Helpful Home Tips
Plumbing Tips
Recycling graywater is by far the most valuable green plumbing tactic. Everyday households across America flush and drain thousands of gallons of water that could be recycled for alternative uses. This blog post highlights various techniques that homeowners can implement in order to reuse their gray water and as a result, they can save the planet and money at the same time.
Graywater is a plumbing industry term that refers to all types of water that are no longer potable and are flushed down sinks, showers and laundry facilities. The term gray implies that the water is no longer clean; however, it is not “wastewater.” While this water is no longer considered safe or desirable for human consumption, it can be used for other purposes around the house.
Below are some examples for wastewater reuse:
Watering the Garden
Vehicle Cleaning
In your Toilet
Irrigation
As a homeowner there are various ways that you can implement a system that saves and recycles your graywater. If you are a homeowner and are interested in green plumbing techniques, we would recommend that you contact a local plumber that can install holding tanks and other green (water saving) plumbing tools.
Blog Post Provided By – Your Birmingham Plumber, Hinton Companies, Inc.
Well-Water Testing
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, private well water should be tested yearly, and in some cases more often than that. A report by the Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), states that annual, well-testing is essential, especially for nitrate and microorganisms such as coliform bacteria, which may indicate that sewage has contaminated your well. These recommendations point out certain circumstances when additional testing should be done, including testing when a new infant is living in your house or if your well is subjected to structural damage.
Doctors and pediatricians warn that children are especially vulnerable to waterborne illnesses that may come from contaminated wells. Consequently, since well owners are primarily responsible for their own wells, are not subject to federal regulations, and only minimally regulated by states, it is imperative that well owners keep close checks on the healthiness of the well water that flows into their homes. With proper care, well water is very safe; however, wells that become contaminated by chemicals or pathogenic organisms are hazardous to a household’s well-being.
The most common contaminant in wells is nitrate, which comes from sewage or fertilizer. The presence of nitrates in water can be a problem for infants under three months of age in particular because they cannot metabolize nitrate. Water with a nitrate concentration of more than ten milligrams per liter should not be used to prepare infant formula or given to a child younger than one year old. Using bottled water for infants when nitrate contamination is detected, or when the source of drinking water is not known is your best bet for keeping your child free from nitrate poisoning.
Statistics show that water contamination is inherently local, and that families with wells need to keep in contact with state and local health experts to determine what should be tested in their community. For instance, some parts of the country have arsenic, radon, salt intrusion or agricultural runoff that may get into the water supply. In these communities, you should be very conscientious about testing your well water. There are some kits for well water testing, but to insure that yours is safe, contact a qualified licensed plumber to test your well water for toxins and contaminants.
Blog post provided by: Roswell, Ga Sewer System Experts
Green Plumbing Ideas
If you want to contribute to the environmental conservation movement, one easy place to start is to initiate some green plumbing practices or install some green-friendly products in your own home. A few simple adjustments in your plumbing practices will have a substantial impact on your consumption of water and energy. Such practices will not only impact the environment, but will save money in the long run by lowering your utility bills as well. In addition, going green with your plumbing needs can have a great impact on the amount of toxins and greenhouse gases in your home, making your home a safer, cleaner place to live.
By taking some relatively simple steps, you can make your home more green friendly. Installing efficient fixtures and appliances, using environmentally friendly pipes and cleaners, as well as some more advanced solutions such as conversion to solar water heaters, gray water recycling, or rainwater harvesting can drastically reduce the environmental impact you make daily. To reduce the amount of water you use, install low-flow and aerator faucets and shower heads, as well as ultra-low flow toilets. And, while these changes may seem pricey at first, they will ultimately decrease your water bill, possibly saving you up to 50 percent on water usage and your bill. Installing faucets that use sensors to shut off while you lather your hands can save up to 70 percent of the water used by manual faucets, saving as much as one gallon of water per usage. Dual-flush toilets with their two handles (one to flush urine and one to flush waste) can save up to three gallons of water per flush.
Another simple practice you might want to incorporate into your green plumbing projects is rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is accomplished by directing roof runoff into barrels, tanks, or cisterns rather than allowing it to run into gutters, downspouts, and sewers. Rainwater harvesting not only provides a free source of water for your garden and lawn, but will take some of the burden off your municipal storm sewer systems too. And, for even more water conservation and a bit more effort, you can use harvested rainwater for showering, laundry, and toilet flushing. Rainwater harvesting can even be used as a source of free drinking water, though it may require treatment before consumption.
Blog post provided by: Alpharetta Ga Licensed Plumbers
Bathroom Floor Options
If you are replacing your bathroom flooring or installing flooring in your new home’s bathrooms, you’ll want to carefully choose the type of flooring that best serves the needs of your household. Your choice of bathroom flooring is important because you’ll have to live with that choice for many years. While there are numerous options for bathroom floor materials, you’ll want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. In general, your options include carpet, wood, tile, vinyl, and bamboo.
Carpet
Carpet is not a good choice for a bathroom floor. Not only is it difficult to keep clean and dry in a bathroom setting but when moisture soaks into carpet, serious damage occurs to underlying materials causing them to deteriorate. In addition, moist carpeting can result in mold below the surface of the carpet and set you up for respiratory hazards and germs. Consequently, carpet is probably not an option you’ll want to seriously consider for your bathroom flooring.
Wood
If you choose carefully, wood is a viable option for bathroom flooring. Standard wood flooring is not your best choice though as it can be damaged by moisture. However, you can have a wood-like floor in your bathroom by using laminate flooring or engineered wood flooring. Laminate flooring is flooring that provides a layer of decorative, waterproof material over wood chips. Engineered wood flooring is flooring specifically designed to resist moisture. Unfortunately, moisture sometimes seeps into laminated flooring, so if you want wood flooring in your bathroom, engineered wood flooring is probably your best option.
Tile
The most popular choice for bathroom flooring is ceramic tile. A natural design choice for bathrooms, tile flooring is relatively inexpensive, completely waterproof, easy to clean and ascetically appealing. Whether you choose subway tile or some other style, ceramic tiles come in colors and shapes to complement any bathroom décor. Glass tile is also an alternative and has all the advantages of ceramic tile except it is somewhat susceptible to scratching.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring for your bathroom is one of the best and most used options available. Though less visibly appealing, vinyl is cheap, versatile, easy to install and moisture resistance. In addition, vinyl is relatively maintenance-free and durable. If cost is the determining factor for your bathroom flooring, vinyl is the option for you.
Bamboo
Moisture resistant, mold resistant, eco-friendly bamboo flooring is gaining momentum for bathroom flooring among traditionalists as well as cutting-edge designers because of its green-friendly features. Though a viable bathroom flooring option, bamboo is still a relatively new addition to bathroom flooring, making it very expense to purchase and install.
Make sure you research your options for bathroom flooring before choosing one. And, don’t forget to consult a licensed plumbing contractor or servicer to make sure your selection is workable for the plumbing system you already have in your home or the plumbing system you are planning to install.
Blog post provided by: Alpharetta, GA bathroom remodeling plumbers
Green Plumbing Practices
In general, green plumbing practices are practices of making use of environmentally friendly, energy efficient practices in your choice of plumbing materials and the use of those plumbing materials. The goal of these green practices is to conserve our natural resources for the future and improve the environment, or at least not destroying it more than we already have. An added bonus to going green in the plumbing arena is that by conserving energy and water, you not only save the environment but you save money as well.
The top five ways you can make your home more green-plumbing friendly are:
1. Repair leaky faucets. One leaky faucet can waste over twenty gallons of water per day. So, if you are not sure that your pipes, sinks, and toilets are leak-free, contact a qualified plumber to check these out for you and have him/her repair any that are leaking.
2. Use high-efficiency toilets. You can save a lot of money and water by replacing your older or larger tank toilets with smaller high-efficiency tanks. Many of the newer water saving toilets allow for a dual flush feature, enabling you to choose a half flush or a full flush for even more water saving.
3. Insulate your pipes. Homes with piping in exterior walls cause water heat loss during cold months. As water travels from an exterior wall pipe to your faucets, it takes the water longer to warm up as it comes out of your faucet than it does with interior wall piping systems. Installing insulation around these pipes will cut down on this heat loss and save you energy and hot water costs as well.
4. Install low-flow shower heads and faucets. By installing low-flow shower heads and aerators for your sinks, you can limit water flow from shower heads and faucets and save water and money.
5. Replace your old water heater with a tankless water heater. Traditional water tank heaters constantly heat your hot water. Tankless water heaters save energy by heating only the water you need at the moment. Estimates show that tankless water heaters reduce energy costs by up to 40 or 50 percent as compared to water heaters with a tank. An added bonus to tankless water heaters is that you may even be able to get a tax credit for purchasing and installing one. Check with a qualified plumber to determine what type of tankless water heater you should purchase and how to take advantage of any tax credits due you for doing so.
By taking some relatively simple steps to change some plumbing features in your home, you can save money and energy and contribute to preservation of the environment.
Blog post provided by: Marietta GA licensed plumbers
Purchasing a Backyard Pool
Purchasing and installing a backyard pool may be one of the most expensive additions you will ever make to your home. Conducting a bit of research before your purchase, could save you some money and assure you that you have a backyard pool that you will enjoy for years to come.
Your first decision about a backyard pool is whether you want an in-ground pool or an above-ground one. And, while an in-ground pool is luxurious and may add value to your home, the cost can be up to six times that of an above-ground pool. In addition, the material you choose for the construction of an in-ground pool may hike the price even higher. Your choice of materials for an in-ground pool include vinyl-lined, fiberglass or concrete, with concrete being the most expensive as well as the choice that will add the most value to your home. Make sure you choose the pool that best suits your needs as you will have to live with it for a long time.
Once you’ve selected your style and construction material, check-out the local laws governing the placement and safety requirements you must meet to have a pool in your community. These may include a fence around your pool, a pool cover, and/or a minimum light requirement to insure that others are safe when around your pool. Your contractor should be up-to-date on these requirements, but your town hall will have that information if you want to check on it yourself.
In addition to the pool itself, you’ll also want to consider the size and shape of your pool, the possibility of building a pool deck to enhance your pool experiences, the possible addition of a pool-spa, hot tub or whirlpool for your family’s relaxation pleasure, installation of a fountain or waterfall for an interesting ascetic, and pool sheds and cabanas for some shade. The choices are endless in designing your pool area, so make sure you budget for any accessories you want to add to the construction of your new backyard pool area.
Just remember that adding a backyard pool to your home is a major construction project. However, with a little planning, you’ll enjoy the process of building your pool, add value to your home, and make a long-term investment in your family’s summertime fun.
Other factors to consider are the future costs of your new pool. These costs include opening and closing your pool for each season, plumbing and maintaining pumps, lining, and equipment associated with your pool, utility bills and operating costs, and the buying of chemicals (chlorine, shock and pH balancer) to keep your pool water clean.
Blog post provided by: Alpharetta GA swimming pool plumbing service
PEX vs. Copper Piping
Does the average person really know what kind of piping is in their home? Probably not, but odds are, it is either standard iron or copper piping or PEX piping. So which one do you choose if you have a choice?
Copper
Copper (and iron) piping is the most common type of piping in most homes. It is a durable, flexible metal that is easy to install, but does require some amount of soldering skill. Copper resists corrosion and is not affected by ultraviolet rays, making it great for outside use. Other advantages to copper piping is that it provides your plumbing system with a biostatic atmosphere, making bacteria grow difficult, does not release toxic gases when exposed to fire, resists burning, is flexible enough to resist breaking in severe weather, and is recyclable. The disadvantages of copper piping are that copper piping is expensive, it may produce metallic tasting water, and it may break in locations where freezing temperatures occur.
PEX
PEX piping is a cross-linked polyethylene pipe that is durable in extreme temperatures, flexible, easy to install and less expensive than copper or iron piping. PEX piping is ideal for the do-it-yourselfer. In addition, PEX piping can be used with metal and PVC piping, has fewer fittings, less leakage, is burst resistant, and is installed with numerous shut off valves, making repairs easy to do. The disadvantages of PEX piping include its restriction to indoor use, its inability to be recycled, its potential for allowing contaminants to enter your drinking water, and its tendency to deteriorate if left outside.
So which do you choose? If cost is a factor, PEX piping is the most inexpensive choice. Otherwise, you’ll want to choose based on your situation and which type of piping works best in your home. If in doubt, consult a trusted, qualified water pipe plumber to help you decide.
Blog post provided by: Atlanta GA copper piping plumbers
Sprinkler System Installation
Once the need to water lawns ends for the season, many folks take advantage of discounts offered to install a sprinkler system for the next season of watering needs. If you are one of those folks, you’ll want to check around to find the best price and a qualified sprinkler system installation company for your system.
The design of your sprinkler system is just as important as the installation. It involves much more than installing pipe and sprinkler heads. You’ll want to make sure that your lawn is measured accurately so you’ll know what type water flow you need to keep your lawn and flowerbeds hydrated and healthy. Different pipes and flow valves need to be correctly positioned and installed to control the pressure and amount of water released to make sure your sprinkler system runs smoothly and efficiently. Your objective is to have a uniform amount of water delivered to your lawn to work for your particular yard.
While you can install a sprinkler system on your own, you may want to consider hiring a professional to do so. It is not just a weekend project and will require some expertise in precise calculation of pressure and spatial measurements to determine the placement of sprinkler heads and piping. Many homeowners have dug up entire lawns trying to figure out how and where to lay the piping. Consequently, hiring a qualified sprinkler specialist may save you money and time.
Maintenance of Your Sprinkler System
Since sprinkler systems have both above- and below ground components, you’ll need to be sure that your system is designed so that you can drain all the water form pipes for the winter so the pipes don’t freeze and burst. Most systems have a shut-off switch that enables you to deactivate it during the winter. Check with your manual or installer to learn how to do this.
About the only other maintenance problem you have to worry about with a well-installed system is clogged sprinkler heads. If one of your “pop up” heads is not working, odds are that sand or dirt is lodged in it, and cleaning the sprinkler head will solve the problem. Otherwise, you’ll want to check the pipe feeding that sprinkler head for a leak. If you have an entire zone that is not watering, check your delivery box to make sure it is programmed correctly. Your automatic time may need to be re-set. Consult a sprinkler system professional if you cannot solve the problem yourself to avoid expensive repair bills later on.
Blog post provided by: Alpharetta Ga Sprinker System Specialists
Grout Installation and Repair
Cracked grout is one of the most common problems encountered among homeowners with tile floors in homes with tile flooring in bathrooms and/or kitchens.
Excessive water or polymer additives in your grout mix that result in weak grout structure is the most likely culprit if you have cracked grout. Liquid in grout mixtures will inevitably evaporate (as it is designed to do), but too much evaporation will leave tiny holes in your grout, making it vulnerable to cracking. In addition, if the glue applied over your mortar is insufficient or too thinly applied, when the glue dries and contracts, the glue (also called thinset) may pull away from the tile and leave gaps of air under your tile. If you hear a crunching sound when you walk over your tile flooring, you are hearing pieces of mortar that are lodged beneath your tile. This event will eventually result in cracked grout, followed by cracked tiles.
Strong grout is a result of the timing of cement hydration at the time of original installation. Part of the curing process, cement hydration (the reaction of water with cement) is critical in determining the strength of your grout. Adding water after the cement hydration has begun is a recipe for a disastrous tile installation. Make sure you contract with a competent tile installer from a Bathroom Remodeling or Kitchen Remodeling company to eliminate having to worry about tile problems in the future.
If you have cracked grout problems, the sooner you take steps to fix the problem, the better; so try to repair cracked grout promptly to avoid evitable cracked tile later. The longer you wait the more expensive and extensive the job will be. Cracked grout only gets worse with time. And, if your grout is in really bad shape, your best option is to replace all the grout to insure that your tile does not crack and result in the destruction of all the tiles in that room. A typical grout replacement involves the stripping and reapplying of the grout, followed by a curing process and application of a sealant. While replacing all your grout seems like an expensive endeavor, it does come close to the expense of retiling your entire floor.
Blog post provided by: Marietta, GA Plumbing specialists
October is National Toilet Repair Month
Repair your Toilet and Plumbing in Time for the Holidays
US based Fluidmaster (the largest manufacturer of toilet and toilet tank parts) has designated October as National Toilet Repair Month. Often times toilet repairs are overlooked by consumers making home improvements. According to recent statistics a single leaking toilet can lose up to 78,000 gallons of water per year. 78,000 is roughly the same amount of water required to fill a swimming pool.
Now, lets take a look at some simple repairs that can reduce the amount of water being wasted from your leaky toilet. Toilet repairs are simple and cost effective. Capable homeowners can complete most toilet repairs and even toilet replacement with the appropriate tools, time and effort. If as a home owner the thought of making toilet repairs seems like a task that is above your skill level, then contact a local and licensed plumber that can perform repairs quickly and efficiently with very little expense. Our Decatur Georgia licensed plumbers are happy to help if you are unable to complete the repairs yourself.
Below is a list of four toilet problems that can be easily be repaired. Each one of these repairs will cost less than $5.00.
Faulty or Worn Out Flapper
This problem can easily be diagnosed by a constantly running toilet. Most toilets use a rubber flapper to seal the bottom of the tank, being made out of rubber these flappers can decompose or warp over time, thus eliminating their ability to seal the bottom of the toilet tank. This is an easy repair to make, and a new flapper will typically cost less than $5.00 at your local home improvement center.
Cut, Repair, and Replace Rusted Toilet Bolts
Years of condensation and moisture can often lead to toilet bolts becoming excessively rusted and becoming virtually impossible to remove. In a situation where your toilet bolts are exceptionally rusted, you will need to remove your bolts with a cutting device. Our plumbing professionals have found that a dremel type of device works best, although a grinding wheel and hacksaw could be used as well.
Replace a Toilet Wax Ring
Most individuals recognize that their toilet wax ring needs to be replace when a toilet has a slight wobble, that over time begins to leak water onto the floor of their bathroom. Toilets are mounted to the floor via a wax ring that helps to seal the toilet to the drain. If the toilet had not been seated properly, this wax ring can shift and over time, allow water to seep through. As with most toilet repairs this is an easy fix. Before you begin making your repair, you will need to go to your local home repair center and purchase a new wax ring. Typically a wax ring will cost between $3.00 and $5.00 dollars.
Step One: Shut off the water at the main water line to the home, bathroom, or toilet.
Step Two: Flush the toilet one last time. This final flush should empty both the toilet tank and bowl.
Step Three: Disconnect the water line that connects to the toilet.
Step Four: Remove the nuts that keep the toilet attached to the floor.
Step Five: Pull the toilet straight up off of the floor.
Step Six: Put on rubber gloves, remove the old wax ring.
Step Seven: Place the new wax ring on the floor and then follow the above steps in reverse order to complete the project. Be sure to gently rock the toilet on the new wax ring to properly “seat” it. Additionally, be sure to tighten the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor, but do not over tighten as you can break the porcelain.
Repair or Replace a Broken Flush Handle
Most flush handles are made out of plastic and can easily wear out and break. Broken flush handles typically cost no more than $5.00 and are readily available at your local home repair center. In order to replace your flush handle, simply remove your old flush handle, and then replace with a new handle.
If in the event you start to make repairs on your toilet and you begin to feel overwhelmed contact a licensed plumber that can repair your toilet professionally.
This blog post has been provided by your local Decatur, GA Plumbers.