Tag: homeowners

What Homeowners Should Know About Slab Leaks

Water puddle on tiled floor, indicative of plumbing issues related to Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Slab Leaks Defined 

A home’s slab is another word for its foundation. It’s generally about four to six inches thick and may act as part of the home’s drainage system. Homes with basements generally don’t have slabs, which are common in one-story homes. 

A slab leak is a leak that’s either under the home’s foundation, or water that has somehow seeped through the slab, directly under the home. Shifting soil, excessive flooding, and other factors can cause these leaks. While slab leaks aren’t immediately dangerous, they need professional attention, or soon, a home could become unsafe. 

The Main Slab Leak Signs 

billA slab leak often doesn’t show outward signs until the problem has become severe. This makes it crucial for homeowners to recognize the signs and act accordingly. Signs of a slab leak include: 

  • High water bills, no visible leaks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the average homeowner spends $100 a month on their water bill. Yet, leaks cost money, and with a slab leak, a homeowner could find their bill increased with no visible leaks or changes in consumption. 
  • Changes in the home’s flooring. Forbes notes that this can include warm spots on the floor, soggy carpets, and uneven walkways. 
  • The sound of running water. A homeowner may hear running water if there’s a slab leak, even when a faucet isn’t on. 

Slab leaks are not to be trifled with. If a homeowner suspects this problem, they’re best off consulting a professional immediately. 

Are Slab Leaks Dangerous? 

Will a slab leak consume an entire household seconds after forming? No. Could a slab leak that’s lasted for months make a home unsafe? Absolutely. That’s because slab leaks cause: 

  • Collapsed flooring. No one wants to get up for a midnight snack only to fall through the floor. 
  • Mold growth. Leaks offer perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. 
  • Infestation. Leaks can also attract rodents and insects, leading to further problems, such as brittle baseboards. 
  • Weakened support beams. The home’s support beams could weaken if they don’t have support from the foundation. This could lead to a collapsed roof and other disasters. 
  • Water damage. Water damage caused by a slab leak can include rotted floorboards, stained furniture, and mold.

Still want to know about the dangers of slab leaks? Well, don’t wait long enough to find out. Instead, consult a plumber. 

What Can a Slab Leak Detection Service Do? 

leakA slab leak detection service can do more than detect a slab leak; it can: 

  • Fix the slab leak itself. Depending on the problem’s severity, this may include breaking the foundation to a pipe or using a less-invasive method. 
  • Learn the reason for the slab leak. Knowing the cause of a slab leak can help prevent another one. 
  • Give homeowners much-needed peace of mind. Nobody wants to stay up all night worrying about a slab leak. Rather than worry about a potential problem, a professional can offer options and reassurance. 

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

Tired of unreliable technicians and stressful appointments? Those aren’t worries with Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service. These professionals are known throughout Evansville, IN, for offering top-notch quality repairs and replacements. They extend upfront pricing, same-day service, and a lot more. Interested homeowners can call today for slab leak services.

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Three Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Can Avoid This Year

Avoid These Plumbing Mishaps in 2023 

YouTube. Social media. Google. What do all of these services have in common? They claim to offer fast and easy DIY plumbing fixes. However, there’s a reason why plumbers go through years of training. There’s no such thing as an “easy” plumbing fix. What’s more, issues that may initially seem small could quickly turn into significant problems. 

2022 is over. To start the new year right, homeowners should avoid these plumbing mistakes: 

Using Liquid Drain Cleaners to Remove Clogs 

clogsThe New York Times emphasizes the importance of abstaining from over-the-counter drain cleaners. Here’s what homeowners need to know: 

  • Drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that can break down pipes over time. Even drain cleaners that claim to be safe on the label can’t be trusted. 
  • Drain cleaners threaten human health. Drain cleaners can cause respiratory ailments if inhaled, especially when mixed with other chemicals. Drain cleaners can also cause nasty burns if they contact with the skin. 
  • Some drain cleaners don’t remove clogs. Instead, they congeal around the obstruction and make the problem even worse. At that point, only a professional can address the problem. 

Plumbers don’t rely on drain cleaners when it comes to serious clogs. Instead, they rely on drain snakes and other tools to get the job done. They can also rely on their years of experience to quickly identify and address problems. 

Forgetting to Schedule a Water Heater Maintenance Visit 

maintenanceThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of yearly plumbing maintenance visits. A professional examining the plumbing system once a year offers an extra layer of protection against certain problems. When a plumber comes to examine the plumbing system, they can: 

  • Evaluate the water heater for any problems 
  • Remove any clogs or obstructions 
  • Clean the drain 
  • Address any mold or mildew 
  • Remove any corrosion 

A plumber can also explain what measures can prevent certain problems. For instance, they may advise getting a drain mesh screen. This small purchase can prevent food residue and debris from going down the drain and causing problems. They may also suggest replacing outdated appliances. 

Attempting Do-It-Yourself Repairs 

As noted, there’s no such thing as an easy plumbing fix. No matter how small, every issue could benefit from a professional’s opinion. By attempting DIY repairs, a homeowner risks: 

  • Causing further damage. Without proper training, a homeowner may not know how to operate certain tools or recognize certain hazards. They risk damaging their home’s foundation or causing serious complications. 
  • Spending more money than expected. When a plumber comes to a job site, they have all the tools necessary to render certain repairs. When homeowners attempt to fix a problem, they might have to spend hundreds of dollars on one tool. 
  • Wasting time. An experienced plumber can “get in and get out” when they have a task. A homeowner who watched a two-minute clip online could spend hours on an issue, only to learn they don’t have the right skill set. 

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service is a proud Better Business Bureau (BBB) member. They offer discounted rates and same-day plumbing service. They stand by their motto: “You approve the job before we do the work!” Call today for more information on teaming up with a plumber.

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3 Plumbing Mistakes for Homeowners to Avoid

Make a Resolution to Avoid These Common Plumbing Mistakes

Maintaining household plumbing shouldn’t have to be mysterious or something left to chance because owning a home makes a huge investment in the family’s future. Plumbing that is well maintained will be durable and provide years of lasting impact, whereas plumbing that isn’t maintained well can become a horrible nightmare.

Mistake #1: Using Liquid Drain Cleanersliquid drain

Liquid drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can eat through plumbing without getting rid of the clog. Hydrochloric acid is one of the main ingredients in most household drain cleaners and can eat through the finish on the interior of the pipes, which can lead to leaks or even bursts later on. 

Clogs are caused by hair, grease, debris, and soap scum building up on the inside of the pipe and reducing water flow until water no longer can drain beyond that obstruction. Drain cleaning by a professional is both cost-effective and time-efficient because the job generally doesn’t take long and provides peace of mind knowing it was done right the first time. 

Mistake #2: Not Keeping Up With Maintenance

Water heaters are often the most neglected aspect of a home besides maybe the kitchen drain. As long as hot water runs freely, no one looks at the water heater. This is a huge mistake because rust can eat away at the tank or the valves, resulting in tank leaks, pipe leaks, or high-pressure issues that may force the unit to dislodge from its housing. 

Water heater maintenance includes annual drains of the tank to remove any sediment that has built up over the previous year and inspecting the tank and piping for leaks or rust. If pipes aren’t insulated properly, a professional will take the time to insulate properly during annual maintenance and check the temperature settings on the unit to ensure it is the correct temperature to meet the family’s needs. 

plumberMistake #3: Not Hiring a Professional Plumber

Hiring a professional in an area that they excel at is always a great idea because they intimately know the system they are working on and have years of experience behind their prowess. This allows the job to be completed the first time properly in less time than if inexperienced hands take on the project and with a lot less frustration than trying to DIY a major plumbing job. Drain maintenance or repair and plumbing installations are projects that plumbing companies specialize in and complete daily. 

Plumbing trucks are outfitted with every tool needed and every part necessary. Plumbers can get special pricing on bulk orders of plumbing supplies which they can then pass the savings on to customers. When a plumbing company completes a job, parts are warrantied, and the labor is guaranteed, or the company will come out again and fix it. Hiring a professional gives less stress to the family, and who couldn’t use less stress?

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service, located in Evansville, IN, offers customers upfront pricing and gets approval for the job upfront before starting any job after providing accurate diagnosis to all plumbing problems. After receiving quotes from other area plumbing companies, customers who need honest second opinions are welcome to call for free estimates!  Call now for plumbing service.

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When Should Homeowners Schedule Water Heater Maintenance?

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance Now!

Is there anything more bracing than a cold shower? While taking a cold shower is said to be a benefit for everything from sore muscles to the heart, no one wants to be surprised by that icy cold spray in the early morning. Water heaters make life much more pleasant and easy, but if any household appliance is ignored, it may just stop working. Proper upkeep, typically involving a professional inspection and maintenance schedule, can prevent that sudden cold shower. 

What Good Is Maintenance?plumber

Let’s take a moment here for real talk. No one wants to deal with upkeep. It is a sad reality. Humans love to have new things, but they are often neglectful creatures when it comes to maintaining that organization or that new toy. Wear and tear ruin that carefully chosen appliance, and it may be expensive to replace. Here is where maintenance comes in. A little bit of prep can keep things running smoothly for a long time. 

  • Peak Efficiency: Maintenance keeps a water heater working at its most efficient, keeping energy and water bills low.
  • Prolongs Unit’s Life: The water heater will last longer if it is properly taken care of. 
  • Quick Fixes: A maintenance check can mean problems are discovered early or even before they happen. This is much better than having to deal with the aftermath.

What Will Be Checked on the Water Heater

When a plumbing maintenance professional comes to look at a water heater, there are two steps to the process: inspection and repair/upkeep. Below are some of the tasks a plumbing technician might do while performing an annual maintenance check:

Signs of a Troubled Water Heaterwater heater

Even if a homeowner takes the time to get water heater maintenance annually, there are still problems that can come up in between scheduled service appointments that will need the attention of a professional plumbing technician. Most machines give some sort of indicator or indicators that a problem needs to be fixed. It is no different with a water heater.
  • Rusty Water: This can indicate a problem with the pipes or within the water heater itself.
  • Hissing Sounds: This noise usually indicates some sort of leak and can be a problem with the pressure release valve.
  • Water Pooling: This is a sure sign of a leak and can be from the tank itself, one of the connecting pipes, or the PRV.
  • No Hot Water: Heating coils problems or a fuel line issue could be to blame.
  • Hot, but Not Hot Enough: Does the water not last as long as it used to? Perhaps it doesn’t get as hot or goes to either end of the temperature spectrum?

These issues warrant a call to a licensed professional and should be dealt with before a larger scale problem happens.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

For over 100 years, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has been looking out for the needs of their local community. Their award-winning service has earned them a great reputation in Evansville, IN. Call them today for water heater solutions and maintenance.

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How Homeowners Can Prevent Frozen Pipes at Home This Winter

Tips for Protecting Your Plumbing this Winter Season

When the weather starts to dip below freezing, many homeowners’ thoughts turn to their HVAC to keep warm inside their homes. However, while you may be comfortable, that comfort can easily be destroyed by the dangers associated with frozen pipes.

Low temperatures can be devastating to your plumbing, and for you both financially and emotionally. Knowing a few simple tips can save the heartache of having an emergency situation happen in the dead of the winter.

How Heat Tape Can Prevent Frozen Pipes

heat tapeOne way to help prevent frozen pipes is by using heat tape in the home. However, this is actually not a type of tape and is, instead, an electric cord. This cord is placed on the inside of the home’s pipes and keeps them warm from the inside so that they don’t freeze.

They come in two varieties - self-regulating and non-regulating. Some plumbers may even offer a heat tape kit. Due to the risk of fire, heat tape should always be installed by a trained plumber. In addition, it is important to take the pipe material into account.

Heat tape does get warm enough that it may be able to melt through plastic pipes. It also can be an expensive way to keep the home from having frozen pipes, as the typical electric cost can add up quickly. This cost is usually around $40 a month for a medium-sized home.

Heat tape should also be used in combination with insulation for further insurance against frozen pipes.

Pipe Insulation To Stop Frozen Pipes

Insulating water pipes can really help prevent frozen pipes, as well as potentially lower a home’s electricity bill by reducing heat loss. The pipes that need insulating will vary depending on where they are located in the home and how much direct exposure they will have.

Insulation will be needed most on pipes that are located in unheated areas of the home. Specifically, those in crawl spaces, exterior walls, and garages that are not heated. Both the hot water and cold water pipes should be insulated, as both can freeze equally.

pipe insulation

There are a few strategies and insulation types that are beneficial in this situation. Pipe wraps are probably the most simple. These are all radiated with an R, for how resistant they are to airflow. Generally, a pipe wrap with an R-4 rating is sufficient. Foam pipe sleeves are also helpful, and even easier to install. These steps are thoroughly important in order to prevent repiping services from frozen pipes. 

A Slow Drip Can Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

drop of waterAlthough many homeowners are already aware of this helpful tip to prevent frozen pipes, not everyone is. When the temperatures start to drop below freezing, it is advised to run a slow drip of water through the water cycle constantly from the faucets.

This helps reduce the pressure in the pipes, and the continual stream of water stops the pipes from freezing. In the event that the pipes freeze anyway, running that stream of water can also prevent a rupture. This is especially important in homes that have pipes exposed to the outdoors more, as they will also get colder.

Make sure that the water running is cold and not hot. Too big of a temperature difference can actually increase the risk of pipe rupture, as well as add money to the home’s electric bill.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Serving the Evansville, Indiana area since 1920, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service continues to promise honest, quality workmanship. They are the winner of multiple awards for their quality workmanship, and their trusted, professional staff undergoes weekly training to maintain their stellar level of service.

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