Archive for the ‘Plumbers’ Category

 

How to Save Energy on Hot Water Heating Costs

Monday, February 10th, 2014

Have you ever wondered how you could save energy on hot water heating costs? Check out this quick video for some helpful hints!

Created by SaveOnEnergy.com

If you have more questions or are having issues with your hot water heater, speak with a reputable professional today. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, so you can get the help you need when you need it!

Installing In Line Water Filters

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Installing In Line Water Filters - Plumbers

There are various uses of in line water filters, but they are mostly used to filter water for refrigerators and ice-making machines. These systems are known to reduce bad smells and tastes from water, although they don’t work quite as well in removing certain rotten-egg odors from water.

Typically, they are also used to lessen the chlorine taste of water as well as reduce the presence of lead and organic chemical substances. However, in line water filters are not designed to turn biologically unsafe water safe to drink.

The filter canisters used for in line water filters contain activated carbon, which can be quickly used up. As for their assembly, most of these systems consist of ¼ inch fitting that allows users to quickly connect their ¼-inch water lines straight into the filter’s inlet and outlet without having to use any other fittings.

These fittings, also known as push-to-connect or push-lock, allow quick and easy installation of water lines with lesser likelihood of a leak.

Steps to Install In Line Water Filters

1. Determine where the system will be located. The ideal location is where it can be connected to your home’s cold water pipe, which is usually placed under the kitchen sink.

2. Shut off the supply of cold water to your home. Detach a piece of the cold water supply pipe about 3 inches wide. Use pipe cutters to remove a section and create a gap between the faucet and the water supply valve.

3. In the gap you just made, insert the in line water filter. The water supply should connect to the inlet on the filter located above the sump while the kitchen faucet should connect with the filter’s outlet.

4. Use the filter’s mounting kit and follow the instructions there to mount the filter properly. Use the bracket that came with the kit to mount the unit onto the cabinet’s wall. Drill out pilot holes on the wall into which you will screw in the filter using the provided screws. Make sure to allow some space for future maintenance work so you can access the filter easily or unscrew the sump.

5. With the filter installed, turn on the cold water supply. Run the system for a few minutes to let water flush through it. Check for leaks.

Need Help Installing In Line Water Filters?

You may not have the right tools to do this job, or perhaps you just want to ensure proper installation. Whenever you require the help of a service professional, use Seva Call to find one quickly and conveniently. Our service is free and we can connect you to reliable plumbers in just a few minutes!

Corrugated HDPE Pipe

Wednesday, February 5th, 2014

Corrugated HDPE Pipe - Plumbers

Corrugated HDPE pipes are high-density polyethylene pipes used for drainage, sewage, and wastewater systems. This thermoplastic material has numerous advantages, which make it ideal for piping and drainage.

Corrugated HDPE Pipe Advantages

1. Cost Effective

Corrugated HDPE pipes are a cost effective option for storm water and wastewater management. They are much cheaper than other piping materials, including copper, concrete, or PVC. Corrugated HDPE pipes are capable of a better performance.

2. Durable

The estimated life-cycle of corrugated HDPE pipes is about 50 years if properly installed, which makes them a great choice for both homeowners and municipalities.

3. Flexible

Corrugated HDPE pipes are flexible, and have a high tolerance to pressure and load. Their design makes installation much easier as compared to other traditional piping materials.

4. Corrosion Resistant

Unlike metal pipes, corrugated HDPE pipes do not rust once they are buried underground.

5. Light Weight

Corrugated HDPE pipes are light, which makes transportation and installation considerably easier as compared to metal or concrete pipes.

6. Tight Joints

Corrugated HDPE pipes are leak-free, which is a great advantage considering that they are used for drainage and sewage. HDPE pipes are safe for both people and the environment. They are eco-friendly and there is no risk of contaminating fresh water supplies, polluting communities or wildlife habitats.

7. Strong

The corrugated shape and double wall of this type of HDPE pipe increase pipe strength, load, impact, and abrasion resistance. Corrugated HDPE pipes can withstand the action of various chemicals that might be contained by the wastewater traveling through them.

Need Expert Assistance?

Want to know more about corrugated HDPE pipes? Need and expert plumber? Seva Call is here to connect you with the right professional. We can connect you with experts in your area in no time.

Why Do Frozen Pipes Burst?

Monday, February 3rd, 2014

Why Do Frozen Pipes Burst? - Plumbers

Frozen pipes give homeowners headaches, because they might burst at any time, making a mess and resulting in a lot of damage. The best way to prevent this very unpleasant situation is to act early on. This means inspecting all the pipes around your property that are exposed to the elements, and insulating them before they freeze and burst.

Why Do Frozen Pipes Burst?

The water traveling through the pipes expands once it freezes, which means that it needs more space when it turns into ice than when it’s liquid. Frozen water blocks the pipe and presses against its walls, but because the pipe is rigid, it cannot withstand the pressure. Most often, frozen water finds a weak spot in the pipe, such as the joints or some other part, and breaks the pipe wall.

How Can You Prevent Pipe Burst?

Outdoor pipes or those which are exposed to cold air need protection to minimize the risk of pipe burst during winter. This is done by carefully insulating all the pipes located outside, on the exterior walls of your house, in your garage, in your attic, or in the basement. You can insulate external pipes with heat tape or other special products.

Go to a home improvement store and ask for the best insulating material for your type of pipes. Also, it’s important to let faucets drip to prevent pressure from building up in a pipe.

However, if you do discover a frozen pipe, it’s important to thaw it properly. One way is to soak the frozen part of the pipe in hot towels. If this doesn’t work, take a hair dryer or a space heater and heat up the pipe to melt the ice.

Let the faucet open to accelerate melting. Don’t use an open flame torch to heat up a frozen pipe under any circumstances, because you might injure yourself.

Need Help?

Seva Call can put you in touch with trustworthy professionals in your area to solve your plumbing problems in the shortest amount of time possible.

Rheem Hot Water Heater

Friday, January 31st, 2014

Rheem Hot Water Heater - Heating and Cooling

The Rheem name is known by many homeowners as one of the most reliable brands of water heaters today, outlasting many other brands available in today’s market. Rheem hot water heater products offer superior quality in all the important aspects of energy efficiency and durability, as well as maintenance.

Wide Range of Products

Rheem has been offering cutting-edge water heating solutions for more than 100 years. It offers several lines of Rheem hot water heater products for households and businesses, including tank-type and tankless water heaters (either gas or electric) and solar water heaters. Being a full-service provider, Rheem also offers accessories and replacement parts.

Popular Models

Some of the top-rated Rheem hot water heater models include:

Rheem 22V40F1

This natural gas water heater model is affordable and quite efficient, with an average annual operating cost of just about $230. By far, this is one of the most cost-effective water heaters around, so you can expect to enjoy significant energy cost savings with this unit. It also boasts a quiet operation and easy installation.

Rheem 42VR40-40F

This high-efficiency gas water heater will give you the best value for your money. It’s extremely efficient in heating water even when the temperature is fairly low. The temperature control and other components are all quality made and well designed.

Rheem RTE 9

This tankless water heater is perfect for the kitchen where extra heating power and higher temperatures are necessary for kitchen tasks like washing dishes. This model is quite compact and will fit even in small kitchens.

Rheem RTE 7

Also a tankless water heater, this model is ideal for heavy duty usage for multiple users or in large bathrooms with several sinks.

Benefits of a Rheem Hot Water Heater

There are many benefits to investing in a Rheem water heater, the biggest being the savings you’ll get from its efficient operation. Rheem water heaters are also durable, so they will last you many years. They require very minimal upkeep. All Rheem products feature easy installation and exceptional warranty. They are available at different price points so you will surely find the Rheem hot water heater that meets your budget.

Install a Rheem Hot Water Heater

Looking for a certified plumbing contractor who can help you with installation? Seva Call can help. Contact us and we’ll connect you with reputable and qualified local plumbers within minutes.

Polyethylene Water Pipe

Thursday, January 30th, 2014

Polyethylene Water Pipe - Plumbers

Most homeowners have the basic set of tools and the moderate skills required to complete simple home improvement projects. Nonetheless, when they are dealing with much more complex issues and challenges, like those awful problems associated with their piping system, they choose to rely on expert help. Wondering what are the uses and benefits of a polyethylene water pipe? Keep reading to find out.

Basic Things That You Should Know about Polyethylene Pipes

High-density polyethylene pipes (HDPE) have been used for several decades now to build and improve modern, extremely effective sewer systems worldwide. This material represents a sustainable alternative and has been utilized in a wide range of applications, including marine crossing, district heating, fire loops, and domestic geothermal technological systems.

The advantages of Polyethylene Pipes

HDPE systems are well-liked by plumbers for a number of reasons, including their elevated service life and their increased resistance. They have a track record of over 6 decades and continue to surpass their main competitors in terms of reliability and performance.

Polyethylene pipes allow users to protect their valuable resources and save a considerable amount of money in the long run; thus they are considered a smart, long-term investment.

They are used on a large scale, in various types of projects, including marine, sewage, water supply, electric applications, as well as in agriculture and mining. Therefore, it is safe to say that a polyethylene water pipe is very versatile.

This type of pipe system can transport clean, safe water from in a cost-effective manner. Moreover, it guarantees a hassle-free service life of up to one century.

Rely on an Expert Opinion

Want to learn more about the pros and cons of a polyethylene water pipe system? If so, just discuss your options with a skilled plumber. Find the best ones in your area with Seva Call, your convenient expert tracking service.

How to Sweat Copper Water Lines

Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

How to Sweat Copper Water Lines - Plumbers

Copper is one of the most common materials used for water supply lines. It makes for a durable pipe that is not difficult to work with and can handle water loads with high pressure. However, the downside of using copper is its high cost, which can be triple the price of plastic CPVC pipe.

In copper water lines, the pipes are fit together by solid core solder wire (lead-free). The process of soldering the pipes entails heating or “sweating” them.

Prep the Lines

Before you work on any active copper water lines, check that you’ve turned off the water supply valve. Drain the water lines by opening the lowest and highest faucets in the house. You want to make sure the lines are not carrying any more water in them when you start soldering because even the tiniest amount of water can affect how a joint will heat up.

Sweating Process

1. Use a hacksaw to cut the pipe. You may also use a tube cutter. Simply tighten the cutter to score the pipe and cut it. Your cutter may have a reamer you can use to get rid of burrs.

2. Sand the surfaces of the pipe and the pipe fitting using an emery cloth or wire brush. Then, use a rag to wipe the pipe clean. Put flux on the pipe and fitting to halt oxidation at the joint and help the solder adhere to the copper.

3. Fit the pipe and fitting together. Use a propane torch to heat the joint. It would only take a brief 30 seconds to reach the right temperature for the solder to melt.

4. With the joint heated up, pull the solder wire across it. The wire should pull in and around the joint. If the joint fails to heat up and melt solder, it’s likely there’s still water in the line.

5. Use a rag to wipe excess solder from the joint and let it cool.

6. Once the run has been soldered, pipes between the joists should be braced with brackets to keep them from banging together. Put insulation material inside any holes you’ll find in joists where the pipes went through.

7. Install plates across framing members to protect copper water lines from being punctured by fasteners.

Let an Expert Take Care of This Job

Not confident about soldering your copper water lines? Don’t fret. Seva Call can match you with qualified plumbers in your area who can handle any water pipe soldering job. Send us your service request, and you can be connected to the right service professional within minutes!

Common Hot Water Heater Problems

Monday, January 27th, 2014

Common Hot Water Heater Problems - Plumbers

Having trouble with your water heater? Hold your thoughts about replacing the whole thing. Some hot water heater problems can be solved with a few basic tools. Maybe only certain parts need to be replaced.

Here are a few of the most common hot water heater problems and some quick troubleshooting and repair tips:

1. There’s no hot water coming out.

If you have an electric water heater, you may need to replace either the thermostat or the upper heating element of your unit. If you have a gas heater, check if the pilot light is turned on. If the pilot is on, you may have a faulty gas thermocouple that needs to be replaced. On the other hand, if the pilot light keeps going out after lighting it up, then the problem could be with the gas pilot control.

2. The water coming out smells bad.

If you can detect a rotten-egg odor from your hot water supply, it’s very likely that the tank has been contaminated by bacteria. A water heater has a metal (anode) rod that produces hydrogen gas during operation, and there’s a type of bacteria that feed on this emission.

To address this problem, you need to empty the water from your tank and then fill it up with hydrogen peroxide solution. Leave the solution for a couple of hours and then refill the tank with water. If the smell persists, remove the standard anode rod and replace with a zinc alloy/aluminum anode rod.

3. The water coming out is rusty.

Again, this is a problem with the heater’s anode rod, the purpose of which is to prevent rust from building up inside the tank. If the anode rod stops doing its job, you’ll certainly see rust in the water. The only solution is to replace the anode rod.

4. The water heater is making weird noises.

Are you hearing popping or shrill noises coming out of your water heater? The reason for this could be significant sediment buildup in the bottom of the heater’s tank, which is actually making the water boil instead of just heating it up.

Remove all of the water from the tank and fill it up again. You should also ensure your water softener is still working fine. On electric water heaters, the shrill noises can be caused by sediments that have built up on the heating elements. Again, you need to empty the tank and then scrub the elements clean.

Need an Expert to Fix Your Water Heater?

If you don’t know who to call for help with your hot water heater problems, contact Seva Call for a quick solution. We offer a free service to quickly find and connect you with the most reliable plumbers near you. Talk to a pro within minutes. Try us now!

How to Avoid Sewer Drain Repair

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014

How to Avoid Sewer Drain Repair - Plumbers

Until something goes wrong, homeowners do not think about their sewer systems. However, if sewer lines are given some attention, potential costs related to sewer drain repair can be avoided.

It is a good idea to include the drains and sewers in your spring-cleaning and have them inspected by a professional. Doing it as soon as possible is something you would be thankful for down the road when you’ve eliminated the need for a costly trenchless sewer repair.

Caring for Your Drains

To avoid sewer drain repair, there are some things you can do to prevent problems from arising, such as:

1. Call in a professional to inspect your sewer system. If you’re living in an older home or purchasing one, have the sewer lines professionally inspected. With today’s technology, there should be no disruption to your property when a sewer line inspection is being performed.

The contractor can either clear you or inform you of any problems that may require sewer drain repair or other repair work. If the problem is caught early enough, the costs usually are not that big.

2. Schedule a regular cleaning of your sewer lines. Sludge, debris, and dirt will build up along the lines even with the newer types and the accumulation would lead to a system back up over time.

A process known as Water Hydro-Jetting can simply clear sewer lines effectively and is comparatively affordable. It can get rid of tree roots that have penetrated the pipes, which can have bigger cracks if the roots are not removed.

3. Be careful when doing landscaping work. One of the most common problems that homeowners deal with is how tree roots puncture pipes and cause leaks. Be aware of where your sewer line is when planting new trees and make sure they will not become a potential problem for the sewer line later when they grow.

4. Use the toilet with care. Many people recklessly throw trash down the toilet like diapers, tampons, cotton swabs, tissue, and other items that do not disintegrate easily and cause blockage in the sewer system.

Need Professional Sewer Drain Repair?

If you’re already dealing with a problem with your sewer drains and require professional help, then using Seva Call is the best way to get in touch with local, reputable plumbers. Let us know what you need now, and we’ll connect you with qualified service professionals in no time!

Using Boiling Water Heaters

Monday, January 20th, 2014

Using Boiling Water Heaters - Plumbers

Boiling water heaters are wall-mounted appliances that are designed to heat up cold or room temperature water to its boiling temperature. There are different types of boiling water heaters; some are able to supply boiling water throughout the day, and others supply water at a range of temperatures from warm to boiling point.

These appliances are mainly suitable to be used in kitchen sinks, but they are also great for office pantries, canteens, studios, and waiting areas. A boiling water heater is both a time-saving and energy-saving device, making the task of boiling water quicker and more efficient than using a kettle.

A Green Option

Using boiling water heaters is an environmentally friendly way to get boiling water when you need it. Traditionally, water heaters heat up water 24 hours every day, regardless of whether there is a need for hot water or not, which is wasteful of energy. With the use of a boiling water heater, water is only heated on demand, which leads to higher savings.

Heating Capacity

There are different models of boiling water heaters to hold different volumes of water from 2.5 liters to 7.5 liters or more. You can fill up the heater tank to the maximum level or just fill it up partially with how much water you need. The tank has a scale that tells you the volume it currently contains in cups.

Choosing a water heater with a higher capacity allows more hot water to be readily supplied, which will cut the time of recovery significantly.

How They Work

To start heating up water, push the knob to select your desired water temperature from a range beginning with 35° C up to boiling point. Once the heater has reached the chosen temperature, it will automatically switch off. It is also possible to re-boil water immediately.

Installing this Appliance

Installing boiling water heaters is not a simple job. There are various lines that must be linked and connected properly for the appliance to work. The proper power connection is also necessary to ensure effective heating.

Certified plumbing contractors are trained in installing boiling water heaters. So if you’re planning to add this to your kitchen at home or in your workplace, find someone qualified to do the job with Seva Call‘s help. Let us connect you with a service professional in your area in just a few minutes. Try us now!