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Leaky Toilet Causes

There are a few common reasons that a toilet might leak. The most common cause is an ineffective flush valve. A tight seal is required for a toilet to flush effectively; however, deterioration may occur over time, causing a leak. To determine if this is the cause, you’ll want to locate the flush valve ball and determine if the seal is still intact. If everything looks good with the flush valve, your next step would be to check the fill valve. This needs to close to stop the flow of water. If the valve is rusted or damaged, the tank may overflow. If this does occur, start by shutting off the water flow and determine if the valve needs to be repaired or replaced entirely. Notice a crack in your toilet tank or bowl? You will want to fix this immediately. Often, cracks appear very small but can quickly get larger and turn into a serious leak. A seal may work to fix the crack, but often the toilet will need to be replaced completely. If the water appears at the base of your toilet, the problem may result from a broken wax seal. Additionally, you could experience a bad odor coming from the bathroom. Both signs that the wax seal needs to be replaced. This part is covered but will experience some general wear and tear that could cause it to deteriorate or dry out. The replacement process is more complicated than other issues, so we recommend calling a plumber immediately. The best scenario for a leaky toilet is simply condensation. Often, bathrooms are humid places, and condensation can form on surfaces, including the toilet. If you do notice water, monitor it first to ensure it is something other than condensation.

What Type of Water Heater Do You Need?

Everybody loves hot water. A warm shower is the most basic of luxuries. However, an underpowered water heater can ruin the experience, leaving you jumping out of a suddenly cold shower as the hot water runs out. For many people, the best part of staying at a hotel is the endless hot water supply. With the right water heater installed in your home, you can have that experience every day.

Most homes have conventional water heaters that heat a storage tank full of water. These water heaters may be run on gas or electric power. They are generally the most affordable water heater to buy and install, but they come with one major drawback. Once the storage tank has been emptied, you are out of hot water.

It can take a long time, up to an hour and a half for some models, to heat a new tank of hot water. You can combat this problem by installing a huge tank, but larger tanks require more operating power. If you don’t often run out of hot water in your home, your current conventional water heater may be all you need. If you constantly find yourself frustrated by a lack of hot water, it might be time to consider other options.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand as it passes through the device’s heating coils. They run best on natural gas, but tankless water heaters can also be installed in all-electric homes. As long as you choose an appropriately sized unit, you can have an endless supply of hot water.

Whether you go conventional or tankless, we can make sure you get to enjoy your long, hot showers. Give us a call, and we’ll help you figure out the best options for your needs and budget.

What Causes Clogged Drains

Fat, oil, grease, and food particles are the primary causes of clogged drains in a kitchen. Using quality dish soap, hot water, and a properly installed garbage disposal can help keep these substances from building up inside your pipes. It is better to collect used oil in a container and throw it out than to try to pour it down your drains. Even if you wash it down with a lot of hot water, you will experience some build-up.

Hair and soap scum are the usual culprits when bathroom drains have become clogged. When we shower, we all shed hair, and the soap scum locks those wet clumps of hair into a drain clogging ball. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to use a drain strainer in your shower and insist that every member of your family cleans it out after they wash their hair.

If you use these simple tips to avoid clogged drains, you may be able to prevent backed-up sinks and tubs. For preventative maintenance, pour about two cups of vinegar down your drains once a week. You can also run a pot of boiling water down the drain after the vinegar.

If you wind up with a clog, you may be able to clear the drain yourself. The two tools that work best are plungers and snakes. A plunger will work in a sink as well as a toilet. Make sure that there is some hot soapy water in the sink so that the plunger can form a solid seal. A bent hanger or simple snake you get from the store can clear hair clogs that are within reach.

If you’re having ongoing problems with slow drains, or if you’ve got a clog that you can’t clear, we’re just a phone call away. Sometimes you need professional tools and techniques to open up stubborn drains.

Why You Need Backflow Testing

Commercial buildings are required to perform backflow testing once a year. Many residential neighborhood associations and municipalities also require backflow testing from homeowners.

This testing is required to protect the municipal water supply from contamination by private greywater.

The connection between the municipal water supply and private buildings must be designed and tested to prevent backflow.  You can also experience backflow within your own home due to poor plumbing design or wearing parts. This could lead to you drinking, bathing, or swimming in dirty water without even knowing it.

Backflow testing must be performed by a certified plumber. The plumber turns certain valves on and off and tests for leaks. After testing has been completed, your plumber will fill out a form that you can file with your local government office. The process takes about 30 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your busy business days.

The water will be shut off during testing. If you share a water line with a fire hydrant, your plumber may have to notify the city before turning off the water and conducting the test. You will need to inform your employees and customers of the water shut-off and plan the timing to coordinate with your off-peak business hours.

Everyone wants a quick and painless passing test, but sometimes problems are found. Your water may have to stay shut off for a longer period while repairs are made. If problems are found, we will provide you with the fastest and most economical repairs possible. These repairs are vital for your health and safety. Without proper testing, repair, and maintenance of your backflow prevention devices, you could be exposed to water-born health pathogens.

The Different Types of Toilets for Your Home

The most common American toilet is a two-piece floor-mounted toilet.  These toilets are usually single flush models. They are cheap, easy to repair, and they last a very long time. It’s easy to see why many people never consider any other toilet options. However, there are more efficient and stylish toilets to choose from.

If you are going for a contemporary look, you may be interested in a one-piece or wall-hanging model. These styles stand out from the standard two-piece toilet that we are so familiar with. Some can be ordered in specialty colors, which also adds to the visual design of your bathroom.

One-piece toilets often feature sleek designs that conceal the S-trap plumbing that is usually visible on two-piece models. Some people feel that the unibody design is easier to clean. They are usually the most expensive option, but some people feel the look is worth it.

Wall-hanging toilets seem to float above the floor since all the plumbing runs through the wall. If you love modern minimalism, nothing beats the look of a wall-hanging toilet. Wall-hanging toilets are surprisingly affordable. They are a great choice for small bathrooms.

Not only do you have style options when choosing a toilet, but you can also customize your ergonomics. You can choose between round and elongated bowl shapes and various toilet heights. You can also choose the most comfortable type of seat for your particular taste. You can choose from wooden, plastic, ceramic, and cushioned toilet seats.

If you’re considering an upgrade to your toilet, give us a call. We can help you choose the best options for your space and your budget.

Medical Plumbing for Hospitals

Hospitals require the most complex plumbing systems of any commercial building.  Most commercial buildings require sprinkler systems, bathrooms, and hot water plumbing.  Medical facilities require all of this and more. Specialty plumbing systems are often necessary for diagnostic and pathology laboratories, surgical areas, dialysis centers, and sterilization rooms.

Keeping these plumbing systems maintained is a life or death matter. Many plumbing sub-systems in hospitals must meet regulatory requirements and are subject to licensing inspections regularly. Hospital administrators must plan their plumbing systems carefully, test them often, and maintain them well.

One task that falls to hospital administrators is finding qualified plumbers for installation and maintenance. The majority of commercial plumbers focus on retail and industrial buildings. They don’t have specialty knowledge of medical-grade plumbing systems. In some states, plumbers must have specialty certifications or licenses to work on medical gas lines. The search for an excellent medical plumber is an essential and challenging responsibility.

While a hospital is the most extreme example, most medical facilities have special plumbing needs. Doctor’s offices, dental offices, veterinary clinics, laboratories, and outpatient surgical centers are equipped with medical plumbing features. These facilities also require a relationship with a plumbing company that specializes in medical plumbing systems.

Preventative maintenance is essential in medical facilities. This is particularly true in any potential drainage backflow situation. Dirty water contaminating sterile environments can lead to patient complications. Installing heavy-duty fixtures and lines is vital to keep the equipment from breaking under the strain of constant use. Back-up systems are also essential. Medical facilities cannot jeopardize their patient’s health by suffering from water outages.

Start your search for an excellent medical plumber by mapping out your building’s systems. Then give us a call to talk about your requirements. We are an experienced medical plumbing company. You can rely on us to keep your medical facility running at all times.

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