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High water pressure has its benefits. However, when it’s too high, it can damage appliances, fixtures, and plumbing systems. The home structure can also be affected should pipes start leaking.

Here are some reasons for a home to have high water pressure:

High supply pressure

Municipal water systems supply water under high pressure in areas with many hills, fire hydrants, and tall buildings. This is intentional to ensure that all areas receive water.

Low location

Those who live on low-lying ground may have high water pressure too. This can be associated with the gravity increase as the water gets close to the home.

Temperature changes

When temperatures in the plumbing system increase, the water expands. This leads to an increase in the pressure. The same expansion happens when water heaters are used, especially if the pressure relief valve or expansion tanks are defective.

Faulty regulators

Water pressure regulators can be installed in high-pressure areas. If the regulators are defective, the problem will remain unresolved. Water pressure regulators can last 7 to 10 years before needing replacement. It’s important to have them maintained from time to time.

How to tell whether the water pressure is too high

There are scientific methods to ascertain whether the pressure is too high. However, some typical signs can tell homeowners they are dealing with a high water pressure issue:

High water bills

If the water bills increase significantly, it could mean high water pressure.

Clanging pipes

When water is under high pressure and moving through the plumbing, it can’t move evenly due to limited space. It tends to bounce off in the sides of the pipes and back, causing shuddering, banging, or rattling of the pipes.

Loud appliances

If dishwashers and washing machines create a lot of noise, it indicates the water pressure is too high. It’s noisy as the appliances regulate the water flowing through the hoses.

Inadequate hot water

If the hot water in the home runs out quickly, it means the water is moving through the showerheads or faucets faster than it should.

Dealing with high water pressure

High water pressure in a home can be detrimental if left unchecked. The first step is to identify that there is indeed a high water pressure issue in the home. Remedying this issue involves installing water pressure regulators.

Call in the experts

The professionals can diagnose a water pressure issue and correctly install a regulator. Professional plumbers can also offer regular maintenance services to avoid a repeat of the problem. They can also check and replace defective water heaters and pressure regulators.

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

Homeowners often wait until an emergency occurs before looking for a plumber. However, preventative maintenance can help avoid plumbing emergencies. Just like preferring to drive a regularly serviced vehicle, it’s important to give a plumbing system routine maintenance to avoid malfunctions. Neglecting plumbing leads to most emergency calls, but regular care and maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of facing plumbing emergencies

Burst pipes

Burst pipes are among the most common causes of emergency calls to plumbers. When water freezes within a pipe, it begins to expand and in some cases the pipe will burst. If a homeowner notices a frozen pipe that has not yet burst, it may be possible to avoid an issue by gently thawing the pipe with a low heat source to allow a gradual thaw. A low heat source is important as using too much heat may cause thermal expansion, which can split the pipe.

If the pipe has already burst, the water supply to the home must be shut off, and the system must be drained by turning on all the cold water faucets. To minimize the damage caused by the water, act quickly in shutting off the water supply. A homeowner will need a plumber to repair the burst pipe.

The risk of burst pipes can be minimized by ensuring that all pipes are insulated and protected from extreme cold. Any external pipes should be lagged properly to prevent problems.

Blocked or clogged drains

Clogs are common in drains, especially in the kitchen. Using a plunger or drain snake may dislodge the obstruction and restore water flow. However, some basic precautions can reduce the risk of clogs developing. To prevent clogs, install hair traps in bathroom drains and make sure kitchen drains are clear by avoiding food debris and grease going down.

Food and grease can form a solid obstruction blocking the drain. Remove all food from dishes into the trash before placing them in the sink, and never pour oil or grease down a sink drain. If the drain clog cannot be removed and water flow cannot be restored, a homeowner must call a professional for assistance.

Gas leaks

Gas leaks can be extremely hazardous. Repairing gas leaks should not be attempted by a homeowner. If a gas smell is detected in a home, a professional should be called immediately. Leaving the home and waiting for the utility company or plumber outside is advisable. Do not switch any appliances on or off or attempt to use a flame, as that can cause a risk for a potential explosion.

However, many gas leaks can be avoided with routine maintenance. All gas appliances should be serviced at least once a year. A technician or plumber will check the seals and valves to ensure there are no leaks in the system. Any worn components can be replaced before they compromise the system and allow a leak.

Emergencies can occur at any time. However, taking care of essential maintenance and care can reduce these risks. Contact a local plumber for repairs and preventative maintenance.

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

Water heaters are a common source of plumbing issues because, whether traditional gas or electric, they are just giant tanks filled with water! One of the first signs of trouble with a water heater can be a noise, specifically popping, banging, and creaking noises. What do they mean, and should a homeowner worry?

Here’s what to know about the noises a hot water tank is making.

Popping Noises

Plumbers report that the most frequent hot water tank noise can be described as a “popping” or “rumbling.” It’s noticeable because it’s often loud and definitely registers with most people as unusual.

What it means: These noises mean the water heater is succumbing to sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. Sediment—or scale—build-up can wreak havoc on the tank over time, dropping its efficiency and even causing it to spring a leak which probably necessitates a replacement.

What to do: Contact a professional plumber for help draining and flushing the hot water tank. It’s a relatively straightforward process and doesn’t usually require many special tools, but it can be tricky, mainly if the water heater is hard to reach.

Humming Noises

Some noise from a hot water tank is normal, like humming. As long as it’s not very loud or sudden, a humming noise isn’t usually anything to worry about long-term.

What it means: Water flowing around the heating element inside the tank is causing vibrations, releasing a humming sound from the tank.

What to do: Tighten the heating element slightly (don’t overtighten!) to prevent vibrations, or have a plumbing professional do it.

Knocking Noises

Are knocking noises coming from the water heater or the walls in and around the heater? If the sound is in the walls, it’s likely the sound of pipes banging against each other inside the walls as water moves through them.

What it means: Water has been abruptly arrested from coming or going to the tank, causing a jerking motion in the plumbing pipes situated within the walls. Over time, the motion can cause damage to the studs or even sheetrock, as well as the plumbing elements.

What to do: Have a plumber perform some tests to determine which pipes are creating the knocking. From there, a licensed plumber can install a water hammer arrestor to better regulate the flow of water in and out of the heater.

When in doubt, homeowners should contact a professional plumber to inspect their water heater. Should there be a problem, the plumber can suggest appropriate repairs or advise on the best replacement option.

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

A typical plumbing issue that people often ignore is a leaking faucet. A leaky faucet can be a constant source of annoyance and frustration. Instead of tolerating this inconvenience, hiring a professionally licensed plumber for assistance is the best course of action.

Leaky faucet facts

According to the EPA, plumbing leaks in the average home can cause a property to waste up to 10,000 gallons of water annually. Most leaks are easily fixable with professional help. A single leaky faucet that drips once per second can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water in a year. That’s about the amount of water used for 81 loads of laundry, 180 showers, or 360 dishwasher cycles. Leaky faucets waste more water than one might think. It’s essential to have them fixed to avoid unnecessary water wastage.

Why is a faucet leaking

Over time, all plumbing fixtures experience wear and tear. This is especially true of faucets due to their frequent daily usage. Loose parts, worn-out seals, or leaking pipes often cause leaky faucets. Plumbers can diagnose a faucet to identify the issue causing the leak.

Repairing leaky faucets saves money

Plumbers can quickly and easily repair leaky faucets. Their faucet repair services are highly cost-effective, especially considering the potential long-term savings from reduced monthly water bills. This reason alone ensures complete satisfaction from their services.

Dealing with a leaking faucet and its repetitive drip can be very frustrating. The constant dripping serves as a reminder to keep a plumbing system in good shape. But don’t worry; a simple phone call can quickly fix this annoyance. Hiring a professional plumber to repair a faucet will let a homeowner enjoy their home more without the pesky leak.

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

Most homeowners think about a sewer cleanout only when they face clogged sewer lines. Any problem with the sewer line hampers the smooth functioning of the plumbing system as all of the plumbing fixtures, pipes, and drains are connected to it. Sewer line problems occur when the pipes get damaged due to corrosion, root intrusion, leaking joints, misalignment, and drooping soil lines. If you suspect damage to the sewer line, call a plumber immediately.

What is a sewer cleanout?

A sewer cleanout is a vital part of a house’s plumbing system. It is a capped pipe that facilitates easy access to the home’s sewer system to help clear blockages. The pipes are made of PVC piping or cast iron, with a plastic, cast iron, or brass cap on the tip. It is usually located outside the home in the front or back yard along the lateral sewer line, strategically placed to give access to any section of the sewer line.  A lateral sewer line connects your home sewer line to the public sewer system or septic tank. When you face issues with the sewer pipes, the plumber will send a camera down through this sewer cleanout into the main sewer drain to identify the extent of the problem. Based on it, the plumber decides whether to use a plunger, a drain snake, or hydro jetting to unclog. He will run the camera again through the sewer cleanout to ensure that the drains have fully unclogged.

Reasons you might need a sewer cleanout

While newer homes have a sewer cleanout, the older homes may not. It is best to have one installed for the safety of the plumbing system. Common sewage problems include blockages, leaks, foul odor, slow internal plumbing drains, crack in the lines, mold, cracks in the home’s foundation, and pest invasion poses a threat not only to the plumbing system but also the health of your home and family. Without a sewer cleanout, there is always a risk of dangerous gases that build up in the pipes to get in and around the house. You can be fined for not having a proper sewer cleanout if it is required according to the local or state plumbing codes. Having a sewer cleanout is an invaluable asset when you need to clear sewer line blockages. Without one, you will have to insert the large auger through toilet or fixture drains, which can cause it to crack. It is beneficial to know its location, especially when plumbing services are required to treat sewer line problems. In larger homes, it is pretty common to have multiple sewer cleanouts. Call a plumber or a plumbing contractor to get one installed on the property. The cost of sewer cleanout installation will depend on the condition of the existing pipes, and the excavation work involved. 

If you suspect sewer line blockages, turn off the water supply and stop using all the plumbing fixtures immediately. Look for the sewer cleanout outside the home to check for any sign of blockages. If you don’t have one, consider installing it by a professional plumber.

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

Water heaters account for a big chunk of a family’s energy bills. According to the US Department of Energy, it contributes to about 18% of the utility bills of a modern household. Heating water for various purposes like laundry, showering, and washing dishes is the second-largest energy expense after heating and cooling. By using your water heater efficiently, you can save money and live a more environment-friendly lifestyle.

Regardless of the type of water heater, adopting some simple practices can make a water heater run more efficiently. 

Here are some water heater energy-saving tips that might be helpful:

Lower the Thermostat

Most manufacturers set their water heater thermostat at 140 degrees. The Department of Energy recommends lowering the thermostat to 120 degrees. You can save 3% -5% on your heating costs for every 10-degree reduction, significantly lowering your energy bills. A lower temperature will reduce the risk of scalding and mineral build-up in the tank and pipes. If you don’t see a numbered gauge on the water heater, test the water at the faucet nearest the water heater with a thermometer to set the desired temperature. 

Upgrade to a tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters are high-performing and more energy-efficient than the standard tank heaters. They will provide a hot water supply on-demand and significant energy savings –up to 40%. If you are still using the traditional tank water heater, consider investing in a good quality tankless water heater.

Drain the sediment

Over time, sediment will build-up in the water heater tank and reduce its efficiency and lifespan. Drain your water heater once or twice a year by following the manufacturer’s instructions. It will keep your water heater tank sediment-free to help it run efficiently and conserve energy.

Repair leaky faucets

Don’t put off fixing your leaky faucets for long. Plumbing leaks lead to a lot of water waste. It may appear like a minor nuisance but fix it immediately to save water and the energy to heat it if it’s a hot water leak. 

Insulate the water tank and pipes

Insulate the water heater tank and exposed pipes to save a significant amount of energy by retaining heat when the hot water moves from the heater towards its destination. Insulating the first 5-6 feet of hot-water pipes coming out of the heater will reduce the heating time, thus saving money and energy. New water heaters are well-insulated, but the old water heaters are not, and they will lose a lot of heat. If your water heater is old and located in an unheated space, cover it with an insulated blanket to cut heat loss by 25-45% Make plans to replace it soon. 

Install a timer

A standard water heater is always running and using electricity to keep the water in their tank heated all the time. It is a waste of money to heat water which you are not going to use. Installing a timer helps you program it to be off when you are away or asleep, saving energy and money.

Always make sure that you have the right-sized water heater for your household needs. 

By following these simple water heater tips, you can save both money and energy.

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

The efficiency of plumbing is now unsurpassed–water when you need it and where you need it. You can have hot water, water which flows in a spray or stream, and the luxury of whatever pressure suits your needs. You can even have a sink that will dispense exactly one cup of water on voice command. But, when plumbing fails, it becomes a severe inconvenience or even a catastrophic event.

Because we rely so heavily on safe plumbing, finding a reliable plumber is a wise investment in a homeowner’s time and energy. It’s particularly useful to find a plumber before an unpleasant plumbing event occurs. Here are some of the ways for a homeowner or business to find an excellent plumber who can meet their needs:

Find a plumber online

About 96% of the American population owns a cell phone. It stands to reason that finding a plumber online is the simplest and most effective method of obtaining one. It’s worthwhile taking the search one step further: a customer should look at online reviews. Are people generally happy with the work the company performs? Consistency is the key. 

High ratings

Look for a company that customers consistently rate highly. As with any review system, there may be a few reviewers who end up unhappy. This is normal in an industry that regularly deals with home crises in situations of all kinds. But, plumbing requires service people have to give their best effort every day. Constant bad ratings should be a warning.

Forthcoming with expertise

Another sign of a great plumber is one who offers information online to educate their customers regularly. A blog that is nothing more than a thinly disguised sales pitch isn’t helpful. A blog that provides tips and advice a homeowner can use means the plumber freely helps his customers and community alike. 

Credentials

Handymen are great for fixing a squeaky door or patching a hole in your drywall. But, plumbing is a complex system, most of which it is better to have repaired by someone who is certified. We aren’t talking about changing the toilet flap, here! But that washer for the sink faucet which your handyman over-tightened might lie in wait until you’re out of town for the weekend, then split and flood your home. There is an exponential worsening of problems once water gets out of control. 

Careful with quotes

All plumbing repairs aren’t equal. Without knowing the precise nature of the problem, the onsite conditions, and the extent of the issue, it’s impossible to provide a fair estimate. Of course, that goes without saying that if the problem is pretty straightforward, it shouldn’t be hard to give a quote over the phone. Again, barring the unknown. 

Continuing education

 Plumbing technology is exploding. A good plumber will continuously look for ways to learn new things and keep abreast of new technology and innovation. Plumbing used to be pipes and fitting. Plumbing now is Uponor, sewer cameras, Smart valves, water softeners, and more. 

Sample their work in a non-urgent setting

If you want to have a plumbing company in your contacts, but would prefer to know more about them before an emergency, the easiest way to do that is to have them come out and do a nonemergency task. Ask them for a second opinion on a job another company has already bid. Hire them to change out a faucet or install a flex line instead of the standard-issue plastic hose to your appliances. It’s a way to meet them and assess if they offer the kind of expertise and are someone you can trust with a more significant plumbing project.

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