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Plumbing Potpourri: Uncommon Uses and Facts About Plumbing Fixtures

April 19, 2024

Plumbing fixtures are often seen as purely functional, serving their traditional roles in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. However, these fixtures can also be versatile tools for creative and innovative uses beyond their intended functions. From repurposing old fixtures to using them in unconventional ways, here are some unexpected ways to unleash the creative potential of plumbing fixtures in your home.

Repurposing Old Fixtures

One creative way to use plumbing fixtures is to repurpose old or unused ones. For example, an old kitchen sink can be transformed into an outdoor garden sink for washing vegetables or cleaning garden tools. Similarly, an old bathtub can be repurposed as a stylish outdoor seating area or a unique planter for a garden.

Creative DIY Projects

Plumbing fixtures can also be used in various do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to add a unique touch to your home decor. For instance, old pipes can be repurposed into industrial-style shelving units, while old faucets can be used as hooks for hanging towels or coats. These DIY projects add a personal touch to your home and help reduce waste by giving old fixtures a new lease on life.

Innovative Culinary Uses

Some plumbing fixtures can also be used in unexpected ways in the kitchen. For example, a kitchen faucet with a high arch can fill large pots or buckets with water, making it easier to water plants or clean outdoor furniture. Additionally, a pot filler faucet can be used to fill a pasta pot directly on the stove, saving time and effort.

Fascinating Facts

Beyond their practical uses, plumbing fixtures have a rich history and unique design features, making them interesting conversation pieces. For example, did you know that Sir John Harington invented the modern flushing toilet in 1596 for Queen Elizabeth I? Or that William Feetham filed the first patent for a shower in 1767? These fascinating facts highlight the ingenuity and innovation that have shaped plumbing fixtures over the years.

Unleashing Creativity: The Art of Plumbing Innovation

Plumbing fixtures are more than just functional items in your home; they can also be sources of creativity and inspiration. Whether you’re repurposing old fixtures, embarking on a DIY project, or exploring the history of plumbing, there are countless ways to unleash the creative potential of plumbing fixtures in your home. So, next time you’re looking for a new project or a unique addition to your home decor, consider thinking outside the box and incorporating plumbing fixtures in unexpected ways.

Contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906 and speak to a plumbing expert for all your plumbing needs today!

Septic Tank Work in Pomona, CA, Requires a Special Skill Set

April 11, 2024

While not common, many homeowners in the Inland Valley area depend on a septic tank system to treat their home’s wastewater. When their septic tank systems develop problems, they call Hank & Sons Plumbing. The Pomona plumbing contractors at Hank & Sons Plumbing possess the special skill set and knowledge to address any septic tank problems.

How Do Septic Tank Systems Work?

In a septic tank system, wastewater flows out of the home through a main drainage pipe into the septic tank, a buried, watertight chamber specially designed to receive and treat wastewater. Bacteria in the septic tank digest the wastewater and waste materials. Heavier materials that can’t be digested sink to the bottom of the tank; oils, grease, and fats float to the top, forming a layer of scum.

The treated water is called effluent. The effluent exits the septic tank into the drainfield, a shallow, covered excavation next to the septic tank, where it is absorbed into the soil. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent solid materials and scum from leaving the tank.

The effluent is filtered and dispersed as it percolates through the soil of the drainfield. Full of nutrients, the effluent provides excellent fertilizer for the soil.

Common Septic Tank Problems

Over time, septic tank systems can experience a variety of problems that affect their function and efficiency. These problems can be caused by:

  • Excessive water use that oversaturates the soil in the drainfield
  • Ground movement
  • Root infiltration
  • Collapsed baffles
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Nearby excavation work
  • Hydrostatic pressure
  • Age
  • Using harmful cleaning products
  • Improper installation
  • Soil conditions

Warning Signs That There’s Something Wrong with Your Septic Tank

Some of the red flags that indicate your septic tank is in trouble include:

  • Water and sewage are backing up into toilets, drains, and sinks.
  • Slow-draining sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
  • You smell the odors of raw sewage coming from your drains and septic tank.
  • Gurgling sounds in your plumbing system.
  • Standing water or wet spots above or near the septic tank location.
  • Lush grass and vegetation growth around the septic tank, even in dry weather.
  • Untreated wastewater from the septic tank is being discharged to the surface.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance is the Key to Avoiding Septic Tank Problems

Most septic tank problems are the result of misuse or poor maintenance. For instance, only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down a toilet that empties into a septic tank. You should have your septic tank inspected every one to five years; maintenance includes pumping the tank every three to five years, or as needed.

Call Hank & Sons Plumbing When You Experience Septic Tank Problems

Hank & Sons Plumbing has been providing reliable, affordable plumbing services to home and business owners throughout the Pomona area since 1999. Our areas of expertise include septic tank system inspection, maintenance, and repairs. We can also replace and install a new septic tank system on your property.

Ignoring a septic tank problem could cause the entire system to fail. If you’re experiencing issues with your septic tank system, get in touch with Hank & Sons Plumbing ASAP. You can reach us by phone at 909-524-2906 or use our online contact form to schedule a service call from an experienced Pomona, CA, plumbing professional.

Where to Find Affordable Plumbing Repairs in Ontario, CA

March 23, 2024

Most homeowners in Ontario, CA, experience a plumbing problem sooner or later. When they do, they call Hank & Sons Plumbing. Hank & Sons Plumbing has been providing affordable plumbing repairs in Ontario since 1999. Our team of licensed Ontario plumbing contractors has the expertise and tools to fix just about any plumbing problem that can arise.

Ontario’s Most Common Plumbing Problems

In our twenty-five years of serving home and business owners in Pomoan, we’ve seen just about every home plumbing problem you could imagine. Some of the most common plumbing issues that plague homeowners in Ontario include:

  • Clogged, backed-up drains
  • Leaking pipes and fixtures
  • Damaged or corroded pipes and connections
  • Damaged faucets and other fixtures
  • Damaged or malfunctioning garbage disposal units
  • Toilet troubles, including Clogs, leaks, damaged parts, and other
  • Water heater issues.
  • Problems with water pressure
  • Damaged sewer lines, leaky faucets, slab leaks, and other exterior plumbing problems.
  • Issues related to water quality
  • Damaged water mains

Plumbing Problems Only Grow Worse Over Time

Take our advice: don’t ignore a plumbing problem. A plumbing problem will only grow worse over time. Besides the inconvenience, plumbing issues can cause significant damage to your home and property:

  • Increased water bills.
  • Mold growth and damage.
  • Damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations.
  • Water stains, discoloration, and other cosmetic damage to wallpaper, carpeting, rugs, etc..
  • Damage to dishwashers, water heaters, clothes washers, and other water-using appliances.
  • Health-related issues resulting from mold, sewage back-ups, contaminated water, etc.
  • Damage to your home’s electrical system.
  • Landscaping issues, such as soil erosion, standing water
  • Loss of important documents, including contracts, titles, and receipts, as well as impossible-to-replace personal items, such as scrapbooks and family photo albums.

Hank & Sons Plumbing is Ready Whenever You Experience a Plumbing Emergency.

If you find yourself faced with a plumbing emergency in Ontario, Hank & Sons Plumbing is ready whenever you need us. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services to home and business owners in Ontario and surrounding communities. Our Ontario plumbing professionals respond promptly to all emergency calls. We can repair most plumbing emergencies in a single visit.

Of course, not all plumbing issues are emergencies. In addition to emergency plumbing services, we offer installation and maintenance services as well. We can install new toilets, sinks, disposals, water heaters, water lines, and gas lines. Regular maintenance can catch plumbing problems before they occur and extend the life of your pipes, fixtures, and water heater.

Renovating or adding a new bathroom or kitchen area? We also offer new construction plumbing services. In addition to new plumbing, we can also install new gas lines or extend existing ones.

You Can Rely on Hank & Sons Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Needs

If you own a home or business in Ontario, CA, you can rely on Hank & Sons Plumbing for all your plumbing needs. We’re the plumbing professionals to call when you need reliable, affordable plumbing repairs in Ontario. You can schedule a service call by phoning us at 909-524-2906 or submitting our online request form.

Plumbing Issues Can Arise Outside Your Home | Exterior Plumbing Repairs in Pomona

March 12, 2024

When we think about home plumbing problems, we tend to think about indoor plumbing problems like kitchen faucets or clogged toilets. However, homeowners in Pomona can experience outdoor plumbing problems as well. Like their indoor counterparts, exterior plumbing problems need to be addressed without delay.

Hank & Sons Plumbing are the plumbers to call when you need outdoor plumbing repairs in Pomona, CA. We’ve been delivering reliable and affordable plumbing repairs to home and business owners in Pomona since 1999. Our team of licensed Pomona plumbing professionals possess the skills and tools to fix just about any exterior plumbing problem you may experience, including slab leaks.

Commonly Encountered Exterior Plumbing Issues

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring an exterior plumbing problem. Outdoor plumbing issues can cause costly property damage just like indoor ones. They can damage your home’s foundation, driveway, sidewalks, landscaping, and yard. In addition, standing water caused by an outdoor plumbing problem can provide the perfect home for mosquito larvae and other pests.

Some of the most common exterior home plumbing problems in Pomona include:

  • Clogged sewer lines and drains.
  • Damaged and corroded pipes.
  • Slab leaks.
  • Damaged water main or main shut-off valve.
  • Leaking hose bibs (outdoor faucets).
  • Water pressure problems.
  • Outdoor irrigation system leaks.
  • Septic tank issues.

Because so much of your home’s exterior plumbing system is buried beneath the ground, it may be difficult to tell if you have a plumbing problem. Here are a few of the signs that you may be experiencing an outdoor plumbing issue:

  • Persistent clogs or backed-up toilets and sinks.
  • Water leaking out from under your home or yard and into the street.
  • Standing water in your yard even though it hasn’t rained.
  • Low water pressure.
  • Higher-than-normal water bills.

What are Some of the Causes of Outdoor Plumbing Problems?

Several factors can contribute to outdoor plumbing problems in the Pomona area:

Over time, exposure to environmental conditions such as temperature extremes, UV radiation, and heavy rains can cause the deterioration of outdoor water pipes. The elements can also affect hose bibs, causing leaks and other damage. Poor installation can also result in damage to outdoor pipes and fixtures.

Ground conditions are another cause of exterior plumbing issues. Soil shifting caused by rain, changes in soil composition, erosion, and seismic activity can place stress on outdoor plumbing, leading to leaks, clogs, water contamination, and other issues. Excavation work can also cause damage to a home’s exterior plumbing features.

Aggressive tree root systems can infiltrate outdoor plumbing systems, causing blockages, leaks, and damage to pipes. Sycamores, silver maples, oaks, elms, and willows are examples of trees with root systems that can damage your outdoor pipes. Exposure to chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, or harsh cleaning agents, can corrode and damage outdoor plumbing materials.

Call Hank & Sons for Outdoor Plumbing Repairs in Pomona

Outdoor plumbing issues should be treated like the emergencies that they are. They need to be addressed ASAP to avoid costly water damage. Hank & Sons Plumbing offers exterior plumbing repairs such as outdoor water leak detection, outdoor water pipe repairs and replacement, trenchless sewer line repairs, re-piping, hydro-jetting, new outdoor plumbing installation, and more.

You can get in touch with Hank & Sons Plumbing through our website or phone us at 909-524-2906 to schedule a service call from an expert Pomona plumbing contractor.

Water Leak Detection and Repairs in La Verne, CA

February 20, 2024

A water leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. If you have a water leak or suspect you have a water leak, get in touch with Hank & Sons Plumbing ASAP. We’ve been providing expert water leak detection and water leakrepairs in La Verne, CA, for almost 25 years!

Almost every homeowner in La Verne will experience a water leak at some time or another. Water leaks are a plumbing emergency that needs to be addressed immediately. Repairing a leaky water pipe or water heater is a lot less expensive than paying for:

  • Water damage to floors, walls, ceilings, carpeting, rugs, etc.
  • Mold growth
  • Structural damage to your home and foundation
  • Increased water and energy bills
  • Electrical damage
  • Disruption of daily activities (bathing, food preparation, cooking, washing, personal hygiene, etc.)
  • Aesthetic damage, such as water stains
  • Appliance damage

What Causes Water Leaks?

There are many ways your home can experience a water leak. Some of the more common causes of water leaks in La Verne include:

  • Broken or damaged pipes
  • High water pressure
  • Clogged drains and pipes
  • Faulty joints and seals
  • Poor installation
  • Water quality (water with high mineral content can accelerate the corrosion of metal pipes)
  • Appliance malfunctions
  • Tree root infiltration

Hidden Home Water Leaks in La Verne

You may have a water leak in your home and not even know it! Not all water leaks are visible; they can occur within the walls and ceiling, beneath your home, and the ground surrounding it. Here are some of the signs that you may have a hidden water leak:

  • Higher than normal water bills
  • Low water pressure
  • Wet stains or discoloration on your walls and ceiling
  • Warped flooring tiles
  • Puddles around toilets, water heaters, and water-using appliances.
  • Peeling paint of wallpaper
  • Mold growth
  • Musty smells
  • High levels of indoor air moisture
  • The sounds of dripping water within walls

Some of the signs of an outdoor water leak, such as a slab leak or sewer line leak, can include standing water, the smell of sewage, and situations where one area of your yard has more lusher plant growth than others.

Water Leaks Should Be Treated as a Plumbing Emergency

Because of the potential for damage, water leaks should be treated as a plumbing emergency. The longer you wait to have a water leak repaired, the greater the risk of water damage to your home. If water leaks into your home through a broken pipe or water line, cut off the source of the water (you may have to shut off your home’s main water valve) and call Hank & Sons Plumbing.

Hank & Sons Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services in La Verne, CA. We’re available whenever you experience a home water leak or other plumbing emergency. Our licensed La Verne plumbers will respond promptly to your call, arriving at your home with the tools and equipment to tackle your water leak problem. Most water leaks can be repaired in a single visit.

Hank & Sons Provides Affordable Water Leak Repairs in La Verne and Surrounding Communities

Hank & Sons Plumbing is La Verne’s number-one choice for affordable plumbing repairs. You can reach us through our website or phone us at 909-524-2906 to schedule a service call. We serve customers in La Verne, CA, and throughout the Inland Empire.