Using Drain–Drain Cleaning Chemicals in Plumbing Repair

When dealing with minor plumbing repairs, drain-cleaning chemicals are often used. They can certainly pose health hazards if misused, however, so it’s important that you are as informed as possible about their application and storage to be sure that no harm is done.

Many drain-cleaning chemicals and products not only contain bleach, but also have high pH levels which can burn your skin. They should always be stored properly, and especially kept out of the reach of young children at home.

Some of the strongest cleaners, commonly labeled as “industrial-strength,” actually have the potential to damage your pipes. If the pipes aren’t thoroughly washed-out, these chemicals can remain within them and cause serious corrosion. Some warning labels offer specific time-frames for how long the chemical/product should remain in the pipes, so always keep these warnings in mind if they are there.

Be careful when attempting to unclog a shower drain. If you use a chemical or cleaner and it does not work (the shower is still backed-up), it will create a dangerous mix of corrosive chemicals and dirty water that will pose serious health risks to anyone who uses the shower. In this case, professional plumbing repairs should certainly be sought.

Never plunge a clog after using drain-cleaning chemicals. Plunging can pull the cleaner back up through the drain, which can then get in your eyes or on your skin. This will also call for assistance from certified plumbing contractors, and you should inform them of the specific cleaner/product used so they can address the problem in the best-possible way.

A combination of baking soda and vinegar can often be a considerable alternative to hazardous chemicals for unclogging drains. This can be done in a few easy steps: pour some hot water down the drain, followed by (after a few minutes) a half-cup of baking soda, then a cup of vinegar, then another cup of hot water. Continue to flush the drain as needed and enjoy the results!

Contact us at (770) 861-2204 today!

Pipe Repair and Replacement: The Main Culprits  

One of the most unfortunate events in a homeowner’s life is when their plumbing becomes faulty.  From a leaky faucet, to bursting pipes, it is never a comfortable situation.  Pipe repair and replacement has become commonplace in the life of a house, and there are several different reasons why.

Age

Many homes constructed before the 1970’s used galvanized iron pipes.  Unlike copper pipes, these were coated in Zinc.  As the Zinc decayed, the pipes became rusted and corroded.  Whenever a pipe rusts, it causes discoloration in the water, a drop in pressure, and damage to all appliances that use water.  Furthermore, the use of caustic chemicals to treat clogs may speed up the process.  It is a myth that iron pipes are more reliable.  When installed properly, PVC pipes will work just fine as a replacement.

Noisy

A noisy pipe can be maddening and is sometimes known as a “water hammer.”  The noise is caused by several different things.  Vibrations can be drummed up when the water pressure is too high.  If the sound begins when the water is turned on, it generally means that the pipes are striking against something in a part of your home.  In many cases, the pipe is simply loose within its strap and can be easily secured.  If the leaky pipes are within a wall, however, you may have to look into a more difficult repair, or even replacement.   If the sounds only occur when the hot water is turned on, that generally means the water heater is set too high.

Leaky

Just as there are many reasons for noisy pipes, there is also a multitude of causes for a leaky one.  The problem can occur at the joint of the pipe or inside of a section.  The water drainage is generally caused when the PVC has deteriorated, the pipe has burst, or the joint has failed.  If it is in the joint, it can usually be fixed with a simple tightening up.  If it occurs in the section of the pipe, that portion will have to be replaced.  The repair is easier said than done, and is best left up to the professional plumbers.  For example: copper pipes must be sweat-soldered into place, which can be a dangerous task.  If the leak is manageable, a patch kit can be found at any local hardware store.

Frozen

Even for those who live in warm climates, knowing what to do when a pipe freezes can still help save that vacation home in Aspen.  The most cunning of all culprits and the reason for flooding many homes, is when the pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it expands and the pipes will literally burst.  This can cause massive flooding and water damage.  Even structural damage can occur, so it is a very serious issue.  To prevent this from happening, several steps can be taken.  Drain the pool and any sprinkler lines. Insulate all pipes in unheated areas, and in extremely cold periods, letting the water trickle from your faucet could save your pipes from freezing.

Repairing or replacing your pipes are the only solutions to the issues raised forth. Damaged plumbing can cause major problems with the rest of your home.  We are confident that we can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have with your project. If you’d like to know more about pipe repair and replacement, stop by our Braselton, GA location.

Contact us at (770) 861-2204 to schedule a personal consultation.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Remodeling your bathroom can be a strenuous process, but it need not be so difficult. Preparation is everything; here are a few quick tips to help you prepare and make each step as easy as possible.

First, be sure you have as many necessary supplies as you can. Larger materials such as special-order tiles or vanity tops may take time to be delivered, but you can gather most of the essential materials on your own.

Even if you have a good idea of what you want for your bathroom, keep all your options open; there is always a wide variety of centerpieces and countertops in many colors and sizes. Narrow down your choices, but continue looking for better options nevertheless. You just might find something more suitable than your original choice that you wouldn’t have found if you’d settled for your first choices immediately.

When remodeling or replacing your shower, always plan for storage within it for your razors, soap, shampoo, etc. There is no need to settle for cheap plastic hangers that will detract from your bathroom’s brand-new appearance; ceramic tiles can be installed in a corner of your shower, and are quite cheap at about ten dollars each.

Vinyl and flooring tile removal can be quite difficult, but there’s a quicker, easier way: when ripping up the floor covering, bring up the underlayment with it [after cutting it into small sections]. This will allow you to install new underlayment with a new clean surface and get rid of parts that have been damaged.

No matter what tips or tricks you may utilize, do not hesitate to call professional plumbers if any plumbing repairs seem beyond your reach, especially those pertaining to electricity or plumbing. Not only can costly mistakes be made by attempting repairs yourself, but there are also serious risks of injury when you are not properly trained to handle them. When in doubt, get in touch with your local plumbing contractors!

Contact us at (770) 861-2204 today!

Leaky Faucet

Drip. Drip. Drip. It’s a sound no homeowner wants to hear, the sound of a leaky faucet. Leaky faucets are more than just a simple annoyance just like leaky pipes, they can rack up increased water bills and just be downright irritating. Fortunately, a leaky faucet is a fairly minor repair. Assuming you can identify the type of faucet and get the necessary tools, you shouldn’t have much trouble fixing the faucet yourself.

Step 1: Shutoff the Water

Check underneath the sink until you find the valve that shuts off the water to the sink. The knob will be located along the pipes that run up to the handles on the faucet.

Step 2: Plug the Drain

Plug the drain with a sink plug or a rag before you begin the repair. Losing a washer or screw down the drain will add some serious headache to your repair.

Step 3: Determine the Faucet Type

Compression Faucets – have two screw handles that individually control hot and cold settings on the faucet

Ball Faucet – Contains a ball bearing in a central swiveling arm

Cartridge Faucet – Contains a cartridge and the handle often has a decorative cap of some kind.

Ceramic-disk Faucet – Contains a ceramic cylinder

Step 4: Remove Each Handle

To remove the handles pop off the cap and simply unscrew the handle. Simple as that.

Step 5: Remove the Nut

Underneath the sink you will find the stem, this sits on top of the O-ring and the O-ring sits on top of the seat washer. Seat washers are often made of rubber and they will wear out after awhile. This is often the fault responsible for a leaky faucet.

Step 6: Fix that Faucet

Now that you have the faucet disassembled, replace the O-rings and the seat washer and ensure that they have a tight fit. This should fix any minor leaks in the faucet!

If the faucet is still leaking, or you’d rather not deal with the headaches of fixing a faucet yourself, you can always call the expert plumbers at Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling LLC to fix the faucet for you. Our highly skilled plumbing contractors will have your faucet back in working order in no time!

Tips from the Experts at Paramount Plumbing

There’s an awful lot that a responsible homeowner can do to keep their plumbing in proper working order before they ever need to call a plumber. With a little know-how and some care, you can save yourself loads of money and make your life that much easier. Here are some tips for everyday plumbing health from the experts at Paramount Plumbing:

Frozen Pipes: Avoid frozen pipes by insulating your pipes and protecting them from the elements by repairing holes in your home’s insulation. If a pipe does freeze, be sure to call a plumber quickly before it bursts and costs you loads of additional money.

Don’t Pay in Advance: Don’t pay a plumber in full before a project begins. If a plumber requests a reasonable down payment, that is fine, just don’t pay for the whole project before they’ve even begun. Responsible plumbers will get the job done, do excellent work, and only then request payment.

Mind the Drain: Don’t put fat, grease and other oils into your drains. These materials will harden in your pipes and lead quickly to clogs. Dispose of oils in the garbage can, or responsibly in another way.

Orange Alert: If your pretty white fixtures are taking on an orange or pink discoloration it means that your water contains too much iron. This can be remedied using a water softener, or you can consult the experts at Paramount Plumbing to solve the problem.

Keep Pipes Clean: Believe it or not, baking soda and vinegar can be used to clear up and prevent clogging in bathroom drains. Simply pour the two materials in the drain and then plug the drain with a cloth. Wait a few minutes and then follow the mixture with boiling water.

In the case that these preventative measures aren’t enough and you have a serious plumbing problem, you know who to call – the pros at Paramount Plumbing and Heating Cooling LLC.

Contact Us at 770-861-2204 Today!

Water Heater Installation

Water heater installation can be tricky and there are a number of different types of water heaters out there so trying to install one on your own might be a little trickier than you think. There are a number of questions that you need to answer before you are able to find out how to install a water heater. Some of the basic questions would be:

• What are the measurements of the area for the water heater?
• Are you using gas or electric?
• Do you need to convert the water heater

Understanding what you need to figure out before you are able to start a water heater installation will help you to determine the best water heater that you should have installed. You will want to make sure that your new water heater is able to fit in the same spot that your old water heater was located. There are many times that people will buy a great new water heater and find that it will not fit in their space they have for it.

You will need to know what form of energy that you are using to help determine what type of water heater you need to be looking at. Without an expert to help it is hard to convert gas to electric or vice versa. Buying the same type of energy source water heater will help you quickly install the new one.

There are some instances where you might need to convert the gas water heater to an electric water heater and vice versa. You will want to make sure that you have someone that is experienced in this type of work to ensure that you are not endangering yourself or anyone else.

For those that are looking for help with a water heater installation feel free to call Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling at (770) 861-2204.

Basement Bath Remodel in Suwanee, Georgia

At Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling LLC no job is too big or too small. We pride ourselves on many of the total remodeling jobs we have done in the Suwanee area in the past, and we look forward to doing a great deal more excellent work in the future.

One of the most difficult jobs a homeowner can undertake is a full remodel of an existing bathroom. Remodeling an entire room means employing a wide variety of skills in order to change nearly everything about a room. This means that you will need to be well-versed in everything from painting to plumbing, and much more.

Many people will choose to hire a professional instead of dealing with a difficult remodel themselves. That’s where Paramount Plumbing comes in. We have happily served the Suwanee area for many years.

Located about 30 miles north of Atlanta, Suwanee is a town that’s proud of their history. Known for its pleasant parks, stellar events, and groundbreaking development, Suwanee is the place to see when you’re in Georgia. The town is full of so many friendly and open people that it makes it our pleasure to serve them. So, if you’re in the Suwanee area and have a question about a bathroom remodel, just call Paramount Plumbing.

A great deal goes into the planning stages of a remodel. First of all, you’re going to need to choose a style that you’d like your remodel to center around. There are dozens of books and hundreds of Internet resources at your disposal for this. You can even visit or hire an interior decorator to help you through the design and decorating process.

The next step in the process will be choosing materials. Bathrooms are supposed to be very comfortable and personal places, so no material is too luxurious or too strange for a bathroom. A lot will depend on where the bathroom is located: a master bath may be much more extravagant than one located off of the kitchen, for example.

If you’re going to be making major changes to the bathroom you will also need to plan a layout. This can be one of the more challenging and technical aspects of remodeling a bathroom. You must take into consideration the location of existing plumbing, or be willing to pay a significant price to reroute the plumbing to suit your new layout. Professional plumbers – such as those at Paramount Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC – are normally happy to help during this phase, and even assist in the more extensive rerouting of pipes and connections.

One important thing to remember when designing a remodeled bathroom is not to be shy when discussing things with a designer. Bathrooms are extremely personal and intimate spaces, so don’t shy away from discussing a separate room for the toilet, or dual showerheads or sinks. Just remember, they are there to help and make you a satisfied customer.

Now comes the fun part: the extra(vagant) details. The bathroom is your personal retreat, a place of calm and quiet relaxation, so don’t skimp on the remodel. Don’t be afraid of things like chandeliers over a luxurious Jacuzzi, or warming drawers for towels, or even a pass-through fireplace to add a little atmosphere and a lot of warmth. The sky is the limit when it comes to remodeling a bathroom!

Many modern bathroom remodels, especially master baths, are even installing sound systems and televisions. Flat screen TVs are all the rage these days, and some people are even choosing to install in-mirror TVs that are only visible when turned on. These modern amenities make a bathroom a truly comfortable and entertaining place to relax and get away from it all.

So, when you start planning for your next bathroom remodel just remember that the only limit is your imagination and your budget. If you are in the Suwanee area and need any advice or assistance, please call the experts at Paramount Plumbing. You can build a comfortable and personal space that is quaint and cozy or palatial and opulent – the beauty of a remodel is that it’s all up to you.

Sugar Hill, Georgia Garbage Disposal Replacement

At Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling LLC we pride ourselves on being the best around when it comes to garbage disposal replacement.

Garbage disposals are somewhat frightening little appliances. They make a lot of noise, and contain a series of rapidly moving blades that slice and dice with ease. The role of the garbage disposal puts a great deal of stress on the unit, and they eventually need to be replaced. Garbage disposal maintenance and replacement can be a somewhat scary proposition, and many people choose to call an expert – such as Buford’s own Paramount Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC – to do it for them.

We are happy to have offered our services to the people of Sugar Hill for many years.

Sugar Hill has been a sweet place to live ever since its beginnings. Reportedly, the town got its name when a large shipment of sugar spilled and the area became known as “the sugar hill,” and later just Sugar Hill. Sugar Hill is the fourth largest city in Georgia and important city in the state. Full of hard-working and friendly people, Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling LLC is proud to service the Sugar Hill area.

However, if you choose to replace your garbage disposal yourself you will first need to gather up the required tools and parts and ensure that the fuse is flipped off in your circuit breaker box. Next you must get under the sink and remove the drain arm and tube that are connected to the unit. Then, remove the old disposal unit, mounting assembly and all associated hardware (unless you’re replacing the old unit with an identical model).

Next comes the moment you’ve been waiting for: installing the new unit. First, install the new unit’s hardware. Then, loosely attach the mounting ring around the drain of your sink. Then, prepare the new unit for installation, and also prepare any necessary drainage routes you might be using for the new unit.

Finally, screw the unit into place and attach the electrical wires by splicing white to white and black to black. If everything went off without a hitch, flip the breaker back on and try out your new disposal.

If you’re not the kind of person who likes to spend long hours wedged into a ball underneath your sink, you can always call a professional to do the job for you. If you are in the Sugar Hill area, call the experts at Paramount Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC and they’ll have a new unit installed in no time – saving you the hassle and frustration of dealing with the installation yourself!

Toilet Repair & Replacement in Flowery Branch, Georgia

At Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling LLC, we take toilet repair & replacement in Flowery Branch, Georgia seriously.  Toilets are usually fairly durable, long-lasting appliances. However, with the daily wear and tear that comes from being the “family throne,” a toilet will eventually need to be repaired, and even replaced.

Flowery Branch is well known in Georgia for having a pretty name and an even prettier downtown. Full of historic buildings from the 1800s, Flowery Branch has big city amenities with a small town feel. Residents and visitors alike delight in the quaintness of downtown, and the beauty of nearby Lake Lanier. Flowery Branch is also home to the Atlanta Falcons. A city full of friendly and neighborly residents, Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling LLC is proud to serve the people of Flowery Branch, for all of their toilet repair & replacement needs.

If and when you find yourself in a situation where your toilet needs extensive repairs, or even needs to be replaced entirely, there are a few options. First, you can call a professional to do the job – like those at Paramount Plumbing Heating Cooling LLC – and save yourself the headache and hassle of dealing with the job yourself. However, if you’re more of a DIY kind of person you can try and tackle the job yourself. Here’s how.

The first step in any project should be planning. The average toilet installation costs between $100-250 including the toilet itself. The tools you will need are really nothing unusual or spectacular, normally all you need is a solid wrench set and some sturdy pliers.

Before you unscrew or touch anything you first need to turn off the water supply by closing the valve behind the toilet. Step one, finished. No problem.

Next you will need to remove the caps and nuts that secure the toilet to the floor. Do this by using your needle nose pliers to hold the bolt while you remove the nut with an open-ended wrench.

Now that the toilet is disconnected from the floor, you must disconnect it from the water supply. Do this by disconnecting the toilet supply tube from the toilet stop. Then you can gently rock the toilet back and forth off of the flange (remove the tank first if you’re working alone). To prevent sewer gases from entering your home, ensure that you have stuffed the drain opening closed with a rag.

Next scrape the wax off of the flange and inspect it for cracks. If it looks damaged you will have to replace it.

Now that you’ve got the flange cleaned or replaced, it’s time to install the new bolts and wax seal. Install the new bolts in the flange with the bolts pointing up. Then, remove the rag from the drain and place the wax seal on the flange. Squeeze enough wax onto the bolts to secure them upright.

It’s time to attach the tank. First, set the tank seal in place. Then, place the tank on the bowl. Drop the tank onto the bolts and affix the bolts by tightening them until the tank no longer wobbles. Be careful not to over-tighten the bolts, as you may crack the fragile porcelain and ruin your brand new toilet!

Finally, it’s time to install your new toilet. Slowly lower the toilet assembly onto the wax seal, ensuring that the bolts line up with the mounting holes in the bowl. Once the toilet is in place, tighten the bolts until the entire assembly no longer wobbles (no need to worry about cracking porcelain here). Then reconnect the toilet supply line to the tank.

Now all that’s left to do is fill the tank with water, adjust the level, check for leaks and attach the seat. Voila! Your brand new toilet is ready for action.

Installing a toilet yourself can be a fulfilling experience and a useful skill, but it’s not for everyone. For those that would rather avoid the hassle and save some time there are expert plumbers specializing in Toilet Repair & Replacement in Flowery Branch, Georgia ,such as Paramount Plumbing LLC, that would be happy to do the job for you. Just give them a call today!  (770) 861-2204

Water Heater Replacement in Buford, Georgia

Paramount Plumbing are the foremost experts in water heater repair and replacement in the Buford area. Installing a water heater is not a job for the inexperienced or the faint of heart. It can take several hours, and the list of tools and materials required is very extensive. For this reason, many homeowners in the Buford area choose to have expert professionals – such as those at Paramount Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC – install their new water heaters for them.

The residents of Buford have a long history of ingenuity and resourcefulness dating back to the beginning of the town’s legendary leather manufacturers – so we wouldn’t be surprised if some of them want to attempt this project themselves!

Even with proper maintenance provided by a trained professional, a water heater will eventually need to be replaced. There are two major types of water heaters available: gas and electric. Gas water heaters cost about half as much to operate as electric heaters and, even though they are more expensive up front, they can offset their initial costs in as little as one year.

When installing a gas water heater be sure that you have adequate venting to carry away the harmful byproducts of the installation. Nearly all modern homes are airtight, and carbon monoxide can be fatal, so adequate ventilation is a must. If you suspect that ventilation is inadequate, immediately call your local Buford utility expert, Paramount Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC.

While installing a water heater yourself is not an impossible job, it can be very difficult for the inexperienced. The vast majority of people choose to allow a professional to do it for them. Paramount Plumbing is proud to offer this service, and many others, to the people of Buford. If you need a water heater installed or replaced, avoid the headache and just call Paramount Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC.