Category: Plumbing

Explained: Three Strange Sounds Your Toilet Makes

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You’re familiar with the sounds your toilet makes — so familiar that anything out of the ordinary may be cause for concern.

Here are three toilet noises to keep an ear out for and what they could mean.

Hissing

The brief hissing that accompanies your tank refilling is perfectly normal. However, persistent hissing is a sign one of these two problems:

Malfunctioning flap: Lift the lid and examine the flap on the bottom of the tank. If it appears cracked or brittle, you likely found your culprit. The deteriorated flapper isn’t creating a seal, allowing water to slip past into the bowl. This causes the tank to refill continuously. It’s an audible nuisance and a waste of water.

Replacing the flapper is an easy DIY job. Just follow the instructions on the package.

Faulty float: The float is the mechanism that raises and lowers with the water level in the tank. If it rises higher than the overflow tube, excess water will spill down into the tube, prompting a continuous refill.

To adjust the fill height, press the clip on the side of the float to move it down the rod. Position the float an inch or two below the top of the overflow tube. Then flush the toilet to see if the float stops below at the adjusted level. If that doesn’t do it, call a plumber.

Gurgling or bubbling

This could indicate negative air pressure within the drain line. When this pressure releases, water in the toilet bowl will bubble.

A clog in the main sewer line, such as a root obstruction, can create this sort of airlock.

In severe cases, dirty water will back up into your sink or bathtub.

Get this fixed by a plumber ASAP!

Foghorn

Older toilets have a float the resembles a small, black balloon. This a ballcock-style fill valve, and you may have a loose washer inside the mechanism. It’s nothing detrimental — just super annoying.

To determine if this is the case, lift the tank lid and flush the toilet while holding up the float. If the sound is gone, you’ve found your problem. If you’re handy, you can disassemble the fill valve to replace the washer inside, or you can replace the entire fill valve.

If you run into any complications, contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating at (301) 804-6759.

Are You Using the Right Plunger?

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If you’ve been struggling to unclog drains and toilets, your plunger may be the problem. The conventional red plunger is the one you most likely keep on standby, but it’s not always the best tool for the job.

There are four different types of plunger, each designed for a specific task:

  • The taze

  • The flange

  • The accordion

  • The flat

Let’s take a look at when each one of these would come in handy.
 

The 4 Different Types of Plungers

One of the most common reasons why people call the plumber is because of clogged drains. If your toilet or sink is backing up, you need to make sure you can unclog it right away. Other than investing in the right plunger, you should also make sure that you never put fats, oils, or grease down your drains.

The Taze Plunger

Taze plungers are considered specialty tools, and plumbing professionals generally use them. You should not use taze plungers for household plumbing issues. These professional-level plungers have a steel rod connected to a small disc. This disc is snaked down the drain in order to remove the clog. Again, they should only be handled by a professional.

The Flange Plunger

Many people refer to the flange plunger as a toilet plunger, but it can actually work with nearly any drain. It is extremely flexible and includes a cup with a soft, rubber flap. This fold-out flap allows it to work in the toilet drain for better suction.

You can use this plunger for toilets, sinks, and tubs. While it works for toilets and sinks, you should have one flange plunger for your toilet exclusively. Then, you can use a different plunger for other drains to avoid cross-contamination.

The Accordion Plunger

Unlike other types of plungers, the accordion plunger is not designed to be very flexible. Instead, it is made out of hard plastic. This allows it to generate more force, but the design also makes the accordion plunger trickier to use. The plunger’s plastic can potentially scratch the surfaces of your toilet. It can also be difficult to create a vacuum seal over your drains because of how hard the plunger is.

The accordion plunger is designed specifically to unclog toilets. Because of how much force it imparts, it should only be used in the case of a severe clog. If you are worried about scratching and damaging your toilet, you may want to leave this plunger to the professionals.

The Flat Plunger

The flat plunger — also called a sink plunger — is probably the one you have sitting next to your toilet. The flat plunger is not ideal for unclogging toilets. Instead, the flat cup is actually better for flat surfaces like bathtubs and sinks. If you use it on the right surface, the flat cup makes a vacuum over the drain in order to dislodge the clog.

Tips for Clearing Clogs

If you are dealing with a clog in your home, the following tips will help you remove it as quickly as possible.

  • Make sure to use the right plunger.

  • You should create suction by slowly pressing down to remove air from the plunger. This helps you make a better seal.

  • Plunge straight down because using an angle will decrease the amount of force you can use.

  • To make the best possible seal in a sink or bathtub, make sure to submerge the plunger in water.

  • If your plunger is torn, it will not be able to achieve a good seal. Keep your plunger in good condition by keeping it clean and dry when you are not using it.

Bottom line: You would use a Phillips screwdriver on a slotted screw. The same principle applies to plungers and clogs. Use the right tool for the right job. If your plunger still fails you, give Mallick Plumbing & Heating at (301) 804-6759.

The Internet Can’t Make You A Plumber

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The internet is a powerful resource. You can learn how to play the guitar from online tutorials, get the fastest, first-hand coverage of breaking news, and stay in touch with those we love even when we can’t see them in person. While the internet is an amazing asset to our culture, it does have its limitations. If you’re trying to become an expert plumber in just a day’s time because you want to clear a pipe in your home then you’re barking up the wrong tree.

We discourage DIY efforts in almost any context when it comes to your plumbing. That’s because this system is so complex that it needs professional care. If you’re looking for an expert to help you with drain cleaning in Rockville, MD then make sure that you contact our team at Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

Signs You Need a Drain Cleaning

Here are a few big signs that you need drain cleaning in your home:

  • You Can Smell Your Drains: One thing that you never want to be able to do is smell your drains. If you notice a localized drain odor then you probably have drain build-up involving food, organic waste, or just some other smelly material in your home. Drain build-up is a nasty problem that needs the attention of a professional.
  • Low Water Pressure: Notice that your showerhead or faucet doesn’t really work like it used to? Then you’re struggling with low water pressure. Low water pressure is more than likely due to natural build up or hard water. A drain cleaning service can eliminate both issues.
  • Slow Draining: Do you find yourself standing in a puddle in your shower? Or maybe you’re looking down into what could be a small pond of water every time you wash your hands. Drain blockages are a clear sign that you have an obstruction in that drain. Instead of trying to fix the problem on your own, make sure that you hire a professional.

Why You Should Call a Professional

So now you’re probably wondering, “Do I really need to hire a professional for this?” The answer is yes! We know that this may seem a little biased coming from a team of professionals, but trust us, we see the aftermath of a lot of DIY attempts and they’re bad. You can do some real damage to your plumbing system. You might think that you’re saving yourself money by doing this, but in reality, all you’re really doing is making the path to finding relief with your plumbing system much longer than it needs to be.

As a homeowner, you probably have the necessary tools to fix a partial clog, but we can assure you that you don’t have a professional grade hydro-jet to clean your draining system. Our professional plumbers combine their expertise, education, and an extensive number of tools to fix your drain problems in a snap.

When in doubt, call a plumber! Don’t try to DIY your plumbing system. If you’re looking for an affordable plumber in the Rockville area make sure you schedule an appointment with our team here at Mallick Plumbing & Heating today.

Helpful Plumbing Tips for Spring

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Spring is a great time of year. The temperatures are heating up and we’re finally being enveloped in some sunlight after a long winter here in Maryland. So many homeowners make the mistake of not paying any attention to their home until it gets too late. You should always stay on top of the function of your plumbing system.

There’s a common misconception that it’s standard to wait until you have a problem on your hands but there are many things that you can do to prevent a plumbing problem in your home. If you’re looking for a great plumber in Frederick, MD then make sure that you contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

Helpful Measures for Your Plumbing

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your home running well this summer.

  • Invest in a Drain Strainer: If you want to help your drains do their job you can invest in a drain strainer. Drain strainers are a way of keeping your drains from clogging. Things like soap scum, hair, and food out of your pipes.
  • Schedule a Water Heat Tune-Up: Have you had your water heater serviced this year? If you haven’t, now is a great time to do so. You should have your water heater flushed regularly so that you rid it of any sediment and ensure that it always performs efficiently. Just because winter is over doesn’t mean that you don’t need hot water. Make sure that you give this appliance the attention it needs.
  • Clean Your Drains: Clean out your gutters, drains, and downspouts. Making sure that these areas are free and clear of debris that collected during winter will save you a headache in spring.
  • Check Your Faucets: Look for any drips or leaks that might lead to repairs in a home. If one of your sink faucets seems to drain a little sluggishly, schedule an appointment with our team to a drain cleaning. Make sure that everything is in order before spring. Prevention is the key to good plumbing services.
  • Check On Your Sump Pump: Spring is the time of year that you need your heat pump the most. Heavy spring rains can cause a flood in your basement if you’re not careful so make sure that you contact a professional before the season is in full swing.

Contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating Today

There’s so much to know when it comes to your heating system and it’s easy to be overwhelmed. If you need help making sure that your plumbing system is ready for spring then make sure that you contact our team. We provide the full gambit of plumbing service including plumbing, drain and sewer, water heaters, and water treatment systems. We’ve serviced the Greater Washington Metro Area for years and we can give you the service you need too.

There are a lot of plumbing problems that pop up during spring. Watch out for the ones listed above and if you have a plumbing problem then make sure that you contact our team at Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

5 Major Reasons to Call a Plumber

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Ideally, if you’re having any type of plumbing problem in your home you’ll make sure to contact a plumber for professional service. We really discourage our customers to try to DIY their own plumbing services or to go without service because they’d like to save a little money. There’s really no plumbing problem too big or too small for a professional plumbing team.

If you have a big problem on your hands and you need an emergency plumber in Frederick, MD then contact our team today. If you’re unsure if the problem you’re experiencing is something that qualifies as “emergency plumbing” make sure that you reference our list below. Plumbing isn’t always a clear service and it will help you decide what’s urgent and what isn’t.

If You Have These Problems Make Sure You Pick Up the Phone

Dripping Faucets

Having a faucet drip endlessly in your home is annoying all on its own and it becomes an even bigger problem when it raises the price of your water bill significantly. Not a lot of people consider this an “urgent” emergency on their own, but we do. All those droplets really add up over time. If you can’t seem to fix this leaking faucet on your own or the task always seems to end up at the bottom of your to-do list, make sure that you contact a plumber from our team to schedule an appointment.

Slow/ Clogged Drains

Does water linger in your sink when you wash your hands? A slow or clogged drain is a problem in any home. The last thing that you want to do in this situation is to buy a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are terrible for your plumbing system and often result in a myriad of other plumbing issues. Make the smart decision and reach out for the help of a professional.

Leaky Pipes

Age, constant use, and the extreme heat and cold we experience in Frederick on a cycle throughout the year can really wear down the metal of your pipes. If you notice that your water pressure has decreased or that your bill has risen, make sure that you also keep an eye out for any wet spots on your ground or ceiling.

Running Toilets

A running toilet is another one of those problems that are definitely annoying but seemingly benign. In actuality though, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. If you call a professional plumber to service your home it’s an incredibly easy fix.

Water Heater

The water heater in your home probably has a lifespan of about eight to twelve years. If your showers aren’t getting hot enough, not staying hot enough, or just never have hot water, make sure that you contact our team. We can guide you through the process of replacement or perform a flawless repair.

There are many reasons to contact a plumber. A good rule of thumb to follow is: any plumbing problem you’re having (big or small) is a good reason to contact a professional. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment with our team at Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

5 Signs You’re Due for a Drain Cleaning

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Do you have your drains professionally cleaned on a regular basis? If you’re like the average homeowner, your answer is probably a resounding “no.” We get it—it’s a seemingly unnecessary service from the perspective of anyone outside of the plumbing industry, but we can assure you that this really is an essential service.

Drain cleaning is a service that can make or break your plumbing system. You might think that you can keep any clog or drain problems at bay with a little over the counter chemical drain cleaner, but this is untrue. Not only are these drain cleaners terrible for your plumbing system, they really don’t do a great job of cleaning your plumbing system. If you’re looking for great plumbing services in Frederick, MD then we can do the job for you.

What to Look Out For

These are the signs that you need to call our team for professional drain cleaning.

  • Standing Water: Notice that your toes are pruning after taking a shower? This is an odd occurrence that really shouldn’t happen. Standing water is a sign that you’re having a problem with a slow drain. Standing water in your shower, washing machine, or sink shows that your draining problems have really become drastic. If you notice that this is a common problem in your home, contact a plumber sooner than later.
  • Foul Odors: Your drains shouldn’t smell foul. If you’re washing your hands and you smell the sewer, your drains aren’t functioning the way that they should. This is a sign that you might have a sewage backup within some portion of your pipes. We’re rounding out winter now, but this problem can accelerate and worsen when the temperatures rise. If this is a problem you’re having now, make sure you contact our team sooner than later.
  • Slow Draining: Does it seem like your sink takes forever to empty? Make sure to take note of these things in your washing machine, kitchen sink, and bathroom sinks. The drainage system in your home should be far from sluggish. A drain cleaning is a great way fortify your system and prevent a clog.
  • Fruit Flies: This is one sign of drain trouble that we really like to underscore because the connection to a failing plumbing system isn’t always obvious. Fruit flies are an annoyance and sometimes it seems like they’ve accumulated overnight in your home. If you’ve cleared your countertops and cleaned your kitchen but you still see fruit flies, it’s more than likely that they’re attracted to the food waste building up in your drain.
  • Odd Noises: Your plumbing system really isn’t an aspect of your home that should be too audible. If you’re heating gurgling, bubbling, banging, or sloshing sounds it’s a great idea to contact a professional plumber because you have a significant draining issue.

If you need a drain cleaning in your home, don’t try to cut any corners! Contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating today to schedule an appointment. We’re experts and we can meet all your plumbing needs!

Why You Should Never DIY Your Plumbing Services

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So you’ve got a slow-moving drain, a clog, or a backed-up toilet—we know how tempting it is to try to fix these issues on your own. After all, you have the entire internet at your fingertips with limitless resources on how you can perform your plumbing services on your own. Trust us, we can assure you that this isn’t the right move to make. More often than not, our talented team of plumbers finds themselves on job sites cleaning up the aftermath of a failed DIY attempt.

We understand why homeowners choose to take this route. You figure that you can just find a great resource, do it on your own, and save yourself a lot of money. If you’re worried about the price, come to our team for all your plumbing in Rockville, MD. We provide quality services at fair prices.

Here’s Why You Always Need a Professional

Here are a few compelling reasons why you should always go with a professional.

Security

When you go with our team, you’ll know that the job is getting done the right way the first time. When you try to DIY services in your own home, that means that you’ll wonder if the steps you’re taking are the right ones. You won’t have to worry with our team because we’re stocked with trained professionals with extensive in-field experience.

Convenience

If you try DIY plumbing services you’re probably going to go through a fair amount of troubleshooting. These jobs that homeowners try to perform on their own also typically take much longer to complete. The longer your plumbing job takes, the longer you’ll go without essential plumbing systems. Don’t put your comfort on the line just to try to save a few bucks. Our services are priced fairly because we understand that plumbing services are essential and, on top of this, they’re convenient.

Efficiency

Here at Mallick Plumbing & Heating, we’re your trusted Greater Washington Metro area plumbers for a reason. We understand the importance of a thorough job and efficiency. Since our founding, we’ve made respect for the customer the foundation on our business. You’ll never have to worry about long, drawn-out jobs or trying to upsell you. We understand what customers here need—we always offer installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services at a fair price.

Expertise

When you go with our team, you know you’re getting an expert. We know that sometimes you might be tempted to just call that cut-rate handyman that promises to do the job just as well for half the price but trust us: when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they are. You need a professional with the right licensing, certifications, and insurance backing them to perform these plumbing jobs for you. Our experts check off all these boxes and have training and in-field experience too. You don’t need to opt for dodgy options when our team is available.

If you’re looking for a great professional plumber here in Maryland at the right price, make sure that you contact Mallick Plumbing and Heating today.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Plumbing System in Top Shape

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We find that the plumbing system is one that stays on the backburner in homeowners’ minds. We understand why—plumbing isn’t exactly a sexy topic and the plumbing system in your home is actually quite complex. It’s not always easy to understand how your plumbing system works and that’s why we have an expert team here at our company to help you with all your heating and cooling needs.

If you’re looking to keep your plumbing system in top shape, then make sure you have service from a reliable team like ours. If you’re looking for a great plumber in Hyattsville, MD then contact our team. We’ve serviced the Silver Spring area since 1994 and we’re the number one choice in HVAC for a reason.

Watch Out for These…

When you’re having trouble with your plumbing system, it’s always a good idea to call a professional plumber. Don’t try to DIY these services under any circumstance. But, if you’d like to take care of your plumbing system on your own time then make sure that you follow these guidelines.

In the Bathroom:

Don’t make the mistake of putting these down your bathroom sink or in your toilet.

Hair: Hair going down your shower or sink drain poses a big problem to your plumbing system. Hair tends to catch itself in preexisting sludge like substances in your plumbing system. Try putting a strainer over your drain so that you can scoop this hair up and dispose of it easily after a shower or bath.

Soap Scum: Do you know what soap scum is? It’s a term that we hear commonly in commercials, but we want to make sure that you know the source. Soap scum is the cause of a soap byproduct and hard water (water with a high mineral content of calcium or magnesium) mixing together. Soap scum forms build up in your drain and causes clogging.

In the Kitchen:

These are common problems we encounter in kitchen plumbing, avoid these substances at all costs:

FOG: FOG is an industry term that stands for “fat, oil, or grease.” FOG is by far the number one culprit of any kitchen sink clogging you might have. FOG is such a big deal because it travels down your drain as a liquid but then congeals, settles, and becomes a sludge-like solid that’s the perfect consistency to capture and trap any other particles going down your drain.

Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds cause the same problem in your drain that FOG does. Never put coffee grounds down your kitchen sink. The best way to dispose of coffee grounds is to use a spare container and dispose of them in there and then deposit them in the trash. If you’re feeling eco-friendly, coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen and serve as great fodder for your azaleas.

Everywhere:

This is advice that applies to your entire plumbing system.

Store Bought Drain Cleaner: If there’s one thing you should avoid no matter the circumstance, make sure that its store-bought drain cleaner. We get why you’d buy it, you’re standing in the aisle at the store and reading all these fantastic claims about how this cheap product can alleviate all your slow-moving drain problems, but trust us, these caustic chemicals do more harm than good.

If you need a plumber in Hyattsville, contact Mallick Plumbing and Heating today.

5 Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump

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If you’re a homeowner here in Maryland, it’s more than likely that you have a basement in your home. It’s still winter here in Maryland, but spring will be here before you know it and that’s the busy season for your sump pump—make sure that yours is ready. You know how important this system is for your home.

The last thing you want as things are thawing off is to realize that your sump pump is no longer able to keep your home safe, clean, and dry. If you want to know the warning signs that your sump pump is on the way out, keep reading below. If you need a plumber here in Bethesda, MD then be sure to contact our conscientious team.

Common Signs That You Need an Upgrade

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, then it might be time to replace your sump pump:

Old Age

No machine in your home can last forever. Your sump pump has a life expectancy of about ten years. If your machine is near that age and showing any of the problems below, it’s probably time for you to replace this system.

If you’re concerned about finding the right system for your home then contact our team. Our technicians are extensively trained and vastly experienced, so we can always inform you too. We work with all the best brands and we can assess your home and match you with the right make and model.

Noises

Your sump pump is never going to be completely silent, but if the system is making an excessive amount of noise, then you’ve got a problem on your hands. Frequent noise or exceptionally loud noises mean that there’s probably something wrong with the motor in your home. Make sure you listen out for any rattling, grinding, thuds, and other alarming noises.

Issues Turning it On and Off

Have you noticed that your sump pump goes through a constant cycle of turning on and turning off? It’s probably a sign that there’s something wrong with your sump pump. You might have a power issue, a float switch issue, or a sign that you need a new sump pump in your home.

Your Pump is Constantly Running

If your sump pump is continuously running or just running too much no matter what the weather conditions outside are, it’s a sign that you have a problem. The longer that you let this issue go on, the worse the issue is going to get. This could potentially lead to a system breakdown so make sure that you address issues promptly.

No Water

Your sump pump needs water in the pit to function. If you notice that the system is dry, then you probably have a problem with how the system was installed, how it’s currently connected, or because there’s a problem with your drainage system.

If you need service for your sump pump, make sure to contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

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