Author Archives: beisplumbing

Hiring the right plumbing contractors can make all the difference when it comes to getting the job done efficiently and correctly. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, a bathroom remodel, or a full plumbing overhaul, asking the right questions will help you find a trustworthy contractor. 

The last thing you want is to face issues down the line because of a poor hire.

Here are six important questions you should ask before committing to any plumbing contractors for your project.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

One of the first questions you should ask any plumbing contractor is whether they’re licensed and insured. A licensed contractor ensures they’ve met the necessary qualifications to work in your area, while insurance protects both you and the contractor in case of accidents. 

Working with uninsured contractors can leave you liable for any damages or injuries on the job.

2. How Much Experience Do You Have?

Plumbing is one of those trades where hands-on experience truly matters. Ask your contractor if they’ve handled similar projects before. 

Whether it’s installing a new water heater or fixing an older plumbing system, you want someone familiar with the task at hand. An experienced plumber will also be able to foresee any potential issues and address them before they become costly problems.

3. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

A reputable contractor should be able to provide references or point you to customer reviews. This is a great way to gauge their reliability and quality of work. 

Make sure to ask for references relevant to the type of plumbing job you’re hiring for, and take the time to read online reviews to see how past clients rate their service.

4. What Will This Job Cost?

Before any work begins, you’ll want a clear estimate of the costs involved. 

Be wary of any plumbing contractors who refuse to give a written estimate or provide a quote that seems too good to be true. Transparency in pricing is a key indicator of trustworthiness.

5. Do You Offer Warranties on Your Work?

A solid contractor will stand behind their work. Ask about any warranties they offer on both labor and materials. 

A good warranty can give you peace of mind, knowing that if anything goes wrong after the job is done, you won’t be stuck footing the bill for additional repairs.

6. How Will We Communicate During the Project?

Clear communication is essential when working with a contractor. Ask how they’ll keep you updated throughout the project—whether it’s a quick fix or a more involved job. 

Will they provide regular progress updates? How quickly can you expect a response if you have questions? 

Understanding their communication style upfront will help ensure everything runs smoothly and avoid any misunderstandings later on.

The Bottom Line

Hiring plumbing contractors doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking the right questions—about licensing, experience, pricing, and warranties—you can ensure you’re working with a professional who will get the job done right. 

Whether it’s a small repair or a major installation, doing your homework can save you from future headaches.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Beis Plumbing today for expert, reliable service you can trust—no matter the size or scope of your project.

No one wants to deal with toilet plumbing problems—they’re messy, inconvenient, and can sometimes turn into costly repairs. The good news? Most of these issues are totally avoidable with a little bit of care and attention. 

Whether you’re dealing with clogs, leaks, or sluggish flushing, a few simple habits can keep your toilet running smoothly. Here are seven practical tips to help you avoid common plumbing problems and save yourself from future headaches.

1. Only Flush Toilet Paper

It might sound obvious, but many plumbing problems start with flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, and hygiene products can cause major blockages. Even products labeled as “flushable” can build up over time and lead to clogs.

To keep your toilet plumbing in good shape, stick to flushing only toilet paper, which is designed to break down easily in water.

2. Keep an Eye Out For Leaks

Leaking toilets can waste a lot of water and lead to bigger plumbing problems. Check around the base of your toilet for signs of water, and listen for the sound of running water coming from the tank even when it hasn’t been flushed.

A constantly running toilet can be a sign of internal leaks. If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action before the issue gets worse.

3. Go Easy on the Toilet Paper

Even though toilet paper is safe to flush, using too much at once can cause clogs. Encourage family members and guests to use a reasonable amount of toilet paper per flush. 

If clogs are a recurring issue, consider switching to thinner toilet paper that breaks down more easily in water. This can help reduce the strain on your toilet plumbing.

4. Have a Plunger on Hand for Toilet Plumbing

A plunger is your first line of defense against minor clogs. Every bathroom in your home should have one handy. A quick plunge can often clear a small clog before it becomes a bigger problem. 

Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use the plunger properly to avoid pushing the clog deeper.

5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

While chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix for clogs, they can actually damage your pipes over time. These harsh chemicals eat away at your plumbing, leading to bigger problems later on.

Instead, try natural methods like hot water and baking soda, or use a plunger. If a clog persists, it’s time to call in a professional.

6. Watch Out for Tree Roots

If your home is older or surrounded by large trees, root systems can sometimes invade your underground pipes, causing blockages that affect your toilet. Keep an eye on your landscaping and be mindful of trees growing near your plumbing lines. 

If you suspect tree roots might be causing issues, a professional plumber can inspect and address the problem.

7. Be Careful with Tank Cleaners

It might seem like a good idea to toss one of those bleach tablets into the tank to keep things clean, but they can actually corrode your toilet’s internal components. Over time, that can lead to leaks and other damage.

Stick to cleaning the bowl with mild cleaners, and leave the tank alone.

Keep Your Toilet Plumbing Problem-Free

By following these simple tips, you can avoid most toilet plumbing headaches and keep your bathroom in top shape. 

If you ever run into a problem you can’t fix on your own, don’t hesitate to contact us at Beis Plumbing for a fast, reliable service you can trust.

Your water heater is easy to take for granted until something goes wrong. Maybe the water’s not as hot as it used to be, or the tank’s making strange noises—these are your water heater’s way of saying, “I need attention!” The good news is that if you catch these signs early, you can avoid a major headache later.

Here are seven clear signals that it’s time for a water heater repair.

1. Running Out of Hot Water

If your hot water keeps running out faster than usual, it may be more than just a busy morning. Sediment can build up in the tank over time, reducing its capacity. Or the heating element could wear down.

Either way, if you’re cutting your showers short because of cold water, it’s time to have your water heater checked.

2. Strange Noises from the Tank

Water heaters are supposed to be quiet, so if yours starts making strange noises—like popping, rumbling, or banging—that’s not a good sign. These sounds are usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. When water gets trapped under the sediment, it creates noise as it heats up.

Ignoring this can lead to bigger issues, so it’s best to get it looked at before the problem grows.

3. Rusty or Discolored Water

If you notice rusty or discolored water coming from your hot water tap, it could mean your water heater is corroding from the inside. Rust in your water is unpleasant and a sign that your water heater tanks are deteriorating. 

If left unchecked, it could start leaking, and at that point, a repair—or even replacement—will be necessary.

4. Leaks Around the Water Heater

A puddle around your water heater is never a good thing. Leaks can happen for a number of reasons, like a crack in the tank or a loose valve. Even a small leak can turn into a bigger problem quickly, causing water damage to your home. 

If you notice any water around the base of your heater, don’t wait—call a plumber for a water heater repair before it gets worse.

5. Inconsistent Water Temperatures

Does your water keep switching from hot to lukewarm without warning? That’s not normal. Inconsistent water temperatures could point to a faulty thermostat or heating element. 

If your water heater can’t keep a steady temperature, it’s a good idea to have a professional check it out before it fails completely.

6. Low Water Pressure

If your hot water pressure is weaker than usual, it could be caused by mineral deposits in the water heater. These deposits can clog up the system and reduce the water flow. 

Low pressure is frustrating, but a water heater repair can usually fix this by flushing out the buildup and restoring proper flow.

7. Age

While it’s not immediately obvious, like leaks or strange noises, the age of your water heater matters. Most water heaters last around eight to 12 years. If yours is getting up there in age, you’re more likely to experience breakdowns or inefficiency.

Regular maintenance can help extend its life, but if you’re facing frequent issues, it might be time for a repair or even a replacement.

Keeping Your Water Heater Running Smoothly

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s better to address the problem sooner rather than later. Tackling issues early can save you from a costly replacement and keep your home’s hot water flowing reliably. 

For expert water heater repair, contact us at Beis Plumbing today. We’ll get your system back in shape and running smoothly in no time.

Tankless water heaters are amazing for supplying your home with on-demand hot water. But just like any other appliance, they need a bit of regular maintenance to stay in top shape. 

Following a few simple tips, you can avoid surprise issues and the hassle of a tankless water heater repair—keeping it running smoothly for years to come.

Here are some easy ways to maintain your tankless water heater.

1. Flush the System Regularly

Mineral buildup is the number one enemy of tankless water heaters. Over time, minerals like calcium can settle in the system, affecting performance and damaging parts. Flushing your tankless water heater every 6 to 12 months (especially if you have hard water) can help prevent this.

Many homeowners can do it themselves with the help of the manufacturer’s instructions, but a plumber can also do the job quickly and safely.

2. Check the Inlet Filter

Your water heater’s inlet filter helps keep debris from entering the unit, but it can get clogged over time. Checking and cleaning this filter periodically is an easy way to keep the system running smoothly.

A clean filter means better water flow and less chance of needing a tankless water heater repair due to blockages.

3. Use a Water Softener if You Have Hard Water

If you live in an area with hard water, your tankless water heater will benefit from a water softener. Hard water leads to more mineral buildup, which can cause efficiency issues and wear down the heater.

Installing a water softener can significantly reduce scaling, helping your water heater last longer and work better.

4. Keep the Vent Area Clear

Tankless water heaters need proper ventilation to work safely. If the air intake or exhaust vents get blocked—by dust, leaves, or even items stored nearby—it can cause the unit to overheat. 

Check your vents regularly to make sure they’re clear, and keep the area around your heater free so it has room to “breathe.”

5. Set a Moderate Temperature

Setting your tankless water heater at a high temperature can put extra stress on the unit. Most manufacturers recommend keeping it around 120°F, which is hot enough for most household needs.

A lower temperature reduces the risk of mineral buildup and general wear, helping prevent tankless water heater repair down the line.

6. Schedule a Yearly Professional Checkup to Avoid Water Heater Repair

You can do a lot to keep your tankless water heater in good shape, but it’s still worth having a professional check it over once a year. A licensed plumber can look for any issues you might miss, clean hard-to-reach spots, and make sure everything’s running smoothly.

This small investment in annual maintenance can go a long way toward preventing big repair bills later.

Keep Your Tankless Water Heater Problem-Free

With just a little attention now and then, you can help your tankless water heater stay in peak condition and avoid the need for repairs. A few simple steps can make all the difference in keeping your system efficient, reliable, and ready for anything.

If you need help with maintenance or think it might be time for a tankless water heater repair, contact us at Beis Plumbing. We’re here to help keep your water heater running smoothly so you can enjoy hot water whenever you need it.