Plumbing News & Articles

Interesting Facts About Orlando Plumbing

Amazing Tips, Tidbits, and History on Orlando Plumbing (And Plumbing Worldwide)

The history of plumbing and its use throughout the United States is a surprising subject filled with more points of interest than we give credit. Every experienced Orlando plumber is no doubt privy to a multitude of useful tips and interesting facts regarding your household plumbing system. Unbeknownst to most, Orlando plumbing is the result of centuries of surprising innovations that hold a remarkable impact on today’s culture.

No Modern Day Pipedream

Indoor plumbing, though widely regarded as a modern convenience, has been in existence for thousands of years. Archeologists have uncovered copper piping in Ancient Egyptian sites dated back as far as 2500 BC. Today there exists enough copper plumbing to wrap around the Earth 2 hundred times.

Despite thousands of years of technological advances, roughly two-thirds of the world’s population still has limited or no access to indoor plumbing. To this day, amenities like Orlando plumbing are considered a marker of a modernized culture.

The “Crapper” Story is not so True

Many people falsely attribute Thomas Crapper as the joking namesake who invented the flush toilet. While Crapper was, in fact, a noteworthy plumber in England during the 1860s, the invention had already been patented nearly a century earlier by Alexander Cummings. The original flush toilet was actually invented by John Harrington, author and courtier to Queen Elizabeth I.

Alongside his invention in 1596, Harington also published a book describing the benefits and functionality of the flush toilet. The oddly historical and satirical tone of the book was seen as a thinly veiled jab at political figures of the time. The Queen of England had him banished from court for his highly offensive material. So remember next time you flush that you are participating in a historical political movement (no pun intended). 

In the Bathroom       

Any plumber in Orlando can tell you that over half of the water usage in the average American household occurs in the bathroom. Our daily hygiene routine from the sink, shower, bath, and of course the toilet, requires almost a constant supply of running water in most busy homes. As a matter of fact, flushing toilets will account for almost 30 percent of your annual water usage. Americans spend an estimated average of 3 years seated on the toilet during their lifespan. 

Money down the Drain When You Drip

Money down the drainMore than any other easily overlooked household repair, a leaky faucet or toilet can slowly accumulate into one of your most costly household damages. Despite often being quite simple to repair, either on your own or with the aid of a qualified Orlando plumber, leaks frequently go unnoticed or ignored as more of an inconvenience than a serious problem. However, a single silent leak in a toilet can waste as much as 2 hundred gallons of water every day, and a slowly dripping faucet will waste over 3 thousand gallons over the course of a year. Annually, Americans lose as much as $1 trillion every year on unrepaired leaks.

How Plumbing May Save Your LIfe

Orlando Plumbers and Orlando Healthcare

washing handsMany people are entirely unaware of the fact, but experts throughout the healthcare industry credit plumbing not medicine to the rise of the developed world over most fatal diseases. Yes, it is true: plumbers save more lives than doctors.  Advancements in disease control over the last century have been largely due to more reliable access to clean drinking water and waste disposal.

Every day millions of Americans are prevented from the risk of debilitating diseases that are easily transferred through drinking water. The presence of fecal matter and debris clogging our pipes can now by quickly cleared away a trained Orlando plumber instead of infecting our homes. Before the days of standard plumbing, families used an outhouse or ceramic pot, largely contributing to the spread of disease around the country and the world.     

What We Take For Granted

In what is arguably the greatest contribution to public health in history, public access to plumbing in the United States and England substantially reduced cases of typhoid and cholera. In the previous century, millions suffered from these terrible and easily communicable diseases that caused massive stomach pains, intestinal distress, and diarrhea so extreme as to be fatal. 

To this day, half of the illnesses filling hospitals in underdeveloped countries are due to poor sanitation and water contamination. You may view your preferred plumber in Orlando as just another contractor to fix leaks, but actually, the work performed by professional plumbers for decades has ensured clean, comfortable living for all.

Orlando plumbing protects us from dozens of horrifically deadly illnesses, including:

  • Cholera
  • Typhoid
  • Amoebic Dysentery
  • Campylobacter Enteritis
  • Giardia
  • Guinea Worm
  • Schistosomiasis
  • Bacillary Dysentery (shigellosis)
  • Escherichia Coli
  • And Many, Many More

When we produce waste, our feces exists as a breeding ground for toxic bacteria. Orlando plumbing allows us to forego exposure to life-threatening bacteria, protecting us in ways that even vaccines cannot compare.

Crucial to Disease Prevention

The convenience of Orlando plumbing may seem like a modern standard, but even some of the largest countries in the world struggle to maintain dependable plumbing for its residents. In 2003, an outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) spread quickly through Hong Kong, killing over 100 and infecting thousands. The cause of the outbreak was directly linked to poor plumbing design quality that allowed contaminated water to leak through drains in an apartment complex and into the air vents.

Have You Thanked an Orlando Plumber?

Today there are over 25 communicable and fatal diseases directly linked to poor water quality and a lack of sanitation. Unfortunately, lack of political awareness and general education on the subject makes plumbers in Orlando and across the country sadly underrated. For many, the topic of clean water and waste management is often a low priority until an outbreak has already occurred. Plumbing in Orlando is largely responsible for the comfort and convenience of the American lifestyle. Remember the next time you enjoy a hot bath how fortunate you are to enjoy fresh running water from the tap and a commode that carries away any unpleasantness.   

How Your Plumbing Might Affect Your Health

Your Plumbing in Orlando Might Impact Your Health

Whether you notice it or not, faults within your plumbing system can yield dire effects on your overall health. Not only your drinking and bathing water but even the general air quality and household cleanliness are hindered by poor plumbing maintenance. Regular visits from an Orlando plumber are the simplest preventative measure to avoid costly and unpleasant medical issues. Some of these common heath risks pose a problem before the plumbing itself is even noticeably affected.   

Right Down to the Piping

Older homes especially use piping made from materials known for leaking hazardous chemicals into the water. Even when there is no noticeable taste or discoloration, the effects of lead, zinc, and cadmium can lead to serious health problems with the liver, kidneys, skin, and hair.

If your home was built before 1986, have a knowledgeable plumber in Orlando inspect your pipework for any of the following materials:    

  • Lead 
  • Polybutylene
  • Galvanized Steel
  • CPVC
  • PEX

Even copper pipes can be potentially hazardous to small children. If your plumbing in Orlando is damaged with debris and hard water deposits, the resulting contamination will affect you in both the short and long term. Routine inspections of your plumbing system can reveal common but easily remedied health concerns.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Blocked Drains Do Not Block Bacteria

Clogs and blocked drains are more than an inconvenience. The unclean odor that arises from blocked pipes is often the result of bacteria and mold growth that spreads through your Orlando plumbing instead of being quickly flushed.  Furthermore, pools of stagnant water collecting in your piping system will attract insects and unwanted pests that spread disease throughout your home.

Leaky Pipes Keep the Damp In

Always have an experienced Orlando plumber check for small leaks and damaged pies throughout the home. Constantly leaking pipes create dank spaces behind walls, under sinks, and beneath flooring where mildew spreads easily. You and your loved ones will be breathing in the effects of this out of control fungal growth before the leak is even noticed. Poor air quality in damp, mildew ridden homes can lead to respiratory problems and allergies.

Sewage Is Always Unwanted

Sewage water brings worse ailments than just the unpleasant odor of rotten waste. It is absolutely crucial to eSewagensure regular maintenance of your sewage drainage system, due to the harmful nature of contaminants and diseases that can spread to your drinking water. Even if you filter your drinking water, most filters can only separate sediments and debris and not the harmful viruses that become dissolved into your water.  E-coli bacteria, hepatitis, and salmonella are only a few examples of toxins that will put your family at risk if the septic system is not properly maintained.

Always have a professional Orlando plumber perform any repairs to your septic tank or drainage system. Any surfaces that come into contact with contaminated water can spread the disease to children, pets, and family members. Drinking, cooking, or bathing with contaminated water from a faulty plumbing system can lead intestinal problems, immunity weakness, damaged skin, and chronic nausea.

High Efficiency Washing Machine In Orlando

How To Save Money And The Environment

Maintaining a green household is beneficial to you, your Orlando plumbing, and the planet’s resources. Whether you are trying to save on those rising water costs or just be a little environmentally conscious, multiple options are available.

Switch to the Right Appliances

The average American home uses over half of its water consumption on toilets, laundry, and showers. Switching to high-efficiency appliances and fixtures will noticeably reduce spending on water and energy as well as reduce the wasteful impact on the environment. Make these three major remedies to your Orlando plumbing to eliminate your main water problems.

  • Low Flow Shower Heads and Faucets

Low flow fixtures on your shower heads and faucets are inexpensive and easy to install even without help from an Orlando plumber. The difference of a high-efficiency shower head is estimated at more than $30 per year per person. Most of these shower heads will quickly pay for themselves over time and feature rainfall showers that are noticeably more comfortable than your standard sprayer head.

  • High-Efficiency Washing Machines

Washing machines marked with the iconic Energy Star logo feature improved efficiency and use a fraction of the water and energy of standard washers. The higher washing speeds also remove more water from your laundry so less energy is expended in drying.

  • Low Flow Toilets

Federal standards now require that toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, but an older model toilet can use up to 4 times as much water as a modern one. Orlando plumbing exists in some of the oldest homes in the country. So if your bathroom has not been remodeled for a while, you may be unknowingly tossing your money down the drain. 

Fix Clogs the Green Way

Going green logoBefore you reach for the chemical cleaner or call on your preferred Orlando plumber, there is a natural remedy for clearing clogged pipes. Firstly, a good old fashioned plunger or drain snake is more effective than most people realize. Also, simply cleaning the U-shaped pipe under the sink makes for easy removal of hair and food particles that collect within pipes, a common cause of blockage in Orlando plumbing.

For tough clogs, you can forgo the chemical for simple home recipes, often consisting of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. Grease clogs can be quickly cleared up dish soap, salt, and more hot water to clear away scum. A natural remedy is less damaging to pipes and eliminates the risk of exposing your family to harmful toxins in the house.   

If It Is Broke, Fix It

Naturally, if the fixtures in your house are working properly, they will run more efficiently. A leaking faucet can cost a family as much as $200 a year and silent leaking toilet will quickly waste over $1000 worth of water. You can spare yourself the expense of new appliances and the stress of mounting bills by calling a dependable plumber in Orlando.

Pros And Cons Of A Tankless Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater Orlando

There are multiple reasons to consider talking to your preferred Orlando plumber about the installation of a tankless water heater. Alongside the average home owner’s desire to save on household utility costs is a growing interest in overall efficiency and environmental preservation. Many people are even further motivated by the incentive of a Federal tax rebate offered to homeowners who update their property with more efficient appliances. If you think you may benefit from treating your Orlando plumbing with a new tankless water heater, consider these possible factors.

The Pros:

Have Hot Water When You Need It

Unlike a traditional water heater that needs time to heat up after use, a tankless water heater begins running the moment you turn the faucet. The result is Orlando plumbing with immediate hot water that never runs out. No more rushing to be the first to the shower in the morning.   

It Only Runs When You Need It

Standard water heaters are constantly running, but the tankless alternative only runs while in use. This feature is the key component that delivers the savings and efficiency homeowners enjoy.

The Result:

  • Less waste energy from constant running
  • Less wasted water waiting for a running tap to heat
  • An average 20 percent savings on utility bills
  • Electric heaters emit no greenhouse gasses
  • Safer with no hot tank or open pilot light

More Convenience and Less Worry

Tankless water heaters last 10 to 20 years longer than traditional water heaters that are typically only warranted by an Orlando plumber for 6 years. Because the units are smaller, they can be conveniently installed on a wall instead of taking up space in your house. Also, no oversized tank means no risk of flooding or leaks.

The Cons:

The Initial Cost is High

Tankless water heaters are 3 times more expensive than their counterparts. They can ultimately pay for themselves in savings, but it will take a few years for the savings to accumulate. 

You May Pay Extra From the Start

Not all homes, especially older designs, are equipped for installation.  You may have to pay the added cost of an additional gas line, further adding to already expensive initial costs. If you install an electric one, you may have to hire an electrician, in addition to an Orlando plumber, to completely rewire the house and install an additional circuit.

You May Require Water Softening

Hard water is a common problem to Orlando plumbing. If your house is running hard water, the heavy mineral deposits are extremely damaging to a tankless water heater. This means you will have to pay the additional cost of installing a water softener alongside your heater.

Maintenance Is More Crucial

A tankless water heater requires annual maintenance in order to maintain efficiency. Furthermore, the electronic control panels are somewhat confusing, and you may need assistance from a qualified plumber in Orlando to reconfigure settings for the winter.

Overall, tankless water heaters are more efficient and convenient for space and time. However, depending on your situation, the initial costs might not be worth the savings. Consult with a reliable plumber in Orlando for a more accurate analysis.

Orlando Plumbing Fixes That Will Save You Money

Orlando Plumbing Renovations That Save Money

On average, nearly half the water your household uses is in the bathroom, much of it being wasted down the drain as we wait for our showers to heat or ignore that slowly running toilet. You will be pleased to know that a few simple home renovations can immediately decrease the cost of your rising water bill. Many common additions, in fact, are so efficient that the resulting savings will pay for itself over time. If you are unsure about the possible costs or benefits of potential plumbing renovations, speak with your preferred Orlando plumber for a professional recommendation. 

Replace Showerheads

A typical shower head uses an average of 6 gallons of water per minute. Replacing that older model with a newer and more efficient version can cost as little as $20 and lower your water costs immediately. Affordable shower heads affect Orlando plumbing by reducing water use to as little as 1.5 gallons of water per minute. Innovative designs and convenient massage settings make your shower more comfortable than ever.   

Replace Faucets

If you are continually running the faucet as you wash dishes, shave, or brush your teeth, installing a water efficient faucet is another great way to reduce waste easily without hiring a plumber for Orlando maintenance. A low flow faucet aerator can reduce water flow as low as 0.5 gallons per minute and can cost less than $10. Installing a simple sprayer also helps control waste and makes chores like rinsing dishes quick and easy.

Use a Sprayer

Attach a nozzle to the end of your hose to control water flow while you water your garden, wash your car, or bathe your dog. Just as with the shower and faucets, the excess water flow that your hose wastes in Orlando plumbing can be almost entirely eliminated for only a few dollars. You can enjoy the practical savings as much as you enjoy the ease and convenience that a decent nozzle brings.

Control Your Flushes

Every flush of the toilet is money added to your water bill. Installing a low flow toilet reduces usage to 1.3 gallons per flush. If you are not ready for a renovation this large, small tank inserts that cost only a few dollars save water and are easy to install. 

Insulate Pipes

You can install insulation yourself if you are handy, but even hiring your local Orlando plumber to fit your pipes with insulated foam padding will save you money. Insulation helps protect your water supply from rising and falling temperatures through the seasons, so your water heater is not working so hard. This also protects pipes from the excessive shrinking and expanding that causes leaks and other costly repairs. 

Take Care of Your Water Heater

The energy required for heating water, especially in Winter, accounts for nearly half of your energy costs. High-efficiency water heaters can save as much as $60 every month in utility costs. Contact the qualified plumbers in Orlando at A1 Service Plumbing to learn about the various brands and options available today. In many cases, constant maintenance and repair of an outdated model actually cost more than a full replacement.    

Most Common Orlando Commercial Plumbing Issues

Unlike residential systems, Orlando plumbing designed to meet the demands of a commercial business is subject to the increased stress of daily customers and employees working the system at constantly high volume. Customers may be quick to complain about a powerful odor or a flooded bathroom, but all too frequently do minor problems go ignored until they become costly emergency repairs. Be prepared for these common issues in your business or office space.

Leaking Pipes Are Left Unattended

Leaking pipes can be responsible for countless dollars in wasted water costs literally sent down the drain. A single faucet losing one drop of water per second will waste 27,000  gallons in a year. If your business houses dozens or more slowly dripping faucets or poorly connected pipes, the cost could be exorbitant. Have an Orlando plumber regularly check for unseen leaks under sinks and behind walls that may be slowly accumulating on your water bill. Leaks are often easy to fix, but the problem is generally overlooked until structural damage begins, resulting in expensive repairs.

Silent Leaks Are Costly

Toilets are another common example of simple repairs that can save untold amounts of money. One constantly running toilet will waste 6,000 gallons of water in a single month, while customers and employees fail to alert anyone. An experienced plumber in Orlando will also want to check your toilets for silent leaks. Water leaking unnoticed from the tank can waste as much as 9,000 gallons in a month and show no signs of disrepair.

Clogs, Clogs, Everywhere

Clogged drains and pipes, especially in toilets and the U-shaped pipe under the sink, are a constant risk in kitchens, bathrooms, and any place serving the general public. People, in general, tend to be less considerate when outside of their homes, running food, paper towels, feminine products, dirt, and all manner of unacceptable materials down sinks and toilets. Backed up pipes can result in a foul sewage odor that will heavily affect business. Even the best Orlando plumbing can only take so much debris, so be prepared to make use of a plunger or drain snake fairly frequently.

If They Touch It, They Will Break It

Large numbers of heavy-handed customers tend to stress toilet flappers, seats, faucets, and various other fixtures to the point of breaking. The higher the volume of business your Orlando plumbing system is subject to, for children and adults alike, the more wear and tear you may be left to consistently maintain. A lot can be said for quality installation, so be sure to have a dependable Orlando plumber and be willing to purchase dependable, durable facilities that can withstand your expected flow of traffic.   

Plan Regular Visits With a Qualified Orlando Plumber

The best prevention for these costly and often unforeseen repairs is to plan regularly scheduled maintenance with a reliable plumber in Orlando. A lot of worries and excessive utility costs can be spared by regularly checking the plumbing system for these common issues. Older buildings and businesses that serve to a large yield of people are especially at risk for problems that become costly before they are even noticeable. Do not hesitate to call for a quick inspection.   

bathroom sink faucet

Common Myths About Orlando Plumbing

Some Common Myths Associated With Plumbing

It is completely untrue that the toilet bowls in the southern hemisphere flush in the opposite direction. Fortunately, believing this will not impact your household plumbing or require assistance from an Orlando plumber. Some common myths will result in added maintenance costs, so make sure you are well informed and prepared to avoid these common plumbing myths.

My Water Heater is Exploding

When your water heater suddenly starts up with an unsettling rumbling and popping sound, your first reaction may be to rush out of the house before the entire thing blows sky high. Do not be alarmed. Your noisy water heater is reacting to sediment that collects and settles at the bottom of the tank. The heater igniting will start a chemical reaction marked by a distinctive bang and pop.

Exploding water heaters are an actual recorded event, but these are caused by gas leaks that become ignited. There is no need to take to the streets unless you actually do smell gas. Call your preferred plumber in Orlando if your water heater is working poorly, but rest assured that there is probably no impending disaster.         

Orlando Plumbing is Sometimes Leaky, No Big Deal

Pipe leaks and dripping faucets seem like a minor inconvenience, but over time even a slow leak can waste thousands of gallons of water in a single year. Your water bill may be slowly rising as you tolerate the puddles forming under the sink. Fortunately, most leaks are easily and quickly fixed. Whether you choose to handle a simple repair yourself or hire an Orlando plumber, it is a good idea to fix the  problem immediately before it becomes costly.  

Lemon Peels Help My Garbage Disposal

Some well-meaning  homeowners drop lemon peels down the garbage disposal to enjoy the pleasant citrus scent that fills the sink. Unfortunately, lemon peels will shred and become clogged around disposal blades. The same is true of potato skins and coffee grounds that will seriously damage Orlando plumbing in your home. Remember that your garbage disposal, while useful, is not cut out to handle anything and everything you toss down the drain.

Instead  of lemons, pour a little vinegar down the drain to wash away unpleasant odors. Ice cubes will also help clean the blades of anything hindering the performance of your garbage disposal. If an unusual odor persists from the drain, you may want to seek advice from a trusted plumber in Orlando to be sure it is not a sign of something worse.   

This Orlando Plumbing Myth Is Actual True!

There is one common myth for Florida residents that actually is true. Snakes can, will, and have climbed up through Orlando plumbing and appeared in people’s toilet bowls. The same is true of frogs, rats, and even the occasional squirrel. Many of the pipes in your house are only ever full of running water when the toilet flushes, making the piping system totally navigable to any of small invaders. Animal control will quickly dispose of any uninvited guests, and any experienced  Orlando plumber can install mesh blocks to keep them out.   

Repiping Orlando

When Should You Repipe Your Home?

Orlando Plumbing Sometimes Requires Repiping

Sometimes the plumbing problem in a home demands more than a simple repair. Repiping your entire house may seem like a major expense, but pipes can suffer from long term wear and tear that eventually costs you more money than any repiping project will. If your water has become unmanageable, with constant leaking, inadequate flow, and unpleasant discoloration and taste, it may be time to consider all new pipes. Constant plumbing problems may be a sign of the overall poor condition of your pipes. Here are some important factors to consider if you are getting exasperated with frequent calls to your Orlando plumber.

Pipes Age, Warp, and Burst 

Especially in older houses, your pipework may have been made with inferior materials. Galvanized metal and copper piping that was commonly used by Orlando plumbers in previous years are prone to cracking over time. Polybutylene pipes once considered the best material on the market, turned out to be ones that quickly deteriorated and required replacing. Metals shrink and expand as temperatures rise and fall, causing joints to become dislodged and cracks to develop. Eventually, the occasional leak will grow into several, and at the worst possible time, the pipe will burst completely.

Modern pipes are made from a more resilient material, less prone to deterioration over the years. Using the first opportunity to replace out of date Orlando plumbing with higher quality materials can save untold amounts in time and money. A burst pipe and the extensive water damage that can follow is a costly repair. If your home is more than a few years old, have a professional inspect the condition of your pipes.

A Minor Problem or a Major Expense?

Slow leaks in your piping can contribute to a steadily rising water bill. What seems minor at first can eventually become thousands of dollars in wasted water every year. Homeowners that make the decision for professional repiping are often immediately pleased by the noticeable savings of efficiently running Orlando plumbing.

Water damage in your walls and under your sink are just as costly and detrimental as the damaged pipes. Slowly accumulating stagnant water will grow moldy and cause deterioration. You can spend months on constant repairs, temporary fixes, and upkeep while new leaks continue to appear, or have a qualified Orlando plumber completely renovate the problem. Those constant leaks and drips are probably already costing you more than repiping and will only get worse over time.

Safer Drinking with Better Orlando Plumbing

Sludge and dirt commonly accumulate in pipes over time, causing clogs and other difficulties. Mineral deposits from hard water are not only hard on pipes but also taint a water supply, potentially making it unpleasant for drinking. Discoloration and a low water pressure will make bathing and cleaning an increasingly arduous task.

Clogs and water treatment are available in multiple remedies but, like leaks can become a constant and costly burden. Why spend the added expense on water treatment if damaged pipes will quickly undo much of the effect? Any knowledgeable plumber in Orlando will check for faulty pipes to ensure clean, safe drinking water.

Long Term Reassurance

We use flow guard flex piping with a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty, as well as our personal 10-year warranty on all labor. You should never be  forced to cope with an exasperating problem, throwing endless amounts of money on countless repairs when a full extensive fix from a dependable Orlando plumber can fix the problem for good. Leaks, clogs, and damaged pipes occur for a number of reasons, but if maintenance seems like an ongoing battle in your home it may be time to check on the condition of your pipes. 

     

residential toilet

Common Residential Plumbing Issues

Most Common Issues with Residential Plumbing Systems

The average American calls a professional plumber to their house once every three years. Does this number sound high or low for you? If you are wondering if you can save yourself the cost of a few visits, here are the most common plumbing problems for homeowners and how to handle them.

The Drippy Faucet

The water flow that starts and stops when you turn the faucet is held back with rubber washers or ceramic discs that seal the pipe shut until you are ready to use it. It is common over time for these washers to harden and require replacement. Many people tend to ignore these subtle drips, unaware that every drop is another unnecessary cent on your water bill. Fortunately, this repair is quite easy. Whether you take a trip to the hardware store yourself or call for the help of a trusty Orlando plumber, the service will be a breeze and well worth the savings.

The Leaky Pipe

Due to the presence of growing stains and tepid pools of unwanted water, most people tend to move faster towards fixing leaks than that pricey dripping faucet. Unfortunately, the wrong choice of remedy could prove more costly than intended. Most pipes leak at the joints where age and general wear have caused misshapen connectors and allowed water to leak through. Joint fillers are available at any local hardware store, but may only provide a temporary fix. Do not be afraid to consult professional Orlando plumbing if the problem persists. It may be a sign of a more serious repair need.

The Dopey Drain

Clogged or slow drains are an inevitable part of any household. Hair especially, and other dirt will slowly block the drains over time and require removal. Fortunately, most clogs are easy to remedy with plunging or drain cleaner or a drain snake. Simple fixes for opening up the drains yourself do not require a lot of technical skill, but if the job just seems too messy do not hesitate to call in a professional.

The Flushy Flapper

Are you constantly jiggling the handle of the toilet to silence that constant water running noise? It may seem like only a minor inconvenience, but a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day, adding a major chunk to your water bill. In the best cases, this can be an easy do it yourself fix. Check under the tank to see if the chain or the stopper are properly connected or need replacement. An easy determining test is to place a few drops of food coloring in the tank, then check the bowl for color. If a little is leaking through, you have a leak in your tank that needs immediate attention. Have an Orlando plumber check things out before your water bill gets worse. 

The Trickly Tap

If you are suddenly disappointed by a sad trickle of water when you turn the faucet, something in your pipes is causing low water pressure. If you are lucky, it is only a little-clogged debris in the aerator which can be quickly unscrewed, cleaned, and replaced.   However, low water pressure can sometimes be a sign of damaged pipes. Years of mineral-laden hard water leaves increasingly large deposits inside pipes that eventually interrupt the flow. Repiping your house is thoroughly effective, but can be costly if you are unprepared. Use a water softener in advance to increase the lifespan of your pipes.

The Choppy Chopper

Your garbage disposal can become lodged on any number of foreign contaminants, especially if you get a little reckless with the Thanksgiving dishes. When difficult foods like potato skins are stopping the blades, use an Allen key to manually open the blades underneath. However, if a piece of metal or hard debris causes one of the blades to bend or break, you will need the help of a professional Orlando plumber to fix the pieces. A smart preventative is to keep a drain cover over the sink and scrape unfinished food into the trash before carelessly dropping plates in the sink. A little caution can easily spare you the expense of repair. 

The Nippy Shower

With yearly maintenance, your water heater should live about 8 to 12 years. Eventually, though, it is likely you will hop in the shower one morning and experience an unexpected chill. It is strongly discouraged to attempt working on a water heater without a trained professional. Most water heaters use a gas line, making it extremely dangerous. Call your favorite professional plumber in Orlando and discuss options for having a newer model installed. Newer models tend to be more efficient and save on energy costs, anyway, and will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.