Summer Plumbing Problems — Four Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Humming This Summer
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 19, 2024
Four tips to keep your plumbing humming this summer.
Summer was made for water.
From watering plants to diving in pools, we use a lot of H2O this time of year. Increased usage and higher heat can put a strain on your plumbing system. Read on for four of the most common summer plumbing issues and what you can do to spot and prevent damage.
Leaky Faucets & Pipes
High temps and more usage can cause metal components to expand and contract, leading to small leaks at…
Read moreYour House Hunt Plumbing Guide
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 3, 2024
House Hunt Plumbing Checks
Searching for a home can be equal parts exciting and stressful. You’re on the hunt for the perfect space for you and your family, and you want to be confident you’re picking a place that looks great, meets your needs, and is built to last.
During the search, you’re likely focused on square footage, entertainment space, and other aesthetic details, but remember the arteries of the house: the plumbing system.
A formal home inspection will cover the roof to the foundation and…
Read moreSump Pump Sunk: Spotting & Preventing Common Issues
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / March 11, 2024
Spring brings warmer temps, melting snow, and rain showers.
While that might be good for brightening our moods and budding fresh flowers, spring could spell trouble for your home’s sump pump, leading to a wet mess.
As your first line of defense against basement flooding, it’s crucial to check and maintain your sump pump, especially with the change in seasons.
Read on to discover common issues, telltale signs, and preventative measures to keep your sump…
Read moreThe Benefits of Installing a Second Water Meter
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 25, 2022
If you are a turf guru or gardening enthusiast—or maintain either on your property —then you know the commitment required to sustain the perfect lawn or crop. This commitment often includes a consistent watering schedule, especially in the driest, hottest months of summer.
Are You Losing Money?
We applaud your dedication, and your landscaping might even be the envy of the neighborhood. But we want to make sure you aren’t throwing unnecessary money away. When your water meter is read, the usage contributes to the…
Read moreExpert Advice for Your Next Bathroom Remodel
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 23, 2022
Aside from your kitchen or bedroom, your bathroom is one of the most used spaces in your home. It’s easy to write it off, but it could be one of the most beneficial remodels you do. Of course, there’s the obvious purpose of a bathroom, but it’s also the space where you apply that new skincare product you’ve been excited about, add finishing touches before you head out to meet friends, teach your kiddo best handwashing practices, and so much more.
A lot of…
Read moreHow Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / May 27, 2022
Tankless water heaters deliver hot water instantly when you turn on your shower or faucet. How does it do this? It may seem like magic but it’s not.
1. When a hot water tap is opened, the tankless water heater detects the flow
2. The flow sensor activates to determine the amount of hot water needed
3. The igniter activates
4. The gas control valve opens to supply the correct amount of gas
5. The burner ignites providing a flame to heat the water
6. Cold water passes through…
Read moreHow to Clean Your Sump Pump
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 19, 2021
If your sump is working properly, you probably don’t think about it very often. But taking the time to clean it once a year can help it last longer and catch any problems before you end up with a flooded basement. Let us walk you through the process in six easy steps.
Supplies
For this process you’ll need a piece of plastic sheeting or a large garbage bag, a scraping tool, a large bucket, a garden hose, and a…
Read moreSump Pump Mistakes To Avoid This Spring
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / March 18, 2021
First, a quick reminder of what a sump pump does. A sump pump sits in a “sump pit” below the level of the basement floor and collects excess water that would otherwise end up leaking into the basement. Then your sump pump pumps that water from the pit up and out of your home.
It’s fairly easy to understand how a sump pump operates. But there are still mistakes that can be made in installing, maintaining, or attempting to fix your sump…
Read more5 New Year’s Plumbing Resolutions
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 22, 2021
The new year is a time when many people resolve to make a fresh start and build better habits. After this past year, we could all use a fresh start— including your plumbing system. So we put together a list of some New Year’s Plumbing Resolutions to help you build some habits that can save you headaches (and wallet aches) down the road.
1. Show your water heater some love
You probably don’t spend too much time thinking about your…
Read moreWater Heaters 101: What Homeowners Should Know
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 8, 2020
Does your water heater pop or leak? It could be time to repair or replace it
Everyone likes to have instant access to hot water when they need it, whether it’s for washing dishes after dinner or taking a relaxing shower or bath. But what if your water heater starts to malfunction? What if you hear a strange popping noise? Or notice a leak?
If there’s something odd going on with your water heater, it’s probably time to call…
Read moreDo I Need a Sump Pump?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 12, 2020
First, a quick reminder of what a sump pump does. A sump pump sits in a “sump pit” which sits just below the level of the basement floor and collects excess water that would otherwise end up leaking into the basement. The sump pump then transfers that water from the pit up and out of your home so you and your home stay safe and dry.
How do you know if your home needs a sump pump? Well, that depends on a few…
Read morePreparing Your Home for Spring
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 26, 2020
Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance on your plumbing and HVAC, even if you’re not experiencing an emergency. Below is a short list of services we’ve found to be beneficial to maintaining a healthy and efficient home.
Test and Check for Leaks
Cold Iowa weather can cause pipes to freeze in the winter, meaning these pipes can leak or burst. Test your indoor and outdoor faucets for water pressure. If the water pressure seems low, check your pipes for leaks. Although a…
Read moreHow Do You Know If Your Pipes Are Frozen?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 16, 2020
It might not always be obvious, but there are some telltale signs that your plumbing system is frozen. Depending on the location of the frozen pipes and how frozen they are, you may need to call a professional to help.
Slow or Sporadic Water Supply: If nothing comes out when you turn on a faucet, then the waterline may be frozen. If the flow is slow or coming out in spurts, you more than likely have ice buildup somewhere in the waterline.
Visible Frost on Pipes: If…
Read moreCommon Winter Plumbing Problems
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / December 27, 2019
As you enjoy the new year with family and friends, the last thing you want to worry about is an issue with your plumbing. Iowa winters can be tough on your plumbing system. While you can’t prevent every issue, there are a few warning signs you can look for to help you catch the problem before it turns into a disaster.
Frozen or Cracked Pipes
There are a lot of factors that can lead to frozen pipes, including uninsulated or exposed pipes coming into…
Read moreDIY Kitchen Installs: Part 2–Garbage Disposals
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 10, 2019
Is it time to update your kitchen? You may be tempted to DIY but the installation of the faucet, garbage disposal, water and drain lines can involve extensive plumbing work. Tackling them on your one, without the help of a professional, could result in injuries, additional expense and damage to your home.
If you plan to install a new a garbage disposal, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before you start:
Read Part One of this series on… Read more
Common DIY Kitchen Install Problems: Part 1–Faucets and Pipes
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / August 29, 2019
Is it time to update your kitchen? You may be tempted to DIY but the installation of the faucet, garbage disposal, water and drain lines can involve extensive plumbing work. Tackling them on your one, without the help of a professional, could result in injuries, additional expense and damage to your home.
If you plan to update, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before you start:
Avoid Leaks
A leak can happen at any time. A large leak, especially one that goes unnoticed,…
Read morePreparing Your Home for Spring
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / April 1, 2019
As the harsh winter weather finally breaks and makes way for spring, we recommend taking a few steps to prepare your plumbing and your HVAC systems to deal with winter’s aftermath.
Inspect Your Pipes
Exposed pipes can freeze and burst, causing flooding and damage to your home. Pipes located in external walls and in unheated portions of your home are especially at risk. Carefully inspect each pipe for cracks. Keep an eye out for mold and moss, since they can be indicative of the presence of…
Read moreFall Home Maintenance Tips
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / October 16, 2018
Autumn is the ideal time to give your home some extra care. The mild weather allows you to spend a little time outdoors and give your home some TLC to make sure everything is in line before the temperature begins to drop.
To combat any issues before they begin, there are a few things we recommend you do before winter arrives.
Shut off Outdoor Faucets
You likely have at least one outdoor faucet, but it’s often not something we think…
Read moreFlooding Prevention Tips
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 17, 2018
If you’ve lived in or near Cedar Rapids, you may already know the area can be prone to flooding, especially near the Cedar River. While flood prevention isn’t always possible, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate the damage.
Check Your Sump Pump
Regularly checking your sump pump can prevent your basement from flooding. If you have a sump pump, inspect the sump pit to ensure it is clean and free of debris. Slowly pour a few gallons of water into the well…
Read moreTankless Water Heater Installation at Meth-Wick Community
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 13, 2018
Isaac, one of our Commercial Leads, at Hanna Plumbing & Heating, recently worked with Meth-Wick, an assisted living center in Cedar Rapids, to install a series of commercial tankless water heaters. His work with Meth-Wick’s installation will result in countless benefits to the residents while providing a cost-effective solution for their management team.
“We’ve been providing heating and plumbing services for them for a while. While we were taking a look at their steam boiler, we noticed that we could help them be more efficient,…
Read moreWhat Impact Does Hard Water Have On My Home?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 22, 2018
Have you ever washed dishes only to find water spots or a white powdery substance when they dry? Do your faucets often get clogged, causing a loss of water pressure? If you answered yes, you are likely dealing with hard water.
You may be wondering “What impact does hard water have on my home?” To discover this, it helps first to learn what causes hard water.
What is Hard Water
Hard water occurs when you have…
Read moreWhen to Call for Emergency Plumbing or Heating Services
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 6, 2018
Nothing can put a damper on your day like a plumbing or heating emergency. Many times these emergencies cost a homeowner thousands of dollars and can lead to even bigger issues if not addressed immediately. But what constitutes an emergency and when should you call for emergency plumbing or heating services?
Frozen Pipes/Burst Water Pipes
During the winter, frozen pipes are a major concern for Iowa homeowners. When the water inside a pipe freezes it expands as it turns…
Read moreWater in Your Basement During Winter? Here are 5 Areas it Might be Coming From
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 30, 2018
When we think of plumbing & heating issues we expect in winter, a couple of things automatically come to mind: frozen pipes and a broken furnace. One thing that might not be top of mind is water in your basement during winter – but it can definitely happen.
Walking down to your basement on a chilly winter morning to find standing water can be quite a surprise and may indicate a bigger problem. Discover the top 5 areas water…
Read more3 Signs Your Pipes Have Frozen
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 11, 2018
With the severely cold temperatures permeating much of the United States this winter, it is important to remain vigilant when it comes to your plumbing pipes. When the temperatures dip below 32 degrees, pipes in un-insulated areas of your home that have not been insulated or wrapped in heat tape are susceptible to freezing.
1. None of Your Taps Produce Water
There are two reasons why your taps would not produce water in the winter. Either your water company has shut off the water to perform…
Read moreHoliday Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Home Merry & Bright
Written by deNovo / November 30, 2017
The holidays are a time for families to come together and celebrate love and joy. Unfortunately, it can be a stressful time as well. If you’re having family over, the last thing you need is a plumbing disaster on your hands!
To avoid a plumbing emergency, follow these holiday plumbing tips. You can then forget about potential disasters and focus on the good times this season brings!
Holiday Plumbing Tips
Avoid pouring liquid fats and grease down your drain. As these cool, they will…
Read more4 Ways You Can Keep Your Water Heating Bill Low
Written by deNovo / October 26, 2017
When was the last time you examined your hot water heater for efficiency? Energy.gov estimates that hot water heaters are responsible for about 12 percent of a home’s yearly energy usage. The only appliance that uses more is the HVAC system. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to control your hot water usage and your water heating bills.
1. Schedule an Energy Assessment
Most utility companies, especially electric companies, offer free energy assessments. These involve examining your home’s total energy usage and…
Read moreSeasonal Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
Written by deNovo / October 10, 2017
To ensure your sump pump is working optimally, it is best to perform general maintenance tasks every three months or so. The best way to remember this is to check your sump pump at the beginning of each season.
These sump pump maintenance tips can help you protect your home and give you the peace of mind knowing your sump pump is working all year long.
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
Clean the sump pump and sump pit. Uncover the sump pit and clean…
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