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Going Green With the Plumbing for St. Patrick's Day

Simple Tips for Water Conservation and Lower Water Bills

St. Patrick's Day is this month, and while most celebrate by donning green clothing and feasting on Irish food favorites, why not get creative and embrace the luck of the Irish by thinking green? Environmentally friendly plumbing practices can help conserve water and lower water bills. Read on to learn tips for going green with plumbing and water conservation for St. Patrick's Day!

Upgrade to Water Saving Plumbing Fixtures

Upgrading to water-efficient plumbing fixtures is a simple but effective step that homeowners can take to make their plumbing more eco-friendly and save money. By doing so, they can conserve water, reduce their utility bills, and decrease their environmental impact. Homeowners may consider the following water-saving fixtures:

Water-saving toilets: These toilets use less water per flush and can save a significant amount of water over time. Some models even have dual-flush options that allow users to use less water for liquid waste.
Low-flow showerheads:These showerheads reduce water usage while still providing a satisfying shower experience and not sacrificing water pressure. They're available in various styles, so homeowners can choose the one that best fits their preferences.
Faucet aerators:These add air to the water flow, reducing water use without sacrificing water pressure. They're easy to install and can save a significant amount of water over time.
Touchless faucets: These faucets turn on and off automatically and hands-free, saving water by turning off as soon as it’s not in use. They also prevent the spread of germs.

Practice Eco-Friendly Habits

Nurturing a “green” lifestyle does not necessarily require significant investments or drastic changes in our daily habits. Even minor adjustments can make a difference and save both water and money. Simple steps such as turning off the faucet when brushing teeth and shaving, taking shorter showers, and only using dishwashers and washing machines when they are full can help conserve a lot of water.

Other actions, like fixing leaky faucets and running toilets as soon as possible, can also help save huge amounts of water while cutting down on water bills. By incorporating these simple habits to conserve water at home, homeowners can reduce their environmental footprint while saving money in the long run.

What You Should and Shouldn't Flush

Flushing the wrong items down the toilet can harm the environment, as some materials can pollute the ocean and harm wildlife. Knowing what should and shouldn't be flushed is also important to prevent clogs and clogged toilets. Clogs can cause water waste in homes because clogged lines can cause leaks, burst pipes, and frequent toilet clogs, which typically require multiple flushes during the unclogging process.

People should avoid flushing things like wipes, feminine hygiene products, medication, and paper towels, as these materials can cause blockages in the plumbing and contribute to environmental pollution. On the other hand, toilet paper and human waste are safe to flush. By being mindful of what is flushed, homeowners can help protect the environment and prevent water waste and plumbing problems in their homes.

About Scott Plumbing

The award-winning Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated company serving Huntsville and the surrounding communities. They provide same-day service, straightforward pricing, and a no-mess promise. Call them today for clogged toilet repair or bathroom and kitchen plumbing services in Huntsville, AL.

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Is it Finally Time to Dump That Old Water Heater?

3 Signs it Could Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Valentine’s Day is about showing love and appreciation for a significant other, celebrating and nurturing the relationship they’ve shared - whether it’s been for a few months, a few decades, or anywhere in between. But, of course, not all relationships work out that way - such as the relationship between homeowners and their old rust bucket of a water heater.

Maybe they’ve had plenty of good times together, and the old appliance has been of excellent service for many years. But when an aging water heater starts acting up and causing trouble, it may be time to say a bittersweet goodbye and move on to a new and improved model. Homeowners can read on to learn three signs a water heater may need replacing.

Corrosion in the Hot Water Tank

One sure sign it’s time to break things off with the water heater is if the corrosion has taken hold in the hot water tank. Corrosion occurs when oxygen and minerals in the water interact with the metal of the tank wall, causing it to rust and deteriorate. Water heaters contain an anode rod inside the tank which attracts corrosive materials, keeping them from corroding the tank wall. However, this rod will eventually deplete, and if it’s not replaced in time, it cannot protect the tank from corrosion. Routine water heater maintenance helps prevent corrosion because the plumber will replace the anode rod if necessary and flush the minerals and sediment from the tank.

Signs of a corroded tank include visible rust on the tank, discolored water, and water leaking from it because corrosion weakens the material and can cause leaks. Unfortunately, corroded hot water tanks typically cannot be repaired, so if the tank is rusting, it’s best to replace the entire unit.

Hot Water Runs Out Faster Than Normal

A more obvious sign of a failing water heater is if there’s not as much hot water as there used to be, the water isn’t as hot, or there’s no hot water at all. This could be caused by various issues like a thermostat malfunction or a broken heating element. So if homeowners notice a lack of hot water or inconsistent temperatures, a water heater repair technician should be called to solve the problem.

However, if the unit is getting along in years (8+ years old), the cost of getting the right parts and replacing them may make water heater replacement a more economical option than repair in the long run. Another consideration is that the hot water may run out faster due to increased demand, a fairly common issue with growing families. In this case, the tank of the unit may be too small for the household, and replacing it with a larger model or a tankless water heater may make more sense.

Higher Energy Bills

If the energy bill is going up for no obvious reason, it may indicate that the water heater’s efficiency is diminishing. The water heater is responsible for around 20% of a home’s overall energy usage, so a loss in efficiency can significantly impact utility bills. Water heaters lose efficiency as they age due to normal wear and tear. However, aggressive spikes in energy usage may indicate serious malfunctions - especially if the higher bills coincide with any of the abovementioned issues.

If homeowners spot any of these signs, the best course of action is to call a reputable local plumber to inspect the water heater. Once they’ve diagnosed the issue, they can recommend solutions that best fit the budget and individual needs of the household. And if homeowners do decide to replace the water heater with a new, more energy-efficient model, it could be the start of a beautiful new relationship, saving them money on energy bills.

About Scott Plumbing

The award-winning Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated business serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, honest pricing, and a no-mess promise. Call them today for water heater services in Huntsville, AL.

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Remember Plumbing Maintenance This New Year

Why Perform Plumbing Maintenance?

Water comes into and goes out of the home via a network of pipes. Plumbing may seem like it can just work continuously once installed and will never need to be worked on again. Unfortunately, this is a mistaken impression. Proper care of a plumbing system is essential. Routine maintenance helps prevent major problems with the system before they even start. This keeps professionals from having to replace the system prematurely and improves efficiency.

Keeping the Drains Clean

The first way to prevent problems with plumbing is to keep up with drain cleaning. When done correctly, this helps prevent problems with clogs and issues that can occur because of clogs, like leaks and burst pipes. Baking soda and vinegar is a good household remedies that homeowners can use for drains, helping prevent clogs and reducing odors.

However, homeowners should also schedule routine drain cleaning from a professional to prevent clogs and keep pipes running smoothly. Homeowners should avoid chemical drain cleaners because they can actually do more harm than good and lead to corrosion in the pipes. Professional services like pipe augering and hydro jetting are safe for pipes and are fast and effective ways to clean drains.

Professional Maintenance

Plumbing professionals do much more than just clear clogs and fix leaky faucets. When it comes to maintenance, they can give the whole plumbing system a once over and verify that everything is working correctly. Allowing professionals to perform maintenance lets them get to know the plumbing in a home, and they can identify problems before they become serious. A few of the tasks that a plumber can take care of for the average household during maintenance include the following:

Check Backflow Prevention Devices:Certified plumbing technicians can check the home’s backflow preventers to ensure the valves are working correctly to keep dirty water from contaminating the clean supply water. This is important for the health and safety of the whole community.

Check for Leaks, Corrosion, and Damage:A plumbing inspection can bring to light issues that homeowners might not have noticed before they cause extensive damage that can cost a great deal to fix. Plumbing techs can tighten loose connections, replace corroded parts, and fix toilet leaks in no time so that a homeowner does not have to deal with the fallout of an issue that was not caught in time.

Water Heater Maintenance

Water heater maintenance is just as vital as maintenance for the entire plumbing system. A water heater has a number of parts that need to be checked and kept in proper working order. Routine water heater maintenance leads to better efficiency, lower utility bills, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan. Some of the tasks that a plumber does during a maintenance visit include:

Checking the anode rod and replace if needed
Cleaning the burner or heating element
Flushing the hot water tank
Checking the pressure release valve
Tightening connections

About Scott Plumbing

The award-winning Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated business serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, straightforward pricing, and always on-time service. Call them today for maintenance, drain cleaning, or water heater maintenance in Huntsville, AL.

Sump pump installation by Scott Plumbing, showcasing sump basin, PVC piping, and moisture control setup.

Why a Sump Pump Should Be On Your Holiday Wish List

This Holiday Season, a Sump Pump Installation Can Be the Ideal Gift!

While rain is great for preserving the landscape and the water supply, it can be concerning for homes. Why? Because rain accumulates over time and occasionally loves to collect inside homes. Of course, this refers to the possibility of flooding. Fortunately, one highly practical piece of plumbing equipment can significantly lower the likelihood that a home will turn into a giant wading pool: the sump pump.

Why Homeowners Should Have a Sump Pump

For sump pumps to work, water flows into pits that have been expressly built to house sump pumps beneath the main surface of the basement or lowest part of a home. Most sump pumps include an automated floatation switch that, when the water level rises to a specific level, triggers the device to turn on and start moving water away from the home to prevent flooding.

A hose pumps the water outdoors to a location where it can drain away from the home’s foundation, helping to prevent structural integrity issues and water damage. Besides the damage sump pumps can help prevent, they also help prevent mold growth and insect infestations that can occur due to the moisture that accompanies flooding. Electricity is the primary power source for sump pumps, but backup battery systems are important in case of a power loss.

Main Types of Sump Pumps

The two most common types of sump pumps are the pedestal sump pump and the submersible sump pump. Pedestal sump pumps have a motor that sits above the water, while submersible sump pumps have motors that can be completely submerged in the water.

Pedestal sump pumps are easier to install and maintain, as they require less work to access their parts for repairs or replacements because the motors aren't located in the sump basin. However, pedestal sump pumps are noisier than submersible pumps and can be susceptible to damage from water splashing on the motor.

On the other hand, submersible sump pumps are quieter and provide better protection from water damage because they are more powerful and entirely submerged in the water. However, they are more challenging to install and maintain as the motor parts must be accessed by taking the pump out of the sump basin. They also typically don’t last as long as pedestal sump pumps.

Ultimately, the decision of which type of sump pump to use will depend on the individual situation; both kinds of sump pumps have pros and cons. It is best to consult a professional for advice on which type of sump pump will be best suited for a home’s needs.

Additional or Backup Sump Pumps

Sump pumps work hard to keep homes dry — after all, it is the last line of defense against significant water damage in the house. And, because its job is so critical, homeowners should have a backup in case it fails, or the power goes out from a storm. A secondary or backup sump pump is helpful if the first fails, but it can also provide relief during heavy rainstorms or snow melts if properly installed.

Even if the primary system is electric, homeowners can still install a backup battery to prevent flooding and water damage if the power goes out. The best time to install a backup battery is when the primary pump is installed. If that isn't possible, contact a professional plumber because the backup will only be useful if correctly installed.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is an award-winning, family-owned and operated business serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for sump pump services in Huntsville, AL.

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3 Reasons to Be Thankful for Plumbers

Providing Essential Plumbing Services

Local plumbers are responsible for protecting the safety and comfort of their communities by installing, repairing, and servicing home plumbing systems. Plumbing repairs are complex and often involve heavy labor and unsanitary environments. Without the amazing men and women who dedicate their careers to learning how plumbing systems work, homeowners would not be able to enjoy the comfort and convenience of modern plumbing.

In this blog post, we discuss three essential plumbing services that homeowners can thank their local plumbers for performing this Thanksgiving. Keeping the water and sewer lines running is essential for a safe and sanitary community. Plumbers do not just repair leaky faucets; they also protect their community from serious hazards like gas leaks.

Maintaining Water and Sewer Lines

Home plumbing is a complicated network of pipes that connects back to the main water line and sewer line. The main water line provides the home with clean water from a water processing plant or, in some cases, well water. The sewer line collects and drains all used water from the home’s plumbing fixtures, such as shower drains, sink drains, washers, and toilets.

Maintaining the sewer line is what protects homeowners from exposure to wastewater. In the past, exposure to sewage was one of the leading causes of illness spreading. Luckily, thanks to the strides in modern plumbing, we enjoy safe and sanitary sewer systems that remove wastewater from our homes.

Plumbers are to thank for installing, maintaining, and repairing residential water lines and sewer lines. When something goes wrong with either one, homeowners call up their trusted local plumbing company for help. It is recommended for homeowners to always have a dependable plumber a phone call away in case a plumbing emergency, such as a burst sewer line, occurs.

Gas Leak Repair

Gas line leaks are hazardous because even the smallest sparks can cause the gas to combust in an explosive house fire. A gas leak puts the homeowners and their entire neighborhood and surrounding ecosystem at risk. When homeowners suspect that there may be a gas leak, they need to evacuate the property immediately.

Homeowners should not turn any lights on or off or use electrical outlets until the gas leak has been resolved. A spark from an outlet or electrical fixture could send the house up in flames if a gas leak is present. Homeowners should call the gas company to turn off the gas. Then, professional plumbers can come into the home, locate the source of the leak, and repair the gas line safely.

Warning signs of a gas leak are a strange odor or a sudden spike in gas bills. Homeowners may even be able to hear a hissing noise from gas escaping. The best way to protect the home from gas leaks is to install a gas leak detector and call a professional for help as soon as a leak is detected.

Water Heater Services

The water heater is one of the most important pieces of plumbing hardware in the home. It provides the home with hot water on demand for bathing and cleaning. It is hard to imagine a time when hot water was considered a luxury rather than a standard. Today, we should be grateful for water heaters and the technicians who service them.

Water heater repair can be dangerous because of the high temperatures and gallons of water in the tank. Installation, repairs, and maintenance should only be completed by an experienced and qualified professional. Water heaters must be flushed out regularly by a professional plumber as a part of routine maintenance to prevent sediment buildup from corroding the metal tank.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is proud to provide Huntsville, AL homeowners and the surrounding areas with plumbing services they can trust from experienced professionals. They offer honest prices, same-day service, and on-time arrival. Call them today for plumbing services in Huntsville, AL.