Category: Plumbing

How To Stop Water Leaks From Damaging Your Home

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Water leaks are not only a nuisance but can lead to significant damage to your home if left unchecked. What may start as a small drip can quickly become a costly repair job if it leads to mold growth or structural damage. Even minor leaks can weaken walls, warp floors, and create ideal conditions for pests and mildew to thrive. Over time, these issues can compromise your home’s integrity and lead to expensive, time-consuming repairs. That’s why regular maintenance and early detection are essential. Let’s talk about a few practical steps you can take to stay ahead of water damage and keep your plumbing in top shape.

Check Your Home’s Vulnerable Areas Regularly

Think of your kitchen, bathroom, basement, and attic as high-risk zones. These are the areas where leaks love to hide. Set a schedule, maybe once a month or every other month, and walk through each of these areas. Look for water stains, damp patches, warped surfaces, or even a musty smell. These are your early warning signs. And when in doubt, call in a plumbing repair expert to take a closer look. Catching these problems early can save you from a much bigger headache down the road.

Install Leak Detection Technology

We live in a world where your phone can tell you if there’s water under your sink. From basic water alarms to advanced smart sensors, leak detection systems are a smart investment. According to Jobber, residential water leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water across the U.S. every year. That’s a staggering number and a strong reminder of why early detection matters. A small alert from a sensor today could mean avoiding a massive plumbing repair tomorrow.

Handle Plumbing Repairs Without Delay

Leaks don’t fix themselves. Whether it’s a tiny drip from a faucet or a hidden leak behind your wall, the longer you wait, the worse it can get. Keep an eye on things like appliance hoses, roof flashings, and your water heater. These are common troublemakers. Schedule seasonal checkups, and don’t ignore the signs. Even a minor issue might require professional plumbing repair, and acting early can save you thousands in the long run. Water leaks might be sneaky, but with a little awareness and the right tools, you can stop them in their tracks. For dependable plumbing repair and expert leak prevention, reach out to Roman Home Services today and let us help keep your home dry and damage-free.

3 Signs You’re in Need of an Urgent Plumbing Repair

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Plumbing issues are an inevitable part of homeownership, but knowing when minor problems turn into urgent repairs can save you from extensive damage and costly fixes. Plumbing problems often start small, but if left unchecked, they can escalate into serious complications. Understanding the tell-tale signs that you need plumbing repairs can make all the difference in maintaining a functional and safe home environment.

1. Low Water Pressure and Hidden Leaks

One sign that you may need urgent plumbing repairs is persistently low water pressure. If you’re struggling to get more than a trickle in your shower or from your taps, there could be significant blockages or leaks within the pipes. Leaks and blockages not only waste water but can lead to larger infrastructure problems if not addressed swiftly. Given the U.S. plumbing market’s valuation is at $158.6 billion, according to Jobber, there’s ample expertise available to tackle such issues effectively and efficiently.

2. Mold and Water Damage Warning Signs

Another critical sign is the presence of mold or unexplained damp spots on your walls or ceilings. These usually indicate hidden leaks in your plumbing system. Mold thrives in damp environments, and its presence can lead to serious health issues for the inhabitants of a home. A timely assessment by a professional can prevent these hazards and protect your health and home from further damage. Ignoring such symptoms can also decrease the value of your property, making early intervention crucial.

3. Frequent Clogs and Systemic Issues

Finally, frequent clogging is an obvious but often underestimated signal that you need urgent plumbing help. If you’re repeatedly dealing with clogs beyond the capacity of a household plunger, there might be deeper systemic issues at play. These persistent blockages can eventually lead to major pipe damage or even sewage backflow, which is a considerable health hazard. Consistent clogs should be addressed by a professional plumber to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning correctly.

Recognizing these signs can help you take proactive measures before minor plumbing issues turn into more severe problems. By addressing potential problems promptly, you can ensure that your home remains a safe and enjoyable environment. Whether it’s leaks, clogs, or other plumbing concerns, professional plumbing repairs can restore efficiency and prevent long-term damage. Contact Roman Home Services today to schedule a service and keep your plumbing in top condition.

How a Plumbing Service Can Save You Money and Energy

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Did you know that your plumbing system plays a crucial role in conserving energy and saving money? By enlisting the expertise of a professional plumbing service, you can not only prevent costly issues but also enhance your home’s energy efficiency. At Roman Home Services, we provide plumbing repairs when you need them, but strive to do the job right the first time around, so you’ll only need to call us for regular maintenance needs. Let’s delve into the ways a plumbing service like ours can make a significant impact on your budget and energy consumption.

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Future Issues

One of the primary ways plumbing services can help save money is through preventative maintenance. Regular check-ups and inspections can identify minor issues before they escalate into major problems, such as leaks or pipe bursts. A small investment in maintenance can prevent the need for expensive plumbing repairs down the road. Moreover, by making sure that your plumbing system is running efficiently, you can avoid wasted water, which directly translates to lower water bills each month.

Upgrades to Make Your Property Energy-Efficient

In addition to maintaining existing infrastructure, plumbing services can recommend energy-efficient upgrades. A notable example is the installation of tankless water heaters, which, according to Jobber, can be 24 to 34% more energy-efficient than traditional units. These modern water heaters provide hot water on demand without the need to maintain a reservoir of heated water, leading to significant energy savings. By investing in this technology, you reduce your energy usage and positively contribute to environmental sustainability.

Changes to Improve Household Appliances

Furthermore, an upgraded plumbing system can improve the overall efficiency of household appliances. Plumbers can install low-flow fixtures and high-efficiency toilets, reducing water consumption without sacrificing performance. These small changes can accumulate to substantial savings on your utility bills over time. Additionally, modernizing your plumbing can improve water pressure, leading to an overall better experience without excessive water waste.

A skilled plumbing service can be a pivotal ally in your quest to save money and conserve energy. Through preventive maintenance, energy-efficient upgrades such as tankless water heaters, and enhanced appliance performance, plumbers offer solutions that are both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Investing in professional plumbing services today not only translates to immediate benefits but also ensures your home operates efficiently in the long term. When you need plumbing repairs, maintenance, and installation, reach out to Roman Home Services today!

Top Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

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Water heating takes up a significant portion of electricity in your home, so it is important to make sure you have a good water heater. While many homes use standard water heaters, others are switching to tankless water heaters as these appliances bring a lot of advantages. If you are considering getting a tankless water heater, here are some of the top advantages of having one, brought to you by the pros at Roman Electric.

What Exactly is a Tankless Water Heater and How Does it Work?

Think of a tankless water heater as a standard water heating appliance. However, the main difference between a tankless water heater and a regular water heater is that the latter continuously heats water, whereas a tankless one only heats water when it is being used. Tankless water heaters don’t use storage tanks and produce hot water only when it is needed. That means there is little to no stand-by heat loss, which makes tankless water heaters a more energy-efficient option.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Tankless Water Heater?

There are a lot of advantages that comes with using a tankless water heater.

1. High Efficiency

As we mentioned above, the main quality of a tankless water heater is the fact that it is incredibly energy efficient. Using a standard water heater, you would lose a lot of standby heat due to that fact that it constantly heats water in storage tank. According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24-34 % more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.

In addition, tankless water heaters provide water on demand, meaning you won’t have to wait long for the water from your faucet to heat up.

  • Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters also last longer than standard water heaters. Tankless heaters can generally last for 20 years (or even more) whereas other heaters last for 15.

  • Low Operating Costs

Tankless water heaters are more expensive than standard water heaters, but they have lower operating and energy costs. Tankless water heaters also have cheaper and more readily available replaceable parts, that can make them last longer.

But What Are the Disadvantages?

Like all appliances, tankless water heaters come with some disadvantages as well.

  1. Lower Water Flow

Since tankless water heaters provide water on demand, they tend to have a lower water flow, whereas standard water heaters have a higher water flow, since they provide hot water from their storage tanks.

  • Higher Initial Costs

Tankless water heaters are on the more expensive side compared to standard heaters because they have a higher initial cost. However, the overall savings and low operational costs might make up for this disadvantage.

Have any more questions about the advantages of a tankless water heater? Get in touch with the pros at Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us online.

Tips on Finding the Right Plumber

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If you have a major plumbing problem that you can’t handle on your own, the next person you would call is a plumber. However, you want to make sure you find the best plumber for the job. Wondering what are some qualities you should look for in a plumber? Check out Roman Electric’s list of tips on finding the right plumber to repair and maintain the plumbing in your home.

1. Check Reviews

When you research the best plumbers for the job, the first thing you should do is check the reviews. You want to make sure that the company or contractor’s previous customers have generally been satisfied. Reviews can help provide realistic answers to a lot of questions such as whether the plumber is professional or not, whether there were any problems after repair or installation, whether they provided realistic estimates, etc. You can look for reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List and even on social media websites like Facebook Reviews.

2. Look for Referrals

Another way to find a plumber you can trust is by asking your neighbors, family or friends about who their go-to plumber is. Personal referrals are a great way to find a reliable technician to fix the plumbing problem in your home.

3. Ask for Estimates

Once you have narrowed down a list of plumbers you are considering, call them or submit a proposal online for an estimate. A written estimate involves a plumber assessing the problem in your home and determining the right price for work. This way you can compare the different estimates from different companies and pick one that fits in your budget.

4. Ask About Discounts and Offers

Many contractors have discounts and limited time only offers that can help reduce the price of the plumbing job for you. Make sure you look through your contractor’s website and ask them about any coupons or discounts that you can take advantage of. If you would like professional maintenance, priority service or services for reduced prices you can look into the company’s maintenance plans.

5. Make Sure Your Plumber is Licensed and Insured

You want to make sure that your plumber has the right licenses and certifications to be able to work in your home. They need to have the right knowledge to be able to provide excellent plumbing repair and maintenance services.

6. Ask About Their Experience

There is nothing wrong with preferring a company that has been in business longer. This indicates greater experience and knowledge. However, keep in mind that just because a business has been around for a longer time, doesn’t mean that they can do the job well and at a fair price. Experience is simply just one of the many factors you should consider when hiring a plumber.

Are you in Wisconsin and looking for a plumber? Look no further because Roman Electric is here to help you out! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website.

4 Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet

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things you should never flush down the toilet

Toilet clogs can often be caused by foreign objects ending up in the drain. It can be frustrating and a little gross to deal with these blockages. In order to prevent clogs, it’s important to know what you can and cannot flush down the toilet. To help you out, the pros at Roman Electric have prepared a quick list of things you should never flush down the toilet.

1. Flushable Wipes

This might be a little surprising since the word “flushable” is involved, but it’s generally not a good idea to flush these wipes. This is because they don’t break apart as easily as toilet paper, according to Consumer Reports.

2. Cat Litter

Yes, you heard us—cat litter. While it might seem obvious not to dump cat litter in your toilet, there are certain kinds that are branded as “flushable.” Save yourself and your toilet the trouble and dump the litter (even the flushable kind) in the trash. The troubles that can ensue after litter inevitably clogs up your drains are simply not worth it.

3. Paper Towels

Toilet paper is okay—paper towel is not. That is because paper towel has plastic fibers in it that can’t easily break down in your drain. Dispose of paper towels in the trash.

4. Diapers

No matter how strong your toilet is, it can’t break down diapers or disposable nappies in the sewer system.

Follow This Rule of Thumb

We’ve given you an idea of what can and cannot go in the toilet. If you are confused about what can or can’t be flushed, follow this rule of thumb: If it is not toilet paper, it most likely cannot be flushed.

How You Can Prevent Clogs

There are other steps you can take to prevent clogs, besides knowing what can or cannot be flushed down your toilet. Here are some ways you can avoid clogs and blockages all together:

1. Keep Toilet Lids Closed

Often plumbers will get called because a small toy is blocking the pipes. If you have young children, prevent them from putting any toys in the toilet by keeping your toilet lids closed. You can use a safety lock for extra security. 

2. Inspect Your Toilet Every Month

Make sure the various components of your toilet are functioning properly and are not worn out. Check the flapper and fill valve and ensure they are in good condition.

3. Get a Plunger

If you do not have a plunger, make sure you purchase a good quality flange-plunger. Learn how to use it properly, so you are prepared for any clogs.

4. What Toilet Paper are You Using?

While soft and plush toilet paper feels great, it might be harder on your drain. If you don’t want to change your toilet paper, make sure you don’t use too much of it.

Have any more questions about things you can or cannot flush down your toilet? Thinking about how you can deal with clogs in the most efficient way possible? Roman Electric can answer both these questions for you. Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online!

4 Summer Plumbing Tips

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summer plumbing tips

If you want to start summer off with a well-functioning plumbing system, the pros at Roman Electric are here to help! Here are some great summer plumbing tips that will ensure that your pipes and plumbing fixtures don’t cause you any problems.

1. Check for Leaks in These Areas

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks account for 10,000 gallons of water lost per year. To prevent unnecessary water loss and an increase in your water bill this summer, make sure you check for leaks around your home. Inspect these areas specifically:

  • Toilet

The most common reason for a toilet leak is a worn-out flapper. A flapper is a seal in the toilet tank which lifts when you pull the flush lever and allows water to flow into the bowl from the tank. However, if it breaks and develops cracks, water continues to leak through long after you have flushed. This leak can become costly over time—however, its also very easy to fix. Simply find a replacement at your nearest home improvement store and use this guide to install it.

  • Faucet

A faucet leak is usually caused by an old gasket or O ring. You can find replacements at a home improvement store and easily install these new components. Make sure you have the manufacturers manual to help you go through the installation and replacement process.

  • Showerhead

A loose showerhead can lead to leaks escaping through. Simply tighten the showerhead to the stem and use Teflon tape for extra security.

2. Check Water Pressure

It’s important to ensure you have the right and consistent water pressure throughout your home. There are several ways to check the water pressure. If you are on the city supply, you can request a water pressure reading from your local water department. You can also use a pressure gauge by hooking it up to the outside water spigot. The ideal reading should be between 45-55 psi.

3. Use Water Less

Make a plan with your family to lessen your water consumption, so you can consciously practice efficiency and conservation. These methods might be small but can have an impact in the long run!

  • Take shorter showers
  • Install low-flow showerheads and faucets
  • Turn the sink off when you are brushing your teeth or lathering your hands when washing
  • Turn the shower off when lathering
  • When washing dishes by hand, don’t let water run for rinsing
  • Install aerators in faucets to reduce excess water flow

4. Avoid Clogs

Clogs are messy business and dealing with one can be really frustrating. Here are some measures to prevent drain and toilet clogs:

  • No objects except for toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet
  • Routinely remove and hair and soap scum from drains. Use a drain hair catcher when showering if you want to be extra careful
  • Use a toilet lid if you have small children—this will prevent the risk of foreign objects going into the toilet drain

If you do end up dealing with clogs, here are some steps you can take to clear them out:

  • Baking soda and boiling hot water is a great mixture to clear out clogs
  • The handy-dandy plunger with an extended flange is ideal for toilets. The cup plunger is best for sink drains.
  • Use a plumbing snake or auger for deeper clogs

Want more summer plumbing tips? Call Roman Electric at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online!

3 Plumbing Upgrades for Spring

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plumbing upgrades for spring

It’s a bit of an uncertain time for all of us, but don’t let that stop you from making any upgrades to your plumbing for the spring! Here are some things you can easily do at home to get your plumbing ready for the new season, while practicing social distancing!

1. Replace Toilet Flapper

The flapper, located in the toilet tank, is a seal between the tank and the toilet bowl. It’s attached to the flush lever by a chain, so whenever you flush, the flapper lifts and lets water flow from the tank into the bowl. However, if the flapper is old or deteriorated, water might continue to leak into the bowl leading to a spike in your water bill. To fix this, you can easily order a flapper online from any home improvement store and install it using this helpful guide.

2. Clean Out Fixtures

One of the best ways you can “upgrade” your plumbing fixtures is through regular maintenance. If you’re working from home now, this might be a great time to do that. Here is how you can maintain and clean the various appliances and plumbing fixtures in your home!

  • Garbage Disposal

With all kinds of food scraps going down your trusty garbage disposal, it’s inevitable that it gets a little dirty over time. To clean out your disposal, you can use the standard baking soda and vinegar solution. Pour half a cup of baking soda in the garbage disposal and follow it up with one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit and bubble for up to 10 minutes, then rinse it out with boiling water, while letting the disposal run.

  • Dishwasher

There are various ways to clean the different components of your dishwasher. You can start by putting vinegar in the dishwasher; place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on one of the racks. Then run the dishwasher on a hot-water cycle—this will improve odors and remove any grime. You can also use an old toothbrush and soap to manually remove any dirt or grease in your dishwasher. Lastly, to thoroughly clean out this appliance, you will have to clean out the filter (located below the lower spray arm) with soap.

  • Sink and Bathtub

Make sure to inspect your sink and bathtub drains and ensure there isn’t any clog inside. You can fashion a drain snake with a wire and fish out any clog caused by hair or soap. You can use any bathroom cleaning agent you have and a sponge to get rid of deposits, stains and grime in your sink and bathtub. Pro tip: Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent to remove stains.

3. Consider a New Showerhead or Shower Filter

If your showerhead has been requiring frequent cleaning or tightening, you might want to consider getting a new showerhead. There are also many options on the market with various features. If you want to save money on your water bill this Spring, consider getting low-flow showerheads approved by ENERGY STAR.

If you want softer hair or skin after a shower, consider getting a shower filter. With several options on the market, shower filters can reduce the amount of minerals and chemicals that go into your hair, scalp and skin, leaving you feeling healthier after each shower.

Want more tips on upgrading your plumbing for the spring? Contact the pros at Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online 

Should You Invest in a Tankless Water Heater?

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Water heaters provide reliable, convenient hot water whenever we need it, and without them we’d really be in a bind. How many of us would be able to go through our normal routines with only cold showers, cold-washing cycles on clothes, and dishwashers that couldn’t use hot water?

Perhaps you’ve run into some frustrating hot water issues. Is your water heater to blame?

If so, then maybe you’re in the market for a new unit. There is good news, however: you have options, including investing in a tankless water heater. But is that a smart choice? Let the water-heating experts at Roman Electric tell you all about tankless water heaters!

Lower Energy Bills

If you’re in the market for a new water heater, it’s pretty likely that you’re searching for a way to lower your energy bills. With a tankless water heater, you’ll do just that. Tankless water heaters use significantly less energy than traditional tank-based units do.

According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can save you anywhere from roughly 10% to upwards of 50% in energy costs, depending on your household’s water usage and the amount of units you install. 

Less Intrusive

Tankless water heaters are popular for many reasons, including their diminutive size. They can fit in extremely small spaces – and no more of an eyesore than a fuse box on the wall. This stands in stark contrast to the bulky space-hog that a traditional water heater would be.

Longer Shelf Life

On top of the everyday savings a tankless water heater provides just by virtue of using less energy, they’re also designed to last much longer than tank-based units are — meaning you save money by avoiding the cost of replacing yet another unit.

Tankless water heaters are designed to last roughly 20 years or so, compared to the 10-15-year lifespan of a traditional unit. They’re also built with parts that aren’t complicated to replace! You can swap out a broken component with new ones that keep it chugging along even longer than the original shelf life!

On the Other Hand…

Of course, a tankless water heater isn’t without its drawbacks. The primary concern most people have with installing one is the up-front cost. They’re noticeably more expensive to install than a traditional unit, but that’s balanced out by the long-term savings you can enjoy.

And because tankless water heaters aren’t as large – and because they heat water on an as-needed basis – it can be harder to meet the needs of a larger household (compared to a tank-based unit).

Still Deciding? Let Roman Electric Help Out!

Tankless water heaters can be perfect for the right household, but they might not work for everyone. To help you figure out if one of these sleek and efficient units would be right for you, get in touch with the water heater experts at Roman Electric!

Give us a call at 414-369-3798 to speak to one of our knowledgeable team members today!

4 Common Toilet Problems and How to Fix Them

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common toilet problems and how to fix them

Everyone runs into minor problems with their toilets. Sometimes it’s something you can fix in no time, but in other situations it might be an issue that requires the help of a plumber. However, the line between those two can get blurred quite easily, so it makes sense to try and fix problems when you can.

The range of culprits behind most toilet issues can usually be whittled down to just a handful. With these tips, you can get a leg up on your home’s plumbing – but if not, Roman Electric’s plumbers can solve whatever is troubling your toilet. Here are a few common toilet problems and how to fix them!

1. Toilet Won’t Stop Running

When a toilet continuously runs, it’s more than likely that a leak has sprung up somewhere – either that, or the seal is loose on the flapper. The flapper is made of rubber, and rubber breaks down eventually. Thankfully, these are easily replaceable and pretty inexpensive at your local hardware store.

Just drain the tank of your toilet, remove the flapper and install the new one. In less than five minutes, you’ll have a brand-new, perfectly sealed tank!

2. Toilet Clogs Keep Happening

Clogs are, unfortunately, a fact of life. Nothing’s quite as frustrating as realizing the toilet has clogged when you’re ready to get on with your day, and it’s even more aggravating when you realize you’ve got to take time to unclog it.

There are generally two ways to get rid of clogs: with a plunger and with a drain snake. Plungers are common and mainstays in our households, but sometimes the clogs are too tough to plunge. That’s where drain snakes come in. They grab the clog directly, making it much easier to handle this issue – and they’re readily available at stores!

3. Cracked Tank/Bowl

Since toilets are made of porcelain, they’re susceptible to cracking and eventually breaking. Although you may not notice smaller cracks early on, the effects are noticeable in the form of leaks and thus higher energy bills. These issues grow quickly, however, and you could have water damage around the toilet before you know it.

This is something you’ll likely have to call an expert to handle. They’ll either be able to repair and seal the crack or – if the damage is beyond repair – recommend the best steps for replacing your toilet with a new one.

4. Toilet Is Filling Too Slowly

The toilet doesn’t just magically fill with water. It uses a tube/fill line that draws water from the supply and siphons it into the toilet, which kickstarts the refilling process. When that line gets clogged, though, you’ll notice that your toilet takes a much longer time to fill.

Thankfully, this issue isn’t hard to address. Drain the tank and remove the fill line, then clean it out with a brush or flush it out to remove whatever debris is clogging it. Replace the line, and your toilet should be good to go!

We’re Here for You

Roman Electric is Milwaukee’s go-to plumbing service provider. Whether you’re in the market for the best plumbers around or just need a company you can trust to provide the advice and service you need, we’re here for you. Give us a call at 414-369-3798 today!