Posts

What to Look For in a Commercial Plumber in Connecticut

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. 

/by

What You Need to Know About Replacing Your Existing Cast Iron Drain Pipes

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!
  • residential plumbing
  • residential plumber

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!

  • commercial contracting
  • low angle photography of road with bright light

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

/by

Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger: Bathroom Plumber Weighs In

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.

bathroom plumber moonlight plumbing
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!

/by

New Construction Plumbing for Those Who Build From the Ground Up

plumbing pipes new home construction

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!

/by

Water Heater Plumber Provides Insight On Hot Water Heater Temperature Setting

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.
  • water-heater-plumber
  • water heater plumber
  • water heater plumber

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!

/by

Tips for Finding the Right Plumber

plumber

It’s inevitable that a majority of us will need to call a plumber at some point in our lives. Whether your plumbing breaks because of an accident, the daily wear and tear, or one of the many other reasons it’s bound to happen. And, whatever the reason, you’ll most likely be calling an expert for help. But, how do you know if you’re choosing a reliable plumber? How do you know if the pricing is fair? Many of us have never done this before, what makes a plumber a good plumber? These are all important and great questions to have answers to before making that initial call. We’re here to provide some answers and helpful tips on how to choose the right plumber for the job.

Our Plumber Suggests to Check These Things

  • Check Qualifications

    • You want to ensure they have a license. Licenses are a REQUIREMENT for all practicing plumbers.
    • Also ensure they have insurance in case of disasters. You don’t want them to get hurt in your home and try to hold you responsible.
    • Before scheduling a visit, ask if they do background checks on employees. After all, the plumber will be entering your home, place of business, etc. and you shouldn’t have to worry about the broken plumbing and the plumber fixing it.

  • How Professional Are They?

    • Yes, they are just “plumbers” but plumbers represent a business. Don’t work with a plumber who doesn’t treat you with kindness and respect!
    • Ensure they are dressed appropriately for the job. Showing up in sweatpants and a ripped up t-shirt isn’t what we call “professional”.
    • Don’t forget, professionalism also includes scheduling and invoicing. Arriving to appointments, scheduled phone calls, etc. should be on time and well organized in general.

  • Are they prepared for emergencies?

    • A professional plumber should never put you off, tell you to wait, or act like your emergency is unimportant. He/she should also not panic and should help you feel more at ease about the situation after just a short phone call.
    • They should have 24/7 availability for all urgent needs. A good plumber knows that you don’t ask for your kitchen to flood at a certain time, but you need it to be stopped ASAP!
    • And, last but not least, they should obviously have the appropriate equipment to handle the urgent situation.
  • plumber
  • plumber
  • plumber

  • Pricing

    • A plumber has expertise in his/her field so prices can be higher than some expect. But, ensure they are not too high to a point where they are likely taking advantage of the situation. Also, take caution of plumbers who seem “cheap”. There could be a reason for this. For example, using low quality products for the repair or they may be inexperienced. Just be aware when getting estimates.
    • Also, be weary of plumbers who provide an estimate over the phone without ever seeing the situation in person. How do they know how much it costs if they haven’t seen what they’re fixing? We don’t know how they do it!
    • While it is expected that initial estimates will not match the total to the penny, they should be close. An experienced plumber understands we all have a budget and saying one price and charging another isn’t right or fair. But, also understand things may come about during the repair. A professional will discuss any options with you prior to acting on them if they suspect additional charges.

  • Look at Reviews

    • A reliable, trustworthy plumber won’t, and doesn’t need to, hide their customer’s feedback. While no ones perfect, an average of ratings can give a good impression of the type of service you will receive.
    • At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself. Trust the reviews! See what customers have to say about us on Google, HomeAdvisor, or on our website.

  • Find a Local Plumber

    • Typically, plumbing issues are an urgent matter so finding someone who can come ASAP is important. If you hire a non-local it could take quite some travel time, fitting in their schedule can be more difficult, and overall is typically a longer process from start to finish.
    • Also, if there are further pressing issues, you want to be able to call the plumber familiar with the situation to take another look. It’s definitely more difficult to get the exact same plumber out to your house when the business is a large corporation.
    • This may be stereotypical, but typically local plumbers have more respect for the town and the people in it. Also, unlike the big corporate plumbers, local plumbers are less focused on the money and more concerned with the service. All in all, TRUST LOCAL!
    • Moonlight is the number one local plumber in Mystic, CT. But, don’t take our word for it. We let our work speak for itself and let our customers speak for the work. Read the reviews above to find out why we are the number one local plumber in Mystic.

See If We’re a Good Fit

Take this information and use it to choose the right plumber for the job. At the end of the day, you want a plumber who can fix the issue(s), but you also want to be treated with respect and feel assured your plumbing is in good hands. Talk to one of our plumbers today to see if we’re a good fit to help you!

/by