Plumbing Service To Improve The Home’s Function | Carrollton, TX
Many homeowners in Carrollton, TX, don’t think about plumbing services or upgrades unless something needs to be replaced. We wait until an appliance, such as a hot water tank or washing machine, stops functioning, then buy a new model. Pipes and plumbing fixtures may go unnoticed for years and don’t draw attention unless a problem occurs. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this approach to plumbing and home maintenance, but thoughtful planning can go a long way. Professional plumbing services are a valuable source of assistance for homeowners. A few modern plumbing upgrades or alterations can make your home more comfortable and convenient while using less water and energy.
Normal Wear and Tear
The age of your plumbing is the most important factor when you’re considering upgrades. Carrollton, TX, has a rich historical district, and there are plenty of older homes throughout the area. Some homeowners know when the plumbing in their homes was installed or upgraded, but it’s harder to keep track of homes that have changed hands many times. Your local plumbing service provider can inspect the entire plumbing system to estimate age and identify sections that were repaired or replaced in the past. An inspection is also a good starting point if you want to modernize your plumbing.
Watch for signs of wear and tear affecting plumbing fixtures. Although most fixtures last for a long time, they do eventually wear out. Faucets are among the most frequently used fixtures in a typical household. Most homes have a sink in the bathroom and kitchen. Other common locations include basements, garages, laundry rooms, and outdoor fixtures. However, the bathroom and kitchen sinks are used the most, so they have the most wear and tear. Signs of a worn-out faucet include frequent leaks, low water pressure, excessive noise when the water is running.
Mineral Residue
The scaly, dingy gray or white residue that mars the surface of sinks, bathtubs, and other plumbing fixtures is actually made of minerals from hard water. Unfortunately, the limescale residue is also building up inside pipes and appliances. Hot water heater tanks are especially susceptible to limescale build-up. Residue builds up very slowly, but it eventually takes up enough space to reduce the amount of water the tank can hold. Mineral residue also causes corrosion and interferes with heating elements. Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium from the water and replace it with sodium. After the initial installation, water softeners do require some routine maintenance. Homeowners can do this themselves or schedule regular plumbing services to handle it.
Old Pipes
Some homes may have galvanized, cast iron, lead, or clay pipes. Although these pipes were extremely durable, they’re also vulnerable to corrosion. Pipes may start to deteriorate from the inside, which lets rust, lead, and other substances leech into the water. Rust isn’t much of a health threat, but lead certainly is, especially in homes with children. Old clay pipes are fragile and break easily. They’re also susceptible to tree root infiltration.
Leaks or cracks in underground water lines can contaminate clean water. Compromised sewer lines cause a wide range of problems such as foul odors, a soggy or muddy yard, and risk of illness. Widespread deterioration of underground pipes can even lead to waste water mixing with clean water. Most plumbing services use copper or PVC pipes now, although PEX is rapidly gaining popularity.
Simplify Laundry Chores
A laundry room isn’t a necessity, but it’s certainly convenient. Keeping washing machines and dryers in their own space reduces clutter and crowding in other parts of the house. Older washer and dryer models tend to need quite a bit of space. Some households keep washer and dryer units in their basements. This is useful for water hookups and drainage, but it also means someone has to carry baskets of laundry up and down the stairs on a regular basis. Fortunately, many new washer and dryer models are compact and designed to be unobtrusive.
Stackable and combination units are perfect for small apartments or homes where space is at a premium. Even if there’s no feasible way to create a laundry room, a stacked or combined washer and dryer can fit into corners or even closets. A curtain, tapestry, or other hanging decorative piece can hide laundry supplies and clutter so it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the room.
Personal Spa
It may not be an actual spa, but a spa shower can certainly feel luxurious and relaxing. A spa shower has four solid walls. Instead of shower curtains, they have sturdy glass doors. Most spa showers have specially designed, and very large, showerheads with a variety of spray patterns. Taking a shower may feel like standing under a waterfall. However, homeowners need professional plumbing service providers for this project. Spa showers are more than twice the size of a typical shower. Every bit of space in a small or average-sized bathroom should be carefully evaluated before attempting a spa shower installation.
Decorative Appeal
Function is more important than aesthetics. Plumbing services also prioritize function over fashion, but that doesn’t mean aesthetics are tossed aside. You can redecorate while you’re planning for plumbing upgrades and choose fixtures that complement the new look. Replacing old appliances is an opportunity to organize and rearrange the rest of the room as well. It’s not easy to move large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, or washing machines.
Let plumbing service professionals take care of the appliances and use the time between removal and new installations to rearrange the rest of the room or change the decor. If you need a few hours, ask your plumber in advance so everyone can plan accordingly. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas provides a wide range of plumbing services. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas’ team of experienced plumbers handle everything involved in plumbing upgrades. They remove worn out fixtures, get the new models up and running, and even install water filtration systems in homes throughout Carrollton, TX.