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.

Visit Poole’s Plumbing at the 2015 Fall Downtown Raleigh Home Show

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Gain a Fresh Perspective— Friday, September 11-Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Booth 519

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Stop by and visit the Raleigh Plumbing professionals at Poole’s Plumbing and get some helpful tips and ideas, see all the newest products, and get some fantastic deals at the “Fall Downtown Raleigh Home Show.” Find Poole’s at Booth 519, right in the center of the main showroom at Raleigh’s Biggest Home Show Event of the season.

Fall Downtown Raleigh Home Show
Friday, September 11th-Sunday, September 13th
Raleigh Convention Center
500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh
Visit Poole’s Plumbing at Booth 519

Join the Raleigh plumbing experts from Poole’s Plumbing alongside top professionals from all fields representing local, regional, and national companies in all areas of remodeling, home improvement, outdoor, and design. For three days, come experience, compare, and purchase the latest and most innovative products and services offered for the home and garden. With professionals and experts in a variety of fields representing the top local, regional, and national companies, you won’t want to miss the Triangle area’s Biggest Home and Garden Event of the season.

Celebrity appearances will be made throughout the weekend at the Home Show, as the host of the popular PBS series, “This Old House,” Kevin O’Connor will be at the show on Friday and Saturday, and the 2015 Home and Garden Trendsetter of the year, “the Diva of DIY,” Leanne Lee, of the DIY Network, appears on all three days.
In addition to over 200 exhibitors to be on hand at this year’s Fall Home Show, there are several demonstrations and special attractions you won’t want to miss, including:

THE ULTIMATE TREE HOUSE
Certainly not the treehouse you remember from your childhood, you don’t even have to be outside to take a walk through this impressive feature designed by RB Landscaping.

DRAB TO FAB
The Go Girl Shoppe will be showing you how to turn “flea market finds” or old items found in your home from “Drab to Fab” as they are showcased both before and after the transformation.

OUTDOOR OASIS
Giving you a glimpse of the creative design that has made them one of Raleigh’s premier landscapers for over a decade, Luxury Living Scapes Inc. the “Outdoor Oasis” will be built inside the convention center in aisle 100 of the show.
GARDEN MARKET
Flowers, plants, and another unique home décor will be available in the Garden Market. You can’t miss the spectacular presentation of The Flower Pot, which will be located in the lobby of the convention center.

HERO DAY
A special thanks to “the troops,” as on Friday, September 11, all active and retired military personnel get into the show for FREE.

Website: www.raleighfallshow.com

Raleigh Emergency Plumbers

Get to Know your Main Water Shut Off Valve even before Calling Your Raleigh Emergency Plumbers

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Before picking up the phone to call your Raleigh Emergency Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing, it is a wise decision to become more familiar with your homes’ main water shut off valve, where it may be located and how to turn it off.

If a plumbing emergency occurs, such as a broken water pipe or even an overflowing toilet that is sending water rushing across your floor, it is best to know where your main water shut off valve is, rather than figure it out as the water continues to flow freely across the floors of your home. While sinks and toilets do have their own valves, they can stick and in that case you still would need to locate the main to stop the flooding.

Raleigh Emergency Plumbers

The location of your main water valve can depend on where you live, actually.  Usually, in southern locations like this area, the valve is located outside of the home. In most cases, it will be toward the front of the house and near an outdoor hose faucet. However, it should be noted that in some cases the valve is located inside the homes’ meter box. If this is the case, making sure to have the key to that box in an emergency situation is a must.

Equally as important as finding where in your house the main water shut off valve is, is knowing how to actually shut it off. Most off these can simply be turned off by hand, while other could require a wrench, but either way always remember to turn the valve to the right to turn them off.

Making sure that everyone in the family, including the little ones, know where the valve is and how to turn it off correctly is a good way to avoid an unexpected plumbing catastrophe. Keeping the number or even a business card from your Raleigh Emergency Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing near the valve so once it is shut off in case assistance or repairs are needed is also a good idea for the times when you may not be home and there is an emergency situation.

Germ Free and Flushing Clean: American Standard’s New Toilet Innovations from the professional Raleigh Plumbers at Poole’s

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professional Raleigh PlumbersWhen most people think of their toilet, the words “germ free” and “clean” may not be exactly the first terms that come to mind. However, with the latest toilet innovations in American Standard‘s products available through the trusted professional Raleigh Plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, that is exactly what you can get.

Possibly the most innovative of the features that the professional Raleigh Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can bring to your bathroom in a new American Standard toilet are the models featuring their “ActiVate Touchless Flush Technology.” Advertised as a “germ free, no- touch flush,” the toilets featuring this technology have a system powered by 4 AA batteries that are warrantied for up to two years based on an average of 12 flushes or less per day. With a sensor located on the upper right side of the toilet, there is literally no contact needed to be made in order to flush your unit. For convenience and as a backup, there is also a button that would allow you to manually flush the toilet as well. Another great feature to the “ActiVate” models is a power-off mode, that allows you to turn the sensor completely off for easy cleaning without having to worry about unwanted flushes .

professional Raleigh PlumbersAmerican Standard has also raised the bar in keeping your toilet bowl clean with the introduction of its “VorMax” Flush technology. Basically, the “VorMax” technology has reinvented the way that your toilet is cleaned, by taking away the rim holes around the inside of the bowl that conventionally have produced the water during a flush. In its place is just one high powered stream of water that self scrubs your entire bowl from top to bottom, without you even having to raise a finger or a brush. The “VorMax” jet stream even cleans the difficult to reach spots in your bowl that has given people fits in cleaning for years upon years.

These are just a few of the cutting edge technological advances in the latest products from American Standard that can be installed to your bathroom by the professional Raleigh Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing. To see more on the full line of their newest products, go to www.americanstandard-us.com.

Raleigh plumbers will help you “Lower the Flow”

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One of the many energy conserving methods that the Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can help you to achieve is through their installation of low flow shower heads, which can help to cut your costs, while still giving you the comfort in a shower head and pressure levels you desire on any of these fixtures you may choose.

With the low flow showerheads, for the maximum in water efficiency, it is recommended to choose a fixture with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. Many older showerheads, whether they are aerating, which mixes air with water or laminar-flow, which form individual streams of water had flow rates more than twice that recommended figure. With the low flow heads being able to be had at $10-20 for some of the units, it is worth looking into, as they can save you on your water costs by an estimated 25-60 percent.

Raleigh professional plumbers

Energy.gov offers several tips on how to decide if your shower head is costing you too much, suggesting a quick and simple, three step test to determine if a switch to low flow would be worth your while. First, they suggest you simply place a bucket, which is marked in gallon increments under the shower head. Next, simply turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use. Lastly, time how many seconds it takes to reach that one gallon mark. The site goes on to explain that if it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the one gallon mark that you could stand to save money on water costs with the switch to a low flow shower head.

If conserving water, cutting costs and saving energy is something you are looking to do, this is just one of the many ways that the Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s can start you on your way to lowering those water bills.

Water Heater technology : The future has arrived with iCOMM Elite

Water Heater technology : The future has arrived with iCOMM Elite

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The expert Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing specialize in water heater installation, offering you the latest technology in the field from the best names in the industry, including State Water Heaters, who with their iCOMM Elite models give you the latest in innovative Water Heater technology. Water Heater technology : The future has arrived with iCOMM Elite The iCOM Elite featurs an interactive remote monitoring system unique to the State brand units. According to their website, “It’s the latest technology in commercial water heating that allows you to interact with, privately manage, and monitor your State water heaters or boilers from anywhere in the world via the internet.”OMM Elite features an interactive remote monitoring system unique to the State brand units.

According to their website, “It’s the latest technology in commercial water heating that allows you to interact with, privately manage, and monitor your State water heaters or boilers from anywhere in the world via the internet.”

A few of the innovations the iCOMM Elite afford to you as a customer are the ability to access current and historical water heater data, monitor “live” water heater status using a web browser, respond instantly to leak detection notifications, manage fault alerts sent by text or email, and monitor your fleet of water heaters from anywhere you night be.

For more information on the iComm Elite and all the latest products available through the Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing you can check out the State website at www.stateconnect.com.    

Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean versus Cabling-Clear & Flow Service

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commerical-kitchen-drain

Poole’s Plumbing’s use of the innovative Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean service to annihilate stoppages in residential and commercial drains is a leap forward for the industry. The Hydro-Jett service blasts through built-up soap scum, sediment, sand, scale, grease, mineral, leaves, hair and roots via powerful, 3500 PSI streams of water directed at different angles. How exactly though does this procedure stack up against more traditional cabling/“rooting” services such as the Cabling-Clear & Flow Service offered by Poole’s, and what are the specific advantages?

With a traditional cable clear service, a rotating cable equipped with a cutting head is mechanically fed down into the drain pipe. The cable’s cutting head moves through the drain stoppage, cutting until the stoppage has been cleared. Poole’s uses our attached video camera equipment to ensure the stoppage is cleared; however, build-up does remain around the walls of the drain pipe in question, and a warranty on the rooter machine service is not provided.

Poole’s new Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean service harnesses the power of water to not only cut a hole in the build-up, but to forcefully blast the walls of the pipe clean, removing all of the gunk inside the drain pipe instead of just a portion. The Hydro-Jett doesn’t just remove the stoppage, it cleans the entire pipe, whether it’s located at an apartment complex or is a commercial grease drain at a restaurant.

The Hydro-Jett isn’t a short term fix. Instead, it’s a compete solution that leaves the pipe in a nearly new condition. Poole’s is so confident in the power of this solution that unlike the Cabling-Clear & Flow Service, we offer a 90 day warranty on your line, guaranteeing it’s clear from stoppages for at least three months.

New Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean Service Revolutionizes Drain Cleaning

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commercial-plumbingPoole’s Plumbing has prided itself on its friendly, full-service drain cleaning and sewer clearing offerings for more than a decade, and we’re happy to announce the availability of our new Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean Service, a more thorough and complete fix for both residential garbage disposals and commercial drain stoppages.

Unlike conventional cable or “rooter” machines which only target the immediate stoppage in your drain, our Hydro-Jett system utilizes high pressure water jets at 3500 PSI to thoroughly clean the walls of the pipe, removing far more of the debris in your water and sewer lines and preventing leftover build-up from creating another stoppage by simply eliminating it altogether. This system doesn’t “poke” a hole in the stoppage like previous systems — it literally blasts away the problem.

How does the Hydro-Jett Clean & Clear Service offer such a complete, efficient solution? The jetting system’s spinning streams attack sediment, scale, soap scum, leaves, grease, hair and even roots at a variety of angles, and are so powerful they can cut through a 2×4 piece of wood in approximately 30 seconds! This power is used efficiently and responsibly, because unlike cable machines, your pavement and landscaping don’t need to be dug up or disturbed during the process. No more sewer cables and no more messy removal of clogged sewer pipes.

The Hydro-Jett system is so advanced that Poole’s recommends its use for everything from apartment complex clean-up to tearing through grease and oil in restaurant drains, and because of the manner in which the high-powered jets attack the gunk and build-up around the walls of the pipes, we’re offering a 90-day warranty with each cleaning. Oh, and as always, you’ll never pay extra for our camera. Interested in learning more about our innovative Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean Service? Visit our Hydro-Jett page to learn more.

Knowing When Your Water Heater Needs Replacement: An Interview with Poole’s Plumbing

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raleigh-plumber-interview By Kristen Bosse
Please describe a little bit about your company and the services you offer?
Poole’s Plumbing, Inc. is a fully licensed and insured residential and commercial Raleigh plumbing contracting company created in 1999 by Robert K. Poole. With two men, a truck, and a dream, Robert started this journey by doing new construction and renovation work. By 2007, Poole’s Plumbing had 60+ employees and plumbed approximately 1,300 new homes per year. Poole’s Plumbing, Inc. maintains a client portfolio that includes some of the largest national tract home building companies as well as some of the most well-respected custom home builders in the triangle area. We offer full-service turn-key new construction, remodeling, & repair services. The moral/ethical position of Poole’s Plumbing is to create an environment of Honesty and Integrity and to maintain a high level of service without compromising quality or craftsmanship. Our desired public image is “plumbing done right the first time” at the best possible cost.


What is your position at Poole’s Plumbing?Robert (Bob) K. Poole
Owner/President

Joseph Favara
Operations Manager

What are some eco-friendly services you offer?
Tankless Water Heaters, High Efficient Tank Type Water Heaters, Electric Heat Pump Hybrid Water Heaters, Low-Flow Faucets & Fixtures, Dual-Flush & High Efficient Toilets.

What are the dangers of hard water?
Hard water, unlike softened water, features a buildup of mineral content. This buildup usually consists of magnesium and calcium ions as well as a collection of other dissolved compounds. This high mineral count in hard water leads to a number of potential negative effects.

Film. Hard water affects the quality of your shower or bath. Hard water and soap can make removing body cleansers more difficult, leaving a film on your skin called soap curd. Soap curd is responsible for dull looking hair and can also cause irritation to your skin. Further, soap curd collects as a film on shower walls and along with your bathtub.

Washing Problems. Other problems can occur when washing dishes or clothing as a result of hard water. Hard water often makes clothes feel rougher and more irritable following a wash than they may normally due to the mineral density of the water. Hard water can also cause your clothes to wear out more quickly over repeated washes. These same minerals in hard water also leave a residue when washing dishes, making it more difficult to clean your plates, cups, and utensils in just one normal wash.

Efficiency and Limescale. Hard water can impact the efficiency of hot water heaters. There is a greater amount of sediment in hard water, and this can build up inside water heaters and make it more difficult for the device to heat the water. This causes a greater amount of energy usage, leading to higher energy bills over time. Additionally, other appliances that are used to heat water can become clogged with minerals that are found in abundance in hard water. This limescale buildup will also cause the devices in question to suffer from poor energy usage.

How do I know if it is time to receive maintenance on my water heater?
Performing maintenance on your water heater is highly unlikely to be on the top of your weekend to-do list, but proper maintenance at critical junctures in the life of your water heater can often save the headache of complete replacement- not to mention spare you the task of some serious water cleanup.

Signs your water heater is “under the weather”:

    • Water coming from the heater that appears rusty or brown is typically an indicator of impending water heater failure. Similarly, if the water smells unusual or “metallic” it is another giveaway that your water heater has seen better days. Check the water emerging from your water heater and determine whether its quality has been affected in the aforementioned ways. If you’re wary of tasting the water, a sniff test should suffice.
    • Sediment within your water heater’s water is another indicator your heater’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. This often occurs from mineral build up over time on the bottom of the heater’s tank.
    • Loud pops coming from your water heater are not normal. Also, be sure to monitor for any sounds that crop up that did not previously emanate from the device. Such sounds should be treated as anomalies and may be a symptom of the aforementioned mineral buildup. This buildup will usually lead to failure in the short-term.
    • A symptom of internal water heater failures is leaking water. If water begins noticeably leaking from your heater, disconnect the unit and consider immediate replacement. Do not hesitate to replace your heater in the event of leaking water, as any delay will likely lead not only to a cessation in its operation but also a serious mess that can impact other aspects of your home’s interior, causing associated repair costs to spiral upward.

What areas of my home should I look out for when it comes to plumbing issues?
Plumbing runs throughout the entirety of your home, and where there is plumbing, the potential for plumbing problems arises. The four main areas of the house that often encounter plumbing issues include the kitchen, bathroom, hot water heater and septic system. A licensed plumber provides professional service that can extend the life of your home’s plumbing system.

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. 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, 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 System: This crucial but often overlooked component is responsible for carting waste products away from your home. Regular maintenance is essential, and a licensed plumber can 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.

Please describe a water softener and how it works.
Water softeners perform an “ion swap” procedure within the water in order to achieve softening. The harmful excess calcium and magnesium ions that create water hardness are swapped out with sodium ions, restoring the quality of the water. Sodium most often works for this purpose because sodium “plays nice” with soap and doesn’t react poorly when other elements are introduced. Generally, the amount of sodium that accumulates within your water as a result of this softening process is of no concern and lies far below the FDA’s “very low sodium” classification.

How Ion Swapping Works: A tank full of negatively charged polystyrene beads are bonded to the positively charged sodium ions. The sodium ions “swap” with the harmful magnesium and calcium ions as the water rushes by the beads. Eventually and after numerous cycles however, the sodium within the polystyrene beads is completely replaced by the calcium and magnesium, and the water softening unit can no longer perform its duties without a regeneration cycle. Salt is added back into the water softener to begin this cycle, and the beads are soaked in this solution of salt and water. The beads are regenerated with the proper levels of sodium and any excess solution flows out of the water softener through a drainpipe.

While most home water softeners utilize polystyrene beads, not all determine when it’s necessary to regenerate in the same way. Some water softeners utilize a mechanical water meter that begins the regeneration cycle only when the ratio of existing water to sodium requires activation. Other water softeners operate on a regular, timed schedule due to electric timers, and some instead simply use a computer that begins the regeneration cycle when it deems enough water use has transpired.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to tankless water heater systems?
Traditional water heaters consume large amounts of electricity or natural gas and can only supply enough hot water for two or three showers. Because of these issues, many energy conscious homeowners are making the switch to tankless water heaters to save money and avoid headaches.

    • Unlimited Hot Water: With a tankless water heater, you will enjoy an unlimited supply of hot water. Instead of heating dozens of gallons of water in a large tank and maintaining it at a certain temperature, a tankless water heater simply heats water as it passes through the heating elements. You’ll receive water at your desired temperature within seconds, and you could leave the hot water running for a whole week without running out.
    • Size: A water heater tank can fill up an entire closet by itself, which limits where it can be placed in the house. A tankless water heater is small by comparison, often measuring as tiny as two cubic feet. Because it doesn’t store water, it is lightweight and can easily be mounted to the wall. Even if you place it inside of a closet, you will still be able to use most of the closet for storage however it must be placed on an outside wall so that it can be properly vented to the outside.
    • Energy Savings: Tankless water heaters are incredibly energy efficient. Although they can use 15 to 30 kW of electricity, they actually end up using less energy than water heat tanks. Remember that tankless water heater only turns on when you need them, but water heater tanks can take hours to warm 50 gallons of water to the target temperature.

Manufacturing processes have improved over the past few years as tankless water heaters have become more popular, and they now cost little more than some traditional models. However, the energy savings will quickly make up for any extra installation costs. Depending on your family’s hot water usage, you will save 25 to 40 percent off of your hot water heating costs every year.

Disadvantages: The only disadvantage that we could see is that if you lose power, you will have no hot water. But then again you could invest in a whole house generator to solve that problem.
What’s the best way for people to get in contact with you?

There are many ways to contact us. You can simply call us at 919-661-6334 or use our contact form located at: https://www.poolesplumbing.com/contact-us

What Are the Benefits of Using a Low-Flow Shower Head?

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Low-flow shower heads have been near the forefront of home water conservation efforts for some time now, and it’s no surprise as 20-25% of all household water usage comes from showering. Unlike earlier models of low-flow shower heads, newer models utilize a smarter design with smaller water apertures that allow these devices to provide adequate water volume while still fulfilling their purpose of using less water. These new low-flower shower heads provide clear benefits:

Water Usage. Low-flow shower heads provide the obvious benefit of water conservation, something the Environmental Protection Agency has near the top of its list (See: WaterSense program here: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.html). Regardless of one’s opinion of the environment, water conservation also helps homeowners directly. Low-flow shower heads have been found to drop overall household water usage by as much as 40% — if not more. Aside from the nobility of conserving so much water, the tangible benefits on your wallet will be felt with each monthly water bill. Newer, non-low-flow shower heads disperse at least 2.5 gallons of water a minute. Low-flow shower heads gently produce 2 gallons or less a minute, while older shower heads actually put out as much as 5 to 8 gallons per minute.

Energy Usage. Running your shower also consumes energy. Use of a low-flow shower head will also cut down on your monthly energy usage thanks to the decrease in monthly water usage, as water requires energy to be heated. Fewer gallons of heated water mean greater savings on energy costs.

Carbon-dioxide Emissions. Lower energy usage with low-flow shower heads also leads to lower CO2 (carbon-dioxide) emissions.

Dual Flush Toilet Advantages

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dual-flush-toilet
The advantages of a dual flush toilet versus a conventional toilet can be summed up concisely: Environmental impact, cost savings and upkeep.

Environmental Impact. Dual flush toilets bear their namesake because of the two (dual) setting mechanism that drives their operation. This two setting mechanism is usually a button or a lever on the toilet that allows you to flush either a low volume flush or a high volume flush. Low volume flushes are designed for liquid waste, while high volume flushes are designed for solid waste. Unlike standard toilets designed with only one flushing option, the low volume flush of dual flush toilets allows for the conservation of water when using the liquid waste setting. As such, dual flush toilets are high efficiency toilets (HET) and are in compliance with the National Energy Policy Act of 1994, using no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) compared to older toilet models that use as much as 3.5 to 5 gpf. Lower volume flushes on new dual flush toilets do not use more than 1.1 gpf.

Cost Savings. A dual flush toilet drives lower water usage in your home, thereby saving money on your monthly water bill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 4,000 gallons of water can be saved annually in a residential household that employs dual flush toilets.

Low Upkeep. Older, “one flush” toilets simply use a pressure siphoning system to dispose of waste. Dual flush toilets are generally designed to utilize gravity to dispose of waste down a large trapway. This design typically cuts down on clogging and saves you the headache of an undesirable plunging expedition.

Dual Flush Toilet Advantages

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dual-flush-toilet
The advantages of a dual flush toilet versus a conventional toilet can be summed up concisely: Environmental impact, cost savings and upkeep.

Environmental Impact. Dual flush toilets bear their namesake because of the two (dual) setting mechanism that drives their operation. This two setting mechanism is usually a button or a lever on the toilet that allows you to flush either a low volume flush or a high volume flush. Low volume flushes are designed for liquid waste, while high volume flushes are designed for solid waste. Unlike standard toilets designed with only one flushing option, the low volume flush of dual flush toilets allows for the conservation of water when using the liquid waste setting. As such, dual flush toilets are high efficiency toilets (HET) and are in compliance with the National Energy Policy Act of 1994, using no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) compared to older toilet models that use as much as 3.5 to 5 gpf. Lower volume flushes on new dual flush toilets do not use more than 1.1 gpf.

Cost Savings. A dual flush toilet drives lower water usage in your home, thereby saving money on your monthly water bill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 4,000 gallons of water can be saved annually in a residential household that employs dual flush toilets.

Low Upkeep. Older, “one flush” toilets simply use a pressure siphoning system to dispose of waste. Dual flush toilets are generally designed to utilize gravity to dispose of waste down a large trapway. This design typically cuts down on clogging and saves you the headache of an undesirable plunging expedition.

Moen Arbor With MotionSense Kitchen Faucet

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Moen-motionsense
The Arbor with MotionSense kitchen faucet from Moen is designed with ease of use and water conservation in mind thanks to its MotionSense technology. The MotionSense faucet head senses your hands via the ready sensor at the base of the faucet and activates water flow automatically, allowing a hands-free control that pays dividends when using soap and lathering up. Water flow doesn’t begin until the lathering process is complete, and soap and water spots stay off the faucet thanks to the hands-free control. Common, everyday kitchen tasks are made easier and more efficient with a MotionSense faucet installed. Additionally, the faucet’s sensor combined with its eco performance design minimizes water use and helps cut down on yearly water bills.

The chrome finish of the Arbor with MotionSense kitchen faucet blends well with any interior decor, and the one-handle lever design further simplifies the faucet by allowing for one-handed manual adjustment of the water stream. The slick design of the pull-downspout allows for a movable, adjustable spray head that’s ideal for cleaning pots and pans.

Moen’s MotionSense faucet also sports the following additional features:

  • Reflex system for secure docking of the pull-down spray head
  • Pause function that allows for quick stoppage of water flow from the faucet head
  • Aerated stream for normal cleaning
  • Power rinse for heavier cleaning
  • Single hole mount that streamlines design
  • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications
  • 5 year warranty on digital components and a limited lifetime trim warranty

Thinking of installing a Moen MotionSense Kitchen Faucet yourself? Watch this how to install a MotionSense Kitchen Faucet video by Moen.

How Does a Water Softener Work?

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water-softener

Water softeners perform an “ion swap” procedure within the water in order to achieve softening. The harmful excess calcium and magnesium ions that create water hardness are swapped out with sodium ions, restoring the quality of the water. Sodium most often works for this purpose because sodium “plays nice” with soap and doesn’t react poorly when other elements are introduced. Generally, the amount of sodium that accumulates within your water as a result of this softening process is of no concern and lies far below the FDA’s “very low sodium” classification.

How Ion Swapping Works. A tank full of negatively charged polystyrene beads are bonded to the positively charged sodium ions. The sodium ions “swap” with the harmful magnesium and calcium ions as the water rushes by the beads. Eventually and after numerous cycles however, the sodium within the polystyrene beads is completely replaced by the calcium and magnesium, and the water softening unit can no longer perform its duties without a regeneration cycle. Salt is added back into the water softener to begin this cycle, and the beads are soaked in this solution of salt and water. The beads are regenerated with the proper levels of sodium and any excess solution flows out of the water softener through a drainpipe.

While most home water softeners utilize polystyrene beads, not all determine when it’s necessary to regenerate in the same way. Some water softeners utilize a mechanical water meter that begins the regeneration cycle only when the ratio of existing water to sodium requires activation.  Other water softeners operate on a regular, timed schedule due to electric timers, and some instead simply use a computer that begins the regeneration cycle when it deems enough water use has transpired.

GeoSpring™ Hybrid Water Heater

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GeoSpring-water-heater-featured-imageGeoSpring-water-heater

The GeoSpring hybrid water heater from General Electric features a 50-gallon unit capacity that has been designed to provide the same hot water recovery as a standard 50-gallon electric water heater with a 65 gallons first hour rating. Not surprisingly, GE’s device also features an ease of install that mimics the electrical and water connections standard electric water heaters offer. However, this is where the similarities end and the benefits begin.

Unlike standard electric water heaters in the 50-gallon range, GE’s GeoSpring hybrid water heater uses as much as 62% less energy. DOE (Department of Energy) test procedures reveal the unit can save as much as $325 each year in expenses in comparison to these standard 50-gallon tanks (4879 kWh per year vs. the GeoSpring’s 1830 kWh per year). Additionally, the GeoSpring hybrid water heater features a 3 to 14 day “vacation setting.” Vacation settings are only found in newer, modern water heaters and allow for further energy savings by allowing the operator to activate the special energy-saving setting when they plan on leaving the house for an extended stay.

GeoSpring-panel
The free-standing GeoSpring hybrid water heater is ENERGY STAR Qualified and also features a First Hour Rate (FHR) of 65 gallons, a LED control panel, washable air filter, and a 10-year limited parts warranty and 1-year limited labor warranty. The GeoSpring hybrid water heater operates at a quiet 55 DBA Average and bears dimensions (HxWxD) of 60 1/2 in x 21 3/4 in x 22 1/4 in. It is assembled in the USA.

Renting vs. Buying a Water Heater: Debunking a New Fad

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Renting vs. Buying a Water Heater

Many people currently rent or lease their water heaters instead of buying them. Homeowners find the idea of worry-free maintenance and repairs, free installation and low monthly fees appealing. However, if you plan to live in your home for many years, purchasing a water heater is clearly a wiser financial decision.

 

Water Heater Rental Cost Over Time
Most hot water heaters can be expected to last about 10 to 12 years. Over the life of the appliance, renters will pay far more than what the heater would have cost if purchased and installed. For example, if a homeowner paid $25 per month in rental fees, the total rental cost for 10 years would be $3000. The same water heater may have only cost around $800-$1000 fully installed.

Water heater rental fees often increase as time goes by. This can leave renters locked into an agreement to pay more and more every year for their aging unit. Some long-term rental agreements even require an expensive buy-out if you decide to switch suppliers or no longer need the water heater.

Understand Your Options
Renting may offer a convenient or even necessary option to those who will only be living in their current residence for a short time. It may also be beneficial for people living in areas of hard water where the heater’s lifespan will be compromised and repairs are more likely, but for most homeowners, the savings over time would more than cover any repair or replacement cost.

New hot water heaters are generally covered under a warranty for a limited period of time. After warranties run out, owners are responsible for all repairs, but this does not necessarily mean that the cost of repair will be unaffordable, especially when compared to paying more than four times the worth of their appliance in rental fees. Buying your hot water heater also gives you a wider variety of choices. Eco-friendly options, favored brands and high-end models may not be available as rentals.

Spend Wisely, Save More
The decision to purchase a hot water heater rather than renting it is a clear example of spending money to save money. For financially stable homeowners who plan to use their water heater for several years, buying the appliance offers more benefits in the long run.

Water Heater and Water Heater Plumbing Services

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Plumbing Services Raleigh NC

Water Heater Trouble? Call 919-661-6334

Water heaters are dependable appliances that can last up to 10 years. We can help you extend the life of your equipment and receive optimal performance by establishing a regular schedule of care, maintenance and other Raleigh water heater services. Like other major systems, water heaters send distress signals when there is a problem. One sign that your unit may be failing is that it quickly runs out of hot water. This issue could be due to excess sediment, inadequate insulation or malfunctioning parts, such as thermostats or heating elements. Improperly sized equipment can cause you to run out of hot water as well.

Hard water deposits make it difficult for your equipment to heat the water. They reduce the capacity of the tank and make your water heater work harder. Insufficient insulation causes the tank to lose heat, wastes energy and increases utility bills. Worn out or defective parts can prevent your equipment from heating the water. Changes in schedules or routines make it difficult for smaller water heaters to meet the increased demand. Your household may need a larger model.

A small leak can quickly become a major leak at the worst possible time. The solution will depend upon whether the water is coming from the pipe or the tank. This problem requires immediate attention because excess moisture increases the risk of mold and property damage, which are expensive and difficult to repair.

A gas leak and improperly vented carbon monoxide can endanger your home and family. We can repair your pipes after the utility company identifies and stops the leak. Our trained technicians can inspect and service your unit. Inspecting the connection fittings every six months is essential if you have a gas-fired system. We can replace worn out or defective equipment and repair water and gas pipes.

Our team can help you incorporate energy conservation measures, such as installing a timer on your water heater. If your equipment is reaching the end of its serviceable life, we can help you select an energy-efficient model. Give us a call to learn more about Raleigh water heater services.

Ways to Save Money When Hiring a Plumber

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Raleigh Plumbing Staff Members

Many homeowners feel comfortable tackling small plumbing issues such as minor clogs and leaks and do a good job of resolving them. Larger problems, installation and inspections, however, require the services of a professional plumber. When you hire a plumber, you want to know that you are getting quality work at a fair price. Though the services of a reputable plumber do cost money, there are ways to protect your pocketbook by hiring an experienced professional who addresses plumbing issues correctly the first time.

Educate yourself
If you do not know much about plumbing basics, look online or check out a plumbing how-to book from the library. You will learn something about the major plumbing components and feel more comfortable talking to a professional about your plumbing problem.

You should also get a rough idea of the costs of various plumbing fixes. A reputable plumber will appreciate your knowledge and should be happy to answer any questions you have about your plumbing issue. You, in turn, will feel more comfortable that you are getting value for your money. If you should disagree with the plumber’s assessment of the issue and proposed course of action, feel free to say so or consult another company.

Ask family and friends
There is nothing like a referral from someone you trust. One of your family members, friends or coworkers has probably had a plumbing issue and will share their experience with you. They can let you know how satisfied they were with the work and how much they paid. This can make a great starting place in your search for a plumber, but you will want to consider more than one bid.

Ask for a written quote
Request bids in writing from three to five plumbers. If one is more expensive than the others, ask for an explanation. Avoid companies that offer minimum service for the lowest price. You will spend more in the long run than if you had chosen a well-qualified plumber at the start. Your aim is to save money, but not at the expense of quality work.

Stay local
You will probably pay for the plumber’s travel time, so save money by choosing a Raleigh plumber. Savings can add up when a job requires more than one day of work.

Plan ahead before you require plumbing service. Cost is important, but it is not the only issue to consider. Take into account the importance of experience, reputation and the availability of 24-hour emergency service. Consider that you are likely to experience more than one plumbing issue over time. Establishing a relationship with a qualified plumber who offers good value will pay off financially and in peace of mind.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing Conditions

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Even if you live in an area in which freezing temperatures are rare, freezing pipes can be a big concern when cold weather arrives.

Freezing weather can cause ice to form in a pipe, which leads to an increase in water pressure downstream from the ice blockage. This surge in water pressure leads to pipe failure, which often results in the pipe bursting at a different location from the ice blockage. For this reason, homeowners should be sure that the entire length of their pipe is sufficiently protected.

Experts have determined that homes in southern states and warmer climates are particularly susceptible to pipe failure when temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit, although pipes can freeze and burst at warmer temperatures as well.

As a homeowner, there are a number of precautions you can take to protect your pipes from freezing conditions.

If a pipe feels warm to your touch, it is a candidate to be insulated to protect it from freezing. Use pre-fit foam rubber cut to size to insulate your pipes, using duct tape to fasten it. Be sure that the pipes are clean and dry before covering them with the insulation. Call a plumber to perform this task if you would rather not do it yourself.

Another tip is to allow the taps of your outside faucets to drip during abnormally cold weather. It is fine if the water freezes, because this action will still relieve water pressure in the pipes and prevent them from bursting.

You should also leave the cabinet doors open under the sinks in your bathrooms and kitchen. This permits warmer air to circulate around the pipes, which helps provide protection for them.

It is important to use caulk to seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation or the outside walls of your house. This will prevent cold air from reaching your pipes.

If you are going to be away from your home, you can drain your pipes to prevent them from bursting. Close the main valve, turn on the taps and let them run until the pipes are empty of water.

Getting to Know your New Plumber: Important Questions to Ask

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Before you settle on a new plumber, be sure that the company you are calling is not only efficient at fixing problems, but operates in a professional and legal manner, providing you, the customer, a fair and honest price.

When hiring a new plumber, there are several questions you want to ask. First, and most importantly, are they a licensed plumber. While this may seem like a given, asking this will ensure that your plumber is not only a skilled professional, but they are also up to date and current with the latest building codes and practices. Secondly, is your plumber insured. As explained at handyman.com, “Insurance provides the stability needed when mistakes and accidents occur.” Hiring a plumber with builder’s risk, bonds, and worker’s compensation insurance, eliminates the worry about unforeseen costs due to risks involved with certain plumbing work. Credentials and references should also be asked for, as a company that has a proven track record of quality work and satisfied customers, is one that you can trust. With plumbing outfits specializing in different areas, it is always a good idea to find out which areas the company you are going to hire, specialize in. This will ensure you are finding the “right guy” for the “right job”. Additionally, asking about a plumber’s typical response time, and whether or not they offer after hours or 24 hour emergency services, are important, as plumbing issues can spring up at any time; it is best to have a dependable professional you can call on at any time to rectify your problem.

Fees and costs will weigh into your decision making process when hiring a plumber. Asking up front about labor fees, whether or not they charge travel time to get to your place, and about prices on parts and materials, is always a good idea. This will allow you to compare plumbers, and get the best deal possible.

Asking questions such as these in a courteous and respectful manner is commonplace when searching for a new plumber. Keep in mind, a professional plumber will be proud of the quality work they do, and happy to answer your questions. A satisfied customer is a life-long customer!

Bob Poole, Tim, Billy & Joe Join Marty Jones of 620 The BUZZ to Talk About Plumbing

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Homeowners Helper Plumbing
Plumbing expert, Bob Poole founder of Poole’s Plumbing, a local Raleigh Plumbing Company sits down with Marty Jones host of Homeowners Helper on 620 The Buzz to help homeowners solve plumbing issues.

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