High Water Bill?

Here's How to Investigate:
1. Check for Leaks: Start by ensuring all faucets, toilets, and hoses are completely turned off and not dripping. Even small leaks can significantly increase your bill.
2. Meter Check: Look at your water meter. If it's spinning steadily even when no water is being used, it indicates a possible leak.
3. Seasonal Changes or Recent Guests: Consider if recent events might explain the spike. Higher water usage is common in summer due to increased outdoor activities, and guests in the house can naturally lead to higher consumption.
4. Pool or Irrigation: If you have a pool or irrigation system, ensure they're not refilling or operating unintentionally.
5. Billing Cycle: If this is your first bill after a period with increased water usage due to events like renovations or filling a pool, the higher cost might be temporary and reflect the accumulated usage.
Remember, early detection of leaks can save you money and conserve water. If you suspect a leak but can't locate it, consider contacting us for assistance

Worried about Leaky Pipes?

Here's How to Mitigate the Risk:
While the exact cause of leaks can vary, you can take proactive steps to minimize their occurrence:
1. Maintain Proper Water Pressure: Aim for a static pressure of 60-65 psi. This reduces stress on your pipes. You can check the pressure with a water gauge on any hose-bib and adjust regulators accordingly to desired pressure.
2. Install an Expansion Tank: This tank absorbs pressure fluctuations caused by hot water, protecting your pipes from excessive strain. Ensure you have one installed on the hot water line.
3. Minimize High-Flow Fixtures: Avoid using showerheads exceeding 2 gallons per minute (gpm). Lower flow rates decrease the velocity and pressure within the pipes, reducing wear and tear.
4. Reduce the hot water temperature to 120 degrees. Hotter water velocity moves faster. Hot water maximum velocity is 5ft/sec and cold water maximum velocity is 8ft/sec. Try to keep velocities at 2ft/sec.
Remember: These are general preventative measures. If you suspect a leak but can't locate it, consider contacting us for assistance

Uh oh, Water Heater Issues?

Here's What You Can Do:
•Prevent Corrosion: Ensure your water heater has a properly sized and maintained anode rod (also known as a sacrificial rod). This rod attracts corrosion, protecting your tank. Replace it every 2-4 years.
• Manage Pressure: Maintain your water pressure below 80 psi, ideally around 65 psi. High pressure can lead to tank failure. Check your pressure gauge and adjust if necessary.
• Install an Expansion Tank: This tank absorbs pressure fluctuations caused by heated water, protecting your water heater tank. Ensure you have one installed and functioning properly.
• Combat Scale Buildup: Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment. Consider installing a scale prevention device like a filter, magnet, conditioner, or water softener to minimize future buildup

By following these tips, you can significantly increase the lifespan and efficiency of your water heater and avoid costly breakdowns. If you suspect a failing water heater, call us for assistance.

Extend the Life of Your Tankless Water Heater:
• Regular Flushing:
• Hard Water: Flush your tankless twice a year.
• Treated Water: Flush once a year.
• This removes mineral buildup and improves efficiency.
• Clean the Filter: Remove and clean the water filter every six months to ensure proper water flow.
• Clear Debris: Periodically remove the cover and blow out any lint, dust, or debris.
• Vent Integrity: Ensure the roof vent is properly sealed to prevent moisture damage.
Remember, these are general recommendations. Refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific maintenance instructions or give us a call we’re happy to assist.



Avoid Cold Surprises in Your Tankless Shower:
Tankless water heaters require a minimum flow rate (around 0.5 gpm) to activate and maintain consistent hot water. However, the flow rate of many water-saving showerheads causes the heater to cycle on and off frequently, leading to the dreaded "cold sandwich" effect.
Here's a solution:
• Install a Recirculating Line with an Aqua-Stat: This system continuously circulates hot water through a dedicated line, ensuring it's readily available at the showerhead when needed. This eliminates the cold water surge and reduces wear and tear on your tankless system.
Additional Tips:
• Frequently clean your shower head with vinegar to help remove mineral deposits.
• Consider a slightly higher flow showerhead: Look for models that meet that exceed the 1.75gpm flow requirement
• Change out the shower heads flow control of your shower head to a 2-2.5gpm if possible.
By implementing one or a combination of these solutions, you can enjoy a consistent and comfortable hot shower experience with your tankless water heater. Remember to consult your user manual or or give us a call we’re happy to assist

Keeping Your Emergency Shut-Off Valves Ready:
Your home's plumbing system has valves called angle stops or emergency shut-off valves located under sinks and toilets. These valves isolate the water supply to individual fixtures, allowing you to shut off water in case of leaks or repairs.
Here's why regular maintenance is crucial:
• Mineral Buildup: In areas with hard water, minerals can accumulate and stiffen the valve, hindering its operation.
• Prevention is Key: Regularly exercising the valves (turning them on and off) helps prevent them from seizing up. Ideally, do this every 6 months.
Remember:
• Gently Does It: Never force a stuck valve. If it's difficult to turn, consult us to avoid damaging the valve and causing leaks.
• Peace of Mind: By maintaining these valves, you ensure they're ready to function when needed, potentially saving you from bigger water emergencies.
Additional Tip: If you're unsure about the location or operation of your shut-off valves, give us a call and we can guide you or set up an appointment

Prevent Clogged Drains with these Simple Tips:
1. Install a Drain Strainer: This catches hair, the leading cause of clogs. Consider a strainer with beads for enhanced hair capture.

2. Let the Water Run: After showering, bathing, or washing your hands, allow the water to flow for an additional few minutes. This helps flush out any lingering debris.
3. Regularly Remove Hair Buildup: Use a specially designed drain cleaning tool (like a plastic tool with barbs) to remove hair buildup once a week. This proactive approach can prevent future clogs.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of your tub or shower drain clogging and keep your bathroom running smoothly!

Disposal Odors?
For sparkling disposal freshness and a touch of citrusy delight, try this:
1. Run cold water. This helps flush away any loose debris.
2. Add ice cubes. As the ice melts, it scrapes and cleans the interior of the disposal.
3. Toss in some lemon zests. The zests provide a natural deodorizer with a refreshing citrus aroma.

This simple yet effective method can help eliminate lingering odors and leave your disposal smelling delightful

Having Toilet Woes?
Here are some quick fixes you can try:
1. Check the Flapper Chain: On a gravity-flush toilet, ensure the flapper chain has minimal slack and isn't too loose or tight.
2. Water Level: Make sure the fill valve is providing enough water to reach the fill line marked inside the tank.
3. Flush Valve Position: The flush valve shouldn't be positioned higher than the handle.
4. Loose Bowl: If the toilet bowl wobbles, it might indicate a faulty wax seal. In such cases, consult us for proper repair.
Remember, these are basic checks. If the issue persists, it's advisable to call us for help