Going Green With Your Plumbing

Times are changing as the idea of “Going Green” becomes more and more popular and prevalent throughout the world.   Knowing what footprint you are leaving upon our environment is not only important but consciously doing something to help preserve our natural resources for future generations, is the responsibility of us all.  You can begin in your home.

1. Install low flow shower heads to cut back on the amount of water that is used while showering.

These are called energy efficient shower heads because they decrease energy consumption due to less water being heated.

2. Install low flow toilets.

They use less water per flush than a more traditional setup, roughly 1.6 gallons of water per flush.  Older models use as much as 3.6 gallons. A low flow toilet can save thousands of gallons of water per year, per household.

3. Install faucet aerators.

They break down the flow of water into small drops, allowing usage of less water while still maintaining effectiveness for washing your hands, etc.

4.   Install an efficient hot water circulator during your remodel.
 
Tankless  water heaters are great for endless hot water but think about including a circulator as well.  Nobody wants to siphon water from their hot water lines when flushing their toilet or watering their lawn. So do your research and ask questions because your families comfort and lifestyle will be affected for years to come.

Don’t do it because you don’t want to pay a plumber to install the proper equipment.  Do it because you’ll be doing your part to help save on a natural resource that is being depleted insurmountably.

Sump-Pumps ~ Are They Necessary?

Spring time means melting snow, heavy rain and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw our way.  Weather patterns have changed dramatically over the years, which leads homeowners never knowing what to expect.  Flooding is damaging and once it begins, there is little you can do to hold it back.

Even if your basement isn't prone to flooding, it would be wise to make sure your sump pump is operating at maximum effectiveness.

Do you have a sump pump?  Do you have it tested annually by a plumbing professional in order to ensure it is and will run properly when you need it?

If you don't have one and uncertain how it works - well, it's  used to extract accumulated water and generally installed in the basement just under the ground in a hole referred to as the Sump Pit. When the sensor in the pit (often known as the "float") fills with water above a certain level, the sump pump automatically turns on and drains out the water.  

Homeowners often opt to install an emergency backup sump pump just in case the main sump pump runs out of power or breaks down for any reason. Emergency backup sump pumps are used not only in the event of power outages or when the main sump pump fails, but when the water load is too big for your main sump pump to handle as well. Emergency backup sump pumps run on batteries and can be real lifesavers during power outages. These specific types of emergency backup pumps are used only for backup purposes and come with rechargeable batteries which last as much as 6 to 7 hours.

What's the big deal? Besides the damage a flooded basement can do to flooring, drywall, and framing in the basement, mechanical systems such as electrical panels, water heaters and heating systems are at risk in the event of a flood. A sump pump can literally save you thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the loss of personal property you may store in the basement. If structural damage isn't enough to convince you of the importance of a properly functioning sump pump and an emergency back-up system, be aware that excessive moisture may contribute to serious health problems. Moisture leads to mold, which can be extremely hazardous to your health. Additionally, extreme moisture can cause fungus to build up and destroy the wood in your home leading to the infestation of wood destroying insects such as termites.

Often times, sump pumps and backup pumps are not something you think about until it's too late. Therefore, be proactive. If you are considering purchasing and installing a sump pump, we recommend you consult advice from a plumbing professional who can show you how a small investment today can literally save you hundreds of dollars down the road.

What To Look For When Hiring A Plumber

Hiring a plumber for any job, big or small, can make even the most confident consumer shrivel with fear.

The fact of the matter is that hiring a plumber is not always as easy as it sounds. You may think that everything is okay just to learn that you either spent too much money, or hired the wrong person for the job.

The following tips may not be well known, but they can help you hire the right plumber for the job:

1. Group together all of your repairs so the plumber only has to visit your home one time. You can save a lot of money by doing this, while also ensuring that all of the repairs are made without delay.

2. Request a written estimate before the work starts. Many consumers never do this because they take the plumber’s word for it.  There is nothing wrong with trusting your plumber, but to protect both parties this is something you definitely want to do. Every reputable plumber will offer to give a written estimate before getting their hands wet.

3. Select a plumber that is insured and licensed. When you choose a plumber on a whim, such as by an ad in a local paper, you never know what you are going to get.  During your initial conversation, ask the plumber if they are insured and licensed. This can go a long way in easing your stress.

4. Ask how their rate is calculated. Are you being charged a flat rate for the entire project? Or will you be paying an hourly rate? This is an important question, but one that many forget to ask. 

5.  Don't be afraid to ask for references or inquire if they're part of a consumer organization that provides them.  This can be helpful in your selection especially if they are A+ rated.

These four tips may not be discussed all the time, but they can help you immensely when hiring a plumber. If you implement these tips, while also using your common sense, you will hire the right plumber and have all your problems fixed in no time at all.