Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Clogged Drains
Clogged Drains
It happens to almost every homeowner at some point. You flush your toilet, run water in the sink, take a shower and it happens. The water doesn't go away, but backs up, begins to build in the basin, bowl, or tub and threatens to overflow. You have a clogged drain.
Knowing what you can do to fix the problem yourself may help you save the cost of calling a plumber. On the other hand, tackling a problem you can't handle or ignoring the problem for too long can escalate the problem and cause for a significantly more expensive repair in the end.
Single Fixture Drain Blockage
When a fixture like a sink, toilet, or tub won't drain or drains slowly, there is a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. When it's only one fixture, the blockage could be in that fixture's trap and you might be able to repair it yourself by using a plunger or hand auger. (You will often detect a sewer smell when something backs up anywhere in the house.)
Multiple Clogged Drains
If the drain blockage is happening at more than one location, the problem could be in the drain between the fixture and the main line, or branch drain line. Again, after locating the line, you might be able to unclog it yourself with a plunger or hand auger, but in this instance you might be better off calling a professional plumber to clean it out.
If you determine that the problem is in the main waste line and you don't have the equipment, you will probably want to hire a plumber to clear your entire system. (It's a good idea to have this done every few years, anyway). If drains or fixtures are clogged in more than one location, it tells a plumber that the leak is probably located in a branch drain line or the main waste line. If the main drain to the outside from your basement is backing up, the problem is probably somewhere between where your line goes from your house to the main sewer line along your street. Tree roots are a common cause of this problem.
Unclogging DrainsObviously, before you call the plumber you'll want to make sure you can't fix the problem yourself. Unclogging drains can often be a relatively simple matter and it doesn't require any overpriced chemical product. Baking soda and boiling water or baking soda and vinegar can do the trick. If you think hair is the reason your drain is clogged, you can also try a hair removal product. The one thing you should avoid doing is using multiple drain cleaners at the same time. They may interact with one another and cause serious damage to your pipes and/or septic system. To reduce the likelihood of a clogged drain, you should also use an enzyme culture for each drain once a month.
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Plumbing Arizona
Plumbing Arizona
In a plumbing crisis, you're usually not going to want to peruse a portfolio of past work. In situations where you need a professional plumber fast, just make sure to compare between a couple different plumbers for price, experience, and customer ratings. Also make sure that they are licensed and insured.
We've compiled a short guide to let you in on the ins and outs of working with a plumber or dealing with a plumbing crisis. In these situations it's usually better to act fast, so making sure you know what to do before something happens makes everything go that much more smoothly.
What is plumbing?
Plumbing is anything and everything related to the pipes, faucets, pumps, and water in your home. This relates to sinks, showers, toilets, water pumps, water mains, faucets, fixtures, etc.
What do plumbers do?
Plumbers make sure that everything is working properly and flowing where it should. They fix clogged pipes, pipe bursts, leaky faucets, and sinks, toilets, and showers that aren't working. They also work with septic tanks, sump pumps, sewer mains, water heaters, gas piping, and well pumps. Plumbers really do a very wide range of tasks.
Popular types of plumbing jobs
The most "popular" types of plumbing jobs are usually the ones that are most common problems, such as a pipe burst or leaky faucet. However, they also install new plumbing in new homes and remodels.
Plumber/Plumbing Costs
This really depends on the particular job you're having done. Getting your septic tank cleaned out can cost $200, but installing new plumbing can go up to $4,000. It's best to ask a few different pros to get a good feel for the average for your project.
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House Plumbing Problems and Solutions
House Plumbing Problems and Solutions
Most homeowners are no stranger to common house plumbing problems. While a professional opinion is never a bad thing, not wanting to call a plumber for every little issue is understandable. Your house plumbing is a big part of how comfortable your home feels. Small problems like leaky faucets and clogged drains can turn into big headaches if left unchecked. Don't let a stopped sink stop you. There are many small problems you may be able to fix without hiring a plumber! Bathroom and Kitchen Sink Plumbing
Since the pipes are easily accessible, and there is generally some space to work with, bathroom or kitchen sink plumbing is a desirable place to start for the DIY. The best part about fixing plumbing yourself is the amount of money you can save. While purchasing a new sink is expensive, the parts that generally wear and cause problems are pretty cheap.
A worn washer, spring, or "o" ring often causes leaks. These parts aren't difficult to get to, and the tools necessary to do so are probably already in your house. If you are very inexperienced, look for the brand name on the fixture and take a picture of the faucet and handles to a home improvement center. These places often have easy to understand diagrams of a faucet system that you can take home with you. The brand name and picture are to make sure you come home with parts that will fit your sink exactly. You'll need to turn the valves underneath the sink to an off position before taking any of the fixtures apart.
In an entire house plumbing system, water flow can be hindered in many ways. A stopped drain in a bathroom or kitchen sink plumbing system, however, is often the result of a clogged pipe. There is a pipe underneath your sink that has an "elbow" in it designed to trap objects and debris. Its usefulness has been demonstrated in many a sitcom by being the place where a wedding ring that goes down the drain is found. The elbow is also where many clogs form. If you've already tried chemical drain cleaners (which should be your first effort) with no results, it's worth the time to remove the elbow to make sure it is clear. You'll want to put a pan underneath it to catch the water that will spill out.
Other House Plumbing Problems
A running toilet or a handle that needs to be jiggled is usually a symptom of a worn or improperly installed flapper valve system. Replacing the whole system requires little to no tools and will cost less than twenty bucks. Open the tank and have a look at the system before going to the store. The problem could be obvious. If you decide to replace it, they come in a few different varieties, so you'll want to know what to look for.
Chemical drain cleaners don't work on toilet clogs. If your toilet is plugged up, try plunging it. If the problem doesn't go away after around ten plunges, you might want to try an auger or "snake". Twist the auger as you feed it into the toilet to try and break up any blockage. A clogged shower drain can often be cleared chemically. It can also be plunged or "snaked".
Fixing things yourself can be fun and rewarding, but if what you try doesn't work (take special care when plunging, as overdoing it can cause even larger problems), it's best not to experiment. When you are in doubt, or the problem seems very severe, it could be time to call a pro.http://www.servicemagic.com/rfs/serviceprofessional/profile/spProfileUpdate.jsp
Toilet Repair
Toilet Repair
Few home installations are as important as your bathroom toilet. When your toilet fails to flush, continuously runs, backs up, or begins to leak, it's often not something that can wait. Toilet repair isn't a sexy home improvement project, but unlike resurfaced cabinets, backyard landscaping, or platform beds, it's something that needs to be taken care of now. Even a toilet that still has basic functioning properties should be repaired in a timely fashion. A continuously running toilet, for example, will send a ton of water and money down the drain in a short amount of time.
Common Toilet Problems
Clogged Toilet: Both toilets that back up and toilets that inadequately flush can be caused by clogged piping. If you're having trouble with a clogged toilet, you've probably already tried a plunger. It's probably time to go and hunt down a plumber's snake. Usually this tool will take care of your clog. If it doesn't, it's probably time to call a plumber and talk to your kids about anything they may have flushed down the toilet. In fact, if you have a habitually clogging toilet, it's probably some combination of flushing materials thicker than toilet paper and a low flush toilet. You may need to limit what you flush down your toilet and/or ante up and buy a power flush toilet.
Leaking Toilet: This is the most difficult toilet problem to identify and fix. Water on the floor around your toilet can be condensation from your tank, a leak in the incoming water pipes, a damaged toilet gasket, or simply a toilet bowl assembly that has become jarred. You can check the tank for condensation and examine any visible pipes and connections for leaks, but if the leak is hidden it may be beyond your expertise to locate and fix. It's probably time to call a professional.
Running Toilet: Continuously running toilets are usually the easiest toilet repair to manage. The solution is usually as easy to identify as a clogged toilet and should permanently fix your toilet problem. Take the lid off the tank at the back of your toilet. Most likely, something has broken the seal that keeps the toilet valve from letting water into it after the toilet has refilled. Perhaps the flap, ball cock, or chain has fallen into disrepair. By inspecting the assembly you should be able to discern which toilet part needs to be replaced. You'll need to be sure to cut off the water supply to the toilet before you replace the toilet part.
The Handiness of the HandymanIf you can't solve the problem yourself, you may need to call a professional. If you have reason to believe your toilet repair isn't a major ordeal, even though you can't fix it yourself you may not need the expertise of a plumber. Talk to a handyman company who may be able to fix your toilet for less. Plus, if you have any other small home improvement repairs or projects, your handyman can often take care of these, too, during the same visit. Make sure you discuss both your toilet repair problem and any other home projects before the handyman arrives. Giving the handyman a good description of everything that needs to be done may save him or her a trip to the hardware store for your toilet part and, in turn, save you money for the service.
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Why Doesn't My Hot Water Last When I Shower?
Why Doesn't My Hot Water Last When I Shower?
There's nothing worse than getting ready for a nice hot soak only to discover you're in the midst of a cold water shower. If things simply never heat up, it's probably because your water heater has been working overtime and needs time to regenerate. But if your hot water shower turns suddenly chilly, the problem may lay within the unit itself. Here is a quick way to solve any hot water shower troubles.
Water Heater Problems
First, check all your fixtures throughout the house to see if your cold water shower is a singular problem or a whole-house situation. If none of the plumbing allows hot water to pass, then the problem is your water heater. Check the temperature control on the unit to see if the setting is ideal. Next, check to see if it's blown a fuse. If you have a gas unit, it could be that the pilot light has blown out, in which case you should relight it following the manufacturer's instructions. However, if there is still no sign of a hot water shower after the pilot has been relit, then you may have a variety of problems: obstructions in the flue, a defective part (often the thermocouple), a faulty temperature control, sediment buildup, etc. For any of these more complex replacement projects and repairs, always hire a professional who can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Hot Water Showers: An Isolated Incident
Once you check out other fixtures in the home, you may find it's just your bath stall that's suffering from sudden cold water showers. Luckily, if it's a newer home, you won't have to worry about replacing the pipes since the possibility of stoppage or obstructions in copper systems are rare. Unlike older galvanized steel pipes, copper pipes rarely corrode on the interior, and therefore, other than some minor oxidation, the piping stays free-flowing. First, find the shut off valve for the hot water and see if it's closed. If so, opening the valve could remedy the situation. But if the water still remains warm for only short periods of time, you may have a problem with your bathroom shower valve.
Remove, Rinse, and Replace
When the rubber parts in the shower valve get worn and distorted from old age, they can swell up and restrict the waterways. This swelling only increases as the water temperature traveling through the valve increase, and it's not uncommon for these rubber parts to break off within the mixer valves (this often occurs in two-faucet units where the water is separated by differing lines). These stray components can travel into an orifice or port in the mixer and cause an obstruction in the hot water valve. Therefore, the part has to come off and the valve needs to be flushed out. If you're handy, you could disassemble the fixture yourself and clear out the screen on the hot water side (lay a cloth over the drain to reduce the risk of losing small parts for when you have to reassemble the piece later).
If you don't trust yourself it's probably for good reason. Plumbing is a specialty trade and even the "simplest" project can quickly turn complicated. When it comes to hot water shower problems, the diagnosis is simple, but the actual operation is a different story. The body of the shower valve is hidden in the wall and not readily accessible, so care has to be taken in order to avoid more damage to the part. And unlike kitchen or sink faucets, repair and replacement of the shower valve is much more difficult and requires a higher level of skill. Therefore, to avoid getting in over your head, call a professional plumber who can properly flush the valve, remove any debris in the lines, lubricate all moving parts, and replace worn components and washers with guaranteed ease.
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How Do I Find and Repair a Bathtub Leak?
How Do I Find and Repair a Bathtub Leak?
There are two common kinds of bathtub leaks—the faucet drip and the underlying plumbing. In other words, you may be asking this question because you can hear the Chinese water torture of your bathtub, hate wasting the water, and are worried about the bathtub. Or, you may have water damage on the ceiling below the bathtub and need to find the leak and repair it and your ceiling. The answer to finding and repairing a bathtub leak is very different depending on the nature of the leak.
Fixing a Faucet Drip
Faucets can be one of the easier items in the house to fix. Pressurized water is delivered to your home and a faucet turns off by creating a watertight seal strong enough to counteract that pressure. A simple washer and seat assembly accomplishes this job, and if your faucet is dripping, one of these two items probably needs to be replaced.
You'll first need to shut off the water and pull out the faucet. There should be a washer. If replacing the washer doesn't fix the leak, then the problem is probably in the brass seat located behind the washer. You can fix it yourself if you have the proper seating wrench, but it would probably be wisest to call a professional plumber with all the expertise, tools and parts he needs to come fix it once and for all. The worst thing you can do in this situation is trying to make the leak stop by trying to force the faucet handle shut. The handle is not the problem.
Bathtub Leak/Repair
Other bathtub leaks are, as you might imagine, a completely different story. Whether the bathtub leak is coming from a damaged shower pan or a leaky pipe, you'll almost certainly need the help of a plumber or a bathtub repair contractor. It may be a pain and the repair may not be cheap, but letting the situation go can lead to even bigger problems. The most common sign that you have a bathtub leak is a water stain on the ceiling beneath the tub. Sometimes water can run along the pipes before dripping, so the water stain may not be directly below the bathtub. If you catch the problem in time and deal with it promptly, you may be able to fix the leak and paint over the stain on the ceiling. Otherwise, you're looking at a drywall repair that's going to up the total cost of rectifying the situation.
6 Steps to Hire a Plumber
6 Steps to Hire a Plumber
Sooner or later we all need to call a plumber. A plumber can be expensive and there's no way around that. But, there are a variety of ways to get the most value for your money.1. Compare Plumbers' Hourly Rates
The first, and often only thing, that consumers zero in on when comparing plumbers is their hourly rate. People figure that they should hire the reputable firm with the lowest rate. Sounds simple and direct, but it doesn't always work.
The first concern is with the concept of reputable. For most people, if they have heard the name many times over the years, they feel that the firm must have an established reputation. Unfortunately, this is often untrue. In the plumbing field, in particular, several of the most highly promoted companies have the worst track records. This is why it's important to get specific references from others or to go through a prescreened plumbing service.
The second problem with the hourly rate is that it is difficult to compare rates because of the many ways plumbers count the hours. Travel time is a factor that should be considered. Plumbers spend a good part of their day driving from job to job. They must be compensated for this time.
The best way to select a plumber is on his overall ability to deliver customer satisfaction consistently. Costumer satisfaction takes into account all of these issues and constitutes an accurate indication of value received.
2. Minimize Plumbing Needs
An entirely different approach to saving money on plumbing is to reduce the need to call them at all. The most common plumbing calls have to do with drains. Many homes have one or two problem drains and several that never need any attention at all.
One common drain problem is the build up of grease. You can counteract this by doing things to reduce the grease build up. Experiment with the available products and you may find you can stay one step ahead of a clogged drain indefinitely. Some people have found success with just pouring boiling sudsy water down the drain periodically.
Hair is another common factor in many plumbing problems. In most cases, hair can be trapped in some sort of screen or drain cover. Talk to your plumber next time he's there and ask about suggested ways to prevent the hair from getting in the drain. It's much easier to gather hair off the screen periodically than it is to deal with a clogged pipe.
Another costly, but preventable, problem is frozen pipes. Make sure that all your pipes are in heated spaces. If any are not, make sure they are well insulated. Each fall, when the weather turns colder, disconnect and drain your garden hoses, turn-off the indoor cut-off valve located near the faucet, and open the outdoor faucet. If there is no cut-off valve, consider installing one. Any water left in pipes exposed to below-zero temperatures will freeze.
3. Buy Your Own Plumbing Fixtures
A popular and effective way to save money on plumbing calls is to buy your own fixtures. Traditionally, plumbers sell you the toilets, sinks, and faucets that they install. Typically they'll get the items at a discount and charge you full price. In part, this is to make money and in part this is to cover the costs of dealing with purchases, returns, and storage.
In recent years, however, some of the home center stores now charge you prices that are even lower than the contractor prices that plumbers pay their suppliers. There are many instances where you will do better buying your own fixtures, providing you have the time to invest in shopping around.
While this approach can save you big bucks, there are three caveats to keep in mind. First, many fixtures that appear to be great buys are poorly made or are missing adapters, installing kits or other components that normally come with similar products. Shop carefully.
Second, if you supply the fixture and the plumber installs it and something goes wrong, there is likely to be some confusion as to whose responsibility it is. One way to get around this is to check with the plumber up front about what brands or lines he recommends and then buy those brands.
Checking with the plumber up front also gets you around the third problem. Every product or line of products has its own installation quirks. Choosing a fixture that is familiar to your plumber assures that you will get the full advantage of his expertise and experience. If instead, you choose something he's never worked with, expect that you'll be paying for some on-the-job learning mistakes.
4. Reduce the Plumber's Chargeable Time
Often the easiest way to save money and time, this is an easy step that is often overlooked. Before you call a plumber, go through your home and check every faucet and fixture. Make a list of everything that drips, runs, and is clogged. Then, when you get the plumber out, have him take care of all the problems at once. You'll avoid additional trip charges, set-up time and the hassle of scheduling multiple visits.
Anything you can do to save the plumber time will also save you money. Be organized. This means having a written list of specific items you want addressed. If you're not sure what the problem is, have a list of symptoms. Clear the work area. Handle some of the clean up yourself.
5. Install Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures
Water and sewage treatment cost money. When you reduce water consumption, you can save on both counts. If you have an older water-guzzling toilet and it starts to need repairs, give serious thought to replacing it entirely.
Instead of spending money on what will probably be a continuous string of repairs, invest wisely and get a reliable fixture that will save you money over the long run.
This is also true for faucets and showerheads. Anytime these need attention, consider replacing them with new, water-saving units.
6. Remodel the Smart Way
If you are planning more substantial remodeling work, make sure you get three quotes. More than likely, each plumber will have different suggestions. Listen to their suggestions and reasons, and decide which ideas make the most sense to you.
Always get a fixed price for the job and make sure that model numbers are clearly indicated in the contracts you sign. If the plumber installs the wrong fixture and you can't figure out whose fault it is, you can have a real problem.http://www.servicemagic.com/rfs/serviceprofessional/profile/spProfileUpdate.jsp
Green Plumbing
Green Plumbing
Going Green
We understands that it can be tough for homeowners to wade through all the "green" remodeling information out there, which is why we've teamed up with green remodeling expert David Johnston to provide you with the best, most accurate, green remodeling advice in the business. Johnston is the founder of the green consulting firm What's Working, Inc., the author of multiple books on green remodeling (including the Nautilus Award winner Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time), and he happens to know a thing or two about what you can do to green your plumbing. That said, here's a guide to greening the plumbing in your home, drawn from the experience, wisdom, and writings of Johnston himself.
The Cost of Going Green with Home Plumbing Systems
We'll get to specifics in a minute, but for starters let's address what's on most homeowners' minds when the subject of green remodeling comes up: cost. With home plumbing, the truth of the matter is that you're unlikely to spend much more by going green than if you go a more conventional route. And even if you do run into higher initial costs, when you figure in that going green will help reduce energy costs and water usage, your investment is almost guaranteed to end up paying for itself over time.
The True Value of Going Green with Plumbing
Of course, putting a dent in your monthly utility bills is only the tip of the iceberg. Johnston is quick to point out that the real value of going green is far higher than any calculations involving dollars and cents can reflect. For example, green plumbing provides cleaner water, making for a healthier home, and it conserves valuable water resources. When you look at it from that perspective, it's safe to say that going green is as much about passing a better world onto your children and grandchildren as it is about you saving a buck or two, and that's a tough thing to put a price tag on.
Green Plumbing to Reduce Home Energy Use
So, just what can you do to start saving money, and the environment, when it comes to the plumbing in your home? Here's a list of ideas to get your gears turning, starting with Johnston's suggestions for how to save some green by going green in the plumbing department.
- Insulate Pipes—Uninsulated pipes, especially in exterior walls, are responsible for a significant amount of heat loss as water travels from your hot water heater to the faucet. Insulating your pipes helps to eliminate this problem, and can cut standby energy loss at your hot water heater as well, saving you even more on your utility bills.
- Remove Plumbing from Exterior Walls—If you can, avoid running your home's plumbing through outside walls. By running pipes through conditioned spaces instead, you'll reduce unnecessary heat loss caused by close proximity to cold outdoor temperatures.
- Install an On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump—These pumps send hot water to your fixtures in a matter of seconds, saving you money on two fronts. For starters, you won't lose heat as hot water unnecessarily sits unused in the pipes, and since you won't have to run water at the faucet while you wait for hot water to arrive, you'll reduce your water usage, as well.
- Install a New Hot Water Heater—Hot water heating can account for as much as 15 percent of your total home energy use. Replacing an older unit with a new, high-efficiency one can have a big impact when it comes to reducing your home heating costs.
Green Plumbing for a Healthier Home
Green remodeling places just as much emphasis on creating healthier homes as it does on improving energy efficiency— and home plumbing is no exception. Here's a list of suggestions from Johnston of things you can do to make sure the water in your home is as clean and healthy as possible.
- Investigate Your Water Supply—For starters, get a copy of your municipal water quality report, or have your water independently tested to identify if there are any problems you need to focus on. Since different water filtration and purification systems target different water quality issues, it's vital that you know what you're dealing with before you move forward.
- Install Chlorine Filters on Showerheads—Seeing as how chlorine is absorbed six times faster through the skin than through the digestive system, it's not surprising to hear chlorine sensitivity is a serious problem for many people. Special chlorine filters installed in your showerhead can reduce chlorine levels significantly.
- Install a Whole House Water Filtration System—Whole house filtration systems can eliminate the presence of chemicals, particulates, and micro organisms in your water. That makes for healthier water for you and yours, and helps to extend the life of hot water heaters and plumbing fixtures in areas that have high sediment levels in the water supply.
- Install Activated Carbon Filters or Reverse Osmosis Systems—If you're particularly concerned with poor water quality and drinking water, consider introducing one of these water purification strategies into your home. Activated carbon filters are installed on faucets and shower heads to absorb pollutants, while reverse osmosis filtration systems are generally installed at individual sinks to provide purified water for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.
Green Plumbing for a Better Environment
Finally, there's the environment to consider. Good environmental stewardship is at the heart of any green remodeling project, and since green plumbing places an emphasis on water conservation, it certainly qualifies in that regard. Here are some suggestions from Johnston on how to achieve positive environmental impacts by going green with your plumbing.
- Install Low-Flow Showers and Faucets—Low-flow showers and faucets can reduce home water usage by as much as 60 percent! And since you'll be using less hot water in the process, these easy green upgrades are good for the environment and your pocketbook at the same time.
- Install Low-Flush Toilets—Flushing your toilet accounts for the single biggest water draw in your home, to the tune of about 28 gallons of water per person, per day. A typical low-flush toilet uses anywhere from two to five times less water per flush, depending on the toilet you presently have installed.
- Install a Home Leak Monitoring Device—Leaking pipes, faucets, and toilets can account for literally thousands of gallons of wasted water every month. A home leak monitoring device will alert you when it senses a problem, so you can find and fix the problem as soon as possible.
- Install Faucet Flow Reducers—These easy-to-install flow reducers fit on the end of your faucets (where the aerator screws on), and can reduce faucet flow by as much as 40 percent.
- Install Energy-Efficient Appliances—Energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers can reduce water consumption at these appliances by as much as 50 percent.
Which Shade of Green is Right for You?
While thinking green when it comes to the plumbing in your home is a smart choice for your pocketbook, your home, and the environment, it's not unusual for homeowners to feel a little overwhelmed when presented with the full scope of green remodeling options. If you're feeling unsure about how green you're willing to go with plumbing, there's no need to worry. Going green is not an all-or-nothing proposition, and any step you take in a green direction is a smart one, whether you opt for easy-to-install flow reducers on your kitchen and bathroom faucets, or go all out with a new hot water heater, whole house water filtration system, and low-flush toilet.
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Plumbing Contractors: More than Just Plumbers
Plumbing Contractors: More than Just Plumbers
Plumbers and plumbing contractors are not necessarily the same thing. When you have a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or another common plumbing problem, you're most likely dealing with a plumber. On the other hand, plumbing contractors are usually called only when there is a major plumbing problem or brand new plumbing is being installed in an addition, a new home, or during a major remodeling project. There are certain advantages of hiring one or the other in specific situations, and in some instances, either may be able to fix the problem. There are few plumbing issues that can be taken lightly, however, and new installations and major plumbing problems are even more serious tasks! Knowing when and if you should call a plumbing contractor is the first step in a quick and effective fix that will last for years. Plumbing Contractors Are Best for Major Plumbing Problems
When it comes to major plumbing problems, certified plumbing contractors are your go-to guys. There's really little need to ask yourself what constitutes a major plumbing problem: When you have one, you'll probably know pretty quickly!
Plumbing contractors are not likely to take on small jobs like leaky sinks or backed-up shower drains; in most cases, plumbing contractors are only called in for large plumbing issues like removing and replacing faulty septic systems, the total or near total replacement of piping, or the complete reconstruction of radiator heating systems. In some cases, a smaller plumbing company is headed by a certified plumbing contractor; if you deal with such a company for your smaller plumbing tasks, you may be more comfortable (and perhaps even better served) by sticking with that company for larger issues. However, when major plumbing problems are present, you shouldn't depend on your local handyman to fix the problem as he or she is not likely to have the tools or man power to do the job fast and effectively.
Plumbing Contractors for New Buildings, Major Remodels, and Additions
While they are certainly the right folks to call for major plumbing problems, the majority of the work done by plumbing contractors is focused on completely replacing or newly installing plumbing for an entire room or structure. Here is where plumbing contractors and plumbers are simply not interchangeable; certified plumbing contractors have specific training that the average plumber doesn't have, and it's that training that prepares these professionals for these larger, far more involved jobs.
Plumbing contractors also pop up in situations that many homeowners would not expect. Gas connections and flues for heating systems (not including forced air units), installation of water heating units (including solar panel and hydronic heating and cooling systems), and the installation and maintenance of safety devices like gas control valves, water conditioning equipment, back flow prevention equipment, and gas earthquake valves are all jobs where plumbing contractors are likely to play a role.
Hiring a Plumbing ContractorWhen you are entering a major building or remodeling project or dealing with a major plumbing problem, taking a little time to find the right plumbing contractor could save you plenty of hassle during and after the project. Since the projects these professionals deal with are generally expensive, a bit of legwork before you select your plumbing contractor could end up saving you thousands! Before you hire, get recent references and estimates from at least three different companies, and make sure that you meet with each before you make your decision. Meeting in person will give you a better idea of how well this company works with your needs, and may give you a few hints as to the service you can expect from each. In many cases, homeowners who meet with each company they get estimates from have no problem telling which company they should hire. And remember, no matter how great an estimate one company offers, a low price is never a substitute for good service, since you often end up paying the difference in headaches and miscommunications!
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Tankless Water Heaters Can Generate Savings
Tankless Water Heaters Can Generate Savings
How They Work
Electric tankless water heaters are very small units, typically hung on the side of a house, which are preset to a specific temperature. When you turn on your hot faucet, a device in this unit is activated by the flow of water, triggering it to be heated instantly. Therefore, your water is only heated when you are using it. You never have to pay for "standby" water like traditional water heaters which have to store the water all the time. Storing water is expensive because the tank has to constantly heat and then reheat the water in the tank, even when you're not using it.
Efficiency (to Your Wallet)
Since electric tankless water heaters don't have to consistently reheat the water, your electric bills will actually be reduced. Traditional water tanks cycle on and off, even when you're gone from the house, and keeping this water warm uses up a lot of energy. But tankless heaters only work when you want them to.
Also, since traditional tanks have to constantly warm up the water throughout the day, it actually overheats the water in an effort to avoid running out of it. This means that sometimes the water will come out scalding hot. In fact, these tanks will actually add cold water when you turn on the hot water faucet in order to make the temperature more comfortable. All this waste is not only bad for the environment, but it's also costing you money.
Other Benefits
Tankless hot water heaters not only you save up to 20 to 50 percent on your energy bills, they are also efficient in other ways:
No Replacement: These units typically come with a lifetime warranty, whereas tanks will eventually give out over time.
No leaking: Since there is no storing large quantities of water, electric tankless water heaters never seep.
Environmentally Friendly: Due to less water use and energy waste, these particular units run on fewer fossil fuels and conserve more power.
Healthier: Letting water sit for too long can create certain bacteria, whereas a tankless water heaters never have to store water.
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
Belsito Plumbing Scottsdale, Arizona
WE CHARGE BY THE JOB, NOT BY THE HOUR~
Plumbing contractors service plumbers servicing the Phoenix metropolitan area. We also offer hydrojetting and grease pumping. We are available 24 hours a day.
For over five years, Belsito Plumbing has been providing the greater Phoenix area with plumbing services. Belsito Plumbing is family owned and operated and prides itself on quick, dependable service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The staff at Belsito Plumbing promises quality workmanship for both commercial and residential services and is fully insured, licensed, and bonded.
Belsito Plumbing can handle any-sized project, small or large, and provides both residential plumbing services as well as commercial plumbing services. Belsito Plumbing is committed to providing its customers with supreme, reliable service, no matter the job.
Residential Services
Emergency Service
New installation and Repair
Sinks
Faucets
Sewers and Drains
Tubs and Showers
Dishwashers and Disposers
Toilets
Water Heaters
Video Camera Line Inspection
Pipe Repair and Replacement
Commercial Services
New Installations and Maintenance
Sewer and Drain Cleaning
Hydro Jetting
Video Camera Line Inspections
Pipe Repair and Replacement
Septic Pump Inspection
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