Repiping – Benefits and Considerations

Pipes are built to be sturdy and to withstand certain pressures. However, they are not built to last an entire lifetime of different generations. Surely, some pipes may give you safe water for 3 generations but it is not the case all the time. Your pipes are subject to wear with age and with different factors.

Are you calling for repair many times in a year? Are most parts of your pipes affected by corrosion? You might think repiping is a costly repair on your part. But come to think of it, is it more costly than constantly calling a plumber for a pipe repair? How much do you spend each time you ask for a repair and how much would it cost to have it permanently repiped?

The headache and worry that anytime your plumbing system might collapse due to the age of your pipes are undeniable. Stop all those worries and think smartly. Repiping will restore the flow of your water, your gas, and even the flow of wastes to your sewage. So, what is there to think about? If your pipes are already in the ripen age and have been causing you trouble lately, it is time to ask for help from a plumber in Scottsdale, AZ.

The Benefits of Repiping

As I have said in the first paragraph, your pipe is designed to do great for years but it will wear out eventually. If you want an investment that will surely save you in the long run and give you the right service, repiping is what we are talking about. Just make sure it is performed by experts to avoid problems.

Enjoy years without or with minimal issues from your pipes once repiping is done. No more clogs that seem to bother you any time of the day. No more slow drains from your tubs and sinks. No more backups on your toilets. Plus, less wear and tear. Imagine leaving in a home with an efficient water supply, that is what you get from repiping. And if you plan on selling your property, it will surely help to improve its value.

Signs You Need Repiping

Though repiping is a great way to restore your water systems efficiency and functionality, this is not the cure for every pipe. You need to consider different factors as to when you need an entire repiping.

Here are the signs your old pipes need repiping:

Water is discolored (brown)
Rusts can be smelled from the water
Recurring leaks
Frequent need for repairs
Pipes are heavily corroded

Considering Water Softener Installation Area

Hard water is the water that contains a large number of minerals. Hard water is not literally hard. While our body needs minerals, excessive minerals in water is a nuisance instead of benefit. Because of this problem, water softeners are introduced in the market by experts.

In order to remove minerals from the water, a water softener must be installed. This appliance helps in removing minerals causing hard water. If you want your detergent to bubble up more, or if you want to avoid stains in your sinks and showerheads, you need a water softener.

But before taking action, you need to consider checking your water first. Though dull and frizzy hair after a shower, water stains, residues on boilers and appliances using water are signs of hard water; it is important to have it checked for confirmation. Ask a plumber in Osprey, FL to conduct a test and install a water softener once your suspicion is confirmed. Your appliance and yourself will thank you later for that.

Where to Install a Water Softener

If you already have a water softener running for years, you might need to replace it with a new one. You can have the new softener installed in the same spot as your old one because it has access to the entire water system.

For beginners, it is a general rule to install your softeners from a location that does not block anything. It is important for the unit to be able to access the plumbing system. The most common locations are basement, utility rooms, garage, or near your water heater tanks. Make sure you have enough space around your water softener for easy access in case of check-ups and repairs.

Avoid installing a softener in areas where it is easy to freeze. You don’t want your softener to be damaged. Plus, this is not part of a warranty. While it is not good to place it in freezing areas, it is also not good to place it under direct sunlight.

Remember that water softeners need drains, so make sure you have that in the area where you are placing it. It also needs, electrical receptacle. Keep all these in mind.

Lastly, consider your plumbing pipes when installing a water softener. Make sure you consider all factors like sodium in drinking water and the ineffectiveness in the cold water system. It is better to place your water softener before your water heater to help reduce buildups from your tank.

Before anything else, make sure you hire an expert on this matter. Always remember, installation must adhere to local plumbing codes depending on your location.

How to Solve the Issue of Slow Drain

Bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs are the most water system where households put anything without knowing the cause of the clog. Or if some are aware of it, sometimes forget to consider that anything can get caught in the sink stopper or clog up the P-trap (the curved section of pipe below the drain) and severe damage needs proper attention.

Issues Causing the Slow Drain

Using a shaving cream can form a sticky cement, especially if its washed down with beard trimmings. Mostly traditional soap can create scum that can build up along the inside surfaces of your drain, which limits the flow of water. These minor issues are easy to solve, but they can also become the cause of significant problems.

• HAIR BUILDUP

Hair is the number one culprit why the water flows very slow and takes forever before it drains. During the shower, falling hair will get to collect each day as you shampoo more often.

• Traditional Soap

Soap scum is hard to remove and can cause water to overflow when the buildup is in abundance.

• Human Dirt

As we use the shower, the tub, and the bathroom, we cannot avoid that there are small particles we have left in such places: which can cause clog in our sink.

• Mineral Buildup

Minerals in hard water can build up and produce insoluble masses that will quickly block the drains. To face this issue, most homeowners call help from an expert. The usual advice is to install a water softener to prevent skin irritation, and most probably, it will be the best solution to eliminate clogs in the pipe.

• Toys and Small Items

Small toys can dangerously penetrate to the water system and severely damage your pipes. They are also culprits of slowing the flow of water in your drain.

• Wipes and Cottons

Wipes and other cottony particles can clog your drains and stop your toilets from flushing. Use a plunger to shift and flush some of these items.

• Tree Roots

Once tree roots penetrate your pipes, they can cause clogs. Worst of all, they can create cracks and leaks, which may lead to severe damage in the future. If a serious problem occurs, ask help from a professional. Choose a drain cleaning Birmingham, AL service to help you with your pipes.

DIY in Unclogging your Sink

Prepare Baking Soda & Vinegar

Use a measuring cup to make it easier
Mix 1/3rd of a cup of baking soda in a bowl
Add 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar
Wait for the instant fizzing reaction while stirring
Pour the mixture down your drain
Let it sit for an hour before flushing with water

Hot Water

Boil 2 liters of water
Boil water in maximum heat
Pour the water down to the sink while it’s hot

Drain and Sewer Pipes Issues

It is a vital component to maintain your sewer’s health and longevity annually. It will cause headaches to most households having problems that occur like slow draining or a complete blockage of sewer lines. The specific blockages refer to mainline pipes underground between your house and the street. Leaving them unfixed might be risky.

The Failing of Septic Drain Field

Solid build-ups can make the septic fields fail due to pollution of the dispersion system. Upon overusing it, a solid particle that comes from the septic tank will flow out into the area, causes it to block and begin the clog. In most cases, the entire field needs serious monitoring. To prevent these occurrences, regular pumping of the septic tank is advisable at least twice a year. Pipes may eventually collapse, if you once neglect to clean it, leading septic tank to the dispersion field.

Ways to Know Better Resolution

Here are some ways to know how to resolve this issue. Some people would say that the modern system like PVC is easier to use, while the older method is not. Most pipes become unstable, whether these systems are of PVC or clay. Anytime in the worst condition, they are subject to collapse. The disposal of cooking grease, low flush toilets, and low-use front-loading washing machines cause the drains to clog. A stubborn clog can cause severe damage to drain and sewer, which need the attention of an expert. To seek professional assistance, ask a pipe repair San Diego, CA professional.

Unclogging your Drain

In many instances, homeowners would follow fellow homeowners’ advice in using chemicals, but as a reminder, it will not clear out the severe clog. An outside force to remove this clog is what you need to do.

Machines can also be helpful to clear a clog in the sewer lines. Multiple uses of tools like an auger, toilet plunger, and sink plunger might help you whenever you need to do it yourself. Please don’t forget to safeguard yourself first to avoid severe damage. To call a professional is highly recommended for you. Damaging your entire pipes is going to cost many expenses.

Go for a Natural Solution

• Mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of table salt in your drain.
• Pour with 1 cup of warm vinegar and let this mixture sit in the drain for 30 minutes before rinsing it with hot water.

Why Need Professional Cleaning

We may have different issues about the drain and sewer problem. The DIY in the house is beneficial among households, but only an expert can accurately target the issue. They are the ones we rely on professional works like this. They have the tools required for specific jobs. For as long as the severe problems of plumbing, professionals are adequate for these tough jobs.

How to Prevent Drain Clogs

Putting things into order is now your priority since the whole bunch of your family is at home all the time, with this pandemic lurking around. Privacy can never be an issue. But if there is a clog in the sink, it can ruin your day. Then looking for an effective way to eliminate the clog, thinking of using chemicals to unclog the drain is the last option.

It is up to you if you will use unnecessary harmful and dangerous chemicals. Aside from the fact that it might be too risky for you, it can also damage your sink. To help you solve this issue permanently, call a professional plumbing services Port St Lucie, FL.

Most Common Reasons for Drain Clogs

Hair build-ups

When the build-up of hair starts to clog your drain, it isn’t delightful, especially when it causes slow water flow. Falling hair can happen to any member of the family by merely combing or scrubbing your hair gently with shampoo. Almost every day, we use the bathroom and the shower where most falling hair is band together to create build-ups.

Debris from Plants and Dirt

The issue about the debris of plants like trees, shrubs, dirt, and leaves usually is occurring, especially after spring and autumn. Landscaping in the garden and maintaining the surrounding scenery is also essential to water drains and pipes.

Root tress

As naughty as it gets, leaves may cause the drain from clogging, but the culprit of all is the root trees. Root trees while it is young, it is not noticeable. But as it grows, it will not only cause the clog; it will also penetrate to the pipeline, leading to crack and leaks.

Grease Build-up

Oily substances are a prevalent cause of blocked drains and pipes. Grease can be so annoying, like the hair fall. Once the build-up on the sink or pipeline, the clog it caused will block almost the whole water system as it reaches it.

Toiletries

Knowing that there are toiletries in the supermarkets sold as flushable wipes, our sink is not still safe from it. Baby wipes and similar products down toilets will clog sewers. These materials will cause clog at wastewater treatment facilities, creating an additional public health risk.

Heavy Rain and Storms

Flooding water caused by heavy rainfall can overflow drains aren’t designed to take the full impact of this weather. Rainwater in gutters and down the pipes can cause a blockage that needs proper cleaning.

Broken Pipes

Mostly, old pipes are the ones prone to breakage and leak. The homeowner should be aware of how mature the tube is. Early detection is advisable, so that sustainability of the pipes will get to maintain.

Poor Water Flow

A build-up of sediment in the sink can also cause the clog. You are noticing that water’s slow pressure can be a good hint that you need to check the pipes.

Bad Pipe Installation

Incorrect water piping and installation can cause severe damage to the pipes, which can cause predictable damage and clog.

Foreign Objects

Unseen miniatures and small toys that may fall into the sink can also cause a clog or, worst, damage the pipelines.

Factors to Consider Before Water Heater Installation

Water heater installation might not be the primary thing on your mind right away, but it’s going to be the foremost important thing you think. Think of it like this: you get up to get ready for work on a cold winter morning, looking to require a shower with warm, comforting water. When you turn on the shower, you instead met with ice-cold water that sends a shiver up your spine! And it won’t be just your morning shower that will impact without hot water. Day-to-day tasks like laundry and dishwashing may not be able to get done. Worse, you’ll not even have a predicament to organize yourself a pleasant, warm dinner. If your current hot-water heater isn’t ready to provide you any of those needs, a new installation is necessary.

Finding the right water heater can bring you all kinds of long-term benefits, like lower energy costs and longer-lasting water heating capabilities. Please consider these five highly essential factors before you throw money down on the nearest water heater:

Hot Water Needs

Everyone needs hot water in their home, but what about you in particular? How many plumbing fixtures do you have in your home? Do you live with a large number of occupants? It would help if you thought about your situation before anything else. Once you determine how much water you need and what type you want, the easier it will be to choose a water heater. For advice on this matter and easy installations, call up a plumber in Castle Rock, CO, and get the water heater that will provide the perfect fit for your home.

Type of Water Heater

Fortunately, the market has a more extensive range of water heating models. You don’t need to accept that conventional hot-water heater anymore. You also have the option of solar, indirect, and tankless coil water heaters. They all come with their pros and cons. For example, a tankless water heater has an extraordinary efficiency rate of 96%. It can save you $100 more on annual operating costs, but it boasts a higher installation cost than other types.

Energy Efficiency

Are you tired of high costs on energy bills? If so, you would like to think about the efficiency rate of your new hot-water heater. Even if you equip your home with a contemporary hot-water heater, it’s going to be too polite on your energy costs. How can you get water heating in your home, which will provide hot water for all purposes without costing even more on energy bills? Solar water heaters use less fuel to heat water, leading low bills, and reduced carbon footprint.

Fuel Type

The foremost common sorts of fuel for water heaters today are gas and electricity, although some modern water heaters powered by solar power or propane. Considering fuel type is vital in situations where you’re looking to exchange your current hot-water heater. For example, if you are looking to replace an electric water heater that is costing you too much on energy bills, consider a gas water heater instead, which will prove more energy-efficient.

Size of the Water Heater

Your hot water needs and the size of the water heater often go hand in hand. Before any installation work begins, your contractor must conduct measurements and inspect your home to work out if your chosen type is going to be ready to fit within your home’s physical space. Selecting the incorrect sized hot-water heater may result in reduced energy efficiency, a better chance of hot-water heater replacement, and a general lack of hot water which will fail to meet your household’s needs.

How to Remove and Replace a Toilet

Toilets are very durable fixtures, but sooner or later, you’ll likely want to replace a bathroom in your house—perhaps for cosmetic reasons or because the toilet is broken or cracked, or if it consumes too much water. If the restroom is leaking and you would like to change its wax ring, you need to follow equivalent steps for removal and reinstallation.

Drain the Toilet

Please turn off the toilet’s water system valve by turning the faucet handle clockwise until it stops. Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Remove the tank lid. Mop out the remaining water from the tank and empty the bowl with an oversized sponge. Remove the water away into a bucket and repeat the process until the tank and bowl are dry.

Remove the Mounting Nuts

Disconnect the water system tube connected to the fill valve’s tailpiece on the restroom tank, using pliers. Eliminate the porcelain or plastic caps on the ground bolts (called closet bolts) that hold the restroom to the ground. Remove the nuts the pins, using an adjustable wrench if the nuts are rusted in place and cannot be removed, cut off the bolts below the nuts with a hacksaw blade.

Pull the Toilet

Have a helper to help you lift the rest room bowl and tank assembly off of the closet bolts. Place the restroom on a soft, absorbent, like an old rug or stack of newspapers to stop staining your flooring.

Inspect the Flange

Gently lay the restroom on its side or back, ensuring the tank and bowl are supported. Remove the old wax ring. Also, remove all wax from the closet flange on the ground. Inspect the closet flange. If it is damaged, you will have to replace or repair it.

Test-Fit the New Toilet

Test-fit the bottom of the new toilet by temporarily setting it on the flange and checking to make sure the closet bolts align with the holes within the base. Also, confirm the restroom sits level, employing a 2-foot level. If necessary, level the toilet by shimming beneath it with chrome steel or plastic shims. Move the toilet gently to set it.

If you find it hard to replace your toilet, don’t hesitate to call a plumber in Burbank, CA. They have the best plumbers that can assist you immediately with your problems. Also, if you have no knowledge and tools to replace an old toilet, better leave the job to professionals.

Apply the Wax Ring

Place a replacement wax ring over the raised ring round the drain hole at the base and press it firmly until it’s well seated. Be careful not to damage the wax ring or set the restroom down with the ring attached until the final installation. Once the circle touches the ground, it can’t be used again.

Set the Toilet

Place the flange bolts into their respective slots on the flange, so their threaded ends are pointing straight up. Carefully lift the toilet with a helper, and set it onto the closet flange, slipping the holes within the base over the flange bolts. Push down the restroom base with gentle rocking pressure until the restroom is firmly seated against the ground.

Tighten the Nuts

Place the plastic cover base, washer, and nut onto each closet bolt. Tighten the nuts gradually, alternating from one side of the toilet to the other to keep the pressure similar on both sides of the bathroom. Be careful not to over-tighten the bolts, or the tank base may crack. Install the tank onto the bottom if they are separated.

Finish the Job

Connect the water system tube to the fill valve on the new toilet, and tighten it gently with pliers. Open the toilet’s shutoff valve by switching it counterclockwise all the way. Let the rest room tank fill, then flush the restroom to see if the operation is right. Watch for leaks at the water line connections and round the toilet base. You can put a seal around the base of the restroom with a bead of clear silicone caulk. Some installers leave the very back of the bottom uncaulked so that a restroom leak will reveal itself more readily.

The Importance Of Backflow Preventers & Regular Backflow Testing

Installing a Backflow Preventer

Running water is one of the greatest inventions in all of history. Thousands of years ago, the Romans created vast plumbing systems to serve their empire with running water, many of which are still in use today. Today we have professionally designed plumbing and sewage systems to help our homes and businesses with fresh water for drinking and bathing.

While our modern plumbing systems are more advanced than Roman aqueducts, they have their challenges. Rather than relying solely on gravity to move water, as the Romans did, we rely on pressure to push water through our plumbing pipes. It is this modern reliance on the weight and pressure that opens up the dangers of backflow.

What Is Backflow?

Backflow is the term we use to describe when water reverses flow in its plumbing pipes. Your plumbing system designed for water to move in one direction, but if there’s a sudden change in pressure inside the pipes, it can cause the water to flow the wrong way. If a backflow occurs, it can pose significant health and safety risk. It is because dirty wastewater from bathing and toilet can contaminate your clean drinking water, causing different illnesses—some of which are severe enough to kill you!
Thankfully, almost all homes are fitted with backflow prevention devices to protect against this kind of water contamination.

What Is Backflow Prevention?

Backflow prevention devices are installed at cross-connections in your plumbing system to ensure that backflow-causing pressure changes don’t lead to contamination of your drinking water.

There are several types of backflow preventer assemblies that are used to control flow direction and prevent backflow:

● Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) – the most common backflow prevention device is easy to install and maintain. However, they are known to eject water occasionally and not recommended for indoor use.

● Double Check Valve (DCV) – safe for use both indoors and underground; DCVs are a little more expensive but are also highly convenient, as they can be installed horizontally or vertically. If you find it hard to take good care of your backflow, it’s better to call a plumber in Waterford Township, MI. They will attend all your needs as fast as they can to ensure you have the right device for your plumbing system.

● Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ) – the most expensive backflow prevention option, RPZs are also the most reliable backflow preventers. They are safe to use with landscaping chemicals, making them ideal for use with irrigation systems.

While some older homes may not have backflow preventers, all newer properties are required to have them. If you’re not sure what kind of backflow preventers are used in your home or business, you should hire a professional plumber that can help you locate and identify them. And can also perform your yearly backflow inspections.

Why Do You Need Annual Backflow Inspections?

Because water contamination could pose a severe public health risk, local laws require annual inspections to ensure your backflow prevention devices are working as they should. Backflow preventers have springs, rubber seals, and other moving parts that wear out over time, and they must receive the same regular maintenance that your car or HVAC system gets to ensure your family’s water is clean & safe.

4 Types of Toilet Flush: Pros and Cons

There are 4 types of toilet flush, depending on the household or business owner’s choice. This article will explain to you how each system works together with its pros and cons.

Gravity Flush Toilet

How it Works

Gravity flush toilets use gravity to flush powerfully with less water usage. This is the most common type of flush system that has been used all over the world for more than a hundred years. It allows water to flow down the bowl through a flapper that opens up.

Pros

Manufacturers of gravity flush toilet change tank and bowl designs throughout the years to improve how it works. A more enlarged flush valve is available for better flushing. This toilet is more efficient and uses less water. Gravity flush toilet is also cheap compared to other flush types and the maintenance is easy too.

Cons

Gravity flush toilet system is prone to sweating. The sweating can cause this type of flush system to under-perform.

Pressure Assist Flush

How it Works

From the word pressure, this type of flush system has a pressure tank. This tank is filled with water while maintaining a certain pressure. This produces a powerful flush through gravity and pressure.

Pros

While this toilet is powerful in flushing, it only uses minimal water and the pressure works its way. This type of flush is also less prone to sweating, making its performance above the other types.

Cons

Although the pressure assists flush toilet works incredibly, it comes at a high price. If ever you experience problems, the cost of repair is pretty high. Plus, flushing can be noisy due to the pressure.

If you have been using a different type of toilet and you want to have it replaced, do not hesitate to contact a plumber in Prairie Village, KS.

Vacuum Assist Flush

How it Works

The vacuum-assist toilet has a vacuum tank that is connected to the supply tube of water. The supply tube is called the trap-way, which carries water into the bowl. The water creates the suction through the vacuum tank, which aids in flushing the waste out. This type of technology is still new in the industry compared to the first two flush systems above.

Pros

Although new, any vacuum-assist flush failure is easy to repair. It also provides an effective and strong flush. Plus, this tank does not sweat.

Cons

Compared to gravity flush toilets, vacuum assist flush systems are more costly. And, this toilet system does not come with lots of options.

Dual Flush System Toilet

How it Works

In these modern days, the dual flush system is considered the most modern type of flushing system. This system allows the user to choose between full flush (with solid) or partial flush (liquid flush or just pee).

Pros

With the two options, a household with dual flush system can save water because it is not all the time you need a full flush. Most of the time we spend on comfort rooms is to flush out that excess fluid only.

Cons

Installing a dual flush toilet requires a high cost to purchase the toilet itself and to pay for installation.

How to Prevent Water Leaks in Plumbing

For some reason, water leaks can result from defective plumbing. Leaks can lead to serious mold problems from a cracked and leaky foundation. To detect a water leak is somewhat tricky. If you spotted a peeling paint on your wall, then it can be caused by a water leak. This leak might be slow and sneaky, but it will lead to gradual water damage that can ruin a paint job, drywall, ceilings, floors, cabinetry, and even impact HVAC ducts and electrical wiring which makes it risky.

Detecting a Water Leak

Be aware of a water drip near significant appliances that use water like washing machines, dishwashers, or in the bathroom near the sink, toilet, or shower. A lot of water leak issues can occur anytime, like burst pipes, toilet supply lines, and hot water tank failure.

Look at the color of your wall surface; a section part might look different due to discoloration. Texture may become different as before. Walls will appear to curve outward. Some parts might develop bubble-like shapes or texture. Pay attention to signs of mildew.

When there is a discoloration, musty-smells might also occur in some stages of early leak detection. Advance detection of the leaks might also prevent bills from getting high, especially if you hear a dripping of water. Take action of that right away before it’s too late.

In case you have noticed that your bill is surprisingly high, though you haven’t used much water as before, ask for the help of an expert to fix the problem. Call a plumber in Westport, CT for a professional check-up and solution.

Prevention of the Water leak

Early detection is essential. However, making a habit of maintaining your appliances’ safety can prevent leaks initially. Consistently updating the parts of your old hardware and checking its functionality can avoid the problem. Having your bill monitored always will help you at peace justifiably on how much water you consumed at a different time of occasion.

One more thing, winter is another time of the year to know the risk of leaks, such as burst frozen pipes. It is beneficial if you can detect a hole early on.

Locating the Leak Through the New-Age System

Technology becomes even smarter nowadays. To help you out with the detection, you use a moisture meter. It will locate and scan for moisture.

Another tool that can help you to locate the leak is the Infrared camera. This tool can detect heat, and it can also help to spot colder areas like leaks of water.

If you might not have these types of tools in case, try to cut into your drywall to find the source of the leak using a cutting knife or anything available that you can use to cut open a suspecting area of the hole. However, it is strongly advised to contact a professional plumber instead of working on a DIY project to avoid dangers and damages.