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Saint Louis Water Quality – What You Need to Know & How to Improve Your Home’s Water Quality

water quality

Have you ever noticed a funny taste or cloudy appearance in your tap water? Maybe you’ve seen white spots on your dishes or felt your skin dry out after a shower. These are all subtle signs that your water quality might not be as good as it should be. For St. Louis homeowners, understanding what’s in your water—and how to improve it—can make a big difference in your daily comfort and long-term health.

What’s in Saint Louis Water?

St. Louis draws most of its water from the Missouri River, and while it goes through rigorous treatment, it still contains minerals and trace chemicals that affect its quality. In fact, the city reports that our water is considered “moderately hard,” meaning it contains higher-than-average levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t harmful to drink, but they can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.

Chlorine is another common element in St. Louis water. It’s added to disinfect the supply, but it can leave an unpleasant taste or smell. While safe in regulated amounts, some residents choose to filter it out for peace of mind.

Signs of Poor Water Quality at Home

Wondering if your home’s water needs a second look? Here are a few indicators:

  • Foul or chemical-like taste
  • Cloudy or discolored water
  • Mineral deposits on faucets or glassware
  • Dry skin and brittle hair after bathing
  • Laundry that feels stiff or fades quickly
  • Increased wear-and-tear on water-using appliances

If any of these sound familiar, your home may benefit from a filtration or softening system.

How to Improve Your Home’s Water Quality

Improving water quality doesn’t have to be complicated. Depending on your needs, there are several effective solutions:

  • Water softeners: Ideal for tackling hard water by removing excess calcium and magnesium. This helps prevent scale buildup and extends the life of your plumbing and appliances.
  • Whole-home filtration systems: These remove chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants before they reach your taps, improving taste and smell across every fixture.
  • Under-sink filters: A great solution for drinking water if you’re only concerned about taste or chlorine.
  • Reverse osmosis systems: These offer high-level filtration and are popular for homes where water quality is a major concern.

At Beis Plumbing, we’ve installed water treatment systems all across the St. Louis area—from newer homes in Chesterfield to century-old properties in Shaw. Every home is different, which is why we recommend a quick water test to identify exactly what you’re dealing with.

Why It Matters

Better water doesn’t just taste better—it protects your plumbing, helps your skin and hair feel healthier, and saves you money on soap, detergent, and appliance repairs. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hard water reduces water heater efficiency by up to 24%, meaning poor water quality could be costing you more than you think (source).

Let’s Improve Your Water—Together

If you’re unsure about the water quality in your St. Louis home, don’t wait for it to become a problem. Beis Plumbing can test your water, walk you through your options, and install the right system to meet your needs. From softeners to whole-home filters, we’ll make sure your family gets the clean, comfortable water you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better water.

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Categories Plumber

Commercial Plumbing Repair Expectations and Tips

commercial plumbing repair

When plumbing problems pop up in a commercial setting, they can quickly turn from a small inconvenience into a major disruption. Whether it’s a leaking pipe in a restaurant kitchen or a clogged restroom drain in an office building, commercial plumbing repair requires quick action, specialized skill, and minimal downtime.

If you’re a business owner or property manager in St. Louis, knowing what to expect—and how to stay ahead of future issues—can save you stress, time, and money.

What to Expect from a Commercial Plumbing Repair

Unlike residential jobs, commercial plumbing systems are often larger, more complex, and used far more frequently. This means repairs require a technician who understands everything from code compliance to large-scale drainage systems.

Here’s what a typical repair process looks like:

  • Thorough inspection: A licensed plumber will assess the issue, often using video inspection or pressure testing to locate the root cause quickly.
  • Clear communication: You’ll receive a detailed explanation of the issue, the repair options, timelines, and pricing.
  • Minimal disruption: Reputable plumbers understand the importance of keeping your business running. Repairs are done efficiently, often outside of peak hours if needed.
  • Compliance and documentation: For many commercial buildings, repairs need to meet specific local and state codes. You’ll receive documentation confirming that the work was done to code.

At Beis Plumbing, we know how important it is to limit business interruption, especially for restaurants, retail spaces, and medical offices. We work fast, cleanly, and with the goal of getting you back to business ASAP.

Tips to Avoid Future Plumbing Issues

While some issues are hard to predict, regular maintenance and a few smart practices can go a long way in preventing emergency repairs. Consider these tips:

  • Schedule routine inspections: Preventative checks help identify wear-and-tear or buildup before it becomes a full-blown problem.
  • Educate staff: Employees should know what not to flush or pour down drains to avoid clogs.
  • Install strainers and grease traps: Especially important in food service environments, these reduce the risk of blockages.
  • Monitor water usage: Unusually high bills may signal a hidden leak.
  • Know your shut-off valves: In case of an emergency, knowing how to quickly stop the water supply can prevent major damage.

Local Insight for St. Louis Businesses

Older commercial buildings in neighborhoods like Downtown, Soulard, and The Grove often have aging plumbing systems that need extra attention. From outdated galvanized pipes to low water pressure, we’ve seen firsthand how regular maintenance can prevent unexpected repairs.

According to the EPA, 10% of commercial buildings have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, costing businesses hundreds of dollars each year (source).

Let Beis Plumbing Handle It

If your business is facing a plumbing issue—or you just want peace of mind—call the professionals at Beis Plumbing. We specialize in commercial plumbing repair throughout the St. Louis region, offering fast response times, honest communication, and reliable solutions.

Let us help you protect your investment and keep your operations flowing smoothly.

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Wondering How to Flush Your Water Heater? 5 Considerations First!

how to flush your water heater

If your hot water has started to run cold too quickly or you’re hearing odd rumbling noises from the tank, it might be time for a flush. Many homeowners search for how to flush your water heater, thinking it’s a quick DIY project—but before you grab a hose and start draining, there are a few things worth thinking through.

Flushing your water heater can extend its life, improve efficiency, and even lower energy costs. But doing it wrong can lead to leaks, burns, or damage to the unit. Here are five important considerations before you start the job.

1. What Type of Water Heater Do You Have?

The flushing process can vary depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater, or a newer tankless model. Traditional tank-style heaters need to be shut off, drained, and refilled carefully. With tankless systems, the process involves descaling the heat exchanger with a special pump setup—not quite the same as a simple flush.

Before doing anything, check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your unit.

2. What’s Your Water Quality Like?

In the St. Louis area, we deal with moderately hard water, which means minerals like calcium and magnesium build up over time in the bottom of your tank. This sediment acts like an insulator, making your water heater work harder to do its job. Homes in areas like St. Charles, Webster Groves, and Maryland Heights are especially prone to this.

If you’ve never flushed your water heater before, there could be a significant layer of sediment that needs professional attention.

3. Do You Have the Right Tools?

If you’re serious about learning how to flush your water heater, make sure you’ve got everything you need:

  • A standard garden hose
  • A nearby floor drain or exterior area to direct hot water
  • Protective gloves
  • A wrench or screwdriver (depending on your unit)
  • Patience—because the full process takes about an hour

Keep in mind, the water coming out of your heater is hot. You’ll need to let the tank cool a bit or proceed with caution.

4. Are You Comfortable Working Around Hot Water and Gas/Electric Connections?

This might seem like a simple chore, but safety matters. You’ll need to shut off power or gas, open and close valves in the correct order, and ensure pressure is safely released. One misstep could lead to scalding, electrical hazards, or water damage.

If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly okay to bring in a professional. It’s a relatively quick service visit for a plumber, and it gives you peace of mind knowing it’s done right.

5. How Long Has It Been Since Your Last Flush?

Experts recommend flushing your water heater once a year, especially in areas with hard water. If it’s been several years—or you’ve never done it—you may be dealing with more than just sediment. Corrosion or clogged drain valves can make flushing risky or ineffective.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regular maintenance like flushing can significantly improve your water heater’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

When in Doubt, Call in the Pros

Still not sure how to flush your water heater safely? Beis Plumbing is here to help. We serve homeowners all across St. Louis with fast, friendly service and expert care. Whether you need a quick flush or a full inspection, we’ll make sure your system is running as efficiently—and safely—as possible.

Give us a call today to schedule your water heater maintenance and keep those hot showers coming.

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Why Tankless Water Heater Maintenance is Crucial

tankless water heater maintenance

Tankless water heaters are a popular choice for St. Louis homeowners thanks to their energy efficiency, compact design, and endless hot water. But like any hardworking appliance, they need regular care to perform their best. If you want your system to last for years and run smoothly, tankless water heater maintenance should be a top priority—not an afterthought.

Why Maintenance Matters

Tankless systems heat water on demand, which puts constant pressure on their internal components. Over time, minerals in the water—especially in areas like St. Louis with moderate to hard water—can build up inside the unit. Without routine maintenance, this scale can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and even system failure.

Routine maintenance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for:

  • Maximizing energy efficiency
  • Extending the life of your unit
  • Preventing expensive repairs
  • Ensuring consistent hot water performance

What Happens Without It?

Neglecting tankless water heater maintenance often leads to one of the most common problems: scale buildup. Minerals like calcium and magnesium settle on the heat exchanger, which makes the system work harder and shortens its lifespan. In fact, if maintenance is skipped entirely, you may notice lukewarm water, longer wait times for hot water, or even error codes flashing on your unit.

Eventually, scale buildup can trigger overheating sensors and shut the system down altogether. At that point, you’re not just dealing with poor performance—you’re looking at potential repair or replacement costs.

How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance?

Most manufacturers recommend a professional service once a year, especially in regions with hard water. In the St. Louis area, where many homes rely on municipal water with moderate mineral content, annual descaling and flushing is a smart preventative measure.

During a typical maintenance visit, a plumber will:

  • Flush the system to remove mineral buildup
  • Inspect the heat exchanger and internal components
  • Clean the inlet filter
  • Test for proper water flow and pressure
  • Check for any error codes or wear-and-tear

Regular service also helps maintain your warranty. Some manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to honor their coverage, so keeping up with it protects your investment.

Don’t DIY This One

While it’s tempting to flush the system yourself using vinegar or a descaling kit, professional maintenance ensures everything is done safely and thoroughly. An experienced plumber can spot potential issues early, before they lead to breakdowns or costly fixes.

A Local Reminder for St. Louis Homeowners

Homes in St. Louis County, especially those in areas like Ballwin, Manchester, or Florissant, may have slightly harder water than others. That means more mineral buildup over time, making tankless water heater maintenance even more important.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes with properly maintained tankless water heaters can save up to 34% on energy costs compared to traditional storage tank models (source).

Keep Your Hot Water Flowing

If it’s been over a year since your last service—or if you’ve never had one—now is the perfect time to schedule tankless water heater maintenance. At Beis Plumbing, we specialize in keeping your system running like new with honest, expert care.

Give us a call today to book your maintenance visit and keep the hot water flowing all year long.

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7 Signs That Your Under Sink Plumbing Needs Attention

under sink plumbing

The space under your sink might not be something you check every day, but what’s happening down there can impact your entire kitchen or bathroom. Whether it’s a slow leak, strange smell, or unexplained puddle, your under sink plumbing could be waving a red flag.

Here are seven signs it might be time to take a closer look—and call in a professional before a small issue becomes a big mess.

1. Persistent Odors

A musty or rotten smell under the sink often signals standing water or mold growth. Leaks in drain pipes or supply lines can trap moisture, leading to mildew and unpleasant odors. If you’re constantly lighting candles or spraying air freshener around the sink, it’s time to investigate.

2. Visible Water Damage

Stained cabinet walls, bubbling wood, or soft spots under cleaning supplies usually mean water has been leaking for some time. The longer it goes unnoticed, the more damage it can cause to both your plumbing and cabinetry.

3. Puddles or Drips

Even a small puddle is a sign of a leak. Check pipe joints, shutoff valves, and the P-trap for signs of corrosion or wear. If tightening connections doesn’t solve the issue, you may have a crack or loose fitting that needs replacement.

4. Mold or Mildew Growth

If you see black, green, or white fuzzy spots around pipes or on the cabinet walls, you’ve likely got a moisture problem. Mold can form in as little as 24 to 48 hours under the right conditions, according to the EPA.

5. Rusty or Corroded Pipes

Galvanized or older metal pipes can rust over time, especially in damp conditions. Corrosion weakens pipes and fittings, increasing the chances of a leak or break.

6. Slow Drainage

If your sink is draining slowly, it might not be a clog in the basin—it could be a buildup or blockage further down in your under sink plumbing. Hair, grease, or food particles often accumulate in the trap or pipe bends.

7. Unusual Sounds

Gurgling or bubbling noises from under the sink could mean there’s air in the pipes or a blockage forming. These sounds often accompany slow drainage and signal that something’s not flowing right.

Local Plumbing Tip for St. Louis Homeowners

In the St. Louis area, older homes—especially in neighborhoods like Maplewood, Tower Grove, or University City—may have outdated plumbing systems that are more prone to corrosion and leaks. Regular checks under your sink can help you spot early warning signs before they become costly repairs.

Time to Call in the Pros?

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s best not to wait. Water damage can escalate quickly, and what starts as a minor drip can become a major headache. At Beis Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—from leaking traps to full under-sink replacements—and we’re here to help with honest, efficient service across the St. Louis area.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your plumbing running smoothly.

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