Plumber, Plumbing Company, Master Plumbers
World Water Day is a yearly UN observance that brings attention to the importance of freshwater and to advocate for its sustainability as a resource. In Michigan, we are fortunate to have The Great Lakes, which together make up the largest body of fresh water on our planet accounting for 1/5 of the freshwater on our earth.
Unpleasant smells in sewer systems happen from time to time. Some issues are minor and can be addressed by the homeowner. Others may have a more serious cause that requires the help of a professional. How do you know when you need a plumber to get rid of an odor in your home?
Plumbing Odors You Can Fix
If you notice an odor from a sink or bathtub, it could be caused by a dry P-trap. This is a fixture that’s designed to trap sink debris before it enters your plumbing system.
The P-trap should have water in it to prevent gasses from coming up into your home. If your P-trap is dry, then you may notice an odor. To fix, you can refill with water then check again to make sure there are no leaks. You can also pour a little mineral oil into drains that are not used often to slow water evaporation in the P-trap.
Plumbing vents empty at roof-level. These can become blocked by environmental debris including leaves and snow. Make sure yours is clear to prevent odors from building up inside your home.
Odors That Need a Plumber
If you suspect that there is a leak in your P-trap, then you may need the help of a plumber. We can verify the cause and replace the fixture as needed.
Mold and mildew tend to grow in damp places. If you notice an odor accompanied by mold or mildew, this could be a sign that a pipe is leaking under a sink or behind a wall. Call us right away to figure out the cause and correct it before it severely damages your home.
A pipe blockage can also cause odors. You can try household methods to break up a blockage. However, if these do not work or if the clog returns, you should consult with one of our professionals. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing now to find out what’s causing odors in your plumbing system.
When most people think of “going green,” their minds usually go to recycling, reducing waste, and conserving energy. Did you know that your plumbing system can also go green? Green plumbing is another way more people are reducing their impact on the environment. There are many ways to get started.
Update Old Plumbing Systems
Old plumbing systems were not built to today’s standards. We have better methods and technology that allow the system to operate efficiently. If you haven’t updated your plumbing in years, it may be time to do so. Not only will it help the environment, but it can also reduce the cost of your monthly water and sewer bills.
Install Energy Efficient Appliances
Along with better hardware, energy-efficient appliances are also available. These require less water and power to operate. Your plumbing system is likely connected to at least two or three appliances like a dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater. If yours are old, malfunctioning, or not built to Energy Star standards, it may be time to look for replacements.
Have a Professional Inspect Your System
More plumbers are getting on board with the green movement. Having one inspect your system can provide you with insight into what needs updated. Look for a professional that works with green plumbing systems. They can recommend products that will meet your household needs while reducing water and energy consumption and waste production. If you have questions, contact Putman and Son’s Plumbing today to get started on your green plumbing system.
Low water pressure can be frustrating. It can also be a sign of a problem that needs to be fixed in your plumbing system. The following list outlines several common causes of low water pressure.
If the valves are open and you’re still experiencing low water pressure, then there may be a clog. This affects a small section of the system, which can be tricky to locate. It’s usually best to call a professional to find the problem and clean it out.
Malfunctioning fixture rank among the most common causes of low water pressure. If yours are old, they may be damaged or clogged with dirt, limestone, or rust. This will slow water movement.
Go through your home and turn faucets on one at a time to determine if this is the problem. Also, make sure you check the aerators and screens before replacing any fixtures.
Each home has two shut-off valves, one on the meter side and the other on the home side of your water line. If one of the valves isn’t completely open, it can cause low pressure. Try gently opening and closing the valves a few times to free any sediment and increase water pressure.
Corrosion can happen, especially in an old plumbing system. This can lead to low water pressure. You may need to replace all the pipes to deal with the issue.
Some aged systems have narrower branch lines. When a fixture is updated, the old branch lines will still limit water flow. These must be replaced to get optimum performance out of your system.
Insufficient main supply line can cause low pressure. This issue should be handled by a professional only. Local records may be needed to check connection size in your home.
If you are experiencing low water pressure, contact Putman and Son’s Plumbing today. Our licensed plumbers can inspect your system and help you find a solution that works.
Our homes are never completely silent. We usually become accustomed to hearing the normal background sounds in our living spaces. That’s why it can be startling when a new noise is heard, like unexplained sounds in your pipes. What causes pipes to make noise and what should you do about it?
Expanding Copper Pipes
Copper pipes may expand when they come in contact with hot water. This is a characteristic of the metal used to make them. Pipes running through narrow spaces may rub against and hit surfaces when expansion occurs. This is usually a minor issue. If it is bothersome, you can try turning down the temperature on the water heater.
Potentially Damaging Water Hammer
If you hear a loud thud when the flow of water is stopped, you could be experiencing water hammer. This happens when rushing water cannot continue to move through the pipe and slams into a shut-off valve. The sound can be loud, and it can lead to damage to connections and joints. To correct, you should check your air chamber or install water hammer arrestors.
Too Much Water Pressure
Water pressure that is too high can cause noise in pipes. Most homes will have a pressure regulator. This is installed where the main water supply comes into the structure. It should allow water to enter at no lower than 40 psi and no higher than 80 psi. If psi is too high, pressure can cause damage to appliances that use water like the dishwasher or washing machine.
If your home does not have a pressure regulator, a professional can install one for you. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing to request a quote.
You are the heart of our business. Thank you for choosing Putman & Son’s Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs.
We solve your plumbing problems quickly and affordably so you’ll want to retain our services for future plumbing needs.
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