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.

tank-water-heaters-pooles plumbing

Poole’s Plumbing Guarantees the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh

Best Water Heater Prices in RaleighIn addition to being the most trusted name in Raleigh NC  plumbers, and the definitive water heater experts across the Triangle area, with Poole’s Plumbing you not only get the best service, but they also guarantee they have the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh.

As more Raleigh area plumbers moved into the “digital age,” developing websites and later on utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, and Twitter among others, keeping up with the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh has become increasingly more difficult to do. Staying honest and true to their loyal customers, while still delivering the highest quality work in the Triangle area, Poole’s Plumbing instituted their “Best Price in Town” guarantee.

Basically, the guarantee states that Poole’s will match the price of any competing plumbing company and deliver to their customers the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh, whether you are having a new unit installed or having your old one replaced.

Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh

Poole’s Plumbing only asks that the following criteria is followed in their Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh guarantee:

  • The competitor whose price is being matched must be licensed and insured
  • The work that is being completed must be done in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s Plumbing Code
  • A written estimate from the competitor whose price is being matched must be provided.
  • The guarantee will apply only to the same water heater on the competitor’s estimate provided or one equivalent to that unit
  • If applicable, the permit fee must be included

The reputation earned by the Raleigh professionals at Poole’s Plumbing over the past seven-plus years is one that the company has prided themselves on being built on forging strong relationships with the customer through honesty and the quality of their work. There “no gimmicks” approach is one you can always rely on and as always, the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh guarantee is also “gimmick free.” To read more about the “Best Price in Town Guarantee,” visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

High Efficiency Toilets

Water Innovations from Toto Give You Power and Cleanliness in High Efficiency Toilets

With the always evolving technology in bathroom appliances giving you many selections to choose from, no companies innovative designs and features may be a more sound choice than Toto High Efficiency Toilets, of which the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing are an authorized and licensed dealer of.

Toto offers three different choices in their “water innovations” line of High Efficiency Toilets, with all options focus on conveinience and conservation as well. All three of these advanced flushing systems also specializes in keeping your High Efficiency Toilets bowl clean with efficient usage of water. The “Water Innovations” from Toto are:

The Tornado Flush

Using two powerful nozzles to siphon water and by harnessing both the energy of gravity and water, this method efiiciently maximizes cleaning with remarkably efficient water usage. The perks of the Tornado Flush include:

  • Dual-nozzle water propulsion system
  • More Powerful flush
  • 1 gallon or 1.28 gallon per flush
  • Cleaner bowl and less cleaning

High Efficiency Toilets

The E-Max System

Usage of an extra-large siphoning jet combined with a wider three inch valve, this system gives you a consistently powerful flush. Not only does the usage of only 1.28 gallons per flush give you great water savings, but the “E-max” is also a very quiet flush. Special features include:

  • Large siphon jet
  • Powerful, quiet flush
  • Pilot-operated fill valve
  • Clean shutoff at any water pressure

High Efficiency Toilets

 The 3-D Tornado Flush

The newest innovation that Toto has added to its High Efficiency Toilets, this is described at totousa.com as “ a flushing system not only featuring three powerful nozzles that create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinsing action but also the option of choosing between 0.9 or 1.28 gallons per flush. This technologically-advanced high-efficiency system is remarkably effective, saving you up to 35% more water than the standard 1.6 GPF. The modern hole-free rim design also means that it performs more consistently and is easy to clean.

High Efficiency Toilets

For more information on the “Water Innovations” and specific models of Toto High Efficiency Toilets featuring each of the options detailed above, visit the “People Planet Water” section at totousa.com.

Unclog a Shower Drain

Simple Household Spring Plumbing Tips Can Help to Save

As the changing of the season from Winter to Spring is even more apparent with the recent change in temperature, the second part of our Spring Plumbing Tips from the most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, has several more simple things that you can do around the house to help prepare and avoid major issues as the heavy rains of the season approach.

These basic check up and repair techniques are Spring Plumbing Tips that any home owner can follow and they not only get you ready for the changing of the season, but also is a safe way to avoid more significant damage in the case that you have actually developed some type of plumbing issue during the cold winter months.

To begin with these Spring Plumbing Tips, thoroughly check all faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom of your home. This can help you to conserve water and money, as can checking your toilets to be sure there aren’t any leaks. An easy way to do this would be to place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and if a leak has developed you will see the coloring in the bowl with in 30 minutes time. Checking for leaks or cracks in the toilet bowl also is a good idea when doing this.

Before moving along from checking your toilet, another of our suggested Spring Plumbing Tips is to be sure the units are flushing correctly. If by chance you need to shake or wiggle the handle, certain parts will need to be replaced. This can be done inexpensively and can not only fix the toilet but also save you money on water costs.

Spring Plumbing TipsChecking for clogs is next on the list of Spring Plumbing Tips. Beng certain that you have a filter on all of the drains in the house will prevent buildup such as soap, hair, or a variety of other substances from creating some type of blockage. Shower heads are another area that can easily become clogged due to mineral deposits. A simple solution to this is to fill a zip-lock bag with white vinegar and using are rubber band to secure it, wrap the full baggie around the head. Leaving this on the shower head for 24 hours will break the deposits down and have it completely clog-free and clean.

Lastly, you should check your water supply valve on occasion and turn them on and off. By doing this regularly, you can prevent the valve from sticking, which can lead to much more serious issues down the road.

By following these simple Spring Plumbing Tips and staying on top of these items around the house, in addition to checking each of the items detailed in Part One of our tips that can be seen here, you can with little effort have the plumbing in your home ready for the Spring and free and clear of any minor damage caused through the winter before it becomes more costly and a much bigger problem.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits

Residential Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits Extended Through 2016

The Consolidated Appropriations Act was jut signed in December, extending the Residential Energy Efficiency Improvements Federal Tax Credits for that had expired at the end of 2014.

For those owning qualifying Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters installed between January 1, 2015 and the end of 2016 this makes for a maximum credit of $300.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits

These credits, for residential energy efficiency improvements, include a maximum of $300. Those having a Rinnai Condensing Boiler installed during this same period time can qualify for a $150 credit.

The Raleigh plumbing professionals at Poole’s Plumbing offer all the quality Rinnai plumbing products, from tankless water heaters and condensing boilers to so much more.

For more information on how the extension of Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits applies to Rinnai products and/or how to apply for your rebate visit rinnai.us.

Spring Plumbing Tips

Following Spring Plumbing Tips Can Help Avoid a Costly Fix

As the colder weather here in the Triangle area starts to secede and give way to the warmer temperatures of a new season, the trusted Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing want to remind you that there are many things to remember as you check around the house and look for possible repairs that may need to be done as part of our Spring Plumbing Tips.

By simply going through your bathroom, kitchen, appliances, and plumbing equipment in your home’s common areas and following these Spring Plumbing Tips early on in the season, you can avoid or at least lessen the likelihood of major and potentially costly repairs.

With the increase in rainfall that we are already experiencing one thing you for sure want to check up on is that all drains, gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris. Likewise, on top of the list of Spring Plumbing Tips and check points should be to make sure all vents and plumbing pipes are clear as they could be hindered or clogged from leaves, sticks, bird nests, or a host of other items after the winter “thaw out.”

Spring Plumbing Tips

Another very important item on your Spring Plumbing Tips checklist should be checking your hose bib. First look at the faucet to be sure there are no leaks. This is a somewhat common problem after the colder months when a hose has been attached to the hose bib for the entire winter. If it was hooked up for the winter, it could have lead to the water supply pipe freezing at some point and this in turn may have seen the pipe expand and crack. If you do discover this is the case, call your trusted Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s and have the pipe replaced before major water damage can occur.

Keeping your plubming system safe should be a top priority during any of the four seasons, but the most important Spring Plumbing Tip you can follow as the winter cold turns to the warmer months is to make sure your sump pump is ready to endure some hard work in the upcoming season. Checking this is as simple as pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit for starters. It should then start up with in a few seconds and then after the water flows, it should turn itself off automatically. If this does not occur once again, you should contact the professionals at Poole’s Plumbing to come and see your sump pump first hand before it burns out completely and once again requires a much more costly remedy.

Taking just a little time to go through and around the house to check on these items and follow up on each of these Spring Plumbing Tips as the cold air begins to warm with the change of the season could be the difference between major plumbing issues and water damage at your home, not to mention some unnecessary damage to your wallet. In part two of our Spring Plumbing Tips, we will discuss some other simple ways around the house to conserve heading into the Spring.

High Efficiency Toilets

Conservation is Just a Flush Away with Sterling’s High Efficiency Toilets

With several models of High Efficiency Toilets to choose from, the most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing can deliver exactly the water conservation that you have been looking for with the installation of a Sterling “Dual Force” toilet.

High Efficiency Toilets

Providing an unparalleled combination of water conservation and exceptional performance, the “Dual Force” technology of Sterling’s High Efficiency Toilets is exactly what you may be looking for in trying to keep the water usage down in your bathroom, while still getting the quality, look, and comfort you’ve come to know from any Kohler brand bathroom appliances.

Offering two separate models with its revolutionary “Dual Force” features, the Karsten and the Rockton, Sterling gives you the option on both of either having a round front or elongated bowl.

The Karsten model, is described at sterlingplumbing.com, saying that this model “excels at saving water without compromising tremendous bulk flushing capabilities.” Continuing on to speak of its stylish design, it explains, “The contemporary style of Karsten makes this toilet a perfect choice for baths inspired by sleek, streamlined decorating schemes.”

The website likewise speaks the praises of the Rockton model High Efficiency Toilets, complimenting this model for its “unprecedented water conservation and reliable performance” as well. As with the aforementioned model the Rockton also offers consumers a great design that “with a clean and understated aesthetic…compliments any bathroom décor.”

Both of these “Dual Force” High Efficiency Toilets are very user friendly and simple to operate. Utilizing a two-button actuator that is integrated into the id of the tank these High Efficiency Toilets flush either 1.6 gallons or .8 gallon. The .8 gallon “Dual Flush” option is for light waste or liquid is estimated to save the average household up to 25,000 gallons of water per year, while in being assisted by a flapperless valve and a large trapway for the removal of bulk waste in a single flush, the 1.6 gallon setting completely eliminates water being wasted by needing to repeatedly flush.

The most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, can offer you tips on water conservation in addition to installing your new High Efficiency Toilets like the Sterling models detailed above. For more details on “Dual Force Technology” and all the other great Sterling products, visit www.sterlingplumbing.com.

Tankless Water Heater

Improvements and Innovations Making Choice to go with a Tankless Water Heater an Easy One

With the Raleigh plumbing experts at Poole’s Plumbing specializing in installation, and manufacturers using the technology they are afforded for continuous innovations to the always economically sound Tankless Water Heater models, many of the question marks that consumers have had when deciding upon a new unit are slowly being erased.Tankless Water Heater

 

As discussed in a recent article published by Consumer Reports, despite the obvious upside in switching to a Tankless Water Heater, when the units were first introduced, did give customers a few reasons to debate whether or not to stick wit their conventional model water heater. However, as time has passed, many of the major producers of the Tankless Water Heater have worked to consistently improve the technology in the units, addressing the three main issues below over the course of the past seven years that make the switch to a Tankless Water Heater in many cases today a much less uncertain move.

Issue 1: Expensive and Complicated Installation Process

How it’s improved: Manufacturers have addressed the installation process issues by improving upon the design of the Tankless Water Heater and making the switch from tanked to tankless an easier process. For example, in the Noritz tankless models the input and output waterlines have been moved to the top of the unit, much like the tanked units, to make a much smoother transition on a change out. The addition of a flexible exhaust pipe and a proprietary adaptor also make connecting to ductwork far easier than the standard PVC piping.

Issue 2: Inconsistency in Temperature

How it’s improved: One of the initial worries with a Tankless Water Heater was what many refer to as the “Cold Water Sandwich,” or inconsistency in temperature. Manufacturers have for the most part completely rectified this issue, as in the case with Rinnai models, where a circulation pump has been added to guarantee that water comes out hot and stays that way for the duration of its usage. Some units have even evolved to include a buffer tank that stores a backup supply of hot water.

Issue 3: Need for Constant Maintenance

How it’s improved: A major issue many that chose the Tankless Water Heater seemed to run into initially was a need for constant maintenance to their model due to scale buildup. This could restrict water flow, decrease efficiency, and eventually damage the units. With major companies adding isolation valves to their models, the descaling process and routine maintenance has been made far easier.

Whether you need a new unit, or are just interested in the possibility of exploring whether a Tankless Water Heater is the right fit for you, the specialists at Poole’s Plumbing can bring you the knowledge and know how to help you make this decision.

Tips from the most trusted Raleigh NC Plumbers to Avoid Winter Plumbing Issues

Raleigh NC PlumbersWith the temperature in the area beginning to drop as the fall months wind down and the cold of winter approaches, the most trusted Raleigh NC Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing have some tips that can help you to not only conserve but also to be sure to avoid issues that are somewhat common in the colder weather.

Some of the more frequent plumbing issues that come about in the winter months are running out of or having no hot water for showers, flooding, leaks, broken radiators, and frozen or cracked pipes. In this first of two parts on avoiding winter plumbing issues, you can follow the easy tips listed below by the Raleigh NC Plumbers at Poole’s, to help avoid and at minimum make these problems less likely to occur as the temperature outside drops.

Clogged Drain Prevention

There are a few ways to help avoid your drains getting clogged and thus avoid extra strain on them as the winter months bring about the possibility of freezing. The first way is to treat your tub and sink drains using a mixture that can easily be made at home on a regular basis. Use 1 cup of baking soda, mixed with 1 cup of salt, and a ¼ cup of cream of tartar. Follow this mixture by pouring two cups of boiling water in each drain. Another thing to remember in keeping drains unclogged, especially around the holidays with all the extra cooking around the house is to avoid the dumping of any oils and grease or stringy object down your drain or into the garbage disposal. Likewise, run cold water through the disposal for 15-20 second both before and after using it and always turn it on before putting any food or debris in.

Insulate your Pipes

Using foam padding sleeves or insulation tape, this is a simple way to help avoid both your hot and cold water pipes from freezing up. Using a space heater that is set at a safe distance from any exposed fixtures or pipes to keep them warm is another way to avoid them from freezing up. Also, check basement and not often used pipes throughout your home regularly for ice or frost accumulation once the temperature has hit freezing to be sure they have not started cracking.

Running Water

This one is very simple. Be sure to run water from all valves and spigots in your home regularly throughout the winter. Especially in the case of those not used so often, this can avoid the issue of them freezing up.

Unattach Outdoor Hoses

Remember to unattach garden hoses that are outdoors before the temperature drops to freezing levels. Also, be certain to drain any residual water from the outside spigots and hoses and close the shut-off valve on any pipes leading to these.

Spreading out Showers

This is somewhat self explanatory, but having at least 10-15 minutes between showers helps to maintain proper pressure and consistent hot water levels. When the temperature outside drops, you may want to increase the temperature level on your water heater as well, but never put it higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

These simple tips from the Raleigh NC Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing are ones that you can do personally in your own home to help stay away from plumbing issues and possible disaster this upcoming winter. In the follow up to this post, we will continue to discuss how to protect your pipes as the cold weather hits, in addition to the steps to take in the case that your pipes do freeze, burst, or crack this winter. To view that post, check back here to the blog section at www.poolesplumbing.com.

 

 

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

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

pp-2015-fall-home-show

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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?

low-flow-shower-head-benefits

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

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

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

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.