4 Excellent Reasons to Install an Outside Shower

Have you ever considered installing an outside shower at your home? While it may not be a necessity, it can have some excellent benefits. There are occasions when an outdoor shower can be handy – consider these four benefits to an outdoor shower on your back patio.

  1. Dirty kids. Kids like to get dirty – it is one of the things they do best! But getting them clean can cause another mess in the bathroom, especially when they track their dirt and mud all the way through the house. After messy outdoor play, have kids rinse off in the outside shower to keep the dirt out of your home.
  2. Dirty dogs. Dogs need baths, but they can also make a mess inside. Outdoor showers are perfect for giving your furry kids a bath without messing up the bathroom. It is much more comfortable for them than an outdoor hose that only has cold water.
  3. After swimming. If you have a pool with chlorine, you need to rinse off after a swim to protect your skin and hair. Outdoor showers on your pool deck or patio let you rinse without tracking in water through the house.
  4. Have you ever taken a shower under the stars or in the bright morning sun? It can be an enjoyable experience, with nature as your ceiling.

Adding an outdoor shower as part of your bathroom remodeling project can be a wonderful, convenient fixture for your family. Talk to your local plumber about options for creating a shower area on your patio or pool deck. It can be an affordable addition that can make life easier and create less mess in your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Water heaters can last over a decade, some lasting twenty years or more with good maintenance. It is easy to neglect your water heater and forget that these appliances do need replacement. If you have had your water heater for ten years or more, it is time to start considering replacing your unit before you wake up one morning to a cold shower. Some early signs that your water heater is reaching the end of its life can include:

  • Shorter periods of hot water
  • Water not getting as hot
  • Increased noise from the unit
  • Leaking

While these can also be signs that your water heater needs repair, if it is over ten years old, repairing may be a waste of money. Putting a bandage on an appliance that has already reached the average lifespan may only keep it running for a few more months. Instead, these indications are a sign that it is time to start considering investing in a new water heater.

There are many options when it comes to replacing your water heater. Tank water heaters come in electric and gas models, with various sizes. If running out of hot water has always been a problem, considering getting a larger tank or opting for a tankless model. Tankless or on-demand water heaters are compact, without a tank, and heat water as you need it. This ensures you always have hot water and these models can save quite a bit on your energy bills.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, talk to your local plumber about replacement. Ask about upgrading to a tankless model for your home or other options before your old unit finally quits.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

If you have low water pressure, everything using water takes longer. Showers can take a few extra minutes, filling the sink or cooking pots takes longer and running a bath can seem to take forever. Low water pressure is not necessarily a bad idea – it can help reduce the amount of water you use. However, you should be receiving the pressure you desire and if it is low, you need to find out the reason.

There are a few different reasons you may be experiencing low water pressure in your home. To troubleshoot the issue, you first need to determine if it is only certain water fixtures or rooms that experience low pressure or the entire house. If it is only the bathroom or just the kitchen sink, you are most likely dealing with a fixture issue. If it is only hot water, not cold water, then it could be a problem with your water heater, not the plumbing.

When the water pressure is low throughout your house, it could be caused by a couple dynamics. If you are on city water, ask your neighbors about their water pressure – it may be the city water main that is producing low pressure. You could also have a water pressure reducing valve in place that you were not aware of that needs adjustment. You should check to make sure your main water valve is completely open as this could restrict water into your home.

If you are still unsure of why you have low water pressure, call your local plumber. They can inspect your plumbing and provide answers as well as solutions to increase the water pressure in your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Is Mold Invading Your Bathroom?

One of the most common places for mold growth in the home is the bathroom. Since this is the main room for water use, it creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. If it seems you are constantly combatting mold in your shower, bathtub or even on the walls, you need to work on some preventive measures. Here are a few tips to reduce mold and mildew in your bathroom.

  • Use a dehumidifier or fan. Removing moisture from the air is one tried and true way to reduce mold. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, installing one should be your first step and making sure everyone turns it on before showers/baths is the second step.
  • Wipe down sinks, showers and tubs. Water left to evaporate in sinks, tubs and showers create a breeding ground for mold spores. Make sure members of your household wipe down the shower/tub and sinks after use.
  • Fix plumbing problems. Do you have a toilet that has condensation on the tank or a faucet that drips in your bathroom? These small plumbing issues keep the air in your bathroom moist and can lead to excess mold growth. Call your local plumber to make these plumbing repairs. It will save on water use and keep your bathroom drier, which can limit mold and mildew growth.

Mold and mildew are more than just an annoyance when it comes time to clean your bathroom. Mold spores can become airborne and travel to other areas of the house or cause health problems. Using these tips can reduce mold, saving you time on cleaning, plus protect your family’s health and against damage to your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 884-4678