Michael J. Messick Plumbing Inc.

Well Pump Repair & Care

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 22:10:00 GMT

As a homeowner with a well, it’s important to be familiar with well pump repair and care steps that can and should be taken.

When your well pump is functioning properly, it can be easy to take for granted just how much it does for your home. But when your plumbing system starts to show some weird signs – like low pressure, contaminated water, or strange sounds from the well pump – something’s not right. If you notice your well pump acting strange, knowing how to fix small issues yourself – and knowing when to call in a professional – can save you money and stress.

DIY Well Pump Repair

Before reaching out to a professional, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:

Check the Power : Ensure that the well pump is receiving power. A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse might be the culprit.

Inspect the Pressure Switch : The pressure switch controls when the pump turns on and off. Check if it’s functioning correctly and adjust the pressure settings if necessary.

Check for Leaks : Inspect the pipes, connections, and pressure tank for leaks. Leaks can contribute to a drop in pressure and the pump’s inefficiency.

Caring for Your Well Pump

Prevention is key when it comes to well pump systems. Regular maintenance, including checking for leaks, testing the pressure switch, and cleaning the pressure tank, can extend the lifespan of your well pump and minimize the likelihood of sudden breakdowns.

When well cared for, well pumps can have a lifespan of up to 15 years. But over time, components start to age, and performance will naturally begin to wane. So, if you’re noticing strange activity from your well pump and you know it hasn’t been completely replaced in about a decade, it might be time for a new one altogether.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY troubleshooting can resolve minor issues, many problems require an expert set of hands. If you’re unsure about a repair, it’s best to consult an experienced plumber. Attempting advanced repairs without proper knowledge can lead to more significant problems. Contact Messick Plumbing .

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Water Well Pump Maintenance, Part 2

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:16:00 GMT

DIY Well Pump Repair (and When to Call a Professional)

When your well pump is functioning properly, you may need more than water pump maintenance. It can be easy to take for granted just how much your water well pump does for your home. But when your plumbing system starts to show some weird signs – like low pressure, contaminated water, or strange sounds from the well pump – something may not be right with your well’s water pump or well water system. If you notice your well pump acting strange, knowing how to fix small issues yourself – and knowing when to call in a professional – can save you money and stress.

DIY Well Pump Repair

Before reaching out to a professional, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:

Check the Power : Ensure that the well pump is receiving power. A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse might be the culprit.

Inspect the Pressure Switch : The pressure switch controls when the pump turns on and off. Check if it’s functioning correctly and adjust the pressure settings if necessary.

Check for Leaks : Inspect the pipes, connections, and pressure tank for leaks. Leaks can contribute to a drop in pressure and the pump’s inefficiency.

Caring for Your Well Pump

When to Call a Professional

While DIY troubleshooting can resolve minor issues, many problems require an expert set of hands. If you’re unsure about a repair, it’s best to consult a plumber. Attempting advanced repairs without proper knowledge can lead to more significant problems. The Messick Plumbing technicians stay ready to serve you and assist with your well pump maintenance. Contact us today more information about water pump maintenance and repair!

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Water Well Pump Maintenance, Part 1

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 01:07:00 GMT

This article is the first in a two-part series about water well pump maintenance.

Signs Your Well Pump is in Need of Repair

Well pumps are the unsung heroes of rural and suburban homes, ensuring a steady supply of clean water for various household needs. However, like any mechanical system, well pumps can face issues over time that require attention and repair. To ensure your home keeps a steady and safe flow of water, it’s important to know the signs of a malfunctioning well pump, how to fix minor issues yourself – and when it’s time to call a plumber.

A well pump system generally consists of a pump unit, a pressure tank, a pressure switch, pipes, and a well casing. When your water supply starts to show some concerning signs, it’s possible that something needs to be fixed within one of these pieces.

Signs You Need Water Well Pump Maintenance or Repair

Low or inconsistent water pressure is one of the most noticeable indicators of a faulty well pump. If your home is experiencing low or fluctuating pressure, and you don’t notice any sign of water damage (this could indicate that you have a leaky pipe, rather than a faulty well pump), there could be an issue with the pressure tank or pump.

Strange sounds from the well pump can suggest a variety of issues with your well pump. Keep an eye out for sputtering, rattling, or loud banging, as these sounds can point to worn out parts in your well pump, an issue with the pressure tank, or a leak in the pipes.

Strange activity from the well pump , like a long run time can indicate a problem with the pressure tank. When well pumps run for a long time without turning off, this could be a sign of the pump working harder than usual to create enough water pressure within the tank. Conversely, if your well pump is turning on and off more often than usual, this could point to pressure problems or a leak somewhere in the pump. Both of these can also increase your home’s monthly electricity usage, so if you notice your energy bill is higher than average, consider if you’ve noticed anything particularly strange from your pump or water supply in the last month.

Dirty or oddly tasting water can indicate that your well pump is allowing sediment and other ground contaminants from the well into the water stream. This is a concern, as drinking or cooking with contaminated water can cause health problems for you and your family. If you notice this, it’s recommended that you stop using your water supply and contact a professional.

Next Month:
Water Well Pump Maintenance, Part 2
DIY Well Pump Repair (and When to Call a Professional)

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Hydro Jetter Technology

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 01:07:00 GMT

Why should I use a Hydro Jetter to clean my pipes?

Clogged pipes are any homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing daily irritation at their best and severe water and structural damage to your home at their worst. When you find yourself with a blockage in your pipe – whether it’s in your sink or your sewer, whether it’s just beginning to form or is causing a complete obstruction – a tool called a hydro jetter can break it up with ease.

Also called a Sewer Jetter or a Trailer Jetter, a Hydro Jetter is a machine that uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through almost anything in your pipes and wash it away, flushing out blockages in a matter of seconds. Regardless of a blockage’s size or location, a Hydro Jetter can get rid of it quickly and cleanly.

Benefits of hydro jetting your pipes

Hydro Jetters utilize water by creating a stream that’s so powerful it can break up anything in its way, making it the ideal tool for clearing out essentially anything that may cause obstructions in your pipes; everything from daily buildup in your sink or shower pipes to invasive tree roots in your sewer pipes can be broken up and washed out. Since jetters use only the power of water to clear your pipes, they don’t need chemicals to break anything down, making it an environmentally friendly plumbing option. They’re also popular because of their non-invasive nature – it eliminates the need for messy, invasive blockage removal methods.

Maintaining the health of your pipes

Hydro jetting your pipes is a great way to ensure the long-term health of your plumbing system. Using a hydro jet on your pipes every year or two helps prevent any large blockages from forming. While jetting requires a professional and may be pricier than a good old-fashioned drain snaking, it’s the most effective tool for both short-term solutions and the long-term health of your pipes. So whether your blockage is big or small, a hydro jetter can solve it for you.

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The Water Main to Your Home

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 01:26:00 GMT

What to do if you suspect a water main break.

A water main break occurs when one of the pipes underground leading to your house bursts, creating a crack or hole in the pipe. This crack lets water escape out of the pipe, and lets dirt and debris in. With a water main break, there’s a risk that soil, rocks, and other materials could slip into the pipes, compromising the water that flows into your home with contaminants and other bacteria. Water main breaks aren’t the type of plumbing issue that can be fixed by a simple DIY remedy; and when not fixed quickly, they can lead to flooding and structural damage, and can contaminate your water supply. To minimize damage, and to keep your water supply clean, it requires immediate professional attention.

There are a few telltale signs of a water main break, including:

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, keep the following tips in mind to ensure that the break is addressed quickly and to prevent costly damage and minimize contaminated water in your home.

1. Call a plumber – and your water supplier

The faster you notify a plumber of a potential water main break, the faster the problem can be resolved with as little damage as possible. You should also call your water supplier to notify them of the break.

2. Decrease your household water usage

Using water to drink, cook, or wash clothes could expose you to the contaminants and bacteria that could come with a water main break. Even when run through a filter, this water may be unsafe to consume. Decreasing hot water in particular can also help prevent bacteria and contaminants from entering the hot water heater.

3. Use bottled water instead of tap water

The most foolproof way to ensure that you’re using healthy water is to use bottled water for cooking and drinking. Sometimes, your county may notify you of a nearby water main break and enact a boil water advisory. However, unless told by your county, you shouldn’t assume that boiling water will make it safe to use, making bottled water the best choice in most situations.

4. Run water once it’s fixed

When the break is repaired, you can start using tap water again – but you first have to flush out the current water in your house to ensure the potentially contaminated water is safely out of the pipes. Run faucets and showers for a few minutes and run the dishwasher and washing machine on empty cycles once or twice. Run hot water for a few minutes as well to make sure that the hot water heater empties of contaminated water as well and replace any water filters.

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Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:41:00 GMT

How can I keep my disposal working properly?

Introduction

Unlock the secrets to a seamlessly functioning kitchen with our guide to garbage disposal maintenance, ensuring a clean and efficient culinary haven for your home.

A garbage disposal is an extremely convenient appliance that helps prevent clogs in your pipes and allows you to wash food scraps down the drain rather than scooping them out. But despite the name, garbage disposals aren’t designed to accept all garbage that may enter your sink. It’s a common misconception that you can wash down any and all food items, and it often leads to garbage disposal jams and worse.

How garbage disposals work

Contrary to popular belief, garbage disposals don’t work solely by using blades to chop up and wipe away food scraps. Instead, disposals are complex appliances with multiple parts, with the main mechanism for breaking down food being metal impellers that function like teeth to grind the food into pieces that are small enough to be washed away.

However, when garbage disposals come in contact with pesky scraps that are too hard to grind up, or could get stuck in the pipe, blockages can begin to form rather quickly.

What causes blockages in my disposal?

When used correctly, garbage disposals prevent blockages in your pipes, but a misused disposal can lead to the very thing it’s meant to prevent. If water and liquids aren’t draining properly, it’s likely that a clog has formed, or the impellers are jammed. This is often caused by problematic food scraps being thrown down the disposal, including:

Avoiding putting these things down your garbage disposal is the best way to prevent blockages – and when you practice healthy disposal maintenance habits, your garbage disposal can remain working smoothly for years.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

One of the best things you can do for garbage disposal maintenance is to keep your garbage disposal clog-free by running it every day to ensure that it doesn’t rust. It’s also important to run cold water while using your garbage disposal in order to help move the scraps through the plumbing and prevent clogs. Running hot water while using the garbage disposal could potentially cause any fats in the disposal to congeal.

For a deep clean of your garbage disposal pour a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar into it, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it down with warm water while running the disposal. This can be done every few weeks to break up any blockages that have begun to develop. It’s important not to put any chemicals, like bleach or drain cleaners, in your garbage disposal; even though they might be able to break up some blockages, they can corrode your pipes – and can potentially fly back up into your face the next time you turn on the disposal.

If your garbage disposal starts to smell, try the baking soda and vinegar method, or grind up ice cubes and a few small pieces of lemon or lime peels – the ice will help wash away anything that’s causing the odor, and the citrus will help cover the scent up. Just make sure the pieces of the peels are small enough for the disposal to manage.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal and avoiding adding inappropriate items into your disposal are the best ways to prevent a blockage or broken disposal. However blockages can happen to even the most careful homeowners. If you find yourself with a clogged or broken disposal, you can always call a plumber to safely and quickly find and resolve the blockage or repair your disposal.

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Summer Heat Can Impact Your Home’s Pipes

Sat, 13 May 2023 19:20:00 GMT

With the summer heat just around the corner, it’s easy to get distracted by the summer fun and forget about the potential damage that the hot days can have on your home like how the summer heat can impact your home’s pipes. Weather changes can take a toll on your property and can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left untreated – especially your leaky pipes.

Causes

The summer heat can have an impact on both exposed and unexposed pipes, causing threats to the value and safety of your home. Exposed pipes on the outside of your home face months of summer heat, which can cause warping in your pipes and lead to cracks. Underground pipes in your home, while not suffering from direct heat, take a beating indirectly. The heat can dry up the soil around your home which can shift your home’s foundation. This can lead to cracks in your underground pipes, which are even harder to spot than the ones in your outdoor pipes.

Side effects

Cracked or burst pipes have irritating and blatant side effects like low water pressure and higher water bills (a leak can waste up to 90 gallons of water a day in a single household), but the more serious side effects can be harder to spot until it’s too late.

Cracked pipes in your home can cause severe water damage – a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water damage can weaken your home’s structure, destroy walls, and can corrode your home’s electrical systems – all of which can sink your home’s value and require costly repairs. What’s worse, water damage creates an environment where harmful bacteria, fungi, and mold thrive. Mold and bacteria can affect the air in your home and cause long-term effects on you and your family’s health, including respiratory issues and immune systems problems, especially in children or people that are immunocompromised.

How to spot a leak

There are a few things that you can keep an eye out for to spot a leak in your home:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call Michael J. Messick . Leaky pipes aren’t something to take lightly; DIY fixes almost never do the trick and can even exacerbate the issue. It’s important to consult the experts at Messick Plumbing as soon as you notice a leak in order to avoid costly structural repairs and a potential health hazard. Call Messick for a quick and affordable repair to your large or small leaks so you can stay focused on having fun in the heat, not worrying about what it will do to your home.

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Clogged Pipes 101

Mon, 01 May 2023 19:16:00 GMT

How can I diagnose and fix clogged pipes? Or should I call a plumber?

Behind the walls, and under the floors, and all around your house are the all-important pipes that help to make your house a home. But just like any other system in your house, the pipes need attention and care to keep them operating properly over time. Read on to learn what can happen when pipes become clogged, what symptoms might tip you that there is a problem, and what you (or a plumber) can do to fix it.

Side Effects & Symptoms of Clogged Pipes

What To Look For

Luckily, clogged pipes are typically pretty easy to spot; slow draining, low water pressure, and foul odors are almost impossible to ignore. Another telltale sign of a clogged pipe is if your appliances/utilities react oddly to each other. Clogs can often overload the pipes, leading to gurgling, slowed draining, poor water pressure, or bubbling in nearby appliances. For example, if your toilet starts to make weird noises or start to bubble while you’re using the sink or shower, that could mean there’s a clogged pipe nearby.

DIY Drain Cleaning

For smaller clogs, there are some things that you can do yourself to help.

Preventive tricks

Of course, the best way to combat a clogged drain is to prevent one altogether. Some healthy plumbing practices include:

No matter how well you care for your pipes, you may find yourself with a backed-up pipe that requires professional help. Plumbers can not only identify exactly where that clog is, but can expertly clear it and help prevent long-term damage to your pipes. If you have a clogged pipe, call Messick Plumbing for a quick and affordable diagnosis and repair.

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