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What’s the Difference Between a Plumber and a Handyman?

Although some homeowners may believe that there is no difference between the two professions, there is actually quite a gap to cover. The biggest difference is that in Texas, it’s illegal for a handyman to perform work that a licensed plumber should.

A handyman is someone that is more of a general contractor who focuses on home repairs. While they may say they work on plumbing, the DIY approach (illegal with most plumbing jobs) that they take may be better suited for home improvement projects like millwork, painting, or carpet installation.

IGNORANCE OF STATE LAWS

Many people don’t understand the law that revolves around plumbing in Texas. Unfortunately, handymen can take advantage of this ignorance and create dire results for a homeowner who thinks they are getting a good deal. There have been instances that we’ve seen at Plumbing Dynamics where a handyman flooded a house while exchanging a water heater. Because of the law and the uninsured handyman, the homeowner’s insurance would not help out based on the negligence involved in the situation. This is not always an absolute, but it’s a risk that homeowners take when a licensed plumber isn’t used to working on their plumbing problems.

PLUMBERS OFFER TRAINED EXPERTISE

Most states require a practicing license for plumbers. So when you hire one, you know that they already come with the training needed to get your plumbing problems corrected. A licensed plumber is trained to perfect many skills that include:

• Installation and repair of water heaters;
• Maintenance of plumbing and pipelines;
• Relieving clogs in sinks and toilets and
• Taking precise measurements for specific types of projects.

Your plumbing is something that you want to be fixed correctly and expertly the first time. While a handyman may admittedly be the “budget-friendly” option at the start, you may end up paying even more money to repair anything that could have gone wrong on your watch.

A licensed plumber will be able to tell you exactly what’s wrong with your plumbing and what needs to be done to resolve the problem. You can’t put a price on experience. Leave the plumbing-specific tasks to those who have been licensed to practice the craft.

LICENSED PLUMBERS CAN HELP WITH EMERGENCY PROBLEMS

Dangerous and hectic plumbing emergencies can arise at any moment. Trying to schedule a handyman for an emergency at an odd hour is not only a huge technical risk but may also be nearly impossible to confirm.

Although not every plumber is able to tackle emergency issues, the most experienced and reliable licensed plumbing expert will be on-call and prepared to handle emergencies like:

• Hot water heater malfunctions;
• Leaking or burst pipes;
• Sewer line clogs;
• Slab leaks, and more.

Handle Your Plumbing Needs With the Experts at Plumbing Dynamics

It’s absolutely essential to keep your home’s plumbing health in top shape this summer. If you find yourself in a plumbing emergency in Carrollton, TX or just have a clog that won’t quit, Plumbing Dynamics can help. Contact us today at 214-929-3431 to learn more about our services and to schedule your free service call.

Unusual Growth

Sometimes examining the lushness of your landscaping can be a way to spot a potential root problem. If you notice that a certain tree is thriving in comparison to surrounding shrubbery, this could mean that its roots have made an unwanted home in your sewer line.

Other visible signs of a problem include:

• Overtly lush patches of grass
• Extraordinary bush growth

Sinkholes in the Yard

If your feet begin to sink into your lawn, then you could have a plumbing emergency on your hands. Root-damaged pipes tend to create leaks. These leaks can quickly spread water throughout your yard. This flooding can create areas in the yard that sink in and will serve as a red flag for a root obstruction.

Your Home’s Drainage Slown Down

When your pipes become clogged up with root growth, naturally, your home will experience some problems with how pipes, toilets, and drains function.

If you notice that the drains in your sinks and tubs aren’t draining well, this is one of the earlier signs of an obstruction within your system. Don’t reach for the chemical drain cleaner for help! Not only will this solution fail to clear out a root obstruction, but it can also lead to further pipe damage within the home.

Constantly clogged or slow drains aren’t how a home should function. Find a reputable plumber to help resolve the problem!

Foul Smells Around the Property

Remember, your sewer line runs from the front of your property. So, a rancid smell that rises from your front yard is not only a sure sign of a sewer line problem, but it’s a plumbing emergency.

Sewage and the stench that comes with it pose a serious health risk to your family and those who visit your home. Keep your nose on alert and report any waste-like odors to a top-rated plumber.

Repair Your Root Damaged Systems With Plumbing Dynamics

Have tree roots severely damaged your sewer lines or other important plumbing systems? If so, don’t let your household suffer another minute. Let the emergency plumbers of Plumbing Dynamics help!

We are a licensed plumbing company in Carrollton, Texas that brings our superior plumbing services to the residential and commercial clients that we serve. Contact us today at 214-929-3431 to get your pipes operating normally again! We’re here to help with your sewer line repair in Carrollton, TX today!

5 Ways to Improve Your DIY Plumbing Skills

1. JUST TRY.

Many home plumbing tasks are really, really, really easy to do. For example, fixing a leaky faucet often could be as simple as swapping its old washer out for a new one. Stopping a “running” toilet tank could be as simple as installing a new fill valve (super easy, we promise). Dislodging a stubborn toilet blockage can be as easy as turning a plumbing snake.

2. Read Some DIY Plumbing Blogs and Websites

Many of these DIY plumbing websites offer step-by-step instructions either via video or bulleted paragraphs (often both). Some of the better “learn DIY plumbing” sites include:

• FamilyHandyman.com
• DIYNetwork.com
• HouseLogic.com
• DoItYourself.com

For specific plumbing issues, just Google (for example) “fix toilet leak,” and up will pop thousands of pages with instructions, often including the aforementioned how-to videos and directions.

3. Take Advantage of Free Lessons Offered at Big-Box Homeowner Supply Stores.

We don’t have to mention them by name – you undoubtedly know what stores we’re talking about. Yet these homeowner supply stores often offer free workshops (usually on weekends) on how to paint, install flooring, create a deck….and fix your plumbing.

4. Take Classes at Your Local Community College

Doing so will require some financial outlay on your part (although community colleges keep tuition affordable), but if your college has programs to train people to become plumbers, why not see if you can sign up for one or two?

5. Watch a Friend Experienced in Plumbing DIY Work Her Magic

You probably know someone who is pretty good at this “DIY stuff.” If so, if you learn that she is about to tackle a plumbing problem at home, ask if you can hang out and maybe help. Ask questions as your friend fixes the problem and don’t be shy about asking if you can wield the wrench, plumber’s snake, remove the pipe under the sink, etc. under her watchful eye.

While many home plumbing problems can be fixed easily by a homeowner, many cannot! Don’t be a hero: If you don’t think you can fix something yourself, don’t “give it a shot,” because you could make things worse (and end up paying a lot more to a plumber for an emergency visit). Instead, call upon the Dallas plumbers at Plumbing Dynamics for help. Give our office a call at 214-929-3431 for assistance with plumbing in Carrollton, TX.

Tips About Commercial Plumbing

• While commercial plumbers basically do the same job as a plumber who services homes, you probably will want to find a plumber who can perform big plumbing jobs after hours and on weekends, but without charging you extra for it. If the plumbing job is so large that having customers/employees around could be detrimental to the plumber’s ability to fix the problem, you should verify that the plumber will do the work after hours, but not charge a premium for it.
• You’ll want to make sure the plumber or plumbing company has followed all regulatory requirements, such as holding state and local business and plumbing licenses. You also should check to make sure the plumber is bonded and insured.
• Speak with local as well as national plumbing companies, particularly if your firm is part of a national chain. (Talk to your company’s headquarters because many nationwide and even international companies have service agreements with national plumbing companies.)
• Decide how important it is to your company to use a plumbing service that specializes in using environmental products. Also, if your office is located in an older building – with older plumbing – you’ll want to make sure the company you hire has the equipment and expertise to serve you well.
• Ask business owners around you what company they use. Ask how satisfied they are with the company’s service, and what they like and dislike about working with the company.
• Make sure the plumbing company offers 24-hour emergency services (including on major holidays, such as Christmas and the Fourth of July). Having a water main break could mean you’ll have to shut down your plant/offices, a closure that definitely can hurt your bottom line. Knowing that you have a reliable and skilled commercial plumber on speed dial can help any business owner or operations manager sleep easier at night.

If looking for an experienced, trustworthy, and reliable commercial plumbing company in Carrollton, TX for your Flower Mound-area business, look no further than Plumbing Dynamics. Contact us by calling 214-929-3431.

Pipe Replacement

Many years ago, pipes were made from materials such as lead, steel, cast iron, and clay. Today, these materials are not used in constructing new plumbing because of the lack of integrity.

However, the latest trend illustrating more families buying older homes means that current homeowners will soon need to replace their pipes.

You can modernize your pipes to prevent breakage and corrosion. This upgrade can also improve the quality of your water and even improve its taste. Consider a pipe replacement using materials such as copper or PVC for a long-lasting improvement.

These replacements add value to your home because you’ll likely experience fewer plumbing issues in the future, like breakages or leaks.

Insulating Your Pipes

Pipe insulation is something that many homeowners neglect to have done, or simply don’t know it’s an option.

Most pipes run through a home’s basement, which is much colder than the rest of your home. This can lead to heat loss, and your water heater will be running more frequently to accommodate the loss.

Skip those high utility bills and invest in pipe wraps or pipe sleeves that will help retain heat in the water passing through your pipes.

Trust us, your water heater and wallet will thank you later.

Addressing Drain Issues

If you have a drain (or two) in your home that runs slow or clogs easily, you may want to call a plumber to address these issues. Even if you call out a plumber to regularly maintain your drains with a drain snake, you’re improving the value of your home. Proper maintenance can lengthen the lifespan of your pipes and save you money in the long run.

Upgraded Faucet Installation

Instead of a plain and boring faucet, consider upgrading to a higher-end model. Pull-out faucets are very popular and can increase your property value.

A one-hand operation not only adds to the functionality of a room, but it also looks nice. If you can’t manage a pull-out variety because of the space or size of a sink, see if there’s a more aesthetically pleasing faucet that will add style to your kitchen or bath and keep potential buyers interested should you sell your home down the line.

Upgrading to a More Efficient Water Heater

A hot water heater is an essential part of your home when it comes to accessing hot water for showers, washing dishes, and doing laundry.

Yet, it’s also really important that you have an efficient unit. There are all kinds of water heaters to choose from, and you may want to consult your local plumber for assistance in determining what size and type of unit you need.

Whether you choose a new traditional unit or a modern tankless water heater that provides you with hot water on demand, ensuring your water heater is always in excellent condition adds value to your home.

Add a Bathroom

Most new homes are constructed with more than one bathroom. Even if you can’t fit another full bath into your residence, a half bath with a toilet and sink would increase your home’s value and increase its functionality.

This is especially true if your home has two floors, and you currently don’t have a bathroom on the main level.

Adding a half bath to your home can increase property value by 10 percent. A full bath sees you increase property value by 20 percent. So, if you can swing the renovation costs, this is an excellent plumbing investment to make in your home.

WITH Boost the Value of Your Home With Plumbing Dynamics

If you are interested in learning about more ways to increase your property value using plumbing upgrades with remodeling in Carrollton, TX, reach out to Plumbing Dynamics at 214-929-3431. We are a dedicated team of plumbers who operate around the Dallas Metroplex area and have years of experience.

Our licensed plumbers would love to help you upgrade your plumbing and increase your home’s overall value and functionality.

If you own a single-family home and find a leak in a wall pipe, it’s relatively easy to fix in that you’re the homeowner and can do whatever you please, whenever you please when it comes to fixing plumbing problems.

But what do you do when you discover a leak in a wall or floor in your condo? And what if water damage has resulted from the leak?

Condo ownership means you “own” just the space between your condo’s walls; the walls, roof, flooring, etc. are owned jointly by you and the other owners of units within the condominium project.

So if you find a water pipe leak or some other plumbing issue that’s affecting your unit, who is responsible for fixing the damage and paying for the repair?

It depends. Specifically, it depends on what actually caused the water damage

Your condo association will have insurance to cover the common areas of your development. As the homeowner, you will have individual condo insurance to cover the inside of your unit, such as your flooring, walls, and the contents of your condo.

If the plumbing in walls or floors causes water damage in your unit, or your neighbor’s unit, who is responsible?

One of your important tasks as a condo owner is to make sure you are very familiar with your development’s master policy. You must clearly understand what is covered under the policy and what isn’t. This is important because some insurance policies do cover the fixtures in individual condo units while others cover only the building’s exterior, roof, common areas, and basement.

If water has caused damage and if the damage occurred because a toilet overflowed in your unit or because your kitchen pipe broke, the cost of repairs will probably be covered under your personal condo insurance.

But if the water damage was a result of an adjoining unit’s overflow, you may be in for some trouble, because many condo associations are unlikely to become involved in what is known as unit-to-unit issues. For example, your neighbor’s pipe burst in his kitchen, resulting in water damage that also came to impact your own unit.

Contact Your Condo Association

No matter if the water damage came as a result of your neighbor’s burst pipe or if the condo’s roof leaked, your first step is to contact your condo association. This way you’ll know soon enough if they think it’s something the association should make sure is fixed.

Determine Whose Insurance Will Pay for the Damage

Your next step to determine whose insurance will pay for the damage. File a claim with either your own individual policy insurance company or with the association’s insurance firm. If the water damage occurred because of a problem in your neighbor’s unit and neither of the insurance companies accepts your claim, talk directly with your neighbor and make sure you have as much information as you can get about his insurance policy.

Your Take Away

Know your individual policy and get a copy of your condo association’s policy. And be sure to do so before you could ever need it. In other words, have the policies handy and easily accessible.

Contact a plumbing company such as Plumbing Dynamics to evaluate water damage in your condo unit and conduct leak detection in Carrollton, TX. We can ascertain the cause of the damage, even if the spot where the damage originated can’t be found.  Give us a call at 214-929-3431.  And remember, when you work with the master plumbers at Plumbing Dynamics, you can always expect:

• No Service Call Fee
• No Trip Charge
• Free Estimates
• Master Plumbers who’ve seen every possible plumbing problem ever from around the nation
• Family-owned and operated for 25 years and counting
• Utmost quality in customer service – hand-holding through the entire process

Don’t forget to check out our specials and redeem an online coupon toward your repair!

1. TAKE CARE OF CURRENT PLUMBING ISSUESBefore starting any renovation, ensure your entire system is in top condition by taking care of any existing issues. Remedying low pressure, leak repairs, or sewer line problems before renovation work begins. A thorough inspection by a licensed plumber can determine what part of your system needs plumbing repairs.
2. IDENTIFY PIPE LOCATIONSYour renovation may give you a dream space that you’ll love but can result in moving fixtures like showers, vanities, dishwashers, and kitchen sinks. You may have to reroute plumbing, which can significantly increase your costs. Adding a shower or putting in a new sink next to existing cold and hot water lines is a rather straightforward project, but if you intend to change the overall configuration, ask our kitchen remodel or bathroom remodeling experts about possible costs, time to completion, and possible money-saving measures.
3. RESEARCH YOUR PROJECTMany homeowners only know that they want to renovate their space. Performing research about what you want to accomplish works hand in hand with knowing the location of your plumbing pipes. Your contractor will thank you for being knowledgeable, knowing what you want, and being open to possibilities, making their job easier.
4. KNOW LOCAL CODE REQUIREMENTS: Most municipalities require an inspector to sign off on the job any time they have significant work done. It’s your contractor’s job to ensure that they get the necessary permits, but beyond that, your Dallas plumber should also have proper licensing and insurance that keeps this portion of your remodel under code.
5. PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED: Most residential plumbing sits out of sight behind closed walls. So, when your contractor begins opening walls, you may encounter some unpleasant surprises. Plan for extra time and cost if our licensed plumber finds water leaks, corrosion, or other problems necessitating pipe replacement. Increase your budget by at least 10% to account for any unexpected work. At the same time, have a contingency plan if your water needs to be shut off for several days to accommodate plumbing repairs. Ask friends or relatives ahead of time if you can stay temporarily with them or have a hotel in mind if an emergency occurs.
6. HAVE A DALLAS PLUMBER VERIFY ALL PLUMBING MEASUREMENTS: Most homeowners work with a general contractor for extensive renovations. Ask our contractor for all plumbing documents and have a licensed Dallas plumber verify all measurements. Doing so will help avoid delays or incorrect construction that can compromise the integrity of your plumbing system.
7. WORK WITH A REPUTABLE PLUMBER: Hiring a reputable contractor is essential during kitchen and bath renovation. Working with a licensed Dallas plumber like Plumbing Dynamics will give you peace of mind, as our licensed plumbers will ensure the work is done right. Never sacrifice quality when it comes to plumbing, as cutting corners can lead to problems down the road.

Contact us at 214-929-3431 to learn more about our plumbing renovation services in Carrollton, TX.

When it comes to your home’s plumbing system, knowledge isn’t just power, it can also save you a good deal of money.

For example, did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that fully 10 percent of all homes in the country have water leaks that waste 90 gallons or more each day? What’s more, according to New York City’s Environmental Protection Agency, that could end up costing you about 45 cents a day. It doesn’t sound like much money, but if that undetected leak continues for a year, you’ve just lost $164.50 in those 12 months. Prices may be lower in your town, but, still, who wants to waste even $100 a year on a water leak?

HERE ARE SOME MORE PLUMBING STATISTICS WE FEEL YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Across the country, all the leaks in a typical average household can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year. Put in perspective, the EPA says this is the equivalent of the amount of water used in 270 loads of laundry.
• Fixing the easy-to-fix leaks, and most leaks tend to be easy to fix, can save you about 10 percent on your water bill. Easy-to-fix leaks include dripping faucets and worn toilet flappers.

• If your home’s irrigation system has a leak, even a hose tear that’s no bigger than a dime thick, can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month!
• If a plumbing pipe breaks open with just a 1/8-inch crack and you can’t staunch the flow quickly, expect about 250 gallons of water to leak out a day. And that’s just for a 1/8-inch crack!

THOSE ARE THE SCARY PLUMBING STATS! NOW HERE ARE SOME “FUN” PLUMBING STATS:

• The weight of 100 feet of a one-inch plastic pipe filled with water is 57 pounds; a one-inch, 100-foot plastic pipe filled with water will weigh 206 pounds! A two-inch plastic pipe will weigh 217 pounds, while an iron pipe will weigh a whopping 512 pounds.
• If water is flowing at just 0.75 gallons per minute (GPM), it will take 80 seconds to fill a gallon jug. If the water is flowing at 4 GPM it will take just 15 seconds to fill that jug.

If a sink, toilet, or pipe has sprung a leak you can’t easily fix, we hope you’ll contact Plumbing Dynamics right away to save water and money when you have a leak in Carrollton, TX! Give us a call at 214-929-3431 today.

As important as our services are to the smooth operation of your home, as well as to the comfort of your family, we understand well why “time to call the plumber” are not words a homeowner wants to hear or speak.

Plumbing services can be expensive

As much as we enjoy serving our clients, we want you to save as much money as possible when it comes to plumbing upkeep and repair

That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the most expensive plumbing issues and how you can avoid them

Please note that many of these issues such as a water leak, can seem innocuous. But some of the most “simple” of issues can be the most costly.

• For example, if your faucet “squeaks” or even makes a kind of screeching noise when you use it could mean that its air bleed-off system isn’t working properly. Should the system continue to malfunction, you can have an expensive repair.
• A “simple” water leak can cost you hundreds of dollars. If it goes undetected behind a wall or in a crawl space you could eventually see mold and rot problems appear. These types of conditions can cost you a lot of money to eradicate – and this doesn’t include the increase in your water bill from a persistent, hidden leak.  Mold and rot also can cause health hazards in the home. What’s more, if the leak goes undetected for a long time, a homeowner may see additional costs to the repair process, such as repairing/replacing drywall, etc. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to check enclosed spaces – such as under sinks, in crawl spaces, etc. – regularly for leaks.

It looks innocuous enough, but a leaky faucet – especially if it goes undetected – can cost you big time.

• Mineral deposits can build up in your home’s water heater over time, which could result in clogs that reduce your water pressure. Some older water heaters also may become rusty as they age, possibly affecting the quality of your water. We recommend that you have a professional plumber flush your water heater routinely in order to increase the lifespan of the heater, as well as to catch any problems that may have cropped up before they become major issues. Replacing a water heater is a big expense and you want to ensure that the one you have works efficiently for as long as possible.
• Does your toilet back up frequently? If so, this could be a sign that your septic tank needs emptying or a tree root has obstructed a sewer pipe or line. Check your septic tank’s level regularly so that you don’t need an emergency emptying. If on a sewer line, check trees near your home to see if their roots might become a problem at some point. If you feel the trees are becoming too large and are too close to your home, consider having them removed. Tree removal tends to be less expensive than repairing a sewer line.

If you’ve found a leaky pipe, or damaged pipe, have an old water heater, or otherwise have discovered a “small” plumbing problem, contact the expert Dallas plumbers at Plumbing Dynamics soon – before the small leak becomes a big problem. Give us a call at 214-929-3431 to get help with a plumbing leak in Carrollton, TX.

What are the Dangers of an Undetected Gas Leak?

A gas leak is a serious issue that goes hand-in-hand with serious results if left ignored. If you are aware of a gas leak, report it as soon as possible and hire a licensed plumber to come out and fix your gas line.

Not only does an ignored gas leak continuously seep carbon monoxide into an environment, but it also can lead to a very explosive result. Larger leaks or leaks that have been allowed to accumulate in a home can result in an explosion with a spark even as small as turning on the television.

Symptoms of Hidden Leaks

One of the most common signs of a gas leak is the smell of rotten eggs. However, there are other symptoms that typically go ignored and quickly become the cause of deadly results.

Hissing Noises

If you are near one of your gas appliances and hear a slight hissing sound, this is a sure sign of a gas leak. In fact, this sound means that your home has a substantial leak in its line that needs to be taken care of by a professional immediately.

Higher Gas Bills

Sure, bills fluctuate from month to month, but if you start to notice your gas bill skyrocket, this could be a warning sign of a silent leak. If you become aware that your gas bill has leaped to new heights and continues to climb, reach out to a local plumber for gas leak detection and repair services.

Developed Health Problems

Constant exposure to a gas leak can lead to health problems that may only seem insignificant on the surface. If you find that you experience one or several of these conditions on a regular basis, you should look into scheduling a plumbing inspection with a local plumber.

Overlooked health symptoms of a gas leak include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Flu symptoms
• Dizziness

How Can Plumbing Dynamics Help?

If you suspect a gas leak, don’t try to locate it yourself or take any measures to mitigate any problems. Turning off appliances and shutting off gas valves can leave you with the spark that ignites your leak.

After you’ve gotten your family or employees out of the building, call the experts of Plumbing Dynamics to come out and professionally locate the problem. Our job is to safely find and repair gas leaks in the safest and most efficient way possible. Don’t leave even the suspicion of a gas leak up to chance. Get in touch with us today  at 214-929-3431 to schedule an inspection with your gas leak in Carrollton, TX with your plumbing.