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

Plumbing Question: What Is a Mixing Valve?

Monday, October 28th, 2013

You use running water in your home every day. When you reach for the knobs or handle that controls the flow of water into a sink, shower, or bathtub, you have the option to get cold or hot water, or a blend of both. You probably know the exact combination of the two that’s the most pleasant for you. But did you know that there’s a hidden mechanism in your plumbing to make certain that you don’t get an unpleasant surprise of extremely hot water every time you turn on a faucet? It’s called the mixing valve, and without it your daily supply of water could become dangerous.

The term “mixing valve” has the general application of meaning any device in plumbing that controls the mix of hot and cold water to provide a comfortable temperature. In most cases, a mixing valve isn’t designed simply to provide comfort; it serves as a safety mechanism that will keep you from accidental scalding due to high temperatures.

The danger of scalding water from your plumbing exists because water in a home needs to be stored at high temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. Without the regulation of a mixing valve, this water might flow from your showerhead, bath faucet, or sink and cause you injury. A central thermostatic mixing valve works automatically to prevent this from occurring. The valve’s thermostat is preset so that it will close a plunger and stop the supply of hot water if the cold water pressure experiences a sudden drop. As long as the mixing valve is working correctly, you won’t have to fear getting extremely hot water when you turn a faucet handle.

Central mixing valves operate without the user having to do anything. There are some manual mixing valves that can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. However, these do not provide the same guarantee against very hot water that a central mixing valve does, so your home should still have a thermostatic mixing valve installed to prevent accidental scalding.

Because a mixing valve is important for protecting you and your family—whether showering, cleaning dishes, or washing your hands—you need to take good care of your plumbing. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) offers excellent maintenance plans; an annual visit from one of our experts in plumbing in Orlando, FL will alleviate your worries. Contact us today.

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How Much Water Does My Toilet Use?

Monday, October 21st, 2013

Of the items that run water in your house, the toilet uses a high volume of water; in general, the bathroom is the place in your home that will use the most amount of water. Your toilet quite a lot of water each time it is used. The amount, however, varies depending on the type. More recent designs have a lower flow, while older ones can use up to four times as much water. And when it comes to a malfunctioning toilet, the waste of water can be enormous.

Conserving water is important for our environment and for your budget. We’re going to explain how much water your toilet might use so you can think about how to conserve, and also why getting repairs is so important. When you need to call a plumber in Orlando, FL, get on the phone with Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

A modern low-flow toilet uses about one 1¼ gallons per flush. According to the EPA, older models can use between 3½ to 7 gallons. As a comparison, a running faucet uses about 2 gallons per minute, so a single flush on one of these older models is approximately equivalent to running a faucet for anywhere from two to four minutes.

If your toilet starts to run without stopping, the amount of water it uses will leap up to extremely wasteful levels. A running toilet can waste up to 2 gallons a minute. That means that if you let it run for two hours, it will use 120 gallons of water! Even a leaky toilet is extremely wasteful, with the EPA estimating a use of 200 gallons per day. You don’t want to pay bills for that kind of drain on the water supply, so make sure you see to the problem right away, and get a plumber to help you if you can’t solve it on your own.

Make sure that you aren’t wasting water. Aside from unnecessary flushes, see that your toilet isn’t leaking or running without stop. With an older model, you might consider upgrading to a low-flow toilet with the government WaterSense label. Get in contact with Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for a plumber in Orlando, FL who can offer you the advice and repairs you need to make the bathroom in your home more water conservation friendly.

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Hard Water and Its Impact on Your Plumbing System

Monday, October 7th, 2013

The term “hard water” often baffles people unfamiliar with chemistry or plumbing. You hear it often, but what does it actually mean?

The simplest explanation of hard water is that it’s water with higher than normal mineral content, usually calcium-based minerals. The most common minerals found in hard water are magnesium and calcium, although a variety of other minerals such as gypsum also occur. Under most conditions, hard water poses no health risks to drink. It can make it difficult to create decent soap lather; it tends to create soap scum instead, and this is the most immediate effect of hard water that homeowners notice.

However, hard water has a more serious danger than simply making it more difficult to get a good tub full of suds. The minerals in hard water will have a harmful effect on your plumbing. Hard water can do damage to your pipes that lead to problematic and expensive repairs unless dealt with. The water treatment specialists at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. have solutions for hard water trouble with your plumbing in Orlando, FL. If you have questions, concerns, or want to schedule water treatment system installation, contact us.

The main difficulty hard water can cause for your plumbing is a build-up of “scale,” which are deposits of calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium sulfate. (You can see why somebody invented a simpler name for this.) Scale will start to restrict water flow in your pipes. This can turn into an especially serious problem if you use a boiler, since the increased pressure can cause the boiler to overheat.

Because hard water encourages the creation of soap scum, build-up can lead to clogs. Hard water will also increase corrosion that will weaken pipes and make them susceptible to leaking and breaks.

There are a number of ways to combat hard water. One of the best is to have a reverse osmosis system installed to separate the minerals out of your water. There are also DI resin cartridges and a variety of filters that will help. Call in water treatment specialists to test your water supply and recommend a remedy for your hard water troubles.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. is one of your best options for professional work on your plumbing in Orlando, FL. We offer 24-hour emergency service, so call us any time.

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Ask a Plumber: Why Does My Toilet Run So Long?

Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

Running toilets are one of the most common problems that plumbers face, a nuisance that requires professional attention to properly treat. A  plumber can usually pinpoint the issue fairly quickly and implement a solution, but it may help homeowners to understand why their toilet is running so they know when to call for a repair.

A running toilet is invariably caused by a leak somewhere in the system. In some cases, a leaky flush valve is the culprit, in which case it can be fixed simply by jiggling the handle (the flush valve lifts whenever you flush the toilet, draining the water out of the tank). A leaky valve should be replaced eventually, and a plumber can diagnose whether the problem lies with the valve itself or the chain-and-handle connected to the toilet lever.

An improperly set float ball may cause the problem as well. It’s the rubber ball on the end of a stick, which shuts off the running water and prevents the tank form overflowing. If it’s not set properly, the water won’t shut off; it will just keep running.

A more severe leak could be taking place in the spud gasket which connects the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. In some cases, you can spot this leak by the presence of water on the floor around the toilet. Spud gaskets require a significant effort to replace, so a plumber should be called in as quickly as possible.

Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. employs some of the best plumbers in Orlando and throughout the surrounding area. Our plumbers are fully certified and we pride ourselves on our efficiency.  If your toilet keeps running and you’re not sure how to stop it, give us a call today!

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Polybutylene Piping and You, What You Need to Know

Monday, August 19th, 2013

Polybutylene Piping was a common material used in the plumbing systems of many commercial and residential buildings between 1978 and 1995. Due to its inexpensive cost it was used frequently as a material for the plumbing system piping in homes and businesses. Since 1995 it has been discovered that polybutylene piping is actually vulnerable to leakage, breakage or general erosion due to the reaction of the metal with certain common chemicals used to treat water.

It is important to know whether or not you have this type of piping in your house because it may be susceptible to these erosive type failures that can cause or lead up to catastrophic failure event. Beyond the potential for a major failure of the piping, it is also important to note that many insurance companies may not underwrite insurance for homes or business that have this type of material. You could find yourself unable to get adequate insurance due to the discovery of polybutylene, which means a full re-piping of your home may be required. This issue has been known to affect home sales as well, and is often something a potential buyer will ask be fixed prior to completion of the sale. There have also been incidents of insurance companies dropping homeowner policies upon discovery of this plumbing material, making it extremely important to find out if your home contains this material and catching plumbing issues early.

If you find your home or business has this type of piping you may be asking yourself what the next step should be. Call us at Modern Plumbing Inc and we will come inspect the piping for your plumbing and give you some options for replacement. We want to protect our community residences and residents as well as local businesses, many times just getting an expert opinion can start you on your way towards having peace of mind that your plumbing is safe. If you live in the greater Orlando or Winter Springs, FL area give us a call today!

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How Can I Benefit from Professional Drain Cleaning?

Tuesday, August 6th, 2013

You rely on the plumbing system in your home for countless chores and household duties, including dishwashing, bathing and doing the laundry. Of course, once you have used the water piped into your home to do so, it has to get out somehow. That is where your drain lines come in. Disposing of wastewater in an effective, hygienic manner is one of the most important functions of your plumbing system, and it is vital that you ensure your drainage system is able to operate properly. With professional drain cleaning in Orlando from Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., you can have confidence that your drains will function reliably.

There is simply no way that you can prevent foreign substances from making their way into your drains. Even when you use drain guards to keep food, hair and other items out of your drains, they cannot be 100% effective. Because of this, it is a common problem for homeowners to deal with slow-moving, clogged and completely backed up drains. All too often, homeowners content themselves with pouring liquid drain cleaner into the bathtub or down the kitchen sink. This is simply not nearly effective or dependable a method. To get a truly outstanding performance from the drains in your home, you need professional drain cleaning.

The problem with liquid cleaners is that they rarely are able to clear away a clog completely. If even a small chunk of the clog is left behind, it is only a matter of time before that clog reforms. Some homeowners attempt to snake out their drains on their own. Again, the likelihood of completing the job thoroughly is just not guaranteed. It is possible for an amateur to simply push the snake through a clog, leaving a ring around the interior of the pipes. This will allow some water through, which may fool you into thinking that you have successfully cleaned the drain. Only a professional, though, has the tools, including video camera pipe inspection equipment, to ensure that the job is completed completely.

For more information about the benefits of professional drain cleaning, or to schedule service with the Orlando drain cleaning pros on our team, give MPI a call today. We will gladly clear out your drains to prevent future problems, including the potential for a pressure imbalance and burst pipes, within your plumbing system. Call now for more details.

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What You Need to Know About Water Heaters and Pipe Replacement

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

Your water heater get s a ton of use every single day. It is probably one of your most-used appliances. While you are probably aware that problems can develop with your water heater itself, did you know that you can also have issues with the pipes that lead into it?

Your water heater uses several different types of pipes in order to deliver cold water to it and to pump heated water into your home. There are probably some copper pipes as well as some plastic pipes as well leading into or out of your system. Here are a few common things that you need to know about these pipes.

  • Copper pipes – These types of pipes are used to carry water because of their durability and resistance to corrosion. Because your water heater uses so much water it can take a toll on plastic pipes. However, these types of pipes are more difficult to repair because the copper must be cut and soldered in order to replace the pipes.
  • Plastic PVC – Another common type of pipe you might see near your water heater is PVC. This will usually only be used for fresh water intake as this kind of pipe is not often used with hot water. This is an easier type of pipe to work with because it doesn’t need to be soldered.

Causes of Pipe Replacement

There are a couple common things that can cause your water heater’s pipes to need replacement. One common cause is corrosion. If your home’s water supply is of a certain acidity or if you have hard water, it can cause minerals or corrosion to build up inside the pipes. This will cause huge issues for your water heater. Rust is another issue that can develop and cause the need for pipe replacement. While copper is very resistant to rust, the soldering material used to fit the pipes together (referred to as “flux”) can start to rust. And, of course, there are pipes made of other materials that can be used in your home, such as steel and polybutylene, which can can also have issues with both rust and corrosion. If you are not sure what your water heater pipes are made of, call your local Orlando plumber to examine your system.

If you need water heater repair in Orlando, make sure that you call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) .

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Polybutylene Piping in Your Orlando House? Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Can Help!

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Your plumbing system is a critical part of your home, and it’s important to know what materials are used in its construction. Between 1978 and 1995, a type of piping called polybutylene was used across the country because it was relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Over time, however, it was discovered that these pipes are susceptible to some of the chemicals used to treat water systems, and therefore vulnerable to erosion, leakage and breakage. While structures built since that time have not used this type of piping, there are many homes that should have polybutylene pipes replaced.

At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., we have come across this material on numerous occasions, and it may require a complete re-piping to pass inspection or to qualify for insurance. While this can be a major job, it is necessary in order to prevent catastrophic failure of the pipes, and to ensure the safety of your home. Being proactive is the best way to protect yourself from the issues that can arise from polybutylene pipes, so call us today to come take a look at your current system. We can recommend the best solution moving forward.

If you live in the Orlando, FL area and aren’t sure of what type of piping you have in your home, call one of our plumbing experts for professional consultation. We can run you through the steps necessary to move forward with replacing your system. Here at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., we want our community to be safe from the types of major issues that can arise from a system using polybutylene piping. Let us help you protect your home.

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Can Neglecting Drain Cleaning Cause Damage?

Monday, July 1st, 2013

Having good, working drains is critical to your home’s proper functioning and also to your daily life. Getting regular drain cleaning is one of the best ways for you to make sure that your drains continue to work well for as long as possible. But what happens if you neglect drain cleaning? Can it really cause damage to your home’s plumbing system? Here at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we are dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction and to the quality of work that we do. We anted to help our customers understand the importance of getting regular drain cleaning in Orlando, FL.

The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning

Your drains get a ton of use every single day from showers, toilets, sinks, dish washers, and laundry machines. All that use can cause your drains to develop small clogs, cracks and leaks. These types of problems usually start small and then end up becoming larger, more costly repairs.

But when you get regular drain cleaning, you might be able to keep those problems from being quite such a hassle. During a drain cleaning visit, your plumber will thoroughly clean out your entire drain system. This will allow them to remove any small clogs that are developing before they completely clog your drain. Your plumber will also inspect your drains for any leaks and cracks that could be happening. This is probably the best way for you to potentially avoid drain leaks. However, if you neglect to get drain cleaning, there’s no way for your to keep those small clogs or cracks from becoming full-blown plumbing repairs.

Call for Drain Cleaning in Orlando, FL

If you’re tired of having your drains clog or if you’d like to potentially avoid plumbing repair, call the friendly experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).  We will visit your home on a regular basis and use our specialized tools to thoroughly clean out your entire drain and plumbing system. Contact us today for drain cleaning in Orlando, FL.

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Ask a Plumber: Reasons for Shower Backup

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

It is difficult for most homeowners to imagine living without the incredible convenience of running water in their homes. Thankfully, most of us will never have to experience such issues. Even so, it is very likely that you will experience some sort of problems with the plumbing system in your home eventually. When that time comes, it is important to contact a professional plumber in Orlando, FL immediately. The longer you wait to do so, the greater the risk for serious damage to your plumbing system. Even seemingly minor problems, such as a backed up shower drain, may result in real trouble if given the time. Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to learn more.

 Shower Backup

There are a number of different reasons why your shower may back up. The good news is that most of them can be easily avoided with just a little bit of extra care. One of the most important things that you can do to keep your bathtub draining properly is to simply use drain covers when showering. It is inevitable that some hair is going to wind up being shed in the shower, and hair buildup in shower drains may be the most common cause of shower backups. If you shave in the shower then your drains are at an even greater risk. A good drain cover will help to keep that hair out of the drain as the water passes through.

Even when being careful to use drain covers and clean any hair out of the shower when you’re done, you will probably still have to deal with a shower backup at some point. Dirt, grime and even soap and shampoo residue can build up over time. Regular drain cleaning is a great way to ensure that your drains are clear and that they will function properly. A slow moving drain is certainly inconvenient, but many homeowners fail to realize that such issues can lead to an imbalance of pressure, creating a risk for the condition of your pipes.

To learn more about shower backups and how to avoid them, speak with an Orlando, FL plumber you can count on at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Our team is happy to answer any questions that you may have. Contact us any time to discuss all of your plumbing service options and needs.

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