Water Heater Maintenance Means Lower Utility Bills

Paying more than you have to for hot water is the same as pouring energy dollars down the sink. In this article, you'll find hands-on advice about how to maintain your water heater for no cost, meaning a more economical and ecological way of heating water. Over time, you can expect your energy savings will more than repay your initial labor investment.

Water Heater Maintenance

Keeping your water heater free of buildup and sediment will make it work more efficiently, and this is especially important if you live in an area with hard water. Because hard water is laden with minerals, these can build up in your heater and reduce its efficiency.

Keeping your water temperature below 120 degrees will slow sediment accumulation, and the water will be typically hot enough for most household purposes (unless you love a scalding shower). Dishwashers often require hotter water, but most contemporary dishwashers come with their own internal heaters that can raise the temperature of the water to the 140 degrees they need.

Eliminating Sediment

To drain sediment out of your water heater, start by turning off the water supply to the heater at the cold water intake or at your home's main shut-off valve. If you have a gas-fired heater, turn the temperature knob all the way to OFF and then close the gas supply valve to the gas line. If you have an electric water heater, simply turn off the electricity at the main service panel.

Next, attach a length of garden hose to the heater's drain valve and run it to a floor drain in your basement or outside (but below the level of the heater). If you don't have a long enough hose, place a bucket or tub under the drain, but be prepared to stop and go as you empty the buckets.

Open the heater's drain and a close faucet for hot water to let air into your water system. The water will begin coming out of the valve. Once the water starts running clear, you can close the valve. If the water still runs cloudy for an extended period of time, turn on the supply valve for the cold water to flush out any remaining sediment.

When you're done, close the drain valve and shut off the nearby hot water faucet. If you haven't done so already, reopen the cold water supply valve to refill the tank. Once the tank is full and you can no longer hear water running into it, turn on the power by either restoring electric power or opening the gas line and reigniting the pilot light. To keep sediment at bay, set your thermostat to below 120 degrees.

For information on practical home energy savings ideas, please visit http://www.energysavingsoptions.com, a popular site providing great insights about energy cost cutting measures, such as garage door insulation, the helpful portable furnace, and many more! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Clayton

Helpful Home Plumbing Tips

When your faucet leaks, your toilet overflows or your sink is clogged, do you just shake your head in dismay and wait for a miracle? If yes, it is time that you learn a few handy skills so that you know what to do in case of a home plumbing emergency. Undergoing a plumbing course will equip you with knowledge on plumbing and give you intensive training on how to fix plumbing problems. But if that is not a priority for you right now, you will find these simple tips useful in case of home plumbing emergencies.

General tips

1. Be prepared. Don’t wait for a problem to occur before you go locate the main water supply switch or learn about how to unclog a drain or look for a plumber.
2. Don’t panic. Panicking will do you no good. Remain calm and always tell yourself that there’s always a solution to any home plumbing problem.
3. Know the plumbing system in your home. Educate your whole family about this. Locate and mark the main water supply shut off valves as well as other shut off valves for other fixtures.
4. Always have contact information of a professional ready. Even if you repair minor problems, it’s still best that you have the contact number and name of a professional plumber whom you can reach in case of a plumbing emergency. Put this information near the telephone or in a place, which you can easily get a hold of.
5. Maintenance and care is a good preventive measure for plumbing problems. For example, once a week, pour boiling water down the drain to prevent grease and debris build-up, which can lead to clogs.

Problems and solutions

There are various home plumbing problems but here are few of the most common ones:

1. Clogged drain. Use a plunger to rid of the clog. If this does not work, opt to use a plumber’s snake. You can also utilize drain cleaners but just be careful when using this because some contain strong chemicals that can damage the pipes. Consult with the manufacturer’s instructions before you pour a drain cleaner into your sink.

2. Toilet that continuously run. This is typically caused by a float rising too high. To fix this, bend the rod slightly downward to lower the float ball. Check the tank flapper and the other toilet components because this problem can also be caused by worn out parts. You may need to clean, adjust or replace these parts.

3. Stuck faucets. This problem can be solved by removing mineral deposits that are clogged into the faucet. You may also apply a thin coating of FSA-approved silicone grease to smoothen the faucet. Never use petroleum jelly.

4. Frozen pipes. Thaw frozen pipes using a hair dryer or towels dipped in hot water. Never expose it to direct heat. It is crucial that you are able to heat it slowly to prevent the pipe from breaking down. Home plumbing problems are not that hard to solve if you have the sufficient knowledge and skills on plumbing. But remember, if you were even just a little doubtful on your capability to fix a particular problem, it would be wiser to hire professional help. It’s always better safe than sorry.

Bert Bedgegood is a freelance investigative journalist.Get more information regarding Plumbing Courses. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bert_Bedgegood

Interior Vs Exterior Drainage Systems

Sometimes, finding the best home improvement solution available is a complicated process. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by s wide selection of different home improvement or repair options on the market- all seemingly good solutions. Often, these choices end up being an issue of personal preference- a simple matter of finding the product you like best and going with it.



However, choosing between interior and exterior drainage systems is not one of these times- this is one case where the options are black and white. Interior perimeter waterproofing is a fast, inexpensive solution that, with proper service, is designed to last indefinitely in your home. Exterior excavation waterproofing is a disruptive, expensive, and often ineffective waterproofing solution. And because they're prone to failure, the often lead to basements getting wet anyways.



Disruptive Excavation



To install an exterior drain around the perimeter of your home, basement waterproofing contractors will first need to excavate the area around your foundation with a backhoe. Before this can be accomplished, anything around the perimeter must be removed- including porches, shrubbery, gardens, sidewalks, steps, part of the driveway, and anything else that may be sitting near the foundation. Once the earth is dug up from around the foundation, it's laid in heaps in the yard. The drainage will be installed, and most of the dirt is filled back into the area. This dirt will be fluffed and porous, and will absorb more water than any of the soil around it. Over the years, it will settle back down against the foundation and will require constant regrading to prevent water from collecting and pooling against the home.



Interior drainage systems can be installed in a day or two by jackhammering the perimeter of the floor and placing a drainage system on a bed of clean stone. If done correctly, this can be accomplished with a minimal generation of dust in the home and without any long-term or visible disruption of your home. Once the pipes are laid down, they're cemented back over, making the system almost invisible after installation. No damage is done to the home, the landscaping, or foundation.



Drainage Issues



Unless your home is located on a slope and there is enough room between your house and your neighbor's to dig a gravity drain, an exterior French drain (also known as drain tile) system will have no natural way to discharge any water collected in the drains downhill. If the water cannot run down naturally from the bottom of your foundation and outside of the home, then the drainage system cannot work on its own power. In cases where the drainage runs to a storm sewer or dry well, that system will need to be significantly lower than the drain's discharge line, and the amount of water that can be discharged from around the foundation is limited to the holding tank's capacity from the entrance point of the pipe.



In most cases, a sump pump may be installed to pump the water out of the perimeter drainage system. But if you're going to install this inside the home, why not just install the rest of the system there as well and avoid the foundation excavation?



Waterproofing Service and Cost



There's a good chance if you're looking for a basement waterproofing system, your home already had one installed around the exterior when it was built. Why did it fail? Because exterior excavation systems with French drains or drain tile will eventually need service. When they're installed, they're laid around the outside edge of the foundation on a bed of gravel. Gravel is laid on top to improve drainage, and a layer of filter fiber is laid on top of this. If there is no filter fabric, the pipes will clog, and if filter fabric exists, then that can clog just as easily. Because these drains are impossible to service without excavating the system again, they're doomed to clog over time. If your exterior drainage system fails and the basement leaks, what will you do?



When a new exterior waterproofing system is installed, it's often installed to replace the one that has already failed. This comes at a high price! Exterior waterproofing systems are much more expensive than interior ones- generally costing about double the price. And because they're much more accessible to service and maintenance, interior waterproofing systems can last much longer.

The Clear Waterproofing Choice When it comes to foundation waterproofing, the choice is clear. Installing an interior drainage system is far less disruptive and installs without the long-term need to regrade the soil around your home. They install quickly- usually in a day or two- and they're much more easily serviced in your home. They're the superior solution to effective short term and long-term drainage around your home, and they install at half the cost. If you're looking for an internal drainage system, Basement System's WaterGuard is the best innovation on the old-fashioned French drain or drain tile system on the market. Their perimeter drainage system is resistant to clogs, easier than ever to service, and installed with the backing of the largest network of basement waterproofing contractors in the world! Their basement waterproofing contractors install only top-quality Zoeller sump pumps and basement waterproofing products. These systems keep your basement dry all the time! ~Jacques Bouchard Basement Systems Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacques_Bouchard

How To Use Whole-House Water Filter Systems

Whole-house water filter systems work to purify water at the point of entry to home. Water for all faucets, showers, baths and toilets is purified. Water is purified as it passes through the filter.

There are a number of purposes of these systems. The most important purpose is to remove over 2,000 contaminants and carcinogens from water. Chlorine dries out the skin and hair and increases the risk of cancers over 90%. Lead in water has been linked to learning disabilities in children and birth defects. Removal of these contaminants can reduce or prevent the occurrences of many diseases.

No one system can do all the work, however adding a filter to the kitchen sink that is linked to the refrigerator will eliminate contaminants that might seep into the water from the plumbing. This added purification will be safer for consumption.

Chlorine is a popular agent that is used to disinfect municipal water supplies. Chlorimines are a cheaper disinfecting agent that is coming into increased usage. It is wise to be certain that the system chosen will remove not only chlorine but Chlorimines as well.

The benefits of using filter systems. They include as mentioned the prevention of diseases including cancer. These systems also purify the air because there is a great reduction of contaminants that can escape from the water into the air.

The expense of bottled water is greatly reduced as well. Bottled water can cost more than a tank of gas. The benefits of filter systems far outweigh any initial or maintenance expense.

With the expense of bottled water being greatly reduced, the production of plastic bottles will also be reduced. This results in far fewer plastic bottles being thrown into landfills and this also benefits the environment.

Whole-house water filter systems are ideal for larger homes. The benefits for health, the environment, and economics are of greater value than the alternative. These systems have units that vary in the capacity they can handle.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Water Purification focuses on fresh pure water sources, and in particular, a natural water filter company our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Natural Water Purification Be sure to check out our water filters of choice, they are the water systems we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Collins

Home Water Filter Systems Choices

There is a variety of home water filter systems available for purchase. The type that is chosen will depend on a number of things. The budget should include the initial price including sales taxes. Installation fees, maintenance costs and any possible additional equipment should be included in the budget as well. If the home is small, space may be limited which means available options may be limited as well.

How long do the filters last or need to be replaced and at what price?

The capacity of the system, the amount of GPM-gallons per minute, will also affect available options and the price.

Faucet-mounted filters are easily attached to faucets and will purify the water as it comes from the tap. They are also called point of use filter systems. Most have replaceable filters or filter cartridges that can last up to months.

Whole-house filter systems are the ideal system. It is connected to the water supply as the point water enters the home. The water to the shower, bath, toilet, and all taps is purified. Whole-house systems may eliminate the need for shower or faucet-mounted systems. An added benefit to whole-house filters is since there are far fewer contaminants in the water, fewer of them can escape into the air to be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Shower filters purify only the water coming out of the shower. They install easily and attach to the shower head. There are filters for shower wands available as well. Showering with pure water will improve your skin and hair.

Drinking water filters can be any one of the previously mentioned systems. They can also be pitcher purifiers, individual use sport bottles, and straw filters. They require little to no installation and typically come with replaceable filter cartridges.

Countertop models are attached to the water supply. It is designed to sit on the countertop. It is not large, maybe about the size of a breadbox so if counter space is limited this might not be an option.

Under the sink or under the counter models are especially designed to be installed out of sight. They are larger than countertop models. They could take up lower cabinet space.
Other options might be considered.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Water Purification focuses on fresh pure water sources, and in particular, a natural water filter company our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Natural Water Purification Be sure to check out our water filters of choice, they are the water systems we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Collins

How To Use Whole-House Water Filter Systems

Whole-house water filter systems work to purify water at the point of entry to home. Water for all faucets, showers, baths and toilets is purified. Water is purified as it passes through the filter.

There are a number of purposes of these systems. The most important purpose is to remove over 2,000 contaminants and carcinogens from water. Chlorine dries out the skin and hair and increases the risk of cancers over 90%. Lead in water has been linked to learning disabilities in children and birth defects. Removal of these contaminants can reduce or prevent the occurrences of many diseases.

No one system can do all the work, however adding a filter to the kitchen sink that is linked to the refrigerator will eliminate contaminants that might seep into the water from the plumbing. This added purification will be safer for consumption.

Chlorine is a popular agent that is used to disinfect municipal water supplies. Chlorimines are a cheaper disinfecting agent that is coming into increased usage. It is wise to be certain that the system chosen will remove not only chlorine but Chlorimines as well.

The benefits of using filter systems. They include as mentioned the prevention of diseases including cancer. These systems also purify the air because there is a great reduction of contaminants that can escape from the water into the air.

The expense of bottled water is greatly reduced as well. Bottled water can cost more than a tank of gas. The benefits of filter systems far outweigh any initial or maintenance expense.

With the expense of bottled water being greatly reduced, the production of plastic bottles will also be reduced. This results in far fewer plastic bottles being thrown into landfills and this also benefits the environment.

Whole-house water filter systems are ideal for larger homes. The benefits for health, the environment, and economics are of greater value than the alternative. These systems have units that vary in the capacity they can handle.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Water Purification focuses on fresh pure water sources, and in particular, a natural water filter company our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Natural Water Purification Be sure to check out our water filters of choice, they are the water systems we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Collins

Things To Consider When Buying Whole-House Water Filtration Systems

Whole-house water filtration systems purify the water at the point where the water enters the home. The water through out the house including shower and all points of use (faucets) is purified. They are the ideal systems especially if the home is a big one. When getting ready to buy a system, there are a number of things to be considered.

The budget is the most important consideration. The budget should include the initial purchase price, taxes, and shipping/handling charges. There may be installation fees as well. A filter or filter cartridge may or may not come with the unit and may be added on.

Maintenance needs, accessories for the unit, and especially the return policy should be reviewed. It is important to know also how to contact customer service should there be a need.

The filter or filter cartridge is the most important piece of the filtration unit. It is important to know how to change it, how often it should be changed, and the cost of a replacement.

Filtration systems are designed to remove most, if not all known contaminants from water supplies. It is important to know how many of over 2,000 contaminants including known poisons. In addition to chlorine that is used in municipal water to disinfect it, the filter should also eliminate chloramines, a cheap disinfectant.

The capacity of the unit is also very important. How many GPM-gallons per minute does the water handle? There is a variety of units each with a different capacity. The needs of the home should be kept in mind when considering the various capacities.

Whole-house water filtration systems provide health benefits, economic benefits and environmental benefits. Pure water is necessary for good health and keeping the body hydrated. If they are not an option there are other types of systems available.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Water Purification focuses on fresh pure water sources, and in particular, a natural water filter company our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Natural Water Purification Be sure to check out our water filters of choice, they are the water systems we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Collins

A Plumber Fixes Pipes And Water Problems

You will find that there are going to be a lot of lessons that you learn by simply buying a home, and plumbing is one of them. If you are not a licensed plumber then you will not even want to think about doing anything more than using Draino. This does not mean that you are not capable of doing something good with the plumbing; however, it does leave a lot of room for error. Keep in mind that plumbers tend to be overpriced and you may end up finding that there are a lot of hidden fees like travel time and other things. You will want to make sure that you are at your rope's end before you call a plumber, however, don't try to be the super and fix it yourself. Call around and see who is good and who is worth your time. For the times where you have water all over the place and the house just seems crazy, you will want to shut off the water and then call someone close and ask who they prefer. This way you can get the quality workmanship without putting up with a lot of hassle.

If possible, you will want to compare shopping. Compare shopping will help you to get the best price, but not always the best work. You will want to make sure that you think about things like hourly rates and charges for mileage. You will want to make sure that you understand their rates and how much you feel comfortable with their charging methods. Keep in mind that some will charge by the minute, or simply by the hour. You will want to keep in mind that there are a lot of hidden fees too. Make sure that you ask them about how much all together you are looking for and then add ten percent. Can you live with that?

When it comes to plumbing it is hard to pick a price. You don't really want to look at who is cheaper, because they may only give you a half-fast job and then you are stuck hiring another person. You will want to make sure that you call some of your friends and family members and ask who they use. Everyone has a plumber that they prefer and a plumber who they will go with if their first choice is too busy. Keep in mind that satisfaction is one of the most important things that you need to be concerned with.

Also, if possible, you will need to minimize your plumbing needs. Don't just call for a backup on a drain, but call if the pipes are broken or some other big job. You will want to consider calling a plumber if you drop something down the drain of your sink and (hopefully the filter will catch it) or if something large is stuck in your toilet pipes (perhaps your son's truck).

The technical writer Leroy Calstard is interested in areas similar to pickup truck tool box. His work on finding stainless steel tool boxes are found on his webpage and also different online publications. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leroy_C._Calstard

Water Dispensers For Homes And Offices

Clean and crystal clear water is what we all require. With so many options available in the market, getting clean water is no longer a problem. One can use a Water Dispenser for clean drinking water or get a water filtration system installed.

If you are looking for quick and easy installation, the Bottled Water Dispensers are the best. They do not require any long installation process as they do not need to be connected to the water supply line as in case of water filtration systems. All they need is a filtration unit that can be fitted with water bottles. These bottles are generally of 5 gallon or more and are fitted one at a time.

One can choose from a freestanding unit or a counter top unit. The Freestanding Water Dispensers are perfect for homes as well as offices. These can be put at any suitable place and connected to a power point. The Countertop Water Dispensers, on the other hand, can be conveniently placed on kitchen counters.

The bottled units come with a variety of features. The Hot and Cold Water Dispensers have hot and cold water option that makes them more desirable as it helps make instant coffee or tea. Some other features include:-

Hot and Cold water faucet (some even have one for water at room temperature)

Adjustable water temperature

Analog clock

East to push buttons with childproof safety lock for hot water

Places where water consumption is high, like in big offices, one may wish to do away with the tedious task of frequently loading the unit with water bottles. For such setups, there are the POU water dispensing units. These can be directly attached to the water supply line. Though the installation takes time, still, it is a one time process and can help do away with the daily process of keeping track of number of bottles used and those required.

Various reliable brands have come out with their range of Water Dispensers. These include Oasis, Greenway and Vertex Water Dispensers. To have a look at the variety available, browse through the Airwater.biz store. They have a range of countertop as well as Freestanding Water Dispensers. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arpita_Chaudhary

Plumbing Problems And Solutions

Plumbing system is to a building, what circulatory system is to the human body. Any fault in the system is sure to throw your life helter-skelter and make your life awful. While putting in place a good well-conceived and well-done plumbing system is important, maintenance and preventive measures taken to keep the system in good shape is even more important.

Clogged Drains

Case one

Your sinks tubs connected to particular branch line drains slowly than normal.

Reasons

Dumping food solid materials into your kitchen Bathroom drains.

Pouring greasy Sticky materials into your kitchen sink.

Pouring chemicals paints into the drains.

Improper Inadequate venting.

Solution

Use a plunger to de clog your drain. This will work for clogs of smaller size. If it still persists, call an expert. Home made solutions do not work for bigger clogs.

Clogs can be removed using various techniques. While a cable can be used to remove solid clogs and break through roots, High pressure water jetting is more effective for clogs due to sticky greasy materials.

Before using water jetting as option, It is important to determine the quality of the plumbing materials used, for, the high pressure used in the process will rip your pipes apart if they are of a inferior quality.

Check the vents provided for any visible blocks. Find out whether the venting is adequate for the fixture it serves. An expert could help you out in this area. If the venting is absent or inadequate, provide upgrade to surmount the problem.

Preventive Measures

Respect your toilet and kitchen sinks. Use them only for the purpose intended. Avoid unmindful dumping of solid wastes, Food materials, Greasy substances and paints chemicals into the sinks.

Use filters over the drains in your toilet and kitchen to trap hair and solid objects.

Ensure that air vents are provided in adequate numbers and sizes for all fixtures.

Case two

All the drainage lines of the building drain slowly and there is a backing of the drain water from the main drainage line.

Reasons

A block in the main drainage line. or

A block in the inlet outlet of the septic tank. or

A block in the distribution box. or

A block in the percolation pipes. or

The septic tank has frozen due to an abnormal low weather.

Solution

Use a snake or water jetting to de clog the main drain line. This is the work of an expert. He could, through his expertise, say whether the clog is due to solid waste or greasy substances or roots and use a suitable technique to de clog the same.

Check the inlet and the outlet of the septic tank for any blockage due to solid wastes, scum and so on. Remove the block and check for easy flow.

Check the distribution box located between the septic tank and the percolators. Remove blocks, if any.

Check the area around the percolators. See whether it is moist, swampy and stinky. It means that the percolation is not proper. In other works the soil is not absorbing the drain water at the rate of discharge. It could be either because you usage of water has increased of late due to more guests or the soil has become saturated due to moisture from other sources such as rainfall more than normal etc. Immediately enlist an expert, the problem requires instant care.

If the septic tank has frozen due to bad weather seek the help of an expert immediately. If an expert and the equipment needed are hard to find, use the septic tank as a storage tank till such time the tank haws by itself. Judicious use of water will help you hold on for some time. To avoid freezing of the septic tank in the future, winterize before the next winter.

Preventive Measures

Respect your Septic tank. It is designed for the disposal of organic wastes only. Avoid dumping inorganic and non bio degradable wastes. They are sure to block the normal functioning of the septic tank and spoil it beyond redemption.

Use filters over the drains in your toilet and kitchen to trap hair and solid objects.

Winterize the septic tank to prevent it from freezing in winter. Do the following

Insulate the Septic tank, distribution tank, percolators and all out door lines by spreading a layer f hay, grass, dry leaves etc.

During winter, resort to more than normal usage of water. Warmer the water, the better.

Empty the tank, if you are planning for a long outing.

Get expert help. Winterization is location, weather specific. A small investment here will save you from all hardships during the winter.

Leaks

Symptoms

Leaks in your plumbing system are not just unsanitary but is a tremendous loss of a scarce resource. More often than not leaks are detected much later than they had started and after much damage had already been done.

Try this test out to determine whether there is a leak in your plumbing system. Before you go to bed in the night, close the Main valve at the primary inlet of your plumbing system. Note the water meter reading. In the dawn, before you start using water, note the reading. If the reading has changed then, there is a leak in the system.

To locate the leak, repeat the procedure by keeping the main valve open and all but one of your ancillary line valves closed. If the reading shows a change, then the leak is in that particular branch line. Inspect the faucets for visible leaks and path of the lines for subtle hints of invisible leaks behind the plastered walls. If you still can not detect the leak. Contact us for expert care.

Reasons

While visible are due to faulty faucets fixtures, Invisible leaks can be due to cracks in your plumbing lines. The cracks happen due to a. Ageing lines giving off or b. Faulty winterization of you plumbing system.

Solution

Replace the faulty fixtures faucets.

If the leak is due to faulty line, replace the line. If your plumbing system is considerably old, you can think of replacing the lines in stages without waiting for the system to call for your attention and doing much damage to your cherished home.

Preventive Measures

Make proper use and take proper care of your faucets and other movable water outlets. Install only good quality faucets that will stand the wear and tear. Do not compromise on quality for price. Remember, a compromise on quality is a compromise on peace of mind.

Properly winterize your plumbing system.

Winterization.

What

Acclimatizing your plumbing system to withstand the test of hard winter is winterization.

Why

Plumbing systems are primarily intended to transport water to the locations of need from a centralized water storage facility. In the winter, as the temperature dips to appreciable lows, water freezes. The density of ice is more than that of water. Hence to accommodate water turned into ice, your plumbing system expands. When this expansion is beyond its elastic limit, it cracks wreaking havoc on your entire plumbing system.

Solution

Prepare for the winter ahead by properly acclimatizing your plumbing system. Do the following.

Insulate the drains outside your home.

Open the cabinets under sinks to facilitate circulation of warm air to avoid freezing.

In the temperature is harsh, allow water to flow through the lines in a trickle, when not in use, to avoid freezing.

If you are going out and if the plumbing system will not be in use for a long time close the main valve and drain all water form the system, to ensure that there is no water to be frozen.

Remember, winter is a testing time for your plumbing system. Take preventive measures or you may have to spend a fortune to restore the system back to normalcy. If you need more information, feel free to avail our expert care.

Plumbing is a science, but proper use and maintenance of it is an art. A good plumbing system will give you peace of mind. A bad one is sure to derail your day and make a hell out of it. The problems and the solutions suggested here are generic and not case specific or location specific. It is intended to equip you with the knowledge of the intricacies in plumbing so that you could understand and appreciate the workmanship better. Remember a few procedures are health hazardous and needs to be handled by an expert. Do not try them your self. IF you need experts, think of eServicePlace ESP, where hand picked professionals are ever ready to address your problems in the shortest possible time and in the best possible manner. Think expert care, think ESP. eServicePlace provides easy way to buy and sell plumbing services. service buyers can invite bids, compare Price and qualifications of the bidder, select service provider, send workorder,receive invoices. Service sellers can send estimations, service contract agreement, invoices.eServicePlace provides completely free solutions for service buyers. Membership fees and transactions fees only applicable to service sellers. http://eserviceplace.com/services/campaign/ny_nj_plumbing_requester.ftl Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dhana_Sekar

Why Install Whole House Water Filters?

Concerned about the water quality from your water? Maybe you live in the country and have to use a well supply, or you're not so sure about your municipal supply, or you just have very hard water. In any of these situations, you may want to install a whole house water filter. These systems install at your main water intake and remove a wide range of contaminants before water even touches your pipes.

Whole house water filters do several excellent things for your home. For instance, did you realize that overly-chlorinated water can release chloroform into your air when you shower in it, contaminating your air and putting family members with lung diseases at risk? A whole house water filter removes chlorine from your water before it can endanger you or your loved ones. If you have a problem with hard water, they can be combined with water softeners; purified and softened water ensures that your expensive soaps and shampoos work properly so you can use less of them. And residue is eliminated from any cleaning tasks, making you, your shower walls, and your dishes cleaner.

Your drinking water with a whole house water filter will be improved in every water source. A really good water filtration system ensures you have bottle-quality water from every tap, from your kitchen to your bathroom.

Whole house water filters are not for the amateur to install. They take up about half the space of a water heater, and they need to be installed by a licensed plumber, preferably one who has installed these sorts of filters before. You will also need to change out the filter once or twice a year, which is not cheap. Still, when you compare the cost of a whole house water filter to your savings in bottled water and in better-functioning soap, it's easily offset in most households.

There are several different varieties of whole house water filters; most work on a three-stage system. First, the water coming into your house is allowed to settle in a sediment tank, any large pieces removed at that point. Next, the settled water is forced through a carbon or ceramic filter to eliminate chemical and biological contaminants. Finally, a redox potential high filter, like certain metallic filters, is used to remove the chlorine from your water before it circulates further in the system. With this three-tiered system, nearly all the contaminants are removed from your water, but the beneficial minerals like fluoride and calcium are still dissolved in the water, giving it a better taste as well as contributing to your health.

Before you buy a whole house water filter, make sure you do your homework. Find out precisely which contaminants your filter removes, and choose your filter based on whether it removes all the contaminants you're concerned about. If you're not sure, call your water company and ask for a test of your water. Be ready to spend a little more than you anticipated; this is a major purchase, and you only want to do it once! Finally, make sure you are very clear on how to change out filters and when to change them, so you don't ever miss a filter change and risk contaminated water once more getting into your home water supply.

Trent Barrett is a consultant who writes for Home water purifiers You can visit their homepage to learn more about home water purification systems Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trent_Barrett

Why Aren't Reverse Osmosis Water Systems The Right Choice For Tap Water?

If you're looking for a good quality water purification system for your home, a reverse osmosis water system is probably not the right choice for you. Although many public utilities use reverse osmosis water systems, you would be very surprised to learn what is in that clear tap water of yours!

The list of chemicals and other compounds found in tap water processed by public utilities is long and dangerous. Chlorine, lead, hormones, medications, herbicides, pesticides, acanthamoeba, bacteria and other single celled organisms that can cause serious illnesses, are just a few of the things you may find in your water, even after it has been processed by your local utility company.

A reverse osmosis water system was not designed to remove these types of contaminants. Most of these microscopic contaminants are smaller than a molecule of water. Reverse osmosis water systems were designed to let water pass through, while removing large particulates of contaminants. Yet common sense tells you, if the contaminant molecules are smaller than water, and water can pass through, so can all the other nasty stuff.

Reverse osmosis water systems simply were not designed to tackle the chemical contamination that we now have in our tap water. People traveling to third world countries or living in rural areas use mobile reverse osmosis units successfully. They work best when cleaning river water or well water. However, even in these instances, boiling the water is recommended prior to drinking.

Companies that sell reverse osmosis water systems for home use are not giving you the whole story. They generally fail to mention why most systems are sold along with an additional filtering system. Which begs the question, if you need to use a filtering system even after processing your water through a reverse osmosis water system, then why not use a filtering system altogether?

Until recently, reverse osmosis was only used in industrial applications, where it's removal of minerals and larger contaminants is a benefit. Certain industries require demineralized water because the trace minerals naturally present in water, which are good for human health, cause rust and damage to delicate equipment.

Plus, reverse osmosis water systems are needed for cooling in power plants and for laser equipment. The system simply was not designed for drinking water.

Some water treatment facilities use a reverse osmosis water system as a single step of their cleaning process for removing large particulates of dirt and debris from the water. Otherwise, it isn't practical, because reverse osmosis wastes more water than it cleans. About 5 gallons for every one gallon cleaned ends up as waste water. Naturally, some companies reclaim this waste water, but generally a home system is not designed to do this.

The whole story is that reverse osmosis water systems do not have a practical application in the home environment. They are more costly than other systems that do a better job and they leach healthy minerals from tap water, while leaving chemicals and contaminants behind.

Which is exactly the opposite of what you want to accomplish. What you want is for your drinking water to taste good, smell good, be chemical and contaminant free, yet still contain the trace minerals that are good for your health.

The best system for purifying tap water is a multi-stage unit that includes activated carbon and micron filters, as well as an ion exchange function. So, mark the reverse osmosis water system off your shopping list and buy a less expensive better quality product.

Mark Hegge - Dedicated to researching and improving the quality of the water we consume. For more information on multiple filtration Home Water Purifiers visit the following website: http://www.purified-and-clean-water.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hegge

My Washing Machine Won't Drain - Do I Need To Buy A New One, Or Can This Be Fixed?

If your washing machine won't drain, the problem is most likely in the drain hose or the pump. Since your washing machine is filling up with water, you can rest assured that the motor is working correctly. If your washing machine spins or runs through a cycle, then you can be sure that the belt is ok. Since the washer fills and spins, you should begin by checking the washing machine drain hose and make sure that it isn't cinched up or have any kinks in it.

You should also lift the washing machine lid and examine the tab that rests under the lid. This tab connects to a switch on the washing machine. If it is broken, the washing machine will turn off and won't drain thoroughly. If the tab is broken, you can try to fix it yourself, however, you may find that it is best to have a professional repair it for you.

In addition, if your problem isn't in the lid switch and you've checked the drain hose and found that it isn't kinked, then the problem may be that the water pump is broken. You will need to have a plumber look at it.

You should also lift the washing machine lid and examine the tab that rests under the lid. This tab connects to a switch on the washing machine. If it is broken, the washing machine will turn off and won't drain thoroughly. If the tab is broken, you can try to fix it yourself, however, you may find that it is best to have a professional repair it for you.

This article has been provided courtesy of eLocalPlumbers.com (http://www.elocalplumbers.com), the nation's #1 directory of local plumbers. Find a local plumber or plumbing contractor by zip code and get free plumbing tips and advice at eLocalPlumbers.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Kaplan

Who Needs A Shower Filter? You Need A Shower Filter!

Did you know that well made shower water filters prevent chlorine and other chemicals from entering the air that you breathe? Say what?!

If you have been researching water filters then you may already know that there are over 2100 different chemicals in tap water. That's why you have the filter on the kitchen sink, so that you're not drinking all those wonderful chemicals. (Have you changed your cartridge lately?)

Without shower filters, those same chemicals vaporize, along with the steam. They fill up the bathroom and permeate throughout the entire house. And since we build better, tighter homes, there's less fresh air in our homes to dissipate this chemical vapor. The FDA has said that virtually every home in America has some level of chloroform gas caused by showering in unfiltered water.

But, good shower water filters trap the chemicals before they can vaporize. By removing these irritants before they can vaporize, shower filters can effectively reduce or eliminate the number of attacks people with asthma have.

Shower water filters help people with allergies, sinusitis and other conditions, as well. Most folks don't realize they have sensitivity to these chemicals. Do you sneeze when you are near an in-door swimming pool? Now you know why! If you do not invest in shower filters, the air in your home has the same irritating stuff in it, as the air you breathe at an in-door pool.

Since chloroform gas can cause dizziness and fatigue, there's a good probability your whole family will feel a bit healthier and have more energy, once you install those shower water filters. Most of the better-designed shower water filters install in minutes, with no tools required.

You may be thinking, "Oh, common now, how much harm can a little vapor do?" That is a good question. But keep in mind, when the government publishes figures on the "allowable" amount of any dangerous chemical, those figures are targeting adults, not children or pets. Additionally, those figures do not take into consideration the presence of multiple chemicals. With Chlorine being linked to several different types of cancer, including breast, bladder and rectal cancer, do you really want to be breathing it?

If you're like me, you may have assumed that since you don't drink the contaminants in the water, you would be okay. That's not necessarily true. Researchers have found that the majority of the dangerous exposure occurs while taking a shower.

Which, when you think about it a minute, common sense points you to the logic. The warm water opens your pores, so your skin absorbs the contaminants. There's steam in the shower stall, which you inhale allowing the chemicals to enter your bloodstream almost immediately. And, often you drink some of that water, especially while rinsing your face and head. Ah, maybe shower filters aren't so far fetched?!

Besides, a high quality shower filter can provide a good shower message. So, you get a healthy shower that feels good, all for the same price!

Then there are the cosmetic benefits of shower filters. If your hair is looking dry and skanky or you have to use a lot of conditioner to keep your hair in good shape, the chlorine in your water may be to blame.

Chlorine is particularly hard on the hair. If you have ever spent the summer as a swimming pool lifeguard, you might know that. Chlorine is very drying. It bleaches out the color. And, it smells bad. Look what it does to your swimming suits! If it can cause the nylon threads of your bathing suits to break down, that can't be good for your body or your hair.

People who use shower water filters have softer feeling and healthier looking hair. They use less conditioners and moisturizers, as well.

People with dry, itchy, irritated, cracked or flaky skin will see an almost immediate improvement. What chlorine does to the hair, it does to the skin. When you bathe with chlorine water, you are essentially washing away the built-in substances that would protect the skin from the affects of weather and aging.

Chlorine is, after all, just bleach. Do you really want to keep bathing in bleach? Once you try the best multi-stage shower filters, you will never go back to bathing in tap water. It just feels better, you'll feel better, and it is better!

Mark Hegge - Dedicated to researching and improving the quality of the water we consume. For more information on multiple filtration Home Water Purifiers visit the following website: http://www.purified-and-clean-water.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hegge

Why You Need A Home Water Filtration System

When considering a home water filtration system, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is, "Do I really need a water filtration system?" The answer is a simple and emphatic, yes! You see, the processes used by your local water treatment facility are simply not sufficient to protect the health of your family.

According to recent news reports and government studies, tap water coming from a public water filtration system contains numerous contaminants that can threaten our health. Lead is one of the primary concerns, especially for your children.

The EPA has determined that within many cities around the country, residents should not drink the water, primarily because of the presence of lead. There is no safe level of exposure to lead. It tends to accumulate in ones body and can cause birth defects, brain damage, learning disabilities and a host of other health problems. A quality home water filtration system will remove lead. Note, I said, "quality" home water filtration system! Shop carefully, to assure the system you decide to purchase does, in fact remove lead.

Two of the cities sited as having specific problems with dangerous levels of lead content in their water are Washington DC and Baltimore. The source of the problem is in the distribution of the water - or the lead pipes used to transport the water. In these cases it simply doesn't matter how well the public water filtration system works because the clean water must travel through lead pipes before reaching your home.

Most public water treatment plants sanitize the water by adding chlorine to it. Chlorine does a great job on neutralizing a lot of contaminants, but it doesn't do a thing to lead or numerous chemicals readily found in our water. What is needed is a water filtration system that utilizes activated carbon and specialized micron filters to remove a multitude of contaminants, rendering the water safe for drinking and for any other use around a home.

Most people consider contaminated drinking water to be the biggest concern, and resolve that issue by purchasing a water filtration system that they attach to their kitchen water supply. A study by the FDA found the majority of homes in the United States have a detectable level of chloroform gas in the air, which is caused by showering in unfiltered tap water. Because newer homes are more tightly constructed and energy efficient, there is less airflow. This lack of fresh air, essentially traps chlorine gas in the house, just like heat is trapped in the winter and air conditioning is trapped in the in the summer.

Chlorine vapors trigger asthma and allergy attacks. When chlorine vapors transform into chloroform gas, the symptoms of exposure include unexplained headaches and dizziness. A solution for this is a water filtration system for the shower, which will filter out chlorine, preventing the build up of chloroform gas your home.

No one knows for sure all the health problems that could be prevented by installing a quality in-home water filtration system. With over 2000 different chemicals found floating around in our tap water and only, but a lowly couple being tested for, that pure, clear water coming from your tap may be clear, but it's likely not all that pure and could very realistically be causing you and your family either immediate or long term health issues.

The water filtration system used by your local utility company will probably protect you from cholera and dysentery, but it will definitely not protect you from the dangers of lead, from cancer causing chemicals and from other health problems associated with chlorine. It's up to you to protect your own health and that of your family.

Mark Hegge - Dedicated to researching and improving the quality of the water we consume. For more information on multiple filtration Home Water Purifiers visit the following website: http://www.purified-and-clean-water.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hegge