Connecticut Plumber Explains Why Hot Water May Not Be Coming Out of the Shower

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Hot water is a crucial component of any shower, and when it stops flowing, it can be a major inconvenience. There are several potential causes for this problem, and it’s important to understand them in order to get your hot water back as soon as possible. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why hot water may not be coming out of your shower, as well as what you can do to fix the issue.

Connecticut Plumber Shares Insight On Potential Causes

One of the most common causes of hot water not coming out of the shower is a malfunctioning water heater. Your water heater is responsible for heating the water that flows through your pipes, and if it’s not working properly, the water that comes out of your shower will be cold. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a broken thermostat, a clogged burner, or a malfunctioning heating element. In most cases, a professional Connecticut plumber will be able to diagnose and repair the problem.

Another common cause of hot water not coming out of the shower is a clogged or broken shower head. If your shower head is clogged with mineral buildup, the water flow will be restricted, and the water that comes out will be colder. Additionally, if the showerhead is broken, water may not flow through it at all. If you suspect that your shower head is the problem, you can try cleaning it or replacing it.

A third cause of hot water not coming out of the shower is a problem with the plumbing. If the pipes that supply hot water to your shower are clogged or broken, the water flow will be restricted, and the water that comes out will be colder. In some cases, the problem may be due to a leak in the pipes, which can cause water to escape before it reaches the showerhead. A plumber will be able to diagnose and fix any issues with the plumbing.

Finally, it is also possible that the problem is with the water supply from the city. It could be an issue with the water being too cold coming from the source, this can be verified by checking the water temperature at different points in your home. If this is the case, it will require the help of the local water department to fix the issue.

Contact a Trusted Plumber Today

If you’re experiencing a lack of hot water coming out of your shower, it’s important to understand that there are several potential causes. By understanding the possible reasons, you can take the necessary steps to get your hot water back as soon as possible. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing hot water issues contact our licensed, professional Connecticut plumber today by calling (860) 863-8189. We’re here to help!

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Best Plumber in Connecticut Sheds Light On Why Service Prices Have Increased

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Due to the drastic increase in inflation over the past year, COVID shutting down our economy for an extended period of time, the change in the country’s leadership, and much more, we’ve noticed as consumers that our dollar won’t go as far in today’s society compared to just a few years ago. 

Not only has a gallon of milk at the grocery store increased in price, but so has the cost of PVC pipes, valves, fuel, and other material a plumber needs to service various repairs and projects. Be sure to do your research about costs and what to look for when hiring a reliable plumber before selecting a contractor. Below, we’ll dive into one of the leading challenges in the industry and a common reason why costs continue to increase – skilled labor employment rates.

Best Plumber in Connecticut Shares Industry Stats

Not only do we face challenges in today’s economy with the rise in material costs, but we also are continuing to battle the skilled labor industry employment rates, which affect the increase in service price. See the images below for notable statistics.

*Data from November 2022 BLS Employment Situation report.
Image Source: https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/america-works-data-center

For the plumbing industry, we fall under “professional and business services” so we hover around a 3% quit rate. Therefore, making it even more challenging to find a reliable, licensed plumber as a consumer – and as an employer in the plumbing industry. Meaning, our currently employed, licensed plumbers are in high demand for repairs/projects. To keep our team from getting overwhelmed, we have to keep prices competitive and fair with the increased demand. We also have to keep in mind the rise in material cost as mentioned above, and below.

Rise in Cost for Plumbing Material 

A few months ago, in September of this year (2022), Spectrum News interviewed a plumbing company asking about how the increased cost of materials has affected their business. They noted that copper and PVC piping material are two staples in the plumbing industry, as well as cast-iron pipes, although they’re slowly being replaced as years pass.

The Co-President Mike Wallenstein said in his interview:

PVC pipe has gone up about 75% and the fittings about 83% for PVC fittings. We’ve seen cast-iron pipe go up about 83%.

https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2022/09/07/pipe-costs-increasing-for-plumbers

And trust us plumbers, we feel the effects across the industry. Of course, we’re all hoping for the economy to turn around in the near future but we could be waiting some time for prices to fall again. Know your budget, research your potential plumber, research the plumbing industry, and simply be prepared for costs that could come along with any plumbing request.

Do Your Research Before Hiring a Licensed Plumber

Moonlight Plumbing, the best plumber in Connecticut, wanted to shed light on the realities of today’s economy and plumbing industry. We want to be sure you’re hiring the best plumber for the job you’re looking to tackle. Read more about things to look for, outside of costs, when choosing the best plumber for any project/repair. If you have plumbing questions or needs, contact our team of experts at (860) 863-8189. We’re always happy to help!

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Emergency Plumbing Services in Connecticut

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Imagine it, it’s 5:00 a.m. and you get up for a drink of water. On your way to the kitchen, you pass the bathroom and step in a puddle. Now you’re wide awake and panicked about how the puddle got there, when it started, and what to do next. After only a few moments, you find the source of the leak. The pipes under your sink are dripping steadily. You know many of the plumbers around you don’t open until 8:00 a.m. and this situation needs immediate attention. This is where we come in to provide emergency plumbing services.

Our team of experts understands plumbing emergencies happen at any time of the day (or night) and need to be taken care of immediately, which is why we’re available 24/7. Over the years, Moonlight Plumbing has helped hundreds of households in or near Mystic, CT. We’ve seen all sorts of plumbing emergencies and have been trained to assess and repair situations efficiently. Let’s dive deeper as to why we’re the professionals you should call.

Why Hire Moonlight Plumbing for Your Emergency Plumbing Services?

All of Our Plumbers Are Licensed

You may ask yourself, why does this matter? Licensing ensures that your plumber has proper certification, completed thorough training, and will know the ins and outs of your plumbing emergency. You can easily find other plumbers in the area, but you’ll find many are not certified therefore lacking skills that our experts practice daily. Our team has mastered emergency plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties.

Competitive Pricing

We know contractors of any kind get a bad wrap for hidden fees or over-charging on equipment, which is why we strictly ensure that all costs are communicated clearly throughout the project. We’re here to help, not break your bank. Costs vary for each project depending on the size of the repair, but our pricing is highly competitive with other experts in the area. You can get a quote on our website anytime if you’re in need of expert plumbing support.

Available 24/7

As we shared above, plumbing issues don’t happen at a specific time or day and our team understands that. We are here for emergency plumbing services, day or night, as our customers need. You can reach our expert team anytime at (860) 863-8189.

Contact Our Emergency Plumbing Services Team

If you’re in need of reliable plumbing support with a fast response time, day or night, contact your local Moonlight Plumbing team. Our experts have the knowledge and skills to support any plumbing issues you may have in a professional manner. You can reach us on our website or email us at moonlightplumbingllc@gmail.com with any issues or questions! We look forward to helping you!

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Cast Iron Plumber Shares 6 Signs it’s Time to Replace Cast Iron Pipes

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If you own a property built before 1975, our cast iron plumber thinks there’s a good chance that the plumbing infrastructure is made with cast iron pipes. While they are durable, they do wear overtime causing leaks, corrosion, or calcification. That’s why in this day and age many plumbers recommend replacing these old cast iron pipes with new PVC pipes. PVC pipes are known for having longer life spans and higher reliability. Additionally, trying to repair cast iron pipes can be pricey and the fixes are often only temporary. 

That being said, what are the signs that you could look for, or may be experiencing, that signal it’s time to replace your cast iron pipes? We’ve outlined the major ones below.

Cast Iron Plumber Shares Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Pipes

The pipes have an awful smell. This often occurs when there’s a crack in the cast iron pipes, which also signifies the pipes are deteriorating. The smell that leaks into the property is sewage gas which can both be harmful and unpleasant. 

There are leaks occurring. A leak in piping is quite common and is actually not a huge concern if it happens once or twice over a long period of time. However, if a property has multiple leaks in a short period of time, there’s indication that the pipes are deteriorated and need to be replaced to avoid more leaks.

The foundation has cracks or holes. This indicator is often the most expensive and most dangerous as it shows weakness in the stability of the property and the pipes. This damage often appears from leaks that go undetected for a while. To replace the pipes and repair foundational damage takes expertise and, therefore, can make this project quite costly.

There’s fungus growing. You guessed it, we’re talking about mold. Mold is harmful to an individual’s health and well-being. Water and moisture feeds mold and no one should let it continue to affect their health. Don’t let mold grow and spread at a faster rate because of a leaky pipe that was not replaced. We can help!

The toilet won’t flush. You may have tried all the chemical options from the store and are still experiencing sewage backups. These solutions have not only solved the problem, but have now damaged your cast iron pipes as they contain sulfuric acid, which is harmful to these kinds of pipes. Let our team assess the situation before further damaging your plumbing system.

The water isn’t clear or clean. Tap water, from time to time, can be slightly discolored from the city working on main water pipes. But, consistent discoloring in your water is indication of a rusty or corroded cast iron pipe. The rust contaminants are mixing with the water coming out of your sink or shower and, if consumed, can cause health issues. Discoloring of water is a severe situation and should be evaluated by a plumber as soon as possible.

Contact Our Team

If you or someone you know is concerned about the status of their cast iron pipes, contact our team of professionals to evaluate, make recommendations, and help in replacing cast iron pipes as deemed necessary. Call us at (860) 863-8189 or visit our website anytime.

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Commercial Plumbing Professional Shares Common Building Issues

Most commercial buildings like hospitals, hotels and education centers have in-house maintenance workers who are able to assist with daily plumbing issues. However, there are many instances when hiring a commercial plumbing professional is necessary for larger and more urgent problems. These are the top five most common commercial plumbing issues that may require a professional plumber.

Damaged Water Pipes

Commercial properties rely on their water pipes functioning properly. It is important to avoid damage and know when to call a professional when something seems off with your plumbing. Signs of damaged water pipes include discolored water, low water pressure, increased water bills and foul smells.

commercial contracting

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure in commercial buildings is an indicator of a leaky or burst pipe. This is detrimental in commercial properties because they rely on properly running water to meet certain industry standards. They also must maintain a proper level of cleanliness. If you’re concerned about the pressure of your water being too low, contact a commercial plumbing professional ASAP.

Blocked or Damaged Sewage Lines

No commercial property owner wants disgusting matter from their sewage line to back up into their building. Unfortunately, that happens when you allow blocked sewage to go untreated by a commercial plumbing professional for too long. Even worse, the sewage lines can experience major damage while remaining blocked for too long. A bad smell circulating your building is a clear indicator that your sewage lines may be blocked.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks can cause serious damage to your commercial building’s foundation. They are also very difficult to detect. If you let a slab leak go unattended, you could potentially face major damage to your entire commercial property. Indicators that you need to call a commercial plumbing professional include cracks in the walls, ceiling and floor, warping on your hardwood flooring, and wetness in carpets.

Corroded Pipes

Corrosion on plumbing pipes is a major sign that the pipes are old and are more susceptible to major problems. Leaks, restricted water flow and even bursts are common with corroded pipes. It’s important to know when to decommission your commercial building’s piping. This way you’re able to prevent any future damage from happening.

If you own a commercial building and have experienced any of the plumbing issues above, Contact us today for 10% off your first service! You can count on our team of experts to deliver dependable service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement

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Many homeowners can feel overwhelmed by the decision to repair their water heater or to just replace it altogether. Before you make the decision to replace your unit, hire a trustworthy plumber that knows what they’re looking at. They may be able to efficiently repair your water heater saving you a lot of time, money and hassle. Here are some of the tips we use to help our client decide on water heater repair or replacement.

Know The Age of Your Water Heater

Most water heaters last between 10 and 15 years. If you’re experiencing consistent problems with your water heater, it may be time to consider replacing rather than repairing. Water heater efficiency and cost is important. Continuing to put money into repairs on an old water heater is not the most beneficial option when considering your time and money.

Access the Frequency of Repairs in the Past

If you’re making yearly repairs on your water heater, it may be time to consider investing in a new one. However, if you’re experiencing an issue for the first time, you may benefit more from a simple repair. Keep in mind the cumulative cost of constant repairs versus a one time investment of a new water heater.

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Evaluate the Severity of Your Water Heater Issues

Evaluating how serious your water heater problems are is vital in making that final decision in repairing or replacing. Call a professional from Moonlight Plumbing to come in and evaluate your water heater problems. We will give you an accurate estimate on the cost of your water heater repair. We can help you decide whether it’s a smart idea to replace or repair.

Consider the Cost of Your Current Water Heater Bill

Another benefit of talking to a Moonlight Plumbing professional is getting a general idea of your monthly water heater cost. If your monthly bill is too high or you’re experiencing frequent loss of hot water, we can help you analyze your cost to benefit ratio to determine your smartest option.

Compare the Quality and Cost of Technicians in Your Area

If you’ve hired plumbers in the past for water heater repairs but continue experiencing low quality performance, it may be time to get a second opinion. If water heater issues are occurring because of misdiagnosis, you shouldn’t jump right into purchasing a replacement. First, get a trusted second opinion and an accurate assessment from a professional at Moonlight Plumbing.

If you want a second opinion on replacing your water heater, contact us today for 10% off your first service! You can count on our team of experts to deliver trustworthy service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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What to Look For in a Commercial Plumber in Connecticut

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Finding the right commercial plumber in Connecticut doesn’t need to feel like a difficult decision. Experience and expertise are some of the top qualities you want to look for in a commercial plumber, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with our team. This article breaks down the top four qualities that you’ll want to look for next time you’re in need of a commercial plumber in Connecticut.

A Reliable Commercial Plumber Should Have/Do the Following

  • Hire a Plumber with Expertise in Commercial Properties 
    • Hiring a commercial plumber can feel a bit more intimidating than hiring a residential plumber. Luckily, our experts at Moonlight Plumbing can do both! Our team of plumbers have served commercial industries like hospitals, firehouses, education centers, hotels and more. It’s important to feel a sense of confidence in the job that is getting done for your commercial property. 
  • Ensure Your Commercial Plumber has Experience
    • When you’re looking to hire a commercial plumber, you want a team that has years of experience under their belt. Be sure to take into consideration the specific type of experience the plumber you’re hiring has. Again, you don’t want to hire a team that only has experience with small scale properties if you’re hiring for a commercial property. 
  • Hire a Trustworthy Commercial Plumber
    • One of the most important things to keep in mind about commercial plumbers are ensuring that you can trust them. You want the plumbers to accurately present the scope of work and get the job done right the first time. You don’t want the plumbers to misquote you on a project or leave you with a poor quality job. Our commercial plumbers take pride in building trust with our clients and you can always count on Moonlight Plumbing to be Connecticut’s most trustworthy team of plumbing professionals.
  • Make Sure your Commercial Plumber is Dependable
    • You depend on your commercial plumbing to function properly. There are too many things could go wrong if you chose a plumber who cannot deliver the high quality and punctual service that commercial properties rely on. 

Contact Our Reliable Team Today

Save yourself time, stress and money by keeping these things in mind when searching for your next commercial plumber. If you’re in need of a commercial plumber in Connecticut, contact us today for 10% off your first service! You can count on our experienced team of experts to deliver trustworthy and dependable service. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger: Bathroom Plumber Weighs In

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For your safety and the safety of your home, our bathroom plumber typically recommends leaving the plumbing to the plumbers. However, a clogged toilet is a frustrating plumbing issue that you may be able to solve on your own, without a plunger. 

For many, plungers are a side-of-the-toilet bathroom staple and the easy go-to for an unforgiving clog. However, plungers are oftentimes used with excessive force creating an even bigger mess. When used improperly, a plunger may break the seal between the floor and the toilet or even crack the bowl.

Check out these 5 home remedies to clear a clogged toilet without a plumber.

*A friendly reminder from your neighborhood bathroom plumber, always wear protective gloves when working with your plumbing.

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moonlight plumbing bathroom plumber

Hot Water

An easy, yet effective, declogging method is to pour hot water into the toilet bowl. The hot water may loosen the clog just enough to get things moving. When trying this method, make sure your water is hot, not boiling. Boiling water may crack your toilet creating a much larger problem. 

Dish Soap

Hot water not doing the trick? Trying adding one cup of dish soap into the bowl. You’ll want to let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before flushing. If you have the time, consider letting the soap and water sit overnight. If you are all out of dish soap, shampoo could be used in its place.

Drain Clearing Chemicals

Although using chemicals is not an eco-friendly method, they do work. Follow the instructions closely on a product such as Drano. If you are dealing with a particularly pesky clog, do not use drain chemicals over and over again. They can cause the pipes to burn with overuse.

Drain Snake

Invest in a drain snake. On this particular one, a vinyl guard protects the porcelain at the throat of the toilet bowl. Follow the instructions closely for maximum effectiveness. Some people are tempted to unravel a wire hanger as a homemade drain snake. If the clog is very deep, this method will not work because the wire will not bend. Also, if used without care, the wire could damage the throat of the toilet.   

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

This classic cleaning mixture can also be used to clear a toilet. To use this method, you’ll need the toilet bowl about half way full of water. Add one cup of baking soda into the water, mix it around and let it sink. Next, add two cups of vinegar in a circular motion into the toilet and let it fizz. Wait about 30 minutes and try to flush. If it does not work the first time, add the same mixture into the toilet and let it sit overnight.

moonlight plumbing bathroom toilet

Even with top of the line plumbing, clogs will happen. Fortunately, there are a few plunger alternatives that are known to get rid of the grease and grime jamming up your toilet. If these tips and tricks don’t work, it may be time to call a local bathroom plumber. If you are located in the Mystic or Stonington, CT area, contact us for a free quote!

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Faucet Trends From a Commercial Plumber

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If you own, manage, or are developing a commercial building, you’ve got plumbing on your mind. When it comes to commercial plumbing, the current trends are quality and convenience. Our commercial plumber recommends finding the balance between functionality and eco-friendly with your appliances and fixtures to best serve your customers or employees.    

Today, let’s talk about faucet trends.

  • commercial plumbing
  • water heater plumber

Commercial Plumbing Faucet Trends

High Efficiency

We’ve all been told to turn the faucet off when we’re brushing our teeth. But what about saving water when we turn the faucet on? With water efficient faucets on the market, it may be time to consider a WaterSensed labeled faucet. These faucets, good for commercial or residential sinks, can reduce water flow by 30%. This low-flow fixture still offers 1.5 gallons of water per minute, and will help your business be more environmentally friendly.

Antimicrobial

When you are in high traffic facilities, you are more susceptible to germs. For example, hospitals, doctors offices and senior living facilities, are places that should highly consider these faucets. The inside of these fixtures are coated with an antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Touched by multiple people a day, these faucets can reduce the spread of infection. In today’s climate, these quality faucets have never been more important.

Motion Activated

These faucets are both functional and eco-friendly. With these faucets, you don’t have to touch a surface hundreds or thousands of people are touching daily. Water is only flowing when your hands are directly below the faucet. It’s a win-win for commercial plumbing, and although they’ve been around for a while, we’re seeing more and more buildings installing these highly efficient fixtures.

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  • commercial plumbing contact us

Contact A Commercial Plumber

When it comes to commercial plumbing fixtures, you have options but you won’t go wrong following these trends. If you have questions, are considering an upgrade or need to replace your commercial appliances or fixtures, contact us today!

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New Construction Plumbing for Those Who Build From the Ground Up

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When building a house or commercial building “from scratch”, there’s a lot of moving parts. There are things and people to manage, numerous decisions to make, a budget to keep in mind, and a whole lot more. Honestly, it can be quite overwhelming. But, the plumbing aspect doesn’t have to be a headache. If you choose a professional plumber, he/she/they should have a thorough understanding of the complexity and amount of work that all new construction plumbing entails.

When you buy an older house/property instead of building, you often run into the issue of outdated and/or unmaintained plumbing. While it may feel like a burden upfront for all new plumbing appliances, the longevity and opportunity to properly care for new appliances can save significant amounts of money in the long run. Also, there are constant updates and improvements needed on plumbing appliances to help them run more efficiently. Installing these more efficient appliances upfront will help you save money on the utility bill each month.

We, at Moonlight Plumbing, understand you have a lot to worry about and we are prepared to help give you comfort knowing your new construction plumbing work is in good hands. Here are two new construction plumbing tips for your property.

new home construction plumbing

New Construction Plumbing Tips

  1. Understand Basic Plumbing Systems/Processes
    • Septic Tank/Sewer
      • You need to know what size of septic tank you need (dependent on the square footage and # of rooms in the house).
      • Septic tanks separate solid and liquid waste. The breakdown is completed by microorganisms and it outputs gas that needs to be vented properly.
    • Piping
      • Clean water flows through pipes at 50-60 psi from a supply line. Gravity pulls down the heavier, dirty water that will then exit the pipe system. Air also blows through the vents to help keep pipes clean and flowing smoothly.
    • Plumbing Appliances/Hardware
      • We all are familiar with plumbing hardware like tubs, sinks, showers, toilets, etc. It’s important to know that these appliances are easier to install if the walls and doorways haven’t been built out. Forgetting to do this prior to building will cause quite a headache and a lot of backtracking as far as building goes. If you’re worried about the cleanliness of the appliances, cover them with plastic or cardboard to help keep clean during construction.
  2. Important Plumbing Decisions to Keep in Mind When Building
    • Where will the main stack be located?
      • Generally, 3-4 inches in diameter and runs from the basement to the roof. Needs to be able to run without interruptions.
    • Install Drains and Vents
      • Bends in pipes need to be smooth when connecting to the main stack, pipes need to slant at a ¼” per foot to keep drain running properly, and venting needs to be set up properly so water and air can run through accordingly.
    • Be sure before any plumbing is installed you get a building permit to install your plumbing (this includes a plumbing diagram to be drawn up for approval).

Do you need a new construction plumber? 

With new construction plumbing projects, it’s important to find and hire a reputable plumbing contractor you can trust. Moonlight Plumbing has a team of experienced plumbers who have a diverse and expert understanding of new construction plumbing. We understand there’s always a budget to stick to and deadlines to meet whether building a residential or commercial building, and we are prepared to meet these expectations. We hope you choose one of our professionals to help with your next project! In the meantime, we are prepared to answer any questions you may have. Call one of our team members any time. If you are ready to receive a quote contact us today!

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