How to Deal with Underground Pipe Clogs

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Beware of Outdoor Plumbing Clogs

Even as early as April, people start looking forward to summer. As the weather warms up and the rains come in, most people are aching to relax next to the pool and enjoy some time off. Unfortunately, too many people this summer will have their relaxation interrupted by a plumbing emergency related to their outdoor plumbing. 

Instead of leaving things to chance, take some advice from local plumbers who understand what homeowners have to deal with as the seasons change. In this blog post, experts discuss outdoor plumbing clogs, their causes, and how they are fixed. 

Outdoor Plumbing Features That Commonly Clog

sprinklerOutdoor plumbing has about as big a footprint as indoor plumbing but generally isn’t used as much. Examples of outdoor plumbing are:
  • Above-ground or in-ground pools and their associated pumps and piping
  • Fountains that are a part of landscaping
  • Irrigation systems that water grass and other plants
  • Landscape drains that shunt water away from a home or structure
  • Drain piping that serves the home like sewers
  • Outdoor kitchens or showers

Outdoor plumbing is exposed to harsher conditions than indoor plumbing, so it is fairly common to have problems with it. A common problem that can ruin summer plans is clogs in any of these locations. 

What Causes Clogs?

Clogs are more likely to form because of the conditions that outdoor plumbing fixtures find themselves in. Infrequent usage of these fixtures, such as the seasonal use of outdoor kitchens or rainy seasons where sprinklers aren’t needed, can cause problems of neglect like clogs. In normal plumbing fixtures, water is consistently pumped through the plumbing, which prevents solids and debris from settling in the bottom of the pipe. Clogs become very likely when fixtures sit for a season with no activity. 

Once normal use resumes, the water flow can push debris into itself, forming a tough clog that disrupts the flow in the plumbing fixture. The only answer in this situation is to call for professional help so that homeowners can get back to their plans. 

clogs

How Do Plumbers Remove Tough Clogs?

Outdoor plumbing clogs always catch people by surprise because of their unpredictability. Generally, when a clog is discovered, homeowners are motivated to take care of it as soon as possible, and calling for professional clog removal from a licensed plumber is the quickest way to get things back to normal. 

Clearing outdoor and underground plumbing clogs are easy for a professional with the right equipment. In many cases, plumbers will turn to an auger to remove a clog in a landscape drain or sewer line. An auger is a powerful tool fed into the offending pipe that grinds up clogs to remove them. 

For a more modern solution to outdoor plumbing clogs, plumbers may use a hydro jet. A hydro jet is a powerful stream of water that cuts through clogs and cleans the inside of pipes. Hydro jetting is a great method for clog removal, and it can also be used as part of a spring cleaning checklist to make sure outdoor plumbing clogs don’t disrupt summer plans. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a family-owned business that has served Miami-Dade and Broward County for over 25 years. They offer upfront, flat-rate pricing and 24/7 emergency service at no extra charge. Call them today for plumbing services in Miami, FL.


Meet These Historic Women Plumbers!

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These Women Transformed the Plumbing Industry as People Know It Today 

It’s no surprise to many that plumbing is a male-dominated field. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 97 percent of plumbers and pipefitters are men. Less than three percent of plumbers are women, but that number’s slowly rising. 

Many historical figures paved the way for today’s women to enter the workforce––women like Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in the US. This Women’s History Month, one may be interested in learning about some of the women who changed the plumbing industry. Continue reading to learn more. 

Fast Facts About Women in the Plumbing Industry 

plumbing Emerging Infectious Diseases notes that while women have not always held official plumbing jobs, women have played a massive role in homes’ water consumption for centuries. Throughout history, women have been tasked with bathing small children, cooking, and laundry––all of which involve water consumption. Along the way, many homemakers learned a thing or two about plumbing systems yet never earned a single paycheck for their efforts. 

Here are some other things to know about women and the plumbing industry: 

  • Contrary to the information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America notes that even more women are entering the home improvement industry than previously thought. About nine percent of newcomers to the field are women in the HVAC industry alone. This could mean more women are becoming plumbers than initially expected. 
  • Wolfram Alpha notes that over 417,000 people are employed as plumbers in the United States. In 2019, the number was much higher. 
  • Studies show that despite the number of vacancies in the plumbing industry, women are hesitant to enter the field because of harassment and discrimination. 

Yet, that has not stopped the women on this list from making their marks in the plumbing industry. 

Meet the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers 

At the turn of the 20th century, more and more men were finding work as plumbers. However, while they performed their duties, they were concerned about what their wives would do in the meantime. This led to the birth of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers, which eventually grew to include tens of members. 

Surprisingly, men were first in charge of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers. They organized social events, such as luncheons to keep their wives occupied. Eventually, women took charge of the organization and changed the focus from socializing to advocating for various causes, including: 

  • Women’s right to vote: Many members of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers believed that women should have the right to vote, just as men did. 
  • Sanitation: When the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers was in full swing, many public restrooms (especially those at Texaco gas stations) were not regularly cleaned. The organization launched a campaign urging businesses to clean their bathrooms, which would limit the spread of disease. 

Today, the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers still exists but under a new name. True to the organization’s original purpose, it continues to combine social activism with socializing as part of its activities. 

Meet Lillian Ann Baumbach (also known as the “Pretty Plumber”)

lillian

Lillian Ann Baumbach knew she wanted to be a plumber from a very young age. Her passion started when she was just 12 years old and went out on service calls with her father, a plumber by trade. When she graduated from high school in 1947, she knew she wanted to be a master plumber. 

Yet managing her father’s plumbing business and going out on calls was only one part of Baumbach’s life. In the 1950s, she became a pin-up girl, a favorite of those serving in the Korean War. At one point, she was penpals with over 250 men, some of which proposed marriage. 

She continued leaving her mark on the plumbing industry and retired peacefully in 1987. At the time of her passing, she was survived by her two daughters. 

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing provides homeowners peace of mind with 24/7 emergency services, no overtime charges, and comprehensive plumbing services in Miami, FL. Call them today to hire a trusted and experienced plumber.


Self Care Tips for a Relaxing Night In This Valentine's Day

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Using the Bathroom As a Spa 

Homeowners do not need to leave the house to get the whole spa experience this Valentine’s Day. Home improvements can transform the bathroom into an oasis of relaxation right at home. This blog post looks at a few ways that a bathroom can be changed for a romantic and relaxing spa night. 

Home remodeling is the best way to transform a bathroom, but small changes go long. Adding in some mood lighting or aromatherapy candles can completely change the bathroom's vibe. Keep reading for more ideas on how to upgrade the bathroom into a relaxing spa oasis for Valentine’s Day. 

Why Baths Are Healthy for You 

benefitsBaths are great for promoting overall good health because warm water helps to improve circulation. Circulation is essential to the body’s function. Improved circulation can even help weight loss because it aids in workout recovery. There are proven benefits of taking baths, including better sleep, pain relief, and improved circulation. 

Stress is one of the number one causes of illness, and baths are a great stress reliever. Relaxing in a shower or bath is the perfect way to unwind after a long day and let go of stress. For both the body and the mind, bathing is therapeutic. 

Adding bath salts and aromatherapy will further enhance the experience for total mind and body relaxation. Lavender and other calming scents can help people to relax. 

LED Lights In the Shower or Bath 

Luxury shower installation or luxury bath installation often comes with built-in LED lights. LED lights use very little energy and come in various colors that can be used for mood lighting to make the vibe romantic or relaxing. LED lights to make it easy to customize the look and feel of the room with ease. 

The body and mind react differently to different colors; chromatherapy. Homeowners who do not have built-in lighting on their shower or tub can pick up some LED lights from a local home store and put them around the mirror, the bathtub, or the ceiling. Chromatherapy can help to improve moods. 

shower

New Rain Shower Installation 

Rain showers have a more oversized showerhead than traditional showers and they “rain” down droplets of water. Installing one of these luxurious showers will take the idea of a bathroom oasis to the next level. 

Homeowners considering home remodeling their bathroom should think about installing a new rain shower. Rain showers are incredibly relaxing and usually come with speakers and LED lights built-in. 

For the whole spa experience, there is nothing that beats having a rain shower at home. Investing in a high-quality shower replacement is a decision that homeowners will be glad they made no matter what time of year.  

 

 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has a lot to offer its community. Their team of experienced plumbing contractors is available 24/7 for service appointments in Miami, FL, and the surrounding communities. Call them today to schedule an appointment with a reputable local plumber!


3 Plumbing FAQs to Read at the Start of 2022

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Check Out the Answers to These FAQs About Plumbing 

Most homeowners want to know what the most common plumbing problems are and how to avoid them. Reading the answers to plumbing's most frequently asked questions can help get homeowners started off on the right foot in 2022. 

What Are The Most Common Plumbing Problems Homeowners Should Avoid?

drainsClogged drain repair, toilet repair, burst pipe repair, and backed-up sewer line repair are just a few of the common problems plumbers get calls about every day. Clogged drains are usually a result of the wrong thing being flushed down the drain. 

Whether it’s a clump of hair, baby wipes, or a child's toy, something has to become lodged in the pipe preventing the drain from clearing. Tree roots can also grow into the pipes and cause clogs, sometimes even resulting in burst pipes. Burst pipes are more common in the winter when pipes freeze over, but they can happen all year round. 

Toilets are also notorious for needing constant repairs. This is because most toilets use a valve system to flush, and valves are known to wear out easily and need replacement every once in a while. Tightening loose components and replacing worn-out valves can help to prevent the toilet from running water constantly. 

How to Know When It's Time To Call a Plumber?

callClogged drains, resulting from flushing too much toilet paper, can be fixed with a plunger, but for more severe clogs and back-ups, a professional plumber should be called. Drain cleaning services from a professional plumber are often necessary to fix recurring clogged drains. 

Any sort of leak should be fixed by a plumber right away. Water line leaks can cause serious water damage to the home, leading to structural damage and mold growth. Leaking fixtures should not be left running. If possible, the water should be shut off to keep the leak from spreading until the plumber arrives. 

Gas leaks are another problem that plumbing companies deal with frequently. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous, and if there is ever a gas leak detection in the home, a professional should be called right away. It is recommended to leave the residence until a qualified professional arrives for gas line repair. 

How Does Plumbing Maintenance Prevent Plumbing Problems?

Trusting a professional plumber with system maintenance and repairs can go a long way in improving the longevity of the plumbing system. As soon as a problem is noticed, it should be repaired to prevent it from becoming a larger issue. 

During regularly scheduled maintenance, the plumber will have a chance to evaluate the plumbing system for leaks or broken parts to prevent a problem before it starts. 

To prevent clogged drains and sewer lines, homeowners should be mindful of what goes down the drain. Garbage disposals in kitchen sinks and hair traps in the bathroom drains can help to prevent a buildup of debris leading to blockage. 

Drain cleaning services from a local plumbing company can be scheduled annually or bi-annually as a preventative measure against clogs and backups. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a local family-owned plumbing service company that offers comprehensive services at fair prices from professional plumbers. They have been proud to serve Miami, Fl, and the surrounding communities with the high-quality plumbing services they deserve for over 25 years. 


Why Is Finding a Reliable Plumber During the Holiday Season Important?

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3 Things You Should Ask and Inquire About in a Plumbing Company

When looking for a plumbing company, it is important to ask all the right questions. While there is some information online, there is no way of knowing if a company is worth it without digging deeper. Homeowners need to ask their local plumbers questions to ensure that they find a reliable plumber.

This is especially important during the holiday season. As plumbers are booked with preventative care and repairs, homeowners may need to call and inquire about many different plumber service companies at once. Homeowners need options to consider before making a decision based on their services, reviews, licenses and insurance, and maintenance plans.

Do They Have Positive Reviews?

hand pointing to 5 starsThe most important thing any homeowner can do is look at the reviews! If they have spotted a company that looks reliable, affordable, and honest, they should also review the reviews. This can start with a quick keyword search of “plumber near me” or “Miami plumber”. After choosing a website like Google reviews, Yelp, or Yahoo, homeowners need to look at the numbers and words.

For example, the majority of the ratings of the reviews should be between 4 and 5 stars. If it is lower, there is room to question the company’s services and quality. There are also words that homeowners need to spot as green flags that the company is a fitting choice. These words include “fair”, “friendly”, “professional”, and “responsible. If the opposite words are highlighted, homeowners may want to stay away from them.

What Licenses and Insurance do they have?

Homeowners should never feel scared or embarrassed to ask about the licenses and insurances that each company has. Licenses and insurance keep both parties protected from accidents and mishaps. There are still some things that can go wrong with the plumbing, and insurance can make sure that liability is in store along with solutions like compensation.

The more important part of licenses and insurance for plumbing maintenance companies is that they should be up to date and recent! There is no point in having insurance if it is no longer active or current.

What Maintenance Plan is Available?

plumber gesturing to under sinkPipes are easier to maintain than repair. This is also true about pricing. Instead of paying a lot of money for future repairs, it is better to look for a company that offers different maintenance plans to choose from. Within these plans are services that maintain and prevent damage to important plumbing in a home.

Maintenance plans are affordable. They are designed to lure new customers in to create regulars and to offer discounted prices for services that are necessary. Maintenance plans can be paid once a year, twice a year, or each month. The time varies depending on how the company runs its plans.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding communities for over 25 years. This family-owned local plumbing company is trusted in its community for its outstanding service, expert plumbers, and fair, up-front pricing. Call them today for professional plumbing services in South Florida!


Give Thanks for Plumbing Technicians This Month!

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Plumbers Provide Critical and Specialized Services!

Now is the time of year to take stock of all things to be grateful for. For homeowners and their families, in particular, there are many things they probably take for granted with homeownership that they should be especially grateful for this year. One of those is the services of plumbing technicians.

Plumbing contractors provide a slew of vital services that are easily taken for granted. And most homeowners probably understand that when it comes to home plumbing, these are often not the easiest or most pleasant of tasks. Homeowners should give extra thanks this year to their local plumbers for the variety of crucial services they provide, to be discussed below.

Clogged Toilet Repairstoilet

The first crucial service that plumbers provide is clogged toilet repairs. Now, homeowners can take care of most normal everyday clogs by using a plunger. However, professional help is often needed if there are more complex issues or if the clog is severe.

For example, clogged toilets can be a result of something separate from the toilet itself. There may be backups due to a sewer line issue or a clogged drain that runs directly to or near the toilet. It is also possible that some sort of foreign object got stuck in the toilet and is not easily removed. In all these cases, professional plumbers will be able to identify the issue and resolve it in an efficient manner.

water heater Water Heaters Help

Another important service that plumbers provide has to do with water heaters. These are very important components of home plumbing because they generate and deliver warm water throughout the home. Of course, given that temperatures are dropping, this will become even more important in the coming months.

Professional plumbers can help with all aspects of water heaters. Perhaps homeowners want a new tank - plumbers can help homeowners choose between the various options, like conventional water heaters, tankless water heaters, solar-powered water heaters, and more. Plumbers can then help with the actual water heater installation and help with any water heater repairs needed down the line.

Sewer Line Help

The third and perhaps most crucial service that professional plumbers provide is help with the sewer lines. Most homeowners probably know that when it comes to dealing with the sewage system, it can be an extremely unpleasant endeavor. After all, sewage contains all of the waste coming from the home - it can smell foul and be extremely messy.

Two key services that plumbers can provide are basic sewer line installation, and sewer line repair should any issues occur. The sewer line is relatively complex and not something that homeowners would ever want to handle on their own, especially if they have little to no experience in doing so. If homeowners want any sort of help with their sewer lines or suspect and issues (even if only minor), they should call for professional plumbing help immediately.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing of Miami, FL, was founded in 1986 with the belief in delivering good old-fashioned service to the community. Their team of professionals takes a personalized approach to each customer and offers upfront pricing and accurate solutions. Give them a call for plumbing help today!


How Does Backflow Testing Keep Water Safe?

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Answering Tough Backflow Prevention Questions

Clean drinking water is so available and abundant that it can be easy to overlook the complicated systems that are engineered to deliver to every home and business. Most people don’t realize that there is a municipal plumbing system before the water reaches a home that makes ready access to water possible. One of the main components of plumbing infrastructure is a device called a backflow preventer. Backflow preventers have special jobs that protect freshwater resources in piping and stringent rules that govern their inspection. 

To learn about backflow preventer testing and certification, local plumbers are here to share some knowledge. With this quick article, everyone can better understand their plumbing infrastructure and how it is cared for. 

What Happens When Backflow Occurs?

After water is treated, it is very important that it remains uncontaminated. Water treatment facilities work hard to remove biological and chemical threats from water to make it safe, and if things go correctly, the water will remain safe as it travels through piping all the way to the home. 

However, occasionally a phenomenon called “backflow” can occur. Backflow occurs when water is pulled in the wrong direction through piping and potentially pulls contaminated water into clean water piping. Water that is pulled into the piping can contain dangerous chemicals or pathogens that are not normally present in the water. Backflow prevention devices are essentially check-valves that make sure the flow of water stays in one direction. 

Homes are protected by having air gaps at each point of use in a plumbing system. In some cases, irrigation systems will have special backflow preventers that stop groundwater from backflowing into freshwater piping. On a larger scale, businesses and municipalities have special backflow preventers that must be inspected annually to ensure that they will function correctly in a backflow condition. 

What Makes Certification Necessary?backflow

Backflow preventers are reliable pieces of equipment that stay in service for years. In that time, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water can flow through a backflow preventer. With all of the work that backflow preventers do, they need to be tested to make sure they are reliable. 

Backflow certification is the process where professional backflow testing and certification specialists make sure that the backflow preventers will reliably prevent contamination of water from backflow. By running a quick set of tests with specialized equipment, backflow testing specialists can check on the condition of backflow preventers and legally document their inspection according to local guidelines. 

What Qualifications Do Backflow Testing Specialists Need?plumber

All backflow testing and certification contractors are plumbers, but not all plumbers are certified to test backflow preventers. To become certified to work on backflow preventers, a plumber must take extra courses and pass an exam. 

The exam consists of a written portion where the applicant demonstrates their skills, as well as a hands-on portion where the applicants actually test real-world backflow prevention devices. Plumbers that decide to pursue the backflow testing and certification process must renew their license every two years to ensure that everyone who performs backflow testing maintains aptitude in this important skill. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been doing backflow testing and certification for 30 years. Their qualified technicians are also ready to help with emergency plumbing services where a real person always answers the phone. Call today to schedule unparalleled backflow service in the Miami, FL area.


Maintenance Membership Plans: Are They Worth It?

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Here’s What To Look For in a Maintenance Plan

Maintenance Membership Plans become more popular every year as homeowners continue to look for ways to save money and be as eco-friendly as possible. Maintenance plans help with this because they keep the plumbing system working efficiently throughout the entirety of its life, as long as the homeowner continues with the plan. There are other benefits that homeowners experience as well. 

When it’s all said and done, maintenance plans are more worth it than homeowners might think. Continue reading to learn all about what maintenance plans are and how they benefit homeowners. 

Learning the Basics of What a Maintenance Plan Is

Maintenance plans might still be a new concept for many homeowners, but they are pretty straightforward! Typically, the plan is unique to a given company, and they will list out everything the plan includes. The homeowner will then agree to pay a standard fee either monthly or yearly to register for the plan. 

Once the agreement has been made, the homeowner no longer has to worry about their plumbing system. The professionals will ensure that the plumbing system is always properly taken care of and that all appointments are scheduled on time. 

Signing up for a maintenance plan takes away all of the stress of dealing with a home’s plumbing system and remembering to schedule and repair things on time. In turn, the person is left with an efficient plumbing system that saves them money on surprise repairs and even their water bill! 

They Keep Homeowners Accountable 

calendar One of the biggest and most obvious perks of a maintenance plan is that all maintenance will be done on time from the moment the homeowner signs the agreement until they decide they no longer want to pay for the plan. 

In other words, homeowners will never miss a maintenance appointment again! 

Consistent, professional, yearly maintenance provides so many great benefits for plumbing systems, including: 

  • Prevents surprise repairs
  • Reduces risk of water back-ups in the home
  • Reduces the risk of water damage to the home
  • Reduces the water bill
  • Keeps the system working efficiently 
  • Eco-friendly 
  • Promotes a longer-lasting piping system 

With benefits like these, it’s hard to pass up a plan that takes the thinking out of home maintenance. 

Are There Other Benefits?

red letters

Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there! Most, if not all, maintenance plans come with other incentives and benefits. This is where every maintenance plan can start to look a bit different, and it's important for homeowners to research and find the best plan for their specific needs. 

They won’t all offer these amazing bonus benefits but most will include things like: 

  • Discounts on other services, including cleaning services
  • Special coupons that aren’t available to other customers 
  • Reminders to have cleaning services done
  • Discounts on repairs

Falcon Plumbing Cares About Homeowners

Miami homeowners can trust they are in good hands when they call the professionals at Falcon Plumbing. Not only do they have years of experience but they always try to get the job done right the first time. Falcon Plumbing offers one of the best plumbing maintenance plans in South Florida


Fun 4th of July Activities the Whole Family Can Enjoy

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Get Your Kitchen Ready for the Independence Day Festivities!

The 4th of July is almost here, and this year, people all over America are itching to make it one for the record books. Many will go out to see their local fireworks show, some will put on a show of their own, and some will throw a backyard barbecue and invite everyone they know. 

For those that want to stay home this year, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate the nation’s Independence and have a great time. And since no July 4th celebration is complete without lots of delicious food, it’s a good idea to make sure the kitchen is up to the task. This article will provide some new and classic ideas for getting into the Independence Day spirit - and a few tips to make sure the day goes smoothly.

Bake Festive Treats

dessertsOne great way to get into the patriotic spirit is to whip up some festive desserts and snacks. Of course, cherry pie is a traditional favorite, and there’s nothing more American than the classic apple pie. But for a little more flair, there are plenty of great recipes for red, white, and blue treats. 

American flag-frosted cakes and cupcakes are crowd-pleasers, as are sugar cookies or Rice Krispie treats decorated with colored icing and sprinkles. For something even simpler, the festive look can be achieved using strawberries (or raspberries), blueberries, and whipped cream. In any case, it’s always best to get all the baking done in one session for the sake of energy efficiency rather than preheating the oven multiple times.

Have a Patriotic Movie Marathon

movies

Another great way to celebrate the July 4th holiday is to watch a movie (or three) that celebrates American history or showcases some of the nation’s best qualities. There are epic war films like The Longest Day or The Patriot, action-adventure flicks like Independence Day and the National Treasure series, American sports favorites like A League of Their Own and Remember The Titans, or patriotic musicals like 1776 or Hamilton. 

Of course, regardless of the chosen movie(s), snacks are a must-have. Festive cookies and candies are great, but hot dogs, chips, and hand pies can help complete the patriotic mood. One can even give the classic popcorn a festive twist with some sprinkles or red and blue candy coating.

Celebrate With an Epic July 4th Cookout

Naturally, everyone knows about the time-honored tradition of cooking up a 4th of July feast. Usually, that means grilling up some hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, or other tasty meats. But there’s also plenty of action going on in the kitchen, from boiling corn cobs to crafting the perfect potato salad.

In any case, one will put the kitchen sink to the test between all the food prep and eventual cleanup. It’s no surprise that many kitchen plumbing issues occur on major holidays - kitchen sink clogs, broken garbage disposals, dishwasher malfunctions, etc. There are ways to help prevent issues - like scraping plates into the trash before loading them in the dishwasher and not putting grease, bones, or corn cobs down the disposal - but it’s also good to make sure all aspects of kitchen plumbing work properly before the big day.

About Falcon Plumbing

This woman-owned and operated company offers 24-hour round-the-clock service with no overtime fees. Excellent customer service and upfront pricing will keep customers flocking to Falcon Plumbing. Contact them to schedule garbage disposal service in Miami, FL today! 


Differentiating Plumbing Problems From Plumbing Emergencies

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Distinguishing Important From Urgent

So let’s say everything is going well – the summer sun is shining, the kids are playing outdoors, and it seems like nothing can go wrong. Until…the pesky plumbing issue arrives. Maybe it is a leak, abnormal water flow, or a strange odor or sound coming from one of the home plumbing fixtures. Maybe it is mild, maybe it is severe, or maybe it is somewhere in between.

How exactly do homeowners know if their plumbing issue is mild or severe? Well, to do this, they need to know how to differentiate an important problem from an urgent situation. Read on for three examples of common plumbing problems to see which should be considered important versus urgent.

Urgent Case: Broken Pipe

pipe Let’s say there is a broken pipe. With regard to the type of issue, this is most certainly an urgent one, as broken pipes can be highly detrimental not only to the home but also to homeowners and their families.

The signs associated with a broken pipe will be fairly obvious, and the costs of repairs can be through the roof. Here are some common signs:

  • Abnormal sounds
  • Diminished water quality
  • Foul smells, potentially related to sewage
  • Leaks, damp spots, or general water damage
  • Unusually high water pressure fluctuations

If homeowners notice any of these signs, they should seek professional help immediately, as the problem can worsen pretty quickly and lead to even more damage and potentially hazardous outcomes.

Important Case: Clogged Toilet

toilet

Let’s now say there is a clogged toilet. Most homeowners have probably dealt with this at least once in their lives (though more likely, many times)! While clogged toilets can be a pain to deal with, these are typically considered important but not urgent. Homeowners can address most clogged toilets themselves using a basic plunger.

There are, however, some specialized cases when a clogged toilet might become an urgent issue. For example, if the toilet clog is extreme or left unaddressed and causes a water overflow, this can lead to damage in and around the toilet area. This can affect the floor tiling and overall bathroom infrastructure. However, so long as homeowners address the clogged toilets in a timely manner, they should not have to worry about this becoming urgent.

Urgent Case: Sewage System Backup

Lastly, let’s say there is a sewage system backup. As with most sewer problems, this is absolutely an urgent issue because of the effects it can have on the home plumbing system and the health effects that can result for homeowners and their families. There are a number of issues that can result from sewage system backups, including:

  • Airborne contaminants
  • Backups into the home plumbing system
  • Groundwater contamination, which can impact water quality

Sewage system backups can also be extremely costly and even more costly if they are not addressed and resolved early enough. If homeowners even just suspect a sewage system backup, then they should call for professional help immediately.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing of Miami, FL, has been providing expert plumbing solutions since 1986. Their team of technicians prioritizes accurate solutions, as they believe in leaving no detail overlooked. They provide upfront pricing, live customer service, and quality products and materials for each of their clients. Call Falcon Plumbing today for emergency plumbing repairs in Miami!