Unlike a small leak, a burst pipe can be a really big deal. It can cause water damage, costly repairs, and even health concerns. This is why we wanted to give an overview of how this can be prevented. Read further to find out how leaks can turn into burst pipes, and how to prevent them.

How A Leak Becomes A Burst Pipe

As mentioned, a burst pipe can be a big issue. There are a few ways that a pipe can burst including freezing temperatures, moving pipes, water pressure, and corrosion.

We are going to look at corrosion for this, as it is in this case that you would more commonly see a leak first. Over time, you can see a buildup of corrosion in your pipes; which can be caused by many things.

As that corrosion chips away, you may experience pinhole size leaks in your pipe. As the water continues to run through the pipe, it will keep chipping away at that hole until it finally opens to a large hole or bursts.

What To Do With A Water Leak?

It is understandable that putting a quick fix on a leak is much easier than going through the inconvenience and cost of calling a plumber to repair the issue. Unfortunately, quick fixes can be more time consuming and expensive way to go.

A small or slow leak can turn into a burst pipe within seconds. If, for example, you are not home when the pipe bursts, you could be looking at extensive damage. You can end up with water damage to your floors, walls, furniture, and electrical appliances.

You could have mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture, and it can even cause a fire. For that reason, it is more cost-efficient, and safer, to have the leak handled right away instead of waiting for disaster to strike!

Plumbing For Safety

In an effort to keep a burst pipe something unheard of in your home, you want to make sure you have your plumbing inspected for safety. Having annual maintenance performed can alert the professionals that you have an issue.

It is better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to a burst pipe. This is why a professional is needed, as they will be able to spot problems you may not be able to see.

Unfortunately, small leaks in pipes can go unnoticed for a long time due to their location. Don’t take that chance and reach out to a technician to have your pipes checked!

Know Who To Trust

If you suspect you have a leak in your pipes, or you want to have them checked for safety, call Lascko Services! We are available for inspections and repairs. We will set your mind at ease so you know your pipes are in good working order. Don’t let disaster strike, call us today at (231) 725-2777

What’s worse, many of us take little to no time to repair, inspect or maintain our outdoor fixtures. This year, amidst your summer fun, take some time to care for your outdoor fixtures to ensure that your outdoor plumbing is working well, and is prepared for the upcoming season.

Are Your Fixtures in Need of Repair?

Are your outdoor fixtures in need of repair? Whether it’s a rusted out faucet or a sprinkler line that isn’t getting enough water pressure, repair issues need to be addressed.

Not only do they limit your ability to do outdoor chores, like watering your plants, which is a must in the summer months, but also they can be unsightly. Unfortunately, more often than not, they go unrepaired.

As a homeowner, you should do your best to do ongoing checks of all your fixtures. Open faucets, test hose connections, and even look for rust in the water. When you catch repair issues early, you could save tons by preventing emergency issues.

What is the Condition of Your Outdoor Plumbing?

While you’re focusing on your outdoor features, take some time to check on your outdoor plumbing. This is another area that often gets overlooked, and small issues can linger for long periods of time.

Do your outdoor faucets leak? Are your pipes in good shape? Do you have a broken sprinkler head? Whatever issues you might have, make sure that you are aware of them and have a plan to fix them.

Even small drips or leaks at faucets or minor draining problems can lead to bigger issues in the future. Additionally, they can be the cause of a higher water bill or wasted water right now. So, take the time to inspect your outdoor plumbing this year to help make sure everything is in good condition and working properly.

When to Replace Outdoor Fixtures?

Sometimes once you start repairing your outdoor fixtures it can make you wonder whether the fixture is actually in need of being replaced. While you can always call a professional to help determine if a replacement is necessary, here are some signs to look out for:

• Evidence of a wiring or connectivity issue
• Low-quality components (plastic or composite as opposed to brass or copper)
• Substantial rust
• A very old fixture with components and wiring that show age

Maintaining outdoor plumbing and fixtures is an important, but often overlooked task for many of us. Break this habit and take some time to inspect both this year. If you have any questions or concerns about your outdoor fixtures or plumbing, don’t hesitate to call Lascko Services today at (231) 201-2624. We can help you ensure that everything is working smoothly and that your outdoor fixtures and plumbing receive the maintenance and repairs that they need.

At Lascko Services, we don’t believe we need to hold back from you just to keep your business. That’s why we’re excited to share with you our secrets to cleaning up after hard water, and why water softeners are the way to go!

Where Those Unsightly Stains Are Coming From

Before we get into cleaning hard water stains, let’s talk a little more about what exactly hard water is and why you don’t want it in your home. If you have “hard water” it just means that you have a high count of minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water supply.

Why don’t you want it in your house? Well, Hard water in your home can:

• Make soaps and detergents not work as well as they would with soft water
• Make your skin dry and itchy
• Make your hair dull and brittle
• Make the colors of your clothes fade, and the fabric become worn
• Reduce your water pressure because of pipes narrowed by mineral deposits

And of course…

• Leave soap scum, as well as mineral deposits, on a variety of surfaces in your home

Cleaning Stains From Every Surface

Hard water stains can appear as white spots on glasses and silverware, white streaks on shower doors or tiles, and mineral buildup on your faucets.

The trick is that you can actually clean up those unsightly stains, with things you probably already have in your home! You can mix the vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray the stains.

Let the mixture sit for a moment, then rinse, and wipe it clean. For tougher stains, you can make a paste of baking soda and vinegar, smear it over the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Scrub the stain away, rinse, and wipe clean. Lemon juice can be used to remove mineral deposits from faucets. Just spray the deposits with the lemon juice, let sit for a few minutes and wipe clean.

The Benefits of Having a Water Softener for Your Home

Once you’ve gotten rid of those ugly hard water stains, what can you do to prevent them from coming back? The best way is to eliminate hard water altogether by installing a whole-house water softener.

There are two main types of water softeners- salt-based ion exchangers and salt-free softeners. Deciding what kind of water filtering system is best for you depends on your lifestyle and budget.

Now you know the secret to keeping your dishes, mirrors, and clothes clean after washing them! Don’t keep that valuable information to yourself! Make sure to share the link to this article with everyone you know to help them deal with hard water stains as well! Have more questions about water softeners? Call Lascko Services in Muskegon, MI today!

Never fear, though! Lascko Services is here to help you find the perfect kitchen or bathroom sink to compliment your personal style. When looking for the ideal bathroom or kitchen sink, ask yourself the following three questions:

• Have you researched different sink types?
• How much are you willing to spend on your sink?
• What Kinds of options does your local plumbing store offer?

We believe that answering these questions can help put you on the right track to find, purchase, and install the sink of your dreams, and complete the look of your kitchen or bathroom!

Have You Researched Different Sink Types?

The first thing you need to understand is that not all sinks are created equal. If you do your research, you can find a great sink that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle at an affordable price. Here are some examples of different styles of kitchen sinks:

• Bar Sink
• Corner Sink
• Drainboard Sink
• Farmhouse Sink
• Undermount Sink

Here are some examples of bathroom sinks:

• Console Sink
• Drop-in Sink
• Pedestal Sink
• Undermount Sink
• Vessel Sink

Any of the above kitchen or bathroom sinks can be personalized in a number of ways by adding specialty faucets, and faucet handles, choosing specific materials and colors, etc. The possibilities are virtually endless if you do your sink research!

How Much Are You Willing to Spend on a Sink?

The next thing you need to ask yourself is how much of your bathroom or kitchen budget are you willing to allocate to your new sink?

Installation on a standard kitchen sink can run you up to about $380 to install, while bathroom sinks can cost anywhere from $200 to $550 to install, including the cost of the sink itself. Adding in any personalizations you’d like can drive the price up substantially.

If your budget can sustain these personalizations, that’s that. You may, however, need to weigh the cost of a high tech sink faucet against its benefits, for instance. Or perhaps you’ll want to reevaluate if you really need your sink to come with a built-in drainboard.

What Kinds of Options Does Your Local Plumbing Store Offer?

Finally, you may want to call or pay a visit to plumbing stores in your area to make sure that the sink you want is available to you at all.

Again, if your budget allows it, you may be able to have a sink shipped to your local plumbing store from another facility, but in some cases, this might not even be possible.

Either way, the associates at the plumbing store can help you find a suitable replacement if your desired sink is unavailable. Let Lascko Services help you find your perfect sink.

Give us a call today to speak with a plumbing expert in Muskegon about sink options and installation! Send this article to any friends or family you may know who are also looking to install a new sink in their bathroom or kitchen.

One of the best-kept secrets in renting is that the landlord or property management company in charge of your house or apartment building is actually responsible for any emergency services that are needed in your home.

Keep reading to find out more about exactly what your landlord is required to pay, and if you may be free from any plumbing charges in your home.

Is it True That Your Landlord Has to Pay For Them?

The only responsibility a landlord really has to their renters is to provide them with a safe and comfortable living quarters. Plumbing emergencies like leaks or flooding can make your home not only uncomfortable but also unsafe as they can lead to mold.

For that reason, plumbing service charges typically tend to fall on the landlord to pay for. Before signing a lease agreement, always ask your landlord about this issue. Are they willing to pay?

By discussing it beforehand, you’ll know where you stand, and your landlord will be legally required to comply with the terms in the contract. Some lease agreements contain a “repair and deduct” clause, which states that the cost of any repairs will be paid by the tenant, but will then be deducted from that month’s rent.

How Your Rental Home Protects Against Plumbing Charges

If you are a homeowner or the owner of a building or house that gets rented out, then you may still not be responsible for the costs of repair charges!

If you have a management company running the day-to-day operations of the building, then they would be responsible for the plumbing repair charges.

When it comes to your landlord paying for your plumbing repairs, the exact amount the landlord has to pay towards the repairs depends on your lease agreement.

That’s another reason why it’s a good idea to discuss the matter before signing the agreement. Your lease agreement might state that your landlord will cover the cost of repairs over a certain amount, agreed upon by both parties. If a repair costs less than the agreed upon amount, then you, as the tenant, may have to pay it out of pocket.

What do The Local Laws Say?

Most cities and state laws also defend the renter’s right to a livable home. The actual legal restriction may vary from place to place, so always remember to consult local rules and laws.

The next time you are in need of emergency plumbing services, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call Lascko Services.

Our team of highly qualified plumbing experts is here to help you out with any plumbing issues. That includes maintenance, installations, and even emergency repairs. Call Lascko Services in Muskegon, MI today!