Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Orlando’

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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High Water Pressure and Water Heater Repair

Monday, October 14th, 2013

No matter where you live in the globe, from the tropics to above the Arctic Circle, getting hot water is an important part of your daily comfort. Hot water doesn’t just do the job of making a shower a pleasant experience instead of a frigid one; it’s also responsible for cleaning your clothes and dishes effectively by killing bacteria. Whatever type of water heater you have installed in your home in Florida, you need it to work its best for you every time you turn on a tap or start the washing machine.

A problem we sometimes see in water heaters that we repair is high water pressure. Along with rust, sediment build-up, and simple neglect, high water pressure is one of the major foes of your water heater that can lead to the need for serious repair or even a full replacement. It’s also a problem people don’t often consider a danger. High water pressure can cause thermal expansion inside the heater, when the system starts to heat water despite there not being a need for it. This can cause internal damage and other, more severe issues.

The water pressure inside your home should be in the range of 50 to 60 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). A pressure that is too high might violate local plumbing codes, which require that any water pressure greater than 80 PSIG needs to have a pressure regulating valve installed. Even if your water isn’t at that high a pressure level, you should consider getting a pressure regulating valve installed if you are above 60 PSIG.

Getting a plumber with expertise in water heaters over to your house will help guide you through this. For an expert, high water pressure isn’t a difficult problem to remedy. The plumber can gauge your water pressure and then install a valve if it’s necessary. If you already have an existing valve, the plumber will know how to adjust it and help you maintain proper pressure.

Working with a water heater can be risky if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing: accidental blockages can lead to ruptures. It’s always better to stay on the safer side and get a professional plumber to help out. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) specializes in water heater repair in Orlando, FL, as well as water heater installation. We can handle hybrid and solar water heaters in addition to more traditional models, and we’re available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Contact us now if you need help with problems from high pressure water.

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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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Water Heater Question: Why Is My Water Heater Rumbling?

Monday, September 9th, 2013

Your water heater works hard for you every day that you need hot water in your Florida home. One of the first signs that something might be wrong with it is when it makes an ominous rumbling noise. You might at first be afraid that the heater is in danger of rupturing, but it doesn’t need to be so catastrophic. However, a rumbling heater is something to checked, or it could suffer additional problems and cut off your daily supply of hot water.

Even with an emergency, you can count on Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to handle your water heater trouble in Orlando with our 24/7 service.

Some of the reasons for a rumbling water heater include:

  • Cold and hot water mixing: If there are leaks around the input valve, then too much cold water might be entering your heater. As the cold and hot water mix together, they create the rumbling sound you hear. The addition of too much cold water will make your heater work harder, which is both inefficient and will hasten wear… leading to more repairs.
  • Hard water: You might have heard the term “hard water” before but didn’t understand what it meant. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, which can cause build-up inside your water heater called “limescale.” Too much limescale can cause overheating, leading to the rumbling problem. A skilled technician can descale your tank and stop the problem.
  • Too much sediment: Sand and silicate can infiltrate your heater through the main water supply or through leaks in underground pipes. As with a build-up of limescale, too much sediment in your water heater can cause it to overheat. Regular, professional maintenance can alleviate this trouble by flushing the system.

A rumbling water heater can be a bit frightening, but trained technicians can take care of your worries. For Orlando water heater needs, Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) is ready to answer your questions and provide the service that will add you to our growing list of satisfied customers. We also serve Winter Springs as well as all of Seminole County, Orange County, and Osceola County.

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Why Can’t I Just Do My Own Drain Cleaning?

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Clogged drains are a fact of life, and can stem from many sources. Backed-up drains may stem from undergrowth and blockage from rainstorms, in addition to more universal causes like build-up inside the drains. A frugal homeowner may wish to address drain cleaning themselves, using a store-bought snake or similar piece of equipment. It usually pays to hire a professional for all but the most perfunctory drain cleaning jobs however. Why can’t you just do your own drain cleaning? The reasons include but are not limited to:

  • Equipment. A basic drain snake is sufficient for a minor blockage, but many blockages are more serious than that. Professional plumbing services have mechanized snakes to provide considerable power, as well as a variety of snake heads to fit the particular blockage. That allows them to treat the issue more quickly and efficiently, saving you a great deal of time and stress.
  •  Know-how. Plumbers handle drain cleaning issues for a living. They understand the causes and can implement an appropriate solution. If the situation needs a snake or other equipment, they know how to deploy it properly. They also might have specialized equipment, such as hydro-jetting. Either way, you benefit from the training and experience of a qualified professional, rather than having to guess your way through the operation.
  • Safety. Along those lines, attempting to address a clogged drain yourself can result in additional damage to your pipes or other parts of your plumbing. A licensed plumber not only brings the skill and know-how to that equation – minimizing the risk of further damage – but he is insured to cover the costs of any additional damage that is incurred.

In frugal times, people want to save on costs, and doing your own drain cleaning may sound like an easy answer. It can cost you in the long run, however, especially if a quality professional plumber can do the job quickly and efficiently. Call upon the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. to handle drain cleaning in Orlando and throughout the surrounding communities. 

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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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Is a Hybrid Water Heater in Orlando, FL a Good Fit?

Monday, August 12th, 2013

Traditional water heaters use a large tank to warm up the water before distributing it into your home’s plumbing. Some Orlando, FL homes use tankless water heaters instead, which generate hot water according to need instead of maintaining a reservoir the way tanked modes do. Both types have their benefits and drawbacks, but there may be a third option – hybrid water heaters – that successfully provide some of the benefits of both models.

The biggest drawback to a traditional tank water heater is inefficiency; the tank itself loses a great deal of heat over time and the cost of maintaining that hot water can be considerable. Tankless water heaters eliminate that waste, since they heat the water when you need it rather than keeping it heated all the time. Instead of being stored in a tank, cold water passes through a heater that quickly raises the temperature, then passes it on to the faucet, eliminating the need for storage.

On the other hand, tankless water heaters can’t always keep up with a high demand for hot water; according to the U.S. Department of Energy, they work best when you use less than 41 gallons of water a day, and their efficiency drops when you use more than that.

To save energy while giving you plenty of hot water, hybrid water heaters make use of a heat pump, which helps pull the heat from the surrounding air and use it to warm the water stored in the tank. That makes them much more efficient than more conventional water heaters. They are hybrids because they can switch back and forth from the heat pump to a traditional electric water heating. They can be installed fairly easily by a trained professional. Their energy efficiency lets homeowners save money while still taking advantage of standby heated water.

If you’re wondering whether a hybrid water heater is a good fit for you, contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. for a consultation. We can inspect your existing water heating system and determine if you could benefit from the installation of a hybrid heater. Our trained experts are available throughout the Orlando, FL area, so don’t hesitate to call!

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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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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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