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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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Sewer and Drain Cleaning

You’ve come to the right place, we can help! Whether you’re looking for guidance on a routine cleaning schedule, have a strange odor coming from your sewer drains, or a drain has started making weird noises, we have tips to help clean and unclog any pesky pipes.

Routine Cleaning

To avoid sewer or drainage problems in the first place, we strongly recommend cleaning your lines often with an enzyme cleaner. These cleaners are found at most hardware stores and serve many different purposes, but any high-grade cleaner will work.

Once you’ve purchased an enzyme cleaner, you’ll want to follow the cleaner’s instructions and dump it into your basement drain. If your basement drain is unavailable, find a large drain to dump it into. Enzyme cleaners work over time, so be sure to let it soak and have time to break down bacteria.

Make Sure You Have a Snake

If you’re already experiencing a clog, you will need to try something more than a cleaner. Any minor clog is typically fixed with a tool called a snake. They’re long, and easy to shove down a drain and pull out or move blockages. You want to avoid breaking the line. If you can’t get through a blockage – don’t force the snake, it’s probably a bigger clog than you think and it’s time to call a professional.

Homemade Cleaning Solution

To break down grease and grime, you can use baking soda mixed with vinegar as a solvent. You’ll want to use one part baking soda and one part vinegar for the mixture. When these two products are mixed together, they have a chemical reaction where it foams and breaks down any grease build up. We recommend this option for any sink drain issues, but can be an option for backed up drains anywhere in your home.

Flushing Your Pipes

This option is only viable if you are not dealing with a clog as it requires water to run through your system. All you need to do is mix a bit of the drain cleaner into the toilet water and flush. Note, drain cleaner is different from enzyme cleaner in that it uses chemicals to break down the bacteria. Therefore, you don’t want to use this on your pipes too often as it could cause wear and deterioration on your pipes. This will help the cleaner to run through and coat pipes to help avoid clogs.

*Again, do not try this option if a clog already exists.

Need a Plumbing Professional?

Any of these options are great to catch a clog in its early stages or prevent future clogs. Often, though, we catch them once the damage is already done and you’ll likely need an expert to assess the situation.

Call our team anytime to check out your sewer and drainage issues. You can reach out to us by emailing moonlightplumbingllc@gmail.com or calling (860) 863-8189. We look forward to helping you!

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.

residential plumber connecticut

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. 

residential drainage

If your house was built 50-100 years ago, you’re probably looking at replacing your cast iron drain pipes. They’ve likely started to leak, discolor your water, or caused some sort of plumbing issue in your home. Now, the big debate. Do you repair the damage done or replace the pipes altogether? Our experts at Moonlight Plumbing are here to help guide you through your decision making process and help fix your residential drainage issues.

Common Issues That Arise with Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes were designed to last for long periods of time. In fact, they were created to last 80 to 100 years, outlasting many of us. The caveat is you have to properly maintain them to make them last so long. Even if they are properly maintained, there’s no avoiding natural disasters like tree roots interfering with the underground plumbing systems. Most certainly, though, if not properly cared for, deterioration of cast iron pipes will happen at a very rapid rate. There’s truly no telling WHEN your pipes will go bad. But our experts can say, with confidence, they WILL go bad. If your home has cast iron pipes, consider investing in PVC pipes to save your house from the following problems:

  1. Discolored Water and/or Odors Around Your Home
  2. Mold in the Walls
  3. Slow Drains
  4. Cracks
  5. Sewage Puddles
  6. Lawn or Driveway Indentations
  7. Pest Infestations
  8. And More!

Why You Should Not Repair Cast Iron Pipes, Rather Replace Them

We’ve all heard the saying “We won this battle, but not the war.” The same logic can be applied to cast iron pipe repairs. The fix may work temporarily, but after a short time there will be many other issues that arise. If you have to do a repair to the pipes, in general, that means their usage and time has nearly come to an end. The small, less expensive repairs will end up costing quite a bit and you will eventually need to replace the pipes. Thus, making all the time, effort and money put into the many small repairs a waste.

To make the full replacement cost less of a burden, you can always look into splitting up the replacement into phases. Meaning, replace a section of the pipes month one then do another section at month six. This is not always a feasible option as it varies depending on the house and piping. It also depends on if the contractor is able/willing to do this. It doesn’t hurt to ask, though!

Conclusion: Call One of Our Experts for Your Residential Drainage Issues

At Moonlight Plumbing, our experts have handled various cast iron pipe repairs and replacements. We want to help guide you through your decision when it comes to any residential drainage issues. Contact our team today to further discuss your options and see how we may be able to help

Commercial plumbing

Are you one of the thousands of businesses that shut down their physical location because of the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, we know that opening back up is essential but will take time and careful planning. The commercial plumber at Moonlight Plumbing wants to share a few things to look out for if your business has been stagnant for a while. These precautions will help keep your customers and employees safe when you reopen in this new normal. 

Commercial Plumbing Tips

Flush Out Standing Water

This tip is especially important for business where employees and customers use and consume water. As water rests inside pipes and appliances, it loses chlorination allowing harmful organisms to grow such as tuberculous mycobacteria and Legionella. These bacteria are harmful to the pipes, make water non consumable and should not be used for cleaning or cooking. We recommend both cold and hot water lines be flushed before you reopen to make sure only fresh, potable water is running through the pipes. We aren’t just talking about sinks. You need to think about showers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, cooling towers and any other water fixtures inside your business. 

Water Heater Inspection

Water heater temperatures need to be at 140° F to kill pathogens. They also need a mixing valve to bring the temperature down to 120° F. As water flows through the sink, tub faucets and shower heads, the mixing value ensures the water does not scold you. If the water heater has not been operational for some time, you may want to call an experienced commercial plumber to inspect the fixture to ensure it functions properly for everyone’s safety. 

Test Your Toilets

Even though you don’t consume, cook or clean with toilet water, you should not overlook the operation of your toilet before you reopen your business. One way to make sure your toilets are functioning is to check if they are flushing properly and not leaking. To test this, drop some food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes and check the toilet bowl for any color. If you don’t see any color, it’s a sign you may have a leak and will want to call a commercial plumber before opening. 

  • commercial plumber expert
  • commercial plumbing reopen
  • commercial contracting

Call A Commercial Plumber Before You Reopen

You can read more from the CDC about what steps you should take to reopen your business on their site. In the meantime, we, Moonlight Plumbing of Stonington and Mystic, CT, are here to help you reopen your business as quickly and safely as possible without any plumbing issues. Our commercial plumbing services can handle all of your plumbing needs big or small. Check out our services and contact us today for 10% off your first service. Let us help get you back to business!

frozen pipes plumbing

It’s getting to be that time of the year, again, where you have to put on a few extra layers before walking outside. For many in the North, the snowfall has already begun. With the snowfall comes freezing temperatures, with freezing temperatures comes plumbing issues if not properly cared for/prepped! Our plumbers at Moonlight Plumbing, a top plumber in Connecticut, want to help ensure your family’s plumbing is prepared for what this winter may bring.

Before Winter Plumbing Prep

Install Insulation in Your Pipes

If water in your plumbing freezes, it will expand causing the pipe to burst. That’s why it’s so important to insulate and, in general, prep pipes for freezing temperatures. The best option is to purchase specifically designed pipe insulation. It’s especially important for areas of your home that are unheated like an attic, garage or basement. If you need an urgent, temporary solution, you can always use duct tape and newspaper for a quick insulation fix.

Seal Any and All Cracks

You’ll want to be sure you check your home for cracks and openings to stop drafts from freezing water systems. Specific areas to check include window and door frames, cable holes, sill plates, interior and exterior walls, etc. These fixes will improve your home insulation, in general, for the brutal winter nights.

Apply Electrical Heating Tape to Pipers

This is an option for easily-accessible pipes. This tape can be applied directly to any pipe to help retain heat. Note there are two different kinds of heating tape that can be used; self-monitoring and manual. Self-monitoring has a sensor that will automatically turn on and off when it senses the pipe needs more or less heat. Manual requires you to plug it in when the pipes may need more heat.

*DANGER: Follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety procedures when using and applying electrical heating tape.

Seal Crawl Spaces

If you live in an area where the winters are quite brutal, you want to be sure to cover crawl spaces with foam pieces cut to the dimensions of the vents. Secure foam with duct tape to ensure best insulation.

During Winter Tips/Tricks

Open Cabinets Regularly

While this may sound like an odd suggestion, any warm air circulating around pipes will better help to retain heat within the pipes. Be sure to remove any harmful chemicals from the cabinet if accessible to small children or pets!

Keep the Garage Door(s) Closed

Obviously, this is really important if you have water lines that run through your garage. Even one night of letting the cold air rush in because of leaving it open can be enough to burst and ruin your pipes.

Keep Thermostat Consistent

It’s important to keep steady temperatures around the home as it will help prevent ice blockages. It may be tempting to lower the thermostat at night to save on the heating bill, but this puts your pipes at risk. Take our word for it, a burst pipe is much more expensive than a slightly larger heating bill!

Open Interior Doors to Keep Your Home at a Consistent Temperature

This goes hand in hand with the point above. A steady flow of a consistent temperature will only improve and ensure pipes stay warm.

Set Heat to at Least 55˚F When You’re Not Home

This message mostly goes out to the “snow birds.” While it’s easy to just think you can turn everything off to save on utilities while you’re gone for the next few months, that’s just not the case. Be sure to keep your thermostat set to 55˚F or above to help prevent a piping disaster.

Let the Faucets Drip

Last tip/recommendation is to let the faucets drip. This doesn’t mean to turn on all the faucets in your house for every winter night. But, when particularly bitter weather is headed your way, determine which faucets are fed by “exposed” pipes and keep a drip of water running throughout the bad weather. Since running water carries more internal energy, it will create a warmer pipe versus stagnant water.

christmas christmas house cold fir

Frozen Pipes? The Top Plumber in Connecticut Can Help!

If you happen to run into an unfortunate frozen or burst pipe issue, be sure to contact a professional IMMEDIATELY! Our Moonlight plumbers are available to assist with any plumbing emergencies anytime (24/7). Call the top plumber in Connecticut, Moonlight Plumbing, or email our team for more information/assistance. Stay safe and be prepared for the coming winter months!

commercial plumber

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.

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!

water heater plumber

Nearly 20% of your energy bill is calculated from your water heater. Our water heater plumber says that setting your water heater temperature too high/too low can do more harm than good. For example, if your water heater temperature is too high, you’re paying for that extra cost. On the contrary, if your water heater is too low you may experience an inconvenience with lack of hot water. Also, with lower water temperatures, you’re at greater risk for growing bacteria in your tank.

The EPA recommends a temperature of 120˚F for a water heater. It typically avoids insufficient hot water supply, is energy-efficient for billing purposes, and is a comfortable temperature for family members of all ages. But, there are a few reasons why you may want to set your heater above or below the recommended amount.

Reasons For Straying From the Recommended Temperature Setting

  • If you have a dishwasher that doesn’t preheat water, you may want to set the water heater to 140˚F.
  • If children or Elderly are in the facility, you may want to keep it lower due to burning concerns.
  • Individuals with suppressed immune systems or respiratory disease should keep the hot water at 140˚F.
  • Individuals living alone may want to keep it lower to try to save money since demand for water is less.
  • In general, every 10˚F you turn it down, you can save an average of 3-5% on your energy bill.

Other Notes About Water Temperature Setting

  • Need to know what your current water temperature setting is set to? It can be found by looking at the dial on the water heater. Or, if you don’t have a dial, you can take a temperature reading from any faucet. If you do a measurement from the faucet, be sure to let the water run for a few minutes to get the most accurate reading.
  • If you’re unsure on the temperature your water heater should be set, start at 120˚F change by intervals of 5-10˚F. You know you found the perfect temperature when…
    • You get enough hot water to shower, wash dishes, do laundry, etc without running out.
    • Children or other family members are not at risk of injury/burns.
    • It’s comfortable to cleanse with but is still at a respectable temperature to be wary of the energy bill.
  • If you decide you need to lower your water heater temperature, but are worried about bacteria growth, you could install a hot water tank booster. This will store the water at 140˚F, but will mix with cooler water before reaching the faucet. Thus, you get water about 120˚F by the time it is pouring into your hands and you can rest assured that bacteria isn’t infecting your water heater.

Water Heater Plumber Near You

Find a water heater plumber near you. In our previous blog we shared the different types of water heaters we offer at Moonlight Plumbing. Talk with one of our professionals today to see which water heater is best suited for your home/facility. Also discuss what temperature to which your water heater should be set. Anyway we can help, we’re here for you!

Many of us see eliminating oil heat from our house as a daunting task. A lot of us see the larger upfront cost and don’t really understand the benefits of paying for this upgrade. You’re not alone thinking the costs won’t outweigh the benefits. But, our Connecticut plumber wants to help clarify why you should be weary of using oil to heat your water/home and look into investing in a more renewable energy source. And, when/if you’re ready to make the switch we know just who to call!

Connecticut Plumber Shares the Oil Facts

If our planet doesn’t reduce its carbon footprint by 50% in the next two decades, we’ll all experience serious consequences. This means many of us need to stop using oil in our homes. Oil is used for three main reasons in our home: to heat water, living space, or the chimney. One of the biggest issues with using oil to heat your home is the “standby” losses that occur with your boiler. Typically, about a quarter of your heat is wasted by escaping through your chimney or into your basement!

There are countless other downfalls of using oil as your main heat source. Here are just a few of the “big factors” we’d like to share. Typically, oil has higher fuel cost because \ heating oil is more expensive than heating natural gas. Also, oil requires a lot of maintenance. Dirt and soot often get mixed in the oil and build up causing issues. So, more times than one would like, there are repair men sent to the house to help clean out the build up. Finally, in general, oil heat is just inconvenient. It doesn’t have the pipeline infrastructure so you have to store the oil in a tank and refill regularly.

Solutions We Offer at Moonlight Plumbing

If you’re looking to replace/upgrade your system, we have a couple options at Moonlight Plumbing that may suit your needs.

  • Option #1: Tankless Water Heaters
    • Saves Money – it prevents the system from heating water that won’t be used.
    • Efficient – It only uses energy to heat the water on an as-needed basis.
    • Longevity – You’ll be less likely to replace your water heater.
    • No Limit to Hot Water – It heats water on demand so there’s never a chance of running out.
  • Option #2: Conventional Water Heaters
    • There are two subcategories when selecting this option; natural gas or electric.
    • Option A – Natural Gas Heaters:
      • Cheaper Than Oil – there’s more stable supply and demand for gas making it cheaper than oil.
      • Requires Little Maintenance – gas burns cleaner than oil resulting in less build up of dirt or other particles. Therefore, less repairs/cleaning necessary.
      • Gas is Nontoxic – it won’t contaminate soil or groundwater if it leaks.
    • Option B – Electric Heaters:
      • Safe and Reliable – most have no moving parts which means there’s less chance of breaking down. Thus, resulting in longer life span as well.
      • Affordable and Efficient – it’s the cheapest option of heating a home because of stable supply and demand for a long period of time now.
        • They can also be wired room to room so if a room is not in use, you won’t need to heat it saving you money
      • Environmentally Friendly – doesn’t require the burning of anything so it will not emit pollutants into the atmosphere. It also eliminates the risk of gas leaks.

Let Us Help You Find a Better Solution

While there is no right or wrong way to heat your house, our Connecticut plumber believes there is a worse and better solution. Finding the right solution to heat your home so it’s affordable, reliable, and efficient is important. If you’re ready to help stop pollution, save money in the long term, and upgrade your home by switching your oil heater to natural gas or electric, call one of our experts today. Or, if you have questions or need more information reach out on our website, too! We look forward to helping you find a better way to heat your home.