Plumbing Trends & News

Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:59:50 GMT

Tasks to Ensure Your Plumbing System Is Ready for the Warmer Seasons

As the weather warms up in Chattanooga and North Georgia, spring is the perfect time to give your home’s plumbing system a check-up. After a long winter, pipes, fixtures, and drains may need attention to prevent costly problems down the road.

Here’s your go-to spring plumbing maintenance checklist to keep things flowing smoothly:

1. Check for Leaks Indoors and Out

Inspect faucets, showerheads, toilets, and under-sink areas for any signs of dripping or moisture. Even a small leak can waste gallons of water over time and increase your utility bills. Don’t forget to check outdoor spigots and hoses—freeze damage during winter can cause slow leaks that often go unnoticed.

2. Test Your Sump Pump

Spring showers can lead to basement flooding if your sump pump isn’t working properly. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and make sure the pump turns on and drains the water efficiently. If it doesn’t kick in, call a plumber to inspect or replace it before the next heavy rain.

3. Flush and Inspect Your Water Heater

Drain a few gallons from your water heater to remove built-up sediment, which can reduce efficiency and shorten the unit’s lifespan. Also, inspect for rust, corrosion, or signs of leakage. Spring is a good time to schedule maintenance or consider an upgrade if your unit is 10+ years old.

4. Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts

While not technically part of your plumbing, gutters and downspouts help direct water away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling near your home, which may affect your sump pump and increase the risk of leaks.

5. Look for Slow Drains

If you notice water draining slowly in sinks, tubs, or showers, it may be a sign of buildup or partial blockages in your pipes. Use a safe drain cleaner or schedule a professional drain cleaning to clear them out before they turn into a backup.

6. Check Water Pressure

Low or inconsistent water pressure can be a sign of buildup in pipes, minor leaks, or issues with your pressure-reducing valve. Make note of any unusual changes and have a plumber investigate if needed.

7. Inspect Exposed Pipes

Pipes in crawlspaces, basements, or garages may have cracked or corroded during freezing weather. Check for signs of damage or sweating, and schedule repairs as needed to prevent future leaks.

8. Test Outdoor Faucets & Irrigation Systems

Turn on outdoor faucets and hose bibs to ensure they’re working correctly after winter. Check your sprinkler or irrigation system for broken heads, leaks, or low water pressure. Fixing these now helps conserve water and avoid higher bills in summer.

Ready to Schedule a Spring Plumbing Check-Up?

At Scenic City Plumbing , we’re here to help Chattanooga-area homeowners stay ahead of plumbing issues year-round. If you notice any signs of trouble—or just want peace of mind—schedule your spring maintenance visit with us today.

Call (423) 870-0075

Identifying Hard Water in Your Home

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:59:48 GMT

Signs of Hard Water Issues and Solutions

If you’ve ever noticed spots on your clean dishes, dry skin after a shower, or buildup around your faucets, hard water might be the reason. Hard water is common in many areas, including parts of Chattanooga and North Georgia. While it’s not dangerous, it can cause problems for your plumbing, appliances, and comfort over time.

Here’s how to tell if your home has hard water—and what you can do about it.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains higher-than-normal levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals come from underground sources and often make their way into your water supply, especially if your area relies on well water or untreated municipal sources.

Common Signs of Hard Water

1. White, Chalky Buildup
One of the most obvious signs is mineral buildup (or limescale) on faucets, showerheads, and around drains. You might also see crusty white deposits on your dishes or inside your coffee maker.

2. Dry Skin and Hair
Hard water can strip moisture from your skin and hair, leaving both feeling dry or irritated. Soap may not lather well, which can also lead to a film on your skin after bathing.

3. Faded Laundry and Stiff Towels
Clothes washed in hard water may fade faster and feel rougher over time. Detergent doesn’t dissolve properly in hard water, which affects cleaning performance.

4. Water Spots on Dishes and Glassware
Even after running the dishwasher, you may notice cloudy residue or spotting. That’s the result of minerals drying on your dishes during the rinse cycle.

5. Reduced Water Pressure
Over time, mineral buildup can narrow pipes and restrict water flow, leading to lower pressure from sinks and showers.

6. Shorter Appliance Lifespans
Hard water is tough on water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. The buildup can reduce efficiency and wear parts down faster, meaning more repairs or replacements.

How to Test for Hard Water

You can buy a home test kit from most hardware stores or request a professional water analysis. Another simple DIY method: fill a clear bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap. Shake it up—if there’s little to no suds and the water looks cloudy, you likely have hard water.

Solutions: Installing a Water Softener

A water softener is the most effective way to combat hard water in your home. These systems remove excess calcium and magnesium through a process called ion exchange, replacing them with sodium or potassium.

Benefits of a Water Softener:

Prevents mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances
Improves soap and detergent performance
Leaves skin and hair feeling softer
Reduces spotting on dishes and fixtures
Helps extend the life of your water heater and appliances

At Scenic City Plumbing , we install and service water softeners tailored to your home’s needs. We can test your water, recommend the right system, and handle a smooth installation from start to finish.

Say Goodbye to Hard Water Problems

If you’ve noticed signs of hard water in your home, don’t wait for it to damage your plumbing or appliances. Scenic City Plumbing is here to help with testing, solutions, and expert water softener installation in Chattanooga and surrounding areas.

Call (423) 870-0075

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure & How to Fix Them

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:35:21 GMT

Dealing with low water pressure can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your daily routine, like taking a shower or washing dishes. The causes of low water pressure can range from simple issues to more serious plumbing problems. Let’s explore the most common causes and what you can do to fix them.

1. Clogged Pipes

Over time, minerals, debris, and rust can build up inside your pipes, restricting water flow. This is a common issue in older homes where pipes may have accumulated years of deposits.

Solution: If you suspect clogged pipes, contact a professional plumber to inspect and, if necessary, clean or replace the pipes.

2. Corroded Plumbing

Older metal pipes, like those made from galvanized steel, are prone to corrosion, which can significantly reduce water pressure. As pipes corrode, they become narrower, restricting water flow.

Solution: Replacing old, corroded pipes with modern materials, such as copper or PEX, can restore proper water pressure and improve your plumbing system's lifespan.

3. Leaky Pipes

Leaks in your plumbing system can cause a drop in water pressure. Even small leaks reduce the amount of water reaching your faucets and fixtures.

Solution: Check for visible signs of water leaks, like damp spots or water pooling. If you can’t find the leak, a professional plumber can perform a leak detection service to locate and fix the issue.

4. Faulty Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator is a device that controls the pressure of the water coming into your home. If this device fails, it can cause sudden changes in water pressure, either too high or too low.

Solution: A malfunctioning pressure regulator should be replaced by a licensed plumber to ensure the water pressure is at a safe, consistent level.

5. Partially Closed Valves

Sometimes, the main shut-off valve or the water meter valve in your home may not be fully open, restricting water flow. This can happen after plumbing work or if the valves were accidentally adjusted.

Solution: Check both the main shut-off valve and the water meter valve to ensure they are fully open. If you are unsure of how to do this, a plumber can assist.

6. Municipal Water Supply Issues

Sometimes, low water pressure is out of your control and is due to issues with the municipal water supply, such as maintenance work or high demand in your area.

Solution: Contact your local water provider to see if there are any ongoing issues or maintenance work affecting water pressure. If it's a long-term issue, installing a pressure booster may help.

7. Clogged Faucet Aerators or Showerheads

Mineral deposits can clog the aerators on your faucets or showerheads, reducing the flow of water. This is often an easy fix and may only affect specific fixtures.

Solution: Remove the aerator or showerhead, soak it in vinegar to dissolve the buildup, and scrub it clean before reattaching.

Preventing Future Low Water Pressure Issues

Schedule regular plumbing maintenance to keep your pipes and fixtures in good shape.
Consider installing a water softener if hard water is causing mineral buildup.
Inspect your home’s plumbing system periodically for any signs of wear or damage.

Low water pressure can disrupt your day-to-day activities, but with a little troubleshooting, you can often identify the cause and take appropriate action. If you’re experiencing persistent low water pressure, don’t hesitate to call Scenic City Plumbing. Our expert team is here to diagnose the problem and get your water pressure back to normal!

How to Know When It's Time for a New Toilet

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:39:58 GMT

When maintained, a toilet can last for decades without needing to be replaced. But if you own a home with old toilets or want to renovate your bathroom, buying new toilets makes sense. And with many energy-efficient and eco-friendly models to choose from, upgrading the toilets in your home can help reduce monthly expenses.

Depending on what you want to spend on a toilet, some models have various features such as heated seats, scent release and push-button controls instead of traditional handles. Other models have basic features.

When Do You Need a New Toilet?

Very few people wake up in the morning thinking that they need a different toilet. Most people replace their toilets during a bathroom remodel or when trying to sell their homes. Unless you have a broken toilet that's beyond repair, buying a new toilet is entirely up to you.

If your toilet is old, stained, chipped, cracked or is just very ugly and outdated, you should consider installing a new one. In some cases, upgrading the toilet can give the entire bathroom a fresh, clean look. With various colors and styles to choose from, there's a toilet for every decor.

Contact Scenic City Plumbers

With some instruction, you can replace a toilet yourself. But if you don't want to go through the hassle of learning how to remove and install a new unit, give Scenic City Plumbers a call today! As experts in toilet installation, we're here to make our customers' lives easier.

Installing a toilet can be tricky, not to mention; a little heavy to lift. As local plumbers in Chattanooga, we can replace any toilet quickly and easily.

Best Practices for Safely Thawing Frozen Pipes

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:37:56 GMT

During the wintertime, one or more of the pipes in your home or business can freeze up, preventing water from draining normally. If left unattended, frozen pipes can burst and cause flooding throughout the property. Thawing pipes quickly can save you lots of money in expensive water damage repairs.

First, you need to determine which pipes have frozen. Turn on the faucets to make sure the water runs. If the water trickles out, chances are, you've found the frozen pipe. Check the exposed pipes underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to find frozen plumbing pipes. Typically, frost build-up around pipes or bulging pipes signal frozen water inside.

Use a hairdryer, hot towel or a portable heater to thaw out pipes. Work from the front to the back of the frozen pipe to allow water to drain without clogging. Do not use a blow torch or other open flame device because you could damage the pipes or start a fire.

Unfortunately, frozen pipes located in walls, floors and ceilings require special equipment and skills to reach.

How to Fix Frozen Pipes

Contact Scenic City Plumbing if pipes burst or if the pipes start leaking. Turn off the main water valve to prevent further water damage. As professional plumbers in Chattanooga with years of experience, we're here to help fix, repair and replace busted pipes in your home or business.

How to Stop Pipes from Freezing :

Prevent pipes from freezing by keeping the heat turned on or allowing faucets to drip throughout the day. You can also shut off valves to exterior hose locations to restrict water flow to those pipes. In addition, seal up any cracks or holes to prevent cold air from lowering the temperature inside your home.
Insulate your pipes. You may use insulating materials such as tape and foam.
Keep bedroom and all interior doors open as well as under kitchen and lavatory cabinet doors open.
Heat your exposed sections of pipe with a small heat source.
Disconnect all garden hoses connected to the faucet to allow any water in the pipe to drain out.

If you're at home regularly, you shouldn't have to take many extra precautions, but if you plan to go away on vacation or a work trip, use these simple tips to help prevent the pipes from freezing.

What Temperature Should I Set My Water Heater?

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:34:51 GMT

Many homeowners have no idea of their water heater temperature – or how to set it. Having a better understanding of the appropriate temperature for your hot water needs can help lower monthly energy costs, prevent scalding water from causing injury and prevent bacteria from growing in the stagnant water sitting in the water tank.

According to the EPA, most homeowners should set their water heaters to 120 degrees. You can determine the current temperature by looking for the temperature gauge on the heater or by running the kitchen faucet for at least 5 minutes (until the water gets hot) and taking the water temperature using a thermometer.

However, if you live in a home with multiple occupants, increasing the water temperature to 140 degrees allows you and your family to have plenty of hot water for showering, dishwashing, clothes washing, etc.

Families with small children and elderly members; or those who live alone may want to set the water temperature to 120 degrees to prevent injury or to lower energy costs.

Water temperatures above 140 degrees can cause young children to receive third-degree burns within seconds, so parents should beware of setting the temperature of water heaters too high.

To reduce monthly energy costs, you can lower the temperature by 10 percent and save between 3 and 5 percent on monthly bills. Keep in mind that temperatures below 120 degrees can lead to bacteria growth in the water heater tank.

Contact Scenic City Plumbing Today

For more information about how to set the temperature of your water, contact Scenic City Plumbing Today! We provide professional plumbing services that include water heater installations and water heater repairs. We'll be able to set your water heater at a temperature that's comfortable for you and your entire family!

Why is My Toilet Leaking at the Base?

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:30:36 GMT

A leaky toilet poses many problems for homeowners and business owners. Mold growth, floor and subfloor damage and larger water bills, just to name a few. Tell-tale signs of toilet leaks include water around the toilet base every time you flush or water stains on the floor. If your upstairs toilet leaks, water stains may appear on the ceiling below.

Common causes for water pooling around your toilet include a damaged wax ring, loose tee bolts, improperly installed toilet or advanced plumbing issues.

If your toilet is leaking, grab an adjustable wrench, pull off the plastic caps found on the toilet base and tighten the tee bolts. Broken, rotten or damaged tee bolts can lead to water leaks. Visit your local home improvement store for replacement bolts.

If your toilet still leaks after replacing the tee bolts, you may need to replace the wax ring found underneath the unit. Most home improvement stores carry wax rings for toilets.

If you don't feel comfortable performing this task, you should contact a plumber in Chattanooga like Scenic City Plumbing! We're always here to fix minor and major plumbing issues.

When to Contact a Scenic City Plumbing:

Even though you can probably fix most minor leaks, we recommend that you contact a professional if your toilet continues to leak. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. We can help!

From fixing an existing toilet to installing a brand-new unit, we have the expertise to repair and replace toilets, faucets, shower fixtures and much more.

Why worry about minor plumbing issues when you can contact the best plumber in Chattanooga today?

Contractor Finds Success Through Employees

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A strong work ethic from employees and a willingness to stay updated help keep business growing.

Jeff Logan knew he wanted to be a plumbing contractor at an early age, being a son of a plumber and following his dad along on job sites when he was younger.

In high school, Logan attended vocational school for plumbing and continued working with his father, Dick, until earning his master plumber’s license and branching off to start his own company in 1987.

Logan started the company, Scenic City Plumbing, with a focus on new construction services, but as he continued to work a part-time job with Sears offering plumbing services to customers, he discovered the service and repair side to the industry.

"I liked meeting people,” Logan says. “I liked building relationships with homeowners. I liked the variety of being on several different jobs on an hourly basis instead of new construction. That’s when I changed the focus of my own business.”

Scenic City Plumbing, with 17 employees, still sticks to primarily residential plumbing within a 35- to 40-mile radius of its headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

BUILDING THE BASE

When Logan started the business, he made two important decisions — advertise heavily and have a high standard when it came to service vehicles.

His first advertisements appeared in the Yellow Pages of area phone books in 1987. “That was the form of advertising back then. There was no internet,” Logan says. “I was aggressive and stayed up front with half-page ads.”

When it came to the service vehicle, all he wanted was for them to be clean and presentable. He purchased the vans new whenever possible and also received compliments on the vehicles — and still does.

“It was important that my vehicles be dependable,” Logan says. “That was my policy and it is the same today. Money has always been a consideration, but I’ll spend extra money when it comes to these purchases.”

Scenic City Plumbing vans include four Ford E-350 dual-wheel box trucks with Baybridge bodies, two Ford Transit vans, two Ford E-250 extended cargo vans, two Ford F-150s and a Ford F-250 diesel. All are decaled with the company logo and with the company’s name in red, white and blue lettering. The vehicles are fully stocked with a wide range of parts at an estimated value of $5,000, plus the various tools required, bringing the total amount up to about $15,000.

Parts include the most basic items such as faucet parts, washers, O-rings and cartridges, to be able to handle most common service calls. The company maintains an 8,500-square-foot facility with an extensive on-site inventory of parts and other items such as water heaters.

“One of my goals is to keep my plumbers and apprentices out of the supply house because that can really hold things up and could lose productivity on a job site,” Logan says. “We’re serving our customers better this way.”

When it comes to the tools, there are some that every plumber needs — pliers and cutter for example. When it comes to finding these tools, Logan makes sure his crews have tools that he is confident in.

“I just won’t buy cheap tools,” Logan says. “I buy a lot of products from Wolverine Brass, RIDGID, and from DeWalt (Black & Decker Co.). They have quality materials.”

Logan adds that he will also buy from Craftsman and Plumb Mate.

BRINGING IN MORE SERVICES

Logan wanted a way to grow his business and in 2000, he found the way. Already providing plumbing services, the only way to expand was to start offering drain cleaning services. His first purchases for that side of the business were a camera and a jetter.

“When you can send a camera down the line to locate a problem, and then know exactly where the problem is, and where to dig if necessary, that is progress,” Logan says. “Having something to show the customer, too, is also a plus.”
Drain cleaning now amounts to about 20 percent of the business, and Logan does charge extra for those services. “The extra charge is important because the equipment has to be paid for and maintained,” he says. “Generally the customers are OK with the extra fee.”

The company has cameras and locators from RIDGID and Amazing Machinery. Logan also has an O’Brien gas jetter and an electric jetter from General Pipe Cleaners, div of General Wire Spring Co. Scenic City will also replace buried pipes if that is where the problem is located. Lines in the area are generally shallow — 2 to 3 feet from the surface. Logan has a Bobcat E35 track hoe excavator, a Bobcat 418 compact excavator and a New Holland tractor with Bradco backhoe to help with that work.

If it’s deeper than 3 feet or pipe bursting or relining needs to be done, he’ll sub out the work.

FINDING THE HELP

Like others in the industry, one of Logan’s biggest challenges is finding skilled labor. “There is plenty of work out there,” he says. “We need vocational schools, but the best training is working in the field.”

Logan recalls that he learned the basics of repair service when he was going to vocational school, but learned more every time he was able to go out on a job. Now, with his own company, if he has an apprentice without a lot of experience, he’ll send that individual to ride with a plumber in the company for up to three or four years.

“It all depends on how much of a quick learner that person is,” Logan says. “They must be well versed and experienced before they get into a truck alone. There is so much to encounter and I want them with someone.”

Many jobs Scenic City takes on require two men, and this allows the apprentices to go with the journeymen. The apprentice will then get the experience, while saving on the customer’s budget at the same time.

Following a job, he’ll often hear reviews of his apprentices. “I can gauge how that person is doing from the plumbers they ride with,” Logan says. “My plumbers will ask for a certain apprentice because he is a ‘go-getter’ or someone will comment ‘this guy is a hustler.’ This helps me know what is happening.”

FINDING WAYS TO USE TECHNOLOGY

From the photo capabilities of cellphones to using tablets to answer dispatch calls, Logan is finding ways to use technology to make his employees’ jobs easier and to help with the flow of the business.

While he trusts his crews to make their own decisions in the field, there have been times when jobs come up where there is a challenge. Logan will then have a phone conversation with his plumber and have a photo sent of the problem. “This is one of the blessings of today’s photo technology. I love that part,” he says.

His plumbers also use a tablet to receive dispatch calls and collect credit card payments using the Square credit card payment system.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Logan has developed a strong networking relationship within the plumbing and drain cleaning industry throughout his area and refers business to others whenever it doesn’t serve the goals and services of Scenic City Plumbing. He’s also found that many of those same companies referred customers to him.

“I think it’s important and helpful that I have this good crew,” Logan says. “Having good employees, having the best equipment for the job, and truly quality fixtures and products available brings the most reward for me on a daily basis.”

Logan hopes to see the company continue to do well and see measured growth in the future, while keeping the same standards he has now with his crew.

An award from the customers

There is one award that Scenic City Plumbing has earned 11 years in a row and owner Jeff Logan couldn’t be more proud of it, even though it’s just a local award.

Scenic City Plumbing, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized in the local newspaper, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, as first-place winner in the category of best plumbing company. The award is voted on by readers of the newspaper.

“This is something money cannot buy,” Logan says. “We are really finding this to be a big boost to us because we can put it on our website, put stickers on our trucks and people see we have these awards.”

The recognition has also generated additional business for the plumbing contractor.

“This is something our customers and the readers of the newspaper have done for us,” Logan says. “That’s pretty special.”

Scenic City has also received the Angie’s List Super Service Award the past few years as well, and has earned recognition from the Better Business Bureau for complaint-free service.

“We also receive comment cards from customers praising professionalism of the crew,” Logan says. “We don’t campaign for it, we don’t send emails asking for votes. It’s all their doing. It’s great.”

The Pros & Cons of Tank-less Water Heaters

marketing@leapservicepartners.com (Leap Agency) — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 19:00:59 GMT

Are you interested in purchasing a tank-less water heater?

If so, then you want to make an informed decision based on both the positive and negative information regarding them. A tank-less water heater is going to cost you more money than a conventional water heater. Are you willing to make the investment for the added benefits?

The obvious reasons for getting one is that it will save you money as it uses less energy.

Some models can cut your water bill by up to 50%.

Keep in mind that it is going to take some time to reap those savings because a tank-less water heater costs anywhere from three to ten times what a conventional water heater costs. You will find them between $500 and $1,000. However, some tank-less water heaters qualify for a Federal tax deduction of up to $300. You can discuss eligibility for this credit with your tax preparer. Keep this tax credit in mind if you are in the market for purchasing a tank-less water heater as this can really reduce the overall cost of the purchase.

The other obvious pro is that tank-less water heaters offer an endless supply of hot water. This is great if you have a large family with plenty of showers taking place. I know nothing gets my day off to a worse start than not having enough hot water to enjoy my shower. The water won't start getting warm until you turn on the faucet. While it does heat up rapidly, water is often wasted while you wait for it to heat up. However, keep in mind that a tank-less water heater can only produce a set amount of hot water at one time. For those of you who like to multi-task, you will find it difficult to have the shower, washer, and dishwasher all operating at one time.

A tank-less water heater doesn't take up much room, so storage room isn't a big concern.

Many people find attaching their tank-less water heater to the wall is an excellent way to maximize the space they do have available. Since there is no tank to worry about, you also won't have to deal with coming home and finding that your conventional water heater tank has sprung a leak.

The decision to install a tank-less water heater is a personal choice.

While it is an expensive investment, it is certainly one that will pay for itself over time

You will also have the convenience of always having plenty of hot water. The downside is you won't have the supply to operate several water demanding appliances at once. Some people already find that to be true with their conventional water heater, so it won't be considered a negative feature .