5 Reasons To Hire A Licensed Plumber
When you have a plumbing crisis in your home, whether that’s a clogged pipe or a major leak, it’s crucial to hire a licensed plumber to handle the repairs. You might be tempted to hire a handyman or ask for help from a family member or friend, and while they may be willing to help, we’re talking about a major component of your home, and the wrong equipment or lack of experience could end up making the issue worse and costing you more money. McMahon Plumbing & Heating has been helping our community since 1952, with a family history in the trades dating back to the 1930s. While the times may have changed, our dedication to top-notch customer service paired with our superior plumbing expertise make us the best choice for you and your plumbing needs. When it comes to plumbing repairs for your Boston home, it’s always best to go with a licensed plumber, and in this article, our team of skilled plumbers here at McMahon Plumbing will show you why. Training & Expertise A plumber has to work as an apprentice, complete a course, and pass an examination to obtain a license. They receive extensive training and study different types of plumbing systems. A licensed plumber knows local building codes and complies with them. They are equipped with […]
What’s Causing Your Faucet to Drip?
Dripping or leaking faucets can be irritating, but they can also signify other serious problems with your faucet, pipes, or plumbing system. Leaking faucets in Boston can be caused by any number of different issues, from corroded pipes to defective gaskets or mineral deposits in the internal parts of the faucet. Ignoring a dripping faucet in your home can ultimately turn what would be a simple Boston plumbing repair into a large and expensive plumbing project, so it’s important to take care of the problem as quickly as possible. Fortunately, some simple solutions to this problem may not even require professional help as long as you catch it soon enough, and the professional Boston plumbers at McMahon Heating & Air will be able to diagnose and solve the problems quickly and professionally, no matter what. The Facts According to the Environmental Protection Agency, plumbing leaks can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per household per year. The most common plumbing leaks are caused by: Dripping faucets Leaks in toilet flappers And leaking valves Fixing any of these leaks can save you 10% on your monthly water bill. Because dripping faucets can waste such a significant amount of water, not fixing them can have a huge impact on the environment. By not taking care of a problem with your Boston […]
Protect Your Pipes During Boston Winters
Of all the things that a homeowner can do to maintain their plumbing systems, the following five tips can help keep money in your pocket and visits from your Boston plumber to a minimum. 1. Check for leaks. Even the smallest leak can turn into a torrential flood if not caught early enough. The resulting damage can cost a pretty penny, therefore it is important to check all pipe lines, especially those areas that lack insulation. Getting in contact with a Boston plumber can also be useful as they can help point out trouble areas and can give you tips on how to maintain your system. 2. Drain and insulate. One of the most important tips for areas that experience harsh winters, draining and insulating pipes prevents any water that gets trapped in those pipes from freezing, expanding, and then cracking, breaking, or bursting said pipes. Without draining and insulating, you risk very expensive and intensive plumbing repairs. 3. Weatherproof trouble areas. It is also important to look out for areas containing exposed plumbing. Doorways, windows, and vent fans should be checked to make sure their seals remain tight. If a seal is loose, you can use caulking to prevent your home plumbing from freezing. 4. Insulate exposed pipes. Again– insulate, insulate, insulate. Insulating your pipes is easy and inexpensive, but […]
The Sumpiest Pump in Boston
Sump Pump Basics A sump pump usually stands in a sump pit — a hole with a gravel base about 2 feet (60 centimeters) deep and 18 inches (45 centimeters) wide — dug in the lowest part of your Boston basement or crawlspace. As the pit fills with water, the pump turns on. It moves the liquid out of the pit through pipes that run away from your home to a spot where the water can drain away from your foundation. The pipe usually has a one-way valve called a check valve at the pump end to keep the water from flowing back into the pit. Most sump pumps turn on automatically through a float activator arm or a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor works just like its name suggests: Water exerts more pressure on the sensor than air does, which causes the pump to activate. The float activator works a lot like the one in your toilet tank. A buoyant ball floats on top of the water, manually moving the arm as the water level rises. You can also buy a manually operated pump, which works only when you decide to turn it on, but these aren’t as common because of their lack of convenience. Automatic pumps also have an option for you to activate the pump if the […]
Look! I Did It Myself!
Are you the type of homeowner who thinks he can fix anything and everything? Do you make it a habit of repairing any plumbing mishaps in your Boston home? If so, and you don’t know what you are doing, you may end up causing thousands of dollars in damage before you know what hit you. Hopefully, this will make you think twice before grabbing your wrench next time! Of course, there are some plumbing jobs that you can try on your own without any risk. For instance, a leaky faucet is a small job that you may want to tackle before you call in your professional Boston plumber. If you know what you are doing you will probably be able to stop the leak, and avoid paying a professional for their services. This is not something you can make worse, in most cases. But what about more extensive plumbing projects? These are tasks such as running new piping through your walls or replacing an entire bathtub. Boston plumbers know exactly how to handle these large jobs. You, on the other hand, are probably less experienced and will be moving forward without all the knowledge that you need. If you make a mistake during a large do-it-yourself plumbing project it may end up costing you more than you ever imagined. What […]
Questions for the Prospective Plumber
Answers to some basic questions will give you a sense of whether or not you could work comfortably with a particular Boston plumber. Below are some questions to ask: Questions about the Plumber How long have you been a plumber? Were you formally trained or did you learn through an apprenticeship? Do you belong to any professional associations? Are you licensed and registered with the state of Massachusetts? Are you insured? Do you have any references in Boston that I can contact? Questions about Your Plumber’s Work Do you give written warranties? Will this project require a permit? Can you estimate how long this will take? Will you provide options for different materials? Interview Question for References Were you happy with the plumbing project? Was the job completed on time? Were there any unexpected expenses? Would you use this Boston plumber again? Would you recommend this plumber? Read more: https://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Checklist-Recommended-Questions-to-Ask-a-Plumber.13001.html#ixzz1qu0r8PH1 f you are looking for a professional plumber in the Greater Boston Area, then call 1-800-431-5660 or complete our estimate request form.
A French Drain May be the Just the Reme′de
Excess water in your Boston yard can be a pain. Having your basement flood every time you get a heavy rain can be even worse. Inadequate yard draining can keep you from your chores, from enjoying your lawn, or it can even wear away your Boston home’s foundation, causing structural damage. These problems may seem ubiquitous and largely unsolvable, but the reality is a simple landscape installation can dry out your lawn and protect your foundation. A French drain is a simple trench drain that siphons water away from the more important and heavily used areas of your yard. It’s a home improvement gem in that it’s a simple, economical installation that can reap huge benefits. Why This is Happening to You What can be particularly frustrating is when your yard is overrun with water while your neighbor’s yard is just fine. There are several contributing factors to inadequate drainage and some of them may apply to your yard but not your neighbor’s. The two biggest factors are your lawn’s soil content and its lack of contour. When water enters your lawn it sinks into the soil and displaces the air, pushing it up. Heavy, compacted clay may contain a significantly less amount of air to displace, causing water to crest above the surface of your lawn much more easily. […]
Nothing Silly About Plumber’s Putty
Plumber’s putty is a substance used to make watertight seals between pipes and countertops. It will remain soft for a long while after it is used. This characteristic makes plumber’s putty ideal for seals you will need to reverse. Because it does stay soft for such an extended amount of time, you shouldn’t use plumber’s putty on pipes that will experience any amount of water pressure; the seals will not hold up to such pressure. The putty is fairly easy to use and can be wiped away if you make a mess. Read below to discover common uses for plumber’s putty. Sinks You can use plumber’s putty around the rim of the sink to create a watertight barrier, but you should not use it if your Boston countertop is granite or another kind of stone. It is compatible with Formica countertops. If you form the seal correctly, no water will be able to seep into the area under the sink and create mold or water damage. In order to install the sink correctly, apply the soft plumber’s putty to the bottom of the sink and place, with pressure to the countertop. Some sinks come with clips meant for the bottom of the sink (under the countertop). The clips ensure that the proper amount of pressure is placed on the […]
No More Stinky Sink
Even though the garbage disposal is designed to pulverize and remove kitchen waste from food products, food particles often become trapped in the nooks and crannies of the disposal and drainpipe. This provides the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow and create unpleasant odors, as well as unhealthy spores – nothing you want in your Boston home. At first, the odors may not be noticeable. However, given enough time and lack of cleaning, the unpleasant odors may become stronger as the bacteria and mold continue to grow. Cleaning the garbage disposal at least once a week with one of the following methods will help to keep it free of nasty bacteria and unsightly mold. Tip: When cleaning your dishes use detergents that break up grease and use hot water. Remember that kitchen grease will harden in your drains and retain odors. Put as little grease down your sink as possible. And always run water while running your garbage disposal to help keep it clear and clean. Baking Soda and Vinegar Pour one half cup of baking soda down the kitchen drain. Carefully pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain on top of the baking soda. Place the drain stopper in the sink to close off the drain. If you have a double sink, you should do […]
Why Pick Pex Plastic Plumbing Pipe?
One of the most widely used and cost effective new plumbing solutions to hit the market in decades is pex plumbing. Pex tubing is plastic plumbing pipe that is perfect for residential use. It’s easy to install, cheaper than traditional copper plumbing, and has a great track record when it comes to performance. It is presently one of the most commonly used plumbing materials in new home building, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for a functional, cost effective, solution to replacing or installing plumbing in your Boston home. Pex Tubing is the Best Buy on the Market Perhaps the greatest draw to using pex pipe for your plumbing needs is cost. From materials right on down to installation, it is hands down the most cost effective plumbing an Boston homeowner can buy. It’s cheaper from the get go from a materials standpoint, and because it can be installed in longer, flexible, lines, using less fittings, you’ll also save on the extra fixtures and fittings that copper plumbing requires. And when it comes to installation, there is no comparison. The flexibility, light weight, and easy fitting of pex tubing drastically cuts down on the time it takes to re-plumb a house, or install it in a new home build, translating into big savings on labor costs. Top to […]
