<p dir="ltr">You go to turn on your sink or bathtub faucet but the water barely comes out. Your dishwasher and washing machine are taking much longer than usual to run through their cycle.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Looks like you may have low water pressure!</p>
<p dir="ltr">But before we dive into the reasons for low water pressure it&rsquo;s important to first determine how widespread your issues are. For example, if your water flow problems are only happening with your bathroom faucet then it&rsquo;s probably safe to say that the problem is with that fixture alone. However, if water pressure issues are happening all over your home then a different approach is needed!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Let&rsquo;s talk about the common causes of low water pressure throughout your home or business:</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. Your Water Supplier is Experiencing Issues</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Before you decide to spend the time and effort figuring out the cause of your water pressure problems ask your neighbors if they are experiencing anything similar. Chances are, if your neighbors are experiencing the same thing, then it&rsquo;s not something happening specifically to your home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You can also contact your water supplier directly and see if there is any maintenance or new construction taking place. If they are in the process of fixing something you will have to hold tight until their work is completed.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. The main shutoff valve isn&rsquo;t open all the way</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Once you&rsquo;ve determined that the issue is only happening with your home, it&rsquo;s time for a closer inspection.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We will first turn to the main shutoff valve, a valve that controls the flow of water into your home. As a homeowner, it&rsquo;s important to know how to find your home&rsquo;s main shut-off valve in case of emergency or repairs. It is typically located inside the house, near where the main city supply pipe enters the home through the foundation walls. In warmer climates, it might also be located outdoors.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once you&rsquo;ve located the valve, make sure it&rsquo;s completely opened. This can look different depending on the type of valve your home&rsquo;s shutoff has. If you have a gate valve (a wheel-like handle) make sure it&rsquo;s turned completely in the counterclockwise direction. If you have a ball valve (a lever handle), make sure that it&rsquo;s turned so that it&rsquo;s parallel to the pipe it&rsquo;s attached to.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The main shutoff valve can sometimes be left partially open after repairs have been done to the home or plumbing system. If you find that you have reduced water pressure after repairs have been completed, a partially opened valve may be the culprit.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Partially opened water meter valve</h2>
<p dir="ltr">You might be asking, what&rsquo;s a water meter valve? Similar to the main shutoff valve, it&rsquo;s a valve that controls the water intake toward your home. The difference being, this valve belongs to the city and is attached to a system that monitors water usage, so residents should never need to interact with this valve.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That being said, if you&rsquo;ve recently had work done in your home and as a result are noticing a reduction in water pressure, you may want to consider contacting your water company. Sometimes the valve will be left partially open after the work was completed and someone will need to come in and open it completely.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">4. The pressure regulator is failing</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Not all plumbing systems are equipped with a pressure regulator. If you don&rsquo;t have one, this solution isn&rsquo;t right for you.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you do have one, you can check the health of your pressure regulator by comparing it to your own independent reading. You can do this by attaching a water pressure gauge to your hose spigot. Turn the water on and the pressure gauge will give you a reading of the current water pressure.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If the reading from your pressure gauge is lower than your pressure regulator, you just might have just found the cause of your water pressure issues. Regulators are specifically designed to adjust the pressure coming from the city&rsquo;s water supply line to a level that is safe for your pipes and fixtures. If it&rsquo;s not reading then the regulator is most likely giving a reading that seems like it's functioning properly when in reality it&rsquo;s letting through a low pressure.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You can perform your own pressure regulator replacement but it&rsquo;s advisable to call in a plumber, especially if you are unfamiliar with plumbing.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">5. The Pipes Are Clogged</h2>
<p dir="ltr">You might be surprised to learn that clogs don&rsquo;t just happen along the initial sections of pipe leading from your fixtures. They can actually form deep down the length of your piping system and can cause the water pressure to reduce.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Because these types of clogs can occur anywhere in your system this is a time you&rsquo;re going to want to call in a plumber to assess the situation. A good plumber will know exactly what to look for without damaging or knocking loose anything that could contaminate your pipes.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">6. The Pipes Are Corroded&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Is your house older? Do you know what type of piping your house has?</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you have an older home, a potentially serious and expensive reason for low water pressure can be when old galvanized steel water pipes have corroded to the point where water flow is severely blocked. Galvanized pipes have an expiration date of about 20 years before corrosion sets in. Compare that to copper pipes which usually last about 50 or more years and brass piping which lasts for about 40 to 70 years.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is a subtle issue that develops over the course of decades, so the reduction might not be noticed until it becomes a big problem like low water pressure. That&rsquo;s why this is something to consider if you are moving into an old house with steel pipes, it might not be long before you'll be replacing your pipes!</p>
<p dir="ltr">The only solution for corroded pipes is to perform an entire repipe of the system with new copper or plastic water supply piping. Unfortunately, this is the only way to resolve this problem. Typically the best option available for re-piping in both cost and installation is to use PEX tubing over copper piping.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What Our Team Can Do To Increase Water Pressure</h2>
<p dir="ltr">While we'll leave the phone calls to water suppliers up to you. We are always available 24 hours a day, every day of the week should you need help with your water pressure or general plumbing system.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We always perform a careful assessment of the situation before going into a new project. If the situation calls for it, we&rsquo;ll send down our fiber-optic video line to find out exactly what is happening with your pipes before rendering any repairs or cleaning. Through our 35 years of experience and detailed inspections, you can guarantee that our team will only perform the services you need!</p>
<p dir="ltr">There are many plumbing companies that would be more than happy to go straight to pipe replacement to solve piping issues. At B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc. we always present the most cost-effective options. For instance, pipe relining is a great solution for pipes that are having internal issues but are not candidates for replacement just yet. At a low cost, it saves you money and gets your plumbing back in order.</p>

Low water pressure can be caused by a partially opened shutoff valve, failing pressure regulator, clogged or corroded pipes, and more. We provide solutions!

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

<p>If you're reading this article, your toilet probably isn't flushing properly or the bowl is filling up with water. You looked for a plunger but you don't have one handy. Luckily, there are some safe alternatives that might save you a trip to the store! Continue on for more information on how to unclog a toilet without a plunger.</p>
<p><strong>Before you start, turn off the water flow to the clogged toilet</strong></p>
<p>This initial step is important, you must first stop the flow of water to the clogged toilet. Remove the lid and pull the toilet float (also known as float valve) up to stop the flow. Then completely shut off the water by turning the valve located near the base of the toilet.</p>
<h2><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">1. Use Hot Water (not boiling)</span></h2>
<p>This step requires that there be a small amount of water in the bowl. If your toilet was already very close to overflowing you will need to get a bucket or cup to remove the excess water. Once the bowl has a minimal amount of water, take a bucket or cup with hot (not boiling) water from either the sink or tub. Pour it directly into the toilet a few cups at a time and wait a few minutes. The hot water will help loosen the clog in the toilet.</p>
<h2>2. Use Dish Soap or Shampoo (surfactants) with hot water</h2>
<p>If you tried the hot-water method but the clog remained, try adding a surfactant. This is just a fancy name for dish soap or shampoo. Again making sure to remove as much water as you can from the toilet, squirt a generous amount of soap directly into the toilet bowl, then pour the hot water in. The reason this works is the soap helps lubricate the clog and pipes to get things moving again.</p>
<h2>3. Use a Wire Hanger (DIY Drain Snake)</h2>
<p>If you have a severe blockage you may need to consider manual removal of the clog. You can use a wire clothing hanger by unraveling and straightening it out. Push one end of the wire into the toilet until you reach the debris. Carefully prod the blockage to break it up, sending the pieces down the drain.</p>
<h3>Don't forget to turn the water back on and buy a plunger</h3>
<p>Once the blockage has been cleared and water is flowing freely down the toilet drain, turn the water back on at the valve and flush the toilet again. If soaps were used during the removal then flush several times to remove any residue.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>You can always count on the plumbing professionals at B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc. should you have any questions or need assistance from any of our licensed and experienced plumbers.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to unclog your toilet by using common household products when a plunger is not available.

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

<p>Medical gases have been used to treat medical conditions for over centuries. COVID-19 has made the need for medical gases even more acute today. Over one million patients are treated with medical gases, such as oxygen, every day under prescription from a health care provider. Medical gases are administered in the emergency medical setting, the hospital setting, the outpatient setting, and in homes when needed. Due to the importance of medical gases to treating COVID-19, medical gas services have been deemed &ldquo;essential&rdquo; by the federal government.</p>
<p>At B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc., we have been installing and servicing Medical Gas Systems for over 25 years! Call us today for Medical Gas services at&nbsp;<a href="tel:7149707977">714-970-7977</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Due to the importance of medical gases to treating COVID-19, medical gas services have been deemed “essential” by the federal government.

Press Release: Medical Gas “Essential” to Respond to COVID-19

<p dir="ltr">As your home starts to age, you may notice an increase in the number of sounds happening behind your walls. The sound of banging, shrieking, whistling, and hissing might make you think of the supernatural but it could be an indication of a plumbing problem.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">In this article, you&rsquo;ll learn to identify why these noises happen and indicate whether they are a serious problem or not.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Banging Noises</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Typically, banging noises coming from your pipes infer an issue with water flow or water pressure. Two of the most common causes are water hammers and trapped air bubbles.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">A water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, occurs when fluid in motion is suddenly stopped when a faucet or valve is shut off. The momentum of the water abruptly stopping create a pressure wave that travels through the piping system causing a loud bang. This phenomenon doesn&rsquo;t always result in a loud bang but can also be a series of smaller bangs in your pipes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Another source of the noise is trapped air in your water line. A telltale sign that you have trapped air is when the banging starts immediately as a faucet is turned on. You might hear a bubbling noise as air moves up and out of the line.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">There are a variety of reasons for these problems, you may need a professional plumber to evaluate and address the problem.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Humming</h2>
<p dir="ltr">When the water pressure in your home&rsquo;s plumbing system is too high, your pipes can actually begin to vibrate. The vibration can create a humming sound behind your walls that become especially noticeable when your water is running.</p>
<p dir="ltr">High water pressure can occur in any home but home&rsquo;s that draw their water from wells are particularly susceptible to high water pressure. Be sure to check that your water tank is set no higher than 55 PSI (pound-force per square inch).</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you don&rsquo;t have access to a water pressure meter or are uncertain about the right setting contact a local plumber in your area.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Gurgling</h2>
<p dir="ltr">When your plumbing system is attempting to drain out excess water or waste it may emit a type of gurgling noise. This gurgling sound is similar to the noise you would hear while emptying a bottle of liquid.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">This gurgling or glugging sound can be a sign that you have a clogged pipe somewhere in your system. The possibilities could range from a physical obstruction like a piece of plastic or something as simple as the build-up of soap and dirt.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A local plumber can quickly clear out any debris or build-up in your pipes, eliminating the sound.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Rattling</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Pipes live behind the walls, floors, and ceiling of your home, affixed to your home by sets of fasteners. If the fastener loosens or becomes completely detached then pipes are left to freely move as water runs through them. When this happens you might hear the rattling sound the pipes make while they bang against the fasteners or other material.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When you hear any rattling or shaking behind the walls, floors, or ceilings of your house, it&rsquo;s time to call in a plumbing pro to find and secure the pipe, silencing the noise.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Whistling or Squealing</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Your plumbing is a very intricate system of pipes, valves, and other small components that come together to operate effectively. These smaller pieces of hardware like washers, nuts, and bolts can sometimes wear over time, resulting in a high-pitched whining noise.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The most common cause of whistling or squealing in your plumbing come from broken or worn washers near your dishwasher or washing machine. That&rsquo;s because those appliances cause a significant amount of movement, causing washers to loosen and wearing down nuts and bolts quicker. If you notice this sound near those appliances when you run them, you should have a plumber check that all the components are working properly.</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">In many situations, we recommend that plumbing noises receive professional diagnosis and treatment. If you need a diagnosis, drain cleaning, water jetting, or plumbing repair, trust the team at B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc.</p>
</blockquote>

Is your plumbing making banging, shrieking, whistling, or hissing sounds? Here are some common reasons why your plumbing is making noise.

5 Common Causes of Noisy Water Pipes

<p dir="ltr">A slow draining sink is a common plumbing problem many homeowners face. While this issue can happen to any sink in your home, the bathroom sink is the most common area. This is due to daily use and exposure to large amounts of hair and other debris around the pop-up. Soap and other household products can also slowly contribute to the build-up of material in your pipes. This build-up effectively reduces the size of the pipe that drains your sinks, slowing down the draining process.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent drain build-up from happening but we&rsquo;ve found that the perfect solution is to periodically clean your drain to keep it flowing. This article will go over the various ways you can fix your slow drain:</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. Use a Zip-it Tool to Clear Out Debris</h2>
<p dir="ltr">A quick and easy way to get your sink drain flowing again is to purchases a Zip-it tool. The zip tool is a thin flexible strip of plastic with tiny barbs up and down the sides for grabbing hair and other debris. They are extremely cost-effective and typically range anywhere from $5-10 depending on where you buy them. They may also go by different names such as stick drain cleaner, hair snare, or simply, drain cleaning tool. Another bonus feature is that you can use them with or without a pop-up because they are thin enough to fit in either scenario.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Remove the Pop-up</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The sink pop-up can surprisingly be the source of your drainage issue. It can be the perfect shape for catching hair and other debris that will build up over time. When you detach your popup you might find the large clump of debris that&rsquo;s been giving you problems.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In order to remove your pop-up, first look under your sink and see if you can locate a nut attached to the drain. Reach behind the drain pipe under the sink and feel around for the pop-up nut. Once the nut has been removed, you can come out from under the sink and pull the pop-up out of the drain. Clean off any debris you might find on the pop-up and reinstall it by reversing the steps.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Use a homemade drain cleaner</h2>
<p dir="ltr">We recommend using a mild homemade drain cleaning solution after large blockages have been removed. A homemade drain cleaner will combine common, inexpensive household products which together will cause a reaction that will help erode some of that grimy build-up. Removing even a small amount of the build-up can make a big difference in the flow of water down your drain.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">4. Clear the Sink Overflow</h2>
<p dir="ltr">One purpose of the sink overflow opening is to act as a failsafe in case the water in the sink rises too high. Its lesser-known function is to allow air into the drain when the sink is filled with water. The overflow hole allows for water to drain faster. The sink overflow can be a source of drainage issues and should be checked for blockages.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">5. Use a Plunger</h2>
<p dir="ltr">A plunger is a great tool for a slow sink drain. A little plunging can go a long way towards loosening hair and other debris clogging up your drain pipe. To ensure maximum efficiency of your plunger, cover your sink overflow with a towel or some duct tape before you begin plunging. Covering the overflow hole will create a tight seal, helping your plunger do its job in clearing any blockages.</p>

A slow draining sink is a common plumbing problem many homeowners face. While this issue can happen to any sink in your home, the bathroom sink is the most common area. 

Five Simple Ways to Fix a Slow Draining Sink

<p dir="ltr">Many homeowners take pride in managing their homestead, like handling their own plumbing work. Whether it&rsquo;s to save money or to learn something new there is something to be said for a can-do attitude. In this article, we&rsquo;ll share some of the common mistakes homeowners make that can lead to costly resolutions.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner</h2>
<p dir="ltr">You&rsquo;ve seen the advertisements or read about it online, companies promoting liquid drain cleaner as the miracle product to solve your drain problems. While a few cups of liquid chemicals down your drain can open the pipes, sending debris and waster water into the sewer, they can have a lasting effect on your galvanized plumbing. Homeowners who use this product on a regular basis can cause their piping to become corroded or leaky.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fortunately, there are many ways to clear your stubborn clogs without releasing caustic chemicals into your home&rsquo;s plumbing system:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><strong>Plumbing Auger:</strong>&nbsp;This is a manually powered tool similar to a drain snake and can clean stubborn clogs without the use of chemicals.</li>
<li dir="ltr"><strong>Natural Products:</strong>&nbsp;Clear out a slow drain with baking soda, a few sprinkles followed by some vinegar then left to sit for a few hours can help alleviate the problem.</li>
<li dir="ltr"><strong>Call a plumber:</strong>&nbsp;If your drain is still giving you issues then it&rsquo;s time to call in your local plumbing professionals. A good plumber will able to assess and solve the problem without damaging your home&rsquo;s plumbing.</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Forgetting To Turn Off The Water Before You Begin A Project</h2>
<p dir="ltr">For all water-related projects, don&rsquo;t forget to add a step for shutting off your water. Failure to turn the water off before beginning your plumbing installation or repair can lead to spurting pipes or gushing water which can lead to a small flood. Take time before your next project to get to know your home&rsquo;s plumbing and identify where your local shutoff valve and water main is located.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Performing Unpermitted Work</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Making significant changes to your home&rsquo;s plumbing system without acquiring the proper permits can carry the cost of devaluing your home. Homes with unpermitted work may take longer to sell or may sell minus the cost for repairs to fix the previous work.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Depending on your state you may be required to contact a contractor in order to pull the permits. Regardless, you should be absolutely sure that you have the permits to perform any major work around the house like the installation of a bathroom or repiping. Permits are an important part of the community as it allows local building officials to have oversight over home improvement projects to ensure the safety of the construction of each building. While permits can be an expensive start to any project, a permit will protect you from fines down the road while ensuring that your plumbing project is done right.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">4. Connecting Galvanized and Copper Pipes</h2>
<p dir="ltr">This is a common occurrence in DIY projects as it requires a certain specialized knowledge beforehand. When galvanized pipes come into contact with copper pipes, corrosion occurs. Homeowners performing their own plumbing work may be unaware of this problem and will repair old galvanized pipes using more modern copper pipes. These pipes can be connected with a special connection called a dielectric union. Dielectric unions are used to join pipes of different metals by providing a barrier against galvanic corrosion.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">5. Performing Certain Projects Without Proper Training&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Homeowners taking on advanced plumbing challenges typically do so without a license or insurance (which most professionals provide). Plumbing professionals bring a lot to the table with extensive knowledge of how home plumbing works. They attend vocational training to learn about proper techniques and the best equipment for the job. They go through an apprenticeship and gain years of experience in the field before taking a licensing exam. All of this experience ensures the quality of the work and the safety of your home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Homeowners who take on projects more advanced than their capabilities risk hurting themselves or damaging their homes. This can result in spending even more money to bring in a contractor to undo the previous work and complete it correctly.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In some situations, it might be hard to tell if a project is beyond the scope of your skill level. When this happens we always recommend reaching out to your local plumbing company before you begin your next project. A good plumber will be able to estimate the complexity of the project and provide a recommendation of whether it&rsquo;s something you can do yourself or get help with.</p>

Taking on home plumbing projects yourself can be challenging. Avoid these common plumbing mistakes that inexperienced homeowners make when they DIY.

Top 5 Common Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Make

<p style="font-weight: 400;">A common question when purchasing a new water heater or when considering the replacement of an existing unit is, how long should a water heater last? The answer to this question is a bit more complex because it depends on a variety of factors.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about:</p>
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li>The average life span of different types of water heaters.</li>
<li>Factors that affect the lifespan of your water heater.</li>
<li>What causes water heaters to fail.</li>
<li>Common warning signs that it&rsquo;s time for a new water heater.</li>
</ul>
<h2>5 Factors That Affect Water Heater Lifespan</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The longevity of your water heater depends on these factors:</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Storage or Tankless</strong>. Whether you decide on a traditional storage water heater or a tankless water heater can affect how long you can expect to keep it in service before needing a replacement. Traditional storage water heaters and hybrid water heaters can start to show signs of aging at about 10 years, requiring repair or replacement. Tankless water heater models, on the other hand, can far exceed that with an estimated lifespan of about 20 years.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Source of Power.</strong>&nbsp;Water heaters can be powered by electricity or natural gas. Electric-powered water heaters tend to last longer than gas-powered heaters by approximately 1-2 years.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Routine Maintenance.&nbsp;</strong>A well-maintained water heater can exceed its expected lifespan while a poorly managed one might fail sooner. Many manufacturers actually recommend annual water heater maintenance.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Quality of Water.</strong>&nbsp;Whether you have hard water or soft water can make a difference in the lifespan of your water heater.&nbsp; If you have a traditional storage water heater you&rsquo;ll want to opt for hard water as soft water can rapidly corrode the anode rod, a component inside your water heater that protects the metal lining inside the tank to prevent corrosion over time. However, tankless water heaters don&rsquo;t have an anode rod which makes them a great candidate for water softeners that can help prevent mineral buildup and keep water flowing freely through the heater.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Location of installation.</strong>&nbsp;The location of your water heater is an important consideration to make when installing a water heater. Make sure you install your water heater in a temperature-controlled or temperature neutral environment. If you live in a temperate climate and your water heater is installed in a cold area it will need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature of the water which will wear the unit out faster.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Common Reasons Water Heaters Break Down</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Why do water heaters fail over time? Here are some common reasons:</p>
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li>Overpressurization: When the water pressure exceeds the tank&rsquo;s specifications, the unit will wear down faster. This can occur because of excessive heat or too much pressure at the water inlet.</li>
<li>Sediment buildup: When your water heater is in operation, mineral deposits separate and settle onto the bottom of the tank. This sediment builds up over time which reduces the efficiency of your heater and can cause the unit to eventually become damaged and fail.</li>
</ul>
<h2>4 Signs Your Water Heater Needs To Be Replaced</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some common warning signs that indicate the need for water heater repair or replacement service:</p>
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li>Your water heater stops generating enough hot water.</li>
<li>Your water heater is beginning to make noise, which some people describe as banging, gurgling, rumbling, or other strange sounds.</li>
<li>The hot water from the tap appears red or brown in color.</li>
<li>The tank is leaking water onto the floor.</li>
</ul>

The lifespan of your water heater depends on a number of factors. Whether you are purchasing a new water heater or repairing one, here's what you need to know.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to plumbing repairs in your home, there are many issues you can fix on your own with a little bit of patience and elbow grease. When your toilet is clogged, you can plunge the blockage, when your water pressure in the shower is low, you can clean the showerhead or many other common issues.&nbsp; However, while many plumbing repairs around the house can be DIY&rsquo;d, how do you decide when to call a plumber, here are some scenarios you should leave to the professionals:</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">You have a Rapid Water Supply Line Leak</h2>
<p dir="ltr">A water line suddenly bursts, causing major flooding inside your home. It&rsquo;s an event that doesn&rsquo;t happen often but certainly always calls for a plumber&rsquo;s visit. It&rsquo;s imperative that you act quickly in order to minimize damage to your home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The first order of business should be looking for any intermediary water supply cut-off valves located near the source of the leak. You might get lucky and discover a knife or knob style cut-off valve that can shut off water to the area that is leaking and not the whole house. If you are unable to find such a valve, find your home&rsquo;s main water shut-off valve and move it into the off position to stop the flow of water. After shutting down the water, locate your locale plumber that can come immediately.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">You Have No Water in Your House</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In this situation, water stops flowing in some portion of your house, typically localized around one area of plumbing hardware like a bathroom sink or shower. In our experience, it&rsquo;s rare that water will stop flowing throughout your entire home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Check all of the water outlets in your home to confirm the areas that are not receiving water. Check both the hot and cold water supplies. Typically, if there are issues with the water heater and hot water is no longer being delivered the cold side will still be operable.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you can&rsquo;t get any water, you may have a serious problem with your plumbing. It&rsquo;s possible that there is a buried water line leading from the streetside water meter to your house that&rsquo;s burst or has been damaged, diverting water from being delivered to your home.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">You Have a Rapid Drainage Line Leak</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Many long-term homeowners are familiar with kitchen and bathroom leaks coming from the trap underneath their counter, it&rsquo;s an issue that can be handle by a plumber or DIY&rsquo;d with simple tools and materials. You simply turn off the water, get under the sink, and replace the trap. In kitchens, the biggest difference would be the leak is coming from the garbage disposal. If that is the case, fix or replace the garbage disposal.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, drainage lines are much different than your trap under the counter and are not always very accessible. A drainage line can be sealed up behind a wall or under a floor, if it&rsquo;s actively leaking you need to take immediate action. Calling your local plumbing professionals is the fastest and more reliable way to prevent any further damage to your home&rsquo;s subfloor, floor covering, drywall, or paint.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">You Have a Sewer Line Leak or Bad Odors</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Sewer line problems don&rsquo;t often go overlooked. A broken or blocked sewer line will often result in pools of dark, smelly water or mushy soil at the site. Indoors, odd events like toilets filling when you run the sink or bathtubs filling with wastewater can occur. You could dig up the sewer line in an attempt to find the broken or blocked section of the sewer pipe to fix or replace it. But this type of work goes beyond the capability of many homeowner&rsquo;s even those with extensive DIY experience and can take several days of strenuous back-breaking work.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The sewer line is an important component of your home, it carries wastewater out from your toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. Your home cannot operate properly without this very critical line, so until it&rsquo;s fixed use of all those activities are halted.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to call in your local plumber for repairs of this nature. A plumbing company would typically run a sewer line video inspection through the sewer line clean-out entry point. Upon identifying the issue, they might auger out the sewer line with a motorized drain snake. If the blocked or broken line is beyond repair it would need to be dug up and completely replaced.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Your Water Heater Has a Natural Gas Leak</h2>
<p dir="ltr">It&rsquo;s important to take swift action when you smell natural gas in your house. The usual suspect is a stove burner that is turned on but unlit. However, in situations where you are unable to locate the source of the gas be sure to take necessary precautions and first open your windows and doors before calling in your plumber.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sometimes, the source of the natural gas leak can be your gas water heater. Newer models of water heaters have a thermocouple, which is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas supply to the water heater if the pilot light goes out. This prevents the gas from building up from a dead pilot light.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you&rsquo;re smelling gas in the area around your water heater area, it&rsquo;s not normal. The thermocouple may have broken down or malfunctioned and is failing to stop the flow of gas. There may also be leaks in the rigid or flexible pipes leading to the heater or in the couplings or pipes themselves.</p>

While you can DIY many plumbing repairs around the house, here are some scenarios you should leave to the professionals.

 5 Times You Should Call a Plumber

<p>Many of us have no idea what it's like to be thirsty. We have plenty of water to drink, even the water in our toilets is clean.</p>
<p>But many people around the world don&rsquo;t have that luxury. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. But it doesn&rsquo;t have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections, and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.</p>
<p>B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc. started this fundraising campaign to help charity: water build these types of projects around the world, let&rsquo;s do this together!</p>
<p>Please donate to this campaign -- anything you can give is a huge help.</p>
<p>100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they&rsquo;re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.</p>
<p><img src="https://squarematter.imgix.net/5fc9483233d64c5efc759b59/1607040629341.jpeg?fit=max&amp;w=1500" /></p>
<p><img src="https://squarematter.imgix.net/5fc9483233d64c5efc759b59/1607040659842.jpeg?fit=max&amp;w=1500" /></p>
<p><img src="https://squarematter.imgix.net/5fc9483233d64c5efc759b59/1607040659841.jpeg?fit=max&amp;w=1500" /></p>
<p><img src="https://squarematter.imgix.net/5fc9483233d64c5efc759b59/1607040668040.jpeg?fit=max&amp;w=1500" /></p>

We are currently hosting our Charity Waters Campaign to help those less fortunate than us who don't have the luxury of fresh drinking water.

Charity Waters Campaign 2020

<p>A water bottle filling station is an important investment in any school setting. This ensures the availability of clean water to all the members of the school community. The importance of hydration for our children isn&rsquo;t anything new, water hydration helps to keep our kids focused, energized, and healthy.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Call us today and have B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc. install a touchless water bottle filling station at your school. We also offer hand washing stations as another measure to help ensure a safe and sanitary learning environment for our children.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In the past schools relied on public drinking fountains to provide water hydration to students throughout the day. Today, we strive for more sanitary options for our children to hydrate. With a water bottle filling station, there is a large fill area that fits any size container and keeps the two surfaces separate from touching.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://squarematter.imgix.net/5fc9483233d64c5efc759b59/1607332772399.jpeg?fit=max&amp;w=1500" /></p>

Touchless water and handwashing stations at school

<p>From all of us at B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc. we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving this holiday!</p>
<p>Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on our blessings and give back to our communities should circumstances permit. That's why over the years we've made it our mission to continually find new ways and organizations to partner with to help those in need.</p>
<p>Opportunities to give back may not look like they did last Thanksgiving but there are still plenty of options! If you are in a position to do so, here are a few ways you can help:</p>
<h2>Donate to a local church or charity of your choice</h2>
<p>We've found that one of the most heartfelt ways to give thanks this holiday season is to make a food, clothing, cash, or even blanket donation to your local church or favorite local charity. These groups go the distance to provide comfort to our community members in need, whether it's a warm place to sleep, hot meals, or a simple blanket to stay warm.</p>
<p>For this Thanksgiving, our team has decided to give back to those less fortunate and provide the opportunity to experience the holiday in full through a food donation. Pictured below is Alaina from B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc. dropping off our baskets to the San Antonio de Padua Thanksgiving Drive.</p>
<p><img src="https://squarematter.imgix.net/5fc9483233d64c5efc759b59/1607039373133.jpeg?fit=max&amp;w=1500" /></p>
<h2>Support your essential workers and first responders</h2>
<p><strong>Donate a meal.</strong>&nbsp;Contact your local hospital, fire station, doctor's office, police station, or even grocery store and ask if they accept meal donations for their workers. It's as simple as ordering food and having it delivered to those who are working hard in essential services.</p>
<p><strong>If you know an essential service worker, send a meal to their family.</strong>&nbsp;If someone you know workers in an essential service field, it can make life a little easier by sending them a dinner or lunch one night during Thanksgiving holiday week or weekend. Find a local restaurant that delivers, or send a gift card for delivery service.</p>
<h2>Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in awhile</h2>
<p>The holidays can be a particularly lonely time for some. Help alleviate that by reaching out to someone who you haven't spoken to in a while and catch up. Text or shoot an email and let them know you are thinking about them this holiday season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Have an older relative or friend in your life? Reach out during this holiday season and let them know you care. Volunteer to go grocery shopping for them or spend some time talking to them over Zoom or Facetime.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Should you run into any trouble with your plumbing this holiday, don't hestiate to give us a call at&nbsp;<a href="tel:7149707977">714-970-7977.</a>&nbsp;We're open 24/7 all year long, day or night... that includes Thanksgiving Day!</p>
</blockquote>

At B&B Plumbing, Inc. giving back to our community is one of our core principles. That's why over the years we've made it our mission to continually find new ways and organizations to partner with to help those in need.

Giving Back During the 2020 Thanksgiving Holiday Season

<p>At B&amp;B Plumbing, Inc. we want to assure our residential and commercial customers that we are taking the necessary steps to stay safe and healthy. We are closing monitoring the COVID-19 virus recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the local and state agencies, and we are committed to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of our customers, clients as well as our employees. As precautions, our technicians will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Wear professionally cleaned/sanitized uniforms and personal protective equipment, including a new pair of latex gloves and/or will sanitize their hands with each new residence they visit.</li>
<li>Use non-contact greeting methods</li>
<li>Wash hands a minimum of 20 seconds and uses hand sanitizer</li>
<li>Maintain social distancing when possible</li>
</ul>
<p>Our commitment to providing emergency services will continue. To help our plumbing technicians continue to maintain a safe working environment and follow CDC guidelines, we ask that you please advise us of your health status when scheduling our plumbing services. If you or a family member in the home is sick with flu-like symptoms, we request that you call us at 714-970-7977 to reschedule your appointment.</p>
<p>You can trust that all of us at B&amp;B Plumbing Inc., will continue to perform with the utmost professionalism while maintaining a safe environment for our employees/technicians. Please&nbsp;<a href="../../../schedule-service">contact us today</a>&nbsp;to schedule your service.</p>

At B&B Plumbing, Inc. we want to assure our residential and commercial customers that we are taking the necessary steps to stay safe and healthy. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

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