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! 

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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

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

Plumbing problems happen all the time and the harsh weather conditions from the winter season will only contribute to more problems.  Your plumbing requires proper maintenance no matter what time of year, which is why it’s time to fix some much-needed repairs before the new season rolls in.

Plumbing Repairs You May Need

Leaks and clogs are common plumbing nuisances that happen at any time, but the problem is that most of them can happen unnoticed until it’s too late. While you may have winterized your plumbing for the worst, problems can still arise and it’s best to catch them before the winter ends. Spring can overwhelm your pipes and sump pump. It’s always better to be proactive versus reactive when it comes to your plumbing. To spare yourself a plumbing catastrophe, here are eight common plumbing repairs you may need before spring.

• Low water pressure. If you’ve ever experienced a disappointing shower, it’s probably because your plumbing has low water pressure. If water doesn’t gush out of your faucets like it used to, it could be because of a clogged aerator. If cleaning the screens of your faucets does nothing, however, then the issue may have to do with a leak or clog in your plumbing. On rare occasions, low water pressure can also be a sign that something is wrong with the main water line. While less pressure may be nothing more than a nuisance, it shouldn’t be ignored, as it often indicates another issue with your plumbing.

• Slow drains. One of the most common signs of a clog, if you experience slow drains, it’s important to clear the clog immediately. While clogs anytime of the year are problematic, clogs during the winter season can be especially dangerous as it makes your pipes more vulnerable to damage. Most clogs can be solved with a drain cleaning, but if the slow drain still persists, the issue may be much deeper inside your plumbing. Stubborn clogs usually stem from a damaged sewer line and will require a licensed plumber to repair it.

• Running toilet. Your toilet is one of the most used water fixtures in the house, and it’s prone to leaking which could cost you in your next water bill. A constantly running toilet is a common, but costly problem. Since there are several culprits for a running toilet, it’s important to have a plumber check the problem right away. Some issues such as a faulty flapper or fill valve, can be an easy fix, other problems, however, will require professional help.

• Busted garbage disposal. While it may be tempting to put aside the cost of repairing the garbage disposal later, a damaged garbage disposal harm your plumbing. Most culprits for a busted or damaged garbage disposal usually also clog the drain, and are an invitation for unwanted pests like drain flies.

• Dripping faucets. Often it’s easier to ignore that one annoying dripping faucet, but a dripping faucet wastes water and costs you money. While it’s encouraged to let your faucets drip during the winter season to avoid damage, a faucet that drips on its own usually indicates something is wrong with the faucet. Faucets come with a water-tight seal that prevents water from escaping, but over time those can wear down and the result is the notorious annoying drip. Replacing the washer is a common solution for a dripping faucet and is best down by a plumber who has specialized tools.

• Leaky pipes. Leaks are a problem no matter what time of year, but they can be especially problematic during winter. It’s best to catch a leak as soon as possible as it can lead to costly water damages and mold. Watch for water spots, bubbling paint or discolored wallpaper, and puddles of water. If you smell something foul and musty, call a plumber immediately.

• Damaged sump pump. Your sump pump is an important appliance that can often be forgotten during the winter season, but it still works to keep your basement flood-free. While you may experience little to no rain before spring, it’s important to inspect your sump pump for damages. Test to see if it works by filling the tank to the top with water. If it doesn’t start immediately, it may be time to schedule a repair.
• Old water heater. The winter season can put a lot of strain on your water heater, which is why it’s a good idea to inspect your water heater. Over time, mineral deposits can form inside the tank and will require a flush to remove them periodically. Since water heaters require little maintenance, it’s easy to forget about them, but a water heater in need of maintenance can result in a busted tank flooding gallons of water in basement.

Take Care of Your Plumbing Before the Spring

While you may be counting down the days until spring, it’s best to take some precaution with your plumbing. A clog or leak, if left untreated, can result in costly damages, or worse, a flooded home. Any plumbing problem is best repaired as soon as possible, but some issues are difficult to detect without professional help. If you want to start the spring season right, make sure to schedule one last plumbing inspection before it’s too late.

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about plumbing repairs in Sacramento!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin

First it started small and was easily fixed by turning your faucet knob or nozzle a bit tighter. Then you noticed that the leaking resumed, but it couldn’t be fixed by tightening the nozzle this time. In spite of you yelling at it when it awoke you from a perfectly refreshing sleep, the faucet still didn’t stop leaking. Now you need faucet repair in your Sacramento home. 

What’s Your Next Step? 

While you likely need the services of a qualified plumber, don’t rush off to phone one quite yet. Instead, take a step back and think about how you want to communicate with this professional. Doing so can save you a huge headache — and possibly even a dollar or two. 

What Can You Expect if You Don’t Know What’s Causing Your Faucet to Drip?

Did you know that a faucet that drips continuously brings with it numerous pains besides annoying you? There are a host of issues that you might face if you continue to live with a leaking faucet.

Unsightly water stains — that can also be difficult to remove without regular maintenance — are often one of the most visually arresting issues that you will face. If you are like many homeowners, you simply won’t feel like your sink is clean unless it is stain free then you’ll be particularly bothered by this fact. Having to remove the water stains each time you clean your sink will also increase the time this chore takes you.

If your sink’s drain is blocked by either food or dishes, or if the stopper is down, that continuously leaking faucet can take an unexpected turn and become a small flood. Imagine coming home after a long day at work only to discover that a waterfall has erupted in your kitchen and provided you with an increasing pool of water on your floor. 

One of the most painful issues that you might face when it comes to a leaking faucet is the increase in your utility bills. Some homeowners are unpleasantly surprised at the fact that something they thought was pretty harmless actually carries a rather large price tag. 

Benefits of Faucet Repair in Sacramento 

Like most other issues in your home, the more quickly you address your leaking faucet, the better. By knowing the cause of your faucet’s continuous dripping, you’ll have peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about coming home to a small flood, for example. The money you pay to have your leaking faucet repaired can be recouped in lower utility bills. 

The 7 Common Causes of a Leaking Faucet

1. Damaged Parts

Your faucet is designed with several important parts that — if they’re damaged — can cause it to leak. Compression type faucets are those that have a separate hot and cold handle as well as a washer, often sustaining damage to their stem assemblies that can cause them to leak. 

2. Worn Out Cartridge

Cartridge faucets are designed with a stem cartridge that is movable. When that cartridge begins to go bad, it can lead to the faucet leaking. 

3. Water Pressure

A reduction in the water pressure of a particular faucet is often caused by a broken pipe. If you’ve ruled out other possible causes, it could be that a broken pipe is interfering with your water pressure with the result being that you have a leaking faucet. A professional plumber should check the integrity of your pipes. 

4. Broken Pipe or Fitting

In addition to broken pipes, a fitting that is not in good repair could also cause your faucet to leak. Clips and valve assemblies that are worn out can allow water to drip continuously from your faucet. 

5. Hard Water Build Up

Hard water can affect more than the look of your clothes. The chemicals that are contained in it can wear away at the rubber washers that are designed to help prevent water leakage. 

6. Failing O-Rings

Your faucet handle is held in place with a stem screw that has a small disc, or O-ring, on the end of it. Over time, that O-ring can become damaged, loose, or even wear out, making your faucet leak. 

7. Loose Handles

There’s no doubt about it — your faucet handles get a great deal of use. Over time, you might find them becoming loose with you having to readjust them over and over again. Eventually, you might even notice some moisture near the handles that then turns into a telltale leak. 

A leaking faucet isn’t usually considered an emergency issue by professional plumbers. It is, however, a chronic problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Doing so can help give you peace of mind while saving you time. 

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about faucet repair in Sacramento!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin

Winter has arrived, and there’s nothing that can warm your bones quite like a hot shower. But what if your water heater stops working? How will you know which product is right for your needs? Here are some things to consider, so you can make the right choice.

Why the Right Water Heater Matters

• Poor efficiency and higher utility bills: Don’t always choose the least expensive option. When you find a water heater with a low initial cost, that doesn’t mean you are going to save money. In the long run, that cheaper product could result in higher energy costs. Check the efficiency rating of the water heater that interests you, so you can save money down the line with lower utility bills.
• Shorter lifespan: The efficiency isn’t the only issue when choosing a water heater. Some less expensive water heaters have a shorter lifespan, which can mean you need to buy a new one sooner. The costs you thought you saved will just be spent in needing to purchase a new water heater sooner than you expected. Carefully research the brands of water heaters you’re looking at, and their lifespan expectancy, to ensure you get the most for your money. While not a guarantee of longevity, that should prevent you from having to replace another water heater sooner than you expected.
• Cold water: If you choose a water heater that isn’t big enough, you could end up running out of hot water for showers, the dishwasher, or the laundry. Of course, you don’t want to buy a water heater that’s much too big for your needs, because that will just drive up your utility bills. Getting the right size water heater is important. It balances comfort and convenience with a fair price and better bills.

The Benefits of Choosing the Right Water Heater

• High efficiency and lower utility bills: When you calculate your home’s required temperature rise and how much hot water is needed at any time, you have a much better chance of purchasing the perfect water heater for your home. Rather than getting a unit that’s too big and consumes more energy, you end up with lower monthly utility bills and plenty of hot water every time it’s needed. You may also want to look at energy efficient water heaters, because they can help lower your bills even further.
• Longer lifespan: Choosing a water heater that offers quality can mean several more years of service. That saves you money on the long run, and also save you time because you won’t be spending that time looking for a new water heater again. Some water heaters have a 3-year or 6-year warranty, and some have warranties that are longer than that.
• Warm water for every day conveniences: Showers, dishwashing, laundry, and any other use you have for hot water will be easier when you have the right water heater. You won’t be worried about running the dishwasher after you take a shower, or thinking your shower has to wait because you just did laundry. It’s great to have hot water you can rely on.

Features to Look For in Your New Water Heater

• You need to know how much hot water your household needs at any given time. To figure this out, calculate the gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water each fixture and appliance requires, and then add them all together for your water heaters total GPM. Bathroom faucet flow rates range from .5-1.5 gpm, kitchen faucet flow rates range from 3.0-7.0 gpm, shower flow rates range from 1.0-2.0 gpm, dishwasher flow rates range from 1.0-2.5 gpm, and clothes washer flow rates range from 1.5-3.0 gpm
• You also need to know your home’s required temperature rise. You can discover that by finding the difference between your ground water temperature and your desired hot water temperature. The EPA provides a map of average groundwater temperature for guidance, so you can look up your local area and get the number you need to start your calculations.
• Choose the water heater unit that best meets your needs. The GPM and required temperature rise will help you in determining this, but there are other things to think about. For example, conventional tank water heaters, tankless water heaters, and hybrid water heaters all have benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to research what model will fit the needs of your family, while comfortably and safely fitting in its desired space. Ideally, the space will be located on an exterior wall near a gas supply line, water supply line, and electrical power source for convenience.
• Another thing you need to know to buy your new water heater is the gallon capacity your household requires. Typically, 1-2 people require a gallon capacity of 23-36, 2-4 people require 36-46, 3-5 people require 46-56, and 5+ require 56+ gallons. But your circumstances may be unique, so if you have a household situation that’s different from average you might need a bigger or smaller water heater.
• Energy efficiency ratings (or EF – Energy Factor) are important for homeowners to take into consideration, too. The higher the EF, the more energy efficient the product is. Look for EF ratings as close to 1 as possible, since the EF rating measures how efficiently a unit converts energy into heat, and how much heat is lost during storage. The more efficient the water heater, the more money you can save on your utility bills.

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about our services!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

By admin

Are you thinking about installing a new water heater? Then maybe it’s time to replace your old storage tank model with a tankless water heater. Here’s what you need to know about tankless water heaters — and five signs that it might be the right choice for you!

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

A conventional water heater has a tank that stores hot water, which is delivered to a point of use when needed. When the water supply runs low, the tank has to fill itself and heat the water before it can deliver hot water — until then, it can only send cold water to the faucet.

In contrast, a tankless water heater, or on-demand water heater, doesn’t have a storage tank at all. Instead, the water runs over a heating element when hot water is “requested” at a point of use, such as a shower or hot water faucet. Because it doesn’t store any hot water at all but instead, heats the water on demand, a tankless water heater provides an endless supply of hot water.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

While there are still many people who prefer their conventional models, more and more forward-thinking homeowners are replacing their storage tank water heaters with tankless models. What follows are five signs that a tankless water heater is just what you need:

• You’re tired of not having enough hot water. Some people like cold showers. However, they’re few and far between. Most of us prefer a nice, hot stream of water, regardless of whether that’s when we get up in the morning or after we get home from work. If you’re always stuck with cold water because your household uses a lot of hot water, then an on-demand model is a good choice.
• You want a water heater that will last. While a conventional model lasts approximately 15 years, a tankless water heater has a lifespan of 20 years. So while the initial investment might be somewhat higher, you’ll definitely get a good return.
• Your energy bills are high. Storing warm water costs energy. So a storage tank water heater will inevitably cost more to run than a tankless model, which will bring your energy bills down considerably. 
• You want to do the right thing for the planet. Because an on-demand model is more energy-efficient, it’s a more environmentally friendly option.
• You want to use the space for something else. A conventional water heater is a large appliance that takes up approximately the same space as a fridge. If you don’t have the space or if you want to use the space for something else, then an on-demand water heater is a better choice as it’s approximately the same size as a desktop computer.

Consult With Your Plumber

If you’ve come to the conclusion that a tankless water heater is exactly what you need, then make sure to consult with your plumber before purchasing one. He or she can advise you about capacity, brand, model, and other factors that are important to making the right choice. And once your on-demand water heater is installed, you’ll be able to enjoy your investment, as well as hot water and low energy bills, for a long time to come.

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about our services!

Or check out our stellar Google reviews! 

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By admin