5 Residential Plumbing Services to Get Before You Sell Your Home

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A home is a huge investment for most people, and home buyers shop carefully to find homes that appeal to them in different ways. Don’t be surprised if a potential buyer asks about any residential plumbing services you have done recently. Even better, have a list of things that were covered on your home plumbing inspection, and go over them as you show the house. You want to get the most value for the property, and some simple plumbing services will help you sell for better prices.

1. Household Plumbing Inspection

Getting a home plumbing inspection is one of the most important residential plumbing services to get before putting your home on the market. It provides prospective buyers with a sense of assurance that the home is well-cared for and in good condition. And while a home plumbing inspection is not required by law in most states, it is a great way to boost the asking price.

Residential plumbing contractors will give your plumbing system a complete evaluation, from looking for problems with septic systems to checking for leaks and slow-moving drains. Since home plumbing is inspected by licensed plumbers, any problems that are discovered can be repaired right away.

2. Septic Pump-Out

Knowing that the septic tank is newly emptied is another item that can lead to a faster or more profitable sale. Since this only needs to be done at long intervals, home buyers will immediately see the benefit of having plenty of time before they need to worry about their private sewer system. The process only takes a few minutes, and experienced contractors won’t leave a mess all over your property as some fly-by-night companies may do. Depending on your local laws, you may be required to get a pump-out before putting your home on the market.

Rooter service is one of the most common residential plumbing services, but not every plumber has the equipment to perform a septic pump-out. Because of the special equipment required, some companies avoid the added investment. Look for established plumbing contractors that feature household plumbing repair and rooter service.

3. On-Demand Hot Water

Tankless water heaters have become popular in recent years, and make an affordable plumbing upgrade that new buyers will love. On-demand water heaters are installed in your hot water line, typically beneath a counter or above a ceiling. This eliminates the need for a special water heater closet, and that can be a big plus for home sales as it provides extra space that can be repurposed for other uses.

Without a huge storage tank, tankless water heaters usually outlast conventional systems by 10 years or more. And since they have very few parts that can fail, tankless systems require much less maintenance and upkeep over the years. For many people, however, the biggest attraction for tankless water hears is the fact that they can save anywhere from 10 to 50 percent on your energy bills. For large homes, you can install tankless heaters at heavy-use points to assure the family of always having hot water when they turn the knob.

Even if you choose to stay with a tanked water heater, keep in mind that they are rated for around 10 or 12 years before they should be replaced. Replacing the ones in your home and then listing new water heaters as a selling point will increase buyer interest and appeal. 

4. Trenchless Sewer Replacement

Like on-demand hot water, trenchless sewers are growing in popularity because they can be done quickly and unobtrusively. If you have to make sewer repairs before your house sells, trenchless systems won’t destroy your landscaping or leave long scars across drives and walkways. If the sewer lines being replaced are beneath the home or run under any large slabs or paved areas, trenchless sewer repair is a more affordable solution to consider.

As the name implies, trenchless sewer repair and replacement is ideal for areas that would be severely damaged by digging a ditch. Trenchless begins by digging an opening at each end of the line to be repaired and then using special equipment to bore from one to another. If you consider a situation where the sewer line extends all the way across your basement it is easy to see how 2 openings saves time, money, and resources.

5. Repair Sinks and Drains

Don’t underestimate the power of minor plumbing repairs showing big returns. Shiny new drain covers installed after professional drain cleaning creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance that buyers will take note of. But the visual aspects are only the beginning of how your sinks and drains can affect the sale. Make sure that the drains are working properly and that there aren’t any leaks under sinks, in the water heater pan, or around tubs and toilets. Faulty plumbing can literally make or break a home sale, so take a little time and bring in licensed contractors to get everything in top condition.

Professional plumbers can handle everything from replacing tubs and showers to installing a new dishwasher to modernizing kitchens and bathrooms. You do not have to renovate before selling your house, but minor alterations can lead to big increases in home value and buyer appeal. Additionally, newly installed appliances like tubs or toilets have their own manufacturer warranties that mean years of trouble-free living, and everyone needs less stress in their lives.

Plumbing is a necessary part of modern living, and you won’t get much for a home that has decayed cabinets beneath the sinks, strange odors in the laundry room, or perpetually wet spots near your septic system. For a relatively small investment, home plumbers can repair anything that isn’t working, install new appliances where they are needed, or spruce up kitchens and bathrooms with a bright new look.

Always research your contractors before you hire them. Look at online reviews, check with the local Better Business Bureau, and always insist on contractors that are licensed and insured. Not only are unlicensed contractors breaking the law, but hiring them introduces the possibility of the project not turning out as planned.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

5 Situations When a Household Plumbing Inspection is Appropriate

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A household plumbing inspection can save you a lot of time and money. Plumbing issues that are not promptly repaired may lead to more expensive problems, and cheap DIY solutions don’t always work as well as expected. Here are 5 symptoms that deserve attention as soon as they pop up.

1. Slow or Clogged Drains

Drains can become fully or partially blocked for a variety of reasons, and a household plumbing inspection is the best way to diagnose your problem and get the correct repairs underway. From exterior damages caused by recent construction, root growth of nearby trees, or interior problems such as hair clogs or toilet stoppages, drains that aren’t flowing properly can cause other problems without prompt repair.

2. Interior Wet Places 

Wet places in the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom may be an indication of many types of problems, ranging from broken pipes to the failure of the wax ring under your toilet. Since plumbing problems often occur inside walls or under floors, plumbing inspections are commonly used to identify the source of leaks.

3. Hot Water Issues

If your water heater is misbehaving, schedule a plumber to take a look at it before it fails completely. Water heaters are subject to problems such as failed thermostats, corroded heating elements, and the deterioration of aging water tanks. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, it is approaching the end of its expected longevity, and replacement of the water heater may be more appropriate than repairing individual parts.

4. Foul Odors

Unpleasant odors near sink or tub drains could be an early symptom of serious plumbing issues. Organic material that gets trapped in your drain pipes will decompose over time, releasing gases that are offensive to the nose. If you are noticing bad smells coming from your septic tank or drain field, the problem may be related to an organic imbalance in the tank, a blockage in the drain field, or even sewage pipes affected by tree roots or erosion.

5. Exterior Wet Spots

Another symptom of problems involving sewage pipes and drain fields is the presence of perpetually wet areas in your lawn. Over time, your sewer lines can be broken or pushed out of place, allowing water to escape the lines before reaching the septic tank or sewer main. Having the septic tank pumped out is a temporary fix, and may be necessary before beginning the actual repairs. 

A lot of things can go wrong with a residential plumbing system, and identifying the source of the issue is not always as straightforward as you may think. Home plumbing inspections eliminate the guesswork so the problem can be repaired efficiently, saving you both time and money when compared to trying to make trial-and-error repairs on your own.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

5 Things to Look for in a Household Plumbing Inspection Company

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A household plumbing inspection is an important part of buying a home, but you should have one every few years after the closing as well. Keep in mind that not all plumbing inspection companies are the same, however, and work with a company that best suits your plumbing needs.

1. Licensed Contractors

Licensed household plumbing inspectors can repair any problems found during an inspection. They are also authorized to pull any permits and request municipal inspections on the work they perform. Unlicensed contractors can’t get permits or schedule inspections, and that can lead to major problems a few years down the road.

2. Insurance Coverage

Responsible home plumbing contractors carry liability insurance that protects you and your home against faulty plumbing repairs, injuries that occur during the repair process, and more. If you allow an uninsured contractor to perform plumbing repairs, you may not have any recourse if the work does not meet code requirements, uses inferior materials, or results in additional damages. Contractors are licensed to protect property owners and settling for anything less could cost you a lot more.

3. Clean and Courteous

Reputable home plumbing inspectors should be professional in appearance and attitude. Don’t be taken in by contractors who are rude or try to push you into repairs that aren’t necessary. With only a few exceptions, your home plumbing contractor will show up wearing company uniforms, leave the work in a safe and tidy condition at the end of the day, and will always treat you and your family with the respect and courtesy you deserve.

4. Complete Plumbing Services

Ideally, your home plumbing inspectors will also be the contractor who makes the repairs. In fact, an inspector who advises you to seek repairs elsewhere may not be the best choice to perform the inspection at all because they aren’t backed by years of practical experience in plumbing repairs. Finding the source of a problem is only the beginning, and no inspection is complete if they leave your home without addressing the problems they find.

5. Reviews and Testimonials

Look for positive reviews and testimonials from people who have had the same type of work performed. This is an important final step in the selection process because even contractors who are licensed and insured will occasionally turn out to be unprofessional or even dishonest, and their faults will only become apparent by first hand comments from previous customers.

A household plumbing inspection is only the first step in locating and repairing faulty plumbing or sewer systems. Once you have chosen a responsible company, ask them to perform a complete inspection and provide you with a checklist of what has been inspected when the job is done. In some cases, uncorrected problems multiply, so getting a complete picture of what needs to be done may save a lot of money over the course of home ownership.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

Top 5 Reasons for Low Water Pressure

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Low water pressure is a common reason for scheduling a household plumbing inspection. Low water pressure can be a big problem, preventing household appliances like dish and clothes washers from functioning properly and becoming an annoyance for family members. The lower pressure could be related to several problems, and these 5 top the list of the most common reasons for low water pressure.

1. Valve Issues

You can check your water valves before scheduling a home plumbing inspection. The problem may be that your meter line has been turned off for some reason and then partially opened afterward. Similarly, the main valve leading into your home should be checked to ascertain that it is fully open and working properly. 

2. Blocked Pipes

Older pipes can be clogged internally. As pipes age, rust and corrosion take place in your metal pipes, slowly blocking the flow of water. It takes many years for the blockage to occur, and your water pressure will slowly lose pressure for most of that time. Replacing old pipes not only improves your water pressure but also makes your water healthier by removing potential contaminants.

3. Water Leaks

A water leak can cause everything from a loss of pressure to a complete loss of flow. Large leaks may result in a lot of damage very quickly, so schedule a plumbing inspection as soon as you notice a loss of pressure or unusual wet spots in the home or yard. Leaks may be the worst type of plumbing problem because they often lead to other damages as well.

4. External Issues

Low water pressure may not be related to anything in your home. Local utilities will occasionally lose pressure due to infrastructure improvements, auto accidents, or other external circumstances. Contact the water company before you schedule a home inspection to make sure the problem is really yours. If it is a utility issue, they should be able to give you an idea of how long the problem will last.

5. Pressure Regulator Failure

Some homes are equipped with a water pressure regulator. This device maintains pressure coming into your home, often boosting what is available from the local utility company. When it fails, a pressure regulator can cause severe fluctuations in water pressure, and replacement is the most common solution.

Low water pressure may be no problem at all, but it does have the potential to cause expensive damage. Scheduling a plumbing inspection will find the source of the problem and you may have your water pressure back to normal in as little as a single day.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

What to Do When You Find a Plumbing Leak

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Without a periodic household plumbing inspection by a leading contractor such as Ehret Plumbing & Heating, your home is in greater danger from water damage resulting from leaks that could otherwise have been prevented. If you notice signs like rattling in your walls, areas that always seem to be wet, or water stains on your ceilings or walls you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Some leaks develop slowly, and others happen almost instantly, so it is a good idea to know what to do if your plumbing springs a leak.

Check Power Locations

Home plumbing inspections help you protect more than just your plumbing. A sudden plumbing leak may pose a serious risk of short circuits, fire, or even electrocution. If there is any danger of that happening, turn off the circuit breaker(s) for the areas that are affected. If you do not know which breakers to turn off, turn off the main breaker. This may be an inconvenience afterward, but it will not cause any problems you can’t correct after the leak is resolved.

Shut Off Water Supply

Once the electrical danger is resolved, turn off the water in the area. Depending on where the leak is located, there may be a valve nearby, but major leaks such as broken pipes probably require turning off the main water line to the home. Sinks, toilets, and water heaters typically have independent shut-off valves. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the valve locations in your home beforehand so that you can stop the flow quickly.

Call Your Plumber

Call Ehret Plumbing & Heating residential plumbing service to make a service request. Provide as much information about the leak as you are able, and if the leak is a major problem notify the plumbers that it needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. If you were not able to shut off the water for any reason, make sure that the company is aware of it.

Clear Area Near Leak

Move any furniture, linen, or other items away from the leaking area to provide plenty of access to the area. It is better to remove everything prior to trying to dry the area because it reduces potential damage to your furniture, plus the area under that stuff may be wet as well. 

Remove Water

Remove as much of the water as you can from the affected area. The sooner the area has been dried, the less potential there is for water damage to your walls, floors, and even the ceilings below the leak. A wet vac is the fastest way to remove a lot of water, but mops or other absorbent materials will work. 

It may not prevent every leak, but having licensed and insured home plumbing contractors perform a household plumbing inspection can make a difference. Proactively maintaining your home’s plumbing may be the difference between a broken pipe and a major renovation.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.