Backflow prevention is a critical component of maintaining a safe and healthy water supply in your home. A backflow valve is designed to keep contaminated water from reversing flow and entering your clean water lines. This can happen during a sudden change in water pressure, often caused by heavy rainfall or a burst main.

Without a backflow valve, your home could be vulnerable to pollution from pesticides, fertilizers, sewage, and other contaminants. The valve acts as a one-way gate that ensures only clean water flows into your plumbing system. Backflow incidents can cause serious health issues and often result in costly repairs and cleanups.

Homeowners should schedule routine backflow testing, especially if their property is in an area with frequent water pressure changes or if they use irrigation systems. In many areas, annual backflow testing is also required by local regulations.

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we offer expert installation and inspection services to ensure your backflow valve functions properly and meets local safety codes. We use the latest tools and technology to detect problems early and keep your system working efficiently.

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Plumbing often takes a back seat in people’s minds as they start their day. However, for homeowners, understanding the fundamentals of the pipes and fixtures that maintain their home’s functionality is crucial. This is where the concept of retrofits becomes essential.

A retrofit refers to a small device installed in an existing plumbing system to enhance its functionality. For instance, a low-flow showerhead is a popular type of retrofit. Continue reading to discover the extensive benefits of incorporating retrofits into your plumbing setup.

What are retrofits?

Retrofits are devices integrated into existing plumbing systems to boost their performance. Common types of retrofits include:

• Low-flow Showerheads
• Faucet Aerators
• Toilet Retrofits

Designed to conserve water, energy, and money, these devices significantly reduce water usage in the home. Retrofits are cost-effective, simple to install, and do not necessitate extensive plumbing work.

The benefits of using retrofits

Integrating several retrofits in your home can significantly enhance water efficiency. By adopting retrofits, you can lower your household’s water consumption and reduce your water bill. Additionally, retrofits help cut down on energy usage, which can lead to lower energy bills. They also extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and minimize the need for expensive repairs in the future.

How can you save water with retrofits?

Retrofits are specifically designed to conserve water. For instance, a low-flow showerhead can decrease water usage by up to 60%. Modern retrofits are engineered to reduce water consumption without compromising performance, allowing you to use less water while achieving the same effective results.

If you’re looking to enhance your plumbing system, retrofits offer a practical solution. Visit our contact page to connect with our team of expert plumbers who will ensure that your commercial or residential property has the best plumbing solutions available.

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Having sump pump issues? Is your water running too hot or too cold? No matter your plumbing needs, Putmna & Son’s Plumbing is here to service your home or business. We have served several families and companies around Michigan and are ready to help you. We help with water heaters, sump pumps, drainage, odors, water discoloration and many more inconveniences. Live stress free while we handle your plumbing needs.

It is important to get professional plumbing services for your equipment. We hire skilled plumbers and train our team to offer the best services to our valued customers. Visit Putman & Son’s Plumbing services to learn more information about how we can help.

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1. Safety is a real concern

When a plumber enters your home, they are instantly risking their safety. Working with pipes that can release over 50 pounds of water pressure is risky by itself, and that’s without including the dangerous air and gas components of the job. They are also exposed to many different germs and diseases that put their health at risk. So next time your plumber enters your home, give them a big thank you for helping.

2. They go through very intensive training

They did not gain their knowledge through YouTube videos and articles, they went through long training processes to best prepare them for work in the field.

3. They don’t want you to flush things down the toilet

Please do not flush anything that is not human waste-related down the toilet! No trash, no fruit, or veggies, and absolutely no grease. Even bathroom wipes and floss should not be flushed as they can clog your pipes.

4. It’s not a GARBAGE disposal

One of the most common issues that we solve is issues with sink disposals and kitchen pipes. Your kitchen sink disposal is only meant to dispose of small pieces of food. That means no bones, peels, wrappers, gum, grease, or anything that is not a small piece of food! Your kitchen pipes and sink disposal will be less prone to issues if you avoid those items listed above.

Call PNS Plumbing for Expert Plumbing Services

When you run into a plumbing issue, PNS Plumbing has the rapid services you need to get your life back on track. Contact us to get one of our team members to your property as soon as you need them.

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Leaking laundry machine hoses are one of the most common causes of water damage in homes. The inexpensive rubber hoses are prone to bursting frequently, and PNS Plumbing recommends you replace these hoses a stronger hose. Over time, washing machine hoses crack, weaken, and in some cases burst, leaving your home soaked and covered in water. We recommend you replace your hose with a steel braided hose to avoid any possible water leaks.

Laundry Machine Hose Statistics

It is recommended you change your laundry machine hose every 3-5 years. Statistics show that

• 80% of hoses are broken by the 10-year mark
• The average breaking point is 8 years
• Once broken, the hose can leak up to over 5 gallons per minute until shut off

How to Tell When it’s Time For a New Hose

• The color of your hose is changing in certain areas
• Kinks are noticed in the hose
• Cracks, holes, or blisters have appeared
• Any odd shaping in the hose

The Best Solution For Your Laundry Machine Hose

If you need a new laundry machine hose, PNS plumbing is ready to protect your home from water leaks! Simply call our number, and we will get started on installing your new hose.

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If you have ever experienced sewage entering your home, you know the time and money needed to get your house back to normal. Luckily, a small flap in your pipes can prevent the issue before it ever occurs.

A backflow valve works to prevent contamination to the water supply and. Backflow preventer valves ensure that water flows in one direction and that the clean water supply is not contaminated, meaning water is not allowed to flow back into your home. Usually located in the basement floor, you’ll want to ensure that a backflow valve is installed and properly working should you move into a new home.

Many homes built after the 1980s will have a valve already installed. If your home is not currently outfitted with a backflow preventer valve, consider reaching out to our team to have one installed. This quick addition to your home will save you time and money in the long run, especially if your area is prone to heavy rain and flooding.

When the valve is in the “open” position, water is free to flow from your home to the outside, keeping the pipes free and clear. Should any water flow back in the other direction, the valve will close.

During periods of heavy rainfall and potential flooding, the preventer valve will ensure that water does not make its way back into your home. A flap within the pipe will stop the water from flowing in, preventing sewage and rainwater from coming back up into your drains and avoiding any flooding.

Be sure to keep the pipes clean surrounding your preventer valve, removing debris to ensure the flap can move freely. Use water to flush out any debris if necessary. It is helpful to wear gloves and protective eyewear during the maintenance and securely close up the valve when completed.

Our team recommends annual backflow testing and is ready to help you conduct yours. We are certified in backflow testing, meaning you can trust that everything is working as good as possible after our visit. This is a quick test, and we will work efficiently to make sure everything is running as expected. Schedule your maintenance today.

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Our labor force has made this country great! Remember Putman & Son’s Plumbing is here for you 24/7. If you are in need of plumbing services anytime, contact our emergency hotline.

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Many homeowners prefer to try to fix slow shower drains themselves before calling a plumber. There are several inexpensive methods you can try without the help of a professional.

• The Boiling Water Method

Boiling water can help break down material that gets stuck in your drains. To begin, boil a pot of water on your stove. Keep in mind that you will have to carry it to the drain, so you should keep the area clear of obstacles, pets, and children before you move the boiling water to the bathroom.

Next, pour the boiling water down the drain. Take care not to splash hot water on bathtub accessories because the heat could cause damage.

• The Plunger Method

A plunger can sometimes clear drains just like it does toilet clogs. You may want to apply petroleum jelly to the edges of the plunger to achieve a stronger seal. Add water to submerge the plunger then plunge. This method doesn’t always work but can help in some instances.

• Remove Clogs by Hand

Remove the drain cover and look inside the drain. If you can see the clog, then you may be able to reach in and remove it. A flashlight can help you get a better view. You can reach in with your fingers to pull it out. You can wear gloves or use a tool instead if you don’t want to touch what’s down there. This method only works if the clog is close enough to reach.

What If I Can’t Clear a Shower Drain?

If you can’t find the clog or are unable to clear it, then you should call a plumber. Putman & Son’s Plumbing are available for all of your plumbing need. We can clear your shower drain and also identify the cause and make recommendations to prevent future blockages. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

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Sewer leaks are often not on the main line and you need to investigate to find the source. The best way to do this is with a smoke test that will pinpoint the source of the leak and odor. If you cannot get to the bottom of a foul smell or leak, contact Putman and Son’s certified plumbers. We are available 24/7 to help you.

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