How rusty pipe treatment can you save money and improve your water quality

Rusty pipe treatment can make a huge difference around the house. If you notice that your water quality from the tap, in the shower or anywhere else around the house seems off, rusty pipes may be the root cause.

Here are some rusty pipe tips that can help improve water quality and keep your plumbing maintenance, plumbing repair and plumbing replacement costs to a minimum.

Rusty pipe treatment tip #1:
Identify the source of rust

Rust in your water can come from a few different sources:

• Rust along old pipes, especially galvanized pipes with corrosion
• Rust that builds up in a water heater
• Rust from a city or county water supply

The good news is that rust in your tap water is not going to harm your health. It will make the water taste awful, sort of like the coppery taste of hose water. However, if the only contaminant in your water is rust (and not lead, for example) then you are not in any danger.

Rusty pipe treatment tip #2:
Use chemical treatments

There are a lot of brands out there for rust removal in pipes.  Most of these products are designed to treat water at a source from which the water is dispensed. This includes:

• Dish washers
• Laundry machines
• Shower heads or spigots

These are all sources for water dispensing that point to rust in the pipes. Older homes are notorious for rust gathering over the years, and using a chemical treatment can be a cost-effective measure for treating or preventing rust.

Rusty pipe treatment tip #3:
Remove the pipe

If you like to take on home improvement projects, rusty pipe removal might be a great way to spend your Saturday. Depending on the type of pipes in your home, you may be able to manage the removal of a rusty section of the pipe with relative ease.

Start by identifying the rusty deposits in your pipe work. Shut off the water before you get started on the rusty pipe removal. A reciprocating saw or a propane torch can cleanly remove the rusty pipe, which should be replaced with pipe that has been treated to protect against future rusting.

Rusty pipe treatment tip #4:
Call a professional

If you are not able to identify the source of rust, or if you do not want to treat or remove pipes on your own, call a plumbing expert. United Plumbing has Portland rusty pipe treatment experts that can get your water quality back to excellent in no time!

One of the great mysteries for many people is what keeps their toilet running too long. Sometimes a running toilet is not even noticed for several hours. Few people actually wait near the bathroom until they hear the toilet stop running.

When the problem is noticed, it could be a sign of your need for residential plumbing experts. In most cases, however, the problem of a toilet that will not stop running is usually fairly easy to fix.

Know your toilet

To understand what keeps a toilet running too long, you have to know how a little bit about the mechanics of a toilet. Toilets are not rocket science. The flusher handle is connected to a chain, which lifts up a metal or rubber flapper. When the flapper is lifted, it lets the water in the tank flush into the toilet bowl.

The water is then replenished, until it reaches a level high enough to lift the float up, which then shuts the water off. The float usually looks like a large, black plastic ball.

What to do when you hear a toilet running too long

One of the things that often goes wrong with a toilet running too long is that the flapper is stuck open somehow. This makes all the water that is supposed to be filling the bowl flow right back into the toilet bowl. Make sure that the chain connected to the flapper is not stuck on anything.

Also make sure that the chain connected to the flapper is long enough. Sometimes a chain can be just a little bit too short and will keep the flapper slightly open, so the toilet is stuck in a cycle of filling up enough, draining to a certain level, and refilling.

Other signs of a plumbing problem

Other plumbing problems you might face include:

• A broken or cracked flapper, which will require replacement
• A float that needs to be adjusted. Try bending the arm it is attached to down a little bit.
• A waterlogged float that is too heavy. Try replacing a waterlogged float with a new one.

There are actually a host of other issues that can go wrong with a running toilet, many of which require professional plumbing help. If you are inexperienced dealing with plumbing problems or simply cannot find the cause of the running toilet, it is best to get in touch with the plumbing professionals United Plumbing.

Most people take for granted that their sinks, bathtubs and showers do not have an awful drain smell. However, as Seinfeld told us, it’s all pipes — and those pipes go to the same place. That means that on occasion, your sink can start to smell, well, like sewage.

It can be an off putting occurrence but fortunately it is also one that is easy to fix.

The smell test

Just to make sure where that awful drain smell is coming from, plug all the drains whatever room smells and uncover them one by one. Once you notice the odor, you have found the culprit and can begin steps to restoring order.

Really, what IS that smell?

Depending on what kind of drain the smell is emanating from, the smell can be caused by numerous different things. For example:

• A bathroom sink drain that smells gross will often be plugged with a combination of hair and toothpaste residue.
• A shower drain can have hair and soap giving off that awful drain smell.
• A kitchen sink usually has old food as the culprit.
• Sometimes it is actually the smell of sewage, which is a more serious problem than clog.

The first three all have relatively easy fixes. First, use some boiling water to help clear any of the offending gunk from the pipes. Then use some drain cleaner and a snake to remove the rest of the debris. The smell should be gone soon after all the hair and other detritus is washed away.

Dealing with sewage

When the awful drain smell has the distinct bite of sewage it means there is a slightly different problem at play. What you are smelling is sewer gas that has bypassed the drain trap, that U-shaped piece of pipe that every drain should have. This pipe holds water at all times that acts as a plug, which keeps gas from escaping into your home.

Try running water very slowly into the drain for a few minutes. Shut it off and try smelling the drain. The trap should be filled and the smell should fade. If the smell is still there, you might have a more serious problem. Do not hesitate to call the plumbing professionals at United Plumbing for help resolving this or any other plumbing issues.

Practical Kitchen Sink Tips to Avoid a Clogged Drain

There are kitchen sink tips we should all follow. In fact, most of us know the basics on how to avoid a clog, but being in a hurry or getting distracted in the kitchen can cause any person to forget these basics. Dishes can stack up very quickly, leading to rushed cleaning of those dishes. Rushing through the dish washing can lead to clogs, especially if you do not have a dish washing machine.

Furthermore, if you do not have a garbage disposal in your sink, clogs can be a serious problem. Here are a handful of helpful kitchen sink tips to help avoid the headache of a clogged drain.

Scrape your dishes to protect the basin

When your kitchen sink does not have a waste disposal system, maybe the biggest potential clog you should watch out for is leftover food on dirty dishes. When you are done using a plate or bowl, it is a good idea to scrape the largest leftover pieces into the garbage before putting them in the sink.

For anything you miss, try putting a strainer in the sink basin. Kitchen sink tips like this will prevent large food waste and other debris from ending up in your pipes, helping prevent blockage that could cause a clog.

Watch out for greasy liquids

Butter, oils, grease or other fatty substances used in cooking can do a number on your pipes when they are poured down the drain. When looking for good kitchen sink tips it is easy to forget that it is actually better to let these substances harden before cleaning.

Once solidified, greasy cooking materials like these can be easily scraped off and thrown away, which will prevent buildup that might cause your kitchen sink to clog. If stuck to the dish, gently pour a little hot water on the hardened substance to loosen it.

Just add water

Kitchen sink tips to clean your drain sometimes require a little extra care. By occasionally rinsing out the pipes with a few gallons of boiling water, you can prevent buildup from grease, soap or detergent that may have accumulated. Dumping superheated water into your sink may also help minimize the amount of bacteria in the sink itself.

Kitchen sink tips for debris

Kitchen cleaning supplies like pads, sponges and steel wool can break down when left standing in water. To avoid obstructive particles accumulating in your sink or drain, always be sure to keep any cleaning utensils stored in a safe, dry place away from the sink.

United Plumbing offers several other kitchen sink tips to their customers, so contact our professionals with specific questions.

Mold management is a nasty problem for any business. If you operate a professional space, it is just as important to check for mold as it is around the house. This is true for office workers, industrial workers and more.

If your business fails a mold management inspection, a complete shutdown may be required.

Keep the workplace dry and clean

There are more than 1,000 known types of mold that spread through fungi spores. OSHA does not enforce universal mold standards, meaning each business is responsible for the following regular mold management, prevention and detection activities:

• Check for leaks in the ceiling, plumbing and entrances
• Clean up any area where water buildup occurs
• Look behind furniture for mold

Alert your workforce

Workers trained to spot mold can prevent problems before they manifest. Mold training addresses liability issues. Thus, mold awareness should be a requirement during training for work in old office buildings, work environments involving water use, work near exposed plumbing and more.

Most small mold buildups can be wiped clean with a towel that is then discarded. Large mold buildups, meaning mold spots that span several feet or are more than a quarter of an inch thick, will probably require professional mold remediation.

Professional mold solutions

Air flow meters and moisture inspection kits are standard gear for any assembly plant or manufacturing factory. These tools can make the difference between catching mold early and getting rid of it, or failing a mold inspection.

Commercial plumbing experts can help. Get in touch with commercial plumbing experts to learn more mold prevention tips or mold remediation methods.

Develop Habits to Save Money When it Comes to Plumbing…

How great would it be if you never had to get in touch with a plumber? Well, some services are so specialized and specific that an expert will be required to help. However, much like auto maintenance, there are some basic tips that will help  you avoid expensive professional service bills.

Most plumbing repairs and plumbing emergencies can be prevented as long as you know what to look for as you take care of your household plumbing needs.

No one likes to wake up and find out that a pipe has burst. Discovering a clogged drain is never fun. The best way to solve these issues is to simply prevent them.

Here are a few plumbing tips that will help you keep the annual cost of plumbing services for your home or office to a minimum. Once you develop savvy plumbing habits, the savings will pile up. Remember to learn basic plumbing services from a plumbing professional, then instruct the members of your family on how to keep your plumbing in safer waters.

• Only flush bodily waste and toilet paper down the toilet, not solid waste. Diapers, feminine hygiene products or paper towels are regular culprits for clogging drains. This is why a garbage can in the bathroom is a good idea.
• Put a strainer in your kitchen sink to catch large debris. This is particularly important if you do not have a garbage disposal installed.
• Leave low heat on during extended stays away from home. Having some heat on in the house protects pipes, especially any exposed pipes under sinks or in older properties, from freezing over and bursting the next time water flows through them. When taking off for a few days or even weeks at a time. Remember, burst pipes are more expensive than low heat.
• Check your washing machine hoses once every six months for leaks. Since your washing machine hoses may crack and grow brittle over time, it is a good idea to look at the pipes just to make sure that you are not leaking water that costs you more on your utility bills and could also lead to mold issues.
• Make sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is in the house. Every person living in a house should be able to cut off water supply in an emergency to prevent flooding. This valve should be clearly labeled. Shut the valve off as soon as you notice flooding to prevent severe property damage. The water supply should also be shut off during extended vacations or renovations.

Developing these habits will keep your plumbing system functioning properly and help your home avoid plumbing emergencies and repairs. If an emergency does eventually occur, however, do not hesitate to contact United Plumbing.

Tips to Spot a Reliable Plumber

Finding a plumbing contractor for your home or business should not be a major chore. In fact, hiring the most appropriate plumber for the job you need done in a hurry ought to be simple. Knowing exactly what type of plumbing service you need is going to simplify your search for a reliable plumbing contractor.

Once you have an idea about the cause of your plumbing problem, search for a plumber who specializes in fixing it. It helps to make sure that your contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. Licensed plumbers have undergone rigorous training. This means their clients can rest assured that the person they are paying to fix the issue will, in fact, fix the issue. The majority of states require plumbers to be insured, since insurance will protect you from liability during the maintenance process.

Plumbing Emergencies and Work Guarantees

If you have an emergency, you will need a plumber who is ready to handle anything in a hurry. At United Plumbing, we provide around the clock emergency repair service, and our plumbers and water systems professionals always strive to do their best in handling your plumbing emergency.

Your plumber should guarantee the work, including the parts. At United Plumbing, we guarantee all our work. For service and repairs, we provide a 1-year warranty, except for a few things that are covered for 90 days. Much of the rest of our work and parts are covered for between 5 years and 25 years, and we match all manufacturer warranties on the new products we install.

Plumber Reputation

With each of these considerations in mind, your choice in plumber will probably come down to the reputation that any given plumber has in the community. You can ask around for an excellent plumber, since word of mouth advertising will help you quickly find plumbers that your coworkers, your trusted friend or the members of your family depend on to meet their plumbing needs. A prospective plumber’s reputation should be strong enough that locals know their name, and reviews that get posted on the web can also help. United Plumbing has plumbing Ideally, your plumber will have provided outstanding service for at least 10 years, United Plumbing has plumbing client testimonials to back up their quality services.

Being licensed, bonded, and insured will provide you with a guarantee of the parts and work. These assurances also offer clients peace of mind when it comes to emergency service. The traits of a competent plumbing contractor will include reliability, consistency and integrity.  Plumbers that will be there when you need them, as often as you need them, and at prices that are fair for the work they perform are the plumbers that are worth your time and money.

The 4 Hallmarks of a Competent Plumbing Contractor

• Being licensed, bonded, and insured
• Offering a parts and work guarantee
• Providing emergency services
• Maintaining an excellent reputation

When the question arises which type of pipes you want in your plumbing – you can refer to our descriptions to assist you with your decision.

Galvanized Piping – Old School!

First, we have galvanized piping, the term refers to the coating of steel or iron with zinc, it has been in use for a long time in the early 20th century, galvanized piping replaced cast iron and lead in cold-water plumbing. Typically, galvanized piping rusts from the inside out, building up plaques on the inside of the piping, causing both water pressure problems and eventual pipe failure. These plaques can flake off, leading to visible impurities in water and a slight metallic taste. Your water will have a slight brown or gold rust colored look to it for a second and then seem clear. If you boil the water and pour it into a clear cup or bowl you will see that the color is still there. While galvanized piping does last a long time it is still on the low end as for as water piping goes. You will not find this on the market today it is out dated and not good for you for so many reasons

CVPC Plumbing Piping – Buyer Beware

Next, we have CPVC which stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, you will see this product sold at almost all hardware stores under the name FlowGuard Gold made available in 1991. In 1985, the CPVC water system was sold under the name FlowGuard. While this system is better than galvanized it has a down side. In winter months this piping is notorious for freezing as are most water pipes, but when these pipes freeze it tends to split from fitting to fitting leading to a disaster in your home. While cost affective, these pipes can become brittle over time especially when exposed to sunlight. Plumbing companies that re-pipe in CPVC only usually put a guarantee on it for 1 year; there is a reason for this.

The Most Common – Copper Plumbing Pipes

Copper piping was first introduced in the late 1920’s.  You can get it in different thicknesses and there are Types K, L, M – K being the strongest of the pipes. It is estimated that 85% of homes in the U.S. have copper water piping installed. This is for a reason, copper is safe, clean, and dependable. Copper will stand up to UV degradation and is 100% recyclable. Copper is easy to winterize and is quiet, no more banging when you turn on a faucet or flush the toilet. Copper is on the higher end on the piping scale as far as quality goes but it still second from the top.

The Winning Plumbing Pipes – PEX

Finally, we have our rock star of the piping industry PEX. PEX contains cross-linked bonds in the polymer structure, changing the thermoplastic to a thermoset. One estimate is that residential use of PEX for delivering drinking water to homes has increased by 40% annually, and there is substantial evidence that PEX is or will soon become the dominant piping for carrying water in homes and businesses in the next decade. What makes PEX so much better is that it is a seamless system meaning fewer joints fewer weak spots. PEX can freeze and thaw out with no breaks. It is a system like none another truly clear drinking water. PEX installs quicker then copper and is used in so many application that it is taking over the industry as far as water piping goes. It is flexible and fire safe. This product is guaranteed to last at least 25 to 30 years when installed by a certified Plumber. This is the product that everyone wants for their homes.

When making meals throughout the holidays, there are some simple things you can do to make sure you use as little energy as possible. Using the right appliances and making sure they are in proper working order will help you save money. By following these tips, you may even be able to save enough money to make another meal!