All posts by : ramiro

Touchless faucets are an excellent way to upgrade the home. They boost its functionality and feature a sleek and elegant appearance. Homeowners who are remodeling their living areas should consider investing in these innovative fixtures.

This article will outline the main benefits of touchless faucets and how they can transform a home. Please keep reading to learn more.

They’re budget-friendly and energy-efficient

Most people forget how quickly traditional faucets use too much water. Failing to turn off the faucets for one minute means losing two gallons of water. While this may not seem significant, the numbers add up. At the end of the month, homeowners have to strain their budgets to deal with water bill spikes. However, this is a non-issue with hands-free models. It will switch on when the household member needs water and turn off when they move away from the sink. This automatic system minimizes time spent at the sink and prevents unnecessary water usage. These modern fixtures are environmentally friendly solutions that protect the household’s budget.

They prevent bacterial growth and grime

Conventional faucets require frequent cleaning to remain germ and grime-free. The germs from our hands latch onto the faucet or cling to the sink and multiply quickly. Although people think they’ve washed their hands properly, potentially harmful bacteria could still be on the tap. Additionally, kitchen sinks are often sources of infection since food particles rot away and promote bacterial growth.

When the sinks have touchless faucets, harmful bacteria are eliminated successfully, eliminating the risk of contamination. Touchless fixtures require less maintenance than standard solutions, so homeowners can relax knowing the fixtures are clean.

They give people easier access to water

Hands-free models are easy to use, so people of all ages and varying technical skills can operate them without difficulty. Raising a hand in front of the faucet activates its sensor, which is responsible for switching on and turning off the water flow.

Most models have additional features that allow users to monitor and control water temperature.

How does a touchless faucet work?

Holding a hand up to the sensor activates the valve responsible for regulating water flow. The mechanism works seamlessly thanks to four components:

The sensor

The fixture’s sensor responds to motion. When it detects movement, it signals to the valve to start the water. If there’s no movement, the sensor alerts the valve to cut off the water flow.

The valve

The valve follows the signals coming from the sensor. It uses a rubber disc to let the water pass through the faucet or stop the water flow.

The power source

Touchless models run on electricity. Some models pull power from batteries, while others connect to an electrical socket.

The spout

The spout houses the fixture’s other elements. Spouts come in many shapes and sizes, and homeowners can pick an option that matches the home’s overall appearance.

Elevate the home with a touchless faucet

Homeowners who want to elevate their homes’ appearance and functionality should consider installing touchless faucets. To pick out the perfect model, contact an experienced professional. They’ll recommend the most energy-efficient options that fit the home’s budget.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.

Ensuring the plumbing system is in perfect condition keeps the home safe and secure. Water mainlines are typically buried beneath the ground, making maintenance and inspection more challenging. Issues with the main water line often go unnoticed until severe problems occur, endangering the entire household. The good news is that homeowners can protect their property against damage by remaining vigilant and paying attention to the warning signs indicating they should replace the water mainline.

Keep reading to learn when to replace the water mainline.

Frequent clogs

Clogging can occur for several reasons, and typically waste or mineral buildup will block the water from reaching the drains. This is a common occurrence, and once the plumber resolves it, homeowners should have no other complications with their plumbing. However, repeated clogging issues point to trouble with the water mainline. The drains will struggle to produce water, and eventually, a foul odor will spread through the home. Additionally, the water will have nowhere to go and back up into the house.

Homeowners whose pipework is constantly blocked should reach out to an experienced professional who’ll determine whether a simple repair will suffice. Alternatively, they’ll recommend the most effective water main line replacement plan.

Root incursions

Trees surrounding a home thrive on moisture, and the roots might grow towards the pipework in search of nourishment. They invade the drainage system, multiply, and cause severe damage. Waste, grease, and debris flow through the pipes, latching onto them and blocking the mainline. A professional team uses the latest industry practices to examine the lines, locate the roots, and remove them without further damaging the plumbing. They’ll then assess the situation and quickly replace the water mainline.

Low water pressure

A malfunctioning water mainline negatively impacts the home’s water pressure balance, surprising homeowners with a slow trickle. Since other plumbing can also cause water pressure imbalance, it’s essential to have a professional examine the system and determine whether the main water line is broken.

Strange noises

If the electrical appliances that use water are turned on, the plumbing will work hard to produce enough water, so hearing noises from the pipes is normal. However, when no appliances or drains are using water, strange noises from behind the walls could signal a leak within the mainline. Unless addressed, the leak will grow and deteriorate the building structures.

Higher utility bills

A broken mainline might result in frequent leaks. These are difficult to spot until they affect the home’s utility bills. The water bill skyrockets, straining the home’s budget. Repairs may mask the issue temporarily, but investing in a more durable water mainline is a cost-effective solution.

Take care of the plumbing system

Homeowners who suspect their main water line is struggling to work correctly should contact a reputable team with years of experience. After inspecting the pipework, they’ll decide whether the mainline needs replacement. They’ll also share maintenance tips for prolonging the plumbing system’s service life.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.

A renovated bathroom can add value to the home and improve its style. It can also make the bathroom more practical and accommodate more people’s needs. While it’s essential to make the most of the space, some changes will improve the function and comfort of the room.

Let’s look at some innovative bathroom remodeling ideas:

Hidden tank

A hidden tank toilet is an excellent addition to any bathroom design. It saves space and can provide a clean and sleek look to a small bathroom. Routine maintenance of a hidden tank toilet might be challenging since it’s hard to access the inner workings of the lavatory.

A low-flow toilet may also be a good option for the space as they use less water to flush, thus lowering the water bill.

Textured tiles

When it comes to safety, the floor tiles in the shower area are the most crucial flooring for a bathroom remodel. Textured tiles are easy to maintain and keep the feet from slipping once the floor gets wet.

Modern bathroom tiles are easy to clean and made with grout designed to resist staining and mold. They can also be paired with various patterns and colors for a more subtle look.

Two-inch drain pipe

When it comes to bathroom plumbing, the typical pipe size for a drain is usually about 1.25 inches or 1.5 inches wide. This type of pipe can easily get clogged due to its design. Replacing the regular line with a 2-inch drain significantly improves bathroom drainage.

No-tub bathroom

Although a bathtub is often an essential feature in a home, it is not always necessary for those who don’t take baths. If the house has a bathtub in a separate room, it should not be an issue if the primary bathroom doesn’t have a tub but a luxurious shower. The main concern should be the space and functionality of the bathroom. Engage the services of a qualified plumber to remove a bathtub correctly.

Small tub

If the plan is to get a bathtub for the bathroom remodel project, make sure it’s not too big to fit in with the existing space. Instead, get a tub designed to match the home’s existing look. Smaller tubs consume less water and are more energy-efficient. They also take up less floor space and are a more pocket-friendly option.

Heated flooring

If the plan is to replace the bathroom floors, consider adding heated flooring. This type of flooring is more energy-efficient than a central heating system and can add value to the home. Moreover, a heated floor can make a massive difference to the comfort of the bathroom. They are an excellent option as they retain heat for a long time, even when turned on for a short time.

Consult with an expert

Bathroom remodeling creates a new feel for the home and increases the property’s value. A licensed plumbing service will provide helpful advice on the best bathroom renovation options available.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.

Nobody thinks of a water heater much until it stops working. Dealing with a cold shower due to a faulty unit can be frustrating. Water heaters last for an average of 12 years. It is essential to learn how to detect an appliance needing repair to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Here are some signs that suggest your water heater might be defective:

Inconsistent water temperature

Fluctuations in water temperature may indicate that something is wrong with the heater. If the water is sometimes hot, then lukewarm or cold on other occasions, it might be time to call the repairman.

The most common reason for irregular temperature is the accumulation of mineral deposits. Mineral deposits build up around the water heating elements, preventing them from working correctly. However, these parts can be repaired, restoring the heater to good working condition.

Water discoloration

Water that comes out of the tap should be clear. If it appears brown or contains particles, the water heater could have a rust problem. Discolored water is typically a health hazard. Check if the rusty water comes from the hot and cold water taps. If both faucets are affected, then the pipes are the issue. If it only comes from the hot water, the heater is probably rusty.

Hot water runs out too fast

The water heater should be working throughout the day to ensure hot water is always available. Consistently running out of hot water (when needed) indicates something wrong with the heater.

Strange noises from the tank

A minimal amount of noise from the water heater may be nothing worrisome. However, mineral deposits may have probably accumulated on the elements if the sounds get louder and more frequent. It may be time to hire a water heater repair service to flush out these deposits.

Cloudy, smelly water

Cloudy water coming from the faucet could signify a mineral deposit buildup. If the water also has an unpleasant odor, it suggests something more dangerous. Smelly water is often a sign of bacteria inside the tank.

Reduced water pressure

Mineral sediment in the water can block the pipes. They accumulate in the heating elements, eventually leading to reduced water pressure. An aging water heater could also cause lower pressure from the taps. Call a water heater repair technician to clear away the mineral deposits.

Water leakage

A damaged water heater may have water pooling beneath it. This can be pretty dangerous, especially if there are electrical components nearby.

Watch out for those mineral deposits!

Mineral deposits found in water can play havoc with the water heater. Carrying out routine unit maintenance is an excellent way to ensure it is working correctly. Call an expert water heater repair service for regular checks.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.

Toilets are crucial and one of the most used home plumbing fixtures. They help maintain the sanitation levels and ensure good family health. Even with their excellent durability, toilets can experience problems once in a while. A toilet issue that often arises is the fixture producing weird sounds. 

Toilets make some noise when they flush and refill. For the rest of the time, they should remain quiet. Loud, unusual sounds coming from your toilet are annoying and worrying. It indicates a plumbing problem that may translate to expensive repairs when not promptly addressed. Homeowners need to assess the severity of the issues and whether it warrants calling a professional plumber.

Here we explore how to troubleshoot some of the weird toilet sounds:

Ghost flushing

Hearing the sound of the toilet flushing on its own randomly in the middle of the night is scary. The common culprits of ghost flushing, also known as phantom flushing, include a tank leak, faulty flapper or flush valve, short flapper chain, and improper positioning of refill tube. Continuous ghost flushing wastes water and increases the water bills. Locate the leak’s source and perform necessary repairs. Consider replacing the flapper or flush valve drain, adjusting the chain, and repositioning the refill tube to fix other issues.

Persistent hissing

A toilet making continuous hissing sounds is a cause of concern. It usually happens due to a worn-out flapper. As the flap or flush valve deteriorates or breaks down due to age, is not positioned correctly, or is set at the right level, it fails to create a proper seal. It causes the water to overflow and slip into the bowl and the tank to refill constantly, leading to a hissing noise. A professional plumber can quickly replace the damaged part to fix the issue.

Gurgling

Gurgling or bubbling noises most commonly indicate a partial block in the drainpipe, sewer drain, or vent stack, preventing water from passing through it freely. Clogs lead to air pressure build-up, which causes gurgling or bubbling sounds while releasing. It is a severe issue, and homeowners need to act right away to avoid a nasty backup. If a drain snake fails to fix the problem, call an experienced plumber right away.

Constant running

A toilet produces a running sound briefly when the tank refills after a flush and should cease after the tank fills. However, if it continues to run even after the tank finishes filling, it could mean that a leak is allowing water to flow into the bowl, the flapper chain is short or tight, or the float is at a higher mark. Inspecting your tank can help determine the actual cause.

Banging

An immediate banging or clunking noise after a toilet refill is known as a water hammer. It occurs when the water flowing through the pipes stops abruptly and hits the closed valve. Repeated hitting can damage the pipes eventually. The water hammer can also result from the air in the drain and high water pressure. Consider draining or refilling the pipe and contact a plumber if that doesn’t solve the problem.

Keep your porcelain throne in excellent condition

Call in the professionals if you don’t want to tackle the issue yourself. If you choose to DIY a bit, get in touch with a local plumbing service if you fail to figure out the reason behind the weird sounds coming from your toilet. Experienced plumbers will quickly diagnose the problem and restore proper toilet functionality in no time.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in any household. As a result, they often go through much wear and tear over the years. While some plumbing issues have a quick fix, others will most certainly require the help of an expert.

There are a few signs to look out for in the bathroom when considering whether plumbing repair is needed. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what these signs are, then this article is a good start.

Low water pressure

Some homeowners may find that it takes them a considerable amount of time to wash the shampoo out of their hair, usually due to poor water pressure. Insufficient water pressure is not only inconvenient, but the longer showers can also bump up the water bill.

Poking around the showerhead can often cause more problems than it will solve. For this reason, it’s best to contact a plumber to fix the problem more efficiently.

Water drains slowly

Another sign that it’s time to call a professional service is when showers often end up feeling like mini baths in a kiddie pool. Water build-up in the tub or sink is a sign of a drainage issue. With the help of an auger (also called a drain snake), plumbers can get down to the root of the problem and discover the source of the clogging faster than if you were to use a coat hanger or other DIY equipment.

No water available

Turning on the faucet in the kitchen only to find no water coming out is disheartening and often indicates a severe plumbing issue. Most household plumbing is concealed behind walls and floorboards, so it’s difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem. Using special tools, a plumber can find the source of the issue far quicker.

Water won’t heat up

When a hot water tank is fully drained, it may take a while for the water to reheat. However, if the water refuses to warm up when first switching the shower on, a bigger issue is probably the culprit. The issue may require maintenance on the entire system or just a quick fix. Either way, a professional plumber can efficiently diagnose the problem and let homeowners know their options.

Unusual water coloration

White or murky-looking water is a sign of air in pipes. Brown, red, or yellow often indicates rusty pipes. If the water is green or blue, then this is a sign of corrosion. Any changes in a household’s water color are a good indicator for immediately contacting a plumber. Usually, the pipes will need to be either removed or thoroughly cleaned.

Ensuring bathroom functionality

Having a plumber check out bathroom faults is an excellent way of ensuring continuous functionality. Homeowners that take on the burden of attempting to solve any damage themselves can sometimes create more problems in the long run. Experts can share advice about maintaining a working bathroom and avoiding the same issues in the future.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.

Water leaks can cause severe damage to a home or business property. Gone undetected, you may experience mold growth and unexpectedly high water bills, which can be a nightmare to resolve. Repairing water leaks early on at your home or business is crucial for eliminating costly repairs in the future. Yet, leaks can go unnoticed for months. You may find yourself calling your neighborhood plumber if you see any of these key signs of a hidden water leak:

Your water bill is higher than usual

Elusive leaks may hide within your walls or under your home, but water bills do not lie. If your water bill is suddenly much higher than usual, your house has sprung a leak. Your home water bill shouldn’t fluctuate massively each month once you account for seasonality. However, if you find that your bill is getting sky-high, it’s time to check out your home’s plumbing. 

Your lawn is overgrown or damp in patches

A luxurious lawn is the envy of every neighbor, but not when it only comes in patches. A water line buried beneath the grass can leak, creating lusher grass in spots in the yard. It’s not unusual for more significant spills to create puddles or pooling outside of your home. To check for an outdoor leak, turn off the home’s water supply and turn off faucets. If the water meter keeps moving, you have an underground leak. 

You find mold or mildew growing

Flowing water turns any area into a haven for mold or mildew. Mold becomes dangerous for anyone with respiratory health concerns and can be harmful if exposed for long periods. Black or white spots resulting from an area unable to dry are promising signs of a nearby leak. Showers, sinks, and other fixtures throughout the home are not impervious to mold or mildew. Do consider resolving a mildew problem immediately for the sake of your plumbing and health. 

Your walls are damaged or discolored

Ceilings and walls get especially burdened with the adverse effects of leaky pipes. Walls may discolor, peel, or blister at the site of a leak. Unfortunately, walls or ceilings below a long-standing leak are damaged even if they are not directly near the root cause. For example, the flow of water runs down throughout the inner structure of the home, where an upstairs bathroom can flood a basement or cellar downstairs. To limit the overall damage, treat discolored walls or sagging ceilings quickly.

Weird or bad smells are present

A musty basement or laundry room indicates the presence of moisture, most likely mold. Mold emits gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds (or MVOCs). The smell that accompanies MVOCs results from the different stages of mold growth. You can expect an earthy or sweaty smell to be present—the more severe the leak, the more powerful the scent. 

Invest in plumbing maintenance and preserve your home

Stinky rooms, structural damage, and high water bills sound like something out of a homeowner’s worst nightmare. However, preventing leaks is easy by knowing information about your home’s plumbing, like how old it is and what repairs it has had or may need. Additionally, it never hurts to get a professional inspection every one to two years, whether you have old leaky pipes or picture-perfect plumbing. 

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.

Water is one of the essential elements in human life. The majority of the adult human body consists of water, which performs vital functions like protecting organs and tissues, lubricating joints, regulating body temperature, flushing out toxins, and carrying out chemical reactions in the body. 

Every household needs a supply of fresh and clean water for drinking and other home activities like washing, cooking, and cleaning. The quality of water we receive in our homes significantly impacts our overall health and well-being.

Why is water filtration essential?

Drinking or using impure water for routine activities is hazardous. Before the water reaches our homes from the water treatment facility, it travels miles through a network of pipes. As a result, there are increased chances that water will pick up pollutants like minerals, microscopic bacteria, chemicals, metals, and dirt on its way to your home that negatively impacts the water quality and taste. In addition to being potentially dangerous, polluted water also harms skin and hair. 

Home water filtration systems preserve the water quality and make it safe for family use, and there are several affordable and convenient water filtration systems on the market today. They include sediment filtration, reverse osmosis, UV disinfection, activated carbon block filtration, and ion-exchange systems. Different technologies remove disease-causing minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants from the water. 

Call a plumber to test the water for various impurities and recommend the best water filtration system to meet home needs.  Homeowners can consider point-of-use or whole-house water filtration systems.

Here are a few key reasons to filter water

Boost health

Unsafe drinking water can have severe effects on an individual’s health. Children are more likely to fall sick due to the long-term exposure to contaminants present in tap water. Filtered water is good to develop a better immune system. It keeps the skin hydrated, prevents itching and irritation, helps in weight loss and nutrient absorption, reduces cancer risk, improves digestion, and detoxifies. 

Better taste and smell

Heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and bacteria possibly present in tap water cause the water to smell foul, appear cloudy, and taste unpleasant. Water filtration helps in reducing these impurities to provide clear, clean, better smelling, and great-tasting water.

Preserve environment

Often, people opt to drink bottled water for clean and contaminant-free water. Regularly purchasing bottled water is expensive and harmful to the environment as plastic bottles are among the biggest contributors to plastic pollution. Plastics take hundreds of years to degrade, and not all areas have the infrastructure and facility for plastic recycling. Using a water filtration system to filter home or office water reduces ecological footprint.

Avoid plumbing issues

The presence of minerals, chemicals, and heavy metals can wreak havoc on the plumbing system over time. They can damage pipes and corrode appliances that use water. Conversely, filtered water prolongs the life of pipes, devices, and heaters. 

No one will argue the importance of safe and clean water, and a water filtration system is convenient, easy to use, and has low-maintenance requirements. Contact a plumber to install a suitable water purification system.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.

Tank heaters are notorious for leaks. This fact is one of the reasons many homeowners are switching to tankless heaters. Since they don’t store water, you’d think that there’s no way they can leak. But is this the case?

Are tankless water heaters susceptible to leaks?

As surprising as it may sound, tankless water heaters can leak. More specifically, the joints and pipes may begin to leak after years of use.

Such leaks usually take place at the bottom or near joints. They may not seem serious at first, but they can have disastrous consequences over time.

Water leaks can damage floors, roofs, and walls. They can also trigger more severe problems if you don’t call a professional plumber to fix the issue.

There are several temporary solutions, such as mounting a drain pan. The pan serves to remove water safely and prevent mold and costly structural damage.

What causes leaks in tankless water heaters?

There can be several causes of a tankless water heater leak. The most common are as follows:

Inadequate gas pipes

Sometimes, the gas pipes may not have enough capacity to supply the necessary amount of gas demanded by the water heater. The result is potentially catastrophic leaks that come with a distinct smell and should only be handled by a trained professional.

To avoid gas problems, make sure to have a separate line that runs from the meter to the heater without rerouting the gas main. Also, it’s best to minimize the number of joints.

Improper venting

Improper venting creates the right conditions for condensation and leaks. Over time, they can render your water heater useless.

There should be proper venting through the roof or wall in the area of the boiler. It’s best if the vent is relatively short as it minimizes the risk of leaks through connections and pipes.

High flow rates

Tankless heaters operate at lower water flow rates (five GPM) and pressure (30 PSI). Anything higher than that may cause leaks.

Acidic water

Acidic water affects metal parts in your plumbing system. It can create a pinhole in the water heater and cause a leak.

Depending on the pH level, acidic water can swiftly damage the entire system. To minimize the risk, check the acidity level regularly and hire a plumber to lower it as needed.

Pipe connections

Most tankless water heaters have relief valves, which are paramount for draining or flushing the system. Without one, it dramatically increases the odds of water leakage. 

Fortunately, a qualified plumber can add a relief valve to your boiler system or replace the existing one. The best course of action is to order a thorough inspection of your water heater.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.