Plumbing News and Tips for Homeowners in the Raleigh NC Area, New Product Reviews, Water Heaters and Tankless water heater advice from local certified plumbers.

Kohler-Kitchen-Bathroom-Poole's Plumbing

From Exotic to Energizing : The Kohler Konnect Bathroom Line

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On the heels of our first article in this series, we move along from the kitchen and top the Kohler Konnect Bathroom line of plumbing products. As explained in our previous article on this new, innovative line of products that can be installed by your most trusted Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing, the Kohler Konnect Bathroom line utilizes the latest in modern technology for the ultimate in comfort and convenience, which is all attained by simply using the app coinciding with the products.

Much like the kitchen products detailed last article, The Kohler Konnect Bathroom plumbing products is like no other you have seen before, and as stated at us.kohler.com , can help you to turn your bathroom experience into an “experience as unique as you.” The website goes on to promote the products saying, “ Kohler Konnect smart products have the ability to transform your bathroom using light, sound, color, and water…with built-in voice control, it all happens seamlessly.” It concludes, “From Exotic and Energizing and every feeling in between, your bathroom can finally do what no other can.”

An App to Control Everything

Just as we explained in the first installment covering the kitchen products in the line,  almost everything else we deal with in today’s technologically advanced world, the app for the Kohler Konnect Bathroom products allows you control of everything right at your fingertips from your phone or device of preference. All of your personal settings can be set by you to your own personal preference, from shower settings, lighting levels, and all points in between.

PureWarmth Heated Toilet Seat

The PureWarmth heated toilet seat is changing your restroom experience with three temperature settings for ultimate comfort and task lighting as well so you can customize the illumination using this Kohler Konnect Bathroom product.

PerfectFill Technology

Much like the kitchen faucet detailed in our first article, the Kohler Konnect Bathroom line uses PerfectFill technology in this bathtub faucet so you can draw a bath, much like you did above with the shower, exactly to your preferences. Set the temperature and depth that you fill your tub too and all that is left to do is sit back, relax, and soak.

No matter what room in your home you utilize the incredible technology that is at the tip of your fingers or sound of your voice the Kohler Konnect Bathroom line and all other plumbing products can indeed help you to “create an experienced as unique as you. To find out more about this incredible line of Kohler products, visit us.kohler.com or contact the Raleigh plumbing professionals at Poole’s Plumbing. 

high-efficiency-electric-water-heater

High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters: Are They For You?

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Just as the Poole’s Plumbing name has become the most respected and trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbing, they have also earned the reputation as the “go-to” for installation, servicing and repair of any type of water heater. Whether tankless or your conventional model, the experts at Poole’s have a “best price guarantee” on all of their water heater services, striving to save you more while providing the most efficiency possible.

Many folks have tried in the more “modern age” of water heater technology to steer clear from the pricier and less efficient electric models that have historically been known to make one’s electric meter readings skyrocket. The term High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters may almost seem an oxymoron to some, however for those who aren’t aware, several years ago, there was a hybrid heat pump water heater introduced that has made the term High Efficiency Electric Waters Heaters no longer a fantasy.

Given the long standing tradition of your electric bill going through the roof due to having an electric unit, the first thing one may ask is, “How exactly do these High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters work?” At an average operating price of only about 60 cents per day, the once unthinkable High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters are at least worth consideration.

In actuality, most major water heater manufacturers do now make some type of High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters. How these hybrid heat pump type water heaters work is as follows: they pull hot air in, intensifying the heat and trnsfering to the water. In a nutshell, the heat pump does the work and helps heat the water before the electrical element even has to do any of the work. In many of the newer model High Efficiency Water Heaters, there is also smart controls that allow for you to create a schedule or the unit will actually do this on their own based upon the patterns of your usage.

While the initial cost of these High Efficiency Electric Water heaters can be a bit higher than other units, over a longer period of time, they can save you do to said efficiency. Whether this is the water heater option you wish to explore or whether you would like to look at the popular tankless models, Poole’s Plumbing is the number one water heater specialists

It’s Always “Cool” to Thaw and Avoiding Frozen Pipes

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The second installment of our “winter plumbing tutorial,” will focus on your role in dealing with or avoiding all together the issue of frozen pipes. We all know that as the fall months of October and November turn over into the frosty winter months of December and January here in North Carolina,  there is still a chance of winter plumbing hazards, but thanks to the most trusted name in Raleigh professional plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, you can follow the easy steps belows listed below, to try and steer clear of a costly catastrophe as you Thaw and Avoiding Frozen Pipes.

Case in point that we are not yet completely “out of the water,” when it comes to needing to know the proper steps to take to Thaw and Avoiding Frozen Pipes is the recent colder weather we have seen in the past two weeks that has dipped at night below 40 degrees and even into the lower 30’s. Your pipes can freeze once the temperature does drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and those most vulnerable to the possibility of freezing would be any located in a basement area, a crawl space, an unconditioned or unfinished attic, those located on an exterior wall, and even pipes located underground.

When looking at it in those terms, pretty much any homeowner would have some type of piping in one of those location, thus, the Raleigh plumbing experts at Poole’s Plumbing can assist you with a few key pointers to Thaw and Avoiding Frozen Pipes at each location you may have them. If you happen to turn on a faucet and no water pours out, it could be due to a blockage caused by ice and in each given location, these following “do-it-yourself” tips could prove priceless in avoiding disaster.

Exposed Pipes

  • Remember to open up the faucet to relieve pressure
  • When suspecting a possible frozen pipe, always shut off the main water supply in case it has burst
  • Usage of a hair dryer, electric heating pad, or space heater can help in thawing, but NEVER use an open flame to try and thaw an exposed pipe

Pipes Behind a Wall

  • The easiest and safest method with these pipes is to turn your thermostat up and wait for them to thaw.
  • In situations that need to be addressed immediately, carefully cut a whole in the wall and utilize any of the above methods listed for thawing an exposed pipe

Avoiding Frozen Pipes in the Future

  • Before the winter months arrive, be sure that all garden hoses are disconnected from any spigots
  • Keep a faucet that may be connected to a line that would be in danger of freezing open to allow just a small trickle of cold water to run over night
  • Keep cabinets that it below your sinks open to allow the warm air from your home to circulate around them
  • Insulate any exposed, external wall pipes
  • Never leave your thermostat below 55 degrees in any situation, even if going out of town or on vacation for an extended period of time.

By following these easy to do, at home tips from the pros at Poole’s Plumbing, you can not only Thaw and Avoiding Frozen Pipes, but you also can avoid serious water and financial damage with very little preparation or effort.

Water-Conservation-in-the-Bathroom

Save Money with Simple Water Conservation in the Bathroom

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Everyone would like to save on costly water and utility bills each month, and through several easy and simple checks and steps that can be done and followed for Water Conservation in the Bathroom, the professional Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can help you get on the path to saving.

The first area to touch upon to help with Water Conservation in the Bathroom is your shower and bathtub. To begin here, a simple check of your showerhead would be in order. Aiming the head at a one-gallon bucket and timing to see how long it takes to fill can tell you when it may be time for a replacement. If the bucket is filled in less that 20 seconds you will want to look at replacing it with a more efficient, low-flow showerhead. Not only are the low flow models great for Water Conservation in the Bathroom, they are inexpensive and easy to install, they can cut your usage by more than 500 gallons of water per week. This combined with keeping a close eye on the time you and other family members actually spend taking a shower and limiting it to 5 minutes can save on average another 1,000 gallons of water per month.

In the bathtub there are also some very easily monitored step that can help you with Water Conservation in the Bathroom. For starters, using a plug before turning the water on as you adjust the temperature will help to avoid wasting water, as will having your very young children take a bath together rather than having to fill the tub and go through the entire process multiple times.

The toilet is an obvious spot in the bathroom where by just making sure all pieces and parts are operating correctly can get you on your desired path to Water Conservation in the Bathroom. The tank and flapper are both spots on the toilet that you want to check regularly to be sure they are functioning properly. The “food coloring” test is an easy way to be certain the tank isn’t leaking, as by putting a few drops in, you can tell it is leaking if the color seeps into the bowl. If there is a leak, it is an easy fix for the pros at Poole’s Plumbing and can conserve over 600 gallons per month. As for the flapper, checking on a consistent basis to sure it isn’t sticking will help with your Water Conservation in the Bathroom efforts. Also, if you hear a toilet flushing itself or constantly running, this also is more than likely an easily fixed leak and if not addressed could lead to wasting more than 500 gallons of water weekly. One last tip that may seem obvious, but can really help conserve is to put your tissues into the trash as opposed to flushing them down, as this also can add up with each wasted flush.

Lastly, monitoring your water usage at the sink can be another simple avenue to help with Water Conservation in the Bathroom. Again, these are common sense ways to save, as by just turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth, the average family of four would conserve about 200 gallons per week. Doing the same while shaving would save around 100 gallons a week as well. Much like recommended above with the toilets, when hearing a consistent drip from the faucet, having to problem rectified in a timely manner can also lead to big savings both with water and in your wallet.

Water Conservation in the Bathroom can be easily achieved and lead to you not wasting water or money unnecessarily. The plumbing experts at Poole’s Plumbing recommend these tips to you in beginning your conservation efforts and in Part Two of our water conservation articles will remind you of more simple ways to conserve water and money throughout the rest of the house.

Why it is Important to Keep Your Drains Clean and Clear

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Maintaining a clean sink or bathtub drain is important for many reasons and can be done with minimal effort to help avoid running into costly and possibly dangerous plumbing issues. One obvious reason to clean your drains on a consistent basis is to avoid unpleasant odors. A more serious problem that could result from a neglected drain is the risk of pesky drain gnats. Also, failure to keep your drains clean will lead to buildup that eventually will cause water in your sink or tub to empty at a much slower rate. If you’ve tried your own maintenance and at home remedies and the problem with your drain persist, it may be time to call the most trusted name in Raleigh professional plumbing, Poole’s Plumbing to come and be sure the issue escalates no further.

As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, to Keeping Your Drains Clean is a simple process that can be done at home as long as you are willing to take a few minutes every few days to do so. The simplest way of avoiding unwanted buildup is to run scalding hot water through your tub and sink drains every couple days to make sure that there is no clogging and to keep gunk from building up. There are also many products available for purchase at most stores, that can keep your drains smelling clean and fresh. If you do notice buildup starting or clogging in your pipes it is best to immediately address the issue as early as possible, as neglecting these things could prove an expensive and messy mistake.

You must realize that to Keep Your Drains Clean that are clogged is not necessarily an immediate disaster, as there are many tried and true remedies that can be made to clear them, right in your home. Most of these solutions are made from items that you already have on hand. One of these tried and true methods is to pour one tablespoon of baking soda into the tub or sink drain. Immediately dump ¼ cup of either lemon juice or vinegar down the same drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Finally, run hot water through the drain. Repeating this on a weekly basis will help clear buildup and prevent the clog from recurring. Additionally, this will help eliminate unwanted, foul odors. Another at home method is to pour a strong salt water mixture through your drains. This is a proven way to keep grease from buildup and to reduce bad odors.

If you have tried the at home remedies and found them not working, there are many popular and potent chemical solutions that can be purchased at nearly any store or supermarket. If these chemicals do not work, it is best to call a professional plumber, who will be able to remove any blockage and have your drains flowing freely in short order.

There are many different websites that can offer up tips on keeping your drains clean through these and a variety of other methods in an eco-friendly manner. For further information on this topic, check cleaning or maintaining drains in the home improvement sections of any of the following sites, www.doityourself.com, www.popularmechanics.com, or www.care2.com.

As stated in our first paragraph of this article, there are many reasons why a clogged or dirty drain is something not to be ignored. If this a persistent problem, be sure to contact the most trusted name in Raleigh professional plumbing, Poole’s Plumbing.

Don’t Take Plumbing for Granted : 4 Areas of the Home to Avoid Plumbing Concerns

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While we all know that plumbing runs throughout every room of your home, sometimes it is easy to easy to take for granted that where there is plumbing, the potential for plumbing problems arises. The four main areas of the house that often encounter plumbing issues include the four area in all homes that are detailed in the sections below with helpful way to Avoid Plumbing Concerns  A licensed plumber like the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbing, Poole’s Plumbing provides professional service that can extend the life of your home’s plumbing system when problems arise.

Kitchen

As one of the most used areas of the home, the kitchen plumbing sees a great deal of wear and tear every single day and thus is a spot you want to be sure to keep an eye on and Avoid Plumbing Concerns. This includes everything from leaky faucets to busted pipes. Appliances, such as dishwashers and ice-makers, can pose all kinds of threats that may not be noticed until water damage has already occurred.

Keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs is critical to preventing such disasters. Always have a licensed plumber do renovation, remodel and repair work to ensure that the job is done right the first time.

Bathroom

As another commonly used room that is full of pipes and fixtures, and when folks do not Avoid Plumbing Concerns plumbers often get called upon to service this area of the home. Clogged drains and toilets are among the more minor repairs. However, small problems can grow into larger ones posing a new set of problems, such as mold and mildew.

Hot Water Heaters

This metal tank cycles through a large amount of water each day and is rather prone to leaks due to corrosion over time. Six to eight years is the general lifespan before the unit begins to deteriorate or experience electrical problems. Even things as simple as the heating element or thermostat can wear out rather quickly.

If extensive repairs are needed, consider installing a tankless or solar water heater as a replacement.

Septic Systems

This crucial but often overlooked component is responsible for carting waste products away from your home. It is suggested for regular maintenance to be done on the septic system and in many cases, if needed you can call the Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s to inspect the system as needed. Repairs and remodeling projects serve as a perfect opportunity for your plumber to assess the overall function of your septic system.

Inside-Fall-Plumbing-Tips

Inside Fall Plumbing Tips: Avoiding a Catastrophe

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Continuing with our helpful and easy pointers to give you a head start on avoiding any potentially costly plumbing disasters that could happen as a result of the changing of the seasons and the inevitable drop in temperature, the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing continue where we left off on our last article and head indoors for our Inside Fall Plumbing Tips.

As you already know, Poole’s Plumbing is the number one water heater expert in the Raleigh/Triangle area, and there are several easy procedures to follow in our Inside Fall Plumbing Tips to avoid not only losing hot water when the colder temperatures hit, but also to help avoid a messy situation both in your home and your wallet.

Water Heater Maintenance

  • With colder temperatures, your water heater unit is working harder during the fall and winter months. The first of our Inside Fall Plumbing Tips is to flush the unit out and remove any and all sediment buildup. If not done, corrosion can occur, which leads to reduced efficiency and actually can shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
  • Inside Fall Plumbing Tip number two regarding the water heater is to test the unit’s pressure relief valve. BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS, AS THE WATER IS HOT. But when you lift the lever and let it snap back, you should see a burst of water into the drainpipe and if you don’t call your helpful friends at Poole’s to come and take a look at it.
  • Be sure to check the thermostat on your unit. It should be set on 120 degrees Fahrenheit for best performance.

 Shut Off Valves

  • An Inside Fall Plumbing Tip that pertains to the outside of your home as well: if you have inside shut-off valves that lead to your outside faucets be sure they are closed and that those outside lines are full drained
  • Know where your home’s main shut off valve is and if you are leaving for a vacation or a long period, shut it off and open all faucets to allow them to drain.

One final Inside Fall Plumbing Tip also pertains to when you will be leaving your home for long periods of time. Always remember to leave your heat turned on at no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, do that no pipes freeze while you are away.

Our Inside Fall Plumbing Tips and the previous blog post covering the outside of your house can help for a worry-free period through the upcoming months as the temperature begins to drop. If you do see some type of issue when following these easy-to-follow pointers, call the professionals at Poole’s at 919-661-6334 or contact us through our website at poolesplumbing.com.

 

Fall Outside Plumbing Tips

Fall Outside Plumbing Tips from Poole’s Plumbing

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With the official first day of the Fall season coming and going on September 22, the leaves start changing colors, the temperature starts to drop, and much like you can count on each of these things happening, there are several preparation that you can take around your home to make sure that you avoid some costly plumbing disasters as the thermometer continues to head south and winter draws near. The friendly Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can help you by offering up their Fall Outside Plumbing Tips that are easy to follow and execute.

Disconnect Water Hoses 

To begin with our Fall Outside Plumbing Tips, you want to be certain to disconnect all outside water hoses. Plain and simple, if left connected, the hose can freeze up when the temperature reaches a certain point and this can lead to expansion that could see faucets and connected pipes indoors to freeze and then break.

Check for Leaky Outdoor Faucets

Be sure that no outside faucets are leaking or even dripping. If you notice they are, tend to the repairs if you are able to or call the Raleigh professional at Poole’s before the freezing weather has a chance to arrive. This if not attended to can also cause frozen pipes, which regardless of steel, plastic, or whatever they are made of will crack if frozen and could have damaging results and even cause a flood.

Cover Outside Faucets

It is worth the time to go to some type of hardware store or home center to get some type of insulation kit to make sure the outside faucets around your house are properly insulated to avoid the problems with pipes spoken of in the previous two Fall Outside Plumbing Tips above.

Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

One of the Fall Outside Plumbing Tips that everyone seems to know of, yet still leads to as many or more issues than any of the others when the colder weather hit. Clear all leaves and any other debris from downspouts and gutters, as once the water starts freezing and thawing it is necessary to have easy drainage.

These easy-to-follow- Fall Outside Plumbing Tips from the experts at Poole’s Plumbing are one’s that you do not want to wait around on as the cool Fall temperature gives way to a brisker, colder winter. In the next blog entry at poolesplumbing.com we will continue our seasonal tips and head indoors for some helpful pointers to avoid potentially costly situations.

Energy-Efficient-Technology-Poole's Plumbing

Save with Energy Efficient Technology from Kohler

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Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing specializes in bringing you the latest Energy Efficient Technology innovations for all of your plumbing needs, using the newest product from the most trusted names in the industry, including Kohler, which has introduced many convenient and efficient advances in their huge line of faucet choices for your home.

A great kitchen faucet can help you to get the small things you need done and move on to the things that really matter, and with some of the new Energy Efficient Technology features on a variety of the latest offerings from Kohler can get you on your way to an easier time in the kitchen. On new feature is Kohler’s “Sweep Spray.” According to Kohler.com, this features “specially angled nozzles that create a forceful blade of water designed to sweep away stuck-on food from your dishes. With the push of a button, your faucet’s standard stream spray transforms to a powerful stream that makes kitchen clean up a breeze.”

Another great new Energy Efficient Technology feature on many Kohler model faucets, available through the most trusted name in Raleigh NC Plumbers,  is the “DockNetik Magnetic Docking System.” This is described at their website as “pull-down kitchen faucets that have specially positioned magnets within the faucet body. These magnets securely lock the spray head into place when you are not using it, preventing the spray head from dropping.”

The Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing are a licensed dealer of all Kohler faucets and products in addition to the latest innovative Energy Efficient Technology  items from many other of the most trusted names in plumbing. For more information on faucets featuring the “Sweep Spray” and “DockNetik Magnetic Docking System,” as well as the models that these features are available on check out their website at www.us.kohler.com under “Faucet Innovations.”

 

 

Rinnai Tankless Water Heater named among Top 100 Products

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Much like when looking for a professional plumber in the Raleigh area, you need look no further than the water heater experts at Poole’s Plumbing, Professional Remodeler Magazine recently looked to the innovators in tankless water heater technology consistently since the concept has gained popularity, Rinnai, and their Ultra Series RUR model as a part of the honorees included in their list of Top 100 Products.

Gaining this prestigious honor in the mechanical and electrical category based on a public vote, and garnering this lofty praise as part of the Top 100 Products for the third consecutive year, Rinnai is the number one selling brand of tankless water heaters in the United States and Canada. In a press release, speaking of once again being a part of the Top 100 Products  listing, Rinnai Vice President of Marketing, Mark Buss said, “Being recognized by Professional Modeler’s readers who are the key decision makers for buying products or influencing product selection is an empowering acknowledgement of Rinnai’s commitment to innovation and to providing water heating solutions for the remodeling industry.” Buss concluded, “It’s especially rewarding to know this community has positively responded to our Ultra Series RUR models, highlighting a significant product.”

With a unique design, providing consumers with endless hot water whenever and wherever it is needed, the award winning Rinnai Ultra Series RUR98i and RUR98e models have the highest hot water capacity per BTU of any Rinnai models. This allows for the units to support hot water being used by multiple sources at the same time, and provides more venting units on each model to aid in allowing this to occur.

This is the 15th year that Professional Remodeler Magazine has compile their Top 100 Products of 2016 listings, and the publication is recognized as one of the most respected in the remodeling industry for detailing breaking news, trends and techniques and business updates as well.The Raleigh water heater experts, Poole’s Plumbing are authorized dealers of the award winning Ultra series of tankless water heaters and all of the great products bearing the Rinnai name. To read more on the company’s third consecutive inclusion to this listing and specifically the Top 100 Products , visit rinnai.us.

Lessen the Waste and the “Wait” with Hot Water Recirculation Systems

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Specializing in many eco-friendly and water saving practice, the expert Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can install many different products and systems to help you save both at the faucet and in your wallet. The installation of Hot Water Recirculation Systems can help you make big savings in both of these areas, all the while cutting down the wait time that you experience as you wait for your hot water to turn on.

To begin, many people may be uncertain as to exactly what Hot Water Recirculation Systems do. Explained by one of the major manufacturers of these type systems’ Grundfos’ business specialist, Tom Phillips, “The system operates because the pump creates a small pressure differential between the hot and cold water sides.” He added, “A thin wax filament inside the valve enclosure expands and contracts predictably, contracting when it’s cold to open the valve and closing as the wax expands with the heat from the water.”

The process of installing Hot Water Recirculation Systems such as the Grundfos brand model’s that are many times installed by the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing only takes about an hour or two total. Seeing that much of the heat is lost as the water travels through your pipes and that you have to wait for said water to initially heat up, installing Hot Water Recirculation Systems can save on both the energy used and water being wasted.

As explained at energstar.gov, the benefits you can see from installation of Hot Water Recirculation Systems are as follows:

  1. Recirculating pumps have the potential to solve the problem of a long wait for hot water at a distant fixture, while simultaneously saving energy, water and money.
  2. You no longer have to send cold water down the drain while waiting for warm water. Instead, recirculating pumps rapidly pull hot water from a water heater, while simultanously send cool water from the hot water lines back to the water heater to be reheated and reused. Demand systems can be controlled by the push of a button, a timer, or motion sensor.

To learn more about Hot Water Recirculation Systems you can read the entire article at the Energy Star website, or visit the Grundfos website as well at us.grundfos.com.

 

 

Kohler Water Saving Products

“Exhale” and Enjoy Comfort and Savings with Kohler Showerheads

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Saving money, conserving water, and enjoying maximum comfort are all major factors to weigh out when deciding on a new showerhead, but by letting the most trusted name among Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, install any of the Kohler Showerheads or handshowers in their “Exhale” line, you can achieve all three of these.

Described at us.kohler.com as “The showering experience that will take your breath away,” the Exhale line of Kohler Showerheads offer unique and intense spray pressure to give you the ultimate in comfort in the shower, regardless of how much or little pressure you enjoy while rinsing off. There are actually four different spray options among the Inhale Kohler Showerheads, full-coverage, tense massage, and silk spray. Any of these choices gives you many options in spray pressure whether taking a relaxing shower at night or starting the day with an invigorating rinse to wake up.

Offering great convenience as well, the Kohler Showerheads in the Exhale line have a 360-degree continuous rotation feature that enables you to smoothly switch the pressure setting of the spray between the four choices above, changing every 30 degrees to the next setting. Helping to conserve water while you enjoy the unmatched comfort from a Kohler Showerhead, the popular “handshower” models in the Exhale line can also have a wall mount feature that has both an integrated water supply and allows you volume control while showering. Additionally, the soft silicone face on these Kohler showerheads and handshowers have no nozzles, making cleaning them far easier than a conventional showerhead.

On top of the easy cleaning, ultimate spray control, and convenient conservation features, the Exhale line of Kohler Showerheads also feature a water saving design that is sure to cut back on expensive water bills. The entire line is WaterSense certified and are engineered to utilize 20 percent less water than the common and standard 2.5 gpm showerhead models while still giving you all the quality features unique to the Kohler brand.

The Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing are a certified distributor of Kohler Showerheads and all other plumbing products. To learn more about the Exhale line or all the other new and innovative plumbing products from Kohler, visit us.kohler.com.

Avoiding a Clogged Drain is avoiding a Possible Disaster

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Whether on the interior or exterior of your house, keeping your drains free flowing and in excellent condition should always be a priority. Back up or clogs in drains or pipes can cause a slew of problems, including messy floor leaks, costly repairs, yard flooding and simply put can just lead to straight up general inconvenience. To avoid these type issues or what can become a costly and even worse plumbing disaster, the most trusted Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing offer a reminder to always try and check and stay on  the look out to check for the following immediately after any suspected drainage issues:

  1. Excusing the pun, I think we all can agree that garbage disposals can be a messy business. Bones and large chunks of greasy food can prove troublesome for your garbage disposal and lead to a clogged drain. You’ll want to toss most of these aforementioned offenders into your garbage and not directly into your disposal.
  2. Your dishwasher is a life saver after a long day and a painstakingly cooked meal, but every once in a while it can actually create extra work for you. Repeated running of your dishwasher or failure to properly remove solid waste from its innards before running a cycle can cause backups in your drain.
  3. Your washing machine can pose problems in the same manner as your dishwasher, so be vigilant when taking care of those seemingly never-ending loads of laundry. Pay attention to when your clogs tend to happen — if they seem to occur on days you’re running your washing machine then you’ve probably located the source of the problem. Multiple large loads in quick succession can cause the synthetic fabrics of your clothing to gather in drains and foil even your best efforts at keeping your drains free flowing.
  4. Perhaps surprisingly, your main sewer line may be behind all your drainage woes, no matter whether the clog occurs in an area in the line right beside your house or near the edge of the street. Municipalities have different guidelines governing what is your responsibility and what is not regarding the sewer line and you may be on the hook for a repair before you can restore the health of your drains. Check with your municipality to determine how to handle a clogged sewer line.

Another time too be on alert to check for clogged drains or a back up issue is when there have been heavy rains. The deluge following a storm can cause clogging in outside drains as dirt and debris wash in rapidly and collect. These drains are not often intended for large volumes of water in a short time period, and a summer storm may have you scrambling to prevent flooding to your property.

 

Water Conservation in the Bathroom

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Everyone would like to save on costly water and utility bills each month, and through several easy and simple checks and steps that can be done and followed for Water Conservation in the Bathroom, the professional Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can help you get on the path to saving.

 

Water Conservation in the BathroomThe first area to touch upon to help with Water Conservation in the Bathroom is your shower and bathtub. To begin here, a simple check of your showerhead would be in order. Aiming the head at a one-gallon bucket and timing to see how long it takes to fill can tell you when it may be time for a replacement. If the bucket is filled in less that 20 seconds you will want to look at replacing it with a more efficient, low-flow showerhead. Not only are the low flow models great for Water Conservation in the Bathroom, they are inexpensive and easy to install, they can cut your usage by more than 500 gallons of water per week. This combined with keeping a close eye on the time you and other family members actually spend taking a shower and limiting it to 5 minutes can save on average another 1,000 gallons of water per month.

In the bathtub there are lso some very easily monitored step that can help you with Water Conservation in the Bathroom. For starters, using a plug before turning the water on as you adjust the temperature will help to avoid wasting water, as will having your very young children take a bath together rather than having to fill the tub and go through the entire process multiple times.

The toilet is an obvious spot in the bathroom where by just making sure all pieces and parts are operating correctly can get you on your desired path to Water Conservation in the Bathroom. The tank and flapper are both spots on the toilet that you want to check regularly to be sure they are functioning properly. The “food coloring” test is an easy way to be certain the tank isn’t leaking, as by putting a few drops in, you can tell it is leaking if the color seeps into the bowl. If there is a leak, it is an easy fix for the pros at Poole’s Plumbing and can conserve over 600 gallons per month. As for the flapper, checking on a consistent basis to sure it isn’t sticking will help with your Water Conservation in the Bathroom efforts. Also, if you hear a toilet flushing itself or constantly running, this also is more than likely an easily fixed leak and if not addressed could lead to wasting more than 500 gallons of water weekly. One last tip that may seem obvious, but can really help conserve is to put your tissues into the trash as opposed to flushing them down, as this also can add up with each wasted flush.

Water Conservation in the Bathroom

Lastly, monitoring your water usage at the sink can be another simple avenue to help with Water Conservation in the Bathroom. Again, these are common sense ways to save, as by just turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth, the average family of four would conserve about 200 gallons per week. Doing the same while shaving would save around 100 gallons a week as well. Much like recommended above with the toilets, when hearing a consistent drip from the faucet, having to problem rectified in a timely manner can also lead to big savings both with water and in your wallet.

Water Conservation in the Bathroom can be easily achieved and lead to you not wasting water or money unnecessarily. The plumbing experts at Poole’s Plumbing recommend these tips to you in beginning your conservation efforts and in Part Two of our water conservation articles will remind you of more simple ways to conserve water and money throughout the rest of the house.

 

 

 

“Rinse” Away Wasteful Water Usage with Laundry Room Water Conservation Tips

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In the final article of our three part series aimed at helping you cut back both on costly water bills and on being wasteful around the house, the Raleigh NC professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing will take you straight to the washing machine and give you a few pointers as a part of our Laundry Room Water Conservation Tips.

Much as with the initial two articles in this series which covered conserving in both the kitchen and the bathroom, our Laundry Room Water Conservation Tips more than anything are simply a matter of staying on top of how your appliances work and operate as well as being conscious of the amount of water being used in your household and limiting that amount to what is needed.

To begin with, running your washing machine only when it is full rather than washing smaller loads can save the average family from wasting about 1,000 gallons of water per month. Likewise, being aware and keeping an eye on the size of load that you are washing and matching your water level to that load is another way that you can save.

In actuality, you can start acting on these Laundry Room Water Conservation Tips before you even set foot back in your home when buying your washing machine. By thinking of the best ways to save and conserve water when shopping for a new appliance, checking for a model that has a variety of load size and water cycle adjustments will allow you to better monitor your water usage when doing a wash. Also, with the innovative new technology always being applied to make products more green compliant, purchasing a water saving washing mating for example one with the Water Sense label to be sure your new appliance is high efficiency.

These easy-to-do Laundry Room Water Conservation Tips provided by the most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing are simple ways to be mindful of the amount of water usage going on under your roof on a daily basis. Keeping a watchful eye out when doing your laundry in addition to utilizing the tips provided in part one and two of our water conservation three-part series, both in the kitchen and bathroom, can have you on the fast track to saving and conserving in no time.

Hiring a Plumbing Company – 6 Essential Points to Consider Before an Emergency Strikes

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Plumbing is one of those unglamorous but essential services that everyone needs to call on from time to time. With luck, most your dealings with a plumber will be planned in advance, but it’s almost certain you’ll face an emergency at some point.

When you’ve got water gushing down your walls, you don’t want to be scrabbling for a good plumbing company to come to your rescue. It pays to do your research first, so that you have a number to call without delay. Here’s what to look for when finding a good plumbing company.

 

Availability

Does the company offer a 24-hour call-out service? Are there any charges for attending your home at unsocial hours? Will they guarantee to fix the problem on their first visit, or at least to make it safe and prevent further damage? In an emergency, you need help straight away, so make sure you know the answer to these questions in advance.

Experience and Qualifications

It’s vital to ask how long the plumbing company has been providing their services, and which qualifications the individual plumbers possess. Is the company as a whole regulated by any trade association or official body? These questions are particularly important if the work involves gas or electrical components, when safety is absolutely crucial.

Who’s Actually Doing the Work?

Is the person you speak to the one who will be carrying out the work, or will it be an employee or even a subcontractor? Any of these options can be perfectly acceptable. For your own peace of mind, however, you may want to first meet the person carrying out the work, especially if the job is inside your home.

Liability Cover

Is the company properly insured? If something goes wrong, you need to know that you won’t lose out financially, and so it’s essential they have a comprehensive liability insurance policy in place.

Warranty and Guarantees

It’s also a good idea to ask what will happen if you’re unhappy with the work for any other reason. What’s the procedure if you’re not satisfied with the job that’s been done? For how long will the parts they’ve used be under warranty, and will they replace them without a call-out charge if needed?

Prices and Payment

Although the exact prices will vary depending on the details of the work, you should ask the typical costs for a range of common jobs so you can get a rough idea of the expense involved. Also, is payment required upon completion or partly or fully in advance? Are installment terms available?

Plumbing work is often needed in an emergency situation when you have no time to waste. Asking these questions of a company in advance will ensure you can get quick and efficient assistance when you need it most.

Benefits of Home Water Softeners  

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Water softeners are used to remove minerals that make water hard. Hard water has high levels of two soluble minerals: calcium and magnesium. If your water is hard, it can cause problems in your home that may go unnoticed.

 

Problems Caused by Hard Water   

Soap is less effective in hard water. This is because soap is made with sodium and potassium compounds like sodium stearate. Calcium compounds in the water react with sodium stearate to make calcium stearate. While sodium stearate dissolves in water, calcium stearate does not. As a result, soaps produce less lather and leave behind more soap curd.

Soap curd can leave a film on your skin that clogs the pores and causes your skin to feel dry and rough. The film can also make your hair brittle and dull-looking.

The soap curd can clog pipes and make it difficult for soaps and detergents to dissolve, resulting in water spots being left behind after cleaning. As scale accumulates within the pipes, your water heater will work less efficiently, needing more energy to heat your water and causing your utility costs to go up. Overall, the buildup will shorten the life of any appliance that uses water.

In addition, the minerals in hard water can become attached to the fibers of your clothing, covering them with residue and causing them to feel stiff. To properly clean your clothes in hard water, you will need to use more detergent and wash at higher temperatures. Both of these measures can significantly increase the cost of doing laundry.

By softening your water, you can prevent damage to your home and to your appliances. The benefits of softer water include:

Healthier Skin and Hair

Your skin is likely to become smoother after you start to soften your water, and your hair may become softer and shinier as well. Not only will you need to use less soap when showering and less shampoo for your hair, but you also may find that you do not need conditioners at all.

Easier, More Thorough Cleaning

One of the most visible benefits of water softening includes the reduction of scale on cookware, silverware, and plumbing fixtures, which means fewer water spots. The chalky accumulation of soap curds in your shower and bathtub will be reduced or eliminated, so your bathrooms will be easier to clean. Furthermore, because minerals won’t attach to fabrics, your laundry will need less detergent, get cleaner and cost less to wash.

Longer-Lasting Appliances

Not only will soft water save you money, but it will reduce your carbon footprint by as well. Because you won’t have to replace your appliances as often, you will be reducing waste and helping to conserve the energy used in the manufacturing process.

If you are dealing with the effects of minerals in your water, the right water softening and filtration system can help. The technology has been around for decades and is considered reliable. You have several options, so when choosing a water softener for your home, consider such factors as the size of the unit, the amount of time it takes to soften your water, and the volume of salt the system adds to the water coming into your home. You may want to look at a salt-free unit, which would be a better choice for homeowners who want to avoid excessive sodium intake.

The right water softening system can mitigate the problems that hard water causes, while also making your home more energy-efficient. Contat Poole’s Plumbing today to learn more.

Try These Plumbing Repair Projects Even If You’ve Never Picked Up a Wrench

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If you had to call a plumber in every time something dripped or clogged up, you might wait too long. Having the right plumbing tools on hand is an excellent way to get to a problem as soon as it occurs, and to make sure that it doesn’t get out of control.

Certainly, some kinds of DIY plumbing repair projects aren’t for beginners (you should probably look up a professional plumber before you do extensive damage to your drainpipes trying fish out a lost wedding ring with a straightened-out wire hanger, for example). Many smaller problems are perfect for the DIY beginner, however. This simple home servicing guide should help you with the right ideas.

A non-working flush lever

If you have an old flush tank sitting on your toilet (rather than a wall-mounted flush lever), you should be able to handle the common loose handle problem. All you need to do is to take the lid off the tank and look inside. Often, the lever will have worked itself loose from the flapper, or from its metal chain. You may be able to simply screw any loose parts together, or visit a hardware store for broken parts.

Unclog the toilet

Some toilet clogs can be complicated and need a plumber. Before you look on Ask Doss for a professional, however, it would make sense to see what you can do with a plunger and an auger. You should first visit a home improvement store for the right tools. It takes a toilet plunger, rather than a sink plunger. A dozen strong thrusts should clear up any minor clogs. If this doesn’t do the trick, you need to send in an auger and crank away. It should attach to whatever foreign object is clogging up the works, and help you pull it out.

Correct a leaky sink drain

Leaky pipes are one of the simpler DIY plumbing projects. When you look under the sink, you should find some attachment that delivers waste water to the drain in the wall — a P-trap or bottle trap. You need to put a large basin under the drain to catch any splashes and use a large wrench to undo the nut that holds the trap in place. You can rinse the trap out, and replace the washer. Not only will the drain flow more freely now, but the new washer should also keep the water in, where it belongs.

Stop that drip

If you have a dripping faucet, you don’t have to keep using more force each passing day, to tighten it. Instead, you only need to replace the washer. Whether you have an old faucet that takes many turns to open and close or one of the newer ones that take a simple quarter-turn, it’s easy to do the work yourself. It does take patience, however. You need a small plumber’s wrench and to find an assistant to help you. While they hold the faucet from above, you go below and carefully unscrew the nut that holds it in place.

Once you have the faucet out, you can take it to a home improvement store and have them give you a replacement washer or cartridge. You want to take a video of yourself taking the faucet apart, however. Faucets contain many washers and other small components, and you want to make sure that you know how to put them back in the order that you find them.

One of the most important skills that the DIY plumber possesses is knowing when a project is too complicated. Venturing forth with a job that requires a greater level of skill and you possess a recipe for flooded floors and big bills. When you take baby steps, however, DIY can be nothing but rewarding.

Raleigh's-Most-Trusted-Plumbers

Hydro-jet, Pipe Cleaning

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The Difference Between Snaking and Hydro Jetting

 At some point in time, most homeowners will experience a clogged sewer line. This issue can be quite a nuisance, so it is essential to prevent it before it happens. Regular cleaning is an excellent preventative measure, and it is effective when it comes to eliminating soap residue, tree roots and hair, the biggest culprits of serious clogs. The two most common cleaning methods are snaking and hydro-jet pipe cleaning. If you want to choose the best option for your home, it is important to learn about each. Poole’s Plumbing can help you decide which method will be most beneficial for you.

How Hydro Jetting Works

What exactly is hydro jetting? Basically, this method utilizes a powerful water stream to get rid of any debris stuck in the sewer line. The primary tool is a hose equipped with a specialized nozzle that releases water pressurized anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000 PSI. This level of water pressure is typically sufficient to blast out debris lodged in the line. Hydro jetting has several benefits, including:

  • Versatility: This method is useful for cleaning both commercial and residential sewer lines.
  • Effectiveness: Hydro jetting is highly effective at doing its job. It ensures the pipes remain clean as well.
  • Water Only: There are no chemicals involved with hydro jetting, meaning your pipes will not have to be subject to harsh chemicals just to get rid of clogs.

It is important that hydro jetting should be left to the pros, as older and more fragile pipes can be damaged by the powerful method.

Snaking

Snaking is different than hydro jetting in that is uses a steel cable called an auger with a special tip designed to penetrate tough clogs. While this method may not be as effective as hydro jetting, it is beneficial in that it does not cause damage to pipes.

If you need your sewer line cleaned and want plumbing done right the first time, contact us at Poole’s Plumbing today. We are experienced professionals who know how to get the job done. If you are a restaurant owner or have commercial needs, see our Commercial Services. One call does it all.

Brains and Beauty: the Zurn Sundara™ Solid Surface Handwashing System

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prlog.orgZurn Unveils the Sundara™ Solid Surface Bathroom Handwashing System, in both style and function for commercial applications.

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE, HIGH-MINDED DESIGN

Influenced by architects and crafted by audacious industrial designers, Sundara – a Sanskrit term meaning “beautiful” – is a bold approach to the handwashing system. We’ve unified seamless countertops, basins, faucets and soap dispensers for a modern concept that elevates the restroom experience through a combination of style and substance.

“Sundara systems are different because they bring a harmonized, clean look to the commercial restroom. These unique lavatory platforms will open architects’ minds to new design possibilities.”

— David Rotman, Rotman Architecture
sundara
Learn more at the Zurn Website or Call Poole’s Plumbing for Availability.

prlog.org

 

MILWAUKEE – April 25, 2017 – PRLog– Architects have a reason to take a new look at Zurn Industries … combining a seamless countertop and basin design with curated faucets and soap dispensers to match. Brawn, Brains and Beauty: Zurn Unveils the Sundara™ Solid Surface Handwashing System

thumbnail courtesy of prlog.org