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A Guide to MERV Ratings: What is MERV and How Does It Work

Indoor air quality is something that many of us take for granted but is a critical component of your home’s overall cleanliness. Maintaining indoor air free of dust, dander and other particles helps with allergies and respiratory issues, and leads to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Your home’s heating and cooling system plays a major role in this goal. Your experienced HVAC provider may talk with you about your system’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and its importance in regard to your indoor air quality. There is a wide difference in MERV ratings, so it is key to do research before making a final decision with your air filters.

What is a MERV rating?

An Easy Guide to MERV RatingsMERV measures the filtration capability of air filters. The range of MERV ratings is from 1 to 20, which compares the performance of different filters. The rating was developed by members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Check the package before you purchase a filter to see the rating.

What is the best MERV rating for furnace filters?

While the “best” on the MERV scale is 20, meaning that filters of that rating catch the smallest particles, that doesn’t mean that it’s the best for your home. Each heating and cooling system is different. Depending on what particles you wish to remove from your home may help determine the recommended MERV rating. For furnace filters in residential systems, filters with a MERV rating above 16 are rarely even available. Most residential air filters fall between 1 and 13. Hospitals use filters with MERV ratings of 16 and above to help create as clean an indoor environment as possible. Also, your specific furnace will have its own specifications.

What is the difference in MERV ratings?

The quality and number of particles that move through a filter are indicated by (MERV filter ratings. Explained) simply, the higher the MERV number, the smaller the particles that can get captured and the larger total percentage of particles that get captured.

Here’s a guide to how MERV ratings work:

  • 1 to 4: Less than 20 percent of big particles (3 to 10 microns) are captured
  • 5 to 7: Between 20 to 70 percent of big particles are captured
  • 8 to 10: About 85 percent of big particles and 50 percent of medium-sized particles (1.0 to 3.0 microns) are captured
  • 11 to 16: More than 90 percent of large particles and between 70 to 90 percent of medium-sized particles are captured
  • 17 to 20: Even small particles (less than 0.3 microns) are captured

What are some things that air filters capture?

There are thousands of particles that attempt to enter your airstream daily. Filters help collect these and keep them out of your home. This includes dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, dust mites and pet dander. Higher-rated filters can even snag things like smoke, cooking oil and smog.

Does a higher MERV rating restrict airflow?

It can, but only under certain circumstances. Older heating and cooling systems may not be able to handle filters with higher MERV ratings. If you go a long time between changing your high-rated filter, this can also lead to particle buildup and restricted airflow.

What is the best MERV rating for airflow?

This will depend on your current HVAC system. Reach out to your local, knowledgeable HVAC provider and have them take a look at your system. An older unit may only be able handle filters with MERV ratings from 1 to 3, for example. In this case, you may want to discuss with your HVAC provider about an upgrade to your unit. In newer units, filters with MERV ratings of 13 or higher will give you good airflow and catch particles, but need to be changed at a quicker rate – once every couple of months – or else they will become clogged and reduce airflow.

Keeping your home clean, comfortable and energy efficient requires your HVAC system working at its best, and one big element of that is the filters involved. The thought of, “What MERV rating filter should I buy?” probably never crossed your mind, but it is an important element of maintaining good indoor air quality.

While several factors – including the age of the HVAC system, health concerns of your family, whether you have pets – can make a difference, making sure you’re aware of MERV ratings and how it can affect your system will help you select the right filter for your home. In addition to keeping your family healthy and happy, it can also help reduce the cost of your energy bill!

The post A Guide to MERV Ratings: What is MERV and How Does It Work appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Let’s Get Serious About Your Water Treatment Systems

What’s the most important thing in your home here in Florida? We’re not talking about your prized possessions, your furry friends, or even your loved ones—we’re speaking very practically here. What’s one thing that you would struggle to go a week or even a day without? Your water!

If you don’t have high quality, clean water in your home then it’s a problem. You’re going to need a water treatment system in Orlando, FL. We know that it can be a little difficult to pinpoint what you need from the homeowner’s perspective. We get it. You might know that something is wrong, but you don’t know the source of the issue. Make sure that you’re yielding to professionals when you need great work.

Do You Need a Water Treatment System?

Are you wondering if you even need a water treatment system for your home? Water treatment systems aren’t something that seems that common in homes. It’s not something that you’re often discussing with friends over a cocktail. We know that it’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s more than necessary if you want a healthy home and a healthy body.

If you’re experiencing any of the following things, then it’s definitely time for you to consider a water treatment system:

  • Your water has a nasty, oily film on top
  • Your water is gritty (ex. A sandy texture in your mouth whenever you have a glass that sourced from one of your taps)
  • You’re having digestive problems out of nowhere with no clear cause
  • Your water is discolored
  • Your water is cloudy
  • Your water is staining your clothes or other items
  • Your water smells bad
  • Your water is damaging your plumbing system
  • Your water makes your hair, skin, and nails feel dry and brittle

We know it’s easy to sidestep water problems, but we really want you to attempt to address it head-on. We’re here to help.

Your Water Treatment System Options

Here are a few options that you’ve got when you notice that your water is of poor quality.

Water Testing

If you want great water treatment services then this is the first step. You need to test your water to see exactly what’s contaminating it. This isn’t a science project that we want you to take on by yourself. Instead, call our professionals up so we can give you great work.

Water Filters

Water filters are exactly what they sound like. They’re placed within your plumbing system and they filter out all the contaminants and leave room for clean, high-quality water.

Water Softeners

If you’re battling against hard water then a water softener is what you need to make your home balanced again.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

If you have hard water then a reverse osmosis system is what you can use to get rid of the minerals. If you can’t opt for a water softener because of the sodium that it puts into your water, then a reverse osmosis system is another great option.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Proudly Serving Central Florida Since 1975.

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

It’s Time to Go Pro with MarGo

What does it mean to go pro? Is hiring a professional for all your HVAC needs too expensive? Well, we’d absolutely say no to that. Professional HVAC service is the first line of defense against pretty much all problems that your comfort system will run into. The price might be higher than the amateur who lives down the street, but it’s worth every penny.

Today, we’re going to talk about HVAC in Cedar Grove, NJ—more specifically about how professional HVAC service makes a huge difference. When you sign up with a team that’s licensed, well-trained, and well-equipped for the job on hand, your results will always be better.

Don’t gamble with the health and longevity of your air conditioner. Schedule professional service with our team today to experience a new level of service and comfort.

The “Pros” of Professional Service

Professional service is important for a variety of reasons, which we’ll get into. If you could take one thing away from this blog post, it’s that your air conditioner or other HVAC system is just going to be in better hands when you work with a team that’s more experienced. Don’t be enticed by cheap prices, price is not everything in this equation.

Proper Licenses and Certifications

Do you know what can happen when an amateur opens your air conditioner up to perform repairs? You could get smacked in the face with a huge repair bill down the line and a voided warranty by the manufacturer. That’s bad news for your budget and your mood.

Licensed and certified HVAC professionals are the only ones you should be letting open your system up and provide repairs. There’s no need to worry about a botched repair job or voided warranty. You’re in good hands when you make this kind of call.

24/7 Emergency Service

Amateurs are free when they want to be free. HVAC professionals are free when you need them to be free. This is a big difference. Our team offers 24/7 emergency services for this exact reason. Air conditioner repair needs don’t always come up at convenient times. In fact, more often than not they happen at the most inconvenient moments. That’s why our team is always available to take a call and come help you out. Professional service means a higher standard for customer service, which is exactly what you should grow to expect.

Experience

Sometimes homeowners can be tricked into amateur service by charisma and cheap prices. However, what you’ll end up with is someone who has never dealt with the specific repair you need. This can be a disaster, both for your HVAC system and your wallet.

When you sign up with a team of professionals, you’re getting their experience as well as their technology and expertise. When it comes to repair needs or installations, a more experienced technician is always better. Our team might be small but we’ve got trustworthy technicians with years of experience that have dealt with every HVAC repair you can think of. Don’t hesitate to call on the best in the business.

Ready to upgrade to professional service? Call the team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

 

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

7 Simple Ways to Find an Honest Plumber Near You

Most plumbers appear honest when you first encounter them. 

But eventually, they show their true colors. How can you avoid this scenario?

In this article, I want to show you effective ways on how you can find an honest plumber.

You may have heard or read of how difficult it’s to get a reliable, trusted, and honest plumber. But I’m going to make it easier in this article.

According to ResearchGate, “Homeowners have an important stake in finding the right plumber and plumbing system for their households.”

Getting the right plumber to handle your plumbing needs can go a long way in helping you fix common issues on time, at the right price.

Whether you’re looking for a plumber to handle a private job or commercial apartment, as long as the serviceman is honest, you’ll get the right quote, and be assured of a great job.

These are 7 effective ways, which I have used to get an honest plumber in my area.

Let’s get started.

 

  1. Get Referrals

This is one of the easiest ways you can get an ideal plumber that will not cheat you. Especially when it comes from your friends or any other person you trust.

Someone you trust can recommend a plumber they have hired to fix their plumbing issue in the past.

It may be a plumber they’re acquainted with over the years, whom they trust.

If you belong to any social media group, for example, Facebook, then you can ask members to refer or recommend a trusted plumber. 

Most times, open-ended questions like this on a social platform get a fast response. Ensure you state your location.

Referrals can also come from Tradesmen, Electricians, and Bricklayers you may know and trust.

An electrician, for example, may know an honest plumbing expert in your area, whom they can recommend. You can even get a discount if they have such an arrangement.

 

  1. Look Out For a Qualified And Licensed Plumber

Now that a plumber has been referred to you, it’s your responsibility to find out if they are licensed and qualified to do the job.

It’s advisable to get a plumber that keeps a statewide directory, which you can easily search to confirm their information.

Look Out For a Qualified And Licensed Plumber

This search will help you to determine if the plumber holds a current and valid plumber license.

 

Because every state’s licensed plumber has their license database with the state. The service is mostly free. So take advantage of the service to find out if the plumber is licensed or not.

You can also get this information from the National Contractor License Service. This body also has a database of licensed plumbers.

Instead of basing your fact on the plumber’s credentials, spend a few minutes of your time to browse the statewide directory.

Because going to the internet to verify and confirm the authenticity of their license will save you time and money.

Don’t work with someone that has no valid operating license. Check out their business license from the state directory.

The state business license will give you detailed information about the plumber. This helps you determine if they are qualified to do the plumbing work or not.

For example, if you contact a new contractor in the business, you need detailed information from the state business license on their professionalism.

 

Different Titles of Plumber

Plumber titles are based on their experiences and training.

Plumbers have 3 main titles:

  • Journeyman
  • Apprentice
  • Master

Usually, it’s not common to have these 3 types of plumbers on one job. The level of the plumbing will determine the plumber that best fits the job.

If it’s a simple work, contact a Journeyman or Apprentice plumber. But for larger plumbing work, which requires technical skill — then contact the Master plumber.

 

Description of Different Plumber Titles

 

The first stage of the title is Apprentice plumber. An Apprentice plumber is someone who is in the process of becoming a certified plumber through training.

Companies or local unions can offer this program to whoever is interested. An apprenticeship program is normally on the job training.

Though, Apprentice plumbers still do some classroom work. The duration to graduate from being an apprentice ranges from 4 – 5 years.

The next stage after an Apprentice is Journeyman. A Journeyman plumber is not an automatic title. It’s a process that requires an apprentice to move from apprenticeship to a licensed Journeyman.

After the application, the Apprentice has to pass a certified examinational body before attaining the title. This exam qualifies an Apprentice to become a professional Journeyman.

The last title is Master. The Master plumber is a Journeyman who has passed through specific training and acquired academic certificates as well.

The Master plumber certificate is obtained from the community college or vocational school.

To become a master plumber, you must pass a written exam and practical components.

Master plumbers have an annual exam to write to maintain their credentials. They oversee the Journeymen and Apprentice while carrying out a project.

 

  1. Research Their Business History

Research Their Business History

How long the plumber has been in the business is important information, which will give you a clear understanding of their expertise.

You can have a Journeyman who is an experienced plumber that can get the project done easily and perfectly.

But all you should care about is an honest plumber that can get your work done.

In most instances, qualified plumbers will be too busy to move door to door searching for a job. So, when you see such things, be careful not to hand-over your plumbing project to an unqualified plumber.

Mainly, the longer the plumbers have been in the work the better experience they have. It’s good to contact those who had spent years in the business to handle your project.

 

  1. Is The Plumber Insured and Bonded?

These are two different coverage’s that a certified plumber needs to have for any eventuality.

When searching for a reliable plumber, look for someone that has these two coverage’s. Because honesty has nothing to do with insurance and bond coverage.

 

A Plumber with a Bond has an instrument coverage that will pay a premium or compensate the homeowner — if the plumber fails to meet the industry standards.

For example, if they fail to complete the job or use substandard materials that are not quoted before the job.

On the other hand, the Insurance cover takes care of the hospital bill and any other bill in case of any occurrence of an accident while on the job.

Mostly, qualified plumbers carry both Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance. It is important to confirm if they have these coverage’s before signing up a contract with them.

Though, Homeowners Policy covers whoever is working in the home in case of an accident.

 

  1. Don’t Depend On One Quotation

When a plumber gives you a project quotation, go further to get extra two or three quotations to confirm the actual price.

Some people ignore this aspect because they don’t want the plumber to get angry. However, a qualified plumber will expect you to get more quotations from competitors.

The plumber will tell you what caused the difference in the price — so that you could have it in mind when getting more quotations.

Sometimes, cheaper products aren’t necessarily the best product. The most important factor is that you get an honest plumber that’ll deliver on what they promised.

 

  1. Use The Offline

You can also get an honest plumber from a reputable magazine. Once you get such a magazine, check for the plumber directory page.

All things being equal, the first plumber who makes the list is usually trustworthy and experienced. But don’t forget to conduct your research.

Most companies list reviews based on plumbers’ expertise. So take a moment to properly check the review before you make your conclusion.

Ensure the directory has the complete details of those plumbers. The complete details will help you reach the appropriate governing body if there is a breach of contract.

 

  1. Search Within Your Community

One of the safe ways to get an honest plumber is through your community.

Getting a local plumber will save you time and money. The plumber’s address can easily be accessed since it’s within your area.

You can also get someone who can tell you more about the plumber.

anta plumbing driving in the community

 

Plumbers in your community will provide high-quality jobs at an affordable price. Because they won’t like to cut corners and rip homeowners off.

Conclusion

There you have it, the 7 effective and simple ways to find that honest plumber in your locality.

Although these are proven to work, I have found much success when I asked my neighbors and family members to recommend a trusted licensed plumber near you.

Oftentimes, they’ll recommend their plumber. This works like a charm!

Because you get to save money and time when searching for the right plumber that knows his job and would be glad to build a relationship with a new client.

 

The post 7 Simple Ways to Find an Honest Plumber Near You first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog.

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

Is Your House Wasting Water? 5 Ways It Might

raindrop-mdDo you actively practice ways to conserve water in your house? We hope so, because there’s massive water waste across the country, and most of it is preventable through several basic steps. You already know about taking shorter showers: keep showers to five minutes and the savings over the year are enormous. There are other little tips, like shutting off the water while you’re brushing your teeth, or never running the dishwasher unless there’s a full load.

But you may have a house that’s wasting water and not be fully aware of it. Problems with your plumbing in Buckeye, AZ can lead to significant amounts of water going to waste. These can be problems like outdated fixtures or much more serious conditions with the plumbing that need immediate attention. We’re going to look at five ways a house wastes water and what to do about them.

ONE: The Ancient Toilet

You might think of the toilet in a bathroom as an invincible device. It may need repairs now and then, but it will last for the full life of the house. But this is false, and older toilets should be replaced because of how much water they waste per flush. Some older toilets use 6 gallons per flush, while newer ones, even the most basic models, use 3 gallons or less. We recommend looking into replacing your old toilet with a low-flow model, which drops water use down to around 1.25 gallons per flush.

TWO: The Ancient Showerhead

Taking those shorter showers? Good! But you could do much better if you get rid of the old showerhead currently in place and put in a low-flow model. As with the old toilets, old showerheads are massively wasteful of water, and even a standard new showerhead uses less.

THREE: The Faulty Water Filtration System

Here is one people often don’t realize can be a problem. A water filtration system, particularly a water softener, can malfunction and begin to go through multiple cycles. These cycles drain water uselessly. If you hear your water treatment system running almost constantly, that will explain high water bills! Call for technicians to repair or replace the system.

FOUR: Leaky Faucets

This is a simple one, but we want to draw attention to it because homeowners often imagine that a dripping faucet is a huge source of water waste. The problem is that these drops accumulate fast, and they end up wasting many gallons per month. You shouldn’t tolerate a leaky faucet, and it’s an easy repair for a plumber.

FIVE: Hidden Leaks

This is the Big One. If you have water bills that seem sky-high but you don’t think you’re doing anything wrong with how you use water, it’s a warning sign you have hidden pipe leaks somewhere in the house, possibly down in the slab. These leaks often show few outwards signs—until water damage starts to show up! We recommend having water leak testing done every few years to catch these problems, and always arrange for it when you have mysteriously large water bills.

Trust in The Trusted Plumber! Talk to us today to help stop the water waste that’s affecting your house!

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

Safety in Plumbing During Covid19

Safety in plumbing during Covid19 | A to Z Statewide Plumbing

In all home renovation projects, especially in plumbing projects, it is important to solve health and safety issues. The fact that there is a pandemic does not stop people from keeping safe during plumbing. Not only should we follow basic guidelines like wearing masks, safety goggles, and other protective equipment, but we should also consider many factors. Considering that the majority of people are working from home, then the chances of a residential area requiring plumbing services are higher. Our company is dedicated to providing customers with the best services amid COVID-19 as soon as they request them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges in different sectors of the economy. Some services have come to a halt. Fortunately, our services are fully running and will provide you with plumbing services whenever you need them. The various ways the virus is spread have made us extra careful when providing the service. The safety measures ensure that our customers and employees are not at risk of contracting or spreading the disease.

What you need to know

Our plumbing company has always observed cleanliness throughout the plumbing experience. Therefore, such has made it even easier to maneuver through the challenging times of covid19 safely. Our safety measure will ensure that our clients are comfortable enough to allow our plumbers to carry out their work. We aim at reducing the chances of our employees or customers contracting and spreading the infection. Currently, we have increased the supply of our cleaning products, and we are certain that this will prevent the spread of the covid19. Our employees will effectively offer you our services without putting you at any risk of contracting the disease.

Additionally, we urge our customers to re-schedule visits whenever they feel sick. Such would help protect both our employees and other customers. You can always schedule a later date when you feel better. We also ensure that our employees are in good health before sending them to our customers. Following the CDC’s protocol, we have asked all the employees who might have covid19 symptoms to stay at home. Only until a medical professional has cleared them can they come back to work. The same guideline applies to employees who come from households with members who have visited other countries with high numbers of covid19.Therefore, our customers do not have to worry about covid19 as they seek our services. Our company is dedicated to providing clients with information regarding covid19, that they might require for them to make an informed choice.

We understand the health risk that covid19 exposes to people. We aim to curb the spread of the virus as much as possible while offering you plumbing services. We are dedicated to providing our customers with safe plumbing services. All you need to do is contact us and schedule our plumbers to handle your cleaning needs. Safe cleaning services are only a call away.

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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

What are the recommended AC settings for summer in Pittsburgh

Everyone knows about Pittsburgh’s harsh winters, but now that the hottest part of the year is upon us, you’re probably wondering, “What is the best temperature for an air conditioner in the summer?” This can be tricky, especially since temperatures in the city fluctuate so drastically from season to season and day to day. While Pittsburgh’s heat is not overbearing, it can be uncomfortable, and it’s important to know the best thermostat settings for your home.

What is the best temperature for an air conditioner in the summer?

Recommended AC Settings for Summer in Pittsburg
The best temperature setting over the summer is considered to be 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. This temperature allows you to stay cool in your home, even in the summer, and to avoid a surprisingly high electricity bill on the backend. Those with a ceiling fan can raise the temperature as high as 80 degrees comfortably, though it’s important to remember to turn your fan off when you leave a room. Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees will help keep your family comfortable through the Pittsburgh, PA, summer heat, which is typically an average of 83 degrees in July and 82 degrees in August.

Here are some tips for keeping your home a consistent temperature of 78 degrees:

Combat humidity rather than temperature.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sees its highest amount of rainfall in the month of July. With that summer rainfall comes a higher level of humidity. A humidity level in your home of over 60% can cause a faster rate of mold growth, causing furniture to degrade over time and mildew to build up in your walls. If your humidity is too high in the summer, it can cause not only an uncomfortable sticky environment but health issues for you and your family, such as increased dehydration as well as skin, eye and respiratory issues. In order to avoid this, you should avoid touching your summer AC temperature setting constantly. Your humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%, and by setting your thermostat correctly and abiding by the correct air conditioner settings for summer, you can help to control that high humidity. AC units typically dehumidify as they cool, but if your home is still sticky and humid even at 78 degrees, you may want to get a dehumidifier rather than putting your AC on full blast.

Schedule an inspection to check your AC unit.

If you’re still unsure of how to maintain the recommended AC temp this summer, the best way to stay ahead of the seasonal curve is to schedule annual inspections for your heating and cooling units. An AC inspection can help ward off any problems that may arise later in the year, causing less worry about your system failing you in the hottest months of the summer.

Try a “smart thermostat.”

Most of us have smartphones, smart devices, and even smart cars, but did you know you can now purchase a smart thermostat as well? Smart thermostats sync to your devices and work to keep the temperature in your home ideal in order to keep you cool and save money. Smart thermostats get to know your temperature needs and can adjust themselves to your preferences ahead of time.

Use your ceiling fans.

A good ceiling fan is worth its weight in gold. The more work your fans can do to keep air circulating and cool, the more comfortable you and your family will be. Try installing a few more fans where needed and see if it helps lower your home’s temperature and your electric bill. Also, remember that ceiling fans can change directions; they typically are reversed to keep hot air up in the summer or down in the winter.

Place your thermostat correctly.

According to Consumer Reports, the ideal spot for your thermostat is “on an interior wall in a common space, away from anything that could create temperature extremes, such as direct sunlight, a drafty window or an air vent.” Try to avoid placing it in an isolated, chilly room, or in a room that is much hotter than the rest of the house. This way, you’re getting the best and most accurate read from your thermostat.

Resist constantly changing your AC setting for summer weather.

If you have your AC temperature in summer set too high or too low, your system will have to work overtime to correct the difference and keep you comfortable. Keeping your home at a comfy and consistent 78 degrees avoids energy waste. Knowing what is the best temperature for air conditioner in summer may help you and your family from constantly messing with or arguing about the thermostat.

By following recommended thermostat settings, summer can be a lot less stressful.

If you believe that your thermostat is not operating at full efficiency, or that your home isn’t at its ideal temperature this summer or need an inspection of your AC unit, contact the Pittsburgh plumbers and technicians of Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Regular checkups are the best way to ensure that your AC system is operating at full capacity, and will ensure that your home is cool and comfortable as temperatures rise outside.

The post What are the recommended AC settings for summer in Pittsburgh appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Useful Plumbing Tips for Beginners

Life is full of responsibilities. One of those is taking care of your home and making sure that everything functions as it should. Because of the complexities of plumbing, many homeowners avoid DIYing out of fear of messing something up. Others make beginner mistakes that worsen the problem instead of fixing it.

 

If you want to save yourself some trouble—and money—then you should pick up a few tricks for plumbing that come straight from the pros. Although you may be reluctant, you will be tackling small problems in no time with these tips:

 

Check the Showerhead

Showerhead dripping? It probably wasn’t tightened enough. You can unscrew the showerhead, apply some thread tape, and then tighten it back up. The head should stop dripping.

 

If the showerhead is blocked up, you can soak it for an hour or so in a bowl of vinegar. Make sure it is warmed. After the hour has passed, grab a brush to loosen the minerals trapped in the head.

 

You Can Remove Clogs Without Chemicals

Most professional plumbers will tell you this right from the start: never use chemicals to remove clogs in the drains. The chemicals do more harm than good. Instead, grab a drain snake to manually unclog the drain. Simply insert the snake then push and pull, in and out.

 

Hopefully, after a few strokes, you will remove the clog. Another option is to bring in a wet/dry shop vac to draw out whatever is blocking the drain.

 

Don’t Worry Over Replacing Faucet and Toilet Parts

Yes, taking apart a sink or toilet can be stressful and messy. That said, with a little organization, you can easily check to see if the flapper in the toilet or the cartridge in the faucet has been damaged and needs replacing. Flappers get worn down over time and can cause leakages between the bowl and water tank. Check them once in a while. Similarly, most faucets can be easily repaired by installing a new cartridge. To do that, you only need to remove a few screws.

 

In other words, repairing a leaky sink or toilet is not as hard as it seems!

 

Use Thread Tape Over Sealing Compounds

There are a couple of ways to seal connection points between pipes, such as pipe dope and thread tape. Pipe dope can smear and drip, making it less effective around the house. You can use threading tape instead. It is a kind of multipurpose tape that is either thinner and white or thick and pink colored (designating water).

 

When you go to wrap the pipe, make sure you are going counterclockwise along the threads. Wrap around three times for better results.

 

Loosen Tight Fittings With Heat

Struggling to get a fitting loose? Sometimes, no matter how hard to turn the pipe wrench, the fittings may have hardened, making it near impossible to twist fittings with strength alone. One of the best ways to loosen the solidified pipe dope is to warm it.

 

If the pipes you are trying to loosen are metal, you can use a small propane torch to heat the pipe. That will soften the pipe dope enough to release the fitting. Obviously, this can only be done with plumbing pipes made of metal. Never try this on plastic pipes or those transporting gas.

 

Set Your Water Heater for More Efficiency

Want to save some money? Check the thermostat on the water heater. You can reduce the temperature to around 46 degrees C (115 degrees F). That will be hot enough for all your needs. Also, consider insulating the hot water tank to help it retain more heat throughout the day. Just don’t cover the thermostat.

 

Next, consider where you live. Some locations have sediment in the water line that will settle. You will need to rid the water heater of the grit once every 3 months or so. To do that, turn off the water heater then open the drain, letting the water pour into a bucket. This removes most of the sediment and will help the water heater run better.

 

Now that you know these beginner tips, put them to use! Simple and effective, with these plumbing hacks, you can tackle common struggles with your household plumbing in no time. But, if you are still having problems, it may be time to call up a professional plumber instead of attempting to DIY.

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