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So you’ve taken a peek into the world of whole-house water filters, but you’re wondering… can I even benefit from this?

Let’s say you have an older home that has nothing PVC pipe and you don’t know if this system is usable in your home.

The answer is yes. You can still have a whole-house water filtration system despite having a home full of PVC pipe. We know that PVC pipes are chosen because they’re inexpensive and durable, but they do have their limitations. While a PVC pipe can’t be used with hot water applications, it can be used with a water filter. Contact us if you’d like to learn more. We specialize in water filtration system installation in Orlando, FL.

The Benefits of a Whole-House Water Filter

Are you wondering why you want a whole-house water filter? Here are a few reasons why you should consider installing one:

Safe Drinking Water

You want safe drinking water more than anything else. The worst thing that could possibly happen to your home is risking the health and safety of you and your family members. Installing a water filter will help cleanse the water provided throughout your entire home. This means you won’t have to worry about the quality of your home’s drinking water. This brings you peace of mind as well as the ability to save money–no more plastic water bottle store runs!

Cost Savings

Having a clean water system is going to help you save money on your plumbing services. Are you wondering how? It’s because clean and clear pipes flow better and bring you water faster than a clogged up plumbing system. This is why it’s a great idea to install a water softener. It’s going to help you save money while you’re improving your home.

Environmental Help

The world is changing every single day and we’re sure that you want to do your part. Living in Orlando means that you probably witness the environmental impact on our environment firsthand. If you want to do your part to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, then I think it’s a great idea to start with this type of water filtration system.

Soothed Skin and Hair

Have you noticed that your skin and hair feel a little dryer than normal lately? It’s because of things like poor water quality. If you’d like to improve the water quality in your home, then the best place to start is with a water filter. Water filters remove the sediments in hard water that causes these problems.

Improved Water Quality

We spoke about safe drinking water above, but it’s also important that you have high water quality for your home too. A home with poor water quality is going to see a lot more trouble over time. This is going to include the build-up of limescale in your pipes, hard water, and slow-moving plumbing as well. Improved water quality helps your home’s plumbing run more effectively and provides great peace of mind.

Looking to clean up the water in your home?  We’re here to perform the work that you need.

Contact Modern Plumbing, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our team.

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

Many homeowners are in an awkward spot right now. Winter is going to be over soon, and we’ve had a pretty tumultuous heating season. We’ve been spending more time at home as well, which means you’re probably starting to notice the weird quirks of your heating system. If you’ve been looking for some professional advice as to how you can better treat your heating system before it gets repaired this season, then we can help.

Maintenance and repairs for heating in Wayne, NJ are going to be the most important thing you can do for your system. Though, if nothing is wrong and you’re just looking for an extra boost, we can help. We’ve listed four general tips for heaters in our area that could help you maximize the comfort levels and minimize the bills.

Let’s see if our advice can help you squeeze a little extra out of your heating system.

1: Don’t Forget the Air Filter

Your heater comes with an air filter that’s invaluable to the functionality and efficiency of the system. While it helps your air quality, it’s not entirely designed for your own personal comfort. It’s actually designed to help filter contaminants out of the air that heads into your heating system, so your unit doesn’t constantly get bombarded by dust, debris, pet dander, pollen, and anything else. In fact, those interior components of your heater are so sensitive that they would start breaking down at a rapid pace without the help of your air filter. If you don’t replace this filter every one to three months at least, your system will struggle to take in air and it will run inefficiently.

2. Check and Compare Your Bills

Do you have a neighbor that you keep in touch with? Perhaps you have happy hour zoom calls to pass the time during this pandemic. A good topic to bring up, if you’re looking to invest in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heater, is monthly heating bill. Since you’re both in the same area and pay relatively similar prices for natural gas or electricity, it’s beneficial to compare the prices that you both pay. Are you paying for way more energy or fuel than your neighbor? Then that’s a pretty clear sign you’re suffering from an inefficient heating system.

3. Maintenance Is Always Worth It

Did you skip maintenance this year? Or perhaps you didn’t know that maintenance was a thing? Well, it is, and it’s going to give your heater the extra boost it needs to stay in tip-top shape. Call our team today to see what benefits our maintenance plan provides, and get your heater up to snuff.

4. Stay Vigilant

This might seem like a vague point, but we worded it like that on purpose. There are many sounds, smells, and other alarming clues your heater could give off when it starts struggling. It would take a hundred blog posts for us to list all the little things that could go wrong with your heating system, so the best advice we could give homeowners is to stay vigilant. Keep an ear out for noises, pay attention to bad odors, and call our team if you’re confused about anything.

MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. has your back. Give us a call today!

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

Shower heads are one of those appliances that people tend to overlook and approach as an afterthought.

But when it comes time to complete a home improvement project in your bathroom, the shower often comes up as a good place to start the upgrade. After all, with so many shower head types to choose from, the process of finding the best type to fit your preferences can be tricky.

That’s why it’s important to take the time to make the right decision. 

Why Choosing the Right Shower Head Matters

Those standard spigots you saw decades ago seem like a relic of the past when you look at all the different options available today. But before you start shopping, you need to understand the impact shower head types might have on your lifestyle and your wallet. 

First of all, you want to make sure you get the shower experience you want. For example, you might prefer a handheld head because you want a convenient option for washing your children, bathing your dogs, and cleaning the tub.

Or perhaps you want a head that saves you big on your water bill. For those who like the finer things in life, massage and other spray patterns are available with certain types of shower heads. 

Another aspect most people tend to overlook is how your shower head affects your health. An unfortunate truth often ignored is the fact that shower heads are a perfect environment for pathogenic bacteria and harmful microbes.

Of course, risk of infection is small to nonexistent, but frequent exposure to contaminated water cascading onto your face and body is something you can easily avoid. Make sure you plan for how you will clean your shower head. 

Additionally, you also need to consider the cost. Think beyond the price tag of the shower head itself — look at the impact it will have on your water bill. Some outdated shower heads drain your wallet (pun intended) by using up to 10 gallons of water per minute when it’s fully opened. Fortunately, newer shower heads can save you big by using about two or three gallons per minute, thanks to their design. 

Ultimately, the total cost of ownership of your shower head comes down to the levels of water pressure it uses. 

Low Pressure Shower Heads vs. High Pressure Shower Heads: The Pros and Cons 

This topic is likely your primary concern when you’re shopping for the best shower head for your home. Ultimately, your decision comes down to what you want to prioritize — the overall shower experience or your water bill.

Pros and Cons of Low Pressure Shower Heads

A 2016 study found that showers are the second largest source of indoor water use, accounting for about 19 percent of total use per capita per day. It’s no wonder that people turn to low flow shower heads to cut back on their water bills. 

The major advantage of using lower pressure shower heads is obvious: Since the head allows smaller amounts of water to flow through it as compared to other heads, the restricted flow ultimately reduces your water use. 

The pros are pretty clear. Low pressure shower heads help with the following:

• Managing water waste and cutting back on your total water bill. 
• Reducing your electric bill by using less electricity to warm less water being used. 
• Decreasing the amount of emissions by saving on energy use. 

There are some downsides as well. These include the following:

• You will experience a time lag, meaning when you adjust the temperature, it takes longer for that change to come through the head. 
• Your water will be cooler because low flow heads combine water droplets flowing out with the air, making the water cool quickly, as compared to traditional shower heads. 

Simply put, a low pressure shower head can cut costs and provide an environmental benefit, but the experience can be frustrating, especially if you prefer consistent, strong water flows after dealing with poor water pressure in the past. 

Pros and Cons of High Pressure Shower Heads

These types of shower heads are useful for increasing water pressure if you find your current head ineffective. Many people prefer a shower experience that delivers high levels of water pressure, especially if they opt for high end heads that include a massage setting. 

The advantages of using high pressure shower heads are as follows:

• You get a better experience if you prefer a strong water flow. 
• You’re able to improve temperature control, reducing the lag between turning the knob and actually feeling the water get hotter or colder.
• You typically get more options for spray patterns, like a gentle mist, powerful stream, or a pulsating massage. 

However, the cons of using these heads mostly boil down to cost.

• You might see an increase in your water bill as you use more water. 
• In turn, your electric bill can increase too as you use more energy to heat your water. 

Now that you know the pros and cons of using different levels of water pressure with your shower heads, you’re ready to explore your options. 

The Types of Low and High Pressure Shower Heads 

Picking the right shower head with the best water pressure comes down to your personal preference. Here are the most common types of shower heads.

Handheld Shower Head

These kinds are attached to the shower elbow through a hose. The head itself can detach from the holder, so the user can extend it off of the wall. Handheld shower heads are especially helpful for cleaning your shower enclosure and bathing your kids and pets. 

Some of these come with a lot of extra features, like various spray patterns and massage jets. And many hand held heads can be mounted to sliding bars, making it easy to adjust it to various heights. 

Dual Shower Head

Can’t decide between a hand held option or a fixed type? Want the best of both worlds? The dual shower head is your perfect choice. 

Typically, these systems offer both a hand held head and a fixed head that is stationary. Dual shower heads include a diverter valve to effectively control water flow. A two way diverter valve will switch flow between the two heads, and a three way diverter valve allows you to choose which individual head to use at one time or to use both heads simultaneously. 

Single Spray Shower Head

This type is self-explanatory. It’s a fixed shower head that provides one spray setting, often referred to as a full body spray.

A single spray shower head is the best option for you if you want simplicity. 

LED Shower Head

These share the same functionality as the rest of these shower heads. The only difference is that they use LED lights to color the water, which can be relaxing and uplight your mood. 

Most LED shower heads come with a variety of color options, but some are single color or offer a random color sequence. Another cool feature — some models use water temperature to adjust the color of the lights. 

Rain Shower Head 

With this option, you get wide coverage, thanks to the extended width of the head itself. Most rain shower heads are at least six inches wide, making you feel like you’re underneath a rain cloud. 

These are mounted on the wall, but some can be installed in the ceiling of the shower enclosure. The water flow is evenly distributed, resulting in a lower pressure with a wide coverage. These are best if you have plenty of water pressure in your home so the head can effectively distribute flow evenly. 

When you know your preference for water pressure, finding the best type of shower head is simple. Keep in mind that shower head installation is often simple, but you need to make sure that it’s done correctly.

If your recent DIY home projects have not gone well, it might be worth hiring a professional. This way, you avoid common installation mistakes, which can lead to costly repairs and fixes. 

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

Winter temps in the Mid-Atlantic yo-yo between freezing conditions and mild days. But a burst pipe in winter is no child’s play. Here’s what to do when you discover a burst pipe in your home.

1. Turn off the main water valve.

The quickest way to stop the water damage from a burst pipe is to stop the source of the water. The main value is often found in the basement or under the kitchen sink.

2. Drain the pipes.

It’s important to get the remaining water out of the pipes by flushing each toilet and running the cold-water side of the faucets dry.

3. Turn off the hot water heater.

After the system is shut down, go back and bleed the hot water from all the faucets in the home.

4. Turn off your home’s electricity.

Depending on where the leak occurred, water may have come in contact with electrical outlets or even your fuse box.

5. Find which pipe burst.

Large breaks might be obvious, while smaller broken pipes can be more difficult to locate. Looks for bulging ceilings, pooling water on the floor or water under the sink. If you have found the source of the leak right away and water is still leaking, try containing it with a large bucket.

6. Assess the size of the break and call a professional plumber.

Some burst pipes result in small cracks that can be repaired using commercial tape of a chemical bonding agent. But homeowners should be careful because a burst pipe inadequately repaired can cause even more damage. It is recommended to hire a professional to take care of repairing or replacing burst pipes.

7. Document damage.

Water can be one of the most destructive forces to a home. As soon as you can, take pictures of the damage and use it in filing an insurance claim.

8. Clean up the water damage to avoid mold growth.

Depending on the size of the leak, you may need to hire a professional cleanup service who will use commercial wet-dry vacs and heavy-duty fans to dry saturated carpets and drywall.

Preventing pipes from freezing by adding insulation to unheated areas, weatherizing outdoor hoses, hose bibs and sprinkler systems are great steps to take to prevent water from expanding inside pipes and causing cracks or breaks. If you need a professional plumber in an emergency, you can count on Len the Plumber for same day service, 7 days a week.

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

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

“Do I need to have a water treatment system installed for my house?” It’s a question you may have asked yourself, as many other homeowners have. The tricky part about answering the question is there is no such thing as a “universal water treatment system” that removes all possible contaminants from the freshwater sent to a house. Some water treatment systems are more broad in scope than others, but it’s important to know what’s actually in your water so experts like our team will know the best way to treat it.

To find out what’s in your water requires scheduling water testing with us. Below we’ve listed the most common types of contaminants that we may find based on these tests:

Hard water minerals

One of the main concerns we look for in household water is hardness level. This is a measure of the amount of hard water minerals suspended in the water. These minerals include magnesium, gypsum, and a range of calcites. Although not harmful to drink, they can inflict damage to plumbing and appliances and make it difficult to wash and keep clean. A water softener in Glendale, AZ is the best way to counteract hard water.

Heavy metals

No, we don’t mean the rock music style. These are metals with an atomic number greater than 20 that can enter the water supply through the soil. They include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and mercury. Your eyes probably widened a bit when you saw lead, because this is one of the major worries with municipal water supplies and is particularly harmful for children to drink. The toxicity of the different heavy metals ranges, but it’s best to have as few as possible of any of them, and there are different water filters and purifiers (such as the reverse osmosis system) that can eliminate them.

Hydrogen sulfide

Have you ever noticed an unpleasant “rotten egg” smell coming from your household water? Not a nice thing to have in your home. This is the smell of hydrogen sulfide, one of several sulfides that can get into the water supply. It isn’t harmful, but it’s definitely something you want to get rid of.

Biological contaminants

This group includes all types of microbes and microbiological contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. These can lead directly to serious illnesses, as well as nuisances such as bad taste and odors from the water. There are a number of water treatment systems that deal directly with these biological hazards.

Chemicals

Many types of chemicals in the soil can end up seeping down into the freshwater system, and some can even originate in water treatment plants. Among the chemicals found in freshwater are chlorine (a byproduct of chemical treatments), chloramines, bleach, pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic pharmaceuticals. 

Sediment

This is good, old-fashioned dirt. It may not be the most sinister-sounding item on this list, but you certainly don’t want it in your water. 

We have the tools to provide your family with fresh, safe, and good-tasting water. Make an appointment for water testing today to get started.

Trust to The Trusted Plumber in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

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

Every house in a developed country, no matter where they are or the size, is going to have basic plumbing. The plumbing may seem like the most complex part of a house, but if you understand how the plumbing system works, you will realize how straightforward plumbing can be. Besides, understanding a basic plumbing system will help you in the future when you need to describe an issue to a professional plumber. 

 

Relevant: Beginner’s Guide to Plumbing Codes

So, let’s not waste any time. Here is the gist of how your home plumbing system works: 

 

The Main Parts

When you look at a diagram of a typical plumbing setup, you will see that there are only two sections: the half of the system that brings water in (known as the water supply), and the other part of the plumbing system that expels waste water from your home (known as the drain-waste system). That’s it. 

 

Of course, it can be a bit more complicated in design than a simple in-and-out. We will explain both parts of the plumbing system in more detail. 

 

The Water Supply System

As the name suggests, the water supply is the intake of water into the household. Water circulates from the main valve. Depending on the source of the water—city or well—the main valve switch is either located in front of the house, buried under the street, or somewhere close by. The water supply is pressurized so that it can reach every section of your house, no matter how many floors it must ascend. 

 

Those with city-sourced water have a main pipe, a large line that runs parallel to the street. For those with wells, there will be a pump in your home that pressurizes the water when needed. 

 

Beside the water meter (or somewhere close), there is a shutoff valve for the whole system in your house. In the event that you have a burst pipe or some other issue, you can use the shutoff valve to shut down the system and prevent more water for entering the pipelines. 

 

Another section of the water supply system is the line that leads to the water heater. Some houses, apartments, and condos (typically newer construction) use something called a tankless water heater, since they are much more energy efficient. However, both a traditional tank heat and tankless heater need that supply line. 

 

The main concern with the water supply system is cleaning and having sufficient pressure to reach every water fixture. You need the water supply system to function properly. Otherwise, you might have an issue with taking a shower or flushing a toilet. 

 

The Drain-Waste System 

Once you have used water, it goes down a drain. At this point, the water is no longer considered fresh. Now, it is waste, and it must be redirected away from your home. Gravity takes over now. 

 

You will see that drain-waste pipes are angled down to let gravity do its job. Because of this, the drain-waste system is much more complicated than the water supply system. There are added features, such as traps, vents, and other additions to make the drain-waste pipes much more effective. For example, there is something called the P-trap, which captures solid items that fell down drains. There are also switchbacks and vents that stop noxious sewage fumes from rising back into your home. 

 

You might also note the vent atop your roof. That, too, is part of the drain-waste system. 

 

Drain-waste piping is much wider than water supply pipes. That is because the drain-waste system is carrying more than water through the lines. Larger pipes prevent blockages from forming. 

 

Cold vs. Hot Water Supply

Now, where does the hot water from your shower come from? The water that flows into your household is usually cold. Whenever a sink is turned on or someone is taking a shower, cold water rushes into the supply line, using a centralized line that moves between the floors of your home. If you need hot water, the cold water is fed into the hot water heater—or a reserve is drawn—and is shuttled up short, straight piping. 

 

The reason hot water only travels through short pipe connections is because of heat transference and loss. If it used the same routes as cold water, you would have to wait twice as long for warm water. 

 

Identifying Issues Within Your Home’s Plumbing System

There will come a time when the water in your home doesn’t flow properly. This is typically caused by a blocked pipe or similar issue. In that case, you should consider discussing the issue with a professional plumber, since they will have the correct tools. However, depending on where the problem is occurring and when, you may be able to identify the issue more quickly. 

 

Here are some common problems to consider: 

 

• Cracks in the foundation
• Sewage blockage
• Septic waste in the yard
• Insect and rodent problems 
• Mold 
• Slow or gurgling drains

 

Wrapping Up

You should now know that there are two main parts to every plumbing system: the water supply and the drain-waste system. Understanding the functions of these two systems, as well as the common issues involved, can help you describe problems more accurately to the plumber. You should also be able to take better care of your plumbing system now that you see how everything operates. 

 

The post How Your Home Plumbing System Works appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

Ceiling leaks are a plumbing issue that can be detected by blistered or peeling paint, dripping water, and discoloration on your ceiling. 

A ceiling leak is a sign that there is another problem with your home plumbing system or roof.

If you notice your ceiling has these problems, you’ll need to track down the source of the problem before you can proceed to fix the problem yourself or call a plumber to fix it for you.

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No matter the time of year, you use a lot of water, right? In the summertime, you’re probably using it to run the sprinklers and in the fall and winter nice, hot showers. Chances are, you’d rather not waste any of that water—after all, you’re paying to use it right?

Fortunately, our team is here to help! We’ve provided some helpful tips below on how you can successfully conserve water in your household. As a result, you’ll wind up saving money, too.

How to Save Water

Water is a precious resource in our homes, and you want none of yours to go to waste, right? Read on for some ideas on how to use your water most efficiently.

Keep Your Showers Under 10 Minutes Long

Look, we get it! This is the time of year that relaxing hot showers feel like everything. But the fact is, this is one of the most common ways to waste water. This is particularly true because many homeowners turn the water on for a few minutes before even getting in, to let it reach the high temperature they’re aiming for.

Get Leaks Repaired Immediately

Have you noticed that there is a dripping faucet somewhere in your home? Perhaps a toilet keeps running after you flush it. Whether you have a plumbing appliance that sprung a leak or a pipe rupture, the sooner you call our professional plumbers to fix it, the sooner you can start conserving water again.

Make the Switch to Water-Saving Appliances

Are you looking to upgrade your home and make it more efficient? For many homeowners, this means upgrading their lighting to LED, investing in solar electricity, and getting energy-start heating and cooling systems. But what about your plumbing?

You might be surprised to find that upgrading to a low-flow toilet, low-flow faucets, and low-flow showerheads can save you gallons of water each month.

Turn the Faucet Off While Brushing Your Teeth

This might not seem like a huge deal, but leaving the faucet on and water running while you’re brushing your teeth actually wastes a pretty large amount of water. Make sure to turn off the tap until the time comes to rinse!

Get Your Pipes Cleaned

Whether it’s a buildup of hair, limescale, soap scum or the like, materials that stick to the sides of your pipes can harden up. When they do this, they decrease water flow and pressure within the pipe, leading to leaks and corrosion. It’s also a very frustrating problem to have when the water pressure drops.

And no, store-bought chemical drain cleaners are not the answer. In fact, these have very caustic chemicals in them that will eat away at the lining of your pipes, and then eventually lead to plumbing damage. For thorough drain cleaning that makes a difference, you’ll want to get in touch with our professionals. We will conduct a video pipe inspection to find the exact location of your clog and/or leak, and then adequately address your plumbing from there.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. is your trusted resource for professional plumbing service in Orlando, FL and beyond! Contact us today. 

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

This is just one of those years where nothing feels like it’s been going right. We’re not just talking about the state of the world, but we’re talking about your heating system. Your furnace has chugged along happily for years until this year it seemed like it just wouldn’t cooperate. It was making noises, it was struggling to heat your home to the temperatures you specified on your thermostat, and your bills have been steadily going up. Is it finally time to call it quits and invest in a new system? Or perhaps you just need targeted repairs?

We’re here to help you make the most informed decision when it comes to the future of your heating system, your home comfort, and your budget. Let’s talk about whether or not you need furnace repair in Montclair, or if it might be time to replace the system. We’ve got you covered!

Let’s Take a Look

We’re about to lay a lot of information on you, but not all of it will be relevant to you and your furnace. We’re approaching this with a “different strokes for different folks” mentality, and know that every furnace is going to have a different problem depending on many factors. That’s okay! We want you to look and see if any of these problems apply to you, your home, and your heater. Depending on how many of the following points you’re dealing with, you could need replacement services instead of repair services. So, let’s jump right in.

• Age. Age plays a huge roll in whether or not you need to repair or replace your furnace system. If your heater is getting up there in age, like 10-15 years old, then your most cost-effective move is going to be replacing it, regardless of what else is going wrong.
• Frequent repairs. This is a good sign that your heater is starting to wear down. Parts aren’t built to last forever, and especially in a furnace, this can become a safety concern over time. If you’re constantly calling for help, and shelling out more and more money for repairs, then consider replacement.
• Inefficiency. If your heater is only a couple years old and the bills are starting to rack up, consider maintenance services or call us for targeted repairs. That being said, as a system gets older it begins to lose efficiency. You need to decide for yourself, in addition to the other points on this list, if it’s time to finally replace it with a system that has better efficiency levels.
• Comfort levels. What’s the point of having a furnace system if it’s not heating your home to the levels you wish it were? Take note of every time you encounter a cold spot, or every time you wish it were warmer in your home but your furnace just can’t quite get there.

It All Adds Up…

Not everything we mentioned signals that you should definitely replace your furnace. However, if you’re encountering multiple things from this list, then there’s a good chance your system needs more than just a simple repair. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but our team is always available to help you make the right decision.

Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for the furnace repair or replacement you need.

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