Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

Will a Leaky Pipe Always Require Replacement?

Monday, February 16th, 2015

There are lots of items that fall under the guise of “home remedies” to fix leaking pipes. Some of these so-called fixes are sprays that turn into rubber while others are just the old standby: duct tape. Unfortunately, none of these home-grown remedies every really repairs anything and can actually contribute to more problems down the road. So to answer the question, “does a leak pipe always require replacement?” our answer is “yes”. To help you understand why pipe replacement in Sanford is important, we’d like to share some leak facts from the EPA WaterSense initiative for your consideration.

Water Leak Facts

It can be amazing how much a little drip there or a drop here can cost you, but these statistics don’t lie:

  • Household leaks average a loss of 10,000 gallons of water per year – if you pay for your water, you are paying for a whole lot of water that isn’t getting used.
  • Most, if not all, leaks can be eliminated when the problem plumbing sections are replaced correctly by professionals.
  • The most common leaks are: toilet bowl flappers, leaking valves and dripping faucets, all of which can be easily repaired by an expert.
  • A faucet that drips a droplet of water every second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually.
  • 10% of homes have an average loss of water of 90 gallons per day due to small leaks.
  • Replacing an old and/or inefficient toilet with a low-flow toilet can save you up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.
  • Have in-ground watering? A leak the size of a dime can waste over 6,000 gallons of water per month.

As you can see, even the smallest of leaks can cost you a significant amount of water, which translates into dollars with your monthly water bill. Additionally, these statistics do not take into consideration any water damage that can easily occur from the leaking water. The bottom line: if you have a leaky pipe, don’t spray it or tape it; instead, call an expert from Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. and schedule an appointment for pipe replacement service for your Sanford home.

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Reasons Backflow Issues May Occur in Your Home

Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

The name pretty much says it all: “backflow”. Without having a full definition in front of you, you can probably guess that backflow isn’t a good thing for you or your plumbing, and it’s not. Your home’s plumbing is set-up so that wastewater stays very separate from your potable water. When backflow appears, a problem has developed whereby the wastewater is somehow backing up in your plumbing and entering your supply pipes, i.e., your potable water. There are ways to help prevent backflow, and these days most plumbing requires some kind of backflow prevention service for your property. But there are a few ways in which backflow can occur, and we’ll outline some of these below.

Backflow Isn’t a Clog

One thing to be clear about when it comes to backflow is that it isn’t caused by a clog in the system; clogs stop wastewater from exiting while backflow is the mixture of wastewater with your potable water. Here are a couple of ways backflow can occur:

  • Problems with pressure in the system – your plumbing system works on a delicate balance of pressure; should this pressure become imbalanced on either the supply side or the outgoing wastewater side, backflow can develop. There are two kinds of backflow problems that can occur because of pressure: backflow, which is categorized by downstream pressure that overpowers the upstream pressure and backsiphonage, which develops from negative pressure, which has something of a vacuum effect on your plumbing system.
  • Backflow preventer breaks – plumbing systems have been required for some time to have devices called backflow preventers. These devices prevent any kind of wastewater from backflowing into your potable water. If a backflow preventer is poorly installed, or it develops a leak, the device can malfunction and allow wastewater into your system.

Backflow in your water is a potentially dangerous situation. If you suspect you may have a backflow problem, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today and schedule an appointment for plumbing repair with one of our specialists in Lake Mary, FL.

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Do I Really Need Whole-House Pipe Replacement?

Tuesday, January 13th, 2015

Whole-house pipe replacement is a very big job, and not something that is done lightly. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s necessary. The water pipes in your home are not really installed with the intention of you having to replace them at some point. In fact, water pipes are specifically designed to withstand a lifetime or two of water flow. Nothing is perfect, however, and if you do need whole-house pipe replacement then something has gone seriously wrong. Let’s examine some of the things that can provoke a whole-house pipe replacement.

Older or Harmful Pipes

Modern plumbing pipes are almost entirely made of copper, which is highly resistant to corrosion by water. Copper piping can last up to 100 years or more, assuming normal use and nothing catastrophic happens. In the early-to-mid twentieth century, however, pipes were often made of iron or lead. Iron can still last a long time, though it rusts more easily. Lead, on the other hand, tends to leech into the water that runs through the pipes. This is extremely bad for you. If you find out that any of the piping in your home is lead, replace it immediately. Polybutylene (plastic) pipes were also used in the late twentieth century, but proved far too brittle to be effective. If your house has plastic pipes, you should probably have them replaced before they rupture.

Visible Signs of Corrosion

If you live in an older house, around 50 years or older, you should make a habit of checking all the visible pipes in your home at least once a year. If you notice leaks, rust, or any other signs of corrosion, you may have a problem. The pipes in most homes tend to be uniform in material, unless a section of them has already been replaced. That means that if you find corrosion in one part of your pipe network, there’s a good chance that it is elsewhere as well. You’ll need to call a plumber to make sure, however.

If you’re worried about the water pipes in your home, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) and schedule an appointment with us. We provide quality pipe replacement services throughout the Maitland area.

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Is Rust a Sign I Need Water Heater Repair?

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015

Rust on anything is evidence of corrosion that has developed from excess moisture, which typically isn’t a good thing. When it comes to water heaters, the big question is: where is the rust located? The reason this question is important is that there is a big difference between rust being only on the outside of your water heater or on the inside. This does not mean that rust on the outside of a water heater is a good thing, but it is better than rust coming from the inside.

Sacrificial Anode

Water and metal are usually a bad combination, but there are a lot of instances where the two have to come together. When it comes to water heaters, there are two ways in which the process of corrosion via rust is inhibited: first, by insulated lining in the water tank and second, by a component known as the sacrificial anode. As its name suggests, the sacrificial anode’s job is to attract the electrolytes that help create corrosion. Sacrificial anodes are made of highly active metals, so the anode is the part that will corrode first out of all of the water heater’s components. This is done purposefully so that the less active metals that comprise the water heater won’t rust and corrode.

So What If You See Rust?

This is where you need to see where the rust is. Sacrificial anodes have an average lifespan of about 6 years. Once the anode is fully rusted, the electrolytes inside the tank will likely move on to other parts of your water heater.

Rust Prevention

So what can you do to help prevent rust and know the state of your sacrificial anode? One of the best ways is to schedule annual water heater maintenance. During a water heater maintenance appointment, all the components of your water heater are checked, including the anode; if the anode is rusty, it can be replaced during the appointment. Flushing your water heater twice a year also helps, as it removes any built-up sediment and bacteria in the tank.

If you are seeing rust on your water heater, and aren’t sure if it’s coming from a problem inside the tank or outside, it’s best to play it safe and make an appointment for water heater repair in Winter Park, FL. The experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., can help with any water heater issue you may have, so call us today!

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Why You Need Professional Plumbers for Pipe Replacement

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

If you have a problem with your water or sewer line, the worst case scenario is that your pipes will need replacement. However, the situation does not have to be stressful so long as you choose a qualified plumber for the job. A quality plumber will inspect the pipes to ensure that you get the right service, keep you informed of time and cost estimates, and provide the quickest and, more importantly, the most thorough service possible.

At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we want to help you choose the right technician for the job, so we’ve put together a guide to some of the reasons you should always trusted skilled and experienced professionals for pipe replacement in Winter Park.

The Right Contractor Will Let You Know if Repair Is an Option

Of course, replacement is generally a last resort, chosen only when the pipes suffer from mineral buildup, are at risk for corrosion, or when improper placement or faulty installation causes frequent leaking and pipe bursts. Don’t let an inexperienced plumber charge you more for pipe replacement when a few repairs may prove just as effective. Check reviews online to find a contractor who won’t scam you and leave you with a hefty bill.

A Good Contractor Can Work with Your Schedule

A decent contractor should be able to work with your schedule in some ways, since pipe replacement is a job that often takes several days. Ask for time estimates and make sure there is some way you can still have access to water. Many plumbers will run a temporary pipe to the water main so you can get on with your daily routine.

Professionals Know How the Safest and Least Invasive Methods of Pipe Replacement

Finally, professional plumbers know the safest ways to repair your pipes, as well as which methods do the least damage to the landscaping. Pipe replacement is an invasive process, during which large portions of your yard must be excavated, but professionals can help make sure the impact of this is kept minimal.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to schedule an appointment and speak with experts you can trust for quality pipe replacement service in Winter Park.

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Make Sure to Schedule Backflow Preventer Maintenance

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014

Imagine that you’re outside washing your car with a hose that is submerged in a bucket of soapy water. Now imagine that your plumbing system has suddenly become compromised. Perhaps the main water line has burst and there is a sudden drop in your water pressure. You water supply is kept pressurized, but a sudden drop in pressure could cause the flow to reverse, siphoning up any nearby source of water through the pipes. This reverse flow may suck up the soapy water inside of the bucket and bring it into your home, causing it to flow through your plumbing system and into your home’s drinking water.

This is called backflow and, while the given scenario is unlikely, many areas of your plumbing system run the risk of cross-connecting in the event of a sudden change in pressure. Backflow occurs when the flow of water reverses and any contaminant—liquid, gas, or solid—runs the risk of entering your water supply. However, this risk is prevented with a backflow prevention device.

A backflow preventer is a device that provides an air gap so that back siphonage cannot occur. Many plumbing systems already have a backflow device installed, and state and local codes mandate the use of backflow preventers in many cases. This is because a backflow prevention device is a safety measure, keeping harmful contaminants from reaching the potable drinking supply and causing unsafe conditions in your home from the addition of sewage, wastewater, or untreated groundwater in your home.

If you already own a backflow prevention device for your plumbing system, you may believe that you are protected. However, many municipalities require that your backflow device is inspected and tested on a regular basis by a trained technician. A plumber can make sure that your backflow prevention device continues to work as it should. Your backflow preventer contains test cocks and shut-off valves designed specifically for the purpose of maintenance.

Keep your home and family safe by calling a plumber to test your backflow preventer every year, perhaps alongside your annual plumbing maintenance visit. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to schedule backflow prevention maintenance in Longwood today!

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Different Materials Used for Pipe Replacement

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

For many decades, the two most common materials for indoor plumbing were iron and galvanized steel. The latter continued to be used until the early 1970s. Although both metals are sturdy, they are also inclined toward corrosion over time, which eventually leads to water contamination, leaks, and busted pipes. For homes built before 1970, it is often necessary to schedule pipe replacement to swap out these outdated materials for modern ones.

There are a number of different materials that plumbers use when repiping parts of a home. Which ones depend on the situation. If you hire the professionals at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to handle your pipe replacement in Apopka, FL or the surrounding areas, you’ll receive the skilled work necessary to select the right new pipes and install them so you will have many decades of trouble-free plumbing.

The Most Common Types of Pipe Replacement Material

  • Copper: This is the metal that superseded iron and galvanized steel as the new standard for plumbing. Copper is durable, corrosion-resistant, and extremely light, making it easy to work with. Copper also has greater flexibility than steel and iron, making it less likely to break when encountering extra force or strung between two distant supports. In general, copper will outlast most other piping material.
  • PEX: One of the most popular of the different types of plastic pipes used in plumbing, PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is especially common for freshwater pipes that carry drinking water to taps. PEX is less expensive than copper, does not suffer from corrosion or pinhole leaking (which is sometimes an issue with copper), and can often last for 50 years.
  • CPVC: An advance over standard PVC pipes, some plumbers prefer CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) over PEX piping. These pipes are most commonly used for hot water lines because they have a high resistance to heat.

When handling pipe replacement for a home, a plumber will probably use a combination of these materials to complete the job. Normally, copper pipes are used for main lines, and various color-coded plastic pipes (red for hot, blue for cold) branching off to fixtures. Using these flexible materials, plumbers have greater freedom for designing plumbing than they once did, which is a reason that it’s always a good idea to have pipe replacement done during a remodeling, since it permits more options.

If you have a home with aging pipes, or if you have started to notice signs of declining pipes, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for professional pipe replacement in Apopka, FL. We will bring the best technology and skills to any job we do.

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Why You Need Professionals to Install Backflow Preventers

Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

To protect your home’s supply of fresh water, you need to make certain that contamination from the wastewater system doesn’t flow back up the pipes (backflow) and into the freshwater pipes. The device that prevents this from occurring when there is a change of pressure that lowers the water pressure on the freshwater side is called a backflow preventer. Many Central Florida municipalities legally require homes to have backflow preventers for sanitation and health reasons—so the chances are high that your plumbing system already has one installed.

Backflow preventers can fail, however, and they need to have annual inspections from licensed plumbers to see that they are still working properly. If you find out that your backflow preventer is no longer adequately shielding your fresh water supply, you must contact professional certified plumbers to install a new one as soon as possible.

To reach expert plumbers with the experience necessary for installing and inspecting backflow prevention in Winter Park, FL, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We also have 24-hour service in case of emergencies.

Licensed Plumbers Are Necessary for This Installation

Backflow prevention isn’t a matter of convenience: it’s one of safety. For this reason, you must only entrust the work to licensed professionals. A certified plumber will make certain that the right size of backflow preventer is installed into your plumbing and that it seals correctly so there is no danger of allowing sewage into your freshwater lines. You do not want to risk the safety of your family by attempting to install it on your own, or by hiring a non-certified amateur.

Also keep in mind that in the majority of Central Florida municipalities, non-licensed work on a backflow preventer is illegal. Any backflow preventer that receives low-quality installation from a non-professional will likely fail its next annual inspection. When a backflow preventer fails this test, it must receive immediate replacement. You will save time and money by making certain that you have the work done by licensed plumbers the first time.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for Backflow Preventer Installation

Our licensed plumbing team is experienced with numerous types of repairs and installations. We specialize in professional backflow prevention services in Winter Park, FL and the rest of Central Florida. We can handle the inspections, repairs, maintenance, and installations you need. Call us any time and we can answer all your questions regarding backflow prevention.

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Reasons That You May Need Pipe Replacement

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

Your plumbing system is made up of fixtures, faucets, and drains that all rely on a complex network of pressurized pipes. Unfortunately, even the smallest change in pressure can affect your plumbing to the point that pipe replacement may be necessary. When leaks threaten your home, you want to fix the problem as soon as possible, which is why it’s imperative that you call a plumbing professional, like the technicians at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) in Casselberry. So why might your pipes need replacement? Is pipe replacement preventable?

If the water pressure changes even slightly inside of your plumbing system, you may need repairs or replacement. One example is the effects of hard water. If you have an excess of minerals in your water supply, deposits may build up along the inside of pipes, changing the water pressure to the point that a pipe may spring a leak. This issue is preventable if you install a water softener at the first sign of hard water.

Another reason pipes may need replacement is if tree roots infiltrate your water or sewer line. Roots naturally grow towards a source of water, so if there is a weak point in your pipes, a root may take hold and work its way inside. If water or sewage leaks into your yard, you may need to schedule pipe replacement services, but your new pipes may offer better protection against tree roots.

Finally, you may need pipe replacement if there are signs that your pipes are older and may soon corrode from rust. While modern plumbing systems are made up of copper or plastic pipes, some older homes may still have pipes made from galvanized steel that can rust through, causing major leaks. If your water is discolored or you notice reddish-brown flakes, pipe replacement may be urgent. If corrosion affects one part of your plumbing system, you’ll probably need to replace all of the older pipes with new copper or plastic piping.

One of the ways to prevent pipe replacement is with regular plumbing repair or maintenance. When you schedule maintenance, a plumber will clean and inspect your entire system to reduce the need for repairs or replacement later on. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or pipe replacement in Casselberry, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

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Why Install Both Low-Flow Fixtures and a Tankless Water Heater

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

Most people would love to save money every month on their utility bills, but many do not know that there are some simple ways to do so. Many homeowners waste water and energy with inefficient appliances that increase water, gas, and energy bills. Installing new appliances and fixtures may decrease your bills and help the environment in the process.

Two things you may choose to install in your home to help manage your utility bills are low-flow fixtures and a tankless water heater. In this guide, we’ll detail these items, showing you how they waste less hot water than your current fixtures and how you can save money every month by making a simple change.

Low-Flow Fixtures

If you replace your current showerhead with a low-flow showerhead, or if you install a faucet aerator for your sink, you can save a significant amount on your energy bills, up to sixty percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy. These relatively inexpensive fixtures reduce the amount of water produced per minute, as do low-flow toilets.

Tankless Water Heaters

With conventional storage tank water heaters, water is heated and stored in a large tank. Water fills the tank through a dip tube which leads to the bottom. A burner or electric heating element heats the water, and it naturally moves to the top of the tank where it exits through a smaller pipe. The problem with this type of heater is the standby energy loss that comes with leaving the water heated at all times. A tankless water heater heats water immediately as it passes through, eliminating the need for a tank. When combined with a low-flow fixture, you’ll use significantly less energy and water whenever you turn on a hot water tap.

Other Ways to Save

Installing low-flow fixtures and tankless heaters is not the only way to save hot water. Switching to energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers can also reduce your bills. You should also be sure to call a plumber for professional repairs at the first sign of water leaks in your pipes. For water heater installation and other plumbing services in Winter Park, save money every month by calling the professionals at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

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