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Plumbing Appliance Installation

Appliance Installation

Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair
Dishwasher Installation
Washing Machine Hook-up
Refrigerator Hook-Up
Ice Maker Installation


All About Plumbing is experienced in hooking up the water lines, drain systems and gas lines for appliances in Daphne including, but not limited to: refrigerators, dish washers, washing machines, drinking fountains, water features, garbage disposals, and ice makers.  This means you save valuable time and have the satisfaction of knowing that your new appliance was installed by one of our trained and licensed expert Daphne Alabama technicians.  Protect your investment and rest assured that your appliance was installed properly by getting a professional installation by All About Plumbing Services.


To extend the life of your plumbing appliances, make sure that your water pressure is periodically checked by a master plumber.  Typically, water pressure should be around 60 PSI.   Check all connections and supply hoses for bulges, leaks or signs of weakness.  Run your dishwasher and washing machine at night or at off times to conserve water temperature and pressure, and when buying new appliances, consider Energy Star models or the EPA Water Sense Label for items that been certified to save 20% or more without sacrificing performance.

All About Plumbing provides quality service and guarantees satisfaction. No job is too big or too small for our plumbing technicians. We have many repeat Daphne customers and referrals, which is a source of great pride and satisfaction for our company.

Garbage Disposal 

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you know that it’s a great appliance that makes household duties less demanding. But if not operated or maintained properly, a garbage disposal can easily break down, block and clog the drains and cause a long list of expensive plumbing and drain nightmares.  Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposal repair can be a hassle, but fortunately, garbage disposal care and maintenance is extremely easy.  Following simple maintenance suggestions should keep your garbage disposal working smoothly for many years and minimize the likelihood that you’ll need to call for plumbing or drain cleaning services. 

NEVER insert your unprotected hand into the garbage disposal. If you must use your hand to remove objects and debris from the garbage disposal, unplug the unit or turn off the appropriate circuit breaker. Always wear safety gloves to protect your hand from the garbage disposal’s sharp blades.


The most important Garbage Disposal rule: Only put biodegradable food products into the garbage disposal.  Hard-to-grind waste (ex., chicken skins, bones, or banana peels) can damage both the blades and the motor.  Don’t pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.  Run cold water down the drain for a few seconds before and after to flush waste down the main line.  It will cause any grease or oils that may get into the unit to solidify, so that they can be chopped up before reaching the trap. Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first and let the water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles.  Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste as it will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.

Keep your garbage disposal clean. Pour a little dish soap inside and let the garbage disposal run for a minute or so with some cold water after washing dishes. Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates in garbage disposals. Ice is also an extremely effective and inexpensive method for cleaning your garbage disposal, sharpening the blades, and breaking up any grease build-up which has accumulated. As the garbage disposal chops into the ice cubes, the ice chips will effectively scour all the hard to reach areas of the unit, and melt down the drain. Try this once or twice a month to keep your garbage disposal in fine working order.  To freshen up drain smells, toss a lemon or orange peel and grind it up in the disposal.  The oils and juice naturally clean the walls inside the garbage disposal and create a fresh, long-lasting scent  For stubborn odors, freeze vinegar in ice cube trays and run those down the disposal. This will keep your blades sharp while safely killing odor-causing bacteria. For really stubborn odors, pour baking soda or Borax into the drain and let it set for several hours before running the water and garbage disposal.  Run your garbage disposal regularly. Frequent use prevents rust and corrosion, assures that all parts stay moving and prevents obstructions from accumulating.  

These are general maintenance tips and simple remedies for minor problems. If you try these solutions and they don’t work or if your problem seems to be getting worse, contact All About Plumbing Services, your Daphne Garbage Disposal Expert immediately. We have the tools and know-how to address almost every garbage disposal emergency.

Dishwasher

Of all the great modern plumbing appliances in our Daphne homes today, probably none makes life as easy or saves as much time and labor as the kitchen dishwasher. Dishwasher repairs usually aren’t major projects or expenses, but even a few days without a dishwasher can turn into a major hassle and inconvenience.  A dishwasher is generally a low maintenance appliance and fortunately, most dishwasher problems are completely avoidable with proper maintenance and usage. That’s why it is extremely important to keep your dishwasher in good running condition. With a little proper care and attention, you should be able to get years of worry-free performance, cleaning and energy-efficiency from your dishwasher. 

Dishwashers all work essentially the same way. The dishes are held in removable racks and water sprays from underneath by means of a spray-arm to remove food and debris from the dishes. Water sprays out of the device by means of small holes along the arms. Eventually these holes can become clogged with debris particles or dried soap. To help ensure that your dishes get their cleanest, clean out the holes in the spray arms periodically. Soak the arm in a solution of vinegar and water, and use an ordinary pipe-cleaner or toothpick to clean the holes. Food that falls away from the dishes collects in a trap in the bottom of the dishwasher interior. The trap is removable, and should be taken out and cleaned to remove dried soap and food particles. Making sure the trap stays clean will help ensure that the dishes come out clean.

Dishwasher Odor - When properly installed and regularly used, dishwashers rarely develop problems with bad odors. Most dishwasher odor is related to food which has collected somewhere in the dishwasher.   Clean the filter trap and any large food particles that may have wedged somewhere out of view.  A foul-smelling dishwasher could also be the first sign of a clog somewhere in your kitchen drain.   If waste water accumulates at the bottom of the dishwasher and drains slowly, or if your garbage disposal and kitchen sink tend to back up when the dishwasher drains, call All About Plumbing Services to quickly get your drains flowing.  To Disinfect and Deodorize your dishwasher, run a cycle with a quart of vinegar and no dishes or detergent to safely clean the tub and pump.  This will removes any mineral deposits and residues left behind.   A scoop of Tang powdered drink mix in your dishwasher will gently scour the interior walls and add a clean, fresh scent.

Dishwasher Won’t Drain - Your dishwasher should have a screen or filter located near the bottom of the dishwasher above the food drain to catch any large food or debris; they need to be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs (at least every other week). Your dishwasher owner’s manual should provide instructions for removing and cleaning the filter.  Also, inspect and clear out any food or debris that might be trapped in the food drain. If you’ve cleaned the filter or trap at the bottom of the dishwasher and then run the dishwasher again and your dishwasher still won’t drain, check the drain hose for a kink and be sure the drain hose is elevated in the drain or disposal. If your dishwasher still won’t drain, call All About Plumbing Services for a quick repair

Dishwasher Leaks - Check to make sure that the dishwasher is level. To check, open the door and place an air-bubble level along the edge inside. If the dishwasher isn’t level, raise or lower either side by adjusting its “feet” or add a wedge to balance correctly.  Too many suds can cause the dishwasher to overflow; make sure you are using the right kind of detergent and in the proper quantity.  If you have a problem of water leaking onto the floor around the front of your dishwasher, the problem could be a damaged or worn out gasket. These are the rubber or plastic seals along the dishwasher door that provides a water-tight seal. In most cases, the gasket can be easily removed. Take it to your home center or order one from the manufacturer to ensure that you get the proper replacement.

My Dishes Don’t Get Clean -If your dishes don’t get squeaky clean on the first wash, there are quite a few things to consider:
Is there enough water? Be sure the door is latched securely and that the water is turned on.  Test by starting a cycle and allowing the unit to fill. When it is washing, open the door and check the water level; it must reach the heating element for the pump to work well. If it doesn’t reach the heating element, you may need to replace the water valve.
Is the water hot enough? The temperature of the water should be at least 130 degrees.  Adjust your hot water heater accordingly.

Do you have a blockage? Check inlet hose for kinks or sediment and clean if necessary. Check both spray arms for food particles and debris.  Over time Food particles, mineral deposits and other debris can clog the holes in the sprayer arm. It is essential to clean these small holes from time to time to enable the dishwasher to work more efficiently. Remove the sprayer arm periodically and soak in warm vinegar for a few hours to loosen any obstruction. Clean out each spray hole with a toothpick or a pipe cleaner.
Are you overloading the dishwasher? Try less dishes or putting too many large items (such as pots and pans) on the bottom rack. You may be impeding water from reaching all of your items. Follow manufacturer’s instruction for loading dishes to allow for proper water circulation.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Your Dishwasher - Switch an old dishwasher for a new Energy Star–qualified dishwasher and save on power and almost 500 gallons of water per year. New units have sensors that self-adjust to wash with just the right amount of water. Today's models are so good at scrubbing, you don't have to pre-wash in the kitchen sink - meaning less of your money and time down the drain.  The minimum allowable energy factor rating for standard capacity dishwashers is 0.46. The higher the number, the more efficiently your dishwasher is using energy. Improve your dishwasher’s energy factor and cleaning results by checking your water temperature, avoiding wasteful settings, and only running full loads of dishes.  The single most important factor in getting good results is hot water.  About 80% of the total energy used by dishwashers goes towards heating the water. Most dishwasher manufacturers and detergent companies recommend setting the water temperature between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.  Run Hot Water in the Kitchen Sink for a minute before you turn on the dishwasher. This will get hot water flowing through your pipes and start the wash cycle off with hot water rather than cold.  Run your dishwasher and washing machine at night or at off times to conserve water temperature and pressure.  Avoid Using the Heated Dry Setting and run full loads only.  Dishes can air dry without the use of heated air and running only a portion of a load will use the same amount of energy and water as a full dishwasher load. Doing these things can produce substantial energy savings.

 

Washing Machine

Washing machine leaks are common insurance claims in Daphne.  Unlike dishwashers, washing machines require both hot and cold water.  Check all connections and supply hoses for bulges, leaks or signs of weakness.  Make sure that there aren’t any cracks and that the hoses are not brittle or leaking. Often there's a small blister in the rubber of the hose, which could rupture. Most manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every 5 years. If the hose ruptures, large quantities of water could gush from the hose. If it's the hot water hose that ruptures, the gushing hot water may scald anyone nearby. The best washing machine hoses are braided stainless or other high pressure material.  If a washer is to be located on the second floor, it is advisable to install a floor drain to provide drainage in the event of a failed water supply hose, or a leak developing in the washing machine itself.  Call All About Plumbing Services for a quick and affordable hose replacement in Daphne, AL.

 

Refrigerator and Ice maker

The biggest challenge when running a water line to your refrigerator is tapping into the cold water pipe and running the flexible copper tubing. You can buy icemaker installation kits at home centers and some Daphne hardware stores, but we don't recommend them. Most contain a saddle valve (which doesn't meet plumbing code in some regions) and some contain plastic tubing (which can dry, split and leak over time). We recommend more permanent valves and copper tubing for better water flow and reduced risk of leaks, which can cause extensive damage.
Ice cube smell/taste  Even when your well or Daphne municipal water supply provides healthy, potable water to your ice maker, some impurities may remain. These can affect the smell or taste of the ice cubes, and therefore the beverages in which you serve them. A taste and odor water filter on the incoming water-supply line can help a lot. We recommend that you replace your ice maker's water filter twice a year.  Also, over time, the ice cube bin can absorb difficult-to-remove odors from the freezer. To help keep your ice tasting its best, empty out the ice and wash the ice bin every 2 to 3 months. Also try to keep the foods in your refrigerator covered, because the ice cubes absorb many odors and tastes.
Ice Cubes are too small or Ice maker stops making Ice  If your ice maker stops making ice or if the cubes coming from your ice maker are too small, it may be time to replace the water filter, or the shut-off water-supply valve may be clogged. Try replacing the water filter, and if that doesn’t work, call All About Plumbing Services to check the water supply.

 

Commercial Ice Machines

Many times, maintenance of a commercial ice machine in a Daphne restaurant or other business is overlooked for more pressing tasks. There are a few simple procedures that can keep a commercial ice machine functioning for much longer than when left alone.  Replace water filters every six months.  Water filters are extremely important to extending the life of your machine and should be replaced every six months. A water filter Removes sediment from the water, keeping ice clean and clear in appearance, Inhibits scale, which can build up in the machine over time and drastically reduce ice production, and Removes odor and bad taste, keeping customers happy.  Although the filter may not appear to be blocked with sediment after six months, the scale inhibitor and carbon elements (which prevent odor and bad taste) are usually depleted and no longer effective.  Additionally, condenser fins or air filters should be cleaned or replaced every six months. Failure to keep the condenser free from lint and grease build-up will decrease the machine’s ability to breathe and operate at peak capacity, thus reducing ice production.  Invest in antimicrobial protection.  Slime and mold growth are another concern with regards to commercial ice machines. By regularly changing the water filter and using antimicrobial protection, you are on the right path to keeping your ice machine in good working condition for longer, but there is still no substitute for regular cleaning.  Your ice machine should be emptied and thoroughly sanitized at least every six months. Clean the machine using a nickel-safe scale remover and an ice machine sanitizer. Cleaning instructions are generally included in the instruction manual shipped with the unit. To avoid damage to the unit always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.  By taking the time every six months to clean your ice machine and change filters and antimicrobial devices, you can greatly increase the life of your machine and drastically decrease the cost of owning an ice machine over time.   

Plumbing Service Request

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Emergency Plumbing Plans

Emergency Action Plan

When it comes to water damage, your energy is best spent on prevention.    But it's also good to know how to handle an emergency.

  1. Stop the Water
    Leaking Plumbing Fixture
    Turn the Water Supply Off -Twist the handle on the water supply shut off valve clockwise until it stops.  This valve is typically located on the pipe feeding water to the plumbing fixture - just behind or just below the fixture (i.e. toilets, sinks, washing machine).   In some cases where the supply valve is not readily accessible, you will need to turn off the main water supply.
    Main Water Supply Shut-Off
    Choose the option that best suits your circumstance.
    A.    Turn off the main water valve in a clockwise direction until the water shuts off. This valve is typically located in front of the house just below the garden hose faucet. After shutting the main water supply off, open up an outside faucet to allow the pressure to be relieved and excess water in the system to drain outside.
    B.    Shut off the main water supply from the city, located in the water meter box, usually underground near the street.  A street key is required for access.
    C.    You can also call your local water department or our friendly staff for assistance.

  2. Move furniture. Remove everything you can from a wet carpet (dyes and stains on wood furniture may bleed onto the carpet); if you can't move a piece of furniture, put aluminum foil or a plastic bag under the legs.  Lift draperies up off the floor. You can leave draperies in place but get them up off the floor by putting them on clothes hangers and hooking the hanger onto the drapery rod.

  3.  Pay Attention! If you can spot water in the carpet or it reaches a wall juncture, treat the problem seriously. It may travel unseen four or five feet along the floor, through the carpet pad, possibly reaching cabinets, walls, insulation, other rooms and the subfloor, elevating the risk of mold

  4. Get help fast!  Call All About Plumbing to get quick affordable plumbing service.

 Although knowing how to handle an emergency is essential to limiting the damage of unwanted water in your home, when it comes to water damage, your energy is best spent on prevention.  Please see our Plumbing Maintenance Page for information about our professional Maintenance Plans.

 

Baldwin County Plumber Map


Baldwin County Plumber

Champion Toilet offered by American Standard

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Testimonial - Fairhope 36532

Harold was friendly and knowledgeable and explained everything (including the price so there was no surprises when I got my bill.) I’m a very satisfied customer.  - M. McGrath, Fairhope, Alabama. (Plumbing issue: Hot Water Heater Replacement)

Testimonial - Spanish Fort 36527

Thank you so much for your prompt and quick response - especially in the middle of the big game! You saved the day!  - M. Drunasky, Spanish Fort, Alabama. (Plumbing issue: Clogged Toilet)

Testimonial - Daphne 2 36526

 [All About Plumbing] did an outstanding job and was here so fast when I really needed speedy emergency service. Thank you.   -A. Dae, Daphne, Alabama. (Plumbing issue: Grinder Pump Repair)

Fairhope Plumber Backgroound

Fairhope Plumber Backgroound