Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing’

Why Schedule Professional Leak Detection Services?

Monday, August 24th, 2015

Common sense may lead you to believe that recognizing the presence of a water leak is simple; you just look for water where there ought not be any. However, as is the case with most many plumbing scenarios, things are often not this clear cut. Sure, the pooling of water from a rather mysterious source likely suggests that there is a leak somewhere in your system. Often, though, you won’t actually see any such pooling of water. That is why it is so important that you schedule professional leak detection services in Southern Vermont the moment that you have reason to believe that you have a water leak. Only professional plumbers are properly equipped to determine if there is indeed a leak, let alone where that leak may be. Contact HB Energy Solutions to schedule service. (more…)

Bathroom Plumbing Tips: Common Toilet Problems

Monday, August 10th, 2015

Your bathroom is certainly the most heavily plumbed area in your home. Your bathroom plumbing in Southern Vermont is far too important to take any chances with, which is why you must schedule professional bathroom plumbing repair services as soon as you notice that there is a problem with any component within that system. The toilet is a likely target, as it is used with such frequency. Below you’ll find some examples of common toilet plumbing problems. Should you notice them, or any others, in your home, just give the pros at HB Energy Solutions a call to schedule repairs. (more…)

3 Signs That You May Have a Water Leak

Monday, July 27th, 2015

Modern plumbing makes our lives far more convenient than it could possibly be otherwise. That doesn’t change the fact, though, that even professionally installed plumbing systems, pieced together with high-quality materials, are not 100% reliable. A number of factors can lead to water leaks in the home, including corrosion or damages to pipes, environmental issues like shifting soil or tree root infiltration, or, especially around here, freezing up. Because of this, as well as issues such as poor installation quality and weak connections, water leaks are not entirely uncommon. If you suspect that you have a water leak in your home, you are wise to schedule professional leak detection services in Springfield, VT. To do so, just give the professional plumbers at HB Energy Solutions a call. (more…)

Signs That You May Have a Gas Leak

Monday, July 6th, 2015

Those of us who have used natural gas in our homes are well aware of just how convenient, efficient, and desirable a natural resource natural gas really is. However, it, like all other fuel sources, has its risks. When you schedule your gas line services with trained, skilled, professionals, you can count on your natural gas to be distributed throughout your property safely and reliably. Even so, problems with your gas line may develop at some point. When it comes to gas leaks, it is vital that you such problems resolved as soon as possible. To ensure that your gas piping services in Springfield are completed properly, just schedule them with us. HB Energy Solutions is happy to ensure that the job is done right. (more…)

3 Indicators That You Need Plumbing Repairs

Monday, June 22nd, 2015

Plumbing repairs are tricky business, as many homes have very unique plumbing systems, and problems with those plumbing systems may have many different symptoms. While no two plumbing systems may be exactly the same, there are some common warning signs that homeowners frequently discover which can indicate the need for plumbing repairs in Southern Vermont. The only way that a homeowner can capitalize on such warnings, however, is to recognize that they are indicators of plumbing problems in the first place. A backyard full of sewage or a basement full of water are fairly obvious signs that it’s time to contact a professional plumber. Here are a few less obvious, though equally troublesome, signs that you need professional plumbing services. Contact HB Energy Solutions immediately if you discover them in your home.

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New Hampshire Plumbing Repair Tip: Gas Piping Safety

Monday, April 20th, 2015

When it comes to gas piping in your home, any work should always be handled by a professional and licensed contractor. Many states require that companies receive a special permit in order to offer gas line repair, installation or replacement. When you need any New Hampshire plumbing repair or gas line repair, just call HB Energy Solutions. We have over 21 years of experience working on all different kind of gas line and plumbing problems. We wanted to help our customers protect themselves from any potential gas line problems. Check out our quick guide below and give us a call if you have any questions or concerns. (more…)

The 2 Types of Sump Pumps

Friday, March 28th, 2014

A sump pump is often a necessary tool for homes that suffer from moisture entering the basement due to a high water table. They are also invaluable during heavy rains when additional water can flood into the lower parts of a home. An effective sump pump will protect your basement from the growth of mold, mildew, wood rot, and prevent other kinds of damage that water and humidity can cause to building material.

A sump pump must have professional installation to make sure that it works correctly, has an adequate sump (water collection pit) excavated, and connects to a waste line for water removal. You also need to have professionals help you decide on the type and size of sump pump you need. There are two basic sump pump types: the pedestal sump pump and the submersible sump pump. They both have advantages and disadvantages, so you will need the assistance of a plumbing professional to help you choose the right one for your home.

For sump pump installation, repairs, and maintenance, call on the company with 21 years of experience working on plumbing in New Hampshire, HB Energy Solutions.

Pedestal sump pumps

The first type of sump pump sits above the sump on a specially-constructed pedestal. A hose from the pump runs down into the sump, and an impeller motor in the pump draws the water up and removes it. These kinds of sump pumps are easier to repair because they’re exposed, and they also cost less than submersible pumps and endure longer. However, pedestal pumps need to work harder to overcome gravity when drawing water, and they are less effective at dealing with the large amounts of water that can come from rain flooding.

Submersible sump pumps

As the name implies, submersible sump pumps sit down inside the sump itself beneath the surface of the water. They draw water directly into intake valves. To prevent water damage, the motor is sealed inside a water-proof container. Submersible pumps are less obtrusive and take up less space in your basement, and they operate more quietly because they are submerged underwater. They pump faster than pedestal pumps and will do a better job for basements that encounter more serious flooding. However, they cost more than pedestal pumps and will require more repair work because of their exposure to water.

You will not only need professionals to help you choose and install the proper sump pump for your basement, you will also need them to regularly maintain the pump (especially a submersible pump). Call HB Energy Solutions for the skilled plumbing service in New Hampshire that will keep your basement dry with the right sump pump.

Why Pinhole Leaks Are Such a Serious Problem

Monday, February 17th, 2014

The term “pinhole leaks” is a bit misleading. Although it does accurately describe the size of these leaks that can appear in your pipes, it tends to minimize them so they sound like minor problems. But nothing could be further from the truth: pinhole leaks are one of the most problematic repair needs that can crop up in plumbing. The U.S. EPA has identified pinhole leaks as a significant danger not only to plumbing systems, but also to homes in general.

Fortunately, pinhole leaks are not a difficult problem for professional plumbers to fix once they know of their existence. If you have leaks of any kind—or suspect that you do—call for assistance from experts in plumbing in Southern Vermont. HB Energy Solutions is ready around the clock and the calendar to help you!

What exactly are pinhole leaks?

Pinhole leaks are tiny holes along pipes. They usually appear close together across a single patch of pipe, and they can occur to modern copper piping. The EPA has studied the causes of pinhole leaks and determined that they are likely the result of a “localized copper corrosion called pitting corrosion.” The EPA isn’t certain, however, what causes pitting corrosion, since copper pipes are highly corrosion-resistant and have become popular as a replacement for galvanized steel pipes.

Why are pinhole leaks something to worry about?

Pinhole leaks only allow a small amount of water to drip out, but because they are tiny enough to at first escape detection, their leaks will soon build up to the point where they will cause damage to building material and promote mold and mildew growth. Water will destroy drywall and warp wood floors, and mold will increase the speed of destruction.

How can I detect pinhole leaks?

This is big obstacle with pinhole leaks: they are difficult for homeowners to detect until they start to cause extensive damage. The best way to find them is to have regular inspections done on your plumbing from a professional. Schedule an inspection once a year; your plumber will use leak detection equipment to locate problems. Keep watch for smaller indications of leaking: a drop in water pressure, an unexplained increased in water bills, or discoloration appearing on the wallpaper.

Call for repairs as soon as you can

Protect your valuable home plumbing in Southern Vermont: turn to expert plumbers for fast repairs the moment you sense anything is wrong. HB Energy Solutions can handle all your plumbing needs, and we have excellent leak detection services to find those troublesome pinhole leaks.

How Professional Plumbers Detect Leaks

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Leaks, along with clogs, are one of the main problems that can afflict your home’s plumbing. But where clogs are obvious from the moment they start, leaks can be trickier to detect. Most leaking occurs in places where the pipes are hidden from sight, and a small leak between piping joints, or “pinhole leaks” that occur along patches of corrosion, will not have immediate effects that you will be able to see. It’s often not until the leaking begins to cause more extensive damage that they become obvious—and even then, you probably won’t see all the leaking that is occurring throughout the plumbing.

This is the reason it’s important to have professional plumbers do leak detection when you suspect trouble with your plumbing. Leaking spreads rapidly if left without repairs; trust to plumbers and their leak detection services to find all the spots where leaks have started and find how to stop them.

HB Energy Solutions has helped repair plumbing in New Hampshire for 21 years, and we’re ready to help you with your leaky plumbing.

Professional Leak Detection

When you notice damp spots or discoloration on your walls, warping floorboards, or an unexpected water bill increase, you should call a plumber for leak detection.

When the plumber comes to your home, he or she will use advanced technology to locate the leak without needing to rip through wood, plaster, or stone to reach the pipes. One of the main tools that plumbers use to do this is video pipe inspection equipment. These devices have miniature cameras and lights set at the end of a long flexible cable. The cable snakes down through drains and deep into the pipes to locate where damage is occurring and allowing leaks to happen. This lets the plumber pinpoint where repairs are needed.

Another important part of the leak detection toolkit is listening devices. Listening discs work in a manner similar to a doctor’s stethoscope, except they specialize in hearing through surfaces such as drywall and wood. A deck plate can be used to listen through concrete and bricks.

For pipes that lay beneath your lawn or garden, a plumber can use soil listening devices, or place a dye into your water system that will make a much more visible mark where the leaking is occurring.

Leak detection combines these advanced tools with the skill and experience of a trained plumber to use them and properly interpret their information. Don’t trust leak detection to amateurs; it’s important that you locate all the leaks in your plumbing so you’ll prevent the problem from growing and eventually threatening to damage your house.

Call HB Energy Solutions today for expert leak detection for your plumbing in New Hampshire.

What’s Causing That Drain Clog?

Tuesday, December 17th, 2013

No plumbing problem is more common, or more of daily hassle, than a drain clog. Sometimes you can fix the problem with a basic sink plunger, and other times the clog will steadfastly refuse to go away. When that happens, you can call on a professional plumber to eliminate the trouble. Plumbers like those at HB Energy Solutions have seen every kind of clog imaginable, and they can get rid of the clog that’s stopped up your kitchen or bathroom drain. Call us for any plumbing service in Southern Vermont that you need done.

Here are some of the common causes of drain clogs:

Hair and soap scum

It’s almost impossible to prevent some hair and soap scum from getting into the drains of bathroom sinks and showers. A drain cap will help prevent excess build-up of both; without a cover of some kind, the hair and soap will start to build up in the p-trap (the curved section of pipe beneath the sink) and eventually create a complete clog.

Fat, grease, and oil

This is a common issue with kitchen sink drains. People often assume that liquid fat, grease, and oil are harmless when poured down drains, but this is untrue. Once these liquids dry, they turn into waxy solids that will rapidly begin to coat the inside of drain pipes and eventually lead to extremely difficult, heavy clogs. To avoid this problem, pour fat, grease, and oil into a can and deposit it in the trash.

Damage to the sewer line

The most serious reason for drain clogs is one that goes deeper than the drain pipe itself and originates in the sewer line that carries waste water from your home to the municipal sewer system. If the sewer lines sustains damage (often because of tree roots, landslides, or construction), it will start to back-up drainpipes around your home. If you notice clogs in numerous sinks, you need to have plumbers investigate the sewer line immediately; if not repaired, sewage could begin to flood into the lower parts of your home.

Some drain clogs are simple enough for you to break them apart using a plunger. If the plunger doesn’t work, then don’t turn to caustic and dangerous chemical cleaners: call for professional plumbers to assist. Plumbers can use advanced tools like mechanical drain snakes and hydro-jetters to clean out your drainpipes thoroughly. And if you have a sewer line problem, they can remedy that as well with pipe replacement.

Contact HB Energy Solutions for your professional plumbing service in Southern Vermont. We’re available 24/7.