Cleaning Your Faucet Aerator

May 22nd, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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Most modern water faucets are equipped with an aerator, a disc shaped wire mesh screen or plastic disc installed at the tip of the faucet that the water flows through as it comes out of the faucet.  An aerator is designed to conserve water by creating the appearance of higher water pressure at the tap.  They also reduce splashing.  Unless they very old, your bathroom and kitchen faucets probably have an aerator installed.

Aerators are a simple, inexpensive way to conserve water but over time they can collect rust, scale, and other debris and become clogged.  When this happens, you may notice a decrease in the water pressure at the faucet or an irregular flow pattern.

Fortunately, fixing the problem is usually not a very difficult faucet repair.  With the tap turned off, remove the aerator by unscrewing it counter-clockwise.  Try unscrewing it by hand first, but if it is too tight, carefully use a pair of plier to loosen it.  Be sure to protect the finish on the aerator with a rag or a couple layers of masking tape to avoid scratching it.

Once the aerator is off, separate the parts paying attention what order they go back together and which way each part faces.  Rinse off the debris or if necessary use a rag or even a wire brush to clean the screen or plastic disc.  If it is very corroded or clogged, replacements are usually easy to get at your local hardware store or home improvement center.  Take the old one with you to make sure you get the right replacement.

Put the aerator back together in the same order you took it apart and screw it back onto the faucet.  If there is still a problem with the water pressure or flow pattern in your faucet or if your aerators frequently become clogged, you may have other issues such as excessive contaminants in your water.  Talk to your plumber about installing a whole house filter to remove these contaminants.

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What Do Water Softeners Do?

May 22nd, 2012 Posted in Water Softener
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According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 85 percent of American homes have hard water.  Hard water is water that contains excessive minerals or metals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals dissolve into the water as it flows through the ground.  A water softener (or water conditioner) is an appliance that treats water and reduces the level of minerals and metals in the water.

Hard water is not considered a health hazard, but some people find it to be annoying and it can cause problems with your plumbing.  Some people do not like the taste of hard water find that it leaves them feeling itchy after showering.  Also, hard water leaves mineral deposits behind that may cause noticeable spots on dishes, sinks, showers, or your car.  Over time, hard water can lead to build ups of mineral deposits in shower heads, faucets, water heaters, and plumbing pipes.

These deposits can clog show heads and cause leaky faucets.  Worse, the mineral build up inside your water heater can cause your water heater to work harder which uses more energy and shortens its useful life.  Mineral deposits inside plumbing lines and drains can cause clogs and other problems.

A water softener is a tank that contains little beads called “resin media”.  As your water flows through the resin media, excessive mineral are reduced by exchanging mineral ions with sodium ions.  The result is “soft” water with much lower mineral content but higher sodium content.

Whether or not you need a water softener depends on how hard your water is and your personal preference.  Some people are not bothered by moderately hard water while others prefer softer water. Your plumber can measure the hardness of your water and help you choose and install a water softener that is right for your home.

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Advantages of Water Softeners

May 22nd, 2012 Posted in Water Softener
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The majority of American homes have hard water that contains excessive minerals and metals.  Your plumber can install a water softener or water conditioner that will reduce the level of minerals and metals in the water in your home.

Water softeners offer numerous advantages.  The first thing most people notice is no more water spots on sinks, showers, and dishes.  These water spots are caused by the minerals in hard water.  Also, hard water causes scale to build up inside of pipes, faucets, shower heads, drains and water heaters.  By removing the minerals from the water, a water softener reduces or eliminates the accumulation of scale and prevents problems cause by scale build up.

Water heaters are particularly affected by hard water.  The mineral buildup on the heating elements reduces the efficiency of the water heater and causes it to work harder.  Soft water can extend the life of a water heater and save money on energy costs.  The same is true to a lesser extent for dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances that use water.

Many people do not like the taste of hard water or itchy feeling from the mineral deposits on their skin following a shower.  A water softener solves both of these problems.  In addition, soap is less effective when used with hard water due to the minerals in hard water.  You will use much less soap with soft water to clean dishes, clothes, cars and bathing.  Clothes washed in hard water often feel a little rough due to soap and mineral residue left in the clothing.  Clothes washed in soft water get a little cleaner and feel softer than clothes washed in hard water.

If this sounds good to you, talk to your plumber about choosing a water softener that fits your needs.  Water softeners come in different capacities and styles and your plumber can recommend the right size and type of water softener for you.

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Disadvantages of Water Softeners

May 22nd, 2012 Posted in Water Softener
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Many homeowners install a water softener to reduce the amount of minerals in their household water supply.  Water softeners eliminate problems caused by hard water such as water spots, lime and scale build-up in plumbing fixtures, and other issues.  Soft water is more effective for bathing and for cleaning cars, dishes, and clothing and reduces soap scum build up in showers, sinks, and tubs making them easier to keep clean.

However, there are some disadvantages of water softeners to consider before you purchase one. The first thing to consider is the expense of installing a new water softener.  Water softeners can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000 plus the cost of the installation.  In addition, a water softener needs salt added on a regular basis.  Some homeowners add the salt themselves while others use a service.

A water softener will also increase your water bills.  In the process of removing the unwanted minerals, a water softener uses up to 25 gallons of water a day which adds up to nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year.

In addition to the cost of buying, installing, and operating a water softener, some people do not like the feel of soft water.  It can have a slimy feeling that feels like all of the soap is not quite rinsed off after bathing or even just washing your hands.  Further, soft water has a high sodium content which can corrode water heaters or cause problems for people on a sodium restricted diet.

Water softeners can resolve hard water issues, but be sure to consider all of the alternatives and disadvantages before you take the plunge and invest in a new water softener.

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Do Water Softeners Harm Septic Systems?

May 22nd, 2012 Posted in Water Softener
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If your home is one of the 85 percent of American homes with hard water, you may be considering installing a water softener.  There are advantages and disadvantages of water softeners to consider, but if your home is on a septic system an additional consideration should be whether the water softener will cause any problems with the septic system.

There have been several studies done with no consensus reached as to whether a water softener or water conditioner can be used without damaging a septic system.  As an initial matter, there are a few areas where local building codes prohibit the use of water softeners with septic systems so check to be sure that you even have the option to install a water softener in your area.

During normal operation, water softeners periodically discharge large volumes of water with high levels of sodium which raises concerns about the possibility of overloading the septic system with too much water and also about the effect of the sodium on the septic tank and septic field.

Water softeners discharge about 50 to 70 gallons of water during a “regeneration cycle” which occurs two to three times a week.  The concern is that too much water flowing into the septic tank will cause the effluent to flow to the drain field before the solid material has had a chance to settle out.  Also, that much water could stir up the effluent and cause too much solid material to flow into the drain field.

By comparison, a typical washing machine uses about 40 to 55 gallons of water per load so the effect of a water softener is similar to doing one and a half loads of laundry three times a week.  A healthy septic system that is not already nearly overloaded should be able to handle this additional volume of water.

The septic tank and drain field depend on millions of naturally occurring bacteria to treat the waste water. Studies on the effect of the additional sodium from a water softener have not found any reason to conclude that the added sodium is harmful to the bacteria in a septic system.

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Choosing a Commercial Plumber For Your Business

May 17th, 2012 Posted in Commercial Plumbing
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If you own or operate a business, you know that commercial plumbing problems are a little different than residential plumbing problems.  At a business or commercial facility, a clogged toilet, broken or leaking water line, or stopped up drain line is more than just an inconvenience, it means downtime for your operation and you can’t afford downtime that results in lost customer and lowered employee productivity.

Every business needs to establish a relationship with a great local commercial plumber and keep their contact information handy.  That way, when a problem arises like a clogged toilet, full grease trap, or broken water line you and your employees will immediately know who to call to get the problem fixed fast.

When choosing a plumbing contractor, you want to find a plumber who handles the types of plumbing problems that might arise at your business, who you can depend on for fast response time and professional plumbing repairs, and who will not charge an arm and a leg for the work.

First make sure that the commercial plumber can take care of your plumbing needs.  Some commercial plumbers don’t handle things like boiler service and repair or cleaning grease traps. Then, ask for references and follow up.  Talk to other businesses that have used this plumber to see if they were satisfied with the quality of the work and would use the plumber again.

When comparing rates, don’t automatically go with the lowest cost plumber.  Expect to pay market rates for top quality commercial plumbing service from an experienced plumbing contractor.  A commercial plumbing contractor that quotes a very low price will likely deliver low quality service and when you are in business, you cannot afford anything less than top quality, reliable plumbing services.

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Hi Tech Leak Detection

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Leak Detection
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Do you think you might have a leaky pipe in the fresh water system inside your home?  These pipes are usually hidden in the walls and ceilings of you home and one way to look for the leak is to start knocking holes in the walls.  Similarly, if you suspect you have a water leak in the yard in your water service line or irrigation system, you can grab a shovel and start digging.

However, there is a better way to find leaky pipes without tearing up your home and your landscaping.  Most plumbers use high tech electronic leak detection equipment including ultrasonic or thermal imaging equipment to find leaks in water pipes hidden underground and behind walls, ceilings and floors.  Using this method, your plumber can pinpoint the location of the leak while avoiding unnecessary digging and damage to your yard or the inside of your home.

Ultrasonic leak detection equipment can detect sound made by leaking water that cannot be heard by the human ear.  Infrared thermal imaging equipment can detect moisture behind walls and under floors.  It not only detects leaks, but also identifies hidden water damage to floors, walls, and ceilings.  These cutting edge leak detection systems can even help locate leaks in water pipes underneath homes built on a slab.

If you concerned about the possibility of a water leak in your home, call a plumber with experience in non-destructive leak detection techniques such as ultrasonic or thermal imaging.  They will be able to precisely locate the leak and repair it with the least amount of damage to your home.

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Warning Signs of a Water Leak

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Every home will eventually have a water leak of some kind.  There are many different points that water leaks can occur in the home.  Some water leaks such as a leaky toilet flapper valve are easy to fix and don’t cause a lot of damage but others including leaky pipes or a leaking water supply line can cause serious damage to your property.

However, all water leaks waste water and should be repaired as soon as possible by an experienced water line repair plumber. Even a small water leak can waste a lot of water and add hundreds of dollars per year to your water bill. By being alert to signs of a water leak, homeowners will know when to call a plumber who can locate the leak and repair it before it causes serious damage or wastes a lot of water.

Some obvious signs of water leaks in the home that calls for immediate attention include wet spots in the ceiling or walls, and standing water in the crawlspace or basement.  You may also see mold or mildew growing in the area of a water leak.

If your home is built on a slab, a warm spot on the floor can be a sign of a leak in a hot water pipe.  With this type of leak you may also notice that your gas or electric bill has gone up (depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater).

A wet or soft, mushy area of the yard that never dries out is another sign that you may have a water leak.  If you notice any of these symptoms, have it checked out by a reputable plumber.  Your plumber can locate any leaks and get them repaired quickly.  If left unrepaired, many water leaks can cause expensive damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, and even your foundation.

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High Water Bills May Indicate Water Leaks

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Many times, the first indication that you may have a water leak is a high water bill, especially if your water bill seems to be getting higher every month for no apparent reason.  If this sounds familiar, you may have a water leak that should be checked out by a reputable plumber.  Water leaks not only waste water, but depending on where the leak is located, it can cause serious damage.

Normal fluctuations in a home’s water usage can come from many different sources.  For example, if you have a sprinkle irrigation system it would be expected that the water bill increases when the sprinkler system is in use.  Similarly, if you have a swimming pool or spa you would expect that your water bill will go up during the summer months as water lost due to evaporation is replaced.

However, if your water bills keep climbing without a good explanation, it may be an indication of a water leak in your water lines, sprinkler irrigation system, or inside your home.  It is important to find and repair and water leaks as soon as possible.  Water leaks inside the home can damage floors, walls, and ceilings.  Water leaks in the water supply line or irrigation system can cause erosion, damage foundations, driveways, and sidewalks, and attract termites and other insects.

A good plumber will be able to quickly locate and repair any water leaks at your home.  They understand the common sources of water leaks and have the experience needed to track down any leak.  They can also use sophisticated leak detection equipment to pinpoint leaks without damaging your property.  Identifying the exact location of the leak will also minimize the amount of digging or opening holes in walls, floors or ceilings to access the leaky pipes.

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Using Your Meter To Check For Water Leaks

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Your water meter can be a useful tool for determining whether you have a water leak in your home.  Whether your water bills have been unusually high, you have notices a wet spot in the yard, or you just want to check to be sure that you do not have any hidden water leaks in your home, the meter is a great place to start.

First you will need to locate the water meter.  In most homes, the water meter is located in a box in the ground near the street in front of the house.  Sometimes the meter is in the yard or it can even be next to the house.

Once you have found the water meter, turn off all of the water using systems in your home such as the ice maker, automatic spa or pool filling devices, and your irrigation system.  Next, on the face of the meter, mark the position of the pointer or “sweep hand”.  Wait 30 to 40 minutes without using any water in your home and check the meter again.  If the sweep hand has moved, then water has been flowing through the meter and there is a leak somewhere in your system.

If your home is equipped with a water shutoff valve, the next step is to turn off the water shut off valve.  Repeat the process for checking the meter for movement of the sweep hand.  If the hand still moves indicating that water is flowing through the meter, the leak is located somewhere in the water service line between the meter and you home.  If the meter does not show any water movement, then the leak is somewhere in your home.  It could be a leaky toilet flapper valve, in your irrigation system, or in a water pipe inside your home.  Wherever the leak is located, you will need to call a water line plumber to repair the leak.

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