The Importance of Maintaining a Clean Sewer

Home maintenance can be a tricky matter for many homeowners, especially when you can’t see the problem coming. Hidden issues can worsen over time until they become an emergency, resulting in serious damage and high repair costs. Sewer pipes, specifically, have the additional disadvantage of being underground, truly out of sight and too often out of mind.

Because our master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing want you to avoid the unpleasant surprise of a clogged or – even worse – broken sewer line, we offer this guide to cleaning your sewer lines, recognizing the signs that a cleaning is due and what to do if you discover an issue.

Why would you need to clean your sewer pipes?

It’s important for homeowners to know some basic sewer line maintenance tips, as they can help you avert major plumbing disasters. Common causes of sewer line problems include the following.

Roots –Tree root intrusion in sewer pipes can completely block the line, causing serious problems. Roots can eventually break the pipes, creating the worst-case scenario in terms of raw sewage backing up in indoor plumbing and spilling out into the yard – as well as the considerable expense of replacing sewer pipes.

A sag in the pipe – A sag in your pipe or a bellied pipe can occur when a portion of the pipe slopes down, creating a belly effect. A sag in the pipe can occur when the soil around the pipe loosens or breaks, which makes the soil unstable, which causes the pipe to sink. Sewerage starts collecting in the bellied area of the pipe, eventually resulting in blockage.

Grease – Grease and drains are not the best of friends. If you are in the habit of pouring grease down the drain, then you should be prepared for frequent blockages in your sewer pipes. The grease which you pour down the sink will ultimately solidify and cause a blockage in your pipe, as described in our blog post, “Still Pouring Grease Down the Sink?”

Benefits of keeping a clean sewer and drain

Keeping your sewer and drain clean has several benefits, some of which are described by our colleagues at Mister Sewer, in Bethel Park, PA.

Reduces blockages – Regular cleaning of drains can help prevent blockages to a large extent. While small blockages can be irritating when you use the sink or take a shower, a serious clog can cause tubs and sinks to back up.

Prevents odors – It is hard to get rid of sewer odor once it’s entered your home. When you keep your sewer clean, it prevents the blockages cause odor. If a sewer odor comes through the P-traps in your plumbing fixtures, you need to call a plumber.

Keeps your home clean and healthy – If you don’t keep your drains clean, it can result in serious cleanliness issues. Regular cleaning can help prevent drains from becoming clogged, which leads to blockages that result in an overflow.

Reduces your expenses – Keeping the drains cleaned on a regular basis can prevent serious problems with the drains overflowing and leading to unsanitary conditions in the home. It is beneficial to plan on having professional plumbers not only clean the lines but look for other concerns as well.

Signs you need your sewer cleaned

It is always helpful to know the signs and symptoms of a sewer blockage. If you know the signs, you can avert major problems. Here are some of the telltale signs that you need to get your sewer cleaned, courtesy of our colleagues at Scott English Plumbing, Anaheim, CA.

Several clogged fixtures – One common sign of a sewer drain clog is multiple clogged fixtures. If you have two or more fixtures that get clogged at the same time, it can be an indication that you have a clog and need sewer drain cleaning. Most commonly, homeowners will notice that more than one toilet gets clogged at the same time. Toilets are usually the first place where you will notice signs of a clogged sewer drain, because toilets have the most direct path to the sewer system and the largest drain. When there is a clog in the sewer drain, it is rare for the toilets to function properly.

The bathtub and shower are also frequently affected by a clogged sewer drain, as these drains are lower than other drains – like sinks.

Plumbing fixtures show unusual reactions – If your plumbing fixtures show unusual reactions, it is yet another indication that you have a clogged sewer line. Some of the reactions that you need to be aware of include the following.

• If the water backs up into your tub or shower when you flush your toilet.
• When you run your washing machine and the toilet starts overflowing, or water backs up into the tub or shower.
• When you turn on the sink faucet to wash your hands after using the toilet and the toilet starts to bubble up. This indicates that air is trapped in your plumbing system.

Keep a tab on the main line clean out – In some plumbing system, there is a main line clean out point that you can check for problems. You can remove the cap and look for water or sewage backing up. If you find the water coming out of the clean out, or if there is standing water in the drain, it means that there is a blockage in your sewer system.

Now that you know the issues that can cause your sewer line to clog, you’re better informed to prevent inconvenient, expensive plumbing problems. The state-certified Master Plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing can perform preventive maintenance to keep your fixtures and lines in top condition – and provide the experienced, industry-leading repair service that we’ve built our reputation upon over the past 60 years. Contact us and learn more about our services today.

 

The post The Importance of Maintaining a Clean Sewer appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

One of the most-used and least-thought-about appliances in your home lives tucked away in either your basement or an out-of-the-way closet. Your electric storage tank water heater. We do remember it, though, when we run out of hot water. Although problems are not common, they do come along from time to time. Let’s take a look at the most common problems you’ll see with electric water heaters. Safety tip: Remember to UNPLUG the appliance before you start troubleshooting.

 

Temperature problems

Problems with water temperature far outrank any other water heater problems. Thankfully, repairs tend to be inexpensive for these types of issues.

No hot water

When you have no hot water at all, check your circuit breaker to make sure a breaker has not been tripped. If the circuit has been tripped, switch it off and back on again to reset it. If the problem is not the breaker, you will want to check the hot water temperature reset button above the upper thermostat inside the heater. In electric water heaters, failed heating elements or a faulty thermostat can also cause no hot water. If this is the case, you will need to check both the upper and lower elements and thermostats and replace whatever is malfunctioning.

Not enough hot water

Tank size. The primary cause of not enough hot water is a tank that is too small to meet your family’s needs. If your family has grown since you bought your home or if you have added newer water-using appliances (i.e. dishwasher, washing machine) your tank may not be able to keep up with the increased demand. In this case, the best option is to replace your tank. The Department of Energy provides guidelines on sizing your water heater tank needs. We also encourage you to consider multiple options such as our tankless or on-demand water heaters.

Electrical issues. A thermostat that is set too low can also explain why there is not enough hot water. Other culprits can be a failed upper water heater, a faulty thermostat or loose wiring. The elements can also become encrusted with sediment which prevents them from heating the water adequately.

 

Water too hot

This problem most likely stems from a thermostat that is set too high. You will have to access the thermostats for each element to lower the temperature. If you are unable to lower temperature settings, your thermostat has most likely failed and will need to be replaced.

 

Leaks

The second most common problem with electric storage heaters is leaking. Leaks present significant safety hazards and should be dealt with as soon as they are discovered.

From the top

While water leaking from the top of the tank poses a less immediate threat, you still need to address it in a timely manner to keep it from becoming a more serious issue. Water leaking from the top of the heater tank can come from only a limited number of sources, most of which can be easily remedied. Check the ball valve in the cold water inbound line. If this is the source of your leak, simply tighten the nut securing the handle to the valve. Another potential leak site is the temperature and pressure relief valve on the top of the tank. If this is leaking, you will most likely need to replace it. If water is leaking from any of the pipe joints, you will probably want to call in a professional to make repairs.

From the bottom

Water under your tank can be coming from a loose heating element gasket, simple condensation, or a little run-off from the TPR valve releasing some water. It can also be a case of corrosion rusting out the bottom of your tank, in which case, the tank will have be replaced.

 

CONCLUSION

Electric water heaters don’t generally have problems, but when they do, you’ll know what to look for. If you decide to replace your water heater, we’d love to talk with you about your options. Water heating isn’t just for tanks anymore!  As with any type of plumbing issue, if you feel uncomfortable troubleshooting or managing repairs, give us a call! We offer 24-hour emergency service and welcome the opportunity to serve you and your family.

The post ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS: COMMON PROBLEMS appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

Gas water heaters remain a popular option among homeowners. In spite of competition from their electric counterparts, gas storage water heaters supply hot water to about 60% of America’s homes. How you choose to heat your household water makes a difference in an economy where heating water in the home has become the second-largest household expense, according to the Department of Energy. Gas storage water heaters are a great option for lots of families, but they can still have some drawbacks. Let’s take a look at some of the common problems associated with a gas storage water heater.

Gas water heater problems with performance issues

Typical gas storage water heaters tend to outperform same size electric storage water heaters. They just have a faster recovery time. Sometimes, though, older — and even newer — units can malfunction. Here are some common gas water heater problems.

Little or no hot water

Arguably the most annoying hot water heater problem, reduced or no hot water when it’s needed ranks as the most common issue. Little hot water results from a variety of issues.

Increased demand for hot water prevents the water heater from fully heating water before delivering it. Are you remodeling? Do you have guests or a new family member? How about a new, larger washing machine? All of these can increase the demand for hot water and affect how quickly the water heater recovers. Other common causes of reduced hot water supply are:

• Thermostat set too low
• Thermostat malfunction
• Faulty dip tube
• Sediment build up in tank
• Incoming water pressure is low
• Dirty or faulty gas burner

Adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature and see if this resolves the issue. If not, you may need to check the thermocouple. This is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. It is fairly easy to replace. A faulty drip tube delivers cold water into the tank at a higher level than designed. This allows the cold incoming water to mix with the hot water at the top of the tank and cool it down. Replacing the drip tube can remedy this problem. Over time, sediment build up in the bottom of all storage water heater tanks. This layer of sediment prevents the burner from heating the water as efficiently. Annually flushing your water heater eliminates this problem. The gas burner beneath your water heater may also be in need of cleaning or replacement.

No hot water

If you have no hot water, you might have a problem with your pilot. Pilot lights can go out when there is no problem with the unit. If this is the case, simply relight the pilot. If the pilot fails to stay lit, you probably have a bad thermocouple. Older gas water heaters have a pilot easy to light with a match or a candle-lighter. Newer models, however, have a button you push to activate a spark igniter inside the burner compartment. If the problem is the thermocouple on an older unit, you can DIY the replacement. A newer unit requires the services of a professional because the thermocouple is behind the sealed compartment and not easy to access safely without the proper equipment. If the thermocouple is not the problem, you might have a faulty gas valve. In this case, definitely call in the professionals.

 

Leaking

If you find water on the floor under or near your water heater, you need to find the source of the leak. Leaks can occur in several different places on your water heater. One potential leak location is the top of the tank where the cold water enters the drip tube. This leak presents an easy fix. Just tighten the connections. The T & P (Temperature & Pressure) relief valve sits on the outside of the tank near the top and has a small pipe running to a drain near the heater. You can repair a leak from this valve, but if the leak originates in the bottom of the tank, you will have to completely replace the tank.

 

 

 

Gas water heater problems with sounds and smells

Faulty plumbing and normal wear-and-tear provide a homeowner with plenty to do. Unfortunately, gas water heaters have a reputation for some additional types of problems.

Sounds

Rumbling. Popping. Ticking. Sizzling. Hissing. Hammering. Knocking. Gas water heaters have a reputation for conjuring all of these noises. Fortunately, each sound indicates a specific problem or two for you to check and correct.

Popping:

This occurs when sediment has built up in the bottom of your tank. The sediment causes the water to boil. Water bubbling up through the sediment makes the popping sound.

The Fix: Flush your tank annually to keep sediment from becoming a hazard. Or, install a water softener system to prevent sediment from collecting in the tank at all.

Ticking:

Ticking noises come from a couple of problems. The first, variations in water pressure, you really can’t fix. The second, however, presents an easy fix. The pipe straps holding the hot water lines that come out of the tank can be loose and cause an annoying ticking sound.

The Fix: Pick up some plastic spacers at the hardware store and install them to keep the straps from slapping into the pipes.

Sizzling or hissing:

This sound also arises from a couple of possible sources. A tightly closed relief valve can generate a sizzling sound. Water dropping onto the hot gas burner assembly will also cause a sizzling noise.

The Fix: Not so easy this time. The water dripping onto the burner is probably coming from the bottom of your tank. A leaky tank can’t be fixed. It must be replaced.

Rumbling:

This is also a sound you really don’t want to hear from your tank. A rumbling sound occurs when the tank has begun to rust out from sediment build-up.

The Fix: The rusting metal leads directly to a leaking tank, which, as stated previously, leads to a replacement.

Discolored water

Has this ever happened to you? You turn the hot water on, step into the shower and get splattered by reddish brown streams jetting from your shower head? Hopefully, it hasn’t. But, if it does you can narrow it down to a couple of sources. Rust in plumbing can cause water to appear yellow, brown, or red. The rust could be in the pipes inside your home. It could also be in the outside pipes leading into your home or even in the water heater. The good news is that it’s not really a health hazard. The bad news is — well — it’s pretty unsightly. It also causes the water to taste metallic and can leave stains on clothing and toilets and tubs. This fix has to be handled by installing a water treatment system.

Rotten egg smell

Unfortunately, discolored water is often accompanied by a nasty, sulfur-like rotten egg odor. This sewage-like smell indicates that bacteria are growing in your water heater. This happens for a few reasons. If you’ve been away and turned the water off or turned the thermostat too low to keep the water hot, bacteria will take advantage of a prime place to colonize. Although the bacteria are not harmful, it’s best to have a professional plumber help you deal with this problem.

 

CONCLUSION

Your gas water heater provides essential service for your family. Make sure you take care of it.Whether your gas water heater is new or old, if you’re experiencing any of these issues, Knoxville Plumbing is here to help. Give us a call today for any of your plumbing needs!

The post GAS WATER HEATER PROBLEMS appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

Natural disasters are a threat to your plumbing system.

Recent research has shown that between the years 1900 to 2016 the United States has experienced a lot of natural disasters inclusive of 24 heat waves.

As a matter of fact, the data shows that aside from China, the United States is the country with the most natural disasters.

Furthermore, there have been over 106 cyclones, 40 earthquakes, and 2 tsunamis from 1900 to 2016 alone, which affected over 13.5 million people.

Crazy right? Well, that’s not all, in 2015; the United States recorded 22 natural disasters being ousted only by China.

By now you should understand the importance of knowing exactly what to do in the event of an evacuation due to natural disasters. It’s extremely vital!

The data revealed that 13.5 million people have been directly affected by natural disasters but how many of them knew the right steps to take to protect their plumbing and ultimately their home before being evacuated?

The effects of unprotected plumbing can be disastrous to any home when disaster strikes.

So what do you do when you are a certain disaster is on its way? Below are a few steps that you’ll need to follow to ensure you adequately preserve your home with proper plumbing protection.

Basic Protection of Your Plumbing System

Studies have shown that tornadoes are accompanied by exempt destructive winds moving at speeds of over 289 MPH and what’s more? A tornado’s leaves a messy trail of destruction measuring up 50 miles long and 1 mile in width!

Can you imagine the wreckage? Regardless, of the damage, you can still save your home by preparing it before evacuation and the first thing you need to do is:

1. Ensure Your Water Heater is Safely Hooked to the Wall

This cannot be overemphasized, as the damage a loosed water heater can cause to your home is immense. Before you leave your home due to evacuation ensure that it is properly strapped to the wall. One wrong fall can initiate a domino effect of problems.

It can easily fall off during a storm and break gas lines or cause other damages that could become irreparable.

So how do you safely strap your water heater to the wall? Well first things first, you need to check for the plumber’s tape.

Keep in mind that prior to the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes in 1989 and 1994 respectively, only 1 single strap of plumber tape was recommended by experts, however, now more is recommended due to numerous water heaters bursting as a result of single strapping.

So, what is acceptable now is a heavy-metal gauge strapping instead of a regular plumbing strap. Next, you need to secure both the top and bottom of your heater rather than just the top or bottom as this won’t pull through.

Then ensure that you replace all metal and copper piping with flexible water connectors or natural gas pipes. These will prevent a disastrous outcome in the event of breakage.

Below is an image of what a properly strapped water heater should look like:

2. Switch off Your Main Water Valve

After your water flows through your cities valves it gets to what is termed as the main water valve. This is a very important valve that you need to know its exact location before any form of disaster occurs.

Why? Well, the main water valve is responsible for allowing the full flow of water into your home when turned on and when it is turned off, usually in anti-clockwise motion it shuts off the complete water flow into your home.

You might be wondering why shutting off water is essential during an evacuation. It is highly vital because a simple pipe break can leave your house flooded, which will eventually ruin things left over in your home.

Now, your main water valve is usually located either in your basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of your home, so simply turn it off by turning in an anti-clockwise direction.

Ensure you find the location before you have to hurriedly leave due to an incoming natural disaster; otherwise, it might be quite difficult to locate it when in panic mode.

There are two types of designs for the main valve:

i). Gate Valve: The gate valve has one of the most durable valve design there is, however, they usually become very stiff and extremely difficult to move if they haven’t been touched for some years.

Hence, it’s best you find its location as it’ll be a lot easier getting a tool to move it when you’re in a peaceful state of mind that when a natural disaster is looming over your head.

Take a look at the image below to see exactly what you’re looking for:

b). Ball Valve: If your home uses a plastic or copper pipe then you most likely have full-blown ball valve. In order to know when a ball valve is open or close you need to check its placement. For instance, if the ball valve handle is directly aligned with the pipe then it’s open.

Hence, to turn it off, the ball valve handle has to be turned clockwise, placing it at a right angle to the pipe. The Image below, shows you, what direction it should be turned.

You have to keep in mind that the main valve is a major way to prevent a lot of plumbing disasters, so you need to ensure that you know it’s a location like the back of your hand. So in the event of an evacuation, you can easily turn it off without any complications.

Also, if you are using a gate valve and haven’t touched it for years, you need to keep a plier around you that’s easily reachable, as you may have to use it to change its position in order to shut it off in the event of a hurried evacuation.

If you’re still not sure how to differentiate between a gate and a ball valve below is another picture of the difference.

Furthermore, whenever you adjust the position of the valve, whether open or close, it may begin to leak a bit. All you need to do to stop it is tighten the nut, as the stem of the valve is held in place by a nut called the packing nut.

3. Remove Debris From Your Drains and Sump Pump

The purpose of a Sump Pump is to remove or get rid of water from around your home. They prevent water from getting into your crawl space, basement or home in the event of a flood, so they are extremely important.

However, they can easily get clogged up if proper maintenance is not carried out on them before an evacuation takes place.

Hence, you have to ensure they your Sump Pump has all debris and clogs efficiently removed from it and serviced adequately before leaving.

Now, you should also make sure that your home gutters are a properly cleared of debris as they can easily get clogged up with grass clippings and leaves, so, to ensure that your sewage system works efficiently clear it out completely.

a. How to Clean Out Your Sump Pump

In order to efficiently clean out your Sump Pump, you’re going to need a few tools such as plastic sheets, plastic scraper, container, dry or wet shop vac, and a garden hose.

The next step is to turn off everything your Sump Pump is linked too. All you need to do is turn off the electricity being supplied to it, by either switching off the circuit breaker connected to the Sump Pump or simply turning off the electric connection of the Sump Pump itself.

Second, you need to locate the discharge pipe your Sump Pump is connected too and disconnect it.

After doing all of that, it’s now time to clean it off. So simply wrap up your Sump Pump with a plastic wrapper. This is to prevent debris, dirt, and sludge from spilling all over your house as most of its dirt would be extremely dangerous to your health.

Once you’ve done that and your Sump Pump is outside, take off the plastic wrap and connect your garden hose with water and begin to wash off the sludge and dirt from off the pump.

In some instances, you’ll have to deal with caked dirt on your pump, especially if you haven’t cleaned it out for a while. Well, no worries that’s what the plastic scraper is for.

Simply scrape off all the caked dirt and slime from off the pump completely and rinse it again with water.

For the final cleaning step, you’ll have to remove standing water from the Sump pit. To do this effectively, you would need to use a way or dry vac.

Conclusion

If you’re a homeowner, renter or business office owner you need to have a well thought its plans in place to ensure that you effectively secure the plumbing of your building or home.

And this goes beyond just your home. The life of your loved ones and property is also at stake if these preventive measures are not taking to protect your plumbing.

Furthermore, make sure that your drains and Sump Pumps are completely cleared out before evacuation.

Follow these tips in order to efficiently protect your home plumbing system without struggles.

This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com

When we hear the phrase “water heater,” most of us probably get a picture in our heads of the traditional storage water heater. Although many other types of water heaters are now available, the standard storage water heater remains the most commonly seen in homes across the United States. A storage water heater consists of a tank or reservoir that holds water. A pipe brings cold water into the tank, where it is heated. Warm water rises to the top of the tank and is disbursed through another pipe whenever hot water is needed throughout the house. Storage water heaters all do basically the same thing, they just use different sources of energy for heating the water. Let’s take a closer look.

 

Basic Structure

The basic structure of a storage water heater is pretty simple. The visible part — the drum — is a tall cylindrical tank made of heavy metal, a layer of insulation and an outer shell. Tanks hold 30 – 80 gallons of water, depending on size. Coldwater enters the tank through the dip tube. The end of the heat-out pipe lies near the top of the tank, ready to whisk heated water wherever it is needed. Other essential parts of each storage water heater are the thermostat, drain valve, pressure relief valve, sacrificial anode rod, and a shut-off valve. The heating mechanisms differ in how they supply the heat needed to warm the water. We’ll look at gas water heaters first.

 

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters, as the name implies, use natural gas or propane to fuel the heat for your water. The heating system for this type water heater has two main parts: the burner and the venting system.

The Burner

The burner sits beneath the tank in a small chamber. This burner operates on the combustion principle. Gas — either natural gas or liquid propane (LP) flows through a valve into the burner. A thermostat located outside the tank projects a heat sensitive probe inside the tank. The thermostat controls the flow of gas to the burner. Combustion occurs when the pilot light ignites the gas flowing through the burner. Flames heat the bottom of the tank, transferring heat to the water inside the tank. Small openings in the combustion chamber allow air to enter.

As long as gas and air continue to flow into the combustion chamber, the burner will continue to heat water. Thermostats are generally set between 120 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit , although newer models may restrict the upper limit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. An energy cut off switch acts as a safety mechanism within the thermostat. If the probe detects water temperature above 190 degrees F, the energy cut off valve shuts off the gas flow. If this happens, you usually have to replace the entire gas valve mechanism. The combustion process, though very efficient for heating, produces harmful fumes and requires proper venting.

The Venting System

Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide produced in the combustion process are harmful to breathe. They must be vented outside the home or office to protect the people inside the buildings. Gas storage water heaters use a flue and hood venting system. The flue consists of a bottom hood within the combustion chamber. This hood collects and directs the exhaust fumes up through the flue. The flue itself is a small tube rising through the tank and exiting at the top. Many flues now contain baffles. A baffle is a shaped like a helix. It deflects the exhaust push the heated air to the sides of the flue to help heat the water. Exhaust exits the tank through the draft hood located just above the top of the tank. The draft hood prevents back drafts into the flue and vents noxious gasses outside the home or office.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric storage water heaters have the same basic parts as their gas-fueled cousins. Rather than heating water with fire, though, electric water heaters use electricity. The heating system for an electric water heater also has to main parts: the elements and the circuit control.

The elements

The elements in this system work much like the burners on an electric stove. Elements may be stainless steel or copper-plated. They consist of a wire surrounded by filler material encased in a U-shaped tube of either stainless steel or copper. They project into the tank about one-third down from the top of the tank and one-third up from the bottom. Each element has its own thermostat. As electricity flows through the inner wire, resistance in the wire generates heat. The heat passes into the filler material and outer sheath of the element to heat the water. The upper element operates first to heat the top one-third of the water to the temperature set on the thermostat. Once the upper water has reached this temperature, the lower element comes on and heats the middle third of the water.

The control circuit

The control circuit includes the elements, thermostats, a high limit control switch, and a reset button. As in the case with the gas-powered water heater, the electric water heater also carefully monitors water temperature and pressure. If water temperature in the electric water heater exceeds the established limit, the high limit switch activates and shuts down the entire unit. You can restart the unit once it cools by pushing the reset button on the thermostat.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it. Although both types of storage water heaters provide the same function, the do so by very different means. When you’re considering a new water heater, be sure you review all your options carefully. Both types of heater have energy efficiency and safety features built in. Just how much money you can save will depend on the needs of your family or business. Give us a call today. We’ll walk you through all the details and help you make the best choice for your particular needs.

The post How Storage Water Heaters Work: Gas vs Electric appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

 

Kitchen and bath remodels are always ranked first among remodeling projects that give homeowners the best return on investment when they sell. But while people typically focus on the big picture vision, paying attention to the details is just as important. Whether you’re planning to put your house on the market, making home improvements or just want to increase water efficiency in the interest of economy and/or the environment, upgrading your plumbing fixtures and fittings can deliver big benefits.

And like every other home system, plumbing is now “smart.” More on that later.

 

Fixtures and fittings – what’s the difference?

While the general public tends to use the phrase, “plumbing fixtures” to include toilets, tubs, sinks and faucets, the plumbing industry uses it in reference to only the first three of the four just listed. By definition, a fixture is a device for receiving water and/or waste matter that directs these substances into a sanitary drainage system. Faucets fall under the category of “fittings” – a device designed to control and guide the flow of water. Examples include faucets, shower heads, shutoff valves, shower valves and even drinking fountain spouts.

Plumbing pipes can even play a role in which type of fixture is best for the bath and kitchen. One advantage of professional installation – as opposed to taking the DIY approach – is that an experienced plumber can determine if the pipes are in sound condition before installing a fixture.

Here’s our guide to getting the most of your plumbing upgrades

Keep in mind, this post is intended for those who are not planning a major remodeling project. A major remodel gives you the opportunity to design a completely new space, with all-new fixtures and surfaces. This is for those interested in a quick (or relatively quick) “facelift.”

Bathroom 

If you’re looking at a quick cosmetic lift that will also improve function and water efficiency, you’re likely to focus on the toilet and sink. Replacing a tub is typically done as part of a remodel. For an upgraded toilet, choose a water-efficient dual flush model with an elongated bowl. Sinks are a matter of taste and budget, with water efficiency depending upon the faucet.

Showers – The typical shower is a single-handle pressure balanced valve that has a chrome finish. For maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow shower heads use high pressure to produce a strong water delivery.

The first upgrade option is to change the finish of your shower. You can opt for polished brass, stainless steel, and brushed nickel look shower that gels well with your bathroom.

The next upgrade option is to add a hand-held shower on a holder (or slide bar). You can also upgrade to body sprays and rain dome shower heads, as well as an advanced shower system, such as Kohler’s DTV Prompt digital shower system.

Kitchen

Upgrading a kitchen sink can provide a subtle or dramatic update, depending upon the scope of your project and budget. For a quick improvement, choose a sink that can be installed without damaging or altering the countertop. Even a basic brushed stainless sink can be a step up over a stained, chipped enamel sink in an older house. If you want to splurge, choose an upgraded faucet set with sleek, contemporary lines.

Kitchen sink – The standard kitchen sink is a 20 or 22 gauge steel drop-in. Laminate countertops in older homes will usually have a drop-in sink. When you upgrade your countertop to granite, homeowners generally opt for an under-mount sink. The most popular upgrade option is to switch to an under-counter mount stainless steel sink.

Recent upgrade comes in the form of quartz-based drop-in sinks and under-mount sinks which are available in white, black, and granite shades.

Kitchen faucets – The standard kitchen faucet is a single handle chrome faucet, without a side spray. The first upgrade can be the side spray with your existing faucet. The actual upgrade starts when you opt for a pull-out spout.

 

New fittings – more than just a stylish update

Styles change over time. Elements that date a home to a specific decade also include plumbing fixtures and fittings. For example, a suite of turquoise bathroom fixtures place the home in the 1960s, while bright brass faucets indicate they were probably installed in the ‘80s. With few exceptions, such time capsules are considered undesirable by today’s homebuyers – and also by homeowners who want to stay, but bring their house into the 21st century.

New fittings provide a great way to update your home’s style without the major investment in new fixtures. If your fixtures are in good condition, upgraded fittings can make a statement that elevates the entire room. Home improvement centers offer a wide array of styles, metal finishes and price points.

Depending upon your commitment to water conservation (and lower water bills), fittings can be much more than the plumbing version of jewelry. WaterSense-labeled faucets are high–performing, water–efficient fittings that will help reduce water use in your home and save money on water bills. WaterSense labeled bathroom sink faucets and accessories that use a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute can reduce a sink’s water flow by 30 percent or more from the standard flow of 2.2 gallons per minute without sacrificing performance.

Green plumbing resource The Plumbing Info discusses five water-saving green plumbing fixtures and fittings, outlining their economic and environmental advantages.

 

BrainPipes – how smart is your plumbing?

One such breakthrough technology has been developed by BrainPipes. With BrainPipes, you can integrate your new or existing smart home automation solution into your household plumbing system – providing peace of mind, reducing water consumption and saving money. BrainPipes works by locating a leak and sending a text message to the homeowner. It then shuts off the main water supply to the property – which helps prevent secondary damage, such as water and mold.

BrainPipes is fitted with a monitoring system that can detect the pressure of water for every faucet and fixture that dispenses water. When the water pressure drops, an alarm goes off, setting the alert and water shut-off process into motion.

No matter how “smart” you want your plumbing, choosing the right plumber is the smartest step you can take in any type of plumbing installation.

Our master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing have been serving Central Florida homes and businesses since 1958. Whether you’re planning an update or major remodeling project, we’ll do the job right.

Contact us to learn more, or schedule an appointment.

The post Why You Need to Upgrade Your Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Whether you’re renting your home, or you own it, one issue you are bound to have is the dreaded “slow drain.” Thankfully, this problem is typically nothing too serious, and you should be able to fix it on your own. Before you try to fix it, you should have a clear understanding of how your sink works and what is the probable cause for your sink or shower draining slowly. Once you understand the basics, there are a few key tricks that can help you unclog your drain, DIY style.

What Type of Drain is Slow?

As previously stated, knowing how to fix your slow drain depends on two things:

1. Which drain is slow?
2. What are the common causes for that particular drain?

After those two things are figured out, fixing your drain should be a breeze.

Bathroom Drain

If your shower or bath tub drain is not working as well as it use to, the most common reason for this is hair. It doesn’t matter if you have short or long hair, if you give it enough time, the hair will build up in the pop-up assembly of your shower/tub drain and cause it to drain much slower than normal. If this isn’t taken care of, your hair will soon trap other sorts of debris which will eventually lead your drain not draining all together.

Kitchen Drain

The most common reason your kitchen sink would not be draining will be food related. One of the biggest culprits is grease that gets trapped either in the P-trap, which is the curved section of your drainpipe that is located under your kitchen sink, or the drain basket itself. Food itself can get stuck in the bottom of the P-trap and hinder waterflow. Not only will this problem be inconvenient, but it can also get smelly.

Other Common Drain Problems

Its important to know that just because your drain is draining slow, doesn’t mean that the problem is right at the surface. You should also be well informed about how your venting and sewer lines function, and what the signs are of a malfunction.

Sewer Lines

These are the main lines that will carry your household waste water and sewage away. One of the biggest things that can mess up your sewer lines is tree roots. The tree roots are attracted to all the nutrients that flow through these lines, and the roots will find any weak points, cracks or holes in your sewer lines. They will push their way into the pipes, rendering them useless. Its also important to know how old your pipelines are, because another common cause for sewer line problems is that they have begun to collapse or deteriorate. One big red flag that is indicative of a sewer line problem is if your toilet constantly clogs or flushes slowly.

Vents

Vent stacks are an important part of your plumbing because they allow air into your pipelines, reducing the vacuum effect that would restrict water flow. These stacks are in your bathroom and kitchen areas around your house. Typically, vent stacks are the pipes that are protruding through your roof. The most common reason they get clogged is by leaves, sticks and sometimes bird nests.

DIY Fixes

There are several things that you can try before calling in a professional to come and fix it for you. Just remember to clear out any standing water in your sink or tub before you try to move the blockage, as the water will get in your way.

Boiling Hot Water

This is going to be your cheapest way to try and fix your draining problem. With this method, all you have to do is boil some water on your stove, make sure that there is little to now standing water in your way, pour the hot water into your sink and wait. You may have to repeat this process, but if the clog is small enough, this should move the clog along and out of the way.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

For this method, you poor about a cup of baking soda into your drain.  Next, pour the same amount of either white or apple cider vinegar down the drain. This combination will bubble initially, then it will calm down. Once this happens, put the stopper in your drain and wait for about 15 minutes. After that time frame, run hot water to see if this cleared the clog.

 

Plunger

It is a good idea to invest in a designated sink plunger, if you can’t fix the clogs with the previous methods. You can use a sink plunger on either a single or double sink. If you have a double sink, first seal off the second side with either a wet cloth or a stopper. To properly plunge your sink, you will need fill you sink up with enough water to cover the bell of you plunger. Then all you must do is plunge it like you would a toilet. If this works, you should hear the suction clear the clog, remove your plunger and run warm water for a few minutes.

Drain Snake

This tool, also called an auger or plumber’s snake, can clear the clogs that might be stuck deeper in the system. You simply stick this down the top of your drain until you feel something stop it, which is probably the clog.  Then you twist it around until you feel the obstruction loosen. If the clog is even deeper, you will have to take apart your drainpipe and P-trap.

Conclusion

While DIY fixes save money, they do not always work out. If your DIY fails or if you just do not have the time to track down and fix the slow drain issue, we can help. Contact us today. We can help you get your drains flowing smoothly in no time!

The post Slow Drains–Causes and DIY Fixes appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

Some blockages don’t want to budge with traditional means. These drain and sewer blockages are often one of the most frustrating plumbing problems that a homeowner or business owner deals with. High pressure water jetting is the ideal method for removing blockages that cannot be removed otherwise.

Here is what you need to know about high pressure water jetting and whether if it’s right for your pipes:

What Is High Pressure Water
Jetting?

High pressure water
jetting is a technique that was developed in the 1950s and has varies ways of
being used. Some water jetting systems are automated with computers, while
others use basic components like pressurized hoses. Many industries are using
high pressure water jetting as a means of cleaning off machinery and other
procedures. It’s not just for plumbing.

High pressure water jetting uses an accelerated and pressurized stream of water to cut through solid, caked-on materials that would otherwise be tough to remove. This pressurized stream is created when water is forced to pass through a small orifice of the nozzle, where the push of water against the

This liquid can be pure water, water mixed with abrasive materials, cleaning solutions, or other added chemicals. Because of this, you might also see “pure water jetting” or “abrasive jetting” used.

When To Use High Pressure
Water Jetting

1. Surface preparation and coating removal

High pressure water
jetting helps to clean the surfaces and power through tough build-up and
blockages in a drain system. For plumbing, it doesn’t matter what type of drain
or sewer line—municipal, commercial, or residential—because the pressure and
stream can be adjusted to fit the job. Drains and pipes will usually clog when
sources of blockage, like grease, leaves, debris, hair, sand, roots, and sludge
get piled up inside the pipe line.

Naturally, this also helps with smoothing uneven surfaces and old coats of paint to help prepare for renovations.

Relevant: REPLACING OLD CAST IRON PIPING

2. Hydro-demolition

As a more environmentally-friendly and quieter alternative to jackhammers, high pressure water jetting can be used at construction sites to help with the cutting and removal of stone, concrete, brick, and other hard surfaces.

3. Preventative maintenance for sewers

Because high pressure water jetting is ideal for breaking up clogs and removing coats of sludge from pipe walls, it is also an excellent choice for yearly preventative maintenance. High pressure water jetting doesn’t require harsh or hazardous chemicals to be effective, meaning it’s an eco-friendly move and also affordable.

4. Machining

High pressure water
jetting can work like lasers when the nozzle is set just right. Doing so
results in the ability to carve shapes or, when heated to a certain point, the
ability to cut plastic, stone, bronze, brass, and even Teflon.

In short, high pressure water jetting is a budget-friendly choice for removing tightly packed blockages in your residential or commercial plumbing. Whether you have blockages created by sediment, sand, or ice, our professional team can cut through the hindrance to get your pipes and drains working optimally again.

If you’re ready to learn more about high pressure water jetting or simply
want to discuss any questions or concerns that you have with your plumbing system, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the Irish plumber team, we will be more than happy to help.

The post What You Need To Know About High Pressure Water Jetting appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

Water heaters. We use them every day without thinking about them. The next types of water heaters in our series provide cost-effective and exciting ways to heat your water and save money.

What is a Tankless Coil Water Heater?

It is a device that supplies hot water, whenever needed, without the use of a water tank. It utilizes the hot water boiler to heat water for the household plumbing. In some cases, it is a slide in option for select boilers.

How Does a Tankless Coil Water Heater work?

When the hot water faucet is turned on, cold water is flooded into the inlet side of the heat exchanger in the boiler. The heat exchanger is located near the top of the water or steam boiler and is typically made of copper pipes. The copper piping ensures the best heat transference. After this process, the water is usually too hot for household use. As such, most setups have a regulated tempering valve which releases a small amount of cold water. This allows the water to cool to a safer temperature of about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Pros of having a Tankless Coil Water Heater:

It’s easily fitted to most boilers, including steam boilers. It is far more cost-efficient in the winter months than a typical water heater. This type of water heater is much cheaper to install and maintain than basic water heaters. If something were to go wrong or break, these water heaters are easier to replace. It basically supplies limitless hot water to the household. The biggest pro is the saving on heating costs because it doesn’t lose any heat from standing heated water.

Cons of having a Tankless Coil Water Heater:

While it is cost savvy in the winter months, this isn’t a great option for people in warmer climates, or during summer months. This is due to the reduced need and frequency for hot water on demand. Also, it’s lifespan is not as long as other water heaters. The Tankless Coil Water Heater only lasts about 10 years if properly maintained. Unfortunately, the Tankless Water Heater is not compatible with a furnace. Something else to consider is the quality of water running to your household. If the household is on hard water supply, the Tankless Coil Water Heater will require a water softener to run smoothly and efficiently.

What is an Indirect Water heater?

The Indirect Water Heater is a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat water. It is a little tank-like device that holds a coiled heat exchanger. The Indirect Water Heater relies on the boiler to heat the household water, as it does not produce its own heat.

How does an Indirect Water Heater work?

A closed-loop water pipe connects the Indirect Water Heater to the boiler, where the boiler supplies heated water to it. This boiler water never mixes with the water in the Indirect Water Heater. The water circulates through the heat exchanging coils, heating the water in the tank that is for the household use. The Indirect Water heater is basically a conduit. The household water flows through the water heater to be heated and pushed up to the household appliances. The Indirect Water Heater pays for itself as it saves on heating costs, and allows the furnace to turn off and on less often.

Pros and Cons of having an Indirect Water Heater.

The Indirect Water Heater is very similar to the Tankless Coil Water heater. They both are great money savers, both better for winter months/cooler climates. The main difference between them is that a Tankless Coil Water Heater cannot use a furnace in its functions, whereas the Indirect Water Heater is furnace compatible.

If you are in the market for a new water heating system and are looking to save some money then give us a call today! We are ready to help you with your next home improvement project.

The post Water Heaters: Tankless Coil & Indirect appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

Do you call a licensed plumber or DIY it? Despite the claims of popular DIY shows, not to mention YouTube videos, there are just some plumbing issues you cannot DIY. The key for the average homeowner is knowing their own limits. What might be a simple fix for a professional could run into two or three times the trouble and cost with a DIY-gone-bad.

That said, Knoxville Plumbing has put together a short list of plumbing issues that can usually be a successful DIY project along with ones that should be handled by a licensed plumber.

DIY

The most successful DIY projects will only require a minimal number of tools and will be in easy-to-access areas. They may require a trip to the hardware store, but should not take too much time out of your day.

Leaky faucets

Faucets leak from either the handles or the spout. To DIY repair the leak you have to determine where it originates. After you figure out where the leak is, turn off your water supply to the faucet. Next,  disassemble that part of the faucet, using appropriate tools. You may need to replace O rings, washers, cartridges, or an aerator. Taking the worn or damaged part with you to the hardware store will help you to figure out exactly which replacement you need.

 

Clogs

Most clogs respond well to DIY treatments. Try pouring boiling water down the clogged pipe, as long as it is not PVC. Other common and successful DIY tricks are plunging, baking soda and vinegar, or a small drain snake. You can also remove the P trap under the sink to try to find the clog. If the clog persists, or you do not want to start pulling your pipes apart, your best bet is to call a licensed plumber to get deeper into the problem.

 

Toilet “running” or “phantom flush”

If your toilet continues to run after the tank is full, it is usually an easy fix. These problems occur when there is a problem with the fill tube, the water level float, the flush handle/flapper chain, or the flapper itself. You will have to drain the tank and bowl to perform some of these repairs, so if it looks more troublesome than you have time for, just give us a call.

 

When to call a licensed plumber

We recommend every homeowner have basic plumbing tools, including a heavy pipe wrench, a water meter key,  an adjustable wrench, and a toilet auger. These jobs, however, can lead to much more complex problems and require specialized equipment and experience to correctly diagnose and repair. We recommend calling a licensed plumber for these kinds of jobs.

Pipes

Anytime you have to take pipes apart, you should have a licensed plumber doing the work. They will be able to assess multiple factors including the age of your pipes and the exact needs for your pipes when it comes to putting everything back together again.

Sump pumps

The sump pit, usually in the basement,  collects water that drains into the house from groundwater or perimeter drains. Once water has accumulated in the pit, the pump pushes the water away from the house. Your sump pump is an easy to forget — an out-of-sight, out-of-mind appliance. You do not want to forget or ignore it. The potential for serious problems if it is not working properly makes this type of installation, maintenance, and repair best for a licensed plumber rather than DIY. You do not want to deal with a broken or improperly installed sump pump.

Mainline backups

Gurgling sounds and water backing up in your drains, toilet, or bathtub indicate a major problem. Mainline backups require specialized equipment including a camera attached to a line to accurately assess the damage and plan repairs. The repairs often entail using digging equipment to access the damaged pipes. You definitely want a licensed plumber dealing with the wastewater rather than exposing yourself to this hazardous waste.

A failed DIY

If you get started with a DIY that turns into a nightmare, that is where we come in! Knoxville Plumbing has expert licensed plumbers standing by to help with any of your plumbing concerns. Here are a few of the most common DIY plumbing fails, according to Family Handyman. You can read details about each of these fails on Family Handyman.

 

10 Most Common DIY Plumbing Fails

1. Overtightening connections
2. Wrapping Thread Tape Backward or Using the Wrong Tape
3. Using Drain Cleaners as a First Choice
4. Tackling a Plumbing Job Without Spare Parts
5. Not Turning Off the Water
6. Using Too Much Muscle On a Stuck Shut Off Valve
7. Sweating Copper Pipes With Water in the Line
8. Not Having the Right Tools
9. Mixing up Wyes, Tees, and Elbows
10. Installing a Saddle Valve for an Ice Maker or Humidifier

Conclusion

DIY projects are a great option for many homeowners in the right circumstances. We appreciate the need to save money and the sense of satisfaction that comes from a job well done. But, if your DIY project gets out of control or if the plumbing problem is beyond your expertise, Knoxville Plumbing can help. Give us a call today!

The post Licensed Plumber vs. DIY appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.