Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
There are a variety of plumbing tasks you can do yourself to boost your home’s energy efficiency and functionality. For example, most plumbers agree it’s completely okay for homeowners to plunge their toilets when there’s a clog. Tightening a loose faucet handle or replacing a showerhead is also fine.
However, not all plumbing jobs are that simple. A lot of DIY plumbing work can result in costly damage if you do it incorrectly. This is why we highly encourage hiring a qualified plumber when you have a plumbing problem.
Getting a fitting to its maximum tightness might seem like the best way to stop leaks, but in reality, it could have the opposite effect. The overtightening increases the risk of thread stripping, cracking, and long-term damage. Instead of getting rid of the leak, it can actually make it worse and cause additional plumbing problems down the line.
Every pipe material is unique. Copper, PVC, PEX, and galvanized pipes all serve different purposes, and they aren’t all compatible with one another. Using the wrong pipes or mixing the wrong materials can lead to low water pressure, leaks, corrosion, and costly repairs. A professional plumber will know precisely which materials to utilize.
Thread tape, sometimes called Teflon tape, is an adhesive that seals threaded pipe connections. Proper wrapping is essential for its functionality. Otherwise, you risk leaks, poor sealing, and connection failure.
Before doing any plumbing repair, be sure to turn off the water supply at the main valve. Although it may seem apparent, it’s easy to overlook this step. This is a costly mistake that can result in significant water damage or flooding.
Take, for example, attempting to replace a faucet in the kitchen. If you fail to turn off the water, the pressurized water will spray everywhere when you loosen the fittings. This will not only soak your cabinets and flooring but also create a mess that’s time-consuming and expensive to clean up and can damage your home and belongings.
The installation of drain pipes requires the proper slope to allow water and waste to flow smoothly. When the slope is too steep, water can rush through too quickly and leave solids behind. When it’s too flat, it can lead to clogs, slow drainage, or standing water. Getting the right angle can be somewhat tricky. Having a plumber measure and install the slope correctly will ensure proper drainage.
Many chemical drain cleaners work fast to clear obstructions, but they can cause pipe deterioration if used excessively. This is why you should always use them sparingly and consider professional help for recurring clogs.
To ensure a tight seal while connecting PVC pipes, you’ll need primer in addition to cement. The pipes can burst under pressure if you don’t prime them beforehand, which would cause water damage and leaks. Since working with primer and cement can be challenging and messy, it’s best to let a plumber handle the job.
It’s very easy to install plumbing components backwards, particularly when working with cartridges, valves, and faucets. When this happens, it causes more than just confusion when turning on a tap.
You’ll run into water flow issues and leaks. A cartridge installed backward can even cause reduced water pressure, which is extremely frustrating when trying to shower. To avoid this, you’ll need to double-check the installation direction.
Here at Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air, we are experts in plumbing installations. We’ll handle the work carefully so you don’t have to worry about leaks or pressure issues.
You probably know you’re not supposed to flush feminine hygiene products or wipes down the toilet. If you do, you significantly increase the chances of a clog. But did you know there are several other items that you shouldn’t flush? Here’s a list:
The misalignment of threads when screwing components together results in cross-threading, which causes thread damage and a faulty, leaky seal. This happens all the time when do-it-yourselfers are in a hurry or employ the incorrect equipment.
When you join different pipes together, they must have the correct adapter. If they don’t, you’ll notice leaks or water pressure issues. This is because mismatched pipe sizes with the wrong adapters create stress points that wear out quickly.
The purpose of plumbing regulations is to guarantee the safety of your house and plumbing. Ignoring these codes can lead to risky situations, particularly around gas lines and water heaters. Our plumbers are aware of all applicable codes and how to do the job so that it passes inspection.
Proper venting is essential for every drain to keep sewer gases out of the house and for water to flow freely. Do-it-yourselfers don’t always remember to install vents, or they do it wrong. If this has happened, you may notice gurgling sounds, sluggish drains, and unpleasant smells. A plumber will ensure all drains have properly installed vents so the whole home has adequate drainage.
Even if disassembling a faucet or valve seems like a straightforward task, reassembling it correctly is a whole other beast. A loose or missing washer or an overly tightened nut might cause the fixture to leak or not work at all. Having a professional take care of these repairs is the way to go.
When removing an appliance or fixture, you must cap off the water line. Failing to perform this simple task can result in flooding, water damage, and costly repairs. If not addressed quickly, the water damage can even increase the risk of mold and mildew, which can be a nightmare to clean up. You might have to spend thousands of dollars on restoration and remediation services.
When it comes to plumbing, there are a variety of sealants to choose from. They are not interchangeable. One misstep may lead to costly repairs.
When you use the wrong tools on pipes or fixtures, you might make the situation worse and do additional damage. For example, if you don’t have the proper wrenches, you could damage seals or strip fittings. Professional plumbers always use specialized gear to guarantee a perfect job.
Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to help you with all your home’s plumbing. We offer backflow testing and repairs, emergency plumbing, wastewater pump services, and more.
Contact Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air today to schedule fast, reliable plumbing services in Harrisburg, PA.
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!