Your Drinks Will Taste Better When You Use Water Filters

There’s nothing better, on a hot summer day when you’re looking for a cool refreshing drink, like lemonade. That is unless you’re met with a glass that was not filtered and instead tastes like a bunch of things that it should not. When you drink unfiltered water, you’re also consuming extra minerals, bacteria, mold, mildew, and other contaminants.

These particles not only affect the taste of your beverages they can also affect your health and even prevent your cleaning from being done properly. In this article, we will take a look at what hard water is, the benefits of a whole house water filter, and what UV water filters are and how they can help.

Looking at Hard Water and How it Can Affect Things at Home

Hard water is the result of extra minerals within your water. The effects of this phenomena are usually not desired and can include some of the following problems:

• You may see weird stains show up in your sinks and showers and toilets.
• Your pipes can be clogged continuously due to mineral deposit build-ups.
• You may find yourself or others in your home are experiencing more skin irritations and sensitivity.
• Your clothing and dishes may not clean as well.

Many homeowners choose to begin using a water softening system in order to solve their hard water problem. Essentially, this type of system uses an ion exchange process to remove the minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium a water softener will then replace the minerals with ions.

A Whole House Water Filter Can Work Wonders

Because unfiltered and untreated water can often carry minerals, toxins, and bacteria that are harmful to our bodies, it’s essential that any water that is brought into your home for drinking, cleaning or otherwise is treated before use.

A whole house water filter can help you make sure you’re getting a clean water supply throughout your home.

Whole house filters can be a little higher of an investment initially, but many homeowners find them to be worth the cost as their whole family will have access to better water for drinking and cleaning throughout your home.

The Benefits of UV Water Filters

UV water filters are a great and simple way to make sure enough clean and clear drinking water is available within your home.

The cost to install and operate this type of system is minimal, and they are found to be 99.9% effective in eliminating bacteria and other contaminants found in the water system of your home.

This is very important because many people often choose to use this type of water filtration system to solve the issue of having “bad water” that’s discovered upon a water test being performed at their home.

A UV water filter uses ultraviolet rays to destroy harmful bacteria in your water system and is often considered one of the most effective methods in cleaning your home’s water. If you’ve noticed any funny smells, tastes, or other red flags in your drinking water be sure to contact us right away.

We’ll send an experienced technician out right away to your home to assess your water for potential problems and make recommendations on resolutions that will work best for you and your families unique situation. You may not know it yet, but a water heater cleaning may be exactly what you need.

Your Outdoor Fixtures May Be Begging for Attention

With each season comes a barrage of extreme weather, bugs, and other issues that we’re constantly defending our homes against. Things like extreme heat, ants, rain, flooding, and rodents can present constant headaches and certainly keep us busy.

However, it’s important that while you’re protecting the inside of your home, you don’t forget to care for your outdoor fixtures. Whether it’s plumbing leaks or lighting, keeping the outside of your home healthy is essential for avoiding major issues down the line. If you’re not sure where to start, read on to get some helpful tips for keeping your outdoor fixtures working their best.

Fixture Repair Issues to Keep an Eye Out For

Unfortunately, there are many people that are not aware of what fixture repair problems to watch for. Let’s take a look at some important examples:

• Hoses and outdoor faucets that have been clogged can potentially cause cracks with improper water output
• Damaged and overflowing septic tanks
• Pipes damaged or clogged by bird and insect nesting
• Gutters, drains, and downspouts that are damaged due to poor cleaning
• Sewer lines that are damaged or otherwise need repair

Regular inspection, repair, and maintenance by an experienced professional can fend off many of the problems mentioned above. When they otherwise go ignored, they can end up costing a pretty penny to fix or replace.

Maintain Your Outdoor Plumbing Regularly

Maintaining your outdoor plumbing properly and regularly is not only essential to the overall functionality of your household (damaged sewer lines are no fun for anyone!).

This can also be budget friendly; repairing ignored plumbing once it’s turned into a larger problem can be more expensive. Be sure to schedule ongoing maintenance and inspection with an experienced technician so that you can save yourself the hassle and the cash.

Signs Your Outdoor Fixture Installation is in Need of Repair

When we notice something is wrong with an item in our household, often our response is to try and repair the item before replacing it entirely; however, at times this can do more harm than good, especially if the item is an integral part of your household functioning properly - like your outdoor fixture installation.

Knowing what to look for in plumbing repair and replacement can prove very useful; read the tips below for more information on what can indicate a problem:

• Low faucet pressure can mean corrosion or rust and indicate a repair is needed right away.
• When you notice a leaky faucet, be sure to address the problem as soon as possible as it can attract more bugs and rodents with pooled water. You can also incur structural damage.
• Pay attention to puddles or greener grass around your septic tank area as this can mean your tank has overflowed and requires urgent attention and replacement.
• When your gutters have cracks, holes, peeling paint, rust, separation from the house, sagging, or broken fasteners they need replacement sooner than later.

It can be easy to miss some of the signs of outdoor plumbing repair that’s needed, but vigilantly checking for signs of repair or replacement needed can save you a larger headache and money spent at a later time.

If you feel you need an assessment, repair, or replacement on any of your outdoor plumbing, don’t hesitate to call Water Heater Medic. Our expert technicians can handle your problems right away!

Get Back at April Fool’s Day Pranksters with Plumbing Maintenance

A lot of people love April Fool’s Day because they love to play pranks on their friends and family. Do you have someone who pranked you on April 1st? Chances are that you want to find a way that you can get back at them.

But we have a suggestion on how you can do it. Getting back by saving more money can give you a good laugh, even with your plumbing system! Want to know how? Read on!

Collect Rain Water

If you have a large family and you have a large water bill each month, collecting rainwater is a great way that you can save money each month. Below are three ways that you can collect rainwater.

• Rain Barrel – Before you use one of these, make sure they’re legal where you live. If they are, you can make it with a plastic trash can and a spigot.
• Tarp – When you use this method, select an area that’s elevated slightly and relatively flat. The area should be just above the area where you’re storing it.
• Use Household Items – This is an easy and efficient way that you can collect rainwater. Buy a wading pool at the end of summer for a large and inexpensive way that you can collect the water.

Remember Plumbing Maintenance

One of the best ways that you can save money is through ensuring that your performing maintenance on your plumbing system. Below are some of the ways that plumbing maintenance helps you save money.

• Helps you with avoiding costly repairs
• Detects any hidden links
• Will help improve the performance of your plumbing
• Helps to prevent problems with plumbing
• Prolongs the life of your water heater

We’ll Help You Save Money

If you are looking for a way that you can save money with your plumbing system and you want to find someone that you can count on, choose Water Heater Medic.

We always have specials and deals that we are offering to our customers, and we do the job right the first time, so you don’t have to worry about having someone else come out and fix issues as you do with other companies.

It can be hard to find the right company to do the repairs on your plumbing system sometimes, but that’s why so many people come to us. We offer:

• 5 Years Labor Warranty - We stand behind our work and offer a 5-year warranty for free.
• Certified Technicians – All of our technicians are certified to be the best.
• Handle all of the Warranty Issues – We handle the issues so you don’t have to.
• Financing Available – We offer financing so you can have your problems fixed whenever.
• Charitable Donations – Every time someone has a new hot water heater installed, we donate $10.

Whether you have a plumbing emergency, or you are looking for a new water heater, give us a call at (860) 896-3342. We’re always ready to help and offer affordable pricing!

Are You Forgetting Something on Your Spring Cleaning Checklist?

Are you making a list and checking it twice? This time, it’s not for Christmas but for your annual Spring Cleaning. Scrubbing the counters, cleaning the bathrooms, going through the clutter to find out which items you no longer need to keep.

All of these things (and probably lots more) are on your yearly Spring Cleaning to-do list. However, there are a few important things that should be on your list that might not be.

As thorough as you may be during the annual scrub down, the cleaning should go beneath the surfaces of your house. Hiring a professional out to perform some basic plumbing maintenance may not help your countertops sparkle any brighter but they are essential additions to your checklist.

Checklist Addition #1: Drain Cleaning

How often do you think about your drains? If you are like most people, it isn’t very often. However, you won’t be able to avoid thinking about it if they stop working.

A clog or backup is a nightmare. One thing to add to your Spring Cleaning list is drain cleaning to help prevent this sticky situation.

Instead of having to run a snake through your drain, which is expensive, simple drain cleaning can keep everything flowing. It will be far less expensive than treating a full-blown clog and you won’t have to settle for the first available plumber to handle your emergency.

Checklist Addition #2: Sewer Cleaning

Few things in our house are as important as your sewer system. Carrying the soiled black and grey water from your house to the main sewer system, your sewer lines are absolutely critical to keep running at 100%.

Even with that in mind, the vast majority of homeowners fall behind the crucial job of maintaining their sewer lines.

Rather than having to deal with the catastrophe of a sewer failure, a professional plumber can come out to clean your sewer lines for an affordable rate.

Checklist Addition #3: Saving Money

By far the most pleasant of these checklist additions, saving money is really a byproduct of the other two items. Repairs to clogged drains and backed up sewer lines can easily cost hundreds of dollars. In addition, the livability of your house during the time of these repairs is severely diminished, if not completely obliterated.

Having these systems maintained regularly can avoid the costly emergency repairs that come with breakdowns. Paying for these services now can help save you money down the road. Spring Cleaning is a lot of work.

Thankfully, these few checklist items don’t require you to do a lot of work. Your biggest job will be to pick up the phone and call one of the professionals at Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and we’ll be happy to do the plumbing maintenance for you.

This will free you up to get back to the more fun parts of Spring. The warmer weather and return of sunny should call to you and enjoy the fun. Avoiding a clog of your sewer or drain will certainly make sure that you continue to enjoy the Spring.

Plumbing Solutions That Won’t Tie You Down

If Hallmark, Lifetime, and Russell Stover do not dictate your activities on February 14th, then...good for you. It’s a rather bizarre holiday if you think about it, and there is a lot to be said to not conforming to the traditional Valentine’s Day activities.

If you’re someone who’s not too keen on committing (especially simply because it’s a holiday marketed as being romantic), you may also be hesitant to be contractually obligated to anything that doesn’t make complete sense to you, including signing a membership plan with a plumbing contractor.

That is not to say that such membership plans are not useful, helpful, and ideal for some people (particularly those who are less than DIY savvy). However, when it comes to your plumbing, commitment issue or not, you’re going to need professional help when plumbing issues start to affect your daily routine.

The Ideal Drain Cleaning Solution

Certain maintenance should not be undertaken or attempted by an untrained person who is not a professional. It doesn’t matter if you’re an engineer, a professor, or a doctor.

If you’re not a licensed contractor, please, please, please do not attempt to clean your drains yourself. While it seems easy enough to do in theory, it is much easier to cause a big, watery mess that’s a pain to clean up, not to mention expensive.

This is not to insult your abilities or intelligence - it’s simply something that takes a lot of knowledge, experience, the right tools, and know-how. Your best bet is to schedule an appointment to have your drains cleaned by a professional and save yourself the trouble and aggravation.

Hydrojetting: For The Extra Tough Clog

Hydrojetting is a method of cleaning out a sewer line using a high-powered hose that releases water in 360 degrees at several thousand PSI.

It is an effective way of removing clogs built up within the drain and works on some of the toughest issues like:

• Hardened cooking grease.
• Invasive tree roots.
• Sewer grime and gunk.
• Scale buildup from hard water.

If your clog is severe enough to need this solution, then chances are you already know a plumber to call.

An expert contractor can get in your pipes, find the problem, and restore the flow of water to your home in no time!

How to Handle The DIY Route

If hydrojetting is not for you, do not despair. There are other DIY projects you can attempt to keep your bathroom in nice shape without using harmful, toxic, damaging chemicals like Drano and Liquid Plumr.

For example, if you have a clogged drain, you can try pouring about half a box of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. This gives a volcanic type reaction that can help unclog those smaller, easy-to-solve issues.

If this process doesn’t work, you can try snaking the drain on your own, or giving a professional a call. There’s no shame in getting professional help - particularly when it can have a huge impact on your home. The Water Heater Medic is your go-to plumbing service provider - best of all you don’t have to give us that ring to be committed to your home’s plumbing!

How to Purchase The Best Sink For Your Home

Remodeling a room in your home is always fun, but remodeling a kitchen or bathroom often becomes quite expensive due to the plumbing fixtures, and possible water leaks. With that said, there is a proper way to buy a sink without spending absurd amounts of money.

Unfortunately, most people walk into a hardware or plumbing store and quickly become overwhelmed at the number of options available. Because of this, a hurried purchase is made and often regretted down the line. We’re going to take a look at the best way to buy a sink that you won’t regret! Keep reading for more information!

What to Research

When you are looking to replace a sink but leaving your countertops intact, you will need to know the size of the current sink. You can always cut away at the counter, but you can’t enlarge a sink to fill the previous one’s place.

Once you’ve figured out the size that you need, you will need to know what type or design of sink you’d prefer. This is the part that most people enjoy, as you can really pull a room together based on the type of sink chosen. There are many designs of kitchen sinks, but here are a few of the more popular ones:

• Farmhouse
• Undermount
• Bar
• Corner

No matter which style of sink you choose, you can also choose what material it is made of. The most popular choice is stainless steel but kitchen sinks can also be made of copper, granite, or numerous other options.
Similarly, bathroom sink styles are varied. A few of the more popular ones include:

• Vessel
• Pedestal
• Console
• Self-rimming

Also like kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks can be made from many materials. Most often, these sinks are made from vitreous china but may also be created out of tempered glass, stone, or wood.

The Cost of Your Sink

Just as there is a multitude of options when it comes to designs and materials, there is also a wide range of costs.

Often, the cost will be set based on the manufacturer and the type of sink it is. You will also notice that sinks that offer more amenities or features are more expensive.

Although these sinks are nice and pretty, you should consider which amenities will actually be used. Be aware that many sinks are not sold with faucets and when faucets are included, they are typically the most basic models. This means you will have to purchase this part separately which can add to your cost.

A Trip to The Plumbing Store

Ideally, you will speak with 3-4 stores before making your purchase.

This will allow you to see the average cost of your chosen sink if there are any similar yet less expensive options, and which stores offer the best deals and incentives.

Many times, if a store cannot take money off of your sink, they will offer free installation. We would love to be your go-to for advice, recommendations, and installations.

Give us a call today at (860) 896-3342. We hope you enjoyed this article--if you did, take a minute to share it with your friends and family.

2018's Best Plumbing Meme Awards!

When you spend all your time on the go, it can be tough to slow down and look at the lighter things in life. From deadlines to home chores, even when things are at their most serious, there is still plenty to laugh about. As plumbers, we see enough on a daily basis to have a good chuckle at the end of the week.

And even though there’s such a thing as “plumber humor,” these memes are good enough that even our favorite customers can laugh - and we know a thing or two about the best plumbing humor around! So here are our top 10 plumbing memes to close out 2018.

1. Social Media Addiction - When you just can’t get enough of your social media, it might just inspire your home decor. Be sure to hit the “like button,” when the water reaches that perfect temperature.
2. Puppy Plumbers - Plumbing repairs can be hard. So when your fur babies try to give you a helping paw, you might have to accept the love. Who knows, the moral support might be all you need to get that tough nut loose.
3. Ron Burgundy - Everyone’s always invited to the gun show - especially when you’re trying to loosen old pipe. When WD-40 doesn’t get the job done, some old school American muscle might.
4. Cutting Water - With a little direction, anything is possible. That is unless you’re completely plumbing challenged. It might be a good idea to at least know where your main water valve is.
5. Pool Cat - Fix your own pipes they said, it’ll help you save money they said. Consider giving your plumber a call, or at least have a boat on standby so you can save your family.
6. Nut Jokes - Plumber humor? You must be nuts! See what we did there?
7. Dos XX Plumbing - Nothing says “first-time” plumber quite like multiple trips to Lowe’s. But just think - by the time your done replacing your faucet, you’ll have made a new friend too!
8. Drano - Not sure if it’s too late for Drano? Logic says the more you pour in there, the stronger it’ll work...Not!
9. Cooking Grease - You might be tempted, no one will notice, just a little bit. Three months later someone will - your plumber!
10. Flooded Basement - Sometimes you win the battle, sometimes your plumbing does. But it won’t win the war! Saddle up and never give up.

Trust a Plumber

Keeping your home in top shape can be a challenge, but with the right mindset, it can at least be entertaining. For homeowners in the Vernon area, Water Heater Medic is your top spot for the best plumbing and water heater services.

We offer a full range of plumbing solutions, including repairs and maintenance, which can help you prevent from becoming a meme. So be sure to comment which is your favorite meme for 2018, and give our plumbers a call for all your home service needs.

How Can Plumbing be Considered Art?

Art lovers will often travel great distances to see their favorite pieces on display. A great example of this is the fans of Van Gogh--they may travel to New York to view The Starry Night or to The Netherlands to see Vase with Carnations and Wheat Fields.

For fans of certain iconic photos, a trip to the photographed location may be in order; fans of certain authors may read their books, seek autographs, or visit their old homes.

People that love musical artists may attend concerts and those who love plays or certain forms of dance may choose to view them in a theater. Everyone can agree that all of these are forms of art and are to be appreciated--plumbing is nowhere near these and it is quite unusual to see it as such.

With that said, plumbing can’t be considered ‘art,’ or can it? We’re going to discuss what can be considered art and why plumbing actually can be considered as such. Keep reading for more information!

Ancient Art is Still Appreciated

Many great works of art have something in common... they’re old. But art is also created every day and the value of some art is priceless no matter when it was created.

Here’s an interesting fact: art comes from the word ‘artifice’ which can refer to devices meant to trick people as well as anything that is created, or otherwise not found in nature.

This means that simply by existing, plumbing and the materials used can be considered art. As an extension of this, plumbers are the masterful artists, creating beautiful, useful works. Something else to consider is the fact that plumbing has been around since ancient times, in fact, since 4,000-3,000 BC by Egyptians!

Modern Plumbing

There are a number of modern-day plumbing feats that many people travel great distances to see.

One of the first things that may come to mind is the Trevi Fountain in Rome or the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The

Trevi Fountain might be a little less exciting than the water and lights of the Fountains of Bellagio, but both are definitely considered works of art. Aqua Traiana and the Hoover Dam are other structures that revolve around water and were created to solve a problem.

The famous underwater restaurant Ithaa was built to be an iconic and famous restaurant. All three of these places would not exist without the ability of the plumbers that help design them.

Artful Plumbing in Suburbia

Although the previously mentioned fountains, structures, and fixtures may be hundreds or thousands of miles away from you, there is still artful plumbing in your area.

If you’ve ever seen a designed lake with a fountain or appreciated flowers that wouldn’t get water without an irrigation system, you have appreciated plumbing as art.

There is also the fact of wastewater management and sewer drainage. Neither of these topics is pretty to look at and neither of them smells pleasant. Plumbers have used pipes to help remove the waste, which leaves your home and yard looking beautiful. In addition to this, you may have enjoyed water parks and admired beautiful drinking fountains that have been put into place by master artists!

Changing Perspectives

If you still don’t completely agree that plumbing is art and that plumbers are artists, consider changing your perspective. You might be one of those people that consider only traditional forms of art to be ‘real art,’ and that is okay.

However, finding beauty in small things is a great exercise in mindfulness and gratitude, and this is how we love to look at life at Water Heater Medic.

Attempting to see the beauty in everyday items will often increase your level of happiness and give you a level of understanding toward other people that you might not otherwise have.

Maybe you’ve had a quick change in perspective or find this take on art interesting--in either event, take a minute to share this blog with your friends!

Getting to Know Your Plumbing Materials: Pipes

Before you go out on your first plumbing leak service call, there are a few different things you need to know to get the job done right. The different kinds of pipes and their uses are an important component of any plumbing education.

While you’ll always have the right tool for the job, if you don’t have the right materials, you could find yourself with a bigger issue on your hands. Read on to learn the best uses for some of the most popular pipe options in residential plumbing.

When You Need it to Last, go With Cast Iron

As far as plumbing materials go - some of the oldest and most durable pipes out there are cast iron pipes.

Used for complete plumbing systems, cast iron pipes don’t deteriorate easily with water and have durable fittings that are functional even with natural gas.

If a home has an existing cast iron system, one of the few issues it can face is deterioration after 40-years or so, and the initial cost of investment. If you’re working on a whole home repiping, cast iron can be a great option for homeowners looking for long-lasting pipes.

Keep Things Looking Modern With Chromed Copper

For applications in bathrooms and kitchens, or any are where your plumbing lines are exposed, you’re going to want to opt for chromed copper.

These pipes give you the versatility and moldability of copper pipes, with the added perk of good looks. The chromed finish is ideal for that modern look, and also allows you to hide plumbing welds.

These pipes come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, including the p-trap shape for behind toilets, allowing for easy access and installation.

Allow Versatility With PVC Piping

A plumber's best friend, PVC pipes have all the functionality of traditional pipes with a ton of customization for any plumbing situation.

Whether you’re installing an outdoor jacuzzi or an all new plumbing system inside the home, PVC pipes can be molded to your needs.

A major reason why they’re so popular is because of their low cost and the ability to cut them to fit any area. This allows for convenient installation, easy repairs, and customization of plumbing systems that work directly for your customers' needs.

How to Choose The Best Materials

When it comes right down to it, choosing the best materials for your plumbing services depends on your needs and the job at hand. You should always check with your customer to find out what issues they’ve been dealing with in their existing plumbing system, their needs and wants, and their budget. With this information and some exact measurements, you could have a plumbing system installed in no time.

Additionally, you should always go out of your way to learn on the job. With years of local expertise and skills honed by on-hand experience, you’ll know exactly what pipe works for what repair in no time!