3 Reasons to Contact a Martinsburg, WV Plumber

When you start to have problems with your plumbing system, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Many homeowners decide that attempting the project on their own might save them time and money. However, there are three very good reasons why calling professional plumbers in Martinsburg, WV is usually a good idea. At Larry & Sons, we have years of experience working with all different kinds of plumbing issues. We thought it would be helpful if we put together a few of the reasons why it is best to hire a licensed pumber for repairs.

Why Call A Martinsburg, WV Plumber

You use your plumbing system every single day for dishes, laundry, showers, and so much more. A professional plumber can make sure that any problem you have is fixed correctly so you don’t have the same problems crop up again and again.

Speed is another reason to call for plumber. With all the years of experience that plumbers have, they can usually get the job done very quickly. You don’t want to have to wait a long time for your new kitchen drain to be installed or the toilet to be fixed. Here at Larry & Sons, we try to get in and out as fast as possible.

Finally, when you call a Martinsburg, WV plumber to repair your drains or to remove a clog, they can often find developing problems while they’re working. This is an often-overlooked benefit to having a professional plumber perform any work on your plumbing system. Their expertise and experience give them insight into problems that could be developing that a non-professional wouldn’t be able to see.

When you need a Martinsburg, WV plumber, call Larry & Sons. We are dedicated to the quality of work that we do and to the level of customers support that we provide.  

Ask a Martinsburg, WV Plumber: What is a Drain Trap?

If you’ve ever peeked under your bathroom vanity or kitchen sink cabinet to see a funny looking bend in the pipe, and wondered what it’s doing there, you wouldn’t be the first. The P-shaped or U-shaped bend in the drain pipe is known as a “trap,” and it’s responsible for ensuring that your home doesn’t begin to stink. We’d like to use this post to explain to our customers about what a drain trap is and why it’s important to your home plumbing system. For more information, ask a Martinsburg, WV plumber—call Larry & Sons today for comprehensive plumbing services, including drain repair.

Unlike your water supply system, which operates by being pressurized, your wastewater disposal system works by means of gravity. So, you may ask, why doesn’t my second-floor bathroom drainpipe go straight down into my basement? If you can imagine a straight pipe connecting straight in your sewer line, it seems as though it might be more efficient than having the drain trap. But what goes down can also come up. That includes smells. Indeed, the principle purpose behind the development of the drain trap is to prevent the smell of septic tank and sewage from entering our homes.

A drain trap works by creating a water seal. The vertical dip allows a small amount of water to fill this space. This seals the drain from sewer gases and fumes. But because it’s water, it does not block the flow of the drainpipe. It’s an ingenious bit of engineering invented in the 18th century, and has saved our modern noses since. Unfortunately, there are some things that may disrupt its effectiveness. For some drains that are not used very often, basement drains for example, the water seal can periodically dry out. If the seal is partially or totally lost, it can cause bad smells to enter your home.

If your drains smell funky, you might have more to worry about than just a broken water seal in the drain trap. Call Larry & Sons to speak to an excellent Martinsburg, WV plumber today!

Causes of Pipe Bursting in Frederick, MD

Pipe bursting is among a homeowner’s worst fears. Not only does it damage the surrounding plumbing fixtures and pipe system, but it also can cause flooding and water damage. It can be costly to repair, depending on the circumstances, especially if the pipes are in the walls or underground. Larry & Sons, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of plumbing repair in Frederick, MD and as well as installation and maintenance. Here are a few of the most common causes of pipe bursts that we see.

Here are three of the most common causes of pipe bursting in Frederick

frozen pipes in frederick md
  • Frozen pipes. This is probably the most common cause of bursts pipes in Frederick, MD. When water freezes, it expands which can cause your pipes to burst. Pipes that are exposed to the outside air are at greater risk of freezing unless they are insulated. Winterizing your outdoor piping is one of the best ways to avoid a disaster during the winter months.
  • Old age. Depending on what type of material your pipes are made out of, they undergo wear and tear differently. But if your pipes are old, they may be at risk of bursting. The best way to minimize the risk of plumbing problems is to schedule a comprehensive inspection by a certified plumber in Frederick, MD. They will know whether the age of your plumbing presents a risk to your home and which parts require replacement and which parts are still operative. They will assist you every step of the way. Enrolling in a routine maintenance program is even better.
  • High pressure. Your water supply is a pressurized system. A professional plumber will have calibrated the pressure to optimal conditions during installation. However, over time, and perhaps because of clogging or other blockages, the pressure in your water system may have increased. If this is the case, then your pipes may be at risk of bursting. It’s always better to have a professional check it out, particularly if you have high pressure and old plumbing.

Prevent Pipe Bursting in Frederick with Larry & Sons!

The Frederick sewer & drain experts at Larry & Sons, Inc. are only a quick phone call away. If you’re concerned about the integrity of your system plumbing, we offer certified inspection, repair and maintenance services. Call us today. 

How Indoor Air Quality Devices Can Help with Asthma and Allergies

Asthma is a common problem. Whatever the source and whatever situation you live in, indoor air quality almost certainly plays a role and can be improved with a number of potential upgrades that can make your home more comfortable for members of your family.

 Indoor Air Quality Problems

Many people don’t know that indoor air quality is often worse than outside for a number of reasons. First, homes are sealed up tightly to prevent against energy loss from your heating and cooling system. Second, there trillions of allergens in the typical home – things like pet dander, pollen, dust, mold, dust mites, exhaust or smoke fumes and so many more. These can all irritate allergies or asthma symptoms and create discomfort for you and your family members.

Options to Upgrade Your Home

The best solution when this happens is to have the air quality systems in your home upgraded. Such upgrades can be made to the filtration system in the form of high-MERV rated filters or HEPA filters, to your ventilation system including installation of UV germicidal lights and air cleaners. Not every home needs each of these systems installed, however, so it is important to talk with a professional before having any one upgrade made to determine what will work best for you.

Breathe Easier

With regular maintenance and a few simple upgrades, the air quality in your home can be such that allergies and asthma symptoms are minimized and every member of your family is perfectly comfortable inside. Call us at Larry & Sons today to have an experienced HVAC professional install the best indoor air quality devices for your Hagerstown home so you and your family breathe easier soon!