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Backflow Preventer Valves
If you have ever experienced sewage entering your home, you know the time and money needed to get your house back to normal. Luckily, a small flap in your pipes can prevent the issue before it ever occurs.
A backflow valve works to prevent contamination to the water supply and. Backflow preventer valves ensure that water flows in one direction and that the clean water supply is not contaminated, meaning water is not allowed to flow back into your home. Usually located in the basement floor, you’ll want to ensure that a backflow valve is installed and properly working should you move into a new home.
Many homes built after the 1980s will have a valve already installed. If your home is not currently outfitted with a backflow preventer valve, consider reaching out to our team to have one installed. This quick addition to your home will save you time and money in the long run, especially if your area is prone to heavy rain and flooding.
When the valve is in the “open” position, water is free to flow from your home to the outside, keeping the pipes free and clear. Should any water flow back in the other direction, the valve will close.
During periods of heavy rainfall and potential flooding, the preventer valve will ensure that water does not make its way back into your home. A flap within the pipe will stop the water from flowing in, preventing sewage and rainwater from coming back up into your drains and avoiding any flooding.
Be sure to keep the pipes clean surrounding your preventer valve, removing debris to ensure the flap can move freely. Use water to flush out any debris if necessary. It is helpful to wear gloves and protective eyewear during the maintenance and securely close up the valve when completed.
Our team recommends annual backflow testing and is ready to help you conduct yours. We are certified in backflow testing, meaning you can trust that everything is working as good as possible after our visit. This is a quick test, and we will work efficiently to make sure everything is running as expected. Schedule your maintenance today.
Winter Plumbing Tips
Winter is fast approaching, and it is time to get your house in order. Once you complete your home decor, preparing your plumbing should be next on the list. At Putman and Sons we have a few fixes that we recommend to our customers to ensure their plumbing is ready for cold temperatures.
Turn Off Outdoor Faucets
Be sure to drain and turn off all outdoor faucets. This quick act helps prevent any water from freezing in the pipes leading to a pipe burst. You will want to remove any hoses or connections and store them elsewhere. Make sure to verify that there is no water left in the pipes by turning the faucet to full strength and then turning it off completely.
Check The Water Heater
Maintenance is important all year round, but a failed water heater is even more unfortunate during the colder months. Give Putman and Sons a call to schedule maintenance on your water heater before the temperatures drop. Our team will ensure it is running effectively and identify any potential issues and conduct any necessary repairs.
Insulate Your Pipes
Insulate any cold pipes before the cold weather hits. Consider wrapping any outdoor pipes or those in poorly insulated areas to avoid bursting. Check your attic or crawl spaces for any pipe that should be wrapped.
Check for Leaks
Before the snow falls, take a look around the exterior of your home. Check for any cracks or existing leaks. You’ll want to seal up any cracks to ensure that cold air cannot get in. The team at Putman and Sons is well-versed in preparing your home for the cold weather. We are ready to visit your home and take a look at the best ways to ensure plumbing safety during the winter. Give us a call today.
Honoring Our Heroes
Tankless Water Heaters
Energy-efficient options are becoming more readily available for most appliances in our homes. We have low-energy options for lighting, heat, air, and water usage. Consider getting rid of that bulky water heater taking up space and learn more about a tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters are a great option to reduce energy output and costs by reducing your water usage. Tankless heaters are 24%-34% more efficient than a standard water heater. Often, they come with a warranty much longer than that of a counterpart. They should last around 20 years, nearly doubling the life span of a standard water heater. A tankless option is also safer for you and your home. Because there is no water stored anywhere, leaks and spills will not occur.
Additionally, some tankless options are wi-fi enabled, allowing the user to adjust temperature and monitor usage via a phone.
This is an on-demand water option, meaning energy is not required to store water but deliver hot water only as needed. The process is as follows:
- Water is turned on in a shower or faucet
- Flame ignites
- Coldwater flows through a heating element using either a gas or electric method.
- The desired temperature is met and maintained as the water reaches its destination.
- Usage complete
- Water stops flowing, and the flame turns off
The initial cost of a tankless water heater is more, but the heater will last longer than the traditional option, and the reduction in usage can offset the upfront cost. Consider your current energy usage and potential savings over time when determining if this is the right option for you.
A tankless water heater is much smaller than a standard option, allowing it to fit in compact spaces and remain out of sight. One of our professionals can work with you to determine if a tankless water heater option will work for you and schedule an installation.
Low-Pressure Water Faucets
Are you looking for easy and safe ways to reduce that pesky water bill? Consider installing a low-pressure water faucet. The cost-saving change is also beneficial to the environment, a win-win! Contrary to the name, a low-pressure tap will still maintain a good amount of pressure, but the type of engineering used in the product reduces the amount of water flowing through the faucet. With a low-flow or low-pressure option, you can plan to reduce your water use by about 30% and will notice a decrease in your water bill right away. The new faucet will pay for itself in around a year, depending on the model you choose. There are two options for low-flow faucets, Aerating and Laminar. As the name suggests, an aerating option adds air to the water stream and creates a spray, adding slightly more moisture than a standard faucet. An aerator can be added to a standard faucet to create the same effect for only a few dollars. Additionally, the aerator will add another filtration layer, ensuring you are using and drinking the best water possible. Water pressure is more regulated with an aerator as the filter will aid in creating a steadier stream.
A laminar option won’t add any additional moisture. If you’re considering a low-flow showerhead and live in a humid area, this may be the better option for you. Both options are cost and water-reducing, so either choice is a good one. There is a wide variety of low-pressure possibilities from which to choose, and you can find any aesthetic or design for which you are looking. Review your options at your local hardware store or your favorite online retailer, and give Putman and Sons a call when you are ready to install. Installing a new faucet is relatively quick and easy, and one of our trained professionals can complete the install in one short visit.
We look forward to assisting you. As always, give us a call with any questions.
