Southeast Michigan plumbers
Why You Should Install an Instant Hot Water Dispenser This Winter
An instant hot water dispenser can make winter much easier. It’s usually installed alongside the main kitchen faucet. Turn it on, and it will instantly dispense water that’s at near-boiling temperatures. Why should you install a hot water dispenser before the snow flies?
- Instant Hot Water Makes Cold Days Bearable – You don’t want to have to wait for a hot cup of tea or coffee when it is cold outside. A dispenser lets you access hot water on demand. Make your favorite winter beverages faster so you can warm up sooner.
- Using a Dispenser Will Cut Down on Energy Costs – A hot water dispenser can be less expensive energy-wise to use compared to heating water in a kettle on the stove. This is especially true if you use a lot of hot water during the winter months.
- Spend Less Time Cooking Meals & More – Cooking can be time-consuming, especially if you have to feed a family. Cut down on meal prep time by having hot water ready when you need it. It will take less time to boil water and complete other tasks that require higher temperatures.
- Can Use a Filter to Keep Water Clean – Hot water dispensers can be equipped with filters, so you get the cleanest liquid possible each time you use it.
Make this winter easier by having a hot water dispenser installed in your Southeast Michigan home or business. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing today to learn more about cost and installation.
Helping Small Business in the Mitten
We so appreciate our customers from individuals to small businesses to large corporations. Each of you are very special to us and we treat your plumbing problems as if they were our own. We pride ourselves in doing the job right as well as providing white glove service. Contact Putman & Son’s certified plumbers 24/7 for any of your plumbing needs.
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.
How to Fix Slow Moving Shower Drains
You may be surprised to find that a lot of debris goes down the shower drain. Over time, this can build up, causing a slow moving drain. There are a few things you can try at home to stop this common plumbing problem.
Unclog By Hand
As long as the blockage isn’t deeper in your sewer system, you may be able to clear it by hand. To do this, remove the stopper. Find a piece of wire and bend the end with pliers to form a hook. Slide into the drain and use the hook to lift away tangled hair and debris. Have a utility knife on hand in case you have trouble getting all of the hair out. Once the drain is clear, remove the wire and replace the stopper.
Use Hot Water
A simple household solution to a slow moving shower drain is hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. This method should only be used on drains that are fitted with CPVC pipes. Boiling water can damage PVC pipes.
Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour in two cups of boiling water. Let it work for five minutes before adding a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Next, pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain and replace the stopper. Let it sit while the mixture foams. After it has had adequate time to work, pour a cup of boiling water down the drain.
Do Not Use a Drain Cleaner
There are many commercially-made drain cleaner products available at home improvement and grocery stores. If you have frequent drain problems, it is best to contact a certified plumber to evaluate your system rather than using harsh chemicals that can do further damage. Contact Putman and Son’s Plumbing today.
Clogged Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposals clogs can form for a number of reasons. Often, it is from putting items down the drain that should not be disposed of in this way. It may also have to do with a lack of water or due to how the ground up food reacts when it comes in contact with moisture. What can you do about a clogged garbage disposal?
Manually Rotate Blades to Break Up Clog
If the clog is under the sink, you can try manually rotating the blades to break up the blockage. You will need an Allen wrench to do this. The manual operator is usually accessible along the base of the unit, on the outside. Look under your sink, find the manual operator, and turn with the Allen wrench. Your owner’s manual will have more information on how to safely turn the blades.
Unclog Garbage Disposal with Pliers
You should not pour chemicals down a garbage disposal, but you can use tools to clear a clog. To do this, shut off the power to the unit as a safety precaution. Next, reach into the drain with pliers and remove loose materials so you can inspect the blockage. Continue removing objects until clear. Never insert hands into the garbage disposal.
Clear Sludge and Debris from P-Trap
Excessive buildup in the P-trap can cause blockages in your garbage disposal. If this is the problem, find a bucket to catch debris in. Place it under the P-trap then unscrew the pipe. You may need to wiggle it to remove it from the trap arm and waste tee. Pull out debris and rinse the trap then replace.
If you prefer to hire a professional or none of these methods work, call Putman & Son’s Plumbing certified plumbers now to schedule an appointment for a garbage disposal repair or installation in Southeast Michigan.