Hair.
It’s the first one everyone thinks of when they notice a drain is clogged. In bathroom sinks and showers, hair is the #1 cause of a clogged drain. You can avoid this by putting strainers or drain filters that help to catch the hair before it goes down into the pipe and stops things up.
 
Pasta noodles
While hair is the bane of bathroom drains, pasta is a kitchen sink’s #1 enemy. Don’t put these down your garbage disposal, or it will get clogged. When pasta is sent through pipes, it expands and blocks anything else from coming through.
 
Soap
Soap doesn’t usually clog a drain all by itself, but it can function as a sticky adhesive that binds together other hair and debris that makes its way down the drain. Eventually, you have a huge hairball held together by soap, even when none of those individual hairs would have been enough to clog the drain on their own.
 
Cooking grease 
As tempting as it is to just pour this down the drain, it will cause far more problems than it’s worth. To dispose of it properly, drain it into an old coffee can or milk container. When the container is full, throw it away in the trash. This will save your sink a lot of wear and tear.
 
Toys
If you have young children, they may be fascinated by the holes in your kitchen and bathroom that go to nowhere. It’s too easy for them to experiment by dropping things into them. Make sure and reinforce with your children that nothing should go down the sink drain except for water, to keep them from stopping them up.
 
Bath salts
Be careful with what kind you buy. You’d think things made for the tub would go down the drain safely, but some are so coarse that they are nearly the size of pebbles and don’t dissolve well. At least this gives you an excuse to buy really nice bath salts – they’re better for both your relaxation and your plumbing!

If you’ve been putting any of these items down your drain, chances are it gets clogged a lot more often than it needs to. Dispose of these items properly, and you’ll be able to spend fewer hours slogging through sink and shower debris to clear it out.

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The tank-type hot water heater utilizes technology that produces a certain amount of hot water depending on the size of the storage tank. Cold water is brought into the tank by way of a dip tube located inside of the storage tank. The water is then heated by a gas burner or electric element.

There are several possible reasons, or a combination of factors, why a shower loses hot water. The place to begin tracing the reason is with the hot water tank and its functionality.

The loss of hot water may be the result of:
-rust, sediments and other debris in the pipe system
-clogged shower head
-low water pressure
-the water heater needs flushing out or replacement
-hot water in the storage tank capacity is reached
-others using the hot water at the same time

Debris in the pipe system is usually the result of erosion. Rust and other sediments can cause problems such as clogged pipes throughout the water system. A clogged pipe reduces or stops the flow of water, thereby, restricting the hot water stream to the shower.

Over time, the water heater tank can become clogged as well. Older water heaters could operate with lower pressure. The incoming pressure will determine the out-flow of water. When the water tank is not operating efficiently, the cold water flow will overcome any hot water flowing in the system.

Sometimes, the hot water tank can be flushed out. However, this could agitate weak areas in the pipes. Rust and other sediments will break lose, resulting in a clogged shower head and other fixtures. Simply flushing out the water heater may not solve the problem. In such cases, it will need replacing.

The pressure to the shower should be as strong as the water coming into the water heater. If it is not, there is probably a problem with the water heater itself or with the flow leading into the storage tank. When the water is heated it becomes available for use in other parts of the building.

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A good way to demonstrate this is to take a straw and suck up a little water. Place a finger over the top of the straw and lift it out of the glass or bowl. The water will not go anywhere because air is not allowed to enter above the water to break the vacuum. Remove the finger and the water drains out of the straw.

Over time, heat and cold from the seasons will cause any pipe to expand and contract. This can cause weak spots in the pipe wall and cracks can occur.

If there is a crack in the pipe, sewer gasses can enter the home and create an unhealthy situation. The smell will be evident; checking the sinks and toilets will not reveal any sewer water backing up into the house.

The problem will not solve itself; it will become worse and could require major repairs. Sewer gasses are unhealthy to breathe. For those selling a home, this situation must be remedied before the house will pass an inspection for sale.

Finding and repairing a crack in the vent pipe may or may not be a DIY project. The type of repair will depend on the material the pipe is made from. Cast iron and PVC pipes require different methods for repair. Before trying to make this a DIY repair, study the type of pipe in the home and determine if the handy person’s skill can safely handle the project. If not, a professional plumbing company should be called to locate the crack and make the necessary repair.

PVC pipe can be repaired by cutting the cracked part out and inserting a new piece of pipe. In line connectors, a hacksaw and PVC cement are required to make the repair. Dry-fit the connectors and repair piece first before cementing to ensure the proper fit.

Cast iron pipes can be repaired if they are not too badly damaged. Special fittings and connectors will allow the handy person to replace the cracked section with PVC pipe. The pipe below the repair should be supported by connecting it to a wall stud using metal strapping. This will prevent the pipe’s weight from placing undue strain on the new pipe section and repair joints. Keep in mind that a wall, floor or ceiling may need to be opened to gain access to the cracked pipe.

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1. Leaks – One very simple way to save water is to check your pipes in the home for leaks. If you cannot check them yourself, hire a professional plumber to come check them. A leaking faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water in just one day.
2. Wash With Full Loads – When you do multiple small loads of wash, you are wasting thousands of gallons of water in just one year. When you only wash laundry when you have a full load, it will be one of the best water conserving methods you can use.



3. Water Meter – Learn how to use your water meter for water consumption and conservation. If you see the readings changing a lot only after a couple of hours of the water not being used, you probably have a leak in your home.
4. Take Care of the Toilet – Never use your toilet as a garbage can. Many people like to toss trash in the toilet and flush it away. Every time you flush the toilet with trash, you are wasting seven gallons of water. Throw your trash in the garbage can and leave the toilet for your personal needs.
5. Shower Heads – Today, shower heads are specially designed to conserve water. These can be purchased at most local hardware stores, and they save immense amounts of water every year.
6. Taking a Shower – Another great way to save money is to only take showers when you have to wash off. Start the shower when you are ready to get in, and don’t just sit and let the water run while you go off to do other things. If you limit your shower time to four minutes, you can save about 40 galls of water a day.
7. Running Faucets – Many people leave their bathroom faucets running the entire time they are brushing their teeth. This is a big waste of water. When you wet your toothbrush, turn the water off to keep water consumption down.
8. Refrigerated Water – Many people run their tap water for a while to get cold drinking water. Instead, fill up a pitcher of water and leave it in the refrigerator to have nice cold water when you want it.
9. Wrap Pipes – When it is cold outside, you can save a lot of money by insulating your pipes. Insulation for pipes can be found at most home improvement stores. Insulating the pipes allows you to get hot water faster so that you are not wasting water running down the drain waiting for it to heat up.
10. Shaving – Instead of leaving the water in the sink running to clean your razor; fill your sink up about two inches with water and clean it in the sink. This will do a lot to help cut down on water consumption.

 
By using some of the water saving tips mentioned above, you can help conserve water and save a lot of money on your water bill.

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1. Screwdrivers
Even if you never use your screwdrivers to make a repair to your home, they are still a necessity. Screwdrivers are a must-have item because they are useful for assembling everything inside of your home. Many electronic items require a screwdriver to pry apart the battery compartment so that you can change the batteries. Many home appliances and furniture sets require you to have your own screwdrivers for assembly. Every once in a while, you may even need a screw driver to assist with home repairs. Door hinges and faulty locks can easily be addressed with the right screwdriver in hand. Be sure to purchase both flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers in a variety of sizes. Smaller and specialized screwdrivers are useful for making repairs to electronic items. Magnetic screwdrivers are an excellent investment because they prevent you from dropping and losing screws.

2. Tape Measure
A 30-foot tape measurer will be adequate for most home repair projects. For do-it-yourself enthusiasts, the tape measurer is indispensable for measuring materials and getting the right room dimensions for carpentry projects. However, even the casual homeowner will find the tape measurer to be vital when they need to determine what size of furniture will fit in a room or what length of carpet is needed to cover a floor.

3. Level
Nothing can be more irritating than trying to perfectly align a bookshelf or wall-mounted picture frame. A level eliminates the plague of crooked fixtures by making it easier to mark your walls with straight lines. The standard level is 30 inches, but you can purchase different sizes to accomodate the scale of your project.

4. Hammers
Driving nails through walls is usually the sole use that homeowners have in mind for their hammer. Yet this useful tool enables homeowners to repair their siding, build playhouses for their kids, or pry nails out of salvaged wood. A quality claw tooth hammer is worth keeping around for these possibilities alone.

5. Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake is a flexible auger that gives homeowners the ability to unblock pipes, retrieve stuck items from drains, and scrape clean the sides of pipes. Calling the plumber is only the last resort for homeowners who own plumbing snakes.

As you can see, there are many quick fixes around the home that you don’t need a handyman to take care of. By keeping these tools in stock, any homeowner can save significantly on the cost of hiring a professional for minor repairs.

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Generally speaking, air conditioning units tend to last for many years, although they should be updated at least once every 10 years. This is due to the fact that energy requirements tend to change over time, so what was considered energy efficient at once point in time may not be to the same extent in the current time. Having repairs made to your air conditioning unit, whether it is a brand new device or you have had it for a few years, is absolutely essential.

Certain problems are easily handled by the homeowner alone, even if he or she does not have any training in the field of HVAC. However, in general, having an HVAC specialist come in and look over your air conditioning unit and providing service for it will ensure that it will run as efficiently as possible, even if it is not experiencing any problems.

In terms of when to have your air conditioner serviced, there is no specific time frame for having this done. In general, an air conditioning unit needs to be serviced at any time. The most important time to have the appliance serviced is when it runs into a problem, whether it is failing to cool, making strange noises that are uncommon or is experiencing a Freon leak.

However, at the same time, an air conditioner should be serviced on a regular basis of at least one time per year regardless of any problems with the unit. Doing so will keep your air conditioning unit functioning smoothly and efficiently. You and the members of your household will appreciate it because you will reap the rewards of feeling cool when the temperature soars.

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Types of Water Heaters

There are two types of water heaters: tank and tankless. Tank water heaters are the most common while tankless water heaters are the most efficient. Both have different life spans, as detailed below.

• Tank Water Heaters – typically last between 10-20 years
• Tankless Water Heaters – typically last between 20-30 years

What’s wrong with the Water Heater?

Often, water heaters either aren’t replaced when they should be or replacement is put off for one reason or another. Delaying replacement can lead to the following problems.

• Rusty Water
• Low Amounts of Hot Water
• Improper Heating
• Moisture Around the Top or Base of the Tank
• Gurgling or Popping Noises
• Flooding Around the Tank
• Tank Rupture

If any of these problems occur, it’s time to replace the water heater.

Routine Maintenance

Like most other appliances, water heaters work best when properly maintained. Properly conducted routine maintenance can double the lifespan of a water heater.

At least once a year, preferably before winter, a water heater should be drained and refilled. This will help rid the water heater of calcium carbonate buildup and other sediment that can come to rest in the water heater. Also, water filters can help cut down on the amount of sediment, but they will not get rid of it completely.

Draining and Refilling

1. Turn off the electric or gas and water supply to the water heater.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.
3. Open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain.
4. After draining, close the drain valve and remove the hose.
5. Turn on the electric or gas and water supply. Allow tank to refill.

For any additional questions or assistance, contact a professional plumber at Scardina.

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-If your toilet is using too much water, you may want to replace it with a more water efficient model. The money you save in water usage will pay for the new toilet.

-When renovating your bathroom, your old toilet may look dated and could improve the aesthetic purpose of your bathroom.

-If you are having a problem with water not going down when you flush the toilet, first ensure it’s not just clogged. Once you have determined it’s not a clog then it’s time to replace the old toilet.

-If the tank or bowl has any leaks, it is definitely time to replace your toilet before the leaking water can ruin your bathroom flooring. Cracks are a flood waiting to happen.

-If your toilet is too old to find replacement parts, you may want to replace it with a new model.

-If your toilet is continually getting clogged, it may not be your plumbing. Instead, it could be that your toilet has worn out parts.

-When you notice you are having multiple repairs on your toilet, it may be in your best interest to go ahead and replace the toilet rather than constantly repair it.

-When the inner bowl becomes scratched or has surface cracks, mold and slime can build up in the scratches and cracks. While scratches and surface cracks do not necessarily result in leaks, you still might want to consider replacing the toilet.

-Stains are another reason to replace a toilet. Over time, a toilet can become stained. Pumice stones can take care of some stains, but not all. Stained toilets are unsightly and another reason to replace your toilet.

There are a number of reasons that will cause you to have to replace your toilet. Keep in mind that replacing your toilet may save you money in the long run. Instead of wasting money with too much water usage or multiple repairs, you can save money by installing a new toilet. When guests use your bathroom, if your toilet is stained or outdated, they will notice right away. They will not necessarily know that the bowl is stained and not dirty. Lastly, a leaky toilet can cost you hundreds of dollars if the leak damages your bathroom flooring. Replacing your toilet is not expensive, nor hard to do. If you have any of the above issues, you may want to consider replacing your toilet.

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1) Decrease in water pressure. One of the most commons signs of a malfunctioning pump is a decrease in water pressure. It may happen either gradually or over time depending on the cause. One of the best ways to spot a decrease in pressure is to know how many gallons per minute are delivered. Use a bucket at the faucet closest to the pump, while all other water using fixtures are shut off, and clock how long it takes to fill it thereby calculating the gallons per minute. Compare this number with the capacity of the pump.

2) Inconsistent water flow. When certain internal components of the water pump break such as the impeller, but do not completely fail, the pump may deliver inconsistent water flow. One section, water will come out of the faucet full blast but the next it will barely trickle.

3) Significantly higher electric bill. Sometimes the first sign there is a problem with the water pump is an electric bill that skyrocketed. The reason for the increase in the bill is that the malfunctioning pump is drawing more power than normal to compensate for the broken component or clog.

4) Strange sounds coming from the well. The impeller inside the pump may emit an odd sound which is caused by the pump straining to deliver the needed water pressure. Audible pops, tings, bangs, and grinding may be signs that there is an issue with the well pump. These sounds also may transmit through the piping inside the structure making them noticeable while water using devices are turned on.

5) No water at the tap. Many of the newer pumps have safety devices installed so that if they run dry, the pump turns off so that the motor and impeller does not burn up. Sometimes these safety devices are actually the malfunctioning component and require service.

If any of these signs are observed, contact a professional immediately. Property owners can save time and money if these issues are corrected before they become costly.

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Check the shower faucet
Is the shower faucet a temperature control faucet? If it is, it has a limiter to never allow the water to exceed a preset limit. The design is to prevent scalding. It would be necessary to refer to the owner’s manual of the faucet for instructions on how to increase the acceptable water temperature level. Be careful of this in a home where children and the elderly are present.

Check the water pipe valves
Make sure the water lines that feed the faucet do not have the hot water valve partially closed. If the force and volume of the water on the cold side is equal to the hot side, this is not the problem. If the hot water side has less of an output than the cold side, it is possible that the valve of the feed line is partially closed.

Turn up the water heater
Are the other faucets in the house putting out lukewarm water? If so, the hot water heater may be turned down too low. The temperature dials on hot water heaters are not accurate. However, they are sensitive to subtle changes. Look for a temperature dial on the water heater. It is usually down toward the bottom of the tank on the front of a control box.

Turn it only a little at a time and wait. It can take an hour or longer for the temperature in the tank to rise to the new level. It is best to turn it up just a little and take a shower at the regular time the next day. If it is still too cool, turn up the dial a little more and repeat the process.

The reason for this is that hot water heaters tend to cool off a bit overnight without activating. However, when under demand, the hot water can often get to be too hot. Tank style hot water heaters are incapable of maintaining an exact temperature. As soon as a hot water faucet is turned on, cold water is replacing the hot water coming out of the tank.

These steps should fix the problem of having a shower that is too cool. If not, then the hot water tank could be malfunctioning, failing or inadequate for the present demand for hot water in the house. Always be careful to not allow hot water from bathroom faucets to get to a temperature where it can burn someone.

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