Plumbing Installation & Repair

There are many reasons your toilet could be backing up, ranging in scope and cost from something as simple as a weak flush or blocked plumbing vents to the dreaded main sewer line clog or septic system issue. Tackling plumbing projects that are outside your skill level or knowledge can result in mistakes that may cause more harm than good. Hiring a professional can help minimize errors and maximize results.

Listening to your home’s early warning systems can often prevent, or at least minimize, severe sewer and plumbing catastrophes, but a qualified plumber is the best way to get to the source of your plumbing issues and help you solve them effectively and economically.

A toilet that cuts on and off by itself or runs intermittently has a problem that plumbers call a “phantom flush,” caused by a slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This type of leak is most often caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat. A typical toilet tank has a flapper that seals the water in the tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper is lifted and water is allowed to move from the tank into the bowl. Once a set amount of water has exited the tank, the flapper falls back down and re-seals the tank.

If you want to confirm that your flapper is leaking, pour some food color into the tank and check the bowl a few hours later. If the water in the bowl is discolored, the flapper is not sealing properly. The solution is to drain the tank and bowl, check and clean the flapper seat, and replace the flapper if it's worn or damaged.

If that doesn’t work, it’s possible that the seal where the flapper seat has deteriorated over time or you have a leaky fill valve. If you don’t have the time or patience to tackle this yourself, one of our certified plumbing technicians will take care of your issue in a jiffy and let you spend your time on the things you enjoy doing!

The type, size and efficiency of the water heater unit you choose can have a big effect on its performance and your long-term savings. Once you determine your fuel type (natural gas, propane or electric), you’re left choosing between a huge assortment of traditional tank and tankless water heaters on the market, along with newer styles of heat pumps and solar-powered water heaters. Ideally, you want to select a water heater that will produce enough hot water for your household’s needs in an energy-efficient way.

Replacing an old water heater with a newer comparable model is something a DIYer may be able to accomplish, but when the connections from an old unit to a new one aren’t in the exact same place, some re-piping may be in order. The installation of a new water heater can require running gas lines, electrical, and setting up proper ventilation and should be left to a professional plumbing technician.

Ask yourself these questions: Has my basement flooded before? Do I live in a flat or low-lying area with soil that easily holds water? Do I get large quantities of rain or snow where I live? Is my basement finished, and is it furnished with or used for storing costly or irreplaceable items? Do I have a sump pump that is 6 years old or older?

If you can answer “yes” to any one of these questions, you should strongly consider purchasing and installing a new sump pump. To determine if a pedestal or submersible sump pump is right for you, what materials and options to consider and to make sure your sump pump is installed properly to protect your home against costly water damage, you will want to enlist the services of a qualified plumbing technician.

When your primary pump fails, you’ll want to have a backup system in place that will keep your basement dry for an extended power outage or primary pump failure. Backup sump pumps can be water activated or battery activated.

A water-powered backup pump is powered by your home’s water supply, requiring a reliable municipal water supply consistently achieving 20 psi or more. Water-powered pumps come in two styles: in-sump and above-sump, each with advantages and disadvantages. Check with your local building inspection department or licensed plumbing professional to guide you through the local regulations that might also dictate which style you select.

Battery-powered backup systems are simple to install, require no water supply and generally come in several models (good, better and best). Knowing how often your primary pump runs should help guide you in selecting the most cost-effective battery-powered backup system to get the job done.

Home centers carry a confusing array of backup sump pump systems. Call on the plumbing experts at Long Plumbing to help you evaluate your options and install a system that will let you rest easy!