Ignoring those subtle noises can turn minor issues into major expenses. If there is a problem with your unit, it's better to see it sooner so you can call a professional to fix your air conditioner immediately. To make things easier for you, here are common sounds your system could make and what they might mean:</SPAN><BR/></DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV><B>Whistling </B></DIV> <DIV>Usually, a hissing or whistling noise coming from an AC isn't that serious. But if it's persistent and lasts more than a few seconds, then it could be a refrigerant leak. </DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>This can worsen over time if left unchecked and not fixed immediately. The hissing will intensify, and your unit's overall efficiency will certainly decline. If you suspect that you're dealing with this kind of problem, turn off your unit immediately and wait for it to be repaired by a professional. </DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV><B>Buzzing </B></DIV> <DIV>This kind of noise may signal loose fan blades or a faulty fan motor in your outdoor condenser unit. These can be easily fixed, but sometimes, buzzing noises can also mean that your unit has electrical problems. This is a usual issue with older AC units.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>Although this doesn't typically affect your unit's efficiency, it can still be a fire hazard. So, if you notice a buzzing sound coming from your unit, turn it off and unplug it from the socket to prevent electricity from going through.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV><B>Grinding </B></DIV> <DIV>Unusual grinding noises coming from appliances and other mechanical products are surely a bad sign. If you hear that from your car engine, you'll bring it immediately to the auto repair shop to have it checked so you can avoid an accident. It's best to do the same thing when there are metallic grinding sounds in your AC.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>One of the most common causes of this is a loose blower fan rubbing against other components inside. This is a minor problem that can be resolved by a technician. </DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>These are just a few common telltale noises that can be signs of mechanical or electrical issues with your AC. If you suspect that you're currently dealing with any of these, it's best to schedule a house visit from a professional technician so they can <A href="/ac-repair" runtime_url="/ac-repair">fix your air conditioner</A>. Call Joe Rushing Plumbing today to get the best services you need.
Water damage may not be immediately apparent, so emergencies can take you by surprise. When that happens, seek professional water damage restoration immediately. In the meantime, here are some things you should and should not do when handling water damage:</DIV> <DIV class="u_1630395092 dmNewParagraph" data-dmtmpl="true" data-element-type="paragraph" id="1630395092" data-uialign="center" style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block;"><B>1. Stabilize the Situation</B> <DIV>The first step is to stabilize the area around the leak. Move valuables out of the area and then bring out a bucket and tarp to catch and contain water that's built up behind the ceiling.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>Chances are, your ceiling covering is drywall, which will absorb or disperse water. You're better off controlling water coming through the ceiling. Do this by creating a small hole at the center of the leak using an awl, screwdriver, or any similar object. By doing this, the water will pass through that controlled opening and gather into your bucket.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV><B>2. Dry Out the Place As Much Water As Possible</B></DIV> <DIV>When addressing water damage, drying out the area as much as possible is a crucial step. If a burst pipe led to the situation, shut off the water source to prevent any more water from coming inside the property.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>Try to accelerate the drying process by opening doors and windows, using dehumidifiers to remove moisture, and working with fans to move the air around. You can use a mop and pail or some rags to get the excess water out, but never use a regular vacuum cleaner to do the job. Water damage professionals have heavy-duty wet-dry vacuum models that perform the task safely and more efficiently.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV><B>3. Don't Stay in the Area as Much as Possible</B></DIV> <DIV>After you've stabilized the situation and done what you've can, just wait for the water damage professionals and stay away from the area as much as possible. Water is always a slip and fall hazard, causing serious injuries in some cases. And remember that the water has most likely weakened the structure of your house, especially the ceiling and supporting walls. If they are compromised, these parts may collapse anytime.</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV><B>4. Don't Turn Off the Breaker Box in Standing Water</B></DIV> <DIV>Don't ever attempt to turn off the power from the breaker box or main switch if you have to stand in the water to do so as a result of a flood or an emergency plumbing issue. As the safety rule goes, “electricity and water don't mix.”</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>Instead, phone your local electric utility company to shut off power from the meter. And while you're at it, don't try using plugged appliances, touch switches, fuses, outlets, and electrical wires, especially when you're wet or are standing in water.</DIV> </DIV> <DIV class="u_1243020392 dmNewParagraph" data-dmtmpl="true" data-element-type="paragraph" id="1243020392" data-uialign="center" style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block;"><B>Plumbers to the Rescue!</B></DIV> <DIV class="u_1422641366 dmNewParagraph" data-dmtmpl="true" data-element-type="paragraph" id="1422641366" data-uialign="center" style="transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block;">While there are situations you can handle on your own, there are those where you need extra assistance. At Joe Rushing Plumbing, we are here to help with our water damage restoration services. We provide clients in Lubbock, Texas solutions to their plumbing and water damage issues. Book with us today to schedule an appointment.
Pipe relining is a relatively modern, non-invasive maintenance procedure that professional plumbers use to repair structural damage in piping interiors. In case you need more reasons to consider relining your pipes instead of replacing them, here are some of the former's advantages:</DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <DIV><B style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"> • Cheaper</B></DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Replacing sewer pipes can be expensive, especially since it involves digging, excavation, and reinstatement of surface furnishes. With pipe relining, there won't be a need to dig up anything. You'll also notice that the finished relined pipes work exactly the same as the new ones.</SPAN></DIV> <DIV></DIV> </BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <DIV> <DIV><B>• Faster</B></DIV> </DIV> </BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <DIV>The time it takes to replace a sewer pipe depends on its location, damage, and size. But most of the time, it can take one to three days. Since relining doesn't involve excavations, it's a faster method compared to replacement.</DIV> </BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <DIV><B>• Less Damage to the Landscape</B></DIV> </BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <DIV>As mentioned, there's no need to dig anything when relining pipes. This means there would be less damage to your backyard's landscaping. In most cases, there's little to no cleanup when the job is complete.</DIV> </BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <DIV><B>• Effective and Long Lasting</B></DIV> </BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"> <DIV>Relining and replacing pipes are both effective methods for fixing damaged pipes. Most plumbers or installers typically use new liners that are seamless and don't rust and corrode. In addition, relined pipes are long-lasting. Their life expectancy ranges from 20 to 50 years.</DIV> </BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV></DIV> <DIV><B>Get in Touch With Joe Rushing Plumbing Today!</B></DIV> <DIV>Joe Rushing Plumbing is a <A href="https://www.joerushing.com/perma-liner" runtime_url="https://www.joerushing.com/perma-liner">Certified Perma-Liner Installer</A>. We have a team of professionals who are experts on pipe lining materials, methods, and techniques. We'll ensure a successful and permanent solution to your pipe problems. </DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>Since we are using the Perma-Liner™ installation process, excavation is no longer necessary to replace your pipes. That said, you can expect that we can finish the job in just one day. </DIV> <DIV><BR/></DIV> <DIV>For questions or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at 806-763-3988. We're open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact us now!
Older homes are more susceptible to slab leaks since their pipes are usually made from copper or cast iron. A slight change in the water's pH level can cause this material to corrode over time. Sometimes, expansive soil shifts can cause the material to break. Once this happens, the water will seep into the ground above and make its way to your floor's surface. If this isn't fixed immediately, it can badly damage your flooring, especially if it's made of wood.</SPAN> </SPAN></P><P></P><P class="text-align-left" style="line-height: 1.5;"><SPAN class="" style="display: initial;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">Unlike a clogged toilet, a</SPAN> </SPAN><A href="https://www.joerushing.com/newpage" runtime_url="https://www.joerushing.com/newpage" type="url" style="display: initial;">slab leak</A><SPAN class="" style="display: initial;"> <SPAN style="display: initial;">isn't a common plumbing problem. This is why many homeowners have a lot of trouble trying to fix it or finding a quick and temporary solution. But don't worry, after reading this, you'll have a good idea of how to approach this kind of issue.</SPAN></SPAN></P><P></P> <H4 class="m-size-14 size-18"><SPAN style="font-family: Poppins; display: initial;" class="m-font-size-14 font-size-18">Trenchless Repairs</SPAN></H4> <P><SPAN class="" style="display: initial;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">The first go-to solution for a slab leak is a trenchless repair. It's can save you a lot of time and money since it requires little digging because of the efficient way everything is done. Before plumbers start any repair, they'll conduct a camera inspection inside the pipes to locate the damage.</SPAN> </SPAN></P><P></P><P><SPAN class="" style="display: initial;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">Once they find the damage, your plumbers will begin to clean your old pipe by flushing impurities out with a hydro-jetter. A flexible epoxy-saturated tube will then be inserted directly into your existing pipes. It will eventually harden to form a structural line to create a new pipe within the old one.</SPAN> </SPAN></P><P></P> <H4 class="m-size-14 size-18"><SPAN style="font-family: Poppins; display: initial;" class="m-font-size-14 font-size-18">Pipe Repiping</SPAN><SPAN style="display: initial;"> </SPAN></H4> <P><SPAN class="" style="display: initial;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">Sometimes repairs won't do the job due to extensive damage to multiple pipes. So, instead of doing this, plumbers will recommend a repiping project on your property. It's essentially replacing your older waterlines or sewer drain lines with new ones. Many opt to cover the entire plumbing system in the property since it can address the root cause of any recurring plumbing problem in your house.</SPAN> </SPAN></P><P></P><P><SPAN class="" style="display: initial;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">Depending on the size of the project, repiping can take anywhere from 3-5 days. During the process, the plumbers will make strategic cuts in your drywall and the floor to completely replace old pipes and install new ones. After that, they'll patch the parts they removed to erase any signs of alteration.</SPAN> </SPAN></P><P></P><P class="text-align-left" style="line-height: 1.5;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">If you start to notice puddles of water constantly appearing without reason, low water pressure, and high water bills recently, you might have a slab leak problem. Get in touch with Joe Rushing Plumbing today and schedule a plumbing inspection to fix this issue immediately.
That said, when you have old pipes and fixtures, they'll eventually wear out. When you notice some</SPAN> </SPAN><A href="https://www.joerushing.com/" runtime_url="https://www.joerushing.com/" type="url" style="display: initial;">common plumbing issues</A><SPAN class="" style="display: initial;"> <SPAN style="display: initial;">beginning to show up, don't ignore them. They look like simple nuisances, but they cause more serious problems if not fixed immediately.</SPAN></SPAN></P><P class="text-align-left" style="line-height: 1.5;"></P><P class="text-align-left" style="line-height: 1.5;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">You can quickly repair most of them in no time. You don't need expensive equipment, just some common house tools and a bit of elbow grease. So, here are three examples of common issues people have at home and ways to fix them:</SPAN></P><P></P> <H4 class="m-size-14 size-18"><SPAN style="display: initial; font-family: Poppins;" class="font-size-18 m-font-size-14">Dripping Faucets</SPAN></H4> <P class="text-align-left" style="line-height: 1.5;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">Broken O-rings are the common culprits when it comes to these kinds of plumbing problems. They're small discs attached to your faucet's stem that hold the handle in place. They wear out over time due to friction causing them to not seal the fixture properly.</SPAN></P><P class="text-align-left" style="line-height: 1.5;"></P><P class="text-align-left" style="line-height: 1.5;"><SPAN style="display: initial;">You can find replacement O-rings at your local hardware store. Before you replace them, turn the water off through the shutoff valve below your sink first. Then get a flathead screwdriver to remove the cap on the handle. The removed cap lets you remove the screws, disassemble the faucet's handle or knob and replace the O-rings.</SPAN></P><P></P> <H4 class="m-size-14 size-18"><SPAN style="display: initial; font-family: Poppins;" class="font-size-18 m-font-size-14">Clogged Toilets</SPAN></H4> <P><SPAN style="display: initial;">Toilet clogs tend to happen at the most inconvenient times, specifically when you have something important to do. So, you must know a thing or two to unclog your toilet more easily.</SPAN></P><P></P><P><SPAN style="display: initial;">The most straightforward way to do it is to plunge the bowl to help the water go down. Any plunger will do, but it's best to have one with a fold-out flange for better results. Also, try to run the rubber part under hot water before use to soften it up.</SPAN></P><P></P> <H4 class="m-size-14 size-18"><SPAN style="display: initial; font-family: Poppins;" class="font-size-18 m-font-size-14">Low Water Pressure</SPAN></H4> <P><SPAN style="display: initial;">Low water pressure is caused by broken or corroded pipes. However, it's just a problem with the water supply valve typically located outside the house, facing the street. Make sure that it's properly opened. Hopefully, doing so gets the water pressure back to normal.</SPAN></P><P></P><P><SPAN style="display: initial;">If the pressure's still low, then you're dealing with worn-out pipes. Call Joe Rushing Plumbing today to schedule a home visit and repair immediately. We also offer other services to help resolve common plumbing issues.