will save you both time and money!

A Plumber or a Landscaper?

admin — Sat, 04 May 2019 16:47:04 +0000

Who to call? A plumber or a landscaper? A landscaper is going to be able to help you with anything related to your sprinkler system excluding your hose bibs and yard hydrants. You want to call a landscaper for a zone that doesn’t open or a broken sprinkler head. If you have a problem with your hose bib or any of the other plumbing unrelated to your landscape, call a plumber. A landscaper is not licensed to work on your home’s plumbing. Both work with pipes and water, but they each have their own area of expertise.

Emergency Water Leak?

admin — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 17:18:04 +0000

Is it the middle of the night and you notice a pipe just burst? Is your toilet overflowing, and you don’t know how to get it to stop? Everyone should know how to turn off the water when these things happen. For something as simple as an overflowing toilet, there is a shut-off at the base on the wall that can be turned to shut off the water flow until you can clear the clog yourself or get someone to come repair it for you. For larger emergencies such as a burst pipe, you should shut the water off to your home. The water valve to your house is not located in the same location for every home. You will need to find out if it is in your crawl space, in your flowerbed, or in your garage. While you can always call your local fire department in an emergency, it’s the best course of action to learn these things before you need them!

Why Is Your Water Heater Tripping?

admin — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 17:37:18 +0000

Is your water heater tripping its reset button? If you push the red button to reset it and it happens again, it is time to call a plumber. There are a few reasons this could be happening. One, one or both of your thermostats could have gone out. This could result in the water becoming dangerously hot. Two, the elements could be bad. At least with failed elements, the water cannot get hot enough to scald anyone. It could also be bad wiring causing an issue and excessive heating. If your reset button continues to trip, call a plumber and get to the bottom of it.

Are You Hiring the Right Plumber?

admin — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 18:28:44 +0000

All plumbers are not created equal. When you are hiring a plumber, you need to think about what it is you are trying to accomplish. Some plumbers have only been trained in new construction. They may not know how to take apart a faucet, repair a water heater, or perform other service work on your home’s plumbing. Handyman often know even less, and you may end up paying twice when the first person, or two, does not have the knowledge required to repair your problem. Finally, always make sure that the plumbing company you hire has the proper licenses and insurance required. Don’t wait to ask until after they have accidentally flooded your home.

Watch for These Signs

admin — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 17:54:06 +0000

Our sewer lines the majority of the time are out of sight and out of mind. We rarely think of them until a problem arises, but there are signs that can help us catch a problem before it turns into a catastrophe. Be on the lookout for strange gurgling sounds in your toilet, drains moving slowly without evidence of a clog, multiple clogs at once in different plumbing fixtures, patches of grass in your yard that are inexplicably greener than the rest of the yard, and unpleasant smells coming from your yard or basement. If you experience any or all of these symptoms, have your system inspected promptly. If there is an issue with your sewer line, the sooner it is repaired, the better.

To Flush or Not to Flush?

admin — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 18:37:36 +0000

That is the question! Even though those flushable wipes say they are flushable, are they? While cleaning, make-up removing, and baby wipes definitely should not be flushed, even wipes that state they are flushable can take longer to break down and can end up wreaking havoc on your plumbing system. The additional time it takes them to break apart can lead to clogs, sewer back-ups, city sewer issues, and can require you to pump your septic system more often. What may seem like a great invention to some, may not be as advantageous for your plumbing system or your bank account!

Before You Install a New Water Heater…

admin — Sun, 07 May 2017 17:24:16 +0000

Just because you aren’t getting hot water does not mean you need a new water heater. If your water heater is new or newer there are cheaper repairs that need to be ruled out first. If your water heater is brand new, make sure your thermostat is set correctly. It may need nothing more than to be turned up. If your water heater is electric, check your breaker and make sure you have power to the unit. Your heater has a built in safety device that will turn off the power if it is overheating. Usually, a new thermostat is all you will need to repair the water heater. If your heater is a gas unit, make sure the pilot is lit. If it won’t light, a new thermocouple may solve the problem. Take the time to cross an inexpensive repair off your list before you replace your perfectly good water heater.

Review Your Contractor Before They Do the Work!

admin — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 20:12:39 +0000

Finding a qualified plumber or contractor can be a challenge under any circumstance, but you can do more to protect yourself than just check reviews and testimonials. You need to make sure that the company you hire has all the proper licenses, insurances, and bonds in the event there are any problems with the job or on the job. Not only can the homeowner be responsible for any damages created by an unlicensed, uninsured company, they can also be sued to pay for the medical bills and expenses if the worker does not have workers compensation insurance and is injured performing the work.

Homeowners can log onto the Construction Contractors Board, CCB for short, and go to the licensee search to obtain a more comprehensive view of the company they are hiring. The CCB will provide the current insurance and bond information, tell you whether or not the contractor’s license is active, and let you know if the company has any outstanding claims or fines against them. It is mandatory that all construction companies in Oregon, including plumbing companies, post their CCB number, but you may also search using the company’s name or the owner’s name. Have they changed their name and number multiple times in a few years? This may be a warning sign. Be wary of any contractor that does not have a CCB number posted, gives a bid that is unusually low, or demands to be paid in cash. Although the extra footwork may seem like a hassle, you don’t want to find out your contractor wasn’t licensed or insured after he injures himself or you find out the work has problems.