Important Information About Home Repiping

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Repiping Might Be the Best Option

The piping system is one of the most intricate systems of the modern home. In functionality, it is quite simple, but in design, things can get confusing rather quickly. That is why it is vital to have a trustworthy plumbing professional that fixes any problem the homeowner throws at them, including home repiping. Home repiping isn’t a topic that gets brought up much, but it can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and damages if everything is handled correctly and efficiently. That said, there are certain things that homeowners need to know to ensure they are prepared for when this day arrives. 

For more information, continue reading below!

Knowing When It’s Time For Home Repiping

confused woman

Knowing when to repipe a home’s plumbing system can be a little difficult to interpret. Sometimes the signs point to other issues. The easiest way to solve this problem is by calling a professional plumber. The professional will be able to tell right away if it’s time for home repiping. 

Still, some signs should never be ignored: 

  • Noisy pipes
  • Leaky pipes
  • Water that smells unusual 
  • The temperature is hard to change
  • There are water pressure issues

It is vital that the homeowner calls a professional the moment they notice any one of these signs. Doing so can save them money, time, and effort in the end. 

The Different Piping Materials Available 

When homeowners figure out that they need home repiping, this can be stressful enough. However, this is only the beginning. There are also decisions to be made regarding what material is best for the new piping. Of course, the plumbing professional is there to help and provide advice whenever need be. 

pipes

Regardless, two piping materials are used in most homes today: 

  • PVC Piping: This type of piping is a type of plastic, which means it is the most affordable option for piping. It also is quite durable and seems to be the most valuable option, so homeowners usually go with this material. 
  • Copper Piping: The use of copper pipes dates back to the beginning of indoor plumbing, but it is still one of the most widely used materials in modern home piping systems. It is still, by far, the most durable piping material on the market, but it also costs more to have it installed. 

Home Repiping: How It Works

Before the plumber can begin repiping, there are a few things that he will need to go over with the homeowner first. Mainly, deciding on a time that is most convenient for the homeowner. 

Typically, the best time to have repiping done is when the homeowner is busy for most of the afternoon or even an entire day. This gives the professional time to get the job done properly without distractions, but it also ensures that the homeowner isn’t inconvenienced in the process. 

It’s also a smart choice to repipe when the homeowner isn’t home because the water has to get turned off, and small holes have to be cut into the walls to locate the pipes. A trusted professional will ensure the job is done safely and efficiently and with the least disruptions to those in the home. 

Falcon Plumbing Don’t Mess Around

The experts at Falcon Plumbing in Miami, FL, are the plumbing professionals that work hard to ensure their customers are always happy and safe. Plumbing emergencies always seem to come at the worst times, but with these professionals around, Miami homeowners can trust that nearly any problem will be eradicated in no time. Call today to schedule a home repiping!

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What You Need to Know About a Home Repipe

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Whole-Home Repiping Service

The Benefits of Repiping

Just like any other home appliance, a home’s plumbing system has to withstand a lot of use. They are used every day, multiple times throughout the day, and on-demand. While pipes normally work without our thinking about them, there are times when they can spring leaks, bust, or break altogether. 

Though pipes are durable and made to withstand regular use, with time they can also tend to wear down, become thin, crack, get holes in them, and even burst. Nearly every homeowner has experienced the frustration of a pipe that suddenly springs a leak. Whether it’s a slow leak that wets down your cement slab, a trickle that makes the wood support beams always wet and moist, or a continual leak that floods the basement, nearly everyone has experienced a leak. When this occurs, you’ll potentially face significant repair costs due to the impact a water leak can have on a home. 

In this article, you’ll learn what a home repipe is, why it’s beneficial when you might need it, and how to care for the plumbing system you have.

What Is a Home Repipe?

Home Repiping ToolsA home repipe occurs when the pipes in your home are too old to properly function. When pipes still have plenty of life left, then a simple patch or replacement is all that is needed to fix a leak. However, when you are dealing with numerous leaks and old pipes, then it becomes necessary to change the pipes in your house altogether. 

During a repipe, plumbers will cut away sections of drywall to access the piping in your home. They will then totally change out your old pipes with new ones. After the pipes are installed, the water is tested to ensure there are no more leaks or plumbing problems. Once the drywall is back in place, you won’t even know a repipe took place. 

Reasons for Repiping

There are several reasons why homeowners choose to have a whole-home repipe put in. Here are a few.

  • Old Pipes: The older your pipes the more likely they are to crack, leak, and wear through. If you own a home that is fifty years old and there has never been a repipe done, it could be beneficial to think about having one done.
  • Galvanized Pipes: These pipes are more prone to rust and corrosion than other options available today such as copper. 
  • Multiple Leaks: If you have leaks from multiple spots in various pipes around your plumbing system, it’s a clear sign that your piping needs to be replaced. While it’s possible to continue patching and replacing pieces of pipe, when you start to find multiple leaks, it points to the overall age of your pipes and a need for replacement.

Remember, the older the pipes, the more prone they are to cracks, leaks, bursting, and pinholes due to wear, use, and corrosion.

Tips for Preventing Pipe Damage

Pipe Damage Prevention Tips

In order to have a chance at preventing the need to completely repipe your home, it’s best to ensure proper maintenance of your plumbing. There are several things you can do to keep your pipes flowing as long as possible. First, watch what you flush and pour down the sink.

Never place things like oil, grease, or fat down the kitchen sink. When flushing the toilet, only use toilet paper and avoid “flushable” products, as they can create clogs. During the winter, be sure to wrap your pipes if you live in a zone that freezes. Wrapping pipes will prevent them from cracking, freezing, and bursting.

Finally, ensure you have the right fittings. Never place galvanized metal fittings onto a copper pipe, as the copper will corrode and begin to leak. Inspect your piping regularly to spot signs of wear and tear quickly. Do this and you’re sure to keep them in good shape.

Reliable, Expert Plumbers

Repipe Services From Trustworthy Technicians

Falcon Plumbing has proudly served Miami, FL, residents for all their plumbing needs for over twenty-five years. They offer a full range of services and can help with all your piping needs. Each customer can be guaranteed to receive personal attention, upfront flat-rate pricing, and 24/7 emergency service with no extra fees.

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Things You Need to Know About Backflow Testing

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What to Know About Backflow Testing

Backflow is a condition in which the flow of any water in your home reverses directions. Why is this a problem? Consider an irrigation system that is watering your lawn from the same plumbing as your drinking water, as most domestic sprinklers systems are designed.

If a backflow condition occurs, groundwater, debris, and lawn chemicals could all be pulled back into the freshwater side of your plumbing where your drinking water is stored.

If backflow does occur in your house, it means that all the water in your pipes will become polluted water. In this article, you will learn the risks associated with backflow and how to prevent it. You will also learn what to do in case you find yourself experiencing this issue.

Health Risks of Not Having Backflow Protection

health risksClean water is a mainstay in modern society. It is very easy to take for granted your access to potable water. When a backflow condition occurs, foreign matter, chemical contaminants, and biological contaminants can infect your water supply and leave you vulnerable.

Backflow often results in sewage or surface water being pulled back into your home’s plumbing where dangerous bacteria and viruses can live in your drinking water and infect or harm you. Backflow can be an issue on a municipal scale from businesses and water distribution systems.

When flooding occurs, if backflow prevention devices aren’t in place, contaminated surface water can be pulled into freshwater piping. Additionally, pipes serving industrial customers have been known to siphon products back into residential freshwater piping.

Prevent Backflow Conditions

Fortunately, devices and methods exist to prevent backflow conditions from occurring. Chances are, your home is equipped with a backflow prevention device. Municipal water supplies also have industrial-scale backflow preventers in place strategically to prevent contamination as well.

Preventing backflow is one of the most important steps to take to protect the safety of your water supply. Backflow preventers should be inspected and tested at least yearly to ensure that they are protecting your water supply. Municipalities and large industrial customers are required to have theirs tested annually as well.

prevent backflow

If you suspect that your backflow preventer has become compromised and might be contaminating your water supply, it may be wise to have it certified. In the certification process, an authorized backflow prevention certifier will sample your freshwater system and look for potential contaminants. Once the technician tests for chemical and biological contamination, they will certify that your backflow preventer is working and that your water supply is safe.

What to Do If You Have a Backflow Problem

water valveIf you find that backflow is happening in your system, it is important to know what to do. First, find your water valve in order to turn off the supply to your house. This will isolate your water system and help you figure out where the backflow is happening.

Next, locate the source of the backflow. Common culprits are pools, irrigation systems, booster pumps, and even dishwashers. Finally, have the problem repaired, restore water service, and flush the lines by turning on all faucets and spigots.

Letting lots of water flow through your plumbing will remove all of the potential contaminants. Having your water certified by a backflow preventer certified inspector will ensure that your water is safe and the job is complete.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been committed to customer satisfaction in the Miami, FL area since 1986. Their plumbers are certified for backflow testing and certification for residential and commercial customers. Offering a full line of plumbing services, they can help with anything from garbage disposal installation to hot water tank replacement.

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Learn About the Best Home Tap Water Filter

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Filtering Tap Water Is Important

Are you confident you know what is in the tap water you and your family drink? Have you taken the time to have it tested to determine the contaminants present? If not, you could be exposing your family to harmful toxins every time you reach for a glass of water. For true peace of mind, more families are filtering their tap water to ensure it is safe to drink.

Now, amidst fear of viruses and other impurities in the air and water, you must keep food and water safe from contaminants to lessen your chances of exposure. Read on to learn about your options for a water filtration system to keep your home safe.

Benefits of Undersink Water Filters

under sink filtersOne method to filter your household’s tap water is to install an under-sink water filtration system. These filters work by diverting water from the pipes through the filter before it reaches the faucet.

Advanced filtration systems have an attachment for the faucet that allows the user to choose between regular tap water or filtered water depending on its intended use.

This ensures fewer cartridge replacements because the user can choose which water needs to be filtered and therefore extend the life of the filter cartridge. Undersink water filters not only make tap water safe to drink, but they also improve the overall taste of the water.

They require no additional space for installation, and they are relatively inexpensive compared to the price of buying bottled water for your entire household. Undersink water filters will give you peace of mind that your family’s drinking water is safe.

Why Choose a Faucet Mounted Water Filter?

mounted filter

Faucet mounted water filters are arguably the most convenient and affordable water filtration systems for your home.

They are cheaper than under sink filtration systems but may not be as effective at filtering out all contaminants.

They are easy to install, and filters only need to be replaced every few months. Faucet mounted water filters also always have a diverter so you can choose between regular tap water or filtered water and increase the longevity of each cartridge.

Best of all, there are plenty of different brands and models, so you can easily find the ideal water filter that is compatible with your specific fixtures.

Concerned About Water for Cleaning and Personal Hygiene?

whole filtersIf you want to be sure your household drinking water is safe for consumption, consider a whole home water filtration system. These systems filter all water that enters your home, whether it is for drinking or not.

The filter is attached to the main water line before the water heater and uses an activated carbon filter to remove all contaminants, including sediments and VOCs. These systems also improve the overall taste and smell of the water.

Installation of a whole home water filter is much more in-depth than faucet-mounted or under sink filters as they require turning off the main water line and cutting into the pipe. Therefore, it is recommended you contact a professional to help install a whole home water filter.

Filtering tap water is no longer a luxury but a necessity to keep you and your family safe. Be sure to contact your local plumbing company if you need help or have any questions on finding your next water filter method.

Let Falcon Plumbing Help

Still unsure which filtration system is best for your home and your family’s needs? Let Falcon Plumbing help you make an informed decision. Falcon Plumbing stands by their work and only uses quality materials and attentive professionals who will listen to your needs. With over 30 years of experience, Falcon Plumbing is the name Miami residents trust.

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What you Need to Know about Water Damage and Homeowner's Insurance

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Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Damage?

While you work to protect your home from certain types of damage, unfortunately sometimes things happen that lead to damage. This is true for all aspects of your home, including your plumbing systems. Although many plumbing problems can be avoided through timely maintenance, the reality is that no one is immune to plumbing emergencies, and such emergencies are often stressful and expensive.

One way to make these events a little less overwhelming is by having homeowner’s insurance that will pay for any water damage that you have. Understanding what your homeowner’s insurance covers and adjusting your policy to cover more types of water damage can help give you the peace of mind that your home will be protected even if you experience a plumbing emergency or water damage from other events. Here are some tips to help ensure that you’re prepared for such an occurrence.

Coverage for Water Leaks

A number of policies will cover water damage that comes on suddenly. Many Allstate policies, for example, contain language that says the policy covers water damage that is “sudden and accidental.” In most cases, this would include damage from water leaks. Policies that have this type of coverage will cover repairs resulting from leaks, a burst pipe or a ruptured water heater.

water leaks

If you’re unsure about whether you’re covered for leaks, it’s a good idea to check your policy for similar language and terms or to ask your agent for more information about water leaks - it could mean added savings in the midst of an emergency.

Purchasing Flood Insurance

flood insuranceWhile most insurance companies don’t offer flood insurance, you can purchase a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. This program offers a way to reduce the impact on those affected by floods.

If you’re concerned that your home could flood, it’s a good idea to learn more about this option. You can purchase a policy that covers your home and one that covers its contents.

For homeowners worried about flooding, this is a great way to have some peace of mind that your home will be covered even in the event of a catastrophic flood. You can talk to your insurance agent to learn more about these policies and to find one that’s right for you.

Finding Reliable Water Damage Services

If you have a plumbing emergency and water damage, there are lots of things to do. In addition to repairing the issue, it’s important to clean up water damage as soon as possible to avoid additional problems. As such, it’s a good idea to use professionals that know how to dry an area and eliminate risks for mold and mildew.

water damage services

Many plumbing companies provide water damage services, and, usually, those that don’t can refer you to a reputable company. So, if you’re in need of water damage services, it’s a good idea to contact your plumber for help and advice.

Falcon Plumbing Is Here to Help!

Falcon Plumbing has been providing quality plumbing services to the Miami area since 1986. They can handle all jobs - no matter how big or how small - and their priority is their clients’ interests. A woman-owned and operated business, they pride themselves on being tough on plumbing issues and gentle with their customers.

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