Turn the Bathroom Into an Oasis in the New Year

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas for Next Year 

This year is coming to a close quickly. With the new year just around the corner, everyone is taking the opportunity for a fresh start to make some plans for the coming year. Whether those plans include resolutions or simply setting goals to accomplish in the next year, there are plenty of things to consider. 

Improving the look and comfort of the home should be everyone’s priority. Over time, parts of the house can become outdated, and because the homeowner lives in the home every day, they may not realize how stressful certain situations are. Take the bathroom, for example. The bathroom should be a haven of peace and privacy, but when it is outdated or rife with plumbing problems, it can add stress to every user’s daily life. Here are some ideas from local experts to help homeowners make their bathrooms peaceful again. 

Install a New Showerhead 

shower headMaybe the most relaxing practice a bathroom can offer is the opportunity to wash away the day's stress in the shower. The showerhead is a crucial component of this practice, and luckily, it can be simple to upgrade. Installing a new showerhead should be something homeowners consider when wanting to update the bathroom. A new showerhead can have features like: 

  • Bluetooth speakers
  • LED lighting
  • Rainfall settings
  • Low-flow options
  • Water softeners

If a bathroom update is needed in the new year, even if the budget is tight, a new showerhead installation is a great place to start to make the bathroom a more relaxing space. 

Replace or Install a Bathtub 

bathtubAnother effective way to reduce stress in the bathroom is to take a bath. Most homes are equipped with a bathtub for a truly luxurious bathing experience, but over time, the tub may start to show its age, dating the bathroom and making it less of an oasis than it used to be. 

Installing a new bathtub can be a great way to update the space to make it more appealing and help homeowners fully utilize the space for relaxation. Taking baths also has many health benefits, and there are many styles of bathtubs to choose from depending on a homeowner’s needs and space limitations. Some options for new bathtubs include free-standing bathtubs, alcove bathtubs, and drop-in bathtubs.    

Improve the Aesthetic 

Additionally, improving the look of a bathroom can also help homeowners relax and enjoy their time in it more. Some other things to consider when planning a bathroom remodel to improve the bathroom’s appearance are: 

  • New bathroom sink installation
  • New faucet installation 
  • New toilet installation
  • Bathroom accents like new mirrors, towel racks, bathroom vanity, tiling, etc
  • Adding decor like plants, candles, and artwork

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. is a locally owned company that has been serving Fargo, ND, and the surrounding areas since 1960. They provide competitive pricing, upfront service, and honest advice. Call them today for bathroom remodeling and renovation services in Fargo, ND

Heater Not Working? It Could Be a Simple Problem With an Easy Fix

Don’t Panic! Check These Things Before Scheduling Heater Repair

When dealing with a heating problem, as fall temperatures are beginning to drop, it can be easy to fall into a panic. Heat, after all, is essential as the days get shorter and temperatures get colder. However, there’s no reason to slide into despair. Not all heating issues are complex, and there are things homeowners can check before calling for heating repair. Here are a few things homeowners can do to troubleshoot a troublesome heater at home before calling for professional repairs.

Examine the Thermostat

thermostatA heating problem doesn’t always automatically mean a problem with the heater itself. Other components of a home’s heating system can also cause heating problems, and one of the first things to examine is the thermostat. The thermostat is the brain that controls the HVAC system. If it is not working or isn’t set correctly, then a home won’t heat properly as well. 

The first thing to check is if the switch on the thermostat has been moved from the cool setting to the heat setting. This seems like a pretty simple fix, but it’s easy to overlook. Another possible problem? The thermostat may not be functioning correctly because its batteries are running low, in which case, a simple battery replacement may get it back in good working order. 

Check the Air Filter

air filterIt may not seem like it would affect heating, but a dirty air filter can cause the heater to function at decreased efficiency, reduce airflow, and even cause overheating and shutdowns that affect heating. This is because dirty filters are clogged up with dirt, dust, and other particulate matter and can block the air from the heater from flowing freely. 

A simple air filter replacement may do the trick to get the heater working properly again and the home comfortable. To prevent the same problem from happening and to keep the system working efficiently, HVAC technicians recommend changing air filters regularly, usually at least four times a year.

Inspect the Power Sources

The problem with the heating system could also have something to do with the power switch on the heater, which could have been turned off by mistake, so that should be checked. In some instances, the power source to the heater may have been cut off if the circuit breaker was tripped or a fuse was blown. It’s a good idea to check the electrical panel and see if that’s the case. 

If none of the above easy fixes worked to resolve the issue with the heating system, then it’s time to call for professional heater repair. A heating technician can inspect the system to find the cause of the problem and determine the best solution to restore heat and comfort to the home. 

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. is a locally-owned electrical, plumbing, and HVAC company serving Fargo and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive pricing, honest advice, and fast response times. Call them today for heating system repair in Fargo, ND

Exploring Trenchless Pipe Repairs

Understanding Trenchless Sewer Line Repair and Replacement

Traditional sewer line repairs can cause massive devastation to property and create unnecessary headaches due to property damage and costs from excavation. However, new sewer line repair methods are reimagining how easy sewer line repairs can be. Trenchless pipe repairs are an innovative approach that has gained popularity for its efficiency and minimal disruption to property. Here are answers to some common questions about trenchless sewer repair.

How Do Trenchless Sewer Repairs Work?

In the realm of plumbing, trenchless sewer repair methods have emerged as innovative solutions for addressing various issues with underground sewer pipes. These techniques, such as pipe bursting, slip lining, and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, represent a departure from traditional excavation-based repairs. Instead, they provide efficient alternatives that minimize disruption to properties and landscapes.

Each method uses a similar process that doesn’t require digging up the yard but ultimately is different. Some of the specific differences are:  

  • Pipe Bursting: This method involves breaking the old, damaged pipe while pulling a new one into place. The force applied during pipe bursting fractures the existing line, allowing for the installation of a durable replacement.
  • Slip Lining: Slip lining entails inserting a new pipe into the existing one. This process effectively creates a unique, structurally sound inner line within the old one, mitigating issues and enhancing the pipe's functionality.
  • Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining: CIPP involves inserting a resin-soaked liner into the damaged pipe and curing it. As the resin hardens, it forms a durable, seamless inner layer that effectively restores the pipe's integrity.

These trenchless methods are a less invasive approach to pipe repair and replacement, making them highly sought-after solutions for various plumbing challenges.

What Issues Can Be Resolved by Trenchless Repairs?

pipe corrosion These innovative techniques are capable of resolving various problems, including:

  • Corrosion: Over time, pipes may suffer from corrosion caused by rust buildup. Trenchless repairs can rehabilitate such pipes by either relining them with durable materials or bursting the old pipe and replacing it with a new one.
  • Minor Pipe Misalignment: Trenchless methods can rectify minor pipe misalignments, ensuring their proper functionality without requiring extensive excavation.
  • Tree Root Infiltration: Invasive tree roots infiltrating pipes can lead to blockages and damage like cracks in the line. Trenchless repairs provide a solution by reinforcing or replacing the affected lines fixing cracks and damage from tree root intrusion.
  • Sewage Backups: Trenchless techniques can address some causes of sewage backups like cracked, broken, or damaged sewer lines by repairing the damaged pipes and ensuring the seamless flow of wastewater.
  • Cracks in Various Pipe Materials: Pipes made from materials such as clay, lead, plastic, and cast iron are susceptible to cracking over time. Trenchless repair methods, such as cured-in-place pipe lining, can rehabilitate these pipes by creating a durable, seamless inner layer.

Trenchless repair methods offer versatile and efficient solutions to various plumbing challenges, allowing property owners to preserve their pipelines and avoid the disruption associated with traditional excavation methods.

What Are Some Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Repair?

save money Trenchless repairs offer several advantages over more traditional repair methods that require digging to the damaged line, including: 

  • Saves time by avoiding excavation and digging
  • Reduces costs by eliminating digging and the need to replace landscaping or driveways that had to be excavated
  • Minimizes property disruption
  • Enhances pipe durability

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. has more than 60 years of expertise serving Fargo and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive pricing, personalized solutions, and peace of mind maintenance plans. Call them today for trenchless sewer line repair and replacement in Fargo, ND

Gearing Up for the Fall Season? Get Your Heater Ready With Early Maintenance

Get Your Heating System Ready in Time for the Cold Season

Fall is just around the corner, and before anyone knows it, temperatures will drop, and it’ll be time to pull coats and sweaters out of the bottom of closets and start firing up the heater to combat the cold. Ensuring that the heating system works correctly with timely heating maintenance is vital. This post will share the benefits of routine heater maintenance and what it entails. 

Advantages of Heating Maintenance

saveMaintenance is and always will be an integral part of home ownership, and when it comes to keeping the home comfortable in extreme weather, heater maintenance should be at the top of everyone's list. Not only does preventive maintenance in the off-season decrease the likelihood of the heater breaking down at the exact time it is needed, but conducting a heating tune-up ahead of the fall and winter seasons allows homeowners to catch minor problems before they become major issues that take up considerable time, effort, and money to resolve.

Heating system maintenance is also one of the best ways to increase the system’s energy efficiency as well as make it last longer, saving homeowners plenty of money that would have otherwise been allocated to covering the costs of higher energy bills or even early heater replacement if it breaks down before it reaches its intended lifespan.

Heater Maintenance: What to Expect

filterDuring routine heater maintenance, professional HVAC technicians thoroughly clean and inspect the heater and perform essential maintenance tasks, such as checking the equipment’s controls, lubricating moving parts, and tightening electrical connections. They also check for any problems within the system by conducting a detailed inspection before wrapping up with system calibration.

While professionals do most of the work keeping heaters in tip-top shape, homeowners also play an important role in maintaining their heaters at home. Not only should they keep their homes clean to prevent dust and debris from accumulating in the heating system and affecting its energy efficiency, but it is recommended that they change air filters at least once every three months. Clean air filters help heaters run more efficiently and decrease the likelihood of problems affecting a heater’s performance.

Why It’s Good to Get It Done Early

While most people aren’t thinking about their heaters at the end of the summer and the beginning of fall, those who plan ahead by scheduling heater maintenance before the cold season starts have an advantage. Scheduling maintenance early ensures that HVAC companies aren’t too busy to come for an appointment. They are busiest in the summer and winter seasons, making fall the best time for heating maintenance and spring the best time for air conditioning maintenance. 

Waiting to schedule maintenance means companies may take longer to come to your aid when needed. Additionally, getting a head start on heater maintenance early also gives homeowners peace of mind in knowing that when it’s time to fire up their heaters, they will be working correctly, and everything will go smoothly without a hitch.

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. is a locally-owned company serving Fargo and the surrounding areas since 1960. They offer competitive pricing, honest advice, and peace of mind maintenance plans. Call them today for heating system maintenance services in Fargo, ND.

Why Should Homeowners Get a Dehumidifier This Summer?

What Is Relative Humidity (And Why Does It Matter)?

While Fargo may not be the most humid place in the world, it does experience periods of fairly high humidity, both in the summer and winter. Naturally, a home’s HVAC system reduces this humidity to some degree inside the home. Still, if the relative humidity is high enough, it may not be adequate to keep the home’s indoor humidity inside the ideal range – generally between 30-50%.

So what is humidity – or, more specifically, relative humidity? Relative humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature. Warm air tends to be able to hold more vapor than cold air, which is why summer often feels so muggy. Why should this concern homeowners? Because if the relative humidity is high in their homes, it can lead to problems, from mold growth to wood damage to plain old discomfort. That’s where dehumidifiers come in. This post will discuss dehumidifiers, the signs they are needed, and the advantages of installing a whole-home dehumidifier

What Do Dehumidifiers Do?

dehumidifierAs the name suggests, dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels by extracting moisture from the air. They do this in much the same way that air conditioners pull heat and water vapor from the air. The process goes something like this:

  • A fan pulls humid air into the dehumidifier unit and blows it over metal coils filled with a chemical refrigerant that keeps them cold. 
  • As the air comes in contact with the cold coils, the water vapor condenses into liquid form and collects on the coils (since cold air can’t hold as much moisture). 
  • This condensation then drips into a reservoir, which may connect to a drain via a hose or need to be manually emptied, depending on the model.

There are portable dehumidifiers, which can be handy for individual rooms, and whole-house dehumidifiers, which are installed as part of the HVAC system to serve the entire home simultaneously. 

Signs Homeowners May Need a Dehumidifier

moldThere are a few ways to tell if a dehumidifier is needed in the home. Some thermostats feature a humidity sensor and display the indoor relative humidity as a percentage. If this consistently stays higher than 50%, even with the AC running, installing a dehumidifier is a good idea. Likewise, if the home always seems to feel stuffy or muggy, this indicates high humidity and indicates the need for a dehumidifier. 

A few more indicators of high humidity and the need to install a dehumidifier include if the house has a musty smell, there’s condensation on the windows, the carpet or upholstery feels damp, the wood is warping or swelling, there’s visible mold growth on walls or ceilings, or chips and crackers seem to go soft and stale quickly. 

Benefits of a Dehumidifier

Installing a whole-house dehumidifier can provide various benefits in terms of health, comfort, and keeping the home in great shape. Here are a few of the most significant dehumidifier benefits:

  • It improves indoor air quality by reducing the likelihood of bacteria and mold infestation.
  • It helps prevent insect infestation (many pests thrive in moist environments).
  • It helps prevent damage to wood, sheetrock, and furniture (humidity can cause these to warp and swell).
  • It improves overall comfort in the home.
  • It can help alleviate symptoms of allergies and asthma by keeping the humidity within a healthy range.

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. has over 60 years of experience serving Fargo and the surrounding communities. They provide competitive pricing, upfront service, and honest advice. Call them today for whole-home dehumidifier installation and repair in Fargo, ND.

The Ultimate Guide to Professional Drain Cleaning

The Ultimate Guide to Professional Drain Cleaning

What Is Drain Cleaning, and What Does It Involve? 

Many hear the term “drain cleaning” and imagine scrubbing the area around the drain. However, drain cleaning refers to keeping the home’s pipes clear of debris that could cause clogs or cleaning out existing clogs. Plumbers rely on sophisticated tools to clear lines and keep the plumbing system healthy. This guide lets homeowners learn about drain cleaning, including when it’s needed and what that process entails. 

Signs That a Homeowner Needs Drains Cleaning 

Some signs that a sewer line is clogged and needs drain cleaning include: 

  • Slowly draining water: If the sink or tub drains too slowly (or not at all), this could point to an obstruction in the plumbing system. 
  • Odors come from the drain: If a sewer or drain line is clogged, food residue can rest in the pipes and rot over time which can cause unpleasant odors––among other concerns. 
  • Backups: If water or sewage backs up into the home’s sinks, tubs, or other drains, it can also indicate the sewer line is clogged and can be another reason for foul odors. 

Homeowners should also consult a professional if they experience poor water pressure from their plumbing fixtures because reasons for this could include clogs, leaks, and other complications in the water line. 

Drain Snakes Remove Hard-to-Reach Clogs 

snakingOften, plumbers use a drain snake to remove obstructions in pipes. A drain snake is a long, flexible cable with a crank. To use this device and clear a clog, a plumber: 

  • Locates the clog 
  • Inserts the drain snake into the drain 
  • Turns the crank manually or mechanically to move the cable through the line  
  • Grabs onto the obstruction with the coil at the end of the drain snake
  • Pulls it out 

Some drain snakes come with cameras on the end, allowing plumbers to see the clogs up close. Ultimately, they are an effective way for professionals to clear tough clogs. 

About Laney’s Inc. 

Laney’s Inc. is a locally-owned plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company that has been serving Fargo and the surrounding areas since 1960. They provide upfront service, fast response time, and honest advice. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Fargo, ND.

How to Know When to Replace an AC Unit

Signs to Get AC Replacement Before the Summer Heat

People depend on their air conditioners to get them through the heat of summer. While AC units can last a long time with proper maintenance, no air conditioner can last forever. If a homeowner is tempted to keep their air conditioner for just one more summer, they should first check for these early signs indicating the unit is at the end of its life. This blog post will share some common warning signs that indicate the air conditioner may need replacement before the start of summer.  

The Age of the Unit

hvacThe average life expectancy of an air conditioner is 10-20 years, depending on the make and model of the unit. If homeowners have an AC in this age range, it may be time to consider a replacement. Older units are generally less efficient than newer models and use more energy to cool down a home, raising energy bills. Additionally, older air conditioners may be more prone to breakdowns and require more frequent repair. As the parts get older, they are less likely to last as long, which can lead to increased repair costs. 

If the age of the air conditioning suggests that it might need replacing soon, it’s best to have it done before the system completely breaks down during the summer. Nobody wants to get stuck with a broken down air conditioner during the hottest months of the year, as it can be dangerous, and AC technicians are at their busiest.

Inefficiency

An air conditioning unit that no longer runs efficiently and costs more to operate can indicate poor maintenance, malfunctioning components, old age, or a combination of these factors. It's crucial to detect and address any inefficiencies as soon as possible because an AC system working harder than necessary to cool a home can add unnecessary wear and tear to the system and shorten its lifespan.

Replacing an old, inefficient air conditioner with a new one may be the best option; however, it may only need repair if the AC unit is new and a faulty part is causing the inefficiency. If homeowners have an air conditioner that is no longer running efficiently, replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model can help them save money on utility bills and ensure their home stays cool all summer. Investing in a new air conditioner can give confidence that a household will have reliable cooling for years. 

Failure to Cool the Home

homeHot weather can make it difficult to get comfortable without the help of air conditioning. Unfortunately, if a home is not getting cool enough, is experiencing inconsistent temperatures, or has warm air coming from the vents, this can indicate that the AC unit needs replacing. 

There can be several reasons why the air conditioner is not working correctly. One common problem is a refrigerant leak. If homeowners notice warm air coming from the vents, this could be due to the AC unit leaking refrigerant. Other issues that may be causing problems with the AC are improper thermostat settings or a faulty thermostat, dirty coils, or other faulty parts. 

Some problems may only need repair, but some may require replacing the unit. But any time the air conditioner experiences these issues, it needs to be inspected by a professional HVAC technician who can determine the best solution. Don’t get stuck without air conditioning, and get the AC checked before the summer!

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. is a plumbing and HVAC company with over 60 years of experience serving Fargo and the surrounding areas. They provide Competitive Pricing, Honest Advice, and free second opinions. Call them today for an air conditioner replacement in Fargo, ND.

Kick Off This Year's Spring Cleaning With Your Water Heater!

Kick Off This Year's Spring Cleaning With Your Water Heater!

Why Water Heater Maintenance is Important

As homeowners put together their spring cleaning checklists this year, one item they should include is water heater maintenance. Maintaining the water heater is essential to keep it running safely and efficiently, so homeowners should regularly schedule maintenance with a qualified plumber. This article will explain what water heater maintenance entails, its benefits, and why it should be at the top of every homeowner’s spring cleaning list!

Why Do Water Heaters Need to Be Flushed?

flushDraining and flushing a water heater is an essential step of water heater maintenance that helps ensure safe and efficient operation. As water enters the tank to get heated, corrosive minerals and sediments come in with it. Sediment in a water heater is bad news for multiple reasons. 

Over time, sediment and mineral buildup can occur inside the tank, which reduces the water heater's energy efficiency and can lead to corrosion. Flushing the tank helps to remove this buildup, allowing for better, more efficient performance, lowering energy bills, preventing corrosion in the tank, and extending the life of the water heater. 

Other Vital Water Heater Maintenance Tasks

maintenanceAs crucial as it is to drain and flush a water heater regularly, numerous other maintenance tasks are performed during a maintenance visit. One such task is inspecting and replacing the anode rod. An anode rod is a metal cylinder in the hot water tank that attracts corrosive materials from the water. These corrosive materials eat away at the anode rod, preventing tank corrosion. During maintenance, it must be checked, and it will need to be replaced once depleted to continue preventing damage to the water heater. 

Other important maintenance tasks include testing valves and safety devices (and replacing them if necessary), cleaning gas burners, inspecting electrical components, and checking for damage like leaks and corrosion. Maintenance should only be performed by a licensed professional to prevent voiding the warranty and causing damage to the water heater.

Benefits of Routine Maintenance

Having a professional perform routine maintenance on a water heater has several benefits. For one, it will help extend the water heater's lifespan and help prevent surprise repairs, as many issues can be prevented or caught early during maintenance. This can help save homeowners money on costly repairs and early replacements. 

Water heater maintenance will also help improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of a water heater by keeping every component working as smoothly as possible and addressing minor issues before they can interfere with the unit’s operation. The energy-efficient operation of a water heater will also help homeowners save on their utility bills. These benefits apply to both conventional, storage water heaters and tankless water heaters, so save money and headaches by hiring a pro to tackle maintenance this spring!

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. is a plumbing and HVAC company with over six decades of experience serving Fargo and the surrounding areas. They provide competitive pricing, honest advice, and free second opinions. Call them today for water heater services in Fargo, ND.

Women of the HVAC Industry

Trailblazing Women in Heating and Cooling

Trailblazing Women in Heating and Cooling

In the traditionally male-dominated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry, pioneering women have chosen to go against the tide and create meaningful careers in the trades. Many have made names for themselves in the field of heating and cooling. But while some of these women have made substantial advancements in the field, there is still a long way to go before women can be substantially represented in the HVAC industry.

Women in the HVAC Industry Today

Organizations like Women in HVACR have been created to provide support and resources for women interested in HVACR careers. This is helping to create a more diverse and welcoming atmosphere in the industry while encouraging more women to pursue roles in HVAC.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprised 47% of the U.S. workforce in 2017. However, less than 2% of the installers and technicians employed in the HVAC industry were women. Despite being a small percentage of the industry, women have significantly impacted heating and air conditioning.

Alice H. Parker and Heating

aliceRecognizing that her fireplace alone couldn’t effectively heat her whole home during the brutal New Jersey winters, Alice H. Parker replaced wood and coal fuel with natural gas and designed the first gas furnace with air ducts that allowed heat to be evenly distributed throughout the home.

The original designs from her patent were never implemented, but they paved the way for modern heating systems that are staples of homes and commercial spaces today. She made significant HVAC technology developments when most used wood or coal to heat their homes.  

Margaret Ingels and Air Conditioning

margaretMargaret Ingels was the first woman to graduate from the University of Kentucky with an engineering degree in 1916 and became only the second woman to do so in the entire United States. She was also the first woman to have received a professional degree in Mechanical Engineering, a feat that opened the door for her to begin a long career as an air conditioning expert with the Carrier-Lyle Corporation and a lab researcher at the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers.

Some of her most notable works include the development of the “effective temperature” scale, a system of measurement that incorporated humidity and air movement in determining a person’s comfort level. She also helped perfect the sling psychrometer, a device used to read the relative humidity in the air. 

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. is a locally-owned plumbing and HVAC company serving Fargo, ND, and the surrounding communities for over 60 years. They provide competitive pricing, honest advice, and financing. Call them today for indoor air quality, AC, or heating services in Fargo, ND.

Don't Be Distracted By Dripping Faucets

Don’t Let a Leaky Faucet Ruin the Mood 

Valentine’s Day is a day to focus on love and each other and block out all distractions. Everyone knows that plenty of things can constantly take attention off of each other. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to tune out the distractions and focus on the people that matter most. But what about the things that are impossible to block out? 

A dripping faucet is a classic example of a small problem that can be a huge distraction. Imagine trying to focus on a special someone only to be constantly annoyed by the steady drips of a leaking faucet. Or worse yet, what if dinner and a movie become unaffordable because of a high water bill caused by a leaky faucet? Take a moment today and check the taps in the home for leaks. Getting leaky faucets fixed beforehand can help ensure that Valentine’s Day plans or any plans are a success and that homeowners aren’t wasting money on the water bill. 

Dangers of a Dripping Faucet

faucetApart from being an annoying distraction, a dripping faucet can cause serious damage that quickly ruins the memory of what would’ve been the perfect day. Instead of just paying for leaky faucet repair, homeowners may have to face a host of other problems and costs to rectify the damage of a leak that wasn’t taken seriously. 

But how bad can a dripping faucet really be? The first consequence of a dripping faucet is a skyrocketing water bill. A single dripping faucet can waste many gallons of water per day. Add that up for a month, and the spike in the water bill will be noticeable. Ignoring a leaking tap is the equivalent of pouring money down the drain.

In addition to running up water bills, excess moisture from a leak greatly contributes to mold growth in the home. Leaks can cause cabinets and walls to mold, worsening respiratory symptoms like asthma and allergies. Repairing the damage from mold growth can be invasive and expensive, so why not just fix the leak quickly instead?

What Causes a Dripping Faucet?

Faucets seem complicated to those unfamiliar with them, but in reality, they are simply slightly more complex valves. Every valve has a seal and a seat to control water flow. The seal going bad is often a cause that allows water to drip. Seals are usually O-rings that can be replaced simply and cheaply with parts from any hardware store. 

Valve seats in a faucet are what the seal presses up against. In some cases, especially where hard water is present, corrosion can build up on the seat and prevent a good seal, causing water to leak. Removing the faucet cartridge and gently scraping away corrosion or scale may stop the dripping faucet, or the cartridge may need to be replaced entirely. 

A Guide to Fix a Leaky Faucet 

fixRepairing a leaky faucet isn’t difficult for those who know what they are doing, but it requires some tools that not everyone has. Hiring a professional is always a good idea because they have the experience, training, and tools to fix it right the first time. However, the steps a plumber will go through are the same as a homeowner would use. Here are the steps to replace a faulty faucet cartridge:

  • Shut off the water at the cutoff valve
  • Open the faucet to relieve pressure
  • Use screwdrivers and wrenches to expose the valve cartridge
  • Remove the faulty faucet cartridge and replace it with the correct type
  • Reassemble the faucet and then turn back on the water

About Laney's Inc.

Laney's Inc. has more than 60 years of experience serving the community of Fargo, ND, and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive pricing, honest advice, and fast response time. Call them today for water leak detection and leak repair services in Fargo, ND.