Month: July 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Proper Garbage Disposal Care

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Garbage disposals are a plumbing asset that many homeowners fail to properly care for. When garbage disposals aren’t properly maintained, they can become an expensive repair down the road. The best way to avoid clogs and other garbage disposal problems is by regularly maintaining a clean garbage disposal. By being proactive about cleaning your garbage disposal, your unit can perform effectively for years without needing repairs or replacing. 

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10 Ways You Can Save Water

There is no question that water is one of the most precious commodities on Earth. However, the supply of water is not endless. It is a fast-depleting natural resource that we need to conserve. In addition to the ecological benefits of saving water, using less water also means lower water bills. And when you’re more aware of water, the more observant you’re likely to be about sudden increases in your water bill – which can signify a plumbing leak – and calling a plumber to repair the problem.

We all assume that the water we depend upon comes from a vast, ever-replenishing source. In Florida, most water comes from groundwater – the underground water between the soil particles and rocks and in crevices and cracks of the bedrock. The Floridan aquifer system (FAS), which underlies all of Florida, is the main source of potable (drinkable) groundwater for much of the state.

The Floridan aquifer system gets its supply from rainfall and lakes that seep into the ground. However, as more people move to Florida, water consumption also increases. Ensuring that the Sunshine State has plenty of water tomorrow depends upon what we do today.

Why is saving water so important?

Conserving water is important on a global level, but Florida’s situation is somewhat unique. Depleting groundwater can impact our springs, wetlands and lakes – causing them to dry up, recede and drop in level, respectively. In fact, Florida’s infamous sinkholes occur when water leaves the cavities within the porous limestone that makes up the state’s foundation.

Saltwater intrusion is another risk of making too many demands of the Floridan aquifer system. As Seminole County Environmental Services explains, a layer of salty groundwater underlies the fresh groundwater in the aquifer. When the fresh groundwater is pumped out at too high a rate, the salty groundwater will get drawn up toward the wells. If we withdraw too much fresh water, the aquifer becomes polluted with salt water – which we can’t drink. This saltwater intrusion is irreversible except on a geologic timescale. The salt water level is over 2,000 feet deep in some areas of the county, but is as little as 200 feet deep near the St. Johns River.

Florida’s natural bodies of water contribute greatly to the quality of life we enjoy here. The opportunities for recreation and business they provide are numerous. Our state’s abundant and varied animal and plant species, of course, depend upon the Floridan aquifer system to survive and thrive.

10 ways you can get started

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average family of four in the United States uses around 400 gallons of water every day. If we start using water mindfully, we can do our part in conserving this valuable resource.

Here are some tips that can help you save water at home:

1.   Turn off faucets Leaving the water run while washing your hands, brushing your teeth, shaving and washing dishes is a habit you should break. Bathroom faucets run at about two gallons per minute; kitchen faucets even more. Turning off the tap can save hundreds of gallons a month.

2.   Repair leaks immediately There is no such thing as a “little” water leak – even a dripping faucet. Our blog post – “How Little Leaks Can Lead to Big Repair Costs” – covers the risks of not repairing leaks in a timely manner. Not all leaks are obvious. A leaking toilet can waste more than 100 gallons of water every day. To check for a leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the color winds up in the bowl after a while, your toilet is leaking.  

3.  Shorten those showers A shower usually uses five to 10 gallons of water every minute. Shower Gem offers some useful tips on how to shower in under six minutes.

4. Use efficient watering techniques for your lawn and garden – If you have a small garden, consider hand-watering instead of using an automatic irrigation system. According to the EPA, if you water your lawn with a hose manually, you can use 33% less water. Forbes recommends investing in weather-based irrigation controllers that adjust to real weather conditions and provide water only when needed. Replace older mist-style sprinkler heads with rotator sprinkler heads – which shoot jets of waters at a slow rate. Install new drip irrigation piping and soaker hoses to improve watering efficiency.

5.  Install water-efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings Replacing old toilets and shower heads with new water-efficient models can go a long way in saving water – as well as money on your water bill. WaterSense-certified toilets that meet EPA criteria use between 1.28-1.6 gallons of water per flush, while older toilets use six gallons per flush. Purchasing a dual-flush toilet can save even more. WaterSense-certified showerheads use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM), compared to 2.5 GPM for a standard showerhead.

6.  Reduce the amount of water used per flush with a plastic bottle in the toilet tank – If you can’t replace your high-volume toilet, take a one-liter bottle and fill with one or two inches of pebbles or sand, then fill with water and place in your toilet tank. Make sure you keep the bottle away from the operating system. This simple measure can save at least five gallons of water every day without compromising the efficiency of your toilet.

7.  Don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket – We still hear about people emptying their ashtray into the toilet and flushing it. While we understand the logic (you don’t want to risk a still-smoldering cigarette butt starting a fire in a wastebasket), it wastes water and could clog the pipe. For tissues and waste other than toilet paper, use a wastebasket – for the same reason.

8.  Install water-saving flow restrictors – If you don’t want to replace your existing showerheads or faucets, install flow restrictors. Available at home improvement centers and hardware stores, flow restrictors are inexpensive and easy to install for those with basic DIY skills.

9. Buy a front-loading washer – The average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry each year – which accounts for more than 20% of residential indoor water use. Front-loading washers use less water than top-loading models. Whichever you choose, look for an ENERGY STAR® certified washer – which delivers superior efficiency and performance by incorporating advanced features, using 25% less energy and 33% less water.

10. Use your automatic dishwasher for full loads only – Every time you run your dishwasher, you use about 25 gallons of water.

As you see, most of these water conservation measures are easy and inexpensive. While you may have to make a conscious effort at first, they’ll soon become second nature. It really doesn’t take much to save water to make sure there’ll be enough for everyone for years to come!

Whether you’re a proud homeowner or business owner, Adams and Son Plumbing can keep your plumbing working dependably. We are a family-owned business with over 50 years in plumbing service. A state-certified plumbing contractor, we have over three generations of master plumbing experience. Contact us to learn more.

 

 

The post 10 Ways You Can Save Water appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Water Heater Maintenance and Repair: Tips for Every Homeowner

Water Heater Maintenance and Repair: Tips for Every Homeowner

From warm baths to hot water in the kitchen, the advantages of having hot water in your home are obvious. Even though the appliance can work really hard for you and your home to provide all the modern conveniences for a lot of years, this water-related appliance does occasionally need some water heater maintenance attention. Work with us at A to Z Statewide Plumbing when you need water heater repair, but there are a few tips every homeowner can use to avoid repairs as much as possible.

1. Occasionally do a system flush to eliminate sediment.

Sediment accumulates inside of a water heater tank due to the mineral deposits that are present in the water. If you do not flush this sediment out of the tank about once a year, you can collect an abundance of sediment that can generate problems with the function of the unit. Flushing can be done by opening the valve at the base to eliminate all water inside the tank. However, you can also have a plumber take care of the task as well.

2. Test the pressure release valves periodically for proper function.

All water heaters are equipped with pressure release valves. These valves are designed to open up and allow pressure out when too much builds up inside of the water tank. Periodically, it is best to check these valves to make sure they are still opening easily and would do their job if something went wrong.

3. Make sure you have the proper clearance around the water heater.

Keep about two feet of clearance around the outer perimeter of the water heater. Crowding items around the exterior of the unit can actually create a fire hazard, but it also can make it more difficult to access the unit when something goes wrong.

4. Take a look at the anode rod every few years for signs of deterioration.

The anode rod is designed to attract electrons that would otherwise be harmful to the interior tank of the unit. Occasionally, the anode rod does have to be replaced. Take a look at the anode rod in your water heater. If the rod is severely corroded, it is time for a replacement. The rod should be replaced about every five years under usual circumstances.

Contact a Professional for Water Heater Repair

No matter how well you keep tabs on water heater maintenance, there may come a time when you need water heater repair. Make sure you always trust repairs of your water heater to professionals like us at A to Z Statewide Plumbing for help. Reach out to us today to discuss your issues.

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Aaron Atkins

Delivering exceptional customer service is first and foremost, but, when he is not focused on supplying your home or business with the highest level of customer support, Aaron prefers to lace up the running shoes and pound pavement for hours on end. Originally hailing from the snowbelt of Pennsylvania, Aaron currently resides in sunny South Florida with his wife and three children.

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

Need Plumbing Help? Invest in a Garbage Disposal

Your kitchen plumbing can only handle so much. When preparing a large meal for your whole family, it can be stressful having a drain begin to clog. All that cooking and cleaning made you forget that your plumbing is in rough shape! While we can provide plumbing help, we’d also like to impart some knowledge on preventing drain clogs from occurring in your kitchen.

That’s with a garbage disposal!

Garbage disposal systems can be a revolution when it comes to the health of your kitchen plumbing. They last for a long time, grind up your food particles to be flushed down you drain properly, and can extend the lifespan of your plumbing as well! These systems really do make everyone’s lives easier. Just remember to call us for garbage disposal repair in Cedar Grove, NJ if you’re experiencing problems with yours.

That said, what makes a garbage disposal so handy?

How Does It Work?

Before we get into the advantages of having a garbage disposal, it’s important to talk about how they work. Garbage disposals grind up food waste pieces that go down the main sink drain of your kitchen. They first get caught in the disposal. Then, at the flip of a switch, your garbage disposal grinds the waste down to a point that can be easily washed away into your drain. This process is much easier than the alternative.

This is both an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process to get rid of food waste. Without a garbage disposal, your waste would be sent to the trash where it would need to be picked up by a garbage truck and sent to a treatment facility.

Help Your Plumbing

The main benefit behind investing in a garbage disposal system is the fact that it will keep your plumbing healthy. Drain clogs are the bane of a kitchen sink, and anything that helps mitigate those clogs is worth investing in. Think about it, you never have to worry about food waste becoming a problem while you’re cleaning dishes or cooking food—your garbage disposal always has your back!

These systems are also incredibly easy to repair and maintain. We recommend having a professional provide service on them since they can be dangerous for anyone to try and fix. We can tell you from experience that working with garbage disposal systems is easy, affordable, and helps plumbing systems last longer.

Call Us

Are you tired of constantly fishing clogs out of your kitchen drain? As much as we love it when you call, you probably want to see less of us plumbers coming to your home to unclog your sink. Don’t worry, with a garbage disposal you won’t need as much of our help. Your pipes will be clearer and your sink drain will flush waste easily.

Make sure you call us even when your garbage disposal is having issues. Anything can be a problem, from your garbage disposal losing efficacy, to it making strange noises.

Call the professional plumbers at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for garbage disposal installation and repair.

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

You Need a New Water Heater If…

tank-water-heaterHave you noticed that this summer has brought warm weather, long days, and… water heater trouble?

One of these is definitely not like the others. If you’re having water heater trouble, you’re going to need to call us for your water heater services. Your water heater is important even in a place like Florida. Your water heater is important in the summer too. We know that there might be those days where it’s so hot that you hop in the shower and turn the knob over to a cooler setting, but you’re still going to want warm water in the mornings, in the evenings, and you’ll need it for your clothes and dishes too.

If you need water heaters in Orlando, FL, just make sure you schedule an appointment with us.

When to Upgrade

Here are the signs that you need to call it quits with your water heater. Call us when you’re ready to upgrade your unit.

You Never Have Enough Hot Water

You hop in the shower, lather up, and just when you’re ready to wash the suds up your water starts to turn cold. This is a problem in your home. You shouldn’t ever have to deal with a lack of hot water in your home. This is still true even if you have a standard tank water heater in your home. This tank water heater should be perfectly fitted to the needs of your home no matter what.

If you notice that you’re always battling against a lack of hot water, make sure that you schedule an appointment with our team members. We’re going to get you the water heater function you want.

Your Water Temperature Fluctuates

Does the water temperature in your home fluctuate unexpectedly? Maybe when you wash your hands or stand in the shower the water goes from warm to hot to freezing cold although you’re not changing the temperature.

This indicates a problem with your home’s water heater. If you’ve had your water heater for over a decade, then it’s definitely time for you to consider upgrading to a new system. The problems that you’re experiencing now are only going to get worse. You’re going to run the risk of potentially damaging your plumbing system if you let this problem go unchecked.

Your Water Bills are High

Are your water bills a little too high for your liking? Your water bills should always be reasonable unless you’re running your plumbing systems in a drastically different manner. If you’re running your shower, dish washer, washer, or dryer as you always have before, it’s time for you to call us.

High water bills are a symptom of inefficiency in your home. If this is a problem that you’ve struggled with for a while, it’s better to just cut your losses and get a new system for your home. A new water heater will save you money in a flash.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our team. We know water heaters.

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

Do You Have Drain Flies? Here’s What You Can Do About Them

angry-manSpotting tiny, fuzzy flying insects in your kitchen or bathrooms isn’t pleasant. These are “drain flies,” which live in damp environments, such as down in the drainpipes of your bathroom and kitchen sinks. They don’t bite, so they pose no health hazard to you or your family. Nonetheless, you don’t want them around, and not just because they’re unattractive. The presence of drain flies may mean you’ve got troubles in the plumbing that need to be addressed.

Find out where the flies are coming from

The first step in taking care of drain flies is to determine which drains in your house have them, and this isn’t always obvious. You can do a basic test on the drains to find if there are drain flies coming from them. Take a piece of sticky tape, such as clear packing tape, and place it over the drains you suspect may be problems. Do this in the evening to take advantage of a time when drain flies are most active. Check the next day to see if there are flies stuck to the tape. You may need to do this a few days in a row because of the length of the breeding cycle of fly eggs. Eventually, you’ll find which drains are the source of the drain flies.

Removing drain flies

At this point, we know it’s tempting to grab drain cleaner and pour it down the drain to kill the little buggers. Please don’t do this. Although it may kill the flies, it can also cause damage to the drainpipe, and the acidic chemicals from the drain cleaner are much more dangerous to you than drain flies!

There are some basic remedies, such as pouring boiling water down the drain. You can also make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda and pour it down the drain, followed by boiling water. There are other remedies you may hear about, such a setting a trap of a bowl of sugar water outside the drain to attract the flies. But this doesn’t address the root of the issue, which is eliminating the source of the eggs.

What you need most of all to get rid of drain flies for good is to remove the organic build-up inside the drain that allows the flies to breed. The best way to do this is to have a professional plumber assist you. Plumbers use special drain cleaning methods such as drain augers and hydro-jetters that thoroughly remove the source of the build-up. Not only does this get rid of the drain flies, it makes it difficult for them to return.

Bigger issues

Drain flies might be coming from sewage backup inside the pipes. If you smell foul sewer odors from your drains along with seeing drain flies, you may have a major problem with a clogged or even broken sewer line to the house. This is one reason we recommend calling for professional plumbers to help with drain flies: the plumbers can determine if there are larger issues at the root of the problem and have them fixed before you end up with sewage backing up into the house.

Our expert plumbers in Surprise, AZ can help you deal with any type of drain problems you have, from drain flies to replacing sewer lines.

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas. Call us for plumbing help—we have emergency service available.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Having this Plumbing Problem? Call Today

There are certain plumbing problems that you might experience that are considered an emergency, but do you know what they are? Any reputable plumber that you might find in this area is going to provide you with emergency plumbing services because they understand that plumbing problems aren’t just a 9-5 nuisance. Sometimes, you’re going to have something that’s going to pop off after hours and you need a professional that’s going to be there for you.

Are you going back and forth trying to determine if it’s the right time to make that after-hours call? You’re going to need 24-hour plumbing in Orlando, FL. Just call us for the work that you need. We’re going to be there for you are the clock.

These are Emergency Plumbing Issues

Make sure you get in touch with our professionals when you experience any of the following problems in your home:

1.      Sump Pump Problems

Are you having problems with your sump pump? Your sump pump is quite important when you live in a swampy and often flood-prone place like Florida. If you had any problems with your sump pump malfunctioning in late spring or even early summer, then it’s time for you to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Watch out for any weird noises or run times.

2.      An Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet is something that can become a nightmare in a matter of minutes. This is a delicate, yet important part of your home and you don’t want this system malfunctioning in any way, shape, or form. You need a toilet that works well for your personal health and for the overall quality of your home. Call a professional immediately if you have this problem and shut off your water before it becomes a major issue.

3.      Leaking Pipes

Your pipes shouldn’t ever leak in your home and they definitely shouldn’t leak often. If you notice that your home is leaking anywhere and any patchwork that you’ve done in the past, then you’re going to need to call in a professional plumber. You don’t want to let this problem progress and become even worse with time.

4.      Clogs

If you’ve noticed that you have major problems with clogs in your home, then you’re going to need help from a team of professionals. Clogging is a sign that your plumbing system is under the weather. There shouldn’t be opportunities for your plumbing system to clog up in the first place. If this is something that you’re dealing with, you need thorough service to alleviate this problem.

5.      Sewer Issues

If you’re having problems with your sewer system, then it’s probably an issue that’s come up nose-first. You shouldn’t have to deal with unpleasant scents throughout your home. If you are, then you can schedule an appointment with our team for the work that you need. Sewer problems are a big issue for your personal comfort and your health.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re here for your emergency plumbing services.

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

Choose the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home

The first thing people think of when they decide to take the plunge into home air conditioning is the central air conditioner. We get it, they’re the most common and some of the most affordable types of air conditioners on the market. There’s a good reason why many homes in our area utilize the technology of central air conditioning. However, they’re not the be-all-end-all of AC innovation—not by a long shot.

Today, we’re going to talk about some of the lesser-known types of air conditioning in Clifton, NJ. From ductless air conditioners to heat pumps, there exists a wide variety of AC types that you can take advantage of. If you’re looking for alternative solutions that both increase efficiency and effectiveness, then one of these systems might be perfect for your home. Keep reading and we promise you’ll be happy you took our advice.

Three Unique Types

While these systems might technically count as air conditioners, there’s a lot more to it than that. They’re unique, each with their own pros and cons, taking the air conditioning process to new heights. We’re not here to talk about which system is the best, only which system is the best fit for your home!

Central Air Conditioners

Are you looking for an affordable cooling solution for our home? If you don’t want to deal with the new technology and you’ve already got a heater that’s in good condition, then a central air conditioner might be perfect for your home. These systems utilize refrigerant to cool air in a centralized unit, to then distribute that air through a home’s air ducts. They’re often the most affordable air conditioning system on the market because they only cool your home and they still need air ducts to work. If you lack ducts, or need a sensible heating system, take a look at some of the more versatile systems below.

Heat Pumps

So, let’s say you’ve got ductwork that’s in good condition but you’re in need of a heating and cooling system. Well, you could purchase a central air conditioner and a furnace, or you can cut costs and invest in an incredibly efficient heat pump that works all year round! Heat pumps function like central air conditioners except for the one small detail that they function in reverse as well! They can move the heat out of your house in the summer and into your house in the winter, so you’ve got comprehensive all-year comfort!

Ductless Heat Pumps

So many homeowners have the misconception that they can’t get adequate air conditioning if they don’t have air ducts. That couldn’t be more wrong! Ductless heat pumps work without air ducts, utilizing an outdoor cabinet as well as up to four indoor air handlers that blow cool, conditioned air into your home. These air handlers can be placed strategically throughout your home to maximize your comfort. Oh, and since they’re heat pumps, they can function to both heat and cool your home throughout the year. Talk about a comprehensive solution!

If any of these comfort systems sound like they could be useful in your home, call our team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

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