3 Different Faucets: Single-handle, Double-handle, and Hands-free Faucets

Nowadays, there is a wide variety of faucets available on the market. Homeowners can choose which one they prefer depending on the design they want and the usage. As a homeowner, you can use either a single-handle, a double-handle, and a hands-free faucet.

Single-handle Faucet

Of all faucet types, this faucet is the most common one you can find in the market. It comes in 3 designs, the ball, cartridge type, and the ceramic disk type.

If you want a faucet that can be used easily, this is the one you are looking for. It operates simply. The adjustments can either be up and down or side to side.

Since there are a lot of designs when it comes to the single-handle faucet, you might be confused about which one to choose. Remember that the difference between all these designs is the type of system that works inside and the navigating motions.

Pros: Single-handle faucet is very easy to install. It is a durable type of faucet that does not cost much when it comes to repairing. This faucet is easy to navigate too.

Cons: If you are always in a hurry, this faucet may not be the one for you. The single-handle takes time when it comes to switching temperature.

For installations on plumbing fixtures, contact a professional plumber like the plumber in Granada Hills, CA.

Double-handle faucet

The double-handle faucet can be installed on different sinks easily. Basically, it works like the single-handle but has two handles. There are times that two are better than one, which makes this faucet reliable when it comes to adjusting temperature fast.

This type of faucet can be purchased either cartridge or washers. It can also be operated in two ways, by shifting the handle or by tightening the switch.

Pros: Double-handle faucet has separate connections and controls when it comes to hot and cold water. It allows you to adjust the temperature in just a minimal time. If in case one handle brokes, you can still use the faucet with the other handle. It is also easy to install.

Cons: Repairing a double-handle faucet can be pricey, especially if you need to replace separate parts.

Hands-free Faucet

The hands-free faucet uses advanced technology. It is also named motion-detect faucet because it works by detecting motion. It has a sensor placed inside the main tap to identify any movements from outside, which commands the water flow.

This type of faucet is ideal especially if you have dirty or greasy hands. There is no need for you to hold the tap to make it work.

Pros: This motion-detect faucet is the most convenient type of faucet. It works quickly. It also prevents contamination. Plus, no need for cleaning the tap every after use. The design is also flawless and stunning.

Cons: It is expected that with this type of motion-detecting technology, this faucet can be expensive than other types. It also works in a complex system, which makes it difficult to repair.

Damages Caused by Water Leaks

A water leak is one of the most common plumbing problems in residential and commercial plumbing systems. Water leaks, no matter how small, need immediate attention to avoid causing larger problems. In case you don’t know, even a small leak can cause serious problems.

In this post, I am going to share with you an overview of the damages caused by water leaks.

Property and Structural Damage

Do you have an attic at home? If you have water leaks in the roof, it can cause damage to your attic. If you have sentimental items stored there, they will be damaged by the leak. For houses with no attics, automatically if there is a leak in the roof the damage will be in the ceiling. Fans on the ceiling can be affected by this, including the lights. It will not only damage the ceiling but may affect the walls as well.

Structural damages can happen, not just on your attic and ceiling. It can affect your rafters and frames too. It can even deteriorate the woods and walls wherein the leaking pipe is located. If not fixed right away, the damage will be severe and may cost you more than you imagined.

For problems like roof and plumbing leaks, you should call an expert like the plumber in Bradenton, FL.

Financial Damage

As mentioned earlier under the property and structural damage, leaks may result in costly repairs on properties. If the leaks are left unattended, the damage will be more severe and may require renovation (if not total repair).

Financial damage does not only mean costly renovations and repairs but high utility bills as well. If your pipes leak, it means your water meter does not stop rotating and computing your consumption. It can also damage insulation that will greatly affect the function of your HVAC, which means higher utility bills too because of the higher energy needed for your HVAC to provide the desired temperature.

Fire Hazard

It is water, why would it cause fire hazard. Water is the enemy of fire. Electricity should not come in contact with water. We all know this for a fact. If you have water leaks and it reaches your electrical wirings, what do you think would happen? A short circuit is very likely to occur, which ignites electrical fire. This is a serious matter, not only to your property but to the people living in the house as well. So, if you happen to see a leak near your wirings, turn off your electricity and water line. Then, call a professional immediately to repair the leak.

The Proven-Benefits of Water Softeners

There are over 60% of homes with hard water supply while about 3% only have fitted water softeners in their household. If you are contented with your hard water supply and you think water softener is not necessary, checkout the proven-benefits of water softeners. This will surely change the way you think about water softeners.

Improves Hot Water and Heating Systems’ Efficiency

If you have hard water, scales and sediments can build up in your water tanks. This build-up can affect the heating efficiency of your heating system. For every 1.6mm scale build-up, you can lose 12% in your heating efficiency. So, do you still think you don’t need a water softener?

Prevents Break Down and Deposits

Hard water can cause a lot of scale build-up in your pipes and appliances. This can cause problems in your fixtures and pipelines. To prevent sediments and solids to build-up in your plumbing systems, a water softener is needed.

Longer Lifespan for Your Appliances

With a water softener, sediments can be prevented from building up in your appliances. This makes your appliance last longer than having hard water.

Better Appliances Performance

Appliances can perform better if the water that goes in them is soft. Your washing machines, dishwashers, and the kettle will thank you for that. If you want more information on the water softener, you can contact a plumber in Birmingham, MI.

Save Household Items

With hard water, detergents are hard to bubble up. You must use more soap, detergents, cleaning products, and shampoo to make sure it bubbles and cleans. If you have a fitted water softener, you will be able to save your household items because you won’t need to use more of it for cleaning.

Good for Skin

A lot of people have eczema and dry skin. With a water softener, your skin will no longer be dry after each bath. It is known that hard water can cause eczema to be triggered because it can cause dry skin. So, if you want more supple skin you should choose to have a water softener fitted in your plumbing fixture.

For a Healthy Hair

Have you observed having a heavy feeling in your hair after bathing? Hard water can be the culprit in this. It can also cause your hair to be dry and frizzy. If you have a water softener, your hair will be silkier and soft after each bath. Guaranteed to make your hair more manageable.

The Difference Between Asbestos Cement Pipe and Concrete Pipe

You may have seen these pipes but don’t know what they are called. Less common pipes, which are not commonly used in homes, are asbestos cement pipe and the concrete pipe.

Learn the difference between these two pipes in this post.

Asbestos Cement Pipe

Asbestos cement pipe, as the name implies, is made from silica, cement, and asbestos. It is created under pressure to create dense homogeneous material. First, asbestos fiber is mixed with cement. Then the process starts.

You can purchase asbestos cement pipes in diameters ranging from 4 inches to 36 inches with 13-ft length. These pipes are built with different grades, with a maximum grade that can handle 200 psi pressure.

Special coupling is needed to connect the asbestos pipe, which consists of rubber rings and pipe sleeves. The pipe is resistant to corrosion as well as the joints.

This type of pipe is a bit lighter than concrete pipes. This can also be joined with a different type of pipe like the cast-iron pipe. It is joined using sulfur compounds or a lead.

The downsides of this pipe are the following:

– exposure to petroleum and gasoline products may deteriorate the rubber joints
– can be damaged by excavating tools
– not good at bending
– low-pressure water only

The Plumber in Leawood, KS advises everyone to hire a professional plumber for their plumbing system, to ensure the efficacy of the materials used.

Concrete Pipe

This type of pipe can be purchased in different sizes, with a diameter of 24 up to 72 inches. Some special pe-orders can also be 180 inches in diameter, especially those big and special projects.

This is usually joined using a mortar caulked bell and spigot joint. If this pipe is used under high pressure, a different lock joint is used.

The lifespan of the concrete pipe is from 35 years and could last up to 50 years. Rusts cannot penetrate the concrete pipes. The required maintenance costs less as well compared to other pipes.

No matter how sturdy this pipe may seem, it has downsides. The downsides of this pipe are the following:

– rapid deterioration when flowed with alkaline water
– subject to sulfide corrosion when used in wastewater
– heavy material
– hard to transport
– difficult to repair

Now that you know the difference between these two pipes, it is much easier to determine which one must be used for a certain purpose. However, always call a professional if you need pipelining to ensure the safety and efficacy of your plumbing system.

Cost of Traditional Sewer Line Repair VS No-Dig Sewer Repair

No-dig may sound like an expensive way to repair your sewer line. You need to know how it is done vs the traditional way of repairing sewer lines to determine which costs more. There are many things to consider when repairing a sewer line, which can add up to the cost.

Traditional Sewer Line Repair

Excavating is part of traditional sewer line repairs. It involves digging trenches to access the pipes. It can cost from $4 to $12 per square foot trench. For more complex jobs, it may require some heavy equipment to do the digging. If your sewer pipes are under some heavy objects, additional charge for relocating the objects that hinder the access to the pipes is needed.

After digging, the sewer lines are then located and repaired. There are instances that it must be fully replaced, which can add up to the cost. Once the repair or replacement is done, it must be covered back again. Once the trench is covered, it is almost always necessary to replace the ruined landscape. For all we know, hiring a landscape professional can cost thousands of dollars.

You can check Sewer Repair Services West St. Paul, MN for more information on sewer repair.

The act of digging to repair commercial sewer and other water pipes can be disruptive, and sometimes it becomes extremely disruptive for the operations of commercial establishments and businesses. Especially when the project takes longer to finish, the productivity and sales of the business are disrupted. Though traditional sewer repair in its nature does not cost much, with so many additional things to consider it makes it costly. This makes traditional sewer repair more costly than trenchless, with regards to all the additional costs.

No-Dig Sewer Repair

No-dig or trenchless sewer repair is a minimally invasive way of repairing sewer lines. It does not require large trenches and ripping of landscape design. The sidewalks and other landscape designs stay the same. This project can also be finished in just 1 day. If it cannot be accomplished in one day, it is guaranteed to be accomplished faster than the traditional sewer repair.

This type of sewer repair is less disruptive to the operations of businesses. This is a cost-effective solution to repairing sewer lines for both commercial and residential areas.

What’s more? No-dig sewer repair has a lifespan of 50 years, guaranteed.

So, what do you think? Are you in for a No-Dig sewer repair or you will still remain on the traditional one? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Why You Should Consider New HVAC System Installations?

HVAC plays an important role to make our lives more comfortable. If your HVAC is still working fine but is an old one, here are the 3 reasons why you should consider a new HVAC system.

Zone Modification

There are a lot of conventional HVAC systems, and most homeowners choose this type of HVAC system. It features a single-zone cooling that scopes the entire home. It works to cool all the places of the entire home and not just a single room.

Modern HVAC systems can be installed with multiple cooling sections. It can be set into different temperatures for different rooms although it is only one system.

This type of zone modification is preferable to large spaces, especially commercial buildings. There are also residential properties that consider new HVAC with zone modification. It has an air conditioning unit with several thermostats to set each room differently. It also involves ductwork connected to each area.

If you have an old unit, you can have it modified for zoning systems. However, it costs more to modify an old unit than to purchase a new modern system.

With regards to modification or replacing your system with a new one, a professional must be consulted. AC Repair Port St Lucie FL provides services not just repairs but new HVAC system installations as well.

New Designs

Do you have a traditional HVAC unit at home? You might need a new one if it is no longer cooling your home as it should. If it still functions fine, you might consider a new one to save money. Traditional AC systems use more energy than ductless AC systems (new design). This will allow you to save more since it is energy efficient.

The new design known as a ductless HVAC system is also used for zoning. Each zone has a separate thermostat, which makes it easier to control each area with different temperatures.

Smart Devices

With the advancement in technology, HVAC systems have been integrated with smart devices. A lot of new HVAC can be operated remotely using smart components. You can control it to make sure it is energy-efficient, which helps in saving money from utility bills. With smart devices, there are also AC systems that adjust the temperature automatically depending on the weather.

So, consider having a new AC integrated with smart devices is a good way to save money and live comfortably. However, decisions like this, you must ask a professional for advice.

Common D-I-Y Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid

When you do D-I-Y plumbing at home, you can feel so much satisfaction. Apart from the fact that doing the plumbing by yourself saves up some money, you can feel great happiness and fulfillment knowing that you have achieved it using your own skills and knowledge.

But sometimes, what we get is not what we expect. There are times when the supposed plumbing solution becomes a plumbing headache and disaster. Just like they always say, it’s not always rainbows, sometimes what you get is the result you don’t want the most. This usually happens when you try to do things on your own and fail to see the drawbacks of a mistaken move. There are a lot of plumbing mistakes that amateurs often encounter when trying to resolve a plumbing issue at home.

What mistakes are to be avoided?

Proceeding without turning off the water.

This is the first step when repairing or replacing something in your plumbing system, yet this one’s usually forgotten. It is important to always remember to turn off the water before proceeding to your plumbing task. This might sound unimportant but a lot of supposed-to-be plumbing projects end up being a disaster just because of this one. So always turn-off your water before doing your job.

Improper Use/Lack of Proper Tools.

We know that plumbing tools and equipment play big roles in fixing our plumbing troubles. Without this set of tools, plumbing jobs are impossible and cannot be delivered properly. An incomplete toolbox can affect your progress and productivity. Without them when things get complicated, it could turn into a total disaster which is not good for you and your plumbing system.

Refusing to Accept Mistake and Defeat.

Oftentimes, people think that accepting defeat and failure is a Big NO. But refusing to admit that your D-I-Y techniques brought you disaster will bring you nothing but disappointment. It is okay to admit defeat and seek for help from a professional plumber in Birmingham, AL when things are just not going right, or when you think that it is impossible for you to do the repairing and replacing alone. Plumbing experts are always on standby waiting for calls from weary customers and they are always prepared to respond to your plumbing immediately without hesitation.

Overtightening the Connections

Tight joints and connections are what we always want because it gives us the assurance that the problem is fixed and done. It’s a natural thing, but overtightening screws can cause problems. Even though it would not snap so easily, the water that builds up can create great pressure because there is not enough space to expand, and it can be disastrous. So, when you tighten all screws back, leave enough space to avoid accidental plumbing issues.

It’s surely helpful to have some plumbing ideas after all. Sometimes it can save you money and time. But failing to avoid such mistakes before and after plumbing procedures, a bigger problem may occur and surely nobody wants to deal with another problem, right? So, when things get heated, call your trusted plumber to solve your problem immediately and appropriately.

Residential Plumbing Services Your Home Needs

Residential plumbing services are those services provided by plumbers to homeowners. There are different types of residential services, ranging from installation, repair, and replacement. These plumbing services involve different fixtures and installations. Find out in this post what plumbing services you can get from professional plumbers for your home.

Installation

First and foremost, installation is the first plumbing service for your home. If your home is under construction, you need new plumbing installations. If you recently transferred to a new residence, there could be necessary installations your new home might need.

You can ask a plumber to install new faucets, toilets, boilers, water heaters, and even water softeners. Choose a licensed plumber to do the installation for you and not just any plumber. If you already have olf fixtures and you want to replace them, a plumber will be glad to do the service for you given you have valid reasons for changing the.

Renovation

Are you planning to renovate your place? You might need a plumber to help you with that. Your renovation should go smoothly with your plumbing fixtures. A renovation could affect your existing fixtures and you might also need a new installation for your renovation.

Before making any steps, consult with a professional residential plumbing service provider like the plumber in Welland, ON to make sure everything is according to safety standards.

Clogs and Repairs

In my previous posts, I have shared signs of clogs like foul smell, noise, slow drain, etc. If you want to read my post regarding it, feel free to leave a comment below. If you notice these signs, it might be the time for a residential plumbing service. Detecting and fixing the problem earlier is always the best option, rather than waiting for it to cause more problems not just on the pipes but on your property as well.

Water Heaters

On average, a conventional (tank-type) water heater can last up to 10 to 15 years while a tankless (on-demand) water heater can last 20 years or more. Within those span of years, you may need repairs for certain occasions like not enough hot water, leaks, etc. After the lifespan of the water heater, replacement is needed. You will be convinced to replace your new water heater if signs like rust and loud rumbling noise are present. If there are no signs but your water heater is past due to its lifespan, have a plumber check it for safety.

Home Filtration and Water Softeners

There are many types of water filtration; some may come together with water softeners. In one of my posts, I have talked about the problems of having hard water and why it is essential to have a water softener and filter. To keep your water safe for drinking and usage, a home water filtration and softener is recommended. Professional plumbers can provide this residential service with the assurance that it will help you get safe water.

Emergency Plumbing 2: Gas Leaks

One of the most dangerous leaks that can happen to a property is a gas leak. A gas leak can cause explosion and fire. If you suspect a gas leak shut down the main valve that controls the gas supply of your home. A trained plumber will handle the gas leak himself, so no DIY when it comes to gas leak repair. Evacuating the area, after shutting the valve off, is the best thing to do when there is a gas leak. Strictly, do not come back to the area until the leak is identified and fixed.

Signs of Gas Leak

Though it is hard to detect signs of a small gas leak, it is better to observe properly. Here are some questions to help you assess any gas leak:

Do you smell a rotten egg or sulfur around your home?
Do you hear a hissing or whistling sound near your gas line?
Can you see a dust cloud or white cloud near your gas line?
Are there bubbles in the water?
Are your houseplants dying without you knowing the reason?
Is your gas bill higher than your average bill but your consumption is the same?

If your answer to the questions above is YES, then there could be a gas leak in your home. The smell, sound, dust cloud, and bubbles are indications of a gas leak.

How about your house plants? If there is any gas leak, the odor and chemicals mixed in the air can kill houseplants. It is also dangerous to us, humans. Call an emergency plumbing Framingham MA if you suspect a gas leak.

Gas Leak DOs

Do the following if you have a gas leak:

All the people and pets living in the house with gas leak must evacuate immediately.
Leave the doors open upon going outside.
Call a professional plumber right away. (Make the call outside away from the house or gas leak.)

Gas Leak DON’T’s

If there is gas leak or suspected gas leak, remember the things you should not do.

DO NOT use a phone inside the house.
DO NOT use any appliances, especially switching them on or off.
DO NOT attempt to repair the leak on your own.
DO NOT attempt to search for the source of the gas leak.
DO NOT use any sources of ignition, such as lighters, matches, candles, etc.
DO NOT forget to report this situation.
DO NOT forget to call a reliable plumber trained at gas leak repair.

Wastewater Treatment – 4 Basic Approaches

Wastewater has a ton of effects on the environment and living things. It is imperative to treat it successfully. By treating wastewater, you don’t simply spare the animals, yet in addition, ensure the planet’s overall welfare.

There are four basic approaches to treat wastewater: natural water treatment, physical water treatment, compound treatment, and sludge treatment. Let us find out about these procedures in detail.

Biological Water Treatment

This uses different biological procedures to separate the natural organic present in wastewater, for example, cleanser, human waste, oils, and even foods. IN biological treatment, organics are metabolized by microorganisms. There are 3 categories in this type of treatment:

1. Aerobic Process

Bacteria disintegrate the organic matter and change it into carbon dioxide that can be utilized by plants. The aerobic process uses oxygen.

2. Anaerobic Process

At a specific temperature, fermentation is conducted to wastewater. The anaerobic process does not use oxygen.

3. Composting Process

Composting process uses a sort of oxygen-consuming procedure where wastewater is treated by blending it in with sawdust or other carbon sources.

The secondary treatment evacuates the vast majority of the solids present in wastewater, be that as it may, some broke down supplements, for example, nitrogen and phosphorous may remain.

We all need to know the importance of wastewater treatment. To know more about it, you may check the wastewater treatment plant construction Louisiana for more details.

Physical Water Treatment

Currently, different strategies are utilized for cleaning the wastewater. Procedures like screening, sedimentation, and skimming are utilized to expel the solids. No synthetic compounds are associated with this procedure.

One of the primary strategies of physical wastewater treatment incorporates sedimentation, which is a procedure of suspending the insoluble/substantial particles from the wastewater. When the insoluble material settles down at the base, you can isolate the pure water.

Chemical Water Treatment

As the name proposes, this treatment includes the utilization of synthetics or chemicals in the water. Chlorine, an oxidizing agent, is ordinarily used to eliminate microscopic organisms that break down water by adding contaminants to it. Another oxidizing operator utilized for decontaminating the wastewater is ozone. In neutralizing, it is where a corrosive or base is added to carry the water to its regular pH of 7. Chemical substances keep the microorganisms from recreating in water, in this way making the water pure.

Sludge Water Treatment

This is a strong fluid partition process where the least conceivable lingering dampness is required in the strong stage and the most minimal conceivable strong molecule buildups are required in the isolated fluid stage. A strong fluid partition gadget, for example, a centrifuge is utilized for expelling the solids from the wastewater.