Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

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Havertown, PA Plumbing Guide: Replacing Plumbing Components

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Our plumbing system works behind the scenes. We readily enjoy the stream of hot water coming out of the shower fixture high on the wall, or the washing machine unit that somehow fills up with water, but we don’t think about how our plumbing works. The truth is that a lot of hard work and design is responsible for the conveniences of our modern plumbing systems. But it won’t last forever and there may come a time when you have to replace some of your plumbing. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today for comprehensive plumbing services, from whole home repiping to water heater replacement.

Here are some examples of common parts of your plumbing you might need to replace:

  • Piping: You have piping throughout your home plumbing supply system, and you can expect it to be durable, provided it is taken care of and was installed properly, but nothing, not even copper, lasts forever. Temperature and pressure fluctuations, hard water, and simply general wear and tear on pipes and connections can cause multiple leaks and corrosion. It’s important to try and prevent systemic pipe failure so that you can avoid any water damage in your home. If your pipes frequently leak, have a plumber examine your system to see if you need pipe replacement.
  • Water heater: No matter what type of water heater you have, it will eventually need repair or replacement. If your tank storage water heater has turned your home water supply a rusty color, then it could mean that oxidization has started to rust the interior of your water heater. This can be not only hazardous to your water supply, but it can also lead to major water heater failure, which can mean a lot of hot water leaking into your home.
  • Fixtures: The fixtures that function as the intermediaries between you and your water supply are subject to wear and tear just like the rest of your plumbing components. Don’t let small faucet leaks increase your water bill. If you have a faucet that is constantly leaking or a toilet that keeps running, its important to get it repaired or replaced quickly. If you want to make your home more environmentally friendly, replacing your faucets, showerheads, and toliets with fixtures specially designed to be low-flow can have a big impact on how much water your home uses.

Keep an eye on your home plumbing system. When you need to replace any of your Havertown, PA home’s plumbing components, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today! 

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Springfield, PA Plumbing Tip: Pros and Cons of Copper Piping

Monday, April 15th, 2013

If you’re in need of plumbing replacement, you may be wondering what type of pipes your plumber will use. While copper piping has become the standard hard pipe in the plumbing industry, and has been used in plumbing applications for many years. It is only since the 1970s that plastic piping has offered a viable alternative to copper plumbing. In this post, we’d like to run you through the pros and cons of copper piping so that you and your plumber can make an informed decision about what’s right for your home and your plumbing requirements. For more information about copper piping, or to schedule a Springfield, PA plumbing service, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services today!

As a tried and tested standard of the plumbing industry, copper offers many pros, including:

  • Durability: While it’s ductile enough to be used for fittings and joints, copper is incredibly durable. In addition to its fire resistance, it is also corrosion resistant. Its rigidity allows for less supports when spanning distances, and it maintains alignment under pressurized conditions.
  • Malleability: Plumbers love copper because of its strength and malleability. Sweating copper pipes is one the basic techniques of the residential plumber.
  • Fire resistance: Copper has a high thermal rating, making it resistant to fires. For homeowners concerned with using fire retardant materials, copper makes an excellent choice.

That said, there are some potential cons to take into account, as well:

  • Cost: The major reason for the rise of alternative piping is cost. Copper piping is more expensive than plastic piping, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The latter is quickly becoming a standard in many residential applications for its strength and flexibility.
  • Metallic flavor: While it is minimal, copper piping may add a metallic flavor to your drinking water, which may be off-putting for some homeowners.

Remember to discuss your options with a plumbing professional in order to receive the most up-to-date information on piping. For Springfield, PA plumbing services, call the experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services today! 

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Common Problems with Plumbing in Havertown, PA

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Plumbing problems can not only be frustrating, stressful, and costly, they can also cause water damage. They can interfere with your lifestyle, and this can be especially problematic when you have children, or are entertaining guests. While not all homes are alike, there are some common problems with plumbing that arise from time to time, which should only be handled by a trained professional. Whether you have a leak, clog, collapsed sewer line, impure water, or poor water pressure, you can count on your local plumber to perform the job quickly and accurately. For plumbing in Havertown, PA, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today!

Let’s take a look at some common plumbing problems:

  • Clogged drains: This can be such a hassle. Because we rely so much on the ability of our wastewater system to dispose of any waste in our home quickly, we can often forget about it until we have a clogged drain. Hair, grease, and foreign objects tend to accumulate in our piping, and may form a solid wall within one of our pipes. While harsh chemicals that you can purchase in the stores are sometimes useful, they also deteriorate the pipes themselves, and can cause more damage than the clog itself.
  • Leaks: While basement flooding or a burst pipe are obvious leaks, which need no detailed explanation, there are other much more difficult-to-detect leaks that can arise from time to time, anywhere there is contained water. While copper and PVC are strong and should last for many years, pressure imbalances, improper installation, and just plain wear and tear may eventually take their toll and spring a leak.
  • Hard water: More than 85% of homes in America have hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, in addition to other trace minerals. While it is not necessary harmful to drink, it can damage your home plumbing. When hard water passes through your piping, it leaves behind mineral deposits that eventually accumulate. These can begin to impede the flow of water and this can seriously affect the balance the effectiveness and efficiency of your system. Consider installing a water treatment system if you have hard water.

For plumbing in Havertown, PA, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today! 

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How Trenchless Pipe Replacement Works in Springfield, PA

Monday, March 18th, 2013

When your sewer main or water line needs replacement, there’s often nothing more disconcerting to a homeowner than digging large trenches in your yard to replace a relatively small pipe. Rightfully so, but is there another way? Trenchless pipe replacement is a time and cost-saving technology that avoids extensive excavation on your Springfield, PA property. Far from having to remove large portions of sidewalk or trees, trenchless technology means less damage and disruption to your home. If you notice wet spots in your yard, or severe backflow in your home, it may be time to replace that sewer main or water line. For trenchless pipe replacement in Springfield, PA, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today!

Sewer or water line replacement used to require heavy equipment to excavate enough of the yard to make accessing the damaged pipe possible. Instead of digging up the entire area surrounding the length of the pipe, the trenchless team digs two access holes, one at either end of the pipe in need of replacement. Typically, video inspection is required to assess where the damage is as well as its extent. A hydraulic pump is set up at one end to provide the pressure necessary to pull a pipe liner, often fitted with a pipe-bursting attachment on its head if the pipe is collapsed.

If your pipe has a leak, crack, or is missing a section, the hydraulic pump pulls the pipe liner through the length of pipe. Once it is inflated, it released an epoxy cast, which seals a new pipe inside of the old one. The inflatable bladder is then removed. In cases where there is significant damage to the pipe, the liner is fitted with a pipe-bursting cone that removes any debris and forces the pipe to open up enough to fit a new pipe inside. A new pipe forms within the old. Whatever the problem is with your sewer or water main, trenchless pipe replacement is the way to handle the situation effectively.

Don’t dig up your beautiful lawn—call for trenchless pipe replacement in Springfield, PA from Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. today! 

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Havertown PA Plumbing Guide: Bathroom Remodeling FAQs

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to improve the quality of your home. By upgrading fixtures and faucets, installing a new shower and toilet, and adding new tiling to the new floor, your new bathroom will really improve your home. If you’re thinking about bathroom remodeling in Havertown, PA, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services for exceptional service. We have a highly-experienced team of bathroom remodeling professionals ready to get started on your project. Here are a few of the questions that we often get asked about bathroom remodeling:

  • What can I do to prepare for my bathroom remodeling? Look at design magazines and manufacturer’s brochures to get a sense of what you want from your new bathroom. Try to think about what parts of your bathroom you want to stay the same. Also, think about what upgrades you may want to make to the infrastructure of your home surrounding the bathroom. While you have the walls open, it can be a great time to replace piping or insulation, or to realign some crooked framing. We can work with you to make sure you’re excited about the way your bathroom will look when it’s finished.
  • Should I upgrade my piping? It depends on its condition and its age. We can perform a diagnosis of your pipes to see if you need repair or replacement. We can install new copper piping at any time, but it can be more convenient to know this early on in the process.
  • Do I need a new shower? Again, that depends on its condition. If you have some water leakage around your shower, you should probably considering upgrading. As one the most important parts of a bathroom, you probably want to ensure that it’s as new as the rest of your remodeled bathroom.
  • Can you make my bathroom more efficient? We install all kinds of high-efficiency fixtures and faucets. These types of fixtures can have a tremendous impact on the amount of water that your home uses each year.

If you’re thinking about a bathroom remodeling project in Havertown, PA, call the friendly experts at Wm. Henderson Plumbing Heating Cooling Services. We have years of experience working with bathroom remodel projects of all kinds. We know you’ll be pleased with the results.

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Havertown, PA Plumbing Guide: What to Look for in a Plumber

Monday, February 25th, 2013

We depend upon our plumbing much more than we often recognize, and tend to think of the pipes inside our walls and beneath our floors only when they break. Finding a good plumber is therefore an indispensable part of maintaining your home. For excellent plumbing services in Havertown PA, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating today.

Here are some traits to look for in a good plumber.

  • Versatility. A good plumber needs to know both the big and the small jobs: from water heater installation to unclogging drains, full home copper pipe replacement to installing a new toilet, water filtration systems to bathroom remodeling. You want a plumber who can perform a variety of tasks in your home.
  • Flexibility. Your plumbing may not always wait for a convenient time to break. A good plumber will be there when you need him to be. For unexpected repairs, he may also offer some financing options to eligible clients.
  • Quality. Homeowners in the Havertown, PA area have come to expect high quality workmanship from Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating, and they haven’t been disappointed. A plumber should make testimonials and references available, have a solid local reputation, and make sure the job is done correctly.
  • Maintenance. As is the case with most home improvement repairs, many serious or major problems could have been prevented with a schedule of routine maintenance. Your local plumber should offer a preventive maintenance program, which includes an annual maintenance agreement, priority services as well as discounts. It’s a great way to ensure the longevity of your plumbing.
  • Professionalism. Look for a plumber that treats his or her clients with respect, courtesy and politeness. Professionalism also means the industry’s respect. Look for plumbers who are certified technicians and who belong to professional or business associations.

Finding a good plumber is not a problem in the Havertown, PA area. Look no further than Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating for your water heater installation and repair, water filtration systems, bathroom remodeling, and much more. Give us a call today!

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When to Call a Plumber in Havertown, PA

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Your home plumbing is a complex system of piping, sinks, faucets, tubes, joints, drains, valves and other devices. It is the hydronic infrastructure of the home, the system by which you drink clean water, take hot showers and flush the toilet. Maintaining the integrity of your plumbing system is very important. When you need an expert plumber to service your Havertown, PA home or property, call Wm. Henderson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services.

When to call a plumber depends on what you need and what you want. If you want routine scheduling service or emergency repairs, your local Havertown plumber will work around your needs. The plumbing trade covers a wide range of professional installation, maintenance and repair services. Your local plumber will hook up water-based appliances, install water heaters, clean your drains, in addition to providing emergency services, when a pipe freezes or bursts, or an appliance breaks down. Your local Havertown plumber will also know how to properly diagnose a range of issues, from sewer drainage to cold and hot tap water supply, to venting and gas piping.

Only a certified plumber will know how to properly spec a bathroom remodeling job, or to work with your contractor to lay out plans for a new addition. Your plumber is available to answer questions about a new installation or to diagnose a persistent issue in your home. You’ll want to choose a local plumbing service with a strong reputation, positive customer testimonials, and who stands by their work. For further information, contact Wm. Henderson today. 

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Springfield, PA Plumbing FAQ: How Can I Be Sure My Drains Are Clean?

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Are you wondering whether or not your drain lines need a professional cleaning? Call the Springfield, PA plumbers at Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. for all your drain cleaning needs. We can also provide you with tips and advice on how to maintain your drain system to prevent clogs and backups.

Does your home have an old plumbing system? If so, you may experience more problems with your drain system. Many older plumbing systems were installed with cast iron drain pipes, which can cause clogs due to waste material getting caught on the rough surface inside the pipe. The older your system gets, the more problems you may have. Routine cleanings and keeping your drains free of materials that could get clogged are two important ways to prevent plumbing repairs.

If your kitchen sink gets clogged often, try to keep cooking oil and large food particles out of the kitchen drain, especially if you have a garbage disposal. There are many items that a garbage disposal is not designed to handle, so be sure you know how to operate the equipment. For bathroom drains, use hair catchers to keep hair and soap scum out of the drain line.

You may also have a larger issue if you notice slow drains. Keep in mind that a faulty plumbing vent or running large plumbing appliances all at once can also cause slow drains. If your toilets back up often, there may be an issue further down the line. The only way to know for sure is to hire a plumber for a video pipe inspection to fully inspect the inside of your pipes.

You may have a broken sewer line if you notice sewage smells or wet spots in your yard. If you suspect a leak in the main sewer line, call a plumber ASAP. This could prevent further damage to your pipes or your property.

Call the plumbers at Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. for all your Springfield, PA drain and sewer needs!

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Keeping Your Pipes Safe This Winter: A Springfield PA Plumbing Tip

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Winter is a great, fun time of the year. If you are going to ice skating, though, make sure that you are doing it out on the pond and not in your basement or backyard. Dealing with burst or damaged pipes is never fun. Luckily, there are a number of steps that you can take to ensure the safety of your pipes in Springfield, PA this winter. If you still have any questions about ways in which you can protect your pipes this heating season, contact the expert plumbers at Wm. Henderson. We can help you protect your home.

The first way to prevent freezing pipes is to keep a small trickle of water moving through them. It does not take much, so do not be tempted to overdo it. You do not want to think that you are protecting your pipes only to come home to an overflowing sink. Keep that faucet open just a bit to add some insurance to your pipes.

It is also important to remember that insulation does not only belong in your walls and in the attic. Make sure that any exposed piping in your home is properly insulated. If the cold has a tougher time reaching the pipes it will have a tougher time damaging them.

Shut off the water to any outside fixtures and drain them. If you are concerned about the pipes in your home you should be just as concerned about those out in the elements, right? Pack up the sprinklers and the garden hose. You won’t be needing them for a while.

You may want to have your plumbing system inspected before the cold arrives if you have had problems recently. A water line that is compromised in any way, for instance should absolutely be replaced before the freezing temperatures arrive. Call a professional Springfield PA plumber to schedule a water line replacement before damage is done to your home.

If you would like more tips about keeping your pipes safe this winter, contact the pros at Wm. Henderson. We are proud to be able to put your mind at rest in Springfield, PA. Follow our advice and your pipes will make it through the winter unscathed.

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What to Do If Your Sewer Backs Up: A Broomall, PA Plumber’s Tip

Monday, January 7th, 2013

When it comes to the sewer and drain systems in your home, the less you have to think about them the better. That is because you generally only think about these important components of your home plumbing system when there is a problem with them. The unfortunate truth is that, even with professional installation service and high quality maintenance, you will probably experience some problem or another with your sewer and drain system eventually.

If this problem is serious enough to lead to a backup into your home, you need to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you handle a sewer backup in your Broomall, PA home properly. Wm. Henderson is always here to help should you experience this unpleasant situation firsthand.

The first thing that you should do in the event of sewage backflow into your home is to get any pets and children away from the area in question. Kids are oblivious to their surrounding very often, and animals are naturally curious. This is one situation that you do not want your kids or pets investigating up close, though.

You must also remember that you should not attempt to clean up the mess yourself. There are pretty obvious hygiene problems in doing so. Plus, even if you do clean up the area there is still the blockage or other issues that caused the problem to deal with. Call in a professional immediately.

If you do have central air conditioning or heating in your home you should shut it off right away. Uncomfortable temperatures are a small price to pay to avoid sewage contamination getting into the floor vents of your system. Cover any exposed vents or grates just to be safe.

You also need to find out just what caused this issue. You may need to file a claim with the city if the cause was on their end. If you have had recent plumbing work completed you should get in touch with that service provider. Make sure you take every step possible to prevent having to deal with this situation again.

If you have any further questions about how you can deal with a backed up sewer in your home, call Wm. Henderson. We want your home to be as convenient and hygienic as possible. Do not let sewer and drain issues in Broomall, PA disrupt that comfort.

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