Tag Archive for: Poole’s Plumbing

Style and Savings: Introducing the Next Generation of American Standard Kitchen Faucets

April 5, 2019/in Plumbing Innovations/by raleigh plumbers

American Standard Kitchen Faucets have debuted several new, stylish and cost-effective models. One of the most trusted names in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing can advise and install these for you today.

The Edgewater Collection of American Standard Kitchen Faucets

The pull-down feature seen on this model of American standard Kitchen Faucet is part of the Edgewater Collection and will help you save time, water, and money

According to a post at their own official website (americanstandard-us.com) the new line of American Standard Kitchen Faucets includes the Edgewater Collection (pictured above), described as, “an intriguing blend of sleek, geometric styling and impressive functionality.”

These “pull-down” style of faucet offers much more than just a sleek and attractive look. They also help accomplish any kitchen clean up tasks with a 4-function sprayer and “plus-pause” feature.

Utilizing these new American Standard Kitchen Faucets in a cleanup effort after cooking and preparation is a snap. This is due to the brand’s exclusive “SelectFlo patented spray technology.” According to the American Standard website, this makes so “users can efficiently manage any kitchen sink task by simply toggling down into spray mode and rotating the dial to select the desired spray pattern.”

“Spray Away” However You Like

The following are the different spray patterns offered on each of the Edgewater American Standard Kitchen Faucets:

Jet spray to power through tough cleaning jobs
Mist for gentle soaking and rinsing
Stream to fill large pots quickly
Spray for everyday rinsing
Plus a Pause feature that is useful when filling a container not in the sink.

american-standard-kitchen-faucets-Poole's Plumbing

The Edgewater Collection of American Standard Kitchen Faucets feature a unique “two-brand” docking system and, “Re-Trax,” for spray head retraction and easier operation.

There is also a scrub brush attachment for each faucet. Plus, the unique “two-brand” docking system features, “Re-Trax,” for spray head retraction and easier operation. Likewise, the “Dock-Tite” feature keeps the pull-down spray head secured to the spout.

Conservation and Convenience

In addition to the stylish look, and these great features, the Edgewater collection also helps you conserve water as well. Explaining this on their website, it is noted, “They deliver a water-saving 1.5 gallon per minute (GPM) flow rate, which is more than a 30 percent reduction over the volume used by industry-standard 2.2 GPM kitchen faucets.”

The most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbing, Poole’s Plumbing can install these and any of the other great American Standard products. To contact Poole’s go to www.poolesplumbing.com.

High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters: Are They For You?

February 11, 2019/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

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

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

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

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

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

Safe and Accessible: American Standard Plumbing Products that make Independent Living Easier

August 4, 2018/in Plumbing Innovations/by raleigh plumbers

As you or your loved ones increase in age, there are inevitably certain aspects of every day living that can become more challenging. Vision, strength, and mobility are all things that over time can deteriorate, making certain products, especially in your bathroom, that were once an afterthought more difficult to use, and even dangerous. With the “Safe and Accessible” line of American Standard Plumbing Products, that can be installed by the Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing, you can take a major step toward achieving the piece of mind that you or your loved ones deserve and eliminate any possible safety concerns, allowing independent living for both young and old at a reasonable cost.

With their “Versatile Design Solutions,”American Standard Plumbing Products that can be installed by your most trusted Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing create a comforting, user-friendly bathroom, without compromising style or safety. Among the American Standard Plumbing Products to allow worry-free independence in the bathroom are the many safe and easy faucet options, that allow easy operation without the need to grip, “Right Height” toilets with a rim height closer to that of a regular chair that allows for safer and more comfortable use, or their walk-in baths with great accessibility for those with limited mobility and easy turn lever handles and a handshower making accidents less likely whether the user has arthritis or just slippery soaped up hands.

American Standard 31X51 Gelcoat Walk-In-Tub

For “Multi-Generational Living Solutions”in the bathroom, there are also numerous American Standard Plumbing Products that can make life easier on both the little ones and the older family members you worry about having some type of accident in the bathroom. The “pull-out” step feature for the kids on their “Portsmouth Vanity” for example allows children to better reach the sink when using and conveniently slides away when not in use. Both young and old can also benefit from ADA Compliant tub, featuring a much lower step over height to get into the tub and a seat installed as well.

Accessible Living is yet another goal in the creation of the “Safe and Accessible” American Standard Plumbing Products line. On top of the other easier options listed above, the “seated safety” shower models, give you a unit that is fully open on one side, with a low threshold and built-in side “grab bars” to ensure safety and security in the shower.

To learn more about all of the American Standard Plumbing Products that the Raliegh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can install that can help to aid in the independent living for all ages in the bathroom, visit there official site at americanstandard-us.com.

Constant or Conventional: What to Know When Selecting a Well Pump

May 24, 2018/in Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

When calling upon the Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing for replacement or installation, it is essential to know the facts and both the pros and cons of both Constant Pressure and Conventional models when Selecting a Well Pump.

Constant Pressure Pump In Selecting a Well Pump, it is essential to know which model best suits you and your needs as to not waste your money on a pump that may give you either too much or too little. The Constant Pressure Pump operates using a variable speed motor that is built in to the unit that allows the pump to speed up or slow down depending on your level of water usage. Thus, when you need more water, the Constant Pressure Pump runs faster, and when less water is used, it runs at a slower pace. Benefits of this type model include:

Better water pressure when taking a shower
More “city-like” water pressure coming from all faucets
Higher powered lawn irrigation
A smaller, low cost tank that takes up less space
Several built in features to prevent any damage to your pump
Convenient push button pressure selection

Conventional Pump System

The conventional or traditional system is your other option in Selecting a Well Pump. These units operate at only two speeds, on and off. A pressurized switch controls the Conventional Pump System, turning the unit on when a certain pressure level is reached and likewise, shutting it off once the necessary level is reached. Benefits of the Conventional Pump System include:

A larger tank model produces longer cycles
Overall length of the pumping cycles being determined by the varying size of tank which you need
The pump not running while you are consuming water
Due to its “on” or “off” cycles, helps to conserve water and avoid unnecessary or wasteful usage.

How Will I Save with a High Efficiency Washing Machine?

May 14, 2018/in Plumbing Innovations, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

In the ongoing quest of the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing to help you better learn and in turn save and conserve water, we will answer a few questions that many consumers have, based upon one main uncertainty these same people may have, What exactly is a High Efficiency Washing Machine and what exactly are the savings that I can enjoy in purchasing one?

Basically, to answer the main question on High Efficiency Washing Machines, they are a washer which uses different technological features to simply help reduce not only the amount of water needed per load of laundry you do, but in addition they also cut down on the amount of energy used as well. Thus, through the Poole’s Plumbing tips and suggestions that we have continued to talk about through our blog posts, a High Efficiency Washing Machine does exactly what we have been trying to help you (the consumer) to do, and that is conserve and save.

Following up the first question with another question, the obvious next thing that a customer would want to know is, how much is conserved or saved through the usage of a High Efficiency Washing Machine? This answer is actually pretty staggering, as on average, a High Efficiency Washing Machine uses up to 80 percent less water than traditional top-loading units. Not only is that a huge figure when you think about how much water would actually be conserved, but in the savings department, a High Efficiency Washing Machine also comes in at about a 65 percent average energy savings.

On top of these two facts, which basically equals less water usage, less energy usage, and as a direct result you saving money, the energy savings allows for you to be able to wash more laundry per load and these type units are about 40 percent larger and old up to 40 percent more clothes than a standard washing machine unit would.

So, basically, to answer the initial question of ,what is a High Efficiency Washing Machine? It is an item that can do the exact two things that the Raleigh plumbing experts at Poole’s Plumbing have been trying to help and educate you to do through their tips and advise, conserve and save.

Save Every Single Day With Kohler Water Saving Products

October 21, 2016/in Plumbing Innovations/by raleigh plumbers

In the continuing effort to help you, the customer, become more aware and less wasteful with your household water usage, the name you can always trust in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing is an authorized dealer of Kohler Water Saving Products, that can be installed and start you on the road to saving immediately.

In a section titled, “Save Water Every Day,” at Kohler’s official website, they explain in detail how each of the Kohler Water Saving Products is designed to get you starting to save. In the page’s first paragraph, it explains, “At Kohler, we believe great design is form and function in perfect harmony with the environment. This means designing products that don’t just look beautiful and perform exceptionally well, but also use significantly less water.” The post concludes, “Because lowering your water usage shouldn’t mean lowering your standards.”

Further explanation is given as the page goes detail about each individual type of Kohler Water Saving Products, starting with water-saving toilets. “Switching to a water-saving toilet is the single most effective change you can make in your house to conserve water,” is exactly what the experts at Kohler say in this description. The page then goes on to explain that through utilizing the most innovative and latest technologies in plumbing for their Kohler Water Saving Products that the consumer will not have to give up any of the performance they expect to conserve.

Showers are the next item discussed among Kohler Water Saving Products. Noting that a change to a water saving showerhead or hand shower can “make a big difference when it comes to saving water and energy.” As with the comment on the performance of the toilets not suffering one bit, the Kohler site notes, “your showering experience will still be every bit as luxurious as you’d expect a Kohler shower to be.”

The third and last of the Kohler Water Saving Products discussed are kitchen and bathroom faucets. “Our water-saving faucets feature the quality, design and performance you expect from Kohler. So you can have a great-looking bathroom and kitchen, while also feeling great about conserving water.”

Being an authorized dealer of Kohler Water Saving Products, the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can not only install, but also help you to select the products and appliances that best fit you and your household. For more information on Kohler Water Saving Products, visit their website at us.kohler.com.

Visit the Triangle’s Most Trusted Professional Plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, at The Southern Ideal Home Show Raleigh

September 16, 2016/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Innovations, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

With hundreds of experts representing the most trusted names in landscaping, decorating, remodeling, and home building, the Southern Ideal Home Show Raleigh is the Triangle’s Largest Home and Garden Event of the Fall Season. Stop by the “Kitchens and Bath” section at Exhibit #2310 and visit the Raleigh plumbing experts from Poole’s Plumbing for some helpful tips and ideas as well as some fantastic deals.

Southern Ideal Home Show Raleigh

Poole’s Plumbing

Exhibit #2310 in the “Kitchens and Bath” Section

Friday, September 23th — Sunday, September 25th

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC, 27607

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

July 28, 2016/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

In 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.

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.

Why Should I Choose Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters?

June 27, 2016/in Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

The undisputed experts in tankless water heaters across the Raleigh and entire Triangle area is Poole’s Plumbing, who specialize in the installation and maintenance of Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters.

While many brands have followed their lead, the innovators and pioneers in the field of home heating solutions without question is Rinnai. When asking why you should choose Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters for your home or place of business, one must only look at their history and their consistency in continuously raising the standard in water heating throughout the company’s near century in the industry.

Design and Manufacturing

The first reason to opt for a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater would be the thorough process behind their design and manufacturing of each product, which has allowed for them to stay a step ahead of others in the industry for almost 100 years. Rinnai employs in access of 600 engineers that strictly work on researching and then developing their products. With the main focus always being on precision assembly and advanced automation every one of the Rinnai Water Heaters and all other items manufactured at the Rinnai facilities go through a thorough live fire testing process before they are shipped.

Enhancing Comfort at Home and the Work Place

The precise engineering of Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters deliver a “smarter kind of comfort” whether you are at home or in your place of business. The innovation behind their high-efficiency water heaters allows for an endless supply of hot water even when multiple tasks are being done at the same time. Thus, if you have more than one child and a bath is running for one at the same time the other must be in the shower…no worries. Laundry machine running while you need to do the dishes? Once again, no worries as the Rinnai “on-demand heating” simply put means hot water is always available, eliminating the need to schedule out water usage or prioritize activities in your home with a fear of running out of hot water.

A similar comfort can be had in a commercial setting such as a restaurant, school, hotel, or multifamily residence with the convenience of an endless supply of hot water. Overall operating costs are reduced and the sleek designs of Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters also saving on precious space make the units additionally attractive in a commercial setting.

Efficiency Equals Savings and Safety

Operating on an “as-needed” basis, Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters can reduce utility costs through using up to 40 percent less energy that a traditional system. The efficient operation of Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters can also maximize LEED certification and help to give you a more favorable HERS rating. On top of financial savings, precious space is saved in your house with the compact design of Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters and the unique copper heat exchanger on these units make for the most durable and safest water heaters you can find.

Unmatched Reliability and Tradition

Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters, much like any of the other products bearing their name, give the customer a sense of comfort and piece of mind with an unparalleled track record of reliability. As explained at Rinnai’s website,, “For Rinnai, reliability is a commitment to excellence that’s built into every product we make. The result is nothing less than the world’s most efficient, longest-lasting tankless water heaters and home heating solutions. From the beginning, Rinnai America has continued a tradition of creating solutions that enhance the way people live. That tradition has grown even stronger today.”

Just as the professionals at Poole’s Plumbing are known as the authority and experts on water heaters in the Raleigh area, Rinnai is the brand synonymous with consistently “changing the water heater game” and utilizing the latest in technology to bring consumers the most reliable and efficient product for their dollar spent. To view all the Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters and other products that can be installed for you by the professionals at Poole’s, visit rinnai.us.

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

May 28, 2016/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Innovations/by raleigh plumbers

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

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

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.

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.

Going with the Flow: Tips for Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance

May 19, 2016/in Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

The Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing are the number one water heater specialists across the Triangle area, however, even if you have been enjoying the water savings and convenience of a tankless unit you had installed by us, to ensure you keep your hot water flowing, here are several things that you can do at home to perform important Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance.

As noted in a series of articles which include video instructions at the official Noritz website that can be found here, the first step in your Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance is to do an inspection, visually around the unit. Take a good look to make sure there are absolutely no combustible materials present can help to avoid a future hazard. One thing to look for is any type of discoloring on the outside of your tank and its remote control. Wipe this outside surface first with a wet cloth and then be sure to dry it, as despite being water resistant, your water heater is not waterproof. In cleaning the remote control never use oil or fatty detergents or benzene, as either of these can and will be harmful to it.

Much like the first simple step above of Water Heater External Maintenance, next, simply listen to your water heater to be certain that you don’t hear any abnormal sounds as the unit is operating. If you do hear something that you find abnormal, it is best to troubleshoot this type issue with one of the water heater specialists at Poole’s.

Checking for leaks in the pressure release valve may seem obvious, but this too is a part of Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance that can help to avoid a larger issue down the road. You will want to open the valve to make sure that it turns off correctly and that everything is working as it should. If you do find a leak or drip in the pressure release valve, it will need to be replaced. A thorough check of all connections to the water heater to make sure everything correctly fits can also help to detect leaks and save on a much larger problem occurring down the road.

If your water heater is a DV condensing model you will want to regularly check for dust or soot that has collected in the exhaust. To do this, you will want to use the end of a screwdriver to remove the screen from the intake valve and check for any type of debris. Before putting it back in, thoroughly clean both sides of the screen with a brush and some water, then allow it to fully dry before placing it back in. This will help to ensure that there can be proper airflow into the system.

Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance is crucial in keeping your flow of hot water steady and plentiful and by following these simple at home tips you will be more likely to catch a potential problem or issue before it becomes disastrous and costly. Our next post will be a second part in doing Tankless Water Heater Maintenance with a focus in that entry on how to maintain the internal area of your unit.

More Household Water Conservation Tips for the Kitchen and the Rest of Home

April 26, 2016/in Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

In the initial posting offering up tips on how to become smarter about conserving water in the bathroom, the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing listed several ways in which you could be smarter about not only your usage of water, but by doing so, save money on costly bills by simply being more observant and making sure all is running properly. The same applies to Household Water Conservation throughout the kitchen and the rest of your home, just by making a few simple adjustments and keeping a close eye on the functionality of your appliances.

Starting out in the kitchen and laundry room, there are many simple steps that can be taken to start you on the road to savings and to avoid being wasteful through Household Water Conservation. Three major areas around the house where you can conserve are when using your faucet in the kitchen, while washing dishes, and when doing laundry. The following simple steps can be done by anyone to start your Household Water Conservation.

Faucets

Look for any leaks and if found, fix them immediately. (A faucet that leaks just 60 drops in a minute wastes over 190 gallons of water over the course of a month, this is the equivalent of over 2,300 gallons in a year’s time)
Install a faucet with the WaterSense label. Any aerator or faucet containing the U.S. EPA WaterSense name uses a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute.
An obvious step that sometimes is overlooked is to simply turn your faucet off if washing hands or scrubbing dishes while lathering.
Do not run the water to thaw out frozen foods. Being mindful and thinking ahead to simply put these items in the refrigerator to thaw overnight is an easy way for Household Water Conservation

Dishwashing

As noted above under faucets, if washing by hand fill the sink with water to use and then shut the faucet off rather than keeping he tap running.
When running a dishwasher, only wash when it is completely full. This will cut down on the number of times you use the machine and thus help with your Household Water Conservation efforts.
Use the dishwasher as opposed to washing by hand when possible. Especially if you are mindful of water usage during “pre-rinsing,” the dishwasher will use considerably less water than running the tap as you scrub.
Lastly, if you have an older model dishwasher, look into a new, more efficient model. With technological advances, Household Water Conservation can be had easily, as most newer models will tell you the amount used per washing cycle.

Laundry

Just as stated above with the dishwasher, maybe the most simple way to achieve Household Water Conservation is by only doing full loads of laundry as opposed to starting up a half full washer.
If you have an older model washing machine, adjust the water level for the amount needed in each load. Many of the newer models will do this automatically
Once again, updating your older model may be the most efficient method of Household Water Conservation in the laundry room. Units built prior to 2011 on average use about 40 gallons per load, while the newer models use as little as 15 gallons per load.
Finding an EnergyStar model or checking when selecting a new unit for the lowest possible “water factor” will help you maximize your per load conservation.

Much like the conservation tips offered in our previous article touching on the bathroom, following these simple tips for Household Water Conservation can put you well on your way to avoiding wasteful water usage as well as starting on the road to savings.

Simple Household Spring Plumbing Tips Can Help to Save

March 22, 2016/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

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.

Checking 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.

Residential Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits Extended Through 2016

March 1, 2016/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

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.

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.

Following Spring Plumbing Tips Can Help Avoid a Costly Fix

February 22, 2016/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal/by raleigh plumbers

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.”

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.

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

January 4, 2016/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

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.

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.

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

November 27, 2015/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Innovations, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

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.

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

November 5, 2015/in Miscellaneous Plumbing, Plumbing Tips and Tricks, Seasonal, Water Heaters/by raleigh plumbers

With 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.

Constant vs. Conventional : Selecting a Well Pump

July 22, 2015/in Plumbing Tips and Tricks/by raleigh plumbers

Better water pressure when taking a shower
More “city-like” water pressure coming from all faucets
Higher powered lawn irrigation
A smaller, low cost tank that takes up less space
Several built in features to prevent any damage to your pump
Convenient push button pressure selection

Conventional Pump System The conventional or traditional system is your other option in Selecting a Well Pump. These units operate at only two speeds, on and off. A pressurized switch controls the Conventional Pump System, turning the unit on when a certain pressure level is reached and likewise, shutting it off once the necessary level is reached. Benefits of the Conventional Pump System include:

A larger tank model produces longer cycles
Overall length of the pumping cycles being determined by the varying size of tank which you need
The pump not running while you are consuming water
Due to its “on” or “off” cycles, helps to conserve water and avoid unnecessary or wasteful usage.

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

June 30, 2015/in Miscellaneous Plumbing/by raleigh 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.

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.