The Top Benefits of Hiring Professional Plumbing Service
As a homeowner, you probably enjoy solving problems around your house on your own. However, no matter much you like getting your hands dirty, there are some jobs you shouldn’t do yourself. For instance, unless you are a professional plumber, you should never be tempted to try DIY plumbing solutions. Whether you want to install a new plumbing fixture or repair a broken plumbing component, it is important for you to ensure that a professional plumbing service provider does the job. This is because DIY plumbing solutions can lead to several serious problems. For instance, without the necessary skills and tools for the job, you could end up damaging your plumbing system further instead of resolving the issue at hand. Besides, DIY plumbing solutions could leave you with serious injuries and even cost more time and money. But how exactly can you benefit by choosing to trust professional plumbing with all your plumbing issues instead of trying DIY plumbing solutions? Below is a rundown of the reasons it is important to hire a professional plumber every time you have a plumbing issue in your house.
PROTECT YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM
Although modern plumbing systems are known to be extremely durable and reliable, they cannot be said to be indestructible. This is because they have some delicate components that can easily get damaged if mishandled. As such, unless you are a professional plumbing contractor, you could damage your plumbing system and cause new problems without necessarily fixing the initial issue decisively. For instance, your plumbing system is quite complex, and some problems may not be as simple as they seem. This means that without the right skill and tools for the job, you could end up misdiagnosing the cause of the issue at hand, meaning that you could tamper with parts that don’t have any problems. Consequently, your plumbing problem could end up costing you more to repair. On the other hand, by hiring a professional plumbing service provider to help you handle your plumbing issue, you can get it fixed without damaging other parts of your plumbing system. This is because professionals have the necessary training, experience, and equipment to accurately diagnose, isolate, and fix even the most complex issue without unnecessarily tampering with other components of your plumbing system.
PROTECT YOUR WARRANTIES
The plumbing system is one of the most valuable parts of your home. Indeed, the cost of installing a plumbing system can be more than 10% of the total value of an average house. This explains why some components of your plumbing system come with warranties. Manufacturers use warranties to express the confidence they have in the quality of their products. By giving a warranty, they accept to take responsibility should a product go bad within the specified time. If your plumbing system or some of its parts are relatively new, there is a good chance that you have some valid warranties. This means that you could be entitled to free repairs should you face a serious plumbing failure. However, it is important to know that the validity of your warranty is tied to a number of conditions. For example, your plumbing system’s warranty may require you to ensure that a licensed plumbing service provider does all plumbing installations and repairs. If this is the case, trying to fix a plumbing situation on your own could effectively void the warranty, causing you to lose the rights and privileges it guarantees you. On the other hand, by calling a professional plumbing contractor, even for plumbing issues that seem minor, you can effectively protect your warranty and keep it valid.
PROTECT YOUR HOUSE
Your plumbing system is embedded in your home’s structure. Therefore, handling some plumbing issues on your own could expose your house to the risk of getting damaged. For instance, if you have a slab leak, trying to fix it on your own could expose your home’s slab foundation to the risk of getting seriously damaged. Unfortunately, structural repairs can be quite expensive. The good news is that this is a problem you can prevent by simply hiring a professional plumbing service provider to help you resolve any plumbing situation you might run into in your house. Professional plumbers have the necessary training, experience, and equipment to handle various plumbing problems without putting the structure of your home in danger. If need be, they even work with engineers to ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to protect your house from possible structural damage.
STAY SAFE
In some cases, plumbing jobs can put the people doing them at risk of sustaining serious injuries. Therefore, if you decide to try DIY plumbing solutions, you might end up getting seriously hurt. For instance, if your water heater is broken, trying to repair it on your own could put you and your family at risk of severe burns and electrical injuries. Similarly, if you intend to install or repair an overhead tank, the job could expose you and others, helping you to the risk of falling and sustaining severe fall injuries. The good news is that you can protect yourself from such risks by simply hiring a professional plumber to help you handle all plumbing issues in your house. Professionals have the necessary skills and tools to handle any plumbing issues without putting themselves and other people in danger. In any case, they are most likely insured, and therefore, even if they get injuries while working in your house, their insurance will take care of them, and you will not have to worry about the financial burden of their injuries.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you are looking for a dependable professional plumber near you, Peach Plumbing & Drain is an excellent choice. Feel free to get in touch with us today for more information about our company and the services we are best known for.
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A Plumbing Service Expert Debunks Common Myths About Water Softening
Water softening systems are the perfect solution for treating hard water. Unfortunately, some people are still adamant about using water softeners because of false beliefs and unsubstantiated facts.
This blog post seeks to debunk some myths people believe about water softeners that have led to many misconceptions and confusion. Please keep reading to figure out the truth and make informed decisions.
Softened Water Contains An Unhealthy Amount of Sodium
A common lie is that water softeners add too much sodium to your water. The truth is the amount of sodium added to your water depends on the level of hardness present in the water.
Also, understand that this quantity is too low to impact your health and skin in any way. The amount of sodium a softener adds to the water is considerably less than the average intake of this mineral through diet.
Of course, you could be on a strict sodium diet because of blood pressure or other health issues. But there are more ways to enjoy the benefits of a water softener. For instance, you can ask a plumber to install the device in your hot water pipe and bypass the cold one. This way, your cold water for drinking is untouched, while you have soft hot water for bathing and washing.
Water Softeners Can Purify Water
Many misinformed individuals believe a water softener is like a water filter or purifier. So they think softened water is healthier to drink. But it’s not. Typically, water softeners are designed to reduce water hardness. They’re excellent at removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium but don’t purify water.
For healthier water, you can get a professional plumbing service to install point-of-use or whole-home water filters – these are more efficient in removing most impurities and contaminants in your water, including mud, parasites, bacteria, lead, chlorine, etc.
Water-softening Systems Increase the Salt Content In Your Water
Water softening units deliver soft water through an ion exchange process. They contain negatively charged resin beads that hold sodium ions.
As water passes over the resin, the positively charged calcium or magnesium ions attach to it; the sodium ions move past the resin bed and out of the softener outlet, producing soft water.
Contrarily, most people mistake this technique for salt, arguing that softening water results in increased salt content in it. But in reality, it’s sodium that’s added to your water, not salt. So, the next time you hear someone say using a softener increases salt in water, kindly let them know it’s an ill-advised notion.
If You Stay In The City, You Don’t Need A Water Softener
This is another misconception folks have out there regarding water softeners. Well, most cities do a noble job treating water for some contaminants to make it safe for consumption. But the fact is, at least 85 percent of America has hard water. This means, in one way or another, you’ll experience some form of water hardness, whether you live in an urban or rural area.
Hard water can be such a nuisance. It can lead to scale buildup inside your pipes, plumbing fixtures, and water-using appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. This significantly reduces their life expectancy, not to mention the costly repairs that come with it.
You can learn about the hardness of your water by checking your city government website. If the city doesn’t have this information, you can look for a certified plumbing service in the area to test your water.
Water Softeners Tend To Remove Essential Minerals The Body Needs
Since water-softening equipment reduces the presence of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium in water, some individuals assume you shouldn’t use it. They believe those minerals are essential to the body. However, as much as these elements are abundant in tap water, it doesn’t imply they’re safe to be consumed.
Essentially, these minerals are still in their inorganic form and cannot benefit your body the way you consume them through food. In a nutshell, drinking hard water won’t add to your intake of these nutrients.
Soft Water Leaves A Slick Film On The Skin After Showering
It’s common to hear some people complaining about their skin feeling filmy or slick after installing a water softener in their place. A few may say the soap didn’t rinse off, while others think it’s sodium leftover on the skin.
But the opposite is true. Typically, hard water will leave soap on your skin or cause it to dry after bathing. Thus, after installing a water-softening system in your home, it’s natural to feel that way because you aren’t used to the feeling of soap being washed away from your skin.
The slickness you’re experiencing after bathing in soft water is essentially your body’s natural oils. And that’s how clean it should feel!
Water Softening Systems Will Increase Your Energy Bill
Water softeners require only substantial electricity to regenerate, which takes a few days. While many consider the regeneration process a waste of resources, it’s critical to the softener’s efficient operation.
During other times, water flows through the softener with no electricity used. So, the thing about a water softener consuming a lot of electricity and driving up your energy bill is a false perception.
Peach Plumbing & Drain: Top-Ranking Residential Water Treatment Company
Investing in a water softener is crucial, especially if your water is hard. It will save you money on frequent plumbing repairs.
Reduced mineral buildup in your pipes and other equipment like water heaters also help extends their lifespan. Plus, who wouldn’t love softer skin or hair? Or cleaner dishes and clothes?
Ready for water softener installation? Contact Peach Plumbing & Drain. We boast 5-star residential plumbing services, and our plumbers have forever lived to this truth, delivering quality every time. For our complete list of services, check our website or call us now!
In Short!
Any myth you ever heard or been told about water softeners has been demystified here. Instead of believing all these false narratives about water softening, always seek the correct information from reliable sources, such as a licensed plumbing service.
You might realize all those stories around water softeners are nothing but misbeliefs!
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What Features Of A Water Heater Stand Out? The Views Of Your Trusted Water Heater Repair Technician
A water heating device plays a significant role in your home. It ensures that all your hot water needs are catered for by supplying you with an endless hot water supply. However, not all water heaters can supply your home with hot water and meet your needs promptly. As technology advances, the market has better water heating systems that overcome some of the challenges you encounter with conventional water heaters. Therefore, when shopping for a new water heater, you must know which features stand out and the features to look for. With the help of a water heater repair technician, you will find the ideal water heater for your needs. This article will highlight the water heater features that stand out to help you acquire a water heating system that will offer your family the comfort they deserve.
Water Heater Hardware/ Equipment
The first thing to pay attention to when choosing a water heater is the hardware of the water heater. This will include looking at the overall material used to house the equipment and e drain pipe. An ideal water heater should have a long-lasting material that will withstand the elements such as dust, water, and other things it comes into contact with. A durable material will ensure that the components inside are not exposed to the environment. Since most of the components of a water heater are electrical, this device is very sensitive. The incorporation of water and electricity in the equipment makes it hazardous if one was to mix with the other.
The drain pipe is the other part of the water heater that plays an important part. Although a plastic drain pipe serves the purpose, the suitable pipe for a water heater is brass. A brass drain pipe lasts longer and can withstand the elements. Additionally, investigate the water heater draining method and if the water heater will work with your piping. A water heater repair and installation technician will advise your home piping and the best drain piping to look for.
Anti-Scale Devices
For a water heater to efficiently serve your home’s hot water needs, it has to operate efficiently. However, some factors, such as scaling, can hinder its hot water provision. When searching for a water heater for your home, consider some additional features you might need, such as anti-scale devices. An anti-scale device moves the water at the bottom of your tank in a circular motion to reduce the buildup of scales in your water heater.
This is helpful for homeowners with a hard water supply since it puts their minds at ease. In addition, since the buildup of scale compromises the integrity and lifespan of a water heater, an anti-scale device helps extend the life span of your storage water heater. However, even when your water heater incorporates an anti-scale device, it is advisable to have a water heater repair technician drain your water heater annually. This will help to remove scale buildup.
Digital Display
The growth and development of technology have revolutionized many things for homeowners. For example, it has improved how homeowners operate and secure their homes by lighting the security lights remotely and heating or cooling the home on their way from work. The way you heat your water has also not been left behind. Unlike conventional water heaters, technology has made it possible to know what is happening with your water heater from a digital display. A digital display will provide helpful information, such as the operating temperature of your water heater and the pressure readings. This will inform you on how your water heater operates and the peak times of hot water consumption in your home. With this information, you will be better equipped to plan your home and provide the necessary additions.
On the other hand, knowing your water heater’s operating temperature will be helpful when investigating your home’s energy usage and ways to conserve energy. Finally, a digital display provides you with a vacation mode. Setting the water heater on vacation mode communicates to the water heater that it will not on use since no one is at home. This helps conserve energy by minimizing the running of the water heater. Additionally, vacation mode helps prolong the life span of a water heater. Therefore, when shopping for a water heater, look for a type with a digital display.
Glass Lining
Unfortunately, most homeowners do not know in detail the operation of a water heater. Therefore, they buy water heaters that do not meet their needs and, most importantly, those that lack protective features. Although these features seem like a small part of the water heater, they are the defense line between your heater having a long lifespan and having to call a water heater repair technician in the first few months.
If you are looking for a storage water heater, it must have a glass lining inside. The glass lining inside a storage water heater prevents corrosion of the tank. Since the water heater storage tank has water constantly, its possibility of corrosion is high. Notably, although some are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, a glass lining is an additional feature to keep the interior surface of your water heater safe. In addition, it also protects the drain piping.
Typically, the glass lining of a water heater is made of porcelain enamel. Since most water heater tanks are made of aluminum or magnesium rods to prevent corrosion, they often cause the water heater to fail. Therefore, consult a professional on the best choice between the two. The technician will investigate which type suits your home’s hot water needs better.
Choose a Unit That Best Suits Your Needs
Several factors will undoubtedly influence the water heating unit you’ll choose. Do you need help selecting one? Contact us at Peach Plumbing & Drain today for consultations and advice. We also repair, install, and service water heaters.
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Tankless Water Heaters— A Technician’s Insights on the Main Benefits | Water Heater Repair
A water heater is vital to your home’s operation. Apart from ensuring you always have hot showering or bathing water, this system gives you a better way to clean your dishes. It also offers you the efficiency of having hot water at your home whenever needed. Have you ever thought of your home without a water heater, especially in the cold winter months? Over time, heating water for most residential buildings has evolved. Although the principle remains the same: to heat your home’s water, these new water heating systems, such as tankless water heaters, are increasingly gaining popularity among homeowners. However, before investing in this mode of heating water, it is essential to understand how it operates and its benefits. In this article, a water heater repair expert will explain all your need to know to decide if this will be an addition you will be making to your home.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
The first step in understanding any system’s operation is knowing what it is meant to do. A tankless water heater is a way of heating water for your home. However, unlike conventional water heaters, such as storage tank heaters which store hot water in a tank until you need it, tankless water heaters provide your home with hot water on demand without holding it first. Therefore, the system heats the water as you use it without holding it somewhere first. This makes a tankless water heater very effective and energy efficient. There are many types and brands of water heaters in the company. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a water heater repair specialist for the best type and brand to meet your home’s hot water needs before purchasing one.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
As its name suggests, tankless water heaters do not have a tank to hold the heated water by the system. Therefore, a tankless water heater uses gas or electricity to heat your home water immediately after it enters the system. A tankless water heater will have a gas burner when powered by gas. On the other hand, it will have an electric resistance heating coil when powered by electricity.
On turning on a hot water tap, cold water from your supply flows through the heat exchanger, and the heater heats the water. In a few seconds, hot water flows from your tap. Therefore, with a tankless water heater, you do have to wait for a tank to fill up with hot water to get the supply. Additionally, a tankless water heater heats the water on the spot, meaning you cannot run out of hot water and don’t have to wait for hot water to come from the storage tank.
Notably, most tankless water heaters heat water two to five gallons per minute rate. However, a gas-powered water heater typically provides a higher flow rate than an electric-powered one. But sometimes, a gas-powered water heater will not sustain a simultaneous hot water supply for multiple uses. Therefore, this makes it ideal for small houses. It is best to install two or more units for large households to have an efficient hot water supply in all areas simultaneously.
What should you Consider When Choosing a Tankless Water Heater?
Are you looking to transition from a traditional water heater to a tankless one? Before doing so, it is best to consult a water heater repair and installation technician for the best systems in the market. Also, you should consider some important factors determining the size, model, and type of tankless water heater to purchase. Some of these factors include;
Ground Water Temperature
Your home’s area’s groundwater temperature plays a very vital part in the tankless water heater to buy. The groundwater temperature is typically between 35 and 40 Fahrenheit for those in the northern part of the country. While for those in the southern part, their groundwater supply temperature ranges around 70 Fahrenheit. Although there is a way to calculate your home’s average groundwater temperature, it is best to consult a professional to know the exact temperature. If the groundwater temperature is low, you need a powerful tankless water heater to reach your ideal hot water temperature.
Flow Rate
Another thing to consider when searching for a tankless heater is the flow rate your home needs. Consider all the appliances that the water heater will fuel and those that might be in use simultaneously, such as the dishwasher and the shower. The result will help you outline an approximate flow rate of an ideal tankless water heater for your home. Conversely, you can schedule an appointment with a professional water heater specialist. Depending on your water flow needs, a water heater repair technician will advise you on the best type to get.
Main Benefits Of Investing in A Tankless Water Heater
Efficiency
Since a tankless water heater operates by heating the needed water instantaneously, it eliminates the need to heat too much water for storage which might not be used eventually. Therefore, this reduces its energy consumption, making it energy efficient. A tankless water system will save you money through reduced monthly energy bills. In addition, a tankless water heater has a longer life span than a conventional water heater. Therefore, this makes it a worthwhile investment for your home.
Convenience
Tankless water heaters are more compact than their counterparts which saves space. In addition, these heaters can provide an instantaneous endless supply of hot water in a lesser time than conventional water heaters. Therefore, it allows you or other family members to perform various tasks easily.
We Can Help You Choose From The Best Brands
A tankless water heater has outstanding benefits. It offers you convenience and efficiency for a long time compared to conventional water heaters. Contact us at Peach Plumbing & Drain for any questions or more information on water heaters.
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Replacing Your Showerheads? Types of Shower Filters a Plumber May Install
When remodeling your home, there are many decisions to make that would sometimes overwhelm you. Therefore, the best way to be prepared and ensure your home has everything necessary is to identify the professionals in each industry. These professionals will help you decide on the best components for your home and remind you of the necessities. For instance, when remodeling your bathroom, a skilled plumber will remind you to incorporate shower water filters, especially if your home’s main water supply is hard water. Hard water has minerals that, in most cases, cause problems such as irritation, dry skin, and itchiness for most homeowners. Showering with hard water can also cause problems, such as negatively affecting your hair. Luckily, if you have been experiencing these symptoms, there is a simple way to solve it. A shower water filter will help you eliminate these minerals. This article will highlight the types of shower water filters and the factors to consider when choosing one.
Shower Filters
Before you compare the shower filter brands in the market, it is essential to know what a shower filter is and its main types. A shower filter is a water filtration gadget that removes the impurities from your home’s hard water supply. By eliminating the minerals found in hard water, a shower filter protects your hair and skin from irritation and dryness caused by showering with hard water. Shower filters also eliminate chloramine and chlorine from your water supply. Chlorine presence in water causes skin problems such as acne and rashes and worsens blemishes. Therefore, installing a shower filter will promote more vibrant hair and healthier skin. However, the installation of a shower filter must be done by a certified plumber for these benefits to apply.
Types of Shower Filters
Two primary shower filter types in the market can help you eliminate elements from your hard water, such as heavy metals, chlorine, and other impurities. The types of shower filters include;
Filtered Shower Heads
The filtered shower head is ideal when searching for an immediate solution to skin irritation, dryness, and other hater water-related issues. For starters, a filtered shower head is more cost-effective than its counterpart in the market. Therefore, you can acquire it without a huge budget. Additionally, a filtered shower head is easy for a professional to install. Since it is installed in your showerhead, it takes little time to incorporate into your home. Finally, it effectively reduces the harmful effects of hard water. Therefore, this is an ideal choice when you want a fast solution for your family.
Inline Shower Filter
An inline shower filter is a more complicated shower filter compared to the filter shower heads. It is built directly into your home’s waterline to curb the effects of hard water. However, although installed into the main water line, it is designed only to filter the hard water that flows to your showerhead, including the water released into the air. Therefore, it provides whole filtration to your bathroom for an outstanding shower experience.
But an inline shower filter is more expensive than the filtered shower heads type in both purchase and installation. Additionally, a plumber will take longer than when installing a filtered shower head due to its installation process. The inline shower filter is ideal when searching for a durable filter with better results since it has a long life span and better filtration capabilities than filtered shower heads.
How To Find the Ideal Shower Water Filter for Your Home
Knowing the types of shower filters available in the market helps you outline what you want. Although it lets you know what you like, other factors dictate what is ideal for your home. Finding the right shower water filter for your home depends on your current water situation and needs. For example, if you use a well as your primary water source, your shower water filter should be able to handle issues such as rust, discoloration, and sometimes smell.
Conversely, if your water supply is hard, your shower water filter must only address the minerals and make it conducive. Therefore, knowing what water filter you buy will be addressed before venturing into the market is essential. To identify your needs, consult a certified plumber to investigate the water in your home. In addition, also consider factors such as;
What You Are Filtering
Most shower water filters have stages depending on the components in the water. While some can only filter chlorine from your water, others can eliminate chlorine and fluoride. However, most will be capable of filtering metals, sediments, odors, and scale build-up. Notably, not all filters can eliminate iron from the water. Therefore, being specific about what you need to be filtered will help narrow your choices.
Features
The second essential factor of a water filter is its features. For instance, do you want your shower water filter installed on the waterline or the shower head? Additionally, if you choose a filtered shower head, remember that many brands offer different flow settings, such as massage or rain. Some filtered showerheads can also be handled with varying lengths to the hose. Therefore, investigate the different brands and their features before committing to one.
Frequency Of Change
Another factor that will impact your choice of a shower water filter is how often you should change it. Some filters must be changed frequently to eliminate the contaminants in your water supply effectively. Therefore, although most shower water filters have a suggested life span, it is best to consult how long they will last before it necessitates a change. Changing a filter every so often adds up its cost, making you pay more in the long run.
Shower Water Filter Installation
Are you looking for a reliable professional to install your shower water filter? Our specialists are well-equipped and knowledgeable in the types and brands of water filters. Contact us at Peach Plumbing & Drain today for installation services.
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