Raptor News

Keep Your Shower Running Smoothly: Diverter Repair and Showerhead Install by Raptor Plumbing Small fixes can make a big difference in comfort, water savings, and peace of mind. At Raptor Plumbing, we help homeowners keep showers performing their best with expert diverter repairs and clean, efficient showerhead installs. Do You Need a Diverter Repair? The tub/shower diverter directs water either to the tub spout or the showerhead. When it wears out, you lose pressure, waste water, and fight with the handle every morning. Common signs you need repair include: Water spraying from both the tub spout and showerhead at the same time A stuck, loose, or squeaky diverter handle or pull-up knob Weak shower pressure when the diverter is engaged Persistent dripping from the tub spout in “shower” mode Needing to hold the diverter in place to keep water upstairs These issues are often caused by mineral buildup, worn O-rings or washers, a damaged gate, or a corroded stem—problems we fix every day. What Raptor Plumbing Does During a Diverter Repair Inspect the valve and diverter style (spout diverter, three-handle, single-handle cartridge, or valve-mounted) Shut off water safely and protect surrounding finishes Remove trim/spout, clean or descale mineral buildup, and assess wear parts Replace cartridges, stems, seats, washers, and O-rings as needed Reseal threads with the correct tape/dope and reassemble Pressure-test and verify full flow to the correct outlet without leaks Quick tip: If your tub spout has a built-in diverter that’s sticking, try gently cleaning it and soaking the spout overnight in white vinegar to break down mineral deposits. If that doesn’t help—or you have a valve-style diverter—give us a call before forcing parts and risking a hidden leak. Upgrading or Installing a New Showerhead A new showerhead can improve comfort and save water. We install fixed, handheld, rain, and low-flow models and can help you choose one that fits your pressure, style, and budget. Recommend the right flow rate (1.75–2.5 GPM), spray patterns, and finish Protect the arm and trim, then remove the old head without scratching Clean threads, apply fresh PTFE tape, and check the shower arm for leaks Install, align, and test for even spray and proper seal Optional: handheld kits, slide bars, and simple accessibility upgrades DIY note: Don’t overtighten a showerhead—hand-tight plus a gentle quarter-turn is usually enough. After install, run warm water for a minute to flush debris and clear any aerators. Transparent Service, Friendly Scheduling Most straightforward showerhead installs and many diverter repairs are completed in a single visit. We provide clear options and upfront estimates so you can decide what works best for your home and timeline. Raptor Plumbing Is Ready to Help If you’re fighting a stubborn diverter or ready to upgrade your showerhead, the Raptor Plumbing team is here to make it easy. We’re local, reliable, and respectful of your home—arriving prepared, working clean, and standing behind our work. Licensed, experienced techs Neat, protective work practices Quality parts and dependable warranties Reach out today to schedule service or ask a quick question. Your best shower is just one visit away.

Keeping Water Where It Belongs: Diverter and Slab Leak Repair At Raptor Plumbing, we help our neighbors keep their homes comfortable, efficient, and protected. Two issues we’re called for often—diverter repair and slab leak repair—may start small but can quickly impact your water bills, water pressure, and even your home’s structure. Here’s how to spot problems early and how we can help. Diverter Repair: A Small Part with a Big Job Your tub/shower diverter directs water either to the tub spout or the showerhead. When it fails, you lose pressure, waste water, and get an uneven shower experience. Common signs of a failing diverter include: Water still pouring from the tub spout when the shower is on Weak shower pressure or spraying from the spout and showerhead at once Stiff, loose, or stuck handle; temperature fluctuations Drips after the water is turned off Quick checks you can try: gently clean mineral buildup on accessible parts and make sure the handle set-screw is snug. If you have an older three-handle valve or notice leaking behind the trim plate, it’s time to call a pro—hidden leaks can damage walls. Raptor Plumbing’s diverter service includes inspecting the valve body, replacing worn cartridges, seats, or O-rings, resealing behind the escutcheon, calibrating anti-scald settings, and testing for balanced pressure. You’ll get better flow, safer temperatures, and lower water waste. Slab Leak Repair: Protecting Your Foundation A slab leak is a leak in the water lines running under your concrete foundation. Left alone, it can undermine the slab, raise utility bills, cause mold growth, and create warm or damp spots on floors. Watch for these warning signs: Unexplained spike in your water bill or a constantly running water meter Warm spots on concrete or tile floors; damp carpet or baseboards Sounds of water running when fixtures are off Musty odors, new cracks in floors or walls, or low water pressure If you suspect a slab leak, turn off fixtures and call Raptor Plumbing. We use noninvasive electronic leak detection, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to pinpoint the problem. Depending on pipe condition and location, we’ll recommend the best fix: a precise spot repair, a reroute that bypasses the slab, or partial repiping for long-term reliability. We work to minimize disruption and coordinate surface restoration as needed. Keep household water pressure in the 55–70 PSI range with a pressure-reducing valve Install a thermal expansion tank if you have a closed plumbing system Consider water treatment if your water is very hard or aggressive Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that can weaken piping Inspect irrigation and outdoor lines seasonally From quick diverter fixes to complex slab leak solutions, Raptor Plumbing offers transparent pricing, clear communication, and workmanship warranties. If you notice any of the signs above, don’t wait—small leaks rarely stay small. Contact Raptor Plumbing today to schedule an inspection and keep your water where it belongs.

Upgrade Your Home: Tub Install and Laundry Box Install Tips from Raptor Plumbing Thinking about refreshing your bathroom or making your laundry room safer and more convenient? Raptor Plumbing is here to help. Two high-impact upgrades we’re asked about often are tub installs and laundry box installs. Here’s what local homeowners should know before getting started. When to Consider a New Tub Install Persistent leaks or soft spots around the tub deck Cracks, staining, or impossible-to-clean surfaces Outdated size or style that doesn’t fit your family’s needs Bathroom remodels requiring new drain or valve locations Accessibility upgrades like lower thresholds or grab bars What to Expect During a Professional Tub Install Assessment: We verify framing, drain alignment, valve location, and venting. Protection: Floors and walkways are covered to protect your home. Demolition: Old tub and surround are removed and hauled away if requested. Rough-In: New drain, overflow, and valve set to manufacturer specs and code. Set & Seal: Tub is leveled, secured to studs, and sealed for a watertight finish. Testing: We pressure-test and run water to confirm proper operation. Pro tip: Choosing the right material matters. Acrylic is affordable and warm to the touch; cast iron is durable and quiet; steel is budget-friendly but can chip; composite options balance strength and weight. Laundry Box Install: Small Upgrade, Big Benefits A laundry box (also called a washer outlet box) consolidates hot and cold shut-off valves and the drain into a recessed, easy-to-access panel. It’s a simple upgrade with important advantages: Faster shut-offs in an emergency to prevent water damage Cleaner look with hoses and drain tucked into the wall Drip protection and code-compliant drainage height Ideal for replacing old gate valves with modern quarter-turn valves Signs You Need a Laundry Box Upgrade Leaking or hard-to-turn washer valves Washer drain hose shoved into a loose pipe or standpipe Hoses kinked behind the machine or no room to maneuver Frequent vibration or “walking” washer that stresses connections DIY vs. Professional Install Tub installs often require framing adjustments, precise leveling, and proper waterproofing—areas where mistakes can be costly. Laundry box installs involve cutting open walls, securing the box to studs, correct trap and vent tie-ins, and code-compliant valve placement. Hiring Raptor Plumbing helps you avoid hidden leaks, improper slope, or code issues that can void warranties or lead to mold and water damage. How to Prepare for Your Appointment Clear a path to the work area and remove fragile items. Know your tub size, style, and faucet finish preferences. For laundry areas, pull the washer forward if possible and note any shut-off issues. Ask about permits and inspection requirements in your area—we can help. Ready to upgrade? Raptor Plumbing offers clear estimates, code-compliant installs, and friendly service. Whether it’s a fresh new tub or a reliable laundry box, we’ll make the process smooth from start to finish.

Keep Your Home Safe and Efficient: Gas Line Install and Whole‑Home Repipes by Raptor Plumbing At Raptor Plumbing, we’re proud to help our neighbors keep their homes safe, reliable, and up to code. Two of the most impactful upgrades you can make are a professional gas line install and a whole‑home repipe. Here’s what local homeowners should know and how our team makes the process smooth from start to finish. Safe, Code‑Compliant Gas Line Install Whether you’re adding a gas range, tankless water heater, outdoor kitchen, or standby generator, a properly sized and tested gas line is essential. Our licensed pros handle planning, permits, and pressure testing so your new line is safe and compliant with local codes. When you might need a new line: new appliances, relocating equipment, adding a secondary meter, or extending gas service outdoors. Our process: site evaluation, load calculations to size the line, material selection (black iron or CSST), permitting, trenching or routing, shutoff valve placement, and pressure/leak testing before final inspection. Benefits: improved appliance performance, energy savings, and peace of mind with documented testing and inspection. Safety reminder: if you ever smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area immediately and contact your gas utility or emergency services before calling a contractor. When and Why to Repipe Your House Old or failing water lines can cause leaks, low pressure, and water quality issues. A whole‑home repipe replaces aging or problematic piping with modern, long‑lasting materials to protect your home and improve everyday comfort. Common signs it’s time: frequent leaks, rusty or discolored water, low pressure, temperature swings, or original galvanized/Polybutylene piping. Material options: PEX for flexibility and freeze resistance, or copper for durability and high heat tolerance—our team helps you choose what’s best for your home and budget. Results you’ll notice: cleaner water, steadier pressure and temperature, and fewer emergency repairs. Our repipe approach minimizes disruption with careful planning, labeled shutoffs, neat access points, and coordinated inspections. We protect floors and furnishings, replace supply lines and angle stops as needed, and leave your home tidy at the end of each workday. What to Expect with Raptor Plumbing Clear, upfront estimates and a scope of work tailored to your home. Permits and inspections handled by our team for a seamless experience. Respectful, on‑time technicians and thorough cleanup. Documentation of pressure tests and materials used, plus warranty details. Whether you’re planning a new gas line install or looking to repipe your house, Raptor Plumbing delivers safe, efficient solutions that stand the test of time. Have questions about your home’s piping or gas service? Reach out to Raptor Plumbing to schedule a friendly, no‑pressure assessment and get personalized options you can trust.

Community Plumbing Guide: Urinal Installs and Flush Valve Toilet Repairs by Raptor Plumbing Raptor Plumbing is proud to support our community with dependable service for both commercial and residential bathrooms. Two requests we’re seeing often right now are professional urinal installations and toilet repairs focused on the flush valve. Here’s how we can help keep your restrooms clean, efficient, and worry-free. Urinal Installation: Clean, Efficient, Code-Compliant Whether you’re outfitting a business, school, shop, or home garage, a properly installed urinal saves space and water while improving restroom flow. Our licensed pros handle the full install from start to finish. Site evaluation and rough-in measurements Carrier/frame installation for wall-hung units Supply lines, trap, and drain alignment Flushometer selection (manual or sensor) and calibration ADA and local code compliance Odor control and splash-reduction recommendations Water-saving options, including low-flow and waterless models We work efficiently to minimize downtime, schedule around business hours when needed, and leave the space clean and ready for use. Toilet Repair: Flush Valve Issues Solved The flush valve controls how water moves from the tank to the bowl. When it wears out or goes out of adjustment, you may notice: Constant running or “ghost flushing” Weak or incomplete flushes Needing to jiggle the handle after each flush Water leaking from tank to bowl or a high water bill Raptor Plumbing diagnoses and fixes the root cause—often a worn flapper/canister, damaged seat, misadjusted chain, or a deteriorated flush valve gasket. Precise diagnosis to confirm the flush valve is the culprit Flapper or canister replacement with quality, brand-matched parts Seat resurfacing or full flush valve replacement if needed Handle and chain adjustment for reliable operation Fill level calibration to prevent overflows and save water Dye testing to confirm the leak is fully resolved Quick DIY Checks Before We Arrive Note the brand and model inside the tank lid or near the hinge area Try a food-coloring dye test in the tank; color in the bowl without flushing means a leak Ensure the shutoff valve can turn easily in case water needs to be isolated Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage seals—call us for safe options Why Choose Raptor Plumbing? Licensed, insured, and experienced with both commercial and residential fixtures Upfront, fair pricing and clear communication Clean, respectful work with protective coverings and thorough testing Flexible scheduling, including after-hours options for businesses Warranty-backed parts and workmanship Ready to upgrade with a new urinal or stop that running toilet? Contact Raptor Plumbing today. We’ll get your restroom performing like new and help you save water and money in the process.