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

Plumbing Question: What Does a Drain Vent Do?

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we have seen a wide variety of plumbing jobs throughout the Orlando area.  We believe that an informed customer is a great thing; it allows you to spot any issues or problems with your piping that may cause clogs and leaks. It’s relatively simple to understand that drains needs to be installed at a pitch so that gravity can push your organic waste and gray water into your sewer. But your drain ventilation system is just as critical. In today’s post, we’d like to address what a drain vent does. If you have any issues with your plumbing system that need professional attention, give us a call today.

Your wastewater disposal system cannot work without proper ventilation. Think of your drain as a tube plugged at one end. Without ventilation integrated into the drainpipe, that wastewater cannot move because there is a pressurized vacuum. A drain vent pipe connects your drain to what’s known as the main stack. While its location may vary from home to home, the main stack ventilates your drainpipe system all the way through the roof. This allows for air to flow into your drainpipe, thus relieving the pressure of a closed system, and letting gravity do its job to keep your home a hygienic and pleasant place to live.

As you can imagine, your drain vent is subject to wear and tear and problems just like any other aspect of your piping system. If there are any blockages in your drain vent, whether at the local pipe itself, or within the main stack, then you simply cannot expect effective and efficient waste removal. This may cause odors to develop in the home or might even completely backup your plumbing. It’s critical that any such problems be addressed by a professional plumber so that your home is restored to its normal operation.

Call  Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today for comprehensive plumbing services in Orlando, including drain vent repair.

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Benefits of Scheduling Maintenance Service with a Professional Plumber

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

There are huge benefits to getting your home’s plumbing system regularly maintained. The expert plumbers at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) have years of experience offering complete plumbing maintenance for all different kinds of plumbing system. Make sure that you take a couple minutes to check out some of the benefits of getting your plumbing system inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

  • Reduced plumbing repair – Perhaps the most important benefit of regular plumbing maintenance is that it could potentially reduce the need for plumbing repair. When you have a professional plumber regularly cleaning and inspecting your system, they will be able to find the small issues that eventually turn into repair. This could allow you to prevent some plumbing problems from ever occurring.
  • Increased efficiency – Your drains should be able to quickly drain the water out of your home. If you start to notice that your drains are slowing down it usually means that there is a clog forming somewhere in your plumbing system. During regular maintenance visits your plumber will look for the beginnings of those clogs and remove them which could help all the drains in your home work better.
  • Extended life – In some cases, clogs in your plumbing system can cause leaks or ruptures in your pipes. Maintaining your pipes and drains can help them last longer.

If you’re interested in scheduling regular maintenance for your home’s plumbing system, just call the Orlando plumbers at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We will visit your home several times every year and perform a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing system.

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Ask a Plumber: Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Running?

Friday, May 17th, 2013

Toilet problems can be incredibly disruptive. As one of the most used appliances in your home, you need to make sure that it operates well every day throughout the year. One of the most common problems that we come across is toilets that continue to run long after flushing. While this may seem like an inconsequential, minor issue, it can actually lead to leaks and higher utility bills. There’s no repair too minor (or too large) for a professional Orlando plumber, so call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today.

Ask an Orlando Plumber: Why Won't my Toilet Stop Running?In order to better understand what the problem is with your toilet and why it won’t stop running, it’s useful to first look at how your toilet functions. Your toilet is comprised of three major components: the flushing mechanism, bowl siphon, and the refill mechanism. Simply physical principles ensure that there is a consistent and constant level of water in your toilet at all times. Water conforms to a container or surface because of gravity and the curvature of the pipe behind the bowl allows the overflowing of the bowl by the tank to cause the toilet to flush. So long as the bowl is filled quickly with enough water to activate the siphon, your toilet will flush.

The tank behind the toilet bowl rapidly dumps several gallons of water into the siphon, which causes the bowl’s contents to overflow down the drainpipe. But in order to control the flow, your toilet tank has a flush valve that controls the flushing mechanism. The filler float, which looks like a ball connected to the end of a stick senses the level of water in the tank, and tells the filler valve to send water into the tank and the bowl after the flush is complete, so that the flush mechanism can be restored.

A sticky or damaged flush valve can cause a toilet to run constantly after flushing. It may also be a problem with the chain that connects the handle to that mechanism. Sometimes a jiggle on the handle will ensure that the tank fills back up, but you may need to replace the part to ensure that it doesn’t happen regularly.

Call MPI today if you need an excellent Orlando plumber. We’d be happy to take care of your any problems with your home plumbing.

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Corroded Pipes and Plumbing Repair

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

We often think of our home plumbing system as indestructible. After all, metal is known for its strength as well as its durability. But corroded pipes can sneak up on homeowners. They can lead to serious systemic damage and you may need whole house repiping. In this post, we’d like to share with you two major issues that can lead to severe corroded pipes within your home. If you’re concerned with your pipes, then don’t hesitate to call for plumbing repair in Orlando, FL. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

Orlando Plumbing - Pipe Replacement

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vax-o-matic/3828158533/

Your home plumbing materials are made out of plastic, concrete, or metal. While both plastic and concrete pipes tend to resist corrosion, metals are susceptible. But what is corrosion? Metal corrosion involves the constant release of ions of the metal into the water. Rust is probably the most well-known form of corrosion, and it involves the electrochemical oxidation of the metal in reaction to the oxygen in the air. When there is a substantial difference in the mineral composition of the metal piping and the water that runs through it, corrosion can result. Let’s take a look at common reasons for corroded pipes.

  • Flux problem: The term “flux” names a kind of paste cleaning agent used in the copper pipe soldering process. Plumbers use flux to facilitate soldering because dirt, oil, and oxidation at the site of the soldering can present obstacles to a successful joint. Muriatic acid cleans the joint and thus prepares it for bonding. But the downside of flux is that it may actually begin to react with the copper pipe itself if the pipe installation is delayed. If cold or hot water does not run through those pipes relatively soon after installation, then the acidity may pose problems to the integrity of the joint.
  • Water acidity: The alkalinity, hardness, and pH of the water running through the pipes all contribute to corrosive or scale-forming results. If the pH of your water is low, then your water is acidic and this often leads to enhanced levels of pipe corrosion.

We hope this helps you to better understand why pipes corrode. When you need comprehensive plumbing repair in Orlando, FL, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI)

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Commercial Plumbing Project: Florida Hospital Altamonte Surgery Expansion

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Modern Plumbing Project - Florida Hospital Altamonte Surgery ExpansionOne of the most rewarding benefits about working in the plumbing industry is working on a project that will ultimately help people. We worked on a major expansion of a surgery center in Altamonte Springs, FL in 2009. This expansion allowed the surgery to fulfill the medical needs of a much wider range of patients, and the experience for us was both challenging and rewarding. Working on a new large commercial building is relatively simple in comparison. When you have to move materials and equipment and make noise in a hospital environment, you really have to take into consideration where you are, and the patients nearby who are both preparing for and recovering from surgery.

That means paying attention to the risk of contamination, limiting noise, and disruption of ongoing services, and fast-tracking the project by working double-shifts. The project involved a wide range of gas equipment installation, including five major medical gas systems. Additionally, the expansion required extensive medical alarm panel wiring, along with various plumbed sinks and specialty fixtures for surgical and clinical purposes. Such equipment requires very precise installation because there is no room for error when it comes to taking care of patients. We also installed a domestic water system and sanitary and storm systems.

All in all, the project was a success, completed within budget and on time. Although we excel in such situations, every job is a learning experience and we continue to grow as a company so that we can meet the demands of any job.

Call us today to learn more about the residential and commercial plumbing services we offer to Altamonte Springs, FL and the surrounding area.

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Factors That May Damage Your Sewer in Orlando

Friday, April 26th, 2013

We rely on our sewer systems every day to provide safe, effective wastewater disposal. However, considering all the use that it gets, it will probably need professional repair at some point. Because of what it does and where it is, your sewer is subject to various potential factors that may affect its integrity and performance over the years. In this post, we’d like to look at a few that seem pressing. For more information about your sewer in Orlando, and whether it may need professional attention, call the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

  • Orlando Drain ServicesRoot penetration: The roots of trees are incredibly powerful. While they do not move fast, they carry a lot of force behind their extensions into the earth. If you have trees in the vicinity of your sewer line, then you may have to deal with the possibility that a root may penetrate your sewer line, causing it to crack and leak.
  • Soil erosion: While we feel only solid ground underneath our feet, the soil is constantly shifting. When parts of the underground soil composition erode, it can lead to shifts in soil density that can collapse your sewer line.
  • Nearby construction: When large machines move over the earth, the soil may expand or settle in adjacent areas. If you or your neighbor has a construction project, make sure the contractor knows about any sewer lines in the area.
  • Age of pipes: Over time, even the most durable sewer pipes corrode, crack, and collapse. Even when professionally installed, your sewer line is at risk when it hits a certain age. If you have an older home plumbing, you may wish to consult with a professional about pre-emptively replacing your sewer line before it causes a major disruption.

For more information about factors that can damage your sewer line, make sure you contact your local plumber. Sewer repairs should be taken care of immediately. If your sewer in Orlando needs professional attention, call the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today! 

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Ways to Improve Water Pressure in Orlando, FL

Monday, April 15th, 2013

The water pressure in your home is measured in pounds per square inch (often-abbreviated psi). Depending on your location and the peculiarity of your home plumbing, your home water pressure may range anywhere between 40 and 80 psi. While high pressure in the home can lead to loud plumbing and, at some levels, burst pipe connections, too low pressure can result in poor water flow, especially upstairs. While your system is pressurized, gravity still plays a significant role: it can reduce the pressure of your vertical piping by a single psi every 2.31 feet. Water treatment systems and valves can also contribute to water pressure loss. If you need to improve your water pressure, it’s best to consult with a professional first. For more information, or when you need a plumber in Orlando, FL, call the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

  • Adjust pressure: If you are concerned about the low levels of water pressure in your home, then you can have a plumber adjust it at the main water supply, which may be in a basement, crawl space, or water meter. The valve to your water main controls the water pressure. Depending on your water supply, this can be more or less adjustable.
  • Install a booster pump: If the first option doesn’t work, then consider having a booster pump installed in your home. Your main water line will be routed through the booster pump, which goes to a water-pressure tank, and then into your home plumbing piping. While your water pressure will fluctuate slightly due to the presence of the pump, it can dramatically improve the water pressure in your home.
  • Check for leaks: One of the major causes of low water pressure is leaks. While it’s easy to spot an overflowing washing machine, hidden leaks can take their toll on your home water pressure, and also damage your home in the process. Keep an eye out for leaks when you have water pressure. If you see water stains or signs of discoloration on floors or walls, you may have a hidden water leak.

For more information, or to schedule plumbing service, call  Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for a plumber in Orlando, FL today! 

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World Plumbing Day!

Monday, March 11th, 2013

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Today is World Plumbing Day! March 11th is an international holiday recognizing the role of plumbers in your home and in providing safe water throughout the world.

“In developing nations a good plumber may well be every bit as important …as the doctor who treats a life threatening water born illness that sound plumbing could have averted.”

In developed nations, complex systems and your local plumber are responsible for maintaining the clean water that keeps your home clean, sanitary and healthy. The World Plumbing Council strives to keep the public aware of the importance of plumbing and plumbers throughout the world.

Celebrate World Plumbing Day by spreading the word about clean water and the importance of plumbing!

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CAI Central Florida Tradeshow

Tuesday, February 5th, 2013

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. will have a booth at the 2013 Community Associations Institute’s Central Florida Tradeshow. This year’s theme is Wild Wild West, and there will be special door prizes. The tradeshow will be February 7th at the Hilton Orlando. Educational seminars will be held from 1pm to 3pm and the tradeshow will continue after with over 130 different vendors.

CAI Central Florida Tradeshow | Orlando | Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc.

 

MPI provides top quality plumbing, drain cleaning and water heater services throughout the Orlando area. Call us for all your plumbing needs. We offer 24/7 emergency service and maintenance plans to keep your plumbing systems running smoothly and efficiently.

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Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Sponsors Taste of Oviedo

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Modern Plumbing Industries | Oviedo | Taste of Oviedo

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) will be sponsoring the Taste of Oviedo event on March 9th, 2013. The event runs form 11am to 7pm, with a fireworks show following. Admission is free and celebrates the cultural heritage of Oviedo. There will be a car show, food and entertainment.

MPI is proud to support the local community. We provide top quality drain cleaning, sewer services, emergency plumbing and water heater services in Oviedo and throughout the Orlando area.

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