6 Quick Ways to Reduce Water Use in Your Home

There are many reasons to limit the amount of water you use in your home. Water conservation is good for the environment and can also be good for your bank account. Excess water use can cost you more in utility bills, put extra stress on a septic system and deplete natural resources. There are many ways to reduce water use around the home, but here are six ways you can start today. 

  1. Stop running water down the drain. Whether you are brushing your teeth or rinsing dishes, avoid running water directly down the drain. Shut it off between uses.
  2. Take shorter showers. Each shower uses several gallons of water. Keep showers short, or better yet, turn off water while you lather up your hair and body, then rinse off.
  3. Only do full loads of laundry. Small loads of laundry add up to more water used than one full load. Only do laundry when you have a full load.
  4. Only do full loads of dishes. Just like the clothes washer, only turn on the dishwasher when it is completely full.
  5. Water grass and gardens morning/night. Less water is needed to water outside when it is cooler, so set the timer on your irrigation for morning or night.
  6. Fix leaks. A leaky faucet or shower can create gallons of water waste every day. Call a plumber and get those leaks fixed today.

You can greatly reduce your water use with these small tricks, helping with conservation and reducing the cost of water use in your home. Talk to your local plumber about installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures to reduce your water use even further.

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

Should You Do Your Own Faucet Repair or Replacement?

Replacing or repairing a faucet is not rocket science, but it can be more difficult than you may think. Many do-it-yourselfers will attempt a faucet project, especially if they have replaced a faucet in the past. However, not all faucets are the same and many of the newer models are more complicated than the simple versions of the past. Here are a few things to consider before attempting a faucet repair or replacement on your own.

Do You Have the Right Tools?

There is nothing more frustrating than getting into the middle of a plumbing project and realizing you don’t have all the right tools. Your new faucet may need different size wrenches or sockets to tighten parts than your old one. Needing to buy different tools can be an added expense.

Unforeseen Problems

It is a common issue to start a plumbing project and realize there are bigger problems than you initially realized. Once started, you often cannot stop until the job is done without losing access to your sink or tub. Make sure you are ready to tackle whatever plumbing issue may reveal itself during the project.

Protecting Your Investment

If you are upgrading your faucet to a newer, more expensive model, you want to ensure it is installed right. It may be worth it to hire a plumber that guarantees their work to protect your investment; damaging an expensive new fixture or needing to replace it down the road due to improper installation are common issues with DIY plumbers.

Even a smaller plumbing project like faucet repair or replacement can benefit from the expertise of a professional plumber. Save yourself time and trouble by hiring a professional to get the job done quickly and correctly.

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

Three Great Reasons to Upgrade Your Bathroom Faucets

Are your bathroom faucets outdated and wasting water? You use them day in and day out, but when was the last time you really paid attention to your bathroom faucets? If they are looking worn or beginning to leak, it may be time to upgrade to new faucets for your sink, shower and bathtub. Here are three excellent reasons to invest in new faucets for your bathroom.

  1. An inexpensive makeover. If you don’t have the time or money to remodel your bathroom, upgrading the faucets is a cheap way to give your bathroom a makeover. Just replacing the hardware and maybe adding some matching towel racks can spruce up your old bathroom, giving it a whole new look.
  2. Leaks cost money. Did you know that one leaky faucet can waste up to 2,000 gallons of water a year? Don’t let your money run down the drain and waste valuable natural resources. Replace old faucets that leak with new energy efficient options, like those with the WaterSense label that are approved by the EPA. You’ll stop the leaks and use less water for years to come.
  3. New technology. Beyond just beautiful faucets that are water efficient, you can add new technology to your sink and shower. Thermostatic valves that keep your shower the perfect temp or motion sensors for hands-free water flow are just a few of the many new tech options that are available for your bathroom.

Changing your faucets can make a big difference in your bathroom, from the style to the efficiency and convenience. With the help of your local plumber, you can transform your bathroom with just a few changes to your plumbing hardware.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

Keeping Your Sink Fixtures Looking Like New

Sink fixtures have become an important part of the décor in both kitchens and bathrooms. It is not just about function; these fixtures are the final accessories which can bring the whole room together. While faucets and aerators are fairly simple to clean and maintain, they do need some special attention to keep them looking beautiful and working correctly. Here are some tips to maintain those expensive fixtures:

  • Cleaning. Keep in mind that most expensive faucets and other sink hardware may feature finishes which require special cleaning. To keep water spots at bay, make sure always to wipe away any moisture from fixtures, polishing any water spots with a dry cloth. Never use harsh cleaners with scrubbing compounds or corrosive agents on fixtures; these cleaners can destroy the finish.
  • Mineral deposits. For areas with hard water, mineral deposits can leave spots on your fixtures and even clog the head of your faucets or aerators. A solution of half warm water and half white vinegar can help remove these mineral deposits, just wipe down the fixtures and the faucet heads.
  • Aerator. The aerator on your kitchen sink should be cleaned every few months to prevent clogs in the fine water holes in the head. Simply disassemble the aerator and soak for a few hours or overnight in the same vinegar-water solution used for mineral deposits.

Some faucet maintenance may require a little more work, or the help of a plumber. You may have washers which need replacing or other components in need of minor repair. For leaky faucet repairs, call in your local plumber to get the problem fixed properly.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

How Efficient Are Your Water Fixtures?

Everyone knows that water is a limited and necessary resource for every living thing on the planet. It also costs money to bring into your home and dispose of properly. It only makes sense for the environment, and for your wallet, to practice conservative water use. An easy way to save money and make green choices which conserve this precious resource is to use water-efficient fixtures. The EPA WaterSense program and fixtures are a good way to start.

What Are WaterSense Products?

The WaterSense program is in partnership with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to provide products and services which promote conservative water use. Since its inception in 2006, WaterSense claims to have helped reduce water usage by 757 billion gallons. The products and services endorsed with the WaterSense label are certified to be at least 20% more efficient, without sacrificing performance. Some of the fixtures that are available for home include: 

These fixtures can help save a substantial amount of water every year over their lifetimes. A typical WaterSense faucet can save 700 gallons each year, and approximately 11,000 gallons over its life. The certified showerheads can save a half a gallon of water every minute the shower is running. WaterSense toilets can save families $110 a year, or about $2,200 over the life of the toilet in water costs.

If you are ready to replace some of your existing fixtures with WaterSense products, talk to your local plumber. They can help you get these new fixtures installed correctly, so you can start saving money and water in your home.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic & Sewer 

Reducing Mold And Mildew In Your Bathroom

It is no secret that mold and mildew love to live in your bathroom. The warm, moist air is a perfect environment for spores to thrive, making it difficult to keep in check. Even with regularly cleaning, mildew and mold can live under caulking and between bathroom tiles, lurking in every little crevice. Beyond cleaning, there are ways to reduce these aggravating and potentially harmful growths by reducing moisture in the room.

Reduce Moisture In Your Bathroom

While you cannot rid your bathroom completely of moisture, there are ways to minimize the amount that accumulates throughout the day. Hot baths, showers and the continuous presence of water make the bathroom a very humid place which attract mold and mildew. Some ways to cut down on this moisture include:

–        Exhaust fan. If you don’t already have a bathroom exhaust fan to remove moist air, you need to invest in having one installed in all of your bathrooms. This circulates the air, adding much needed ventilation to these small, moist rooms.

–        Open a window. Even if you don’t have an exhaust fan, you can still open a window and use a small, portable fan to blow moist air out. This can be very effective in removing excess moisture.

–        Fix leaks. Is there constant condensation on your toilet, or does your bathtub faucet have a slow drip? This constant moisture is making your mold and mildew problem worse. Call your local plumber to get your fixtures repaired.

If you are able to reduce the amount of moisture that stays in the air in your bathroom, you can have a fighting chance of keeping mold and mildew at bay. Keeping moisture low also protects drywall and other porous surfaces from becoming infested with dangerous mold which can be harmful and very expensive to remove.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

Small Drips Can Become Big Expenses

A dripping faucet or leaky pipe may not seem like a big problem, or one which requires particularly urgent attention. It may seem easier to put a bucket under a leaky pipe or live with the annoying drip than actually fixing the problem. These minor plumbing issues may seem small, but if left unchecked, they can become bigger and more expensive problems than you may realize.

Fixing Drips Now Can Save You Money Later

Most minor drips and leaks are an easy fix. In most cases, the culprit is usually just a small crack or worn out washer which needs to be replaced. A plumbing professional can make quick work of leaky pipes and dripping faucet repairs and can help you avoid substantial expenses in the long run.

  • Higher water bills. Even a small leak, drip or running toilet can make your water bill go up each month. Over time, the added expenses on your water bill may be much more than it would have been just to call a plumber when the problems first started.
  • Water damage. A small leak or drip is only going to get worse over time, and will not rectify itself. Eventually, the small drip will become a big leak, which can cause expensive water damage in your home.
  • Bigger problems. A drip or leak may be a sign of bigger issues. Getting a professional out to fix the small problem could prevent bigger and more expensive problems down the road, especially if the plumber uncovers a serious underlying issue.

Never procrastinate when it comes to drips and leaks in your plumbing. A call to your plumber today could save you time, money and headaches in the future.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing

Upgrade Your Bathroom With New Plumbing Fixtures

Have you been thinking that your bathroom is starting to look “dated?” Have you been dreaming about remodeling your bathroom but now is not the time for such an expense? Simply replacing and upgrading your old plumbing fixtures can go a long way toward giving your bathroom a different look and feel.

Regardless of your future plans to remodel your entire bathroom, changing your fixtures will be a step in the right direction, and one which you’d likely do anyway. Picture the overall desired look to your bathroom when selecting fixtures. Begin with the toilet; choose something more modern and environmentally friendly.

When selecting your style and finish requirements with matching, or complimentary, sink and shower fixtures, don’t just look at the faucets but also consider upgrading the style of sink and/or cabinets. Think about what kind of bath you’d really like to have, such as a bath with massaging water jets, and indulge yourself by upgrading that as well. Select a custom showerhead, with all the settings of spray that you’d enjoy, with matching faucets for the bathroom sink.

Depending on your choices, like with the toilet, there may exist some building code requirements. It is always best to first, before purchasing, consult with your local plumbing professional about your ideas to make sure that your plans are feasible, that you have enough space, correct location of water lines, and adequate placement of plumbing lines. Limited only by your budget, upgrading and replacing your old plumbing fixtures with new sleek designs will give your bathroom a remodeled look, without the cost and mess of an entire remodel.

Replacement Faucets

One of the most economical and dramatic changes that can be made to an existing bathroom or kitchen is to replace the existing faucets with new ones.  The number of different faucets that are currently being offered by all of the manufacturers at all price points is amazing!  There are almost too many choices, as faucets are now an architectural and designer feature of a bathroom or kitchen, in additional to having a practical purpose.

In addition to the type of handles being offered, there are numerous finishes available besides chrome.  These finishes include, brass, nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and a variety of painted finishes, such as black.  The handles are either round or lever style, with many variations of each.  The available styles vary from very contemporary to very traditional.  In addition, the new faucets on the market are reliable and virtually maintenance free.

In addition, many of the manufacturers now are offering a variety of bath accessories that are of the same style and finish of the faucets for the bathroom.  These accessories include towel bars, robe hooks and toilet paper holders.  There are even light fixtures that are coordinated with new faucets as well.  Pop up drains and flush handles for toilets are also being made to match the style and finish of the faucets.  Everything is now coordinated!

In most cases a qualified plumbing contractor can change out the faucets in a bathroom or kitchen quickly and economically.   The key to keeping the cost down is to use the existing shower valve if at all possible.  They can also offer guidance on which manufacturer to choose based upon their experience with the manufacturer.

Have You Done Your Routine Plumbing Maintenance Yet?

By the very nature of its word, routine “maintenance” (to prevent failure or decline) of all of your home’s plumbing systems is important to perform periodically. You can potentially save time and money by proactively addressing whatever minimal plumbing problems may currently exist by committing yourself to an annual plumbing maintenance schedule.

Start with your bathroom, check for leaking faucets, slow drains, lower water pressure and running toilets. While a small amount of leaking water may appear insignificant, it can eventually cause costly damage, not to mention the gallons of water wasted. Debris can collect and partially clog drains and faucet aerators. A build-up of encrusted calcium can easily obstruct the flow of water. Of course, the working parts of toilets can start to wear down over time and cause problems, as evidenced by the toilet handle sticking or the sound of water running long after the toilet has been flushed. Tremendous amounts of water are wasted by running toilets. Follow the same procedure for your kitchen. In addition, check your kitchen sink for leaks, either at the faucet, disposal or sprayer. Check the cabinet underneath the sink for water damage and around your dishwasher.

Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid a main water line or sewer back-up. Having your septic or sewer lines inspected by your local plumbing professional is the easiest way to prevent sewer line catastrophes; a little time and money spent now can save you much in the future. Also, at the time of your routine plumbing maintenance service, you will want to have your regular sewer main snaked if you’ve been plagued in the past by tree root problems.