Copper Pipes
What Causes Septic Tank Odor in Your House?
Homeowners in Kansas City should never ignore septic tank odor or sewer smell. Odors like the smell of sewer gas, methane gas, rotten egg smell, hydrogen sulfide, or foul odors in general when it comes to your septic system shouldn’t be ignored. The problem isn’t just the stench; it’s also a health issue, especially when these gases are in high concentrations. There are loads of bacteria and viruses in home wastewater, plus nitrogen and phosphorus, that can seriously harm the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If you notice septic tank smells in your yard, contact a plumber to inspect your septic tank system for any concerns with a clogged drain or sewer line, a failed drain field or leach field, or any other reason for the bad smells. Plumbing problems like these can start small with a simple foul odor, odd house smells, an occasional gurgle, or
To Tank Or Not to Tank: How to Choose a Water Heater
Hot water. We love it, we need it, and we tend not to think about the hot water heater until it stops working, and all we have is cold water for that morning shower. THEN we are fully aware of it, and if it’s not repairable, what kind of options are there in today’s world, and what should be on the forefront of your mind as you look through the wide array of electric water heaters, tankless water heaters, heat pump water heaters, energy efficiency, and energy costs, venting options, first-hour rating and more. There are many factors to consider before you buy a new water heater, including the size of your family, climate, and the type of fuel you use for your home. Family Size / Usge Requirements What size and type of water heater homeowners need will depend on their living situation and how much hot water they
Buying a New Home: Plumbing Inspections
Are you buying a new home? When we say “new,” we’re not necessarily talking about a brand new home, but new to you. If you put an offer in on a house, you’re going to order a home inspection and depending on where you live, possibly a termite inspection. But, what about the plumbing, have you put much thought into that? Home buyers need to know all of what they’re getting into or they may end up in hot water. Let’s say you found your dream home. It’s been a rental for the last 20 years, but you don’t mind. The owners recently re-painted the whole house from the inside out, and they installed new carpets. You’re ready to make an offer and seal the deal, assuming the inspection goes well. The general contractor who moonlights as a home inspector, or the inspection service recommended by the real estate agent,
Clogged Drains 101
When you’re a homeowner, drain clogs are inevitable, especially when you live in a house with toddlers or children, or you have a large family. Before you call the plumber to handle a clogged drain, there are some things that you can do to try and remove the blockage on your own. Toilets: If you have a clogged toilet, the trusty plunger is your first line of defense. Plungers do more than just unclog toilets, they can be used to unclog bathtubs and showers as well, but just be sure that you fill the base of the shower or tub with at least one inch of water, this way there is a seal before you begin plunging. If the plunger doesn’t do the trick, try a drain auger, also known as a “snake.” This is a flexible cable that is pushed into a drain to manually break apart the clog.
Advantages of Copper Pipes
If you live in an older home and you know that you have old plumbing, there’s a strong possibility that your pipes are made of iron, steel, or lead. These materials are no longer used in household plumbing and today’s water pipes are usually made of copper, although polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are gaining in popularity as well. If you have old iron pipes, you should consider replacing them with copper or PVC pipes, and if your pipes are made of lead, then they should definitely be replaced. Why Choose Copper Pipes: Some reasons why copper could be the best alternatives for your plumbing system: Non-toxic. Copper tubing is not only a natural material, but it is safe for people’s health. PVC pipes and PEX pipe (cross-linked polyethylene) type pipe materials are also safe, whereas metal pipes that are not lead-free, IE lead pipes, are highly toxic and corrosion can