If you’re hearing that familiar (yet irritating) sound of running water coming from your toilet, you’re not alone. It’s actually a common plumbing concern, and one we help customers get to the bottom of often. 

The good news is that there’s usually a simple reason and an easy solution to get toilets to stop running and making that annoying sound. Below, we dive into why your toilet might be making that persistent running water sound and what you can do about it.

What makes toilets run continuously – and how to fix the problem 

Faulty flapper valve

Inside your toilet tank, there’s a rubber flapper valve that controls the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. Over time, this valve can corrode or break, allowing water to leak into the bowl continuously.

To determine if this is the issue, open the tank and inspect the flapper valve. If it’s worn out or misaligned, it’s a relatively easy fix. Simply replace the old flapper with a new one, making sure it forms a tight seal over the drain hole.

Float ball or cup

The float ball or cup, which is responsible for regulating the water level in the tank, may be set too high. When this happens, water can overflow into the overflow tube, causing a constant trickle of water into the bowl.

If the water level in the tank is too high, adjust the float ball or cup to lower it. This can usually be done by bending the metal rod or adjusting the screw on the float mechanism.

Fill valve issues

The fill valve, also known as the ballcock, may be malfunctioning or failing to shut off completely after the tank has refilled. This can result in a continuous flow of water into the tank, leading to that running water sound.

Check the fill valve. If you notice it’s malfunctioning, you may need to replace it. Luckily, fill valves are relatively inexpensive and easy to install with a few basic tools.

Leaking tank

In some cases, the tank itself may have a crack or leak, causing water to continuously seep out and trigger the refill mechanism.

This should be an easy issue to detect as you can usually see water at the base of the toilet or a crack on the seat or the tank. 

Can’t tell if you have a leak? Add a couple drops of food coloring to the tank water and wait a few minutes. If you see colored water seeping into the bowl without flushing, you likely have a leak that needs to be addressed.

Don’t want to tackle these fixes yourself? Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call. We have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose and repair the issue quickly and effectively.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

We all want our home’s plumbing components to last as long as possible, and while maintenance and repair can extend the life of your plumbing, there comes a time when fixtures like toilets, pipes, and water heaters will need to be replaced. 

Below, we share the average lifespan of our most used plumbing components, their typical lifespan, and how to know if it’s time for them to be replaced. 

Toilets

Considering that the average lifespan of a toilet is 50 years, you might have some time before it needs to be replaced. But here’s the thing: toilets consist of many different components, and when one breaks, it can sometimes cost less to replace the entire toilet than repair it. Should you notice a crack in the toilet itself, you’ll need to invest in a new one. 

Another thing to consider is older toilets use more water. If your toilet is 30 years or older, we recommend replacing it to save water, which might help you save on your monthly bill. 

Faucets

Most faucets last about 12 years. And sometimes, it costs more to repair a faucet than to replace it – but not always. Common faucet issues that require repair include the buildup of materials from hard water and general wear and tear. 

We recommend regularly cleaning your faucets with a solution that kills mineral buildup, replacing cartridges in cartridge-style faucets, and trying DIY faucet repair before buying new ones. 

Pipes

Not sure what material your pipes are made from? Check the warranty if your home is new or the home inspection report. This is important information because the longevity of your pipes depends on their material. 

Here’s the general lifespan of the most popular pipes: 

Water heaters

Don’t learn the hard way that your water heater is past its prime. Wait too long to replace your vintage model, and you could find yourself mopping up quite a bit of water if it breaks. While your water heater may last longer if only a couple of people use it daily, here’s a general idea of how long it should last based on type.

Sump pumps

You probably don’t see it daily but make no mistake – your sump pump is essential to your plumbing. It’s responsible for collecting and removing water that pools in the basement, and should it not function properly, it could put your basement at risk of flooding. 

You should have your sump pump inspected once every year to gauge its condition and see if it’s getting close to the time it needs to be replaced. Most sump pumps last an average of 10 years. 

Need to know more about your pipes or wondering about the condition of your plumbing components? Let the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter know. We can inspect your home’s plumbing and let you know if its time for some replacements or repairs.   Contact  us, we always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

They say it’s an El Nino winter, but even though the temps have indeed been warmer this season in Cincinnati (for now), it’s still important to make sure your home’s plumbing is winter-ready. 

Sure, we’re deep into December, but there’s still time to prepare. Spring is a long way away. 

The good news is that it’s easy, inexpensive (or downright free), and fast to winterize your plumbing. We recommend penciling in some time on the calendar soon – a few hours should be all you need. 

To help get you started, we’ve created a list of must-dos for your home’s plumbing every winter.

Check your outdoor faucets

Do a complete check of your outdoor faucets. Look for water or wet areas on the ground and drips coming from the faucets. If you notice a leak, contact a plumbing professional. Even a tiny drip can cause damage or lead to a high water bill.  

Next, seal the faucets

Purchase foam insulation covers from a home improvement store to seal faucets easily and keep them warm. Wrap them around pipes that are not insulated or in colder, damp places like the basement.

Winterize the sprinkler system

If you still need to shut down the sprinklers, do so now. Here’s how. First, turn off your home’s water supply. Next, turn off your sprinkler’s timer and drain the system, depending on your model. Lastly, insulate all above-ground sprinkler components with insulation tape or foam covers. 

Check window well covers

Inspect your windows to make sure there aren’t any areas that need additional insulation for the colder months. Check for “pinpricks” of sunlight where the window meets the seam. If you see any light through the seam, add insulation to the window’s exterior to block the small opening. 

Clean the gutters and the roof

During the winter, fallen leaves can fill gutters and cause blockages, so water – whether from rain or melting snow – can’t drain properly. This can lead to leaks in ceilings and walls. 

You can head to the roof and clean your gutters or let a roofing professional do it. The latter choice has an extra benefit: the roofer can inspect the roof for any damage and perform the needed repairs. 

Store away hoses

Never keep your garden hoses out all winter. Doing so will cause them to turn brittle and crack. Instead, store them inside in a warm place. This way, there will be no surprises when you head out to the garden come springtime. 

Remember: The team at Allied Reddi-Rooter is here to help 365 days a year. We can get your home’s plumbing in shape for winter, and we’re always here if you need a plumbing repair.  Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Get ready because winter is coming. Between the chilly weather and entertaining guests, your plumbing will be working overtime and it needs to be up to the task when the temps drop below freezing. 

The best way to prevent a wintertime plumbing issue is to be prepared. Now is an ideal time to winterize your home’s plumbing and learn what to do if your pipes freeze. Here’s our list of easy tasks to help avoid a plumbing problem. 

Keep spaces warm

Add insulation to walls, especially the attic. Check doors and windows for air drafts and make sure they’re sealed. Make certain crawl spaces are sealed off as well. This will help keep your pipes warm. 

Purchase pipe sleeves

You can find pipe sleeves at home improvement stores. Wrap them around any pipes that are not insulated or are in colder, damp places like the basement.  

Follow the 55-degree rule

During the winter, always keep your thermostat at or above 55 degrees, even when traveling and the home is unoccupied. 

Move water

When the temperatures reach the single digits, turn on your faucets and let the water drip. This will help keep your pipes from freezing. Don’t want to turn on all your faucets? At least let water move from the faucet farthest from your home’s main water valve. 

Weatherproof outside

If you haven’t already this season, head outdoors, remove all hoses from spigots, and store them in a warm, dry place to prevent them from becoming brittle and cracked. 

Next, open the spigots and let any water drain out. Then, keep an eye on the weather. When freezing temps are in the forecast, turn off the water leading to the outside. This will help prevent your pipes from bursting.  

What to do if you have frozen pipes

First, take a deep breath. If you are proactive and act quickly, it will help prevent your pipes from bursting. 

Next, give your pipes warmth by blowing a hair dryer on them (note: a hair dryer makes a great tool, so pick up an inexpensive one even if you don’t blow dry your hair). Resist using anything with a flame, like a lighter or blow torch. The key is to warm the pipes up slightly and slowly. If water in the pipes starts to boil, it can cause the pipes to break. 

Now, when the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on and let it run. Open the faucets and look thoroughly around the house – including the walls, floors, and ceiling, for any leaks. 

Allied-Reddi Rooter can help keep your plumbing working its best all year long.  Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter.  We’ve been Cincinnati’s trusted plumbing company for decades and are here when you need help fast.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Don’t be fooled when you hear that only a master plumber can help you with your plumbing problem. Unless you’re a builder dealing with blueprints and code considerations, you don’t. What you really need is a licensed, experienced plumber who can address your plumbing issues quickly and make the necessary repairs, maintenance, or upgrades efficiently.

In fact, in Ohio, plumbers must pass a rigorous exam to be licensed, but no additional or special requirements are needed to be named a master plumber. So, if the Cincinnati plumbing company you’re considering says they have “master plumbers,” that’s not necessarily the case. At least not officially.

So, what should you look for when hiring a plumbing company in the Queen City?

Licenses and certifications
As we mentioned above, to be licensed in Ohio, a plumber must pass a difficult exam that tests their knowledge and ability to perform the tasks at a professional level. Plumbers must have five years of experience before being certified and licensed. Engineers with construction experience can take the exam after three years.

Experience
The plumber you hire should have years, if not decades, of experience. Allied Reddi-Rooter, for example, has served Cincinnati homes and businesses for 73 years. That’s why we’re one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the tri-state.

Even if the job you need tackled is smaller in scope – like replacing faucet fixtures, for example – it can lead to problems if you hire an inexperienced plumber or handyperson who doesn’t understand the task at hand.

Reputation
We recommend hiring a plumber with many five-star reviews from home and business owners on Yelp, Facebook, and Google. Take your time reading the reviews to feel confident that you’re making a great choice. Read the testimonials on their website and talk to neighbors and friends for recommendations. Avoid plumbing companies with several negative reviews or no reviews at all.

Insurance
Make sure your plumber carries the proper insurance with liability. Not only will this protect you if they damage your property while on the job, but it will give you peace of mind. Don’t be afraid to ask if they’re insured. And don’t be afraid to choose a different plumber if they aren’t.

Free estimates and advice
At Allied Reddi-Rooter, we love what we do and are always offer free estimates for our customers. We’re also available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies and are committed to being timely and efficient. These are the qualities you should look for when choosing a plumber. They should work on your time – not theirs.

There’s a reason Allied Reddi-Rooter has been Cincinnati’s trusted plumbing company for more than 70 years. Don’t think you have to choose a master plumber. Instead, choose an affordable, dedicated plumber with the qualifications to do the job right the first time.

Those black spots in your bathroom shower aren’t just unattractive, they might be a sign you have mold – and that could pose a health risk to you and your family. Mold, like mildew, thrives in moist, humid areas. But unlike mildew, mold can grow quickly on porous surfaces. 

There are several types of mold that lurk in bathrooms. Allergenic molds are the most common and tend to cause allergic reactions or asthma-like symptoms, especially for people who have respiratory issues. Pathogenic and toxigenic molds are much less common and cause more serious health problems.  

Since it can be extremely difficult to know which type of mold might be growing in your bathroom, we (along with the CDC) recommend removing all mold as soon as you see it. Luckily, with the steps below, it’s easy to rid your bathroom of mold (and mildew, too), and keep it at bay, so your home is healthy.

Below is a safe, quick, and inexpensive way to eliminate mold from your bathroom shower, tub, and anywhere else it’s growing. In fact, you may already have everything you need in your cabinets and cupboards to start cleaning. 

How to rid your bathroom shower mold 

It’s perfectly fine to use cleaning products specifically designed to treat mold. In fact, there are plenty of excellent mold removers and cleansers available at your local home improvement store. Here’s something important to remember: Bleach, while excellent at removing stains caused by mold, cannot kill mold. So, most bathroom cleaners with bleach won’t do the trick. 

Here’s a tried-and-true cleaner that is a safe, inexpensive, and very effective mold remover for your shower and bath. 

What you’ll need 

  1. Rubber gloves 
  2. Spray bottle 
  3. Scrub brush*
  4. Paper towels 
  5. White vinegar 
  6. Bleach cleaning solution
  7. Bathroom cleaner  

Directions 

First mix one-part vinegar to two-parts water in a spray bottle. 

Next, clean the shower, bathtub, walls and other areas where you see mold growth with your chosen bathroom cleaner. Let the product sit on the area for at least 30 minutes. 

Scrub the areas with mold vigorously with the brush, making sure to get all black spots. *Remember to avoid using a steel brush, as this can damage the surface of your bathtub and shower area. 

Now, rinse the areas and wipe down with paper towels. Let dry. If you still see black areas after this step, go ahead and scrub the area again with a bleach cleaning solution. 

Lastly, spray with white vinegar and let dry. The vinegar will act as a preventive tool so that mold has a difficult time growing back. 

We recommend following this cleaning regimen once every month to keep the mold away. However, if you see mold growing again, it’s time to call  or  contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter.

It can come as quite a shock to discover you’ve got a plumbing issue that needs immediate attention. Whatever your plumbing emergency is – whether it’s a broken pipe, an overflowing toilet, or something else that needs immediate attention, you’ll need to act fast. But what should you do before the plumber arrives?

Instead of waiting and worrying, we recommend performing some small tasks to help the emergency repair go smoothly. These simple steps just might help the plumber perform the needed repairs quicker. 

Here’s what to do while you wait for the plumber. 

Turn off the water main to the home

Know where the water main turn-off valve is located. It stops all water from entering your home’s plumbing. A simple turn stops the flow of water.

Drain water lines

Turn on all the faucets and let them run dry. This relieves all water pressure and will help if you have a leak that needs to be repaired.

This is critical if you have a broken pipe or if your toilet is overflowing. However, it’s recommended that you turn off the water before the plumber arrives for any emergency repair. Doing this will reduce the amount of water you might be wasting, and help limit damage to your floors and walls, should you have a bad leak. 

Get rid of standing water

Grab a mop and bucket, towels, and a wet vacuum if you’ve got one, and start removing standing water from your floors, the tub, or anywhere else water has collected. Standing water can cause mold and mildew, and it also can be dangerous, if it’s around any outlets or electrical appliances (more on this below). 

Move furniture

If water is creeping towards your furniture, move it quickly to a dry area or cover it with plastic or another waterproof material. You should also move any floor lamps, artwork, and all valuables to a dry area as well. 

Protect appliances

If possible, turn off your home’s electricity. Or unplug electrical appliances. You’ll need to have the appliances checked by an electrician before you use them again to make sure it’s safe. And if water got near or in your home’s fuse box, have an electrician check it as well.

Also, be prepared to provide important details including when the plumbing problem started and about any maintenance or other repairs that have already been made. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the damage in case you plan on filing an insurance claim. 

Whether you take these steps or not, the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter is ready to help whenever you’ve got a plumbing emergency, 513-396-5300, or contact    us. We’re here 24/7 for all your plumbing repair needs. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Purchasing a home can be exciting. But it can also be stressful, especially when it’s time to get the house inspected. While you’re checking out everything from the foundation to the roof, don’t forget about the plumbing. 

While we recommend having a plumbing professional perform their own thorough inspection of the home’s plumbing system before you sign on the dotted line, here’s a list of easy things you can do to check the home’s plumbing on your own.   

Ask about the sump pump

If the home you’re planning to buy uses a sump pump, you’ll want to check it. Ask if the basement has ever flooded. If it has and they haven’t investigated to find out why, you’ll want to hire a plumber to examine the condition of the sump pump. If it isn’t working properly, it will need to be replaced or repaired as it can cause a flooded basement. This can lead to costly repairs and is liable to cause damage to the property in the basement, too. 

Inspect the water heater

Another simple thing you can do on your own is a quick inspection of the water heater. Often, it’s easy to spot areas of concern, just by looking closely. Check for any leaks around the inlet, outlet valves and the heater’s base. Listen for any noises when you turn the water heater on and check for rust on the tank. Also, turn on the faucet and check for rust colored water. 

Check the faucets

This is an easy step, but it’s an important one, too, considering how many times you’ll use the faucets in your new home each day. To get started, first turn on every faucet in the house to make sure the water runs quickly and drains quickly, too. This will give you an idea of how well the water pressure is in the home and if there are drain issues that will need to be addressed. 

Then, look around the faucets and at the base and installation points of the sink to see if there are any leaks. These can be costly in the long run, so the leaks should be repaired by a plumber before you buy the house. 

Test the shut off valve

Turn off the water meter to test the shut off valve. If you notice water coming out of the spouts, you’ll need to have the valve checked out. It may need to be repaired or replaced. 

Take a close look at the sewer main

You can avoid one of the most costly and extensive repairs by hiring a plumbing professional to check the main sewer drain to make sure there are no tree roots growing under the home’s foundation or damage due to the age of the house. A video inspection is a quick and effective way to check the condition of the sewer main. 

Don’t let plumbing concerns take the joy out of homebuying. Instead, contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter. We can perform a plumbing inspection to make sure you’ve found a great house to call home.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Additional Resources

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/inspections/Plumbing/

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/building-construction-inspections/plumbing-inspections/

Here’s a word of plumbing advice: there are some things you should know about plumbing – whether you’re a home or business owner. Just a little knowledge of pipes, drain and everything in between can go a long way. Not only can it keep your plumbing in top shape, but it can help you know when it’s time to call a plumber. 

Below are five simple things plumbers want you to know in order to be prepared, preserve your plumbing, and even save a little money. 

Know what (and what not) to flush down the drain

Almost every day, we receive calls from customers who have flushed things they shouldn’t have down the kitchen sink or toilet. Sometimes, it can be difficult to unclog drains when there is a blockage, which is why you should know what needs to go in the trash, and not down the sink. 

Face wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls and grease are just a handful of things that should never go down a drain. We recommend having this list handy and checking it when in doubt about where to toss specific items. 

Know the location of your shut off valve

This is one of the simplest, yet most important ways to protect your home from water damage if a pipe bursts. The shut off valve is typically located in the basement, or an outside wall, and is easy to turn off. So, when a pipe bursts or you need to turn off your water supply for any other reason, you’ll be able to do so quickly. 

Stop using chemical cleaners

It can be easy to grab a bottle of Drano or other type of commercial drain cleaner filled with harsh chemicals that are bad for you and the planet. After all, we’re led to believe they work better than any other kind of drain cleaner. 

But here’s the thing: they can corrode pipes, damage plumbing fixtures and are extremely dangerous if they come in contact with skin or are ingested. That’s why we recommend using safer cleaners, made with environmentally friendly, organic ingredients. Have a particularly stubborn clog? If so, it’s time to call the plumber. 

Know how to use a plunger

Many people don’t use plungers properly. If you find yourself pushing and pulling when using your plunger, you might be using it wrong. To use a plunger, first cover all drains that are near the one that’s backed up. Then, place a small amount of petroleum jelly around the ring of the plunger. This will help create even more suction. 

Next, scoop out any excess water and fit the plunger over the drain and push gently on the handle. Make sure you’re able to get a good grip on the handle and guide it easily. Now, pull the plunger away after about 30 seconds. If the clog remains, either repeat, use a drain opener, or call a plumber. 

Invest in plumbing tools

You don’t have to purchase expensive plumbing tools and equipment, but it’s a good idea to have a toolbox with at least a few items that can go the distance for your plumbing. In addition to a good plunger, we recommend having a set of pliers, plumber’s putty, duct tape and caulk. 

Remember, a little plumbing knowledge goes a long way, but the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter is always here to help you, too. From free, over the phone estimates to emergency plumbing repair, we’ve got you covered.   Call the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call at 513-396-5300, or contact  us via our website.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

From mile high ceilings to stunning woodwork and craftmanship – older houses have character and beauty that can be hard to find in newer homes. But while the one-hundred-year-old stained-glass windows are awe-inspiring – one hundred-year-old plumbing isn’t (or at least not in a good way). 

Not only can it be difficult to troubleshoot and determine the cause of plumbing issues in an older home, but depending on how long it’s been since the plumbing system has been updated, it can be a costly and time-consuming job. The good news is that once the repair is made and your plumbing has joined the 21st century, you won’t have to worry about that part of your plumbing for decades to come. 

Below are four of the most common plumbing problems found in old homes in Cincinnati. Quick note: We’re addressing issues typically found in homes built in the late 1800s to early 1900s – back in the Victorian era that made Cincinnati an architectural gem. However, if your home is at least 30 years old, you might deal with the same issues. 

Bellied pipes

Houses settle over time. In older homes, where pipes might be encased in concrete or buried, pipes might be affected by the shifting of the earth and settling. Should the pipes shift downward, it can cause a “belly” that limits water flow. Worse, these bellies can lead to a pool of water that might contain waste. This can lead to clogged, foul-smelling pipes. 

Solution: Hire an experienced plumber to inspect your plumbing system to make sure there are no bellied pipes.   

Pipes made from outdated materials 

U.S. building codes change. In fact, even homes built thirty years ago might have pipes and other plumbing features that are no longer up to code. Back in the early 1900s, two of the most common types of pipes were lead and galvanized. Both can lead to issues in your home. 

Lead was the most popular choice for water main lines, sewer line and areas of the home due to its durability and its flexibility. It’s also extremely toxic and can lead to serious health issues including gastrointestinal problems, fatigue and memory loss. Although the use of lead in homes was banned in the 1980s, there is a chance that some older homes still have lead piping. 

Another popular choice for pipe material, galvanized pipes are actually a combination of iron and zinc. The problem with galvanized pipes is that, over time, the zinc layer can (and will) erode. This can lead to brittle, weak pipes that break and clog. 

Solution: Have a plumbing professional perform a comprehensive inspection of your home’s plumbing to identify if yours still has lead piping. You’ll need to remove that piping immediately. If you have galvanized piping, a plumber can replace sections at a time, starting with wherever your pipes are the most brittle.   

Worn out fixtures 

From faucets to shower heads, all plumbing fixtures will eventually need to be replaced. Antique handles and porcelain knobs, for example, might look great in the bathroom, but if the knobs are stripped from too much use, they can compromise your plumbing. 

The solution: Replace worm fixtures – don’t try to repair them or get by with a “quick fix.” If you love the look of antique plumbing fixtures, you can find updated versions at most home improvement stores. Or, visit an antique shop to find some that are in much better shape. 

Sewer line problems 

If you live in an older home and notice a foul smell coming from a sink or appliance like the dishwasher, or if you notice bubbling after you flush the toilet (especially if water bubbles in sinks at the same time), the culprit might be a faulty sewer line. If you have recently remodeled your home or otherwise added modern appliances like a dishwasher, your older sewer line might not be used to having so much water moving through it. 

Additionally, sewer lines can be damaged by tree roots that grow into the line, or from older, brittle material. Ground shift can also cause problems. 

Solution: Schedule a video inspection of your sewer main. Not only can the video reveal the state of your sewer line but it will identify any issues that need to be addressed so you aren’t stuck with a costly repair. 

Have an old home? The team at Allied Reddi-Rooter has been helping homeowners across Cincinnati keep the plumbing in their beautiful, older homes in top shape. We are here to help you with yours, too.  Call the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call at 513-396-5300, or contact  us via our website.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.