[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":38},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fTtNVkuTB7sZSh9q-V_KZNgn0RgiYGw47lPA213MEgTg":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Plumbing","2020-03-10","\u003Cp>It’s 6:08 am, and you’ve hit “snooze” one too many times. With a deep sigh, you stumble to the bathroom, psyching yourself up for the long day ahead. Still half-asleep, you spin the shower handle. \u003Cem>Nothing happens. \u003C\u002Fem>Or perhaps \u003Cem>something \u003C\u002Fem>happens, but it’s not anything remotely resembling a shower. “What the…” you mutter. You turn the handle back and forth a few times, reciting “lefty loosey, righty tighty” and begging the water to flow. \u003Cem>And still: The shower is not showering.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Now you’re wide awake and, apparently, you’ve gone straight to the worst-case scenario because you’ve Googled something along the lines of “What the [bleep] is wrong with my [bleep] well?!” \u003Cstrong>Don’t worry. \u003C\u002Fstrong>We’ve seen every well problem in Santa Fe, and we can help you figure this out. (But first, go get some coffee. We’ll meet you back here.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Common Well and Well Pump Problems\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Although the most accurate way to diagnose well-related issues is to pull the works out of the ground, you can definitely get a good start topside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Symptom: No water in the house.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 1: There’s no power to the well pump.\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If your TV won’t turn on, the first thing you check is if it’s plugged in, right? Same here: If you have no water in your house, your first question should be, “Does the well pump have power?” Check both the well switch (located near the pressure tank) and the circuit breaker controlling the pump. If the breaker has tripped, reset it. Assuming it doesn’t immediately trip again, you should be all set. If it \u003Cem>does \u003C\u002Fem>trip repeatedly, chances are good your pump needs to be replaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 2 : The well pressure switch has failed. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>When the pressure in your water tank drops below a certain point, the pressure switch signals your well pump to turn on, so it can draw in more water. If the switch isn’t working, it can’t communicate with your pump. We can test the switch for you and swap it out if necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 3: The well pump controller has failed. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>The only way to know if your controller is the cause of your problem is to replace it—and then cross your fingers while you wait to see if the pump comes back to life. (Frustrating… and true.) Replacing a well pump controller can be simple or a royal pain, depending on the controller’s location. If it’s mounted outside the pressure tank, you \u003Cem>may\u003C\u002Fem> be able to swap it out yourself. If it’s inside the pressure tank, it’s definitely not a DIY job. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 4: There’s not enough water in the well.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>When the water table falls below the level of your well pump, it can’t draw up water. Reducing your water use for a few days will help replenish the well’s supply, but in extreme conditions you may need to bring in a Santa Fe plumber to extend your well depth. Also, the life expectancy of a well pump drawing from shallow water is short, because it will pick up more silt and sand and endure more wear and tear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Symptom: Sputtering or pulsing water.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 1: There’s air in the system.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Air can seep into your system because of a malfunctioning pump or because the well pipe itself has been compromised. The only way to determine where the air’s coming from is to pull up the well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 2: The pressure tank bladder has failed.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Inside your well pressure tank is a bladder that holds a few gallons of water. As the bladder fills (thank you, well pump), the air above it gets compressed—which is what pushes water through your pipes when you open a faucet. If the bladder springs a leak, water seeps into the tank and reduces the available air pressure. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice your water pressure is generally fine until someone opens a second tap or flushes a toilet, it’s likely you need to replace your tank. You may also notice a constant clicking noise coming from the tank; that’s the switch rapidly cycling because of the wonky air pressure—which will wear out your well pump motor in no time. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Symptom: Murky Water\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 1: The well pump is failing.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Part of your pump’s job is to filter out silt and sand before it reaches the tank. If the pump is failing, it’ll do a lousy job at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Possible Cause 2: There’s not enough water in the well.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Ugly water can also occur when the pump is pulling from shallow water—which has a higher percentage of yuck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Symptom: Inflated Electric Bill\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Probable Cause: The well pump is running constantly.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If your utility bill is suddenly abnormally high for no obvious reason, or if it consistently creeps up over time, there’s a good chance your well pump isn’t cycling off. Usually, that happens because the pump isn’t building up enough pressure, which can often be traced back to a leak in the well’s drop pipe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>It’s also possible there’s a problem between the well and the house. If you notice frequent clicking from your well tank with no water flowing, you may have a broken water line outside. Or, there could be something amiss inside the well itself (other than the pump). You’ll need a pro’s help to diagnose and resolve these issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Have a Professional Santa Fe Plumber Inspect Your Well Pump\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Diagnosing well problems can be complex, and replacing well pumps should be left up to a pro. If you suspect you have a well pump problem, \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">give us a call today\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-diagnose-well-pump-problems.webp",5,"how-to-diagnose-well-pump-problems","","It’s 6:08 am, and you’ve hit “snooze” one too many times. With a deep sigh, you stumble to the bathroom, psyching yourself up for the long day ahead. Still half-asleep, you spin the shower handle. Nothing…","How to Diagnose Well Pump Problems",[15,23,31],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":20,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":21,"title":22},"2025-04-01","\u003Cp>When faced with a clogged drain, many homeowners in Santa Fe reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. But is that actually a good idea? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we get this question a lot—and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Here's what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>What Are Chemical Drain Cleaners?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>These over-the-counter products are designed to dissolve hair, grease, and other blockages in your pipes. They usually come in liquid or gel form and rely on powerful chemicals like lye or sulfuric acid to break down clogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pros\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Convenient:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Available at most stores and easy to use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fast-acting:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Can clear minor clogs in a matter of minutes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Cons (and Why We Don’t Recommend Them)\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Pipe Damage:\u003C\u002Fstrong> The harsh chemicals can corrode pipes—especially older or plastic plumbing.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Health Risks:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Fumes from these cleaners can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Environmental Impact:\u003C\u002Fstrong> The chemicals are toxic and can harm local water systems.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Short-Term Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> They often don’t fully remove the blockage, leading to repeat clogs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Safer Alternatives\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Plunger:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Great for toilets and sinks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Drain Snake (Auger):\u003C\u002Fstrong> Effective for hair and small debris\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Baking Soda + Vinegar:\u003C\u002Fstrong> A non-toxic method that works for some slow drains\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>When to Call a Pro\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If your drain is still clogged after a DIY attempt—or if it keeps happening—it’s time to bring in a licensed plumber. Professional drain cleaning is safe, effective, and won’t damage your pipes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need Drain Help in Santa Fe?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>At James' Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in safe and reliable drain clearing solutions. Skip the chemicals and let us take care of your plumbing the right way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or schedule your service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fcan-i-use-chemical-drain-cleaners.jpeg",2,"can-i-use-chemical-drain-cleaners","When faced with a clogged drain, many homeowners in Santa Fe reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. But is that actually a good idea? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we get this question a lot—and the…","Can I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?",{"category":5,"date":24,"html":25,"image":26,"readingMinutes":27,"slug":28,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":29,"title":30},"2023-03-02","\u003Cp>A clogged sewer line is a red flag for bigger problems. If left alone, a small clog grows into a big clog, and the bigger the clog, the bigger the maintenance bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Blocked sewer lines are inconvenient for many reasons. They can impede water flow, and drainage and cause nasty backups in your plumbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we deal with sewer line clogs regularly. One thing we like to share with customers is the warning signs. If you know what the symptoms of a blocked sewer line are, you can quickly diagnose the problem and call for help. Here’s what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Drains Stop Draining\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>One of the biggest indicators the sewer line is clogged is water that won’t drain. All the drains in your home eventually connect to the main sewage line. Some are connected to one another; others bypass each other to reduce contamination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you only have problems draining one drain, it might not be sewer line related. Instead, you could have a single blocked pipe. Like a shower drain clogged with hair. This is a fairly quick fix and one you may even be able to accomplish yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If all or many drains are having issues, it’s likely the sewage line. This includes flushing the toilet and draining the laundry basin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Drains Drain Slowly\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>It’s not just a complete pause in pipe drainage that points to a sewer line problem. Slow-draining pipes are just as problematic. One bright silver lining here is that slow draining means there’s still some room for water to drain. Just not as quickly as we’d like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>You may also notice your toilet needs to be unclogged frequently. Clear pipes shouldn’t require ongoing plunger use. If you find yourself with a plunger in hand more often than not, there’s likely a sewer line blockage in the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Smells and Sounds\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Along with the obvious unmoving water, you can detect a blocked sewage line by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Strange sounds: Gurgling is the most common sound heard from pipes with blockages. This is the sound of water trying to go down and air bubbles rising. Gurgling usually means the pipe is still draining, just slowly.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Bad smells: The sewage line is named for a reason. If the line is blocked or backing up into your home, you may detect some foul smells coming up the drains.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice these things, call a professional. The sooner your pipes get the attention they need, the less damage they incur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>The Floor Drain is Leaking Sewage\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Most homes keep the floor drain in the basement. This is a drain above the sump pump. If you notice bad smells or literal sewage rising from the floor, there’s definitely a blockage in the main sewer line. This is because the wastewater from your home has nowhere to go and is beginning to back up into the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Don’t tackle this issue on your own. There’s no quick fix for the floor drain. A plunger or auger won’t do the trick. A professional is needed to survey the pipe and see how deep the clog goes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Flushing Toilets Causes Bathtub Trouble\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Flushing the toilet should send wastewater away from the bathroom, not send it flowing into the bathtub. If you notice wastewater rising into your tub or shower, the sewer line is likely the culprit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>You may notice other areas of your home with similar problems. For example, flushing the toilet causes the basement wash basin to fill with water, or the washing machine, itself, to fill with waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Again, like the basement floor drain, the problem is that there’s nowhere for wastewater to flow. It’s forcing its way back up into your home by emptying into other drains and pipes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Even if the problem comes and goes, the blockage doesn’t. If water begins draining more freely, it’s simply flowing around the blockage. Eventually, the problem will pick up where it left off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call a Professional\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>To fix a clogged sewer line, a professional will run a camera down the line to find the blockage. Once they know where and what the blockage is, they can begin removing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>In extreme cases, some pipes may need to be replaced altogether. This is sometimes the case when corrosion has caused the pipes to cave in on themselves. This kind of blockage isn’t fixable by removing clogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in Santa Fe and are concerned about your sewer line, James Plumbing & Heating can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:+15054737148\">Call us today\u003C\u002Fa> to learn more about our services and get rid of those nasty sewer line blockage symptoms.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-do-i-know-if-my-sewer-line-is-clogged.webp",4,"how-do-i-know-if-my-sewer-line-is-clogged","A clogged sewer line is a red flag for bigger problems. If left alone, a small clog grows into a big clog, and the bigger the clog, the bigger the maintenance bill.","How Do I Know if My Sewer Line is Clogged?",{"category":5,"date":32,"html":33,"image":34,"readingMinutes":27,"slug":35,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":36,"title":37},"2023-01-02","\u003Cp>Toilets go through a lot. It’s no surprise that eventually our toilets need to be replaced. In fact, most professionals recommend swapping out your toilet once every 10 to 15 years. It may last longer if properly maintained, but generally, you’ll need a new one eventually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>The question then stands, how do we know when it’s time for a new toilet? The answer isn’t so simple. Apart from the age of bathroom fixtures, there are other variables at work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we work with homeowners across Santa Fe. We have years of experience diagnosing toilets. Here, we’ll talk a bit about the signs of wear and tear on bathroom fixtures and when it’s time to upgrade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Puddles on the Floor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Puddles around the toilet can mean a few things. It could be that the seal at the base of the toilet needs replacing. It could also mean there’s a crack somewhere in the porcelain. If the latter, it’s a small problem that will get much bigger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Cracks are repairable sometimes, but if they are too far gone, it’s best to swap out the old one for a new toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Constantly Clogging\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re using your plunger on a regular basis, there’s something wrong. Either you’re putting way too much toilet tissue down the drain, or your toilet just isn’t flushing like it used to. A weak flush can be a sign of water pressure troubles, it can also be a sign of a malfunctioning toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Over time the mechanical components weaken. Toilets take longer to flush, leaving things behind to block the drain. Sure, we can call a professional to clear the blockage, but if it’s becoming an ongoing issue, you’ll save time and money getting a new toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>It’s Always Running\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If that annoying sound of running water in the toilet tank is ongoing, it could be time for an upgrade. Toilets run to refill the tank for the next flush. When the tank is full, the toilet should automatically reset, and the tank stops filling until the next flush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Over time, flushing takes longer, and so does the tank refill. We’ve all been there, jiggling the toilet handle to get the water to stop. In worst-case scenarios, remove the lid of the tank to flip the overflow tube and flapper back into place. Either way, this is an annoyance you shouldn’t be dealing with regularly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>It Won’t Flush\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>This is a bigger problem than the slow flush or the running toilet tank. If you go to flush and nothing happens, it’s either a super simple or super complex fix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>On the simple side, the chain connecting the overflow tube to the handle could be snapped. This requires a cheap chain replacement. No problem. On the heavier end of things, if the chain is fine and everything looks to be in working order, a non-flushing toilet means trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Flushing Multiple Times\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Ever flush your toilet, and it flushes itself a second time without your help? No, it’s not haunted, but it could be broken. If a toilet flushes on its own, the flapper may need to be replaced. It’s no longer sealing at the base of the overflow tube, which makes your toilet think you’ve hit the flush handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>It could also be a crack inside the toilet tank. A small crack near the flapper is a sign of age and wear. There’s not much you can do apart from seal it up or get a new unit. A professional can look and tell you which is the best option for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Calcium in the Bowl\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Calcium buildup happens in homes with hard water. While the hard water can be fixed, there may be more to the issue than calcium in the water alone. A water softener will treat the water but not fix the toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>A good toilet flush requires water flow. Hard water could be building up under the rim because of buildup further down in the toilet. Over time, this buildup closes openings, restricting water flow. It’s tough to reach those areas, even with professional tools. If the problem has been ongoing, it might be too late to save the toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Contact Us for More Toilet Trade Out Info\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we know a thing or two about toilets in Santa Fe. It’s our job to keep your toilet running smoothly, so you can focus on other things in life. Forget playing DIY plumber for a malfunctioning bathroom fixture. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Call us today for an upgrade.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-know-when-its-time-for-a-new-toilet.webp","how-to-know-when-its-time-for-a-new-toilet","Toilets go through a lot. It’s no surprise that eventually our toilets need to be replaced. In fact, most professionals recommend swapping out your toilet once every 10 to 15 years. It may last longer if…","How to Know When It’s Time for a New Toilet",1787213982107]