Baltimore Plumber | Our Plumbing Blog

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Plumbing Problems and Easy Solutions

February 21st, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

As a homeowner, you have the task of tackling problems as they come at you. Sometimes it seems like it’s one thing, after another. When the time comes that you think all is well, think again. Your plumbing is an important system in your home that gets used a lot each day. With the heavy use on pretty much every part of your home’s plumbing; including faucets, drains, waterlines and sewage dispensing, something is bound to need your time and attention. With the years of experience our company has in the plumbing industry, Roto-Rooter has been the trusted name to millions of people to help find solutions to their home plumbing needs. Through great service, excellent products and plenty of knowhow, our technicians set out each day to help calm another crisis. Take the following tips for DYI maintenance for a few more common plumbing problems in Baltimore.

Clogged Toilets. When your commode decides to stop working, what are you going to do? Most people rely on a good toilet plunger to get things working again. For most problems, a plunger works just fine. Once you get a toilet flushing again, it is a good idea to use some kind of cleaner to go through and strip away anything that lingers on the side of the drainpipe. It is important not to put anything in a toilet that is not designed specifically to be flushed. Shy away from flushing anything other than toilet paper and waste.
Clogged drains are another issue much like the problem listed above. Bathroom drains in the shower, bathtub and sink along with kitchen drains are constantly clogging if precautions aren’t taken to keep things clean. In a bathroom drain, hair is usually the culprit for clogging. Hair attracts soap and pulls in dirt and grime until it forms an impossible clog. Using a screwdriver, you can pull out the gunk and allow the water free passage. Kitchen sinks should always have a strainer to catch stray food particles. Using pipe cleaner or cups of boiling water is a great way to restore a drain back to normal functionality.
Frozen pipes are a very common winter issue. As water freezes in a pipe, it traps air and the pressure builds. Eventually the air bursts through, cracking or shattering a waterline. Boosting your insulation in the wall and even wrapping exposed pipes with extra insulation is a good idea.

For information about plumbing problems in Baltimore, call Roto-Rooter today for more information.

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Plumbing Repair and DIY Tips From The Pros

February 18th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

With the need for plumbing repair in Baltimore growing, Roto-Rooter has been on call 24/7 to arrive on the scene. In our many experiences, we have found that the bulk of serious damage to a home happens during a plumbing crisis, which typically cause water damage, mold, warped wood and property destruction. Many of these situations usually could have been avoided with simple DIY care and a little knowledge to get started. In order to help you take better care of your home’s plumbing needs, here is a list of easy DIY tips for simple repair and care.

Experiencing the Water heater blues. The large tank in your seller, basement, or bathroom that is responsible for comfortable hot showers can hit the fritz and leave you taking icicles in the shower. One of the easiest ways to keep a water heater running properly is to make sure that only water coming from a water softener passes through the system. The working parts of a water heater erode much faster with hard water and will breakdown more frequently. Keeping your water softener full of salt will also help keep the rest of the appliances and faucets in your home in better condition.
A clogged toilet catastrophe. There is nothing like a clogged toilet to make you realize how important flowing drains are. As water hits the floor and the smell hits your nose, remember that these events can be minimized and even avoided if you continually keep the following in mind. For one, using pipe cleaner every now and again is a great way to strip the sides of a drain free of debris and garbage. Also, minimizing the amount of toilet paper used per flush helps considerably lower the likelihood of a clog. Although toilet paper is designed for toilet bowl use, it can quickly clog up a toilet if too much is used at once.
Frozen pipes. Every winter, thousands of home get hit with frozen pipes and flooding. When water in a pipe begins to freeze, little pockets of air try to escape as the pressure builds. If the air is truly trapped, it will burst through a pipe making a crack or shattering it altogether. Flooding will usually quickly follow. Using more insulation, especially in the outer walls of a home will help minimize the possibility of freezing and save you a headache or two during the winter.

For more plumbing repair in Baltimore suggestions or information on how we can help, call Roto-Rooter today!

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Plumbing Tips and Tricks for Better Home Care

February 17th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Home care comes with a long list of important responsibilities. Keeping a house clean and orderly takes more than just a couple minutes everyday if you plan on doing most things yourself. In order to better take care of plumbing in Baltimore, we have compiled a few tips and suggestions for maintaining your plumbing. We are Roto-Rooter and plumbing is our expertise. Since 1935 we have made it a priority to provide excellent service and great products to cover any plumbing-related job. With the experience we have gained over the years, we are more than qualified to help educate anyone who wants to take better care of their plumbing. Doing so will save time and money in the long run as serious problems can be averted. Consider the following:

Leaky pipes are probably the most common plumbing issue on the planet, a drippy pipe is a nuisance. It can also be easy to fix. Using an adjustable wrench and a cloth to protect the faucet, loosen the nut holding the faucet head in place. Once the head is removed, take a look inside. Notice the washer sitting against the sit; its job is to act as a switch, sealing off the flow of water, or allowing it to flow as it moves back and forth. With this repetitive motion and the natural erosive effects of water, these washers become jostled or warped. If simply jostled out of place, simply wiggle it back into place and the job is done. If there are still issues, replace the washer and your faucet will function properly once again.
A clogged anything is terrible, and drains are no exception to that fact. Once a week, try performing some simple 5-minute maintenance procedures to keep your drains flowing free and easy. In the shower, use a screwdriver to pull out any hair caught in the drain. In the kitchen sink, make sure there aren’t copious amounts of food sitting in the drain. Use a filter to catch the stray food from dishes and throw it out regularly. Pour several cups of boiling water down both of these drains. The heat loosens up gunk and grime stuck to the side of the drain and pushes it along. Adding a bit of vinegar and baking soda can additionally make an even more potent mix to strip away stragglers.

For more information on plumbing in Baltimore and how we can help, call Roto-Rooter today.

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Water Heater Repair: Efficiency and Safety

February 11th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Roto Rooter is the king of water heater repair in Baltimore and countless other cities all over the world. Since 1935, we have been the leader in water heater and general plumbing repair. Did you know that on average water heaters only last about 11 years? With such an expensive piece of equipment in your home, why not help it last longer with a little TLC. While some water heaters are gas, others are electric. Some have tanks, others do not. With the varying models to choose from, make your next water heater replacement an energy efficient one. Cut down on energy costs every month and make your new water heater last 20-25 years.

Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters are far more energy efficient than the traditional electric or gas powered tanks that you find in most homes today. Tank water heater keeps a large supply of water heated at all times, even when it is not being used. Keeping water heated all day long means that energy is being used to keep water at a temperature so that it is ready the moment you turn the faucet on. Newer technology allows for tank less water heaters. They heat water instantly and only do it when the water is turned on. This incredible technology is available in an array of models from many different models. You can either buy a replacement from Roto-Rooter, or hire us to install anything you buy elsewhere.

Life Span

Water heaters eventually die because of hard water residue. It can damage components inside and eventually leave the water heater unusable. It is important to have a water softener installed in the water line before it reached the heater. Making sure that only soft water runs through your water heater can add quite a bit of time to its overall life. Instead of the average 11 years, you can easily add 5-10 more years of use.

Safety

Everyone likes water to be nice and hot for showers, baths, and washing. Problem is that many water heaters, especially older models, can get water extremely hot. The danger of leaving the max heating temperature of your water heater too high is the possibility of scalding. Burns from hot water are not uncommon and they happen when you least expect them. Make your max temperature a reasonable and protect yourself and your family from injury from water burns.

For more information on water heater repair in Baltimore or your area, call Roto Rooter today.

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Plumbers DIY Advice for Leaky Pipes

February 10th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

With the ever-rising need of plumbers in Baltimore, Roto-Rooter hits the scene at countless homes to help with everything from frozen pipes, broken water heaters, to flooding. Since every home seems to be a ticking time bomb of uncertainty, it is important to develop some level of DIY knowhow and awareness of the plumbing in your own home. If you are uncertain about where to start, Roto-Rooter’s great people can come out and do a full inspection of the premise and find out where your concentration needs to be. With this information, you can keep aware and even anticipate a problem before it is out of hand.

Leaky pipes are a problem that hit a house hard over the course of time. When a pipe first starts to leak, it may be impossible to know about if it is underneath a floorboard. As leaks go unnoticed, they start to spew more and more water as the hole or crack grows larger. Eventually leaks can cause serious flooding and water damage. One way to notice if there is a leak is to search around for mold. Moist areas will have a musty smell and bits of mold growing about. Even if a slow leak never causes any large flooding, the growing mold can still warp wood and send spores throughout your home. Certain types, like black mold, can even cause serious lung issues and severe health complications. So no matter what, it is important to get leaks fixed immediately.

If you notice a leaky pipe, call plumbers in Baltimore to come out and give you a hand. Roto-Rooter professionals have years of experience and can handle just about anything that comes their way. Often time’s pipes can be easily patched up and made just like new again, especially if taken care of right off the bat. If a leak has grown too large or it is seriously cracked, replacing the entire pipeline might be necessary. If you want to trick giving a whack at it before calling in someone, keep these things in mind.

Turn the water off. Find the water switch in your home and turn it off before handling a pipe. You will avoid accidental flooding.
Adjustable Wrench. Have one. You will more easily be able to tight the pipe right up.
Have pipe tape on hand. If you find that it is a small leak, simply using some pipe tape can help boost the effectiveness of sealing off the leak after you have tightened it.

Call Roto-Rooter Today for more information!

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Plumbing Problems and Common Fixes: Roto-Rooter

February 3rd, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Every day we get up, go to work, come home, and then go to bed. Each day passes by and we prioritize the activities of the day down to either the most important, or most desired. Plumbing care usually falls down to the very bottom of that list. When a problem arises, plumbing priority skyrockets to the very top of your list and is again the focus of your attention. Plumbing takes a beating with constant use day in and day out. Many plumbing problems in Baltimore are the same problems that people face all over the place. With some simple know-how, you can prevent bigger problems by taking care of the smaller ones quickly. Here are some tips and tricks to fix some of the most common plumbing problems out there.

Clogged Toilets. If a problem ever stunk badly, it would definitely be a clogged toilet. With daily use by members of a household straining the integrity of a toilet bowl, your commode takes a beating with so much use. Even a well-kept bowl will encounter problems and clogs from daily use. Roto-Rooter Pipe Cleaner is a great solution for ensuring that gunk and grime is stripped away. Also, a toilet plunger will do wonders for most clogs. In the even of a serious clog and none of the above doesn’t work, call Roto-Rooter for an inspection to see what needs to be done to get your toilet working again.
Clogged drains. Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom shower, dirt, grease, and grime do a number on these drains very quickly. In bathrooms drains, the number one reason for clogs is hair. Throw grease, dirt, and soap on top of that and you have a perfect clog. Since hair is virtually impossible to destroy, you have to remove it by hand. Using pipe cleaner is a great way to fix a serious clog, but it can damage pipes because of its acidity. Using boiling water with baking soda and vinegar is a great way to make a natural plumbing liquid that will eat away most clogs with no problem.
Frozen pipes. While you may think you are not at risk, frozen pipes can hit any house during the colder season. When a pipes bursts from freezing, serious flooding can occur. Insulation can help keep pipes protected from changing temperatures and can easily be beefed up for colder seasons.

For more information on plumbing problems in Baltimore and how you can prevent them, call Roto-Rooter today.

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Faucet Repair Tips and Solutions: Roto-Rooter

January 31st, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

When your plumbing is on the fritz, life can seem a little out of control. Out of order plumbing can cause serious water damage and leave you with a wad of bills to pay for the repair and cleanup. In these serious situations, Roto-Rooter is here to clean up the mess. In the meantime, why not take matter into your own hands and prevent something large and expensive from happening? Just because you can’t see what is going on with your plumbing doesn’t mean that you won’t benefit from regular DIY repairs and maintenance. With the help of a Roto-Rooter professional, a full inspection of your home will reveal where the biggest problems lie and what you will need to do to prevent certain problems. Once you know this information, things like faucet repair in Baltimore will become second nature to you.

One of the most common problems that your plumbing has is a leaky faucet. While it is a common problem, it is also a pretty easy fix as well. Leaky faucets are a waste of money. Water slipping by when a faucet is not in use wastes a great deal of water that can add up to be $25 or more a month, per faucet. If you have several faucets that are drippy or leaking, the expense adds up quickly. On top of that, a leaky faucet that hasn’t been taken care of in a long time may need to be replaced completely, which can be a fairly expensive solution as well.

Water is naturally erosive. It flows wherever force pushes it and flattens surfaces, makes canyons and valleys, and will ruin a brass fitting quickly. Since water enters you house under pressure, the seal inside of a faucet takes a beating keeping back water until it is needed. When a faucet is used a lot, it creates opportunity for seepage to start. Water starts to erode and push its way around the sealing washer until it forms a leak. Simple removing a faucet head and pushing the washer back into place as soon as you notice a leak will usually be your fix. If, however, the leak has developed into a bigger problem, you may find that the washer is actually warped and damaged.

Replacing the washer will fix the leak, but it needs to be a perfect fit. With the help of a Roto-Rooter professional, faucet repair in Baltimore will go a lot smoother. For more information, give us a call today!

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Prevent Frozen Pipes Now: Roto Rooter

January 27th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing is an important system in every day life. From the moment your alarm goes of in the morning, your day revolves around having water available when you need it. From the bathroom to the kitchen to the grass in your front yard, you use a great deal of water to get things done, take care of your body, and carry away waste. Many plumbing minded people don’t forget to take care of plumbing needs and the importance of regular maintenance. These individuals prevent serious problems and usually never experience serious flooding or drainage backups. Even the most careful person can, however, experience frozen pipes in Baltimore at the drop of a hat. This winter when temperatures drop without warning, make sure you are not at risk of damaged plumbing as a result of freezing pipes.

As a result of expanding water turning into ice, it is actually the increased pressure of trapped air that finally bursts through and breaks pipes. Whether a small crack or completely shattering, water that eventually runs that direction again will escape and cause serious water damage to a home if gone unnoticed. Before things get out of hand this winter, here are a couple ideas to help you get ready for this cold season.

Do you prep your irrigation system for the winter? The same winterizing techniques that you use for your sprinklers are also a great way to prep a house if you plan on leaving for an extended period during the winter months. Many times people will take off during the coldest parts of the year and come home to thrashed plumbing in the spring. First off, whenever you leave your home for a few weeks at a time, always shut off the water to your house. Next, winterize your home plumbing if you will be gone longer than a month.

If you plan on being home during the winter, Baltimore frozen pipes can be prevented by simply using water everyday. The movement of water through your pipes will actually keep them from freezing. Most waterlines run into the home and run alongside the outer walls of a home. These outer walls take the brunt of it when temperatures drop outside. If the pipes are not well insulated, they will quickly freeze. Adding an extra layer of insulating and even wrapping your plumbing will go the extra mile and prevent them from every freezing at all.

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Drain Cleaner to the Rescue: Roto Rooter

January 23rd, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing is an important part of our every day lives. We wake up each morning and take a shower, brush our teeth, cook food, drink water, and dispose of waste all the time. Plumbing systems take a toll because of constant use and can experience failure in certain capacities if not taken care of regularly. For example, drains perform an extremely important function in the overall mechanics of your plumbing. Any water that is being used to perform a task of some kind has to eventually be disposed of. Drains carry that waste out of your house and to a city sewer or a septic tank in the backyard. In an effort to help, Roto Rooter is excited to share valuable information on how to care for, fix, and prevent the most common Baltimore drain cleaner mistakes that are made.

One of the easiest ways to help keep a drain free of gunk and grime is to simply install a filter of some kind. Most kitchen sinks have them, but often time’s bathtubs and bathrooms sinks don’t have them. A filter can catch hair and other obviously clog worthy materials before they ever have a chance at entering the drain. After use, you can simply empty these out and reuse them over and over again.

If you notice a clog forming a drain, check to see if you can actually see the clog before moving forward. If the clog is visible, you can use your hands or a screwdriver to free up the clog and clean out the garbage and restore normal draining flow again. One thing to realize about drains is that even the most careful use of a drain does not guarantee that a clog isn’t on the horizon. Soap, grease, hair, and dirt still end up passing through and get caught in places. These stragglers end up holding back others and can quickly turn into a very serious clog. In these situations, the best thing to do is use Baltimore drain cleaner products and chemicals to keep the drain free.

Acid based cleaners and lye are effective for dissolving serious clogs, but can also cause serious wear and tear on pipes. Especially on PVC, acids will eventually eat through pipes and require them to be replaced. Using alternate or more natural solutions that are enzyme based use bacteria to eat away at clogs. They clear away clogs but do not damage pipes.

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Plumbing Repair Professional: DYI Tips from Roto-Rooter

January 20th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

When the plumbing stops working right, life can get nasty real quick. A backed up toilet, a flood in the basement, or even a leaky faucet are problems that people face with every single day. What most people don’t know, however, is that there is a lot that can be done to prevent those things from ever happening with some regular maintenance. Using plumbing products and other cleaning products can help you keep your drains clear and your toilet flushing. With the help of Roto Rooter, you have the best resource on your side. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, millions of satisfied customers have benefited from great products and people that Roto Rooter has to offer. When your next plumbing repair project comes up, take these DIY tips with you along the way.

Leaky faucets are an extremely common problem in most homes and facilities. It is so common, in fact, that people tend to ignore the few stray drips leaking out of their faucet. What they don’t know is that over time these little drops will eat their way through brass fittings and become larger problems. An entire faucet head can be ruined beyond repair if not fixed soon.

If you find that your faucet is leaking and you notice that it leaks anytime it isn’t being used, then you know you have a problem. If, however, it only leaks for a little bit of time after being used, then most likely there is another diverter somewhere along the line that is keeping the water back and you don’t need to do anything.

For faucets that leak all of the time, the most common reason is due to the washer that moves back and forth inside of the faucet head. When you turn the water on, the washer moves aside to let water through. When you turn the water off, the washer sets back in place against the seat and holds the water back. If this washer for some reason moves out of place, you will notice drips or leaks coming out of your faucet. To fix this problem, you need to open the faucet head and take a look inside.

If you can move the washer back into place and it fits perfectly, then you are in business and your faucet is fixed. If the washer is warped for some reason, you will need to replace it with a new one that fits perfectly.

For more information about plumbing repair and leaky faucets, call Roto Rooter today!

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Best Water Heater Repair in Baltimore

January 17th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

The water heater usually sits tucked away out of sight and out of mind – that is, until there is a problem. Water heater problems happen when we least expect them. Sometimes, there have been little signs or symptoms that go unnoticed leading up to a bigger even that is hard not to notice. While it is a nice thought to encourage Baltimore area homeowners and businesses to regularly check their water heaters for any signs of trouble, it is unlikely that most will take the time to follow this good advice. They’re more likely to neglect their water heater until such time that the signs of trouble become so obvious that they need to call on a reliable water heater repair service in the Baltimore area to make a house call.

We so regularly enjoy the convenience – even luxury – of having clean, hot flowing water to our faucets, appliances, baths, and showers that when there is a disruption to our lifestyle, it calls for immediate attention. Hot water is one of the benefits that most Baltimore area residents take for granted, but it is an important part of our daily activities and lifestyle pattern, so when we experience any disruption to this convenience, it can set our whole world in motion. A water heater that needs repair often floats to the top of our priority list.

It’s very likely that you’ve heard of Roto-Rooter, and you’ve most likely come to associate them with clogged drains and everyday plumbing issues. It is less likely, however, that Baltimore residents are aware of the expertise Roto-Rooter trained professionals have regarding water heater repair and replacement.

Roto-Rooter is the best equipped to properly diagnose problems, perform repairs, and even replace water heaters and water heating systems in the Baltimore area. Each specialist has A-Z knowledge about the best fixes and solutions to problems both large and small. When you call Roto-Rooter, you will not only get straight answers, an honest and free estimate, the best plumbing and water heater products, installation, and repair services, but you will have a name you can trust, standing behind it.

Next time you find yourself looking for help with your water heater, turn to the true professionals, who can provide you with quality work at a fair and affordable rate. Baltimore is fortunate to enjoy the luxuries that modern life has to offer, and Roto-Rooter can help you get back to normal, living with clean, hot flowing water.

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Sump Pump Installation in Baltimore

January 13th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

It is never a good feeling to learn that your basement is flooded, especially when it is a reoccurring problem, but for many residents of the greater Baltimore area, drainage and flooding problems are an all-to-common part of real life. While nobody enjoys the problem of dealing with a flooded basement floor, it is refreshing to know that a sump pump installation might be just what the doctor ordered to fix your drainage and flooding problems once and for all.

The word sump pump says it all. A sump is a basin, hole, or well, where excess water can drain to and accumulate, sparing the rest of your basement from water damage. When combined with a working pump, water can be pumped out of the sump and carried away for proper draining away from the basement or foundation. While a sump pump is a simple enough concept to understand, each installation requires detailed, specific knowledge and understanding of the unique factors that caused the flooding or excess water accumulation in the first place.

Most Baltimore area phone-book listed plumbers are ill-equipped to properly diagnose and treat basement drainage problems. While they may have some idea of what might work, they lack the tools, equipment, and specialized training necessary to guarantee that a sump pump installation will get to the root of and fix the drainage problems in your basement.

Given that a new sump pump is quite a bit more involved than banging around on some pipes, you’ll want to know that you have the best of the best on the job. That’s where Roto-Rooter’s highly trained professionals come into the picture. Offering expert diagnosis, using the latest technologies, your Roto-Rooter sump pump expert will help guide you to finding the right the solution for your home or business basement drainage problems, allowing you to rest assured that your flooding problems are behind you.

Everything you ever wanted to know about adding or repairing a sump pump in your home can be answered by your Baltimore area Roto-Rooter professionals. You can put your confidence in a name that has been a trusted leader in plumbing solutions for decades. When you call, you will find a highly trained professional that is capable of understanding your unique problem as well as offering you the right solutions at a fair, affordable price.

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Best Plumbers in the Baltimore Area

January 12th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

You’re smart enough to not want to assume the extra risk from hiring some fly-by-night, plumber. Not only do you need someone to address your plumbing needs, but you need to have full confidence that the person entering your home or place of business can be trusted to get the job done. Trust is earned. Reputation and recognition takes time to build. Rather than placing your chips on some unknown, one-man show who may or may not treat you right in the end, you are better off hiring the professionals from Roto-Rooter from moment one rather than waste a second thought on any hundreds of plumbers who advertise in and around Baltimore.

There’s no sense wasting your valuable time chasing trying to see through the gimmicks that exist out there. Unfortunately, too many people learn this lesson the hard way. They pick some unknown plumber who promises to be the “best deal in town” only to have to call in the real professionals later on to address the original concern, or even worse, repair the damage done by an unscrupulous self-titled “plumber”.

When you call Roto-Rooter, you know what you get. You get a great value and a prompt response from a skilled, properly equipped, licensed, and insured plumbing professional who will address your concerns in the first place, instead of calling them in to repair the damage left by the other guy. for your plumbing needs, you can rest assured that a skilled, properly equipped, licensed, and insured professional will respond to address your plumbing concerns the right way.

Every single time you pick up the phone and dial for a plumber, you should place a call to Roto-Rooter. Then, and only then, can you be assured that a trained customer service representative and in-home plumbing experts will offer you trusted service. Get your free estimate, so you know what to expect as you come to experience the highest quality service at a fair, reasonable price.

You can also call on Roto-Rooter at any time of the day or night to address your plumbing emergencies. A convenient 24/7 hotline will connect you with the best plumbing responders, who stand by able and ready to tackle everything from minor to complex plumbing issues.

When the Roto-Rooter truck arrives, you will be greeted by a professional plumbing specialists, wearing both the Roto-Rooter uniform and badge. This trained plumber will be the consummate professional, addressing your issues in a courteous and timely manner.

None of us wants to face plumbing issues or have to call on plumbers, however, when the need arises, we can call on Roto-Rooter – America’s Neighborhood Plumber®.

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How to Deal With Plumbing Problems: Roto Rooter

December 23rd, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Are you sick and tired of plumbing issues popping up at the most inconvenient times? It seems that the toilet only clogs when friends come over and the tub won’t drain when guests are visiting for the weekend. With plumbing problems happening when you least expect them, it is important to learn how to anticipate them through regular maintenance and cleaning. Most people are guilty or forgetting about their plumbing until a problem arises, so don’t feel bad. Roto Rooter is all about helping customers and future customers take better care of their plumbing through quality service, great products, and sound advice. With our many years in the plumbing industry and our millions of house calls we have made, you can count on us for helpful information that can be useful to you.

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues out there. When water goes down the drain, it takes a toll on the pipes it passes through. Because water is one of the most corrosive fluids in nature, it doesn’t take too much to clog a previously free flowing drain. Water passes through brass pipes and can east away at the small imperfections. This can cause faucets to spring leaks, drains to clog, and pipes to weaken. Here are some ways to prevent this from happening to your plumbing.

Run hot water down the drain once a week. The hot water can loosen gunk and grime that clings so desperately to the sides of your drainpipes.
Pipe cleaner, like Roto Rooter Pipe Shield and other Roto Rooter approved products quickly and efficiently clear out drains and can strip them clean. It is only recommended to use these pipes once a month as they contain harsher chemicals that can also eat away at your pipe walls weakening them over time if used too much.
Use a drain filter to catch garbage from going down the drain. Especially in kitchen, drain filters prevent solids like food from going down the drain. Another thing to note is that human hair is virtually indestructible. Many harsh chemicals cannot get rid of clogs caused by hair. In these cases you may need to call a professional Roto Rooter plumbing technician to come out and do a full cleaning in order to get these types of clogs freed.

For information on how to deal with other types of plumbing problems, look on our website for more helpful blog posts or call a local Roto Rooter today!

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Tips for Quality Faucet Repair: Roto Rooter

December 20th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing runs in and out of millions of homes and businesses all over the worlds. City waterways push water and waste to and from each and every household so that we can enjoy the benefits of having water when and where we need it. In some parts of the world, this luxury is highly sought after and often time’s people live their entire lives without it having to fetch their water in buckets everyday. With such a great system available to us, it is important to take good care of plumbing so that it works correctly. From simple faucet repair to more complicated pipe repair, plumbing maintenance can be done by almost anyone who is willing to get his or her hands dirty. Roto Rooter is excited to share tips and trick for quality plumbing care.

Drippy faucets can be found everywhere. Consider your own house. How many leaky faucets can you count? Hopefully you have it all taken care of, but if you don’t, think about the waste that is going on. A leaky faucet lets out water that you are paying for. Over the course of a month, a drippy faucet can waste more that $20 for cold water and whole lot more for warm water (energy costs for heating water). If you have multiple drippy faucets, you can see that your monthly water costs could be greatly reduced. The good news is that while drippy faucets are really common, they are also extremely easy to fix.

If your faucet only leaks for a an hour or so after use, like in a bathtub shower combo for example, then it is a diverter and there is no serious problem. It is only allowing water through from the showerhead down to the bathtub faucet. If, however, the leak is constant, then most likely the washer inside of the faucet is out of place. Simply putting the washer back snug against the seat will seal off any further water seepage and fix the leak.

When you take apart the faucet, take a look at the washer to make sure that it fits perfectly. If it has corrosion or warped features, you will need to buy a replacement. Make sure that the replacement washer is exactly like the original, otherwise you will still have a leaky faucet. Take your faucet head into Roto Rooter or a local hardware store to get help finding a washer that fits perfectly. We can help you successfully complete your faucet repair.

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How to Successfully Complete Plumbing Repairs Yourself

December 16th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Many homeowners feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment after completing plumbing repair services. Some plumbing problems, such as a clogged toilet or drain are also fairly simple to repair on your own. However, there are a number of things you need to first consider to ensure that you can complete any necessary services in a timely, efficient manner on your own.

All Necessary Equipment

First and foremost, you need the necessary equipment to repair any plumbing problem. For small repairs this can be anything from a quality wrench to a dependable drain snake. On the other hand, keep in mind that for larger repair needs, first you may need to spend a good deal of money on large, complex equipment and after the repair is completed, you will have to find a space to store the equipment.

Effective Products

Oftentimes, to correct a common plumbing problem, such as a badly clogged drain, all you need is the right products. Make sure to choose only the highest quality plumbing and drain cleaning products available to complete any necessary maintenance. This will ensure lasting success and a job well done. Make sure to take a look at our full selection of effective, affordable products to find the best solutions to meet your needs.

Comprehensive Assistance and Advice

Unless you are highly skilled and experienced in completing Baltimore plumbing repair services on your own, you need to have an experienced professional on your side that can provide you with the advice and assistance you need to complete the services correctly.

You can find a limitless amount of information online, or simply depend on our comprehensive online assistance to ensure that you have everything you need to be successful. We even offer instructional videos to help you better understand the inner workings of your home’s plumbing and pipework.

Fortunately, Roto-Rooter is here to help you, regardless of whether you are hiring our dependable, affordable Baltimore plumbing repair services, or would rather attempt to complete them on your own. However, keep in mind that our fully licensed and insured plumbers have the tools and resources necessary to affordably, quickly, and efficiently repair any problems for you so that your plumbing problems are a thing of the past. We also stand behind all services with a hassle free guarantee so you can be assured that we will get the job done right the first time.

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Is a Sump Pump Right for My Home?

December 15th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Many homeowners are forced to deal with a wet or moist basement floor due to harsh weather conditions or faulty plumbing fixtures. Excess moisture in your basement can quickly lead to mold, mildew, and odors. It can also lead to ground water pressure build up, which in turn can cause tiny cracks in the basement concrete. Not to mention the immense costs commonly associated with a basement flood. This is why it is so important to quickly and efficiently correct the problem before it is too late.

A quality Baltimore sump pump installation is often the solution you need to transfer excess water from your home into a nearby sewer line. To determine if a sump pump is the right waterproofing measure for your home, there are certain things that you need to consider, including:

Is there often a puddle of water or excess moisture in your basement after a flood?
Do you smell a musky smell coming from your basement?
Is your basement soaked or does the air feel clammy or heavy due to a heavy rain spell or melting snow?
Does your basement seem to get damper and more weathered every winter?

How Roto-Rooter Can Help You

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then you likely can benefit from a sump pump installation. However, there is virtually no better way to determine if a Baltimore sump pump installation is the right solution for your home than to speak with the skilled professionals at Roto-Rooter.

During your free estimate and consultation, we will not only help you to determine if a sump pump is right for your needs. We can also help you to determine what size and type of sump pump will best meet your needs, or if other supplementary measures need to be taken to cut down on any leaking problems in your basement.

Sump Pump Installation

Many homeowners find that they can handle sump pump installation on their own. In fact, many sump pumps come with all of the tools and instructions necessary to successfully complete installation. However, keep in mind that we can also expertly install and maintain your sump pump system for you to ensure that it performs optimally and can successfully meet your unique needs. We are so confident that we can best meet your needs that we guarantee all services with a no hassle warranty.

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How to Best Maintain Your Water Heater

December 9th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

For most homeowners, purchasing a reliable water heater is a rather large investment to make due to the purchase and maintenance costs. This is why it is so important to keep your water heater properly maintained throughout the year. Fortunately, there are a number of measures that you can take to ensure that your water heater can reach its maximum life expectancy, which can last anywhere from 10 – 20 years.

There are several things that you can do to ensure that your water heater is in the best shape possible to ensure that it can reliably meet your needs for years to come, such as:

Periodically flush the water heater to effectively help eliminate scale build-up within the water heater. You can do this on an annual basis by flushing the water heater out through the drain valve located at the base of the tank. Most water heaters have a plastic or brass drain valve. If you are unsure of how to flush your water heater, then simply contact our skilled professionals so that we can walk you through it.

Follow through on Baltimore water heater repair services right away. Don’t wait to get the services you need. If you think that your equipment may need to be repaired or replaced, call us as soon as possible. The longer you wait to contact us, the worse the resulting problem may be. Once you call us, we will provide you with a free estimate, which includes a professional recommendation on what repair and maintenance services can get your water heater back in perfect running order.

Hire a Professional: Some small water heater maintenance or repair services can be completed by the homeowner. For instance, you can easily relight the pilot light by simply following instructions found on the side of the tank or online. We also offer a complete online guide to help you correctly complete small plumbing and water heater repair services on your own. However, as a general rule, a professional can complete any necessary services in far less time, cost, and hassle than a homeowner could.

Attempting to complete Baltimore water heater repairs on your own when you are not comfortable doing so can be a dirty, dangerous, expensive endeavor to undertake. Instead, leave the problem to Roto-Rooter. We have the expertise, training, and materials necessary to ensure that your water heater is safely repaired.

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What Your Plumber Can Do for You

December 8th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Choosing a reliable Baltimore plumber is one of the best things you can do to enhance the performance and longevity of your plumbing fixtures, drains, and pipework. As a highly trusted, recommended plumber, Roto-Rooter has reliably met the needs of residential and commercial customers since 1935 by offering the following to each of our valued customers.

Services

Your plumbing offers more than just comfort and convenience. It is a necessity for every home and once you have dealt with faulty plumbing, you will truly realize just how important functioning, quality plumbing is to your livelihood. This is when you will be glad to have a reliable Baltimore plumber on your side to meet your needs.

We offer a complete selection of repair and maintenance services to ensure that your plumbing is consistently in optimal running order. We can meet your needs quickly by offering dependable services, available 24 / 7. In the event that you cannot currently afford the services you need, then we can also offer coupons or flexible financing options to help you more easily afford the services you need now.

After offering you a free estimate, we can provide you with our professional recommendation on which maintenance and repair services will best fit your needs. We can also provide you with recommendations on changes you can make to cut down on any future repair costs and monthly utility costs.

Products

We offer a complete line of effective, affordable products to help you efficiently repair and maintain your plumbing and pipework throughout the year. In fact, we are so confident that these green products will work to meet your needs that we guarantee them.

Professional Assistance & Advice

We are proud to offer dependable professional assistance and advice from experienced, knowledgeable professionals who can help provide you with the tools and assistance you need to correctly repair a plumbing problem and learn how to better maintain your plumbing while keeping monthly utility costs down. In the event that you want to complete plumbing services on your own, then we can also provide you with reliable assistance to help you complete the project correctly the first time.

Each Baltimore plumber offers their own unique set of services, rates, and benefits. As a full service plumbing and drain cleaning company, we are confident that we can reliably meet each of your plumbing needs with a complete selection of reliable plumbing solutions at a competitive price.

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Hurricanes: Preparing and protecting your home’s plumbing system before the storm

August 25th, 2011 by pabrams

Home flooding, as a result of powerful storms, can be a devastating experience. However, good preparation before the storm arrives can minimize the impact on your home. Anyone living in flood prone areas should consider relocating to a safer area until the storm has passed. We recommend that homeowners follow these important guidelines before the storm arrives.

Hurricane Irene

Check all downspouts and roof gutters to ensure they are securely fastened, free of debris and draining properly.
Make sure yard culverts and street drains are free of debris and can carry water away as fast as possible.
Inspect basement sump pump, if you have one. Ensure it is discharging water properly and is not clogged with debris. Do this by pouring a few buckets of water into your sump pit. In a matter of seconds, the pump should discharge the water and shut itself off.
Consider installing a battery back-up pump that will operate in the event of a power failure.
Inspect all floor drains throughout the house, including those in the garage, driveway, basement and patio. Make sure the covers are unobstructed and the drains aren’t clogged.

If there is advanced warning of a major storm, the water in your home’s plumbing system can be protected from contamination and made available for use.

Shut off the main water valve coming into the home. This prevents contaminated water from getting into the house.
Open a faucet at the highest point in the house (such as an upstairs bathroom) to allow air into the system. Then draw water as needed from the lowest faucet in the home.
Water in the water heater or a pressure tank represents many gallons of safe water for use in an emergency.
If there is enough advanced warning of the emergency, assure the freshest water supply by flushing the tank and allowing it to refill with clean water.
Turn off electricity or gas to the water heater, so that there is no risk that the heating unit could come on while the tank is being emptied. Draw water as needed from the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
Water stored in your home’s plumbing system is safe for a few days. After a longer time, it must be disinfected before it is used for drinking or cooking.
Sinks and bathtubs and can be filled with water for emergency use. Water stored this way is perfect for cleaning dishes, bathing or flushing toilets. However, due to the difficulty in getting tubs and sinks clean, this water is not recommended for drinking and cooking unless it is first disinfected

Water safety after the storm

Upon returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, tap water may be unsafe to drink. Bacteria, viruses, debris, or chemicals may have gotten into the water. Water treatment plants may be damaged and unable to clean the water. Here’s what you can do:

If you don’t know whether the water is safe to use, boil water before using it for any purpose (example: Bathing, brushing teeth, cooking, drinking).
Once your community declares its water safe, be sure to flush your home’s water system by opening all faucets for several minutes.

Specializing in Emergencies

As a 24 hour plumbing company, Roto-Rooter specializes in emergency service and is always on call and available 24/7. Homes and businesses that need help getting plumbing back on-line in the wake of an emergency can call 1-800-ROTO-911 or service can be scheduled by e-mail at rotorooter.com. If we are part of an evacuation, we will be part of it but we will return to work as soon as it is safe to do so.

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