Indicators of Hidden Water System Leaks

Since well before the Roman Empire, water leaks have been a problem for civilization. Early on it was an issue of washouts and water loss. Today it is an issue of higher water bills and the potential destruction of your Annapolis home. No matter the reason for the concern, water leakage from a system has always been cause for consternation. There are several ways an occupant of a home can tell there is a water leakage issue.

The Water Bill

In the modern era, residents and business owners have had to face the water bill. This is a relatively recent phenomenon created by a centralized water system created and maintained by the community for the benefit of its residents. The water bill reflects the volume of water used. Residents and business owners who notice an unexplained increase in the water volume used are likely experiencing a water leak. Checking the bill is a simple way to observe the integrity of the water system.

Unexplained stains on the Wall or Ceiling

Stains are an indicator of a continuous slow water leak. In ancient times, it took years for stains to develop because of the building materials used. Today’s drywall technology will stain relatively quickly: within months, maybe even days of the time when the leak first occurred.

These can be tricky as water can travel quite a distance before dropping from a pipe or other metal component onto drywall material. The nature of drywall encourages water to collect. Drywall has the ability to absorb a significant amount of water from a slow leak before it will stain. Be aware that a drywall stain can indicate a long-lasting leak that is just now showing.

That Musty Smell

Smells that we call “musty” are the creation of molds. Water pipes are hidden behind the walls and floors and ceilings of today’s homes and businesses. A water leak in these hidden areas will never thoroughly dry out creating the ideal environment for mold growth. The active mold must be exposed and dried to be stopped. This is a health hazard and discovery of mysterious “musty” smells should be immediately followed up. “Musty” smells are not normal and should be eliminated as quickly as possible.

A Reduction In Water Pressure

Given the concept that water is entering the structure within a contained system, it is subject to the Law of Physics which says that the pressure will be the same throughout the system.

Thus, any change is water pressure within a closed system is a sure indicator that there is a leak. If the leak is the result of an open tap, then that is a logical result. However, if the system is closed at all possible outflow locations and the pressure is still diminished, there is a leak. The Laws of Physics do not lie.

Soft Spots

Whether on the floor of a structure or on the grounds surrounding that structure show soft spots, it is a sure indicator of a leak. This can happen quite often in the modern lawn irrigation systems. If an irrigation system is leaking, the fix is usually quite simple as these systems do not normally run beneath structures. However, a soft spot on the floor may indicate a leak a long distance away. Such leaks may be hard to find. Normally, though, soft floors happen around water using appliances and can indicate either a slow leak or a history of over running water.

Water system leaks are a historic problem. Discovering, locating and fixing leaks decreases structural damage and unhealthy mold.

Don’t be submerged by the water in your Annapolis, MD home. Call Heidler Plumbing at (410) 268-7191 today, and get that water leak repaired now!

Backflow Testing Could Save Your Family Member’s Lives

Backflow contamination is one of the most common problems in households across the world. Although water pipes are designed and installed with a thorough plan that segregates inlet and outlet from different sources, often backflow from foul sources contaminate useable water in the household, and that can cause serious health and hygiene related problems.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is jargon for an unwanted condition or problem in plumbing that allows contaminated or dirty water, usually from septic tanks or piping, to enter safe water storage or piping. For obvious reasons, various techniques are employed across the world to deal with the issue; one cannot really ascertain the reasons or predict backflow, but it does happen.

Back pressure is often the cause for backflow contamination. Instances where water system pressure increases or decreases far beyond that of supply water pressure. Valve pressure, siphoning, air gaps, and temperature all play an important role in this happening.

What are the Risks of Backflow?

When dirty water mixes with drinkable and daily use water, the health risks are high, too high to neglect. Often it begins with color and texture of the water becoming noticeably contaminated, which then leads to increased toxicity.

In many cases, there is always a risk of pesticides and human waste getting into potable water, which can then make family members who drink it, or use it for cooking and preparing food, severely ill. The dangers of prolonged toxicity in water consumed or used to bath may even lead to death.

How can Families Minimize Backflow Risks?

Backflow testing is the first safety step that every household should take. It should not be just important when you suspect water contamination, but an annual habit to ensure family’s safety.

Experienced plumbing professionals have a set of backflow prevention and testing tools that are approved by the government. These tools are designed to look for even traces of toxic materials and human waste. In fact, depending on where you live, some buildings and offices mandate monthly testing of water systems with the help of these devices.

Getting in Touch with Experts

Backflow testing doesn’t have to be a tiresome or expense process. You can easily get in touch with plumbing experts with a simple phone call, and let them help you schedule a backflow inspection of your home or business. Testing is quick and non-intrusive. Using contaminated water is serious, and for any head of the house, knowing backflow testing could save your family member’s lives is all the motivation that is needed to have you property inspected today.

Want more information on back-flow testing in your Annapolis area? Just call Heidler Plumbing at (410) 268-7191!

It’s Time to Go Low Flow!

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a family of four can save approximately $260.00 in utility bills each year. By conserving water, you are also conserving energy since energy is used to treat, distribute, and heat water.

By understanding the benefits of installing low-flow fixtures at your home or business, you can significantly reduce the amount of water used per year. A small investment now will substantially decrease the amount of water wasted and put money back in your pocket.

Low-Flow Faucets

Older homes with original faucets can deliver over 5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). By installing a simple low-flow fixture for just a few dollars, you will reduce the usage to only 1.5 gpm.

Low-Flow Toilets

Toilets can account for over 30 percent of water usage in the average home. Older toilet models can waste over 5 gallons of water per flush (gpf). With a simple installation of a low-flow toilet model, you will lower the usage to approximately 1.28 gpf. In just one year, you can save over $110.00 on your utility bill.

Low-Flow Shower Heads

Most showerheads deliver more than 2.5 gpm. For the average family, that could add up to over 40 gallons per day. The installation of a low-flow showerhead will decrease the water flow to less than 2 gpm and still provide a high pressure flow. Annually, you can save over 2,900 gallons of water.

Multiple Benefits

1. Save Money – For the amount of money invested in each installation, you will actually pay for the updates by the amount of water saved within one year.

2. Save Energy – By reducing the overall usage of water, you will also use less hot water and prolong the life of your water heater. The average family could save over 300 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. That is equivalent to the amount of energy a small refrigerator uses each year.

3. Environmentally Friendly – There are many areas in the world that experience a shortage of fresh water. Imagine if everyone decided to save water by makinga few simple installations around their home or business. People could live more comfortably knowing they would never have to worry about a scarce water supply again.

There is no question that the installation of low-flow fixtures will save water, money, and our planet. Invest now for a lifetime of efficiency!

Don’t delay. Give Heidler Plumbing a call at (410) 268-7191  to save money and lower the carbon footprint of your Annapolis home!

5 Summer Plumbing Tips

There are a vast array of reasons why many of today’s households have problematic plumbing systems. As a plumbing system is considered to be one of the most complex components within a home property, there are several things that can go wrong over a period of usage time.

If you’re concerned about the current conditions of your home’s plumbing system, it is highly recommended for you to hire a professional and licensed plumber who has acquired an adequate amount of credentials, training and skills to guarantee you an honest and reliable service. Due to the complexity of a home’s plumbing system, a skilled professional is required to service a myriad of issues that may exist within the framework.

Being Negligent Can Be Costly

There are many things that can cause one’s plumbing system to perform poorly. Unfortunately, many plumbing system’s issues occur from misuse or negligence of proper care. There are certain protocols of usage a homeowner can implement into their daily routines to ensure themselves of having a plumbing system that maintains its effectiveness and efficiency over long periods of usage.

Improper Usage of Amenities Can Result In an Inefficient Plumbing System

When using any of the appliances and/or amenities that are interconnected to the home’s plumbing system, it is highly imperative to ensure that they are utilized correctly. For instance, toilets are some of the most commonly utilized amenities that require proper usage. Failing to utilize toilets properly can result in severe damaging within the premises of a plumbing system.

There are a multitude of drains and pipelines that run from the toilet(s) to the sewage system. Some examples of improper usage of the toilet is disposing trash other than natural humans wastes and toilet paper inside of it, such as paper, dirt, food, debris, paper towels, etc.

The components of a toilet are specifically designed and engineered to have the durability to handle disposable materials that it was made for (natural human wastes, liquids and toilet paper). Therefore, disposing anything else within them can have a destructive effect to the bolts, nuts and pipelines that compose that plumbing system.

Other Examples of Improper Usage of Amenities

Draining materials other than what the different sources of water basins are made for can also result in a deterioration effect within the pipelines. Some examples are draining solid material(s) in bathtubs and/or sinks. If the pipelines connected to such sources are obstructed by solid materials, a professional plumber may be needed to dislodge it for the purpose of achieving optimal functioning within the plumbing system again.

Avoid the hassle of an untimely repair, call Heidler Plumbing at (410) 268-7191 for an inspection in the Annapolis area! 

Plan Ahead for Handling a Plumbing Emergency

Being prepared for any emergency means planning ahead before there is one. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for a plumbing emergency. Preparation includes the right equipment, some basic knowledge, and knowing when to call a professional.

Be Prepared

Putting together an emergency kit just for plumbing will assist in handling that leaking faucet or pipe before it even starts. A basic kit will contain common household items. Start with a five gallon bucket and use it to hold the following recommended items:

• An adjustable wrench
• Slip joint pliers
• A multi-bit screwdriver
• Regular and forced cup plungers
• Tape – Duct, Teflon and leak sealing
• Allen keys in various sizes
• Super absorbent towels

The last item is knowledge. You will need to know how to use the tools, the general layout of your plumbing system and how and where to turn the off the water, water heater and the heat source.

When an Emergency Happens

The first step is stay calm but act quickly. Begin by locating the problem. Turn the water off using an isolation valve when possible. If you cannot find the source of the problem or if it is too big to contain by turning off an interior valve, the immediate solution is to shut off the water supply to the entire building at the main tap. One way to prevent any further water damage to the interior is to turn on all of the exterior spigots to drain the pipes directly outdoors.

Generally homeowners can handle minor issues on their own. Unclogging a drain or toilet is almost common knowledge. Some can handle more advanced issues involving replacing faucets or disposers. In the event an emergency is bigger than anticipated, or out of ones abilities or comfort zone, a plumber should be called.

How do I Choose the Right Plumber

• Generally the right plumber will be different for everyone. However, here are some guidelines to finding the one that is right for you.
• Make sure he/she is licensed, including any subcontractors
• Check their insurance is up-to-date
• Longevity. How long have they been in business? Is the company stable?
• If you are still in doubt, check for references or read online reviews.

Hopefully plumbing issues will not be in your future. Using these general guidelines should assist most people in preparing for and resolving a plumbing emergency.

Looking for an emergency plumber in Annapolis? Call Heidler Plumbing at  (410) 268-7191  for quality service you can trust!

Top 5 Bathroom Remodeling Trends of 2015

This year, more homeowners are focused on being energy conscious, and that goes for the bathroom too. In order to conserve the natural resources of the planet, smart homeowners are incorporating both style and functionality into the design of the bathroom. Consider a few of these top 5 bathroom remodeling trends of 2015 before you make your next purchase.

1. Low Flow Toile

The latest toilet designs are both visually appealing and energy efficient too. The low flow toilet does the same job as a traditional toilet does, except it makes use of a fraction of the water needed to flush waste down the line. This can add up to significant savings over the course of the year, easily recouping the money spent on the new toilet.

2. Low Flow Shower Head

Similar to the low flow toilet, the low flow shower head makes use of smaller jet openings to increase the pressure while using less water to do so. The family will not the difference except for the new sleek design of the shower head. Over the course of a year, your combined water consumption savings from the toilet and shower will be significant.

3. Walk-In Shower

If you are not using the bathtub to bathe, consider using that location to expand the size of the shower. Incorporate a new walk-in shower to open up the room and create a focal point that will look extremely desirable. The walk-in shower will eliminate the need to wash shower doors, curtains, or tight spaces. The shower will be more spacious and comfortable for everyone to utilize.

4. Sink Vanity

One of the ways to increase the appeal of the bathroom is to remove that old one basin vanity and bring in a new modern design double-basin vanity. These double sink systems rare ideal for those families with many children or parents who must be at work the same time. Reduce your stress and time in the bathroom by allowing two people to make use of the sink simultaneously.

5. LED Lighting

Consider the cost of replacing those old fashion light bulbs all year long to the more modern and energy efficient LED lighting. This type of lighting uses less energy, can be focused to specific sections of the room, and last much longer than the older style light bulbs available at your local supermarket.

Call Heidler Plumbing at (410) 268-7191 for top-tier bathroom remodeling services in the Annapolis area. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Plumbing System

Plumbing Companies Have The Know-how On How To Solve Problems!

Most plumbing companies in your area have been in the plumbing business for decades. Some more than 15 and 20 years; others even longer.

These wizards have the knowledge, experience and know-how to provide homeowners and business owners with advise on a variety of plumbing subjects and make suggestions about ways to improve and repair any plumbing problems in your home or business as long as you’re the owner.

They will also be quick to tell you that just routine plumbing maintenance can save you money and catch plumbing problems in the early stages before they become monolithic headaches. They know the best troubleshooting methods and can quickly spot incoming issues.

The same goes for the home and business owners. They can save you and your family from experiencing a sudden flooding problem caused by leaks and backed up water lines.

There Are Numerous Benefits Of Annual Plumbing Maintenance!

Extending the life of your plumbing system is pretty much nothing more than plain common sense. Here are a few of the benefits of annual plumbing maintenance:

* Reducing the need for service calls time after time.

* Extending the life expectancy of not just plumbing but appliances as well.

* Preventing the “unexpected” event and ignoring Murphy’s Law.- “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.”

* Save your flooring (carpet or hardwood) plus your walls from flooding as a result from broken or cracked pipes

* Cutting your utility costs by insuring your plumbing system is operating efficiently

Those trained and tested employees of the plumbing companies you put your trust and their advise in, continue to provide excellent service day in and day out.

Maybe It’s The Water!

Do many homeowners actually know the quality of the water that flows through their homes? Probably not. However, the fact remains that the water coming into your home or business will have a drastic effect on the longevity of all your plumbing pipes and fixtures.

In some areas of this country water chlorination (chlorine) levels may kill bacteria but it’s not safe to drink. Also, some states in this country have levels of chlorine running through their pipes exceeding what can be found at the average swimming pool.

Ergo, excessive amounts of chlorine can shorten the life of plumbing fixtures like toilets and faucets. And the same goes for hard water, too.

Keep your Annapolis plumbing system in top shape with a little help from Heidler Plumbing. Call us at (410) 268-7191 today!

How To Adjust Your Thermostat Throughout The Seasons

Hot Months

With the summer starting, it’s common for people to keep their thermostat temperatures low and consistent throughout the day. The ideal temperature to keep your home is between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Energy Star recommends that users keep their home at 78 degrees for a trial period. During this trial period it’s recommended that you pay attention to the comfortability level within your home. Depending on how hot or cool the 78 degree setting treats you, you may adjust higher or lower for optimal efficiency.

In conjunction with this, adjusting the thermostat as you go to bed is recommended for the warmer months. Many people find that sleeping in a warmer environment helps that get to sleep quicker and experience deeper levels of rest. You may find that raising your temperature 3 to 5 degrees help you attain better levels of sleep.

Cold Months

During the colder months it’s best to keep your thermostat around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Energy statistics have calculated that for every 1 degree you lower your temperature, you will experience a 5% reduction in energy consumption.

Keeping this at the forefront of our approach, we want to start our test gauge at 68 degrees. From here we can adjust by increments of 1 degree until we find the ‘sweet spot’ that keeps us warm throughout the winter.

Similarly, to get the most bang for our buck we need to be aware of drafts and air leaks within the home. These cold air flows can fluctuate the internal temperature of our home and cause our furnace to work harder than normal. This will equate to an increase in energy consumption as well as an overall bill increase during the next bill-period.

Less is More

Although this method is not commonly used, turning off the auto feature will help cut down on energy consumption. Modern thermostats come equipped with an auto feature that activates the air conditioning or furnace once the home reaches a certain temperature level. When turning this off, you are able to control when the air will turn on, and for how long. Taking this approach will save you money in the long run and help you cool or heat the home to your liking. Following this approach requires the user to be cognizant of their thermostat usage, however.

If you’re ever experiencing trouble with your Annapolis cooling system, call Heidler Plumbing at (410) 268-7191!

The History of Our Modern Day Toilet

Ancient Civilization

The toilet is known by many names: the lavatory or lav, the loo, the water closet or WC, the privy and the latrine. These are just some of the words associated with this popular bathroom fixture. However you say it, the toilet has been an ever-present object in our human history.

There are records of toilets in ancient times and in the Middle Ages as well as from the 16th century onward. Ancient toilets have been found in modern-day Scotland dated 3,000 B.C., in Ancient Egypt approximately 2,500 B.C. and in Roman times around 60 A.D.

Toilets in the Middle Ages

A toilet in the Middle Ages was known as a garderobe, which is a Middle English word meaning “a private chamber”. Garderobes were located on the side of a castle so that waste could exit the vertical shaft. It was in the 12th century, at Portchester Castle that monks designed a stone trough that led sewage to the sea. Any kind of sewage system design was not seen again until the late 19th century.

Chamber Pots

In 1596 a flushing toilet was introduced by Sir John Harrington, but his idea did not receive much recognition. Chamber pots were utilized from late 1500s to late 1800s. These were ceramic or metal pots that were used in the home and emptied by servants. The servants took these chamber pots to cesspits or the nearest gutter.

The waste was then taken away to be used as a fertilizer. This method was eventually seen as unsanitary and ineffective as cities grew with the Industrial Revolution. The need for underground sewage construction was acknowledged and put into practice. As a result, the flushable toilet grew in popularity.

Inventors and the Modern Toilet

In the past 300 years, there have been a multitude of inventors that have helped shape our modern toilet. In the 1700s, two inventors (Alexander Cummings and Joseph Brahmah) worked to produce a flushing toilet design. Perhaps the most famous inventor in the 19th century was Thomas Crapper. Although he did not invent the toilet, he did have 9 patents directly related to toilets and plumbing.

The pull chain for flushing is one of his inventions. In 1852 the first modern public lavatory opened in London. This directly coincided with the creation of the first modern sewer system. Shortly after its appearance in London, the toilet was seen in America the homes of the wealthy. Finally, at the beginning of the 20th century, the toilet was widely available to all levels of society.

Having plumbing trouble in your Annapolis home? Call Heidler Plumbing at (410) 268-7191 to take back control of your home temperature. 

5 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

An HVAC system works wonders for keeping a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Well, it only works wonders if it actually works.

Troubles with the HVAC

A dirty HVAC and its air ducts are not a system that is going to do its job most efficiently. Cleaning out the HVAC when its dirty is a must. So, you have to be on the lookout for five signs the HVAC air ducts could use a nice cleaning.

Five Signs the Air Ducts Should Be Cleaned

1.) The air is not being cooled or heated to the degree you prefer. There could be a number of reasons why the system isn’t doing its job. The cause might not be mechanical. A massive amount of dirt in the ducts could be the cause.

2.) The interior of the home starts to really smell. Maybe organic matter such as insect or rodent refuse is breaking down in the ducts. As a result, the smell is not circulating through your home via the messed up ducts.

3.) Mold is growing in the ducts. The musky smell of mold is a giveaway. So is the presence of mold growing out of the ducts. Mold is more than unsightly. There are health hazards associated with mold spores. The second you see any mold, a cleanup job positively must be performed.

4.) You notice an odd amount of dust inside your home. Where is all that dust coming from? The chances are the dust is accumulating inside of the air duct and being cycled into your home. Since you do not regularly dust inside the system, a lot of particles are going to collect.

5.) Strange noises are coming from the system. Dirt and debris does not only collect in the air ducts. The amount could also end up finding its way into the operational mechanism.

Those sounds could be the unit over-taxing itself. A good cleaning could help bring a solution to these troubles.

Have A Good Annual Cleaning Done

Scheduling an annual cleaning is a really good idea because a lot of issues are probably developing without you even knowing about them. By having a cleaning scheduled in advance and done once a year, all dirt and dust related problems are going to be gone. A lot of them won’t even develop in the first place.

Are your Annapolis air ducts making your home smelly, stuffy, & dusty? Call Heidler Plumbing at (410) 268-7191 for duct cleaning!