All of us at Putman & Son’s Plumbing wishes our family, friends and clients a very festive Easter holiday.
green plumbing
Is Your Plumbing System Ready for the Warmer Temperatures?
Spring isn’t just about gardening. It’s also about making sure your plumbing system is performing at optimum levels. What can you do to prepare your plumbing system for the warm season?
Test Water Pressure for Leaky Pipes
A pipe may start leaking long before you notice any water in your home or on your property. Check water pressure throughout your home to ensure that it is performing at optimum levels. If you notice a drop in pressure, this could be a sign that something is damaged.
Make Sure Your Sump Pump Works
If your home has a sump pump, now is a good time to check on it. It should be tested once every three months. Check all components including:
- Drains that lead outside that can become blocked by debris
- The pump to ensure that it hasn’t tilted or shifted
- Electrical wires and the battery for signs of damage or corrosion
To test your sump pump, pour water into the pit. Fill until the float rises and watch to make sure it responds like it is supposed to.
Clean Gutters and Plumbing Vents
Animal activity can also be a problem. Squirrels and birds tend to build nests, and they may choose your gutters or vent as their new living space. These should be cleared out immediately to protect your home. It’s also best to move wildlife off before they get comfortable and start having babies in your plumbing vent.
Talk to a Professional Plumber for Spring Advice
Putman & Son’s certified plumbers can perform an in-depth inspection and provide advice to help you get ready for the rest of the year. We are available to come to your Southeast Michigan home to make sure your plumbing is in good working order. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
The Day of Water
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.
Make Your Home Environmentally Friendly with GREEN PLUMBING
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.
Going Green Can $AVE Money
Going green… Some popular media would count this as a fad while others find the merit in the prospects of environmental protection. The odd correlation that is hardly ever discussed is the fact that going green when implemented properly is a cost savings not just a resource savings. The EPA estimates that roughly 26% of domestic water usage is attributed to flushing the toilet. This number definitely varies greatly for a business let alone from one industry to another yet it is one of the quickest and simplest ways to start saving money. Installing a Dual Flush toilet for example can reduce water waste by up to 50% simply by having the option to flush solid waste the standard way or press a button to flush liquid waste. This uses less water for the liquid waste and saves you as a business or property owner that much more money.
Another point of savings is in your hot water. Why keep a full tank of water constantly hot when you can simply heat the amount of water you need to use? Most employees won’t be taking showers (unless that is part of your industry) and thus you won’t have to worry as much about heat consistency, but even if you replace one tank with three units you will still save energy and money simply not having to store the hot water. As a business the cost reduction would be worth the initial investment. Presuming the average cost of a Dual flush toilet is roughly $160-$200 per unit and the average employee uses 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush the cost of eliminating roughly half of that per person would recover the installation cost in just a few months. For more information or for installation contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing.
Do You Need a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is used to remove water from basements and crawl spaces. It helps to keep these areas dry to prevent flooding, mold growth, and water damage. A sump pit is constructed that connects to the pump. The pump provides the motion that carries water out of the pit and away from the foundation to a place where it can safely drain without causing structural issues.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
Most units function using a pressure sensor or float activator. These will tell the pump when it’s time to turn on. The float activator works like a toilet tank, with a floating ball that rises to a certain point before switching the unit on. Pressure sensors are more common because they are convenient. This device activates when it detects water pressure. Automatic sump pumps are equipped with a manual turn-on function that lets the homeowner switch it on by hand in case the sensor or activator fails.
When the motor turns on, it rotates an impeller. Centrifugal force is created that forces water to the sides of the pipe. This pushes liquid in the pit out through a pipe. Residential sump pumps are powered using standard current electricity, so no specialized wiring is required. We recommend having a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) on the outlet powering the pump for safety.
Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing certified plumbers in Southeast Michigan for a recommendation and installation of the best sump pump for your home.