Water Saving Strategies

March 30th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Saving water is a great way to reduce your utility bills while doing your part for the environment and helping to ensure that we don’t run out of water in the near future.  There are many ways you can reduce the water consumption in your home without sacrificing comfort and convenience.  In addition, when you save hot water you not only reduce your water bill but you will also see a saving on your energy bills.

About half the water usage in a typical home takes place in the bathroom so that’s a great place to start saving water.  When selecting new water efficient fixtures for your home, look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense is a program run by the EPA that provides certifications for water efficient fixtures.  In order to earn the certification which is done by independent companies, a fixture must use 20% less water than comparable fixtures with no loss of performance.  You can avoid the disappointment of a poorly performing low flow fixture by sticking with WaterSense labeled products.

If you have older toilets that use more than 3 gallons of water per flush, replacing them with low flow toilets will save an average family of four at least 4,000 gallons of water per year.  The average household can save another 2,000 gallons of water per year by installing low flow shower heads and 500 additional gallons by replacing those old faucets with new WaterSense faucets.

In the laundry room, avoid running small loads but if you have to, make sure to change your washer’s water level.  When the time comes for a new washer, choose an Energy Star washer to save up to 15 to 20 gallons of water on every load.  The same goes for your dishwasher.  Wait until it is full before running it and choose an Energy Star model to save water on every load.

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Demand Water Heaters

March 30th, 2012 Posted in Tankless Hot Water
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If you are looking for ways to cut your energy costs, consider having demand water heaters (also called tankless water heaters) installed in your home.  A standard tank type water heater wastes energy by keeping water hot 24 hours a day whether it will be needed soon or not.  The energy wasted keeping water hot during period of no demand is called the standby energy loss.

Demand or tankless water heaters eliminate the standby energy loss by only heating water as it is used.  When a faucet is opened or a shower is turned on, the water runs through the heater where it is heated  and then delivered to the tap.  The heating process only takes a few seconds so the supply of hot water is almost instantaneous.  However, just like with a standard tank type water heater, if the tankless water heater is located some distance from the tap it will take a little time for the hot water to make its way there.

The main advantages of tankless water heaters are the elimination of standby energy loss and an endless supply of hot water.  The primary disadvantages are a higher initial cost and a limited flow rate.  The limited flow rate can be a problem if multiple demands for hot water are made at the same time such as running the dishwasher and the shower.  If the demand exceeds the unit’s flow rate, it will not be able to keep up.  One way to deal with this problem is to install multiple demand water heaters that are dedicated to the heavy users of hot water like the washing machine, shower, and dishwasher.

The cost issue becomes less of a concern when you consider that the demand water heater is far more efficient than a storage type water heater.  In the long run, the energy savings will offset the increased initial cost.

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WaterSense Toilets

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Toilets
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If you are shopping for a new toilet, you will likely find that many of the residential toilets on the market today are WaterSense labeled high efficiency toilets.  These differ from standard low flow toilets because they use at least 20% less water per flush.  Standard low flow toilets were introduced in the early 1990’s to meet federal standards and use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush.

WaterSense high efficiency toilets rely on recent advances in toilet design to use a maximum of 1.28 gallons per flush.  WaterSense is a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency to help consumers conserve water by selecting water efficient products that do not sacrifice performance.  In order to earn the WaterSense label, a product must be certified by an independent testing agency to use 20 percent less water while performing as well as or better than standard products.

When it comes to toilets, many consumers have unpleasant memories of the 1.6 gallon per flush low flow toilets that were introduced in the 1990s to meet federal mandates.  Most of those toilets suffered from poor flushing performance and often needed clogged toilet repairs.  Consumers are understandably hesitant to choose a high efficiency toilet that uses even less water per flush than the federal mandate.

The WaterSense program was designed to help with these concerns by requiring independent testing to certify that toilets and other products that qualify for the WaterSense label use less water without any decrease in performance.  WaterSense toilets have been designed to have excellent flushing performance while using less water.  Replacing existing toilets with WaterSense toilets can save a typical family about 2,000 gallons of water per year.  When you need a new toilet, talk to your plumber about installing a new WaterSense toilet.

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Dual Flush Toilets

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Toilets
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Many consumers shopping for new toilets are looking for ways to save money on their water bills.  Since the early 1990s, toilets sold in the United States have been required to meet federal standards for using no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush but consumers seeking to save even more water have several options.

One option is to use a WaterSense certified high efficiency toilet.  These use 20% less water than a standard low flow toilet without sacrificing efficiency.  Manufacturers designed these toilets to have high flushing performance with low water usage.

Another approach is to use a dual flush toilet.  These toilets conserve water by offering two flushing options: a full flush that uses 1.6 gallons or less and a partial flush that typically uses about half of a full flush.  The idea is that flushing liquid waste only needs a water-saving partial flush while a full flush is available to flush solid wastes and avoid expensive clogged toilet repairs.

Many dual flush toilets are WaterSense certified and when used properly average less than 1.28 gallons per flush.  This can save a typical family of four about 2,000 gallons of water per year compared to a standard 1.6 gallon per flush toilet.

The flushing mechanism inside a dual flush toilet is slightly more complicated than a standard toilet and the toilet may cost a little more but some consumers prefer the availability of a full 1.6 gallon flush over a 1.28 gallon per flush toilet.  In addition, the toilet must be used properly to achieve water savings.  Always using the full flush will result in the same water usage as a standard low flow toilet.

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Pressure Assisted Toilets

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Toilets
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If you would like to replace your existing toilet with a high efficiency model but are concerned about the flushing power of a standard gravity flow toilet, consider going with a pressure assisted toilet.  A standard gravity flow toilet uses gravity to flush the tank full of water through the bowl with every flush.  This system works great if you have plenty of water.  Prior to the early 1990s toilets used 3 to 5 gallons of water per flush and did a great job of clearing the bowl and flushing the waste through the drain lines to the sewer line.

However, toilets sold in the United States since 1992 are required to comply with federal regulations limiting the amount of water per flush to a maximum of 1.6 gallons.  Most manufacturers simply modified existing toilets to use less water per flush with predictably poor results.  Things have improved in recent years as toilets have been designed to work better with only 1.6 gallons or less, but there are practical limits on what can be accomplished with only 1.6 gallons of water.

Pressure assisted toilets use compressed air to improve the flushing ability of the toilet.  They use a special plastic or nylon tank installed inside the toilet tank.  As the water fills this tank, the water compresses the air in the tank.  When the toilet is flushed, the compressed air helps flush away the waste.

Pressure assisted toilets work great and use less water than standard low flow toilets – about a gallon in most cases.  This can result in saving thousands of gallons of water per year.  However, pressure assist toilets are noisier than standard toilets and cost more than gravity flow toilets.  Also, parts are not usually readily available at your local hardware store.

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Water Saving Toilet Choices

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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According to EPA estimates, toilets use almost 30 percent of the water consumed in a typical residential household.  Homeowners can save a lot of water and a lot of money by replacing older, inefficient toilets with new high efficiency toilets.  There are several different options when it comes to modern high efficiency toilets.

Since 1992, all toilets manufactured for sale in the United States use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush which is about half the amount used by older toilets.  These low flow toilets got a bad reputation for flushing ability, but in recent years advances in toilet design have greatly improved the performance of standard 1.6 gallon per flush toilets.  These make a very good, economical toilet choice.

In fact, in just the past few years most residential toilets have been designed to meet WaterSense certification standards which require that the toilet use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush and perform as well as or better than a standard low flow toilet.  Choosing a WaterSense certified toilet makes a lot of sense since they use even less water than a standard low flow toilet and have been specifically designed to perform well while using only 1.28 gallons of water.  These are an excellent cost-effective solution.

Dual flush toilets are another alternative.  These toilets have two flush modes:  a full 1.6 gallon flush for flushing solid waste and a partial flush (usually about .8 gallon) for flushing liquid waste.  When used properly, these toilets average less than 1.28 gallons of water and most of them qualify for WaterSense certification.  These are a little more expensive than single flush toilets.

Finally, pressure assist toilets use compressed air to assist with flushing performance.  These toilets work well and use the least amount of water, but they can be noisy and are much more expensive than gravity-flow toilets.

Whether you are doing a full bathroom remodel or just replacing a toilet, your plumbing professional can help you choose the right high efficiency toilet for your home.

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How to Choose a Toilet

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Choosing a new toilet for your home is more complicated than randomly choosing one at your local big box store.  All toilets are not the same and since most toilets last for many years, it makes sense to spend a few minutes comparing features to get the right toilet for your home.

One of the first things to look at is how much clearance you have from the wall behind the toilet.  The standard distance from the wall to the toilet bolts (called the “rough-in” distance) is 12 inches.  Some small bathrooms may be designed for a compact toilet with a 10 inch rough in.  Some toilet models will only fit in a space larger than the standard dimensions. Be sure to check the distance to avoid having to return a toilet that is too big for the available space.

Next, do you want a round or elongated bowl?  Round bowls are a little more compact and take up less space, but some people prefer the extra room at the front of the bowl offered by elongated bowls.

Height of the seat is another concern. The standard height of the toilet bowl rim is 15 inches, but some toilets are designed to be a little taller.  Toilet height is mostly a matter of personal preference.

Finally, do you prefer a one piece or a two piece toilet?  A two piece toilet is the traditional design with a separate bowl and tank that are bolted together.  A two piece toilet is a little easier to install because the bowl can be installed first and then the tank is bolted onto it.  However, waste material can get into the area between the tank and the bowl and cause offensive odors.  A one piece toilet has a sleek design that incorporates the tank and bowl in a single unit.  These are very modern looking and avoid the odor problem inherent with a two piece design.

No matter what you are looking for in a toilet, you will be able to find one that meets your needs.  Professional toilet installation by a good local plumber with experience in bathroom repairs will help ensure your toilet works great and lasts a long time.

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Grease Trap Cleaning

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Grease Trap Cleaning
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If you are a restaurant owner or operate any type of commercial establishment that is required to have a grease trap, you are probably well aware that keeping the grease trap clean is a very important but unpleasant job.  Grease traps are installed in the drain lines of restaurants, commercial kitchens, and other establishments to trap grease and oils before they get into the municipal sewer lines.

When grease traps get too full, they not only stop doing their job and can allow grease and oil to get into the municipal sewer system but also cause wastewater backups into your kitchen or restaurant.  In addition, in some areas failing to properly maintain your grease traps can lead to citations and fines.  You can avoid these problems by having the grease traps cleaned regularly.

Some businesses with small grease traps can have them cleaned by an employee by hand, but most businesses are better off by having scheduled grease trap pumping by a commercial sewer septic and wastewater hauling company.  With regular service you can be sure that your grease traps will be professionally cleaned, stay in good operating condition, and that the waste grease will be properly disposed of.

The frequency of grease trap cleaning varies depending on your business and the size of the grease traps.  Weekly cleaning or every other week is common, but if the grease trap is usually more than half full at regular cleaning intervals you should increase the frequency.

It is a good practice to keep a log of the grease trap cleaning.  The log can help you establish an efficient cleaning schedule and may be needed for compliance with local rules and regulations.  Keeping your grease traps clean is not just good for the sewer system, it’s good for the environment and it’s good for your business.

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Simple Toilet Repairs

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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In most cases, if you need toilet repairs your best bet is to call a good local Orlando plumber to get the job done quickly and professionally.  This is especially true if your toilet is leaking from around the base, from the tank where it mounts on the base, or from the water supply line.  A leak from any of these areas needs to be repaired by an experienced Orlando plumber immediately before it can cause further damage to your floors and cabinets.

In addition, a leak around the base of the toilet is unsanitary.  Homeowners attempting to fix many of these types of leaks by tightening the fitting simply end up cracking the toilet or breaking a fitting and causing a much bigger leak.  It’s best to let a professional Orlando plumber take care of these bathroom repairs to avoid causing a larger problem.

However, if your toilet is “running” or not flushing you may be able to quickly find and fix the problem yourself.  The first step is to remove the tank cover and look inside the tank. If the problem is that your handle moves freely and the toilet won’t flush, you probably have a broken chain between the handle lever and the flapper valve.  See if you can hook the chain back together and solve the problem.

If your toilet runs, look to see if there is something caught underneath the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank.  In many cases, the extra chain from the handle will get stuck under the flapper and stop it from fully closing.

If that’s not the problem, you may have a problem with your float.  If you have a large “ball type” float at the end of a brass colored rod, gently lift the float slightly to see if the toilet stops running. If so, gently bending the rod down slightly will help the valve shut off.

If you have a fill valve with an integrated cylindrical float, see if adjusting the float slightly up or down takes care of the “running” issue.  If all else fails, call your local Orlando plumber.  They will be able to diagnose the problem and handle any toilet repairs.

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Dealing With Grease, Fats and Oils

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Grease, fats, and oils are common household waste products that many people routinely pour down the drain.  However, pouring grease, fats and oils down the drain can lead to clogged drain lines and sewer lines.  A clogged sewer line can cause raw sewage to back up into your home which is not only inconvenient but also unsanitary.

Greases, fats and oils cause clogs by sticking to the walls of your drain lines and sewer lines.  Over time, they can build up into a thick coating that restricts wastewater flow through the pipe.  Other materials such as coffee grounds, gristle, vegetable peels, hair, and debris stick to the greasy layer on the wall of the pipe and eventually build into a nasty clog.

Many homeowners mistakenly use hot water to flush grease, oil and fats down the drain thinking that the hot water will help flush them through the system.  Using hot water can actually make the problem worse because it liquefies the grease, fats and oils and helps them coat the walls of the drain pipe and sewer line as the water cools and the grease, fat and oils solidify.

You can avoid having to call an experienced Orlando plumber for sewer service to clear your clogged sewer lines by following good habits when dealing with grease, fats, and oils.  First, don’t pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain.  Second, scrape food scraps from dishes, pots, pans, and cooking utensils directly into the trash instead of down the garbage disposal.  Finally, liquefied fats, oils and greases should be poured into a storage container like a jar or coffee can and allowed to solidify.  Dispose of solidified grease, fats and oil in the trash or by taking them to your local recycling center.

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