As the summer heat rolls in, it’s essential to consider the safety and comfort of your household, even when it comes to your hot water supply. While we often associate hot water with colder months, it still plays a vital role in our daily lives throughout the year. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of setting the right temperature for your hot water during the summer season. By doing so, you can ensure both safety and optimal comfort for you and your family.

Why Temperature Matters:

Setting the correct hot water temperature is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it directly affects your safety and the well-being of your loved ones. Water that is too hot can lead to scalding accidents, particularly for children or elderly individuals with more sensitive skin. Additionally, excessively high temperatures can increase the risk of burns and cause discomfort when using hot water for showers, baths, or other daily activities.

Furthermore, setting the right temperature can also impact your energy consumption and utility bills. By optimizing the temperature, you can avoid unnecessary energy waste and potentially reduce your costs, all while maintaining a comfortable and safe environment within your home.

Recommended Temperature Range:

We recommend setting your hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) year-round. This temperature strikes a balance between safety and efficiency. Here’s why:

1. Scald Prevention: A water temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit significantly reduces the risk of scalding accidents, especially for children and older adults. It allows for comfortable use without the fear of burns or injuries.
2. Bacteria Control: Hot water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit is also effective in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which can cause serious illnesses like Legionnaires’ disease.
3. Energy Efficiency: By maintaining a lower temperature, you can save energy and reduce your utility bills. The water heater won’t need to work as hard to maintain a lower temperature, resulting in energy conservation without sacrificing comfort.

Safety Measures and Best Practices:

To ensure hot water safety in your home, consider implementing the following measures:

1. Adjust the Temperature: Locate your water heater’s temperature dial and set it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re unsure how to adjust the temperature or need assistance, consult a professional plumber who can help you make the necessary adjustments safely.
2. Monitor and Test the Water: After adjusting the temperature, test the water at various fixtures to ensure it is within a safe range. Use a reliable thermometer or an instant-read temperature gauge to measure the hot water temperature accurately.
3. Educate Your Family: Inform everyone in your household, especially children and elderly individuals, about the importance of hot water safety. Teach them to be cautious when using hot water and to alert an adult if the water feels too hot.
4. Install Anti-Scald Devices: Consider installing anti-scald devices, such as pressure-balancing valves or thermostatic mixing valves, which can help regulate the water temperature and prevent sudden temperature fluctuations.

Conclusion:

Maintaining the right hot water temperature is essential for a safe and comfortable summer. By setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you can minimize the risk of scalding accidents, control the growth of harmful bacteria, and conserve energy. Remember to monitor the water temperature regularly and educate your family members about hot water safety. If you are still uncertain about your plumbing, visit our contact page to connect with our team of expert plumbers and avoid plumbing stress.

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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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Sump pumps can be a great investment. This device is installed in the lowest part of your crawlspace or basement. It’s usually placed in a pit. Water can flow into the pit naturally or through drains. When a certain level is reached, the unit will turn on and pump the water out and away from the structure, so it doesn’t cause damage.

Types of Sump Pumps

Sump pumps fall into one of two categories: submersible and pedestal. Submersible models have a motor that’s mounted inside the unit and sealed. It’s more visually attractive, usually lasts longer, and tends to be safer for homes with children. The downside is that submersible pumps tend to cost more and are harder to reach.

Pedestal models are designed with the motor mounted above the sump. It is easier to see, which makes it easier to repair if needed. This type tends to cost less than submersible sump pumps but doesn’t usually last as long.

5 Signs That You Need a Sump Pump

Chances are you need a sump pump installed if:

• Your basement has flooded in the past
• You live on a low-lying property or one with soil that traps water
• Your region sees high amounts of snow or rain annually
• You have a sump pump that’s over six years’ old
• You have invested in a finished basement that you want to protect

If any of the above apply to you, now is the time to look for sump pumps. Paying for one now could save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs in the future. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing today to make an appointment with a certified plumber about installing a sump pump in your home.

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A garbage disposal adds convenience to your kitchen – as long as it works. Problems can occur for several reasons. A foreign object may fall in and cause a blockage. The disposal may not work correctly if garbage is fed into it too fast or without enough water to flush the drainpipes. What can you do if you have a clogged garbage disposal?

• Switch Off Power to the Garbage Disposal – Switch off all power to the garbage disposal before working on it. If you don’t have a switch, you can turn off the breaker on the power panel.
• Inspect the Garbage Disposal – Visually inspect the inside of the garbage disposal. Never put your hands inside the unit at any time, even if the power is off. Switches can be defective, so this is a necessary safety measure. A flashlight can help you see the interior.
• Remove Foreign Object from Disposal – If you see something that doesn’t belong in the disposal, remove it. This should be done carefully with a pair of pliers, so your hands stay away from the blades.
• Reset the Garbage Disposal and Test – Give the disposal 15 minutes to cool down before turning the power back on and resetting it.

If you are still having trouble, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing to schedule a repair or replacement. Not all garbage disposals are alike. We can install one that meets your needs.

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Sewer line backups can cause a mess in your home. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, the average plumbing drain system failure costs around $4,400 per incident after paying a deductible. That’s a lot of money to have to pay out for an emergency. The best thing to do is to take steps to prevent sewer line backups, so you are less likely to have to deal with an expensive problem.

• Update and Maintain Your Sewer Lines – This is especially important for older homes. If your system was installed before the mid-1950s, then it probably uses clay lines. These usually include a lot of joints where roots can enter and cause blockages. Update and maintain your system to prevent serious blockages before they have a chance to form.
• Be Careful About What Goes Down the Drain – Do not put cooking oil, grease, pasta, potatoes, rice, and fibrous vegetables like onion and celery down the drain. Also, do not flush anything but toilet paper. Even flushable wipes and similar products should be kept out of your sewer lines.
• Look for Soggy Areas in Your Yard – If you haven’t seen rain for at least several days, look around your yard for soggy areas. If the ground is muddy or soft, it could mean you have a leak in an underground line. This should be fixed as soon as possible.
• Install a Backward Prevention Valve – A backwater prevention valve can be installed on a sewer line in your basement. This will stop sewage from flowing back into your home in case of a backup.

Sewer line backups can be costly. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing today for any sewer blockage or issues before it becomes a larger problem, so we can keep your system flowing properly.

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To our fallen soldiers, we respect and appreciate your great sacrifice for us.

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Many people spend the majority of their bathroom time on the toilet. This is the most essential seat in the house. A poll consisting of 2,500 people found that most spend an average of an hour and 42 minutes on the toilet weekly. That comes to nearly 92 days in an average lifetime. When your commode stops working, it can wreak havoc on your household.

Water Won’t Stop Running Unless I Hold the Handle

If you have to jiggle or hold the handle to get the toilet to stop running after a flush, then chances are something is wrong with your tank parts. These components don’t last forever and may need to be replaced from time to time. Doing so will ensure that your toilet works properly and can lower your water bill.

I Can See Visible Cracks in the Tank or Bowl

Most toilets are made of porcelain, which can crack and chip. Damage to the tank or bowl can be a big problem. Even a small crack can allow water to leak out and lower efficiency. If ignored, a crack can eventually grow and cause serious water damage inside your home. Some damage can be repaired using plumber’s putty or silicone sealant. Others may require a new toilet.

My Toilet Won’t Flush Anymore or Requires 2 Flushes

Toilets that won’t flush or require two flushes to work can be tricky to diagnose. It could be an issue with the lift chain, water valve, or flapper. The best way to find and solve the problem is with the help of a professional plumber. Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 hotline today to schedule an appointment for your malfunctioning toilet.

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