Consolidated Plumbing Blog

Did you know a hot water heater is a home’s second biggest energy-user, and responsible for about 18% of your monthly energy bill? Checking and adjusting the temperature on your system can help save money and extend the life of your unit.

Before you check your water heater’s current temperature, consider: If you turn your shower water on as hot as it can go, would it be too hot to shower? If so, your heater is likely set too high. Continue reading →

Clogged drains or a leaking toilet may be expected plumbing problems, but invasive tree roots? They can disrupt your underground plumbing, and if the problem isn’t addressed immediately, you might need a major (and expensive) repair job. Continue reading →

Sure, the hue may be a green from 1978 and you have to jiggle the handle for a complete flush, but the toilet still works, right? However, just because the toilet still functions, doesn’t mean an upgrade isn’t in order. There are a number of signs indicating that it’s time for a new toilet, here are some you should look out for: Continue reading →

Whether it’s Saturday morning or Christmas Eve, plumbing problems are always inconvenient. Calling an emergency plumber during off-hours can result in a hefty bill, so it’s beneficial if you learn some DIY skills.

One of the most common plumbing issues is a clogged drain. Even if you don’t have any traditional unclogging tools on hand, like a plunger, auger or store-bought drain cleaner, you can still fix the problem. Here are five household items you likely have on-hand to assist you. Continue reading →

Water that leaks from the base of the toilet is likely coming from the toilet bowl, and is often accompanied by an unfavorable odor.

If you don’t address the problem immediately, this type of leak can damage your bathroom floor and possibly the ceiling beneath if the bathroom is on an upper level. Continue reading →

When you turn the shower on, it’s likely you anticipate hot water. And you probably don’t give it a second thought until the hot water runs out. Starting your day with a cold shower is a sure reminder of the importance of properly caring for your hot water heater.

The lifespan of the average hot water heater is 8-12 years, and you can even extend the service life of the tank by draining it once a year. This helps eliminate sediment buildup, allowing it to perform more efficiently. Continue reading →

Strange noises coming from the garage? Constantly taking cold showers? We often expect hot water to be readily available when we turn on the faucet or start the washing machine, but when something goes wrong, this luxury we take for granted is suddenly a big problem.

If your unit is approaching the end of its 8-12 year lifespan, it’s best to keep an eye out for these warning signs that your hot water heater is broken. Continue reading →

Owning your own home is rewarding, yet stressful experience. Unlike your apartment days, you can’t make an emergency call to the landlord at 2 a.m. if a pipe bursts, or have the owner cover costs of a broken dishwasher.

Repairs and upgrades are now up to you, so it’s important to understand the basics of plumbing maintenance and mishaps. Continue reading →

Most noises you hear in your home can be attributed to minor, ignorable issues. But clanging sounds coming from your plumbing could signal something else. Here are some common reasons your pipes will make noise and ways to fix them. Continue reading →