Sump 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…

The 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…

Expert 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…

How 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…

How 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…

Sump 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…

5 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…

Water 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…

Do 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…

Preparing 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…

How 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…

Common 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…

DIY 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…

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