Category: Plumbing

No Hot Water In Your Shower? Find Out Why

Nov 18, 2022

No Hot Water In Your Shower? Find Out Why

  • Plumbing
no hot water in shower Americas Plumbing Company

When you step into your shower, what do you expect? For us, we want it to be the temperature we set it to. Hot. However, getting into a cold shower, especially on cool winter mornings, can be an abrupt way to start your day. If you have no hot water in your shower, here are some reasons why.

Hot Water Heater Issues

No Power

Your “no hot water in shower” issue may be as simple as a lack of power to your water heater. Make sure you check your circuit breaker to determine if your water heater is getting power. If it is, try resetting your water heater. It may have shut off to reduce the internal water temperature if the water temperature got too high.

Not Enough Hot Water

If your water heater is too small for your home’s needs, your hot water could have been used up before you made it to the shower. Appliances such as your dishwasher or washing machine use significant amounts of water to operate and could have easily robbed your enjoyable shower experience. Or, if you have other members in your home, their hot shower could have contributed to your lack of hot water.

Water Heater Leaks

A more obvious reason that you have no hot water in your shower may be due to leaks. Identifying and repairing leaks quickly is critical so you don’t cause additional damage to your home.

Pilot Light Out

The pilot light is the catalyst for heating up your water heater. If this flame goes out, it’s usually from a change in gas pressure. You should be able to relight the pilot yourself, but if you want an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to call America’s Plumbing Company.

Blocked or Broken Hot Water Valve

Old seals or parts within your shower’s water supply can break off from old age. These broken pieces can cause blockages within the hot water line or even block the valve to turn on the hot water. If the valve itself is broken, it will need to be replaced before you will have hot water in your shower again. 

Anti-Scald Unit Settings

If your shower is the only fixture that isn’t receiving hot water, your shower’s internal anti-scald unit may be set too low. The anti-scald unit prevents the temperature in your shower from getting too hot to prevent, well, scalding. If it’s set too low, your shower won’t be able to reach the operating temperature. This is something America’s Plumbing Company can easily check for you.

If you are experiencing a hot water issue and would like it resolved quickly and effectively, call America’s Plumbing Company! Be sure to check out our amazing reviews!

By admin

The Plumbing Maintenance Checklist: Sacramento

Nov 08, 2022

The Plumbing Maintenance Checklist: Sacramento

  • Plumbing
plumbing maintenance checklist sacramento americas plumbing co

Conducting a routine plumbing maintenance check allows you to detect plumbing problems before they escalate into expensive repairs. The maintenance checklist provided below, if followed, will help you with the care and upkeep of your plumbing system.

The Ultimate Plumbing Maintenance Checklist:

  • You need to keep your pipes from freezing by using the shut-off valve. Forgetting to use this valve could result in non-stop water flow. You should also drain the outdoor spigots and water connections. Draining the water is essential for preventing standing water from freezing. Freezing pipes can cause the shut-off valve and the fixture to break.
  • Your irrigation system needs to be turned off to protect your pipes. For best results, you should winterize this system before the weather starts to get cooler.
  • Dry out your hoses and store them in a dry area to prevent them from being damaged. Do not store the hose if it is damaged. If your hose has a leak, then repair it or replace it before further damage occurs.
  • Pipe insulation is essential to efficiency. It will save money on bills, decrease heat loss, and prevent your pipes from freezing. Different types of pipe insulation include foam insulation, elastomeric foam, fiberglass pipe covers, and spray for insulation.
  • Blown-in insulation can be applied to floors, walls, and attics. This type of insulation is becoming a popular option because it improves performance and takes the least amount of time to settle.
  • Exposed pipes are the most vulnerable to freezing. Plumbing pipes that lie in unheated areas, including garages and crawl spaces, are more susceptible to freezing and can cause other plumbing problems, including burst pipes.
  • Pipe bursts are a common problem during cold weather, especially when homeowners are on vacation. When you are traveling, your home’s water needs to be turned off completely. One faucet should be left to a slow drip to avoid busted pipes. The minimal difference in your water bill is certainly worth the avoided expense of repairs and replacement of water-damaged items.
  • Plumbing repairs are time-sensitive. Be sure to make the necessary repairs to your pipes as soon as possible. Pipes expand and contrast based on the temperature. A tiny leak can transform into a major problem in no time at all.
  • If you are the owner of a sump pump, then the pit needs to be cleaned. If the pit is left unattended, it could freeze and be useless when you need it the most.
  • Water heaters, especially old ones, need to be drained so that rust does not become an issue. This rust can contaminate your water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
  • Exterior cracks let air into the home and create a draft. Drafts can make your heating system work overtime to heat the entire home, putting a strain on the motor.
  • The drainage areas around your home should not be clogged. Indications of clogged drains include bubbling sinks and issues with toilet flushing.

What Can Happen Without a Proper Checklist?

Without a proper plumbing maintenance checklist, you risk enduring a lot of household issues that can be simply avoided. Frequent drain clogs and lack of steady hot water are only a couple of inconveniences that will confront you. A lack of steady hot water can make bathing, cleaning, and cooking a hassle. Frequent drain clogs force you to take time away from your family and activities. Finances are a major part of this situation. Without a proper checklist to follow, you risk the chance of high utility bills and water damage. Consistent leaks cause your water bill to skyrocket. Leaking pipes can cause water damage throughout the home, making your home more difficult to sell or forcing you to sell at a lower proper value.  Without routine maintenance, pipe leaks can go undetected, and your drinking water can be compromised.

The Benefits of Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance benefits a homeowner by improving fixture efficiency and providing a surplus of hot water that can be used for various purposes without interruption. Other benefits include a decrease in bill expenses and avoiding costly water damage restoration expenses. Your pipes and fixtures will be subject to less damage and have a longer lifespan.

You will not have to worry about the replacement of fixtures and pipes for years at a time. If you plan on selling your home, then you can sell at a higher value because the home is up to code with the plumbing, and the home is deemed safe. There is nothing better than having peace of mind; you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe and that your water is not contaminated.

Many homeowners believe that they can cut corners to save money, but they are only prolonging problems, which will cause them to spend more money in the long run. The best thing to do is to create a checklist and set times to use it. It is in your best interest to conduct a plumbing maintenance check before spring and before winter to ensure peak pipe performance. Call America’s Plumbing Company today to get yours, and be sure to read our fantastic reviews!

By admin

6 Tips to Avoiding a Clogged Toilet

Aug 25, 2022

6 Tips to Avoiding a Clogged Toilet

  • Plumbing
clogged toilet

As a homeowner, chances are good that you have already experienced the displeasure of a clogged or overflowing toilet. In addition to the mess, a toilet that clogs or overflows frequently can cause lasting damage to floor coverings, sub-floors, plumbing infrastructure and even the ceiling below, when the toilet is located in an upper-level bathroom. In addition, any moisture that remains after the clean up can result in unhealthy mildew and mold growth long after the mess has been cleaned up.

1. Teach Family Members What Objects & Materials Should Never Be Flushed

Many clogged toilets are caused each year due to improper use. In most of these cases, family members, both children and adults, attempt to flush materials down the toilet that should not be introduced into any type of sewage disposal system. These materials include common household items, such as: 

  • paper products – including cleaning wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls and swabs, cigarette butts, paper toweling, facial tissues, diaper liners and even excessive amounts of toilet tissue
  • miscellaneous household waste products – including kitty litter, human or pet hair, grease, oils, dental floss, ashes, potting soil and dust and dirt from vacuums or dust pans
  • other objects or materials – including children’s toys, small articles of clothing like socks, medications, pet food, potting soil, sand, gravel or other miscellaneous materials or objects

2. Provide Alternate Disposal to Encourage Proper Toilet Usage

A great way to prevent inappropriate objects and materials from being placed into the toilet is to provide an alternate disposal option for family members and guests who use your bathroom. To do this, place a small trash can near each toilet in the home. Doing this is a economical, effective way of preventing future clogged toilet issues because something was flushed that should not have been flushed. 

3. Keep Surfaces Clear of Small Items That Could Easily Fall Into the Toilet

Many clogged toilets also result from accidents where an object is knocked into the toilet accidentally. This often happens when nearby counters or over-the-toilet shelving is filled with small objects, such as jars, bottles, sponges and cosmetics. When these objects land in the toilet and are flushed accidentally, a clog situation is the likely result. Keeping these areas clear of small items will lessen the chances of this happening.

4. Flush Twice, When Necessary

If the toilet has a large amount of waste or toilet paper in it, flushing twice may be necessary to completely empty the bowl. But a toilet that always needs to be flushed multiple times probably already suffers from some type of clog or plumbing problem.

If a toilet in your home is having to be flushed multiple times, the extra water usage is placing an additional burden on both your plumbing system and the family water bill. When this problem occurs homeowners may want to prevent excessive water bills and further damage to their plumbing by having the problem diagnosed and repaired by a professional. 

5. Learn to Plunge & Do So, As Needed

Another cause of clogged toilets and the damage that results is ignoring or postponing obvious signs that the toilet is malfunctioning. Even when the toilet does empty by flushing it multiple times, flushing over and over is not healthy for the plumbing system and can cause more serious plumbing problems over time.

Homeowners who experience slow flushing action may be able to relieve the problem by using a plunger to help free the clog and push it through the pipes. To do this effectively, follow these steps: 

  • insert the plunger into the toilet bowl, tipping it to allow any trapped air in the bell of the plunger to escape
  • position the plunger over the drainage hole and plunge vigorously to move the water both directions in the drain to loosen and free the clog
  • be patient and repeat the process until the clog is freed and the toilet bowl empties
  • if plunging does not give results and the clog remains firmly in place, calling a professional to clear the clog may be necessary

6. Know When You Need Professional Help

Plumbing problems that go unsolved are one of the most common reasons for water damage and mold issues in homes today. If you are homeowner with toilets that flush slowly, threaten to overflow or require the frequent use of a plunger, calling a professional to fix the problem quickly will help you avoid the costly, inconvenient home repair bills later. 

America’s Plumbing Co. is ready to help you today! 

By admin

6 Reasons to Choose Hydro Jetting in Sacramento

Aug 25, 2022

6 Reasons to Choose Hydro Jetting in Sacramento

  • Plumbing
hydro jetting in Sacramento

No matter how good you treat your plumbing system, it’s eventually going to get clogged. But how do you unclog your pipes once they get clogged? There are many ways to clear them out, but one of the more effective ways is via hydro jetting. When we perform a hydro jetting for your Sacramento home’s plumbing, we first use special cameras to identify the problem. After that, we blast the blockage with 3,000 to 8,000 psi of water to clear it out. This kind of blockage clearing has many advantages over conventional methods.

Here are six reasons to consider hydro jetting for your Sacramento home:

Environmentally friendlier than other methods

While hydro jetting uses plenty of water, it’s more environmentally friendly when compared to other blockage clearing methods. Other methods often make use of chemicals or techniques that cause more damage than a strong water spray could ever do. Another benefit of hydro jetting is that the lack of chemicals makes it a safe option for using near rivers and lakes.

Prevent future clogs

Hydro jetting your pipes not only cleans out any blockages, but it also cleans out the insides overall. This heavy cleaning can help prevent future clogs from building up and save you money by not having to make more plumbing calls.

Quicker and cleaner

Plumbing is rarely a clean job, and hydro jetting is no exception. However, sanitation is still an important part of these jobs so we can minimize the grime. With plumbing jobs, there’s always the risk sewage can make a mess on the plumber or worse, your home. Since hydro jetting is quicker than other methods, we’ll minimize the time we have to work with sewage.

It’s highly effective

Conventional plumbing methods can clear out blockages, but they’ll likely leave something behind. Over time, the residue from the cleared clog can build up and cause another clog. With hydro jetting, we’ll clear out the entire clog so you won’t have to worry about a relapse.

It’s non-invasive

Most of the time, when a home needs sewer work done, plumbing companies have to dig up the yard to reach the pipes. With hydro jetting, that’s not the case. We can snake the hose into your pipes through the pipe’s exit and get the hose to the blockage.

It’s very versatile

Hydro jetting can do more than everyday residential jobs. It’s also capable of dealing with commercial jobs, industrial jobs, and even city jobs. If a city sewer line is clogged, we can handle it as easily as a residential clog!

Why call America’s Plumbing to clear out my sewer pipes?

Since 1999, we’ve been providing high-quality plumbing at reasonable rates. Through hard work coupled with a combination of outstanding leadership, experienced plumbers, and a clear vision for the future, America’s Plumbing Co. has been able to provide clients with the top-quality affordable plumbing at a price you can afford. Drains, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, sinks, and water heaters are just a few of our areas of expertise. Call America’s Plumbing today to learn more about how we can keep your plumbing running!

By admin

4 Popular Misconceptions About Tankless Water Heaters Debunked

Jul 29, 2022

4 Popular Misconceptions About Tankless Water Heaters Debunked

  • Plumbing
tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters have seen a huge boom in popularity in recent years, due in no small part to their energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, longevity, and accommodating size.  It’s really not all too surprising that such a useful piece of hardware is enjoying wide-spread popularity. What is surprising, however, is how many folks out there are confused about just how tankless water heaters work.  Being that a tankless water heater can be a very pricey piece of hardware, it is imperative that homeowners are as aware as possible of their system and how it functions. 

In the interest of clearing the air, we’ve narrowed down the four most wide-spread misconceptions about water heaters. Time to set the record straight. 

  1. Switching To And From Tankless Is a Simple Process If only this one were true. The reality is that swapping to and from tankless is not as simple as plugging in the new system. Old model water heaters were not designed with tankless in mind. Gas lines in older systems probably won’t be able to handle the gas output on a modern tankless water heater. When combined with the difficulties presented by tankless water heaters’ venting systems, it becomes clear that a proper professional installation is required when transitioning systems. An improperly installed water heater poses a huge safety threat to those occupying the home.
  2. All Tankless Water Heaters Are Identical This one is like saying a Hybrid and a monster truck are the same because they’re both technically cars.  Yes, both perform the same basic function, but the design and efficiency of the models are totally at odds. As technology has progressed, tankless water heaters have improved; becoming easier to install, more efficient, and longer lived. Some models are better fits for a given situation than others. The best way to determine which model works best for you is to consult your trusted HVAC installation professional. They’ll know exactly which product is best suited to your home and water heating needs,
  3. I Do Not Need a Permit or Inspection To Switch To A Tankless System This one’s a little more complicated. Standards and regulations vary from municipality to municipality. Therefore, the best and safest option is always to consult with a city official about the regulations in your area. You may be surprised to learn what goes into swapping systems.  Once you take any and all necessary legal steps, the (safe) installation process can begin.  Standard heaters generally use around 40,000 BTU of gas. Tankless heaters can use anywhere up to 200,000 BTU, depending on the model. When you consider all the safety protocols required for proper installation, you can understand the need for permits and inspections before you begin.
  4. My Water Heats Up Faster With A Tankless System Again, we really wish this one were true too! Instant hot water sounds like a pretty good deal, but sadly, it’s not the case here. If hot water took ten seconds to travel the length of piping from your old tanked system, it will take about the same amount of time to travel that piping from a tankless system, barring any additional pipe work.  Some models of tankless water heaters activate only when they sense waterflow, which may increase the wait further, but pipe length is the main factor in determining how long before you get the hot water.  If the wait time is a huge factor for you, consult with your plumbing professional about installing a circulation system to the water heater, which essentially keeps the hot water constantly at-the-ready in the facet. 

Since 1999, we’ve been providing high-quality plumbing at reasonable rates. Through hard work coupled with a combination of outstanding leadership, experienced plumbers, and a clear vision for the future, America’s Plumbing Co. has been able to provide clients with the top-quality affordable plumbing at a price you can afford. Drains, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, sinks, and water heaters are just a few of our areas of expertise. Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about our services!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews!

By admin

8 Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Jul 29, 2022

8 Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

  • Plumbing
energy efficient plumbing

There are several benefits of having an energy-efficient home; for the environment and your health and safety, but for your wallet, too. When it comes to energy efficient fixtures, most people don’t think about their plumbing. But old and outdated plumbing fixtures don’t only waste water and energy, they can end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over time.

The Pains of a Low-efficiency Plumbing System

The pains of a low-efficiency plumbing system can be many. And while they may all seem small, together they can create a giant headache for homeowners.

Higher utility bills, a larger carbon footprint, and health and safety risks are some of the main issues associated with low-efficient plumbing systems. Older appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, are not only less efficient but are made from outdated technology that can put your and your family’s health at risk.

Older toilets use much more water than newer models to do the same job and this not only wastes water, it can increase your water bill by hundreds of dollars over the life of the toilet. Likewise, new shower heads not only offer more pressure than older models, they use much less water.

Here are eight energy efficient plumbing features that will not only save you money, but reduce your carbon footprint and offer added health and safety benefits:

  1. Fix and upgrade leaky pipes and fixtures: A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day. That’s thousands of gallons and possibly hundreds of dollars literally down the drain every year. Leaky pipes and faucets are also a breeding ground for mold spores, which can have serious health implications. Plus, the water damage caused by leaky fixtures can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars to fix when left untreated.
  2. Low-flow shower heads: Low-flow shower heads have come a long way since they were first introduced more than two decades ago. Twenty years of technological advancements mean more pressure and less water. The shower heads of yesteryear used five to eight gallons of water per minute (gpm). Current standards for today’s units are 2.5 gallons per minute and low-flow shower heads use as little as 2 gallons per minute.
  3. Insulate pipes: When carrying hot water to plumbing fixtures, heat can get lost along the way. Pipe insulation helps to lower the heat loss. By doing so, you can reduce your water heater temperature to 120-degrees or lower. While paying someone to insulate the pipes in your home may not make economic sense, it’s a great option to consider during new construction or a major remodel.
  4. Low-flow faucets: Replacing your current sink faucets with low-flow faucets can save water without reducing water pressure. In fact, these new fixtures can drop water usage from 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute, saving up to 13,000 gallons of water a year for a typical household. This translates to hundreds of dollars a year in savings. Some kitchen faucets also offer built-in filtered water features that can help you cut down on your bottled water consumption.
  5. High-efficiency toilets (HET): More than 40% of U.S. households use older toilets that use more than 3.5 gallons per flush. Newer toilets use as little as one gallon per flush and even offer dual flushing capabilities, one of the most energy efficient options for homeowners. Look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s “water sense” label, which shows that the toilet has been tested for maximum flushing power all while saving thousands of gallons of water a tear.
  6. Tankless water heaters: Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, only heat water when needed. While these units can be expensive, their energy-saving capabilities outweigh the upfront cost. A typical water heater keeps 40 to 50 gallons of water hot at all times. As you can imagine, this is incredibly wasteful and inefficient.
  7. Update washer and dryer: Older washing machines have a top-loading feature in which water fills up from the bottom. Newer, front-loading machines use up to 50 percent less water. Modern dryers have more efficient heating units that can dry clothes faster, saving energy. It is also important to note that only washing full loads of laundry can save a lot of money.
  8. Regular maintenance: If you’re concerned about wasting money or energy, proper maintenance on your plumbing fixtures is important. Regular maintenance and plumbing check-ups can help you detect any small problems before they become major, and can help save money down the road.

A well-functioning plumbing system is something most homeowners take for granted. Unfortunately, since you don’t truly realize the value until something goes wrong, it can be hard to prioritize fixes. If saving money is top of your list, focus first on the smaller, less expensive fixes that can make a huge difference when focusing on energy efficient plumbing 

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about how you can take advantage of energy efficent plumbing in your home!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin

Drip Irrigation and your Garden: What You Need to Know

Jun 30, 2022

Drip Irrigation and your Garden: What You Need to Know

  • Plumbing
drip irrigation

Homeowners with gardens can attest that one of the most difficult things about maintaining it is ensuring that every plant is adequately watered. A task easier said than done as every plant is different and has unique needs. Thankfully, modern plumbing can help you alleviate some of the guesswork of keeping your garden properly hydrated. Drip irrigation is a system through which your plants get watered from underground pipes. These low-pressure tubes deliver water drop by drop to the roots of your plants.

Save On Water

Watering plants, while good for the the greenery, is terrible for your water bills. When you pour water on a shrub or a tomato plant, most of it sits on top of the soil and evaporates; only a very small amount of it gets absorbed into the soil and into the roots, where it starts going to work. Drip irrigation delivers the water straight to the source by dropping small, manageable amounts of water directly to the root systems underground, reducing water lost and increasing efficiency.

Can Be Used in Irregular Gardens

As a home service company, we know that every home is different. Gardens, like the homes they’re attached to, come in every shape and size. Especially in urban areas where spacing is tight, some gardens can take shape in unusual ways. That said, certain irrigation systems don’t work well for irregular shaped gardens. Because drip irrigation delivers the water directly where it needs to be, it works better than, say, sprinklers that just shotgun water all over the place in a wide area. Smaller gardens stand to waste a lot of resources with inefficient systems delivering water over too wide an area.

Reduce Leaching

Those out there who keep a garden will know what leaching is and why it’s such a pain to deal with, but for the uninitiated, leaching is the process through which the minerals and nutrients found in soil are washed away by overexposure to water.  You don’t have to be a botanist to know that’s a lose-lose scenario for your plants that need those nutrients to thrive. Drip irrigation limits the amount of water you personally place in the soil, which extends the shelf life of the nutrients therein. Some leaching from rainwater is ultimately unavoidable, but taking steps to reduce it is prudent if you want your garden to last long-term.

No Land Grading Required

Most of the time, a proper growing garden requires land grading. Grading is a leveling of the surface where dirt from higher up is moved into the lower lying areas to create a stronger foundation for your project. Sometimes land grading may require you to move in additional dirt from somewhere else to complete the job. Because of drip irrigation has much more convenient installation when compared to traditional irrigation systems, you won’t need land grading to the extent you would otherwise.

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about how drip irrigation can help your garden!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin

Don’t Let Your Money Go Down the Drain: Easy Ways To Reduce Your Water Bill

Jun 29, 2022

Don’t Let Your Money Go Down the Drain: Easy Ways To Reduce Your Water Bill

  • Plumbing
reduce water bill

No one likes paying bills. It’s one of those things all of us have in common. There’s nothing you can do about it, you still have to pay them. That isn’t to say that there’s nothing you can do to decrease how much you pay month-to-month. And in today’s economy, savings are on everyone’s mind. We’ve whipped up a few easy ways to reduce your water bill at the end of the month.  

Energy-Efficient Water Heaters

The best way to ensure a lower water bill is to get yourself set up with a top-of-the-line energy efficient water heater. The wrong water heater can actually cost you more money at the end of the month. The right tool for the right job.

At Payless, we always recommend our customers opt for solutions that cost less and last longer, and a reduced water bill is one of the benefits of these products. Fuel matters, and heaters that run on oil or electricity will be more expensive, making solar a viable option for those looking to save money. According to the US Department of Energy, solar-powered water heaters can reduce water and energy costs by at least 50%. 

Kick Water-Wasting Habits 

This one’s fairly obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget the obvious. Sometimes we waste water without even realizing it; it happens. Overwatering your houseplants, overfilling a bathtub, taking longer than necessary showers, and leaving the faucet running are all some of the most common ways that the average person unwittingly boosts their own energy and water bills. Don’t be your own worst enemy; keep aware of your water usage. 

Patch the Leaks

Have you ever heard a subtle tapping noise coming from the bathroom? Nine out of ten times, that’s a sure sign of a leaky faucet. According to research, leaky faucets can drop as much as 4,000 drops a day, totaling to around one full gallon of wasted water. You don’t need to be a plumber to know that’s less than ideal. 

As faucets and toilets get older and equipment breaks down, leaks are to be expected. Regular inspections and maintenance are very important to the health of your system and your bills. Keep the pros on speed dial to ensure you’re never flushing money away.

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about ways to reduce your monthly water bill

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin

A Sacramento Homeowner’s Checklist For Choosing A Modern Toilet Replacement

May 21, 2022

A Sacramento Homeowner’s Checklist For Choosing A Modern Toilet Replacement

  • Plumbing
toilet replacement in Sacramento by America's Plumbing

When purchasing a toilet replacement  for your Sacramento home or business, there are a great many variables to consider along with cost and color. Height, shape, size, style, water efficiency, and flushing power are all factors that can mean the difference between you being comfortably seated on the porcelain throne or breaking out the plunger. Here is a checklist of things that may make a significant difference when you purchase your next toilet.

Utility Bills

For homeowners that are connected to city and town utilities, you know that water bills can make you do a double take. Bathrooms use nearly half of the average home’s water and toilets alone account for about 25 to 30 percent of your water. Older seven-gallon tanks can run you nearly 13,000 gallons per year on average. But if you were to reduce down to a newer 1.28-gallon tank, the annual average consumption could drop to about 2,300 gallons. Basically, your water bill would drop by about 10,000 gallons. One would be correct to say, large tanks are flushing your money down the drain.  

Seat Height

The standard height of a toilet is about 14.5 inches, measuring from floor to rim. Some models are designed to accommodate slightly taller people with a height of about 16 inches. Handicap-rated units and height-friendly models can range from 17 to 19 inches. Obviously, there is a good amount of distance and difference between these models when you bend your knees. The days of selecting the standard unit are a thing of the past. It’s important to pick a height that is comfortable for you and your family. You may want to pick up a step stool for the little ones as well.  

Bowl Shape

Toilet bowls come in two basic shapes: round and oval-shaped. Oval-shaped models are generally a couple of inches longer from front to back than their round counterparts and people find them more comfortable in general. You will need to account for those extra inches in your bathroom layout.

Space

Building codes generally require 15 inches from center to wall and at least two feet in front. These distances are fine if you have limited space in your bathroom. However, having a good 30 inches in front will make you feel less cramped. And plan for enough elbow room for your body. You are not limited to building code measurements. They are the minimums, not requirements. 

Performance and Efficiency

There are two basic types of toilet flushing systems, gravity and pressure:

  • Gravity Fed: Like many standard home toilets, a tank holds the water. You push the lever and it moves everything down the drain. They can generate as little as 10 PSI and work effectively. They are generally less expensive than pressure toilets but may not push waste as effectively. Basically, they can clog more often.
  • Pressure Units: These models use compressed water and air to force waste down the drain. They tend to make a bit more noise than gravity-fed toilets and your home will need a minimum of about 25 PSI of water pressure for it to function well. These models use less water and the tanks tend to be smaller. The downside for pressurized toilets is that they are usually more expensive.  

Toilet Replacement Features

Like most modern conveniences, toilets have evolved and your purchase now comes with several options that can personalize your experience. Here are some features to consider:

  • Dual Flush: One water conservation option is the two-button flush control. Basically, you can press partial flush for liquids or full flush for solids. It saves a considerable amount of water over time.
  • Concealed and Skirted Trapways: The backs and sides of toilets can look soiled very quickly. Concealed or skirted trapways give the toilet a sleek look and exterior that is easy to clean and doesn’t “trap” as much grime. These make your toilet easy to clean..
  • One Piece or Two: The vast majority of toilets in use are the two-piece type. The tank rests on the bowl portion and is tightened in place. These are usually easy to find replacement parts for at local hardware stores. But one-piece units, although more expensive, are quite sleek and much easier to keep clean. Wall mounted units are also excellent space savers and good for people using wheelchairs. They do require strong support walls.
  • Touchless Units: Automatic flushing sensors are wonderful for those who don’t like touching toilets or who have forgetful friends and family members. There are also retro-fitting kits available for some models that you can just wave your hand over. They have a fun sci-fi feel about them.
  • Color: About 85 percent of homeowners choose white. But, you can purchase yours in a wide array of colors. Just be careful with “trendy” colors. When the color goes out of style, your bathroom might go with it.
  • Rebates and Warranties: Remember to check for manufacturer rebates and consider what warranty options are available. You never know if your unit has a defect. 

Selecting a toilet that is just right for you and your family means weighing the many options, variables and features of today’s makes and models. It’s also important to discuss your learning with an experienced plumber.

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about toilet replacement in Sacramento!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin

Benefits of Installing a Water Filtration System in Your Home

May 15, 2022

Benefits of Installing a Water Filtration System in Your Home

  • Plumbing
water filtration

In this day and age, it is becoming more and more common to have a water filter for your drinking water. Clean water is vital to your home for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Unfortunately, there are still potential contaminants found within water that is untreated through a filtration system. If your home does not own one at the moment, it would be wise to invest in one. 

Why Install a Filtration System?

Installing a system can bring a whole series of benefits to your home. These benefits include the following:

  • When a home is equipped with whole-house water filtration, the owner can rest assured that every drop of water that comes into the house is clean and safe. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the backyard sprinkler, the water will always be safe enough to drink.
  • Hard water, which is water with an excessive amount of minerals in it, can be a pain for anyone who experiences it. It can leave buildup deposits on your showerheads, reducing the water flow. If you have ever had a problem with your water trickling out even though you know the pressure is fine, you may have hard water buildup. It can also cause unsightly stains in your sink and toilet bowl. Lastly, it can make washing a chore because hard water reduces the ability of soap to foam up.

Benefits of Filtering Water

Primarily, having filtered water is a significant boost to health around your home. There are a number of dangerous elements that are removed if water is filtered. These include:

  • Arsenic: Tap water can contain dangerous levels of arsenic, a powerful carcinogenic, that has been linked to an increased risk of the development of several types of cancer
  • Aluminum: Municipal water that is unfiltered can lead to an increased consumption of aluminum, a metal that has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, hyperactivity, learning disabilities in children, skin problems, liver disease and more.
  • Fluoride: While fluoride is commonly associated with improving oral health, it can actually cause a wide range of health problems such as a weakened immune system and cellular damage that accelerates aging.

Benefits of Filtered Water

In comparison to bottle or tap water, filtered water can improve a vast series of areas.

  1. Primarily, water filters provide better tasting and better smelling drinking water by removing chlorine and bacterial contaminants. Drinking clean and filtered water can protect yourself from diseases as well as improving your health. 
  2. A water filter can provide healthy water for cooking as well as drinking and bathing. 
  3. Point-of-use water filters remove lead from drinking water immediately prior to consumption, thus preventing this harmful substance from entering the body.
  4. Water filters greatly reduce the risk of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from drinking water.
  5. You can economically benefit from installing a unit. For instance, if you purchase bottled water for a small family, you would typically only have enough water for a week or so. A water filter, however, is guaranteed to last for months on end. 

Types of Water Filters

There are a couple of differing types of water filters available for purchase and installation. Some of these include the following.

  • Activated Carbon: It is a fairly common type of water filter installed under the kitchen sink. Carbon filters are used to remove parasites, chemicals and heavy metals that are present in water. 
  • Reverse Osmosis: This type of filter is incredibly popular. This is mainly because it has the ability to remove all sorts of contaminants that can be a danger to your health, as well as making sure the end result is clear and odor free.
  • UV Filters: Takes water purification to a high level, by use of an ultraviolet lamp to kill germs within the water. Typically, it will destroy about 99.9% of germs found within the water.

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about toilet replacement in Sacramento!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin