This New Year, Make a Resolution to Remember Plumbing Maintenance

Types of Plumbing Maintenance and How Professionals Perform Them

Many people make grand plans and resolutions every New Year to follow a healthy lifestyle, eat better, and stay fit. But this year, why not include one more resolution to the list – to maintain the plumbing system properly? Routine maintenance from professionals helps prevent costly repairs or long-term damages, extends the lifespan of the plumbing, and can even save homeowners money on utility bills. This blog post will explore what homeowners need to know about maintaining their home’s plumbing systems to stay in top condition and what homeowners and professionals can do to keep the plumbing running smoothly.

Keeping the Drains Clean

drainDrain cleaning can help prevent clogs from stopping the water flow or prevent clogs from forming at all. There are many methods for cleaning drains, and while many are effective, some do more harm than good. There are chemical drain cleaners sold in stores that can actually cause or worsen the corrosion of pipes. This weakens the pipe material, making it more prone to leaks and bursts, and clogs due to pitting within the lines. Some of the safer methods that work for cleaning drains include the following:

  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: Putting the baking soda in first and then pouring down vinegar sends bubbles of hydrogen through the pipes in order to remove debris. 
  • Hot Water: Allowing hot or boiling water to run down the drain can help clean it. Adding a bit of dish soap can help the process as well.
  • Pipe Snaking: This is a method that drain cleaning professionals use. A pipe snake or auger is a long cable with a rotating head that can be sent down a pipe to remove a clog. When done by a qualified plumber, this method is safe for pipes and attacks the clogs directly, but it can damage pipes if misused.
  • Hydro Jetting: This is another method professionals use, which uses a unique nozzle that shoots high-pressure streams of water through the pipes to break up a clog or prevent them by cleaning any debris out. This method is safe, effective, and most often used by professionals.

Regular Tuneups

Getting routine plumbing maintenance done by a professional is essential for ensuring a plumbing system works properly and efficiently. A professional plumber can provide preventive care that will help avoid costly repairs in the future and identify potential issues before they become bigger problems. 

During a maintenance visit, a professional plumber will inspect pipes, identify any weak points, and check for corrosion. They will also examine fixtures, drains, and toilets to ensure they function correctly. Additionally, they can detect signs of water damage and identify leaks that could be costing homeowners money unknowingly.

Regular maintenance by a professional can help extend the life of a plumbing system, prevent repairs, and reduce water bills. By ensuring the plumbing system is in good condition with a tuneup, homeowners can also avoid unpleasant surprises like a leaking pipe or broken fixture that could end up costing them more than just the repair bill.

Don’t Forget About the Water Heater!

maintenanceWater heater maintenance is another vital part of maintaining the plumbing. Water heaters provide so much more than just warm showers. They provide clean clothes and dishes through their connection to the major appliances involved with these tasks. Water heater maintenance involves many important tasks to keep it running more efficiently, with a longer lifespan, and saving money on utility bills, and should be handled by a professional. These tasks include:

  • Anode rod replacement if needed
  • Checking the pipe connections
  • Cleaning the heating element
  • Flushing the hot water tank
  • Replacing the PRV (pressure release valve) if needed

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat rates and emergency assistance. Call them today for plumbing, water heater, or drain cleaning services in Annapolis, MD

Add a Sump Pump to the Holiday Wishlist!

Sump Pumps Offer Many Benefits 

Sump pumps are extremely useful appliances. While many homeowners never see these devices up close, they play a vital role in preventing basement flooding and other expensive complications. Still, many homeowners are on the fence about purchasing these items, especially if they’ve never dealt with basement flooding before. 

Here, one can learn about the many benefits of installing a sump pump. Having a sump pump could mean the difference between a stress-free holiday season and one filled with unexpected bills, plumbers’ visits, and other inconveniences. 

Why Install a Sump Pump? pump

When it rains (or snow melts), the area around the home’s foundation can swell with water. This can cause the basement to flood, sustaining water damage and loss of personal property. Sump pumps sense when water threatens a flood relying on sensors and other systems. Then, they direct this excess water away from home, eliminating the risk of severe flooding. 

Benefits of having a sump pump include: 

  • They protect the home’s foundation. If the home’s foundation is constantly waterlogged, this could cause serious problems. Eventually, it could make the home unsafe for residency. 
  • They protect personal property. Some belongings, such as electronics, can’t take water exposure. Sump pumps reduce the likelihood that flooding would ever damage these items. 
  • They reduce mold growth. Imagine this—a basement floods. The homeowner calls a specialized service to drain the water. Still, the water can promote mold and mildew growth, causing serious health concerns. It can also be quite expensive to remediate. 

There Are Different Types of Sump Pumps pumps

There are different types of sump pumps that suit different types of homes. Some common types of sump pumps include: 

  • Submersible sump pumps: When a plumber installs a sump pump, they dig a small pit filled with water, then place the appliance inside. With this type of sump pump, they’ll put the entire device inside the pit, completely submerging it underwater. These devices save space and even use less energy than their above-water counterparts. 
  • Pedestal sump pumps: These are taller than submersible sump pumps. The sensors go underwater while the motor stays above ground. 
  • Battery-operated sump pumps: Some homeowners rely on battery-operated sump pumps. That’s because these devices can still direct water away from the home’s foundation when the electricity goes out. 
  • Combination sump pumps: Many people call combination sump pumps “flood insurance.” That’s because they can use electricity or a battery to work. No matter how serious a weather event is, a homeowner can rest easy knowing this appliance will work. 

What Are Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps? 

As noted, some severe weather events can put electric-powered sump pumps out of commission. This is why many people rely on secondary or backup sump pumps. These devices: 

  • Work even when there’s no power 
  • Direct wastewater away from the basement and prevent flooding
  • Can handle more water than standard sump pumps 
  • Protect the home and homeowners’ property 

A plumber specializing in sump pump installation can help homeowners determine what device best meets a home’s needs. 

About Heidler, Inc. 

Heidler, Inc. has over 70 years of experience serving its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rates, emergency assistance, and plumbing maintenance plans. Call them today for sump pump services in Annapolis, MD.

Be Thankful For Plumbers During This Holiday Season

Essential Services Provided by Plumbers 

There are a lot of things to be thankful for around the Thanksgiving season. As colder temperatures move in it’s nice to stay cozy in a heated home. Even more, it’s nice to not have to put on a coat to draw water from a well or visit the outhouse. Plumbers do a lot during the year to ensure people have access to the amenities that make life easier. This year, they want to remind homeowners about the hard work plumbers do. 

The plumbing in a home is a complicated system that requires professional installation and repair to keep it running. Here are some of the responsibilities that plumbers have that make things easier for everyone else. 

Servicing Water and Sewer Lines

sewer linePlumbing is comprised of two separate systems: freshwater and sewer. Both are equally important for safety, sanitation, and convenience. The freshwater system consists of all of the piping that starts at the water meter for a home. The pipe runs underground until it reaches the home at which point it branches off to serve the water heater and all of the points of use that people are familiar with. But what good is all that fresh water if there is no way to get rid of it once it is used? The result would be a nasty unhealthy mess without sewer service. 

Plumbers work hard to make sure both systems are functioning. From the first pipe that is installed in a new home to the last foot of buried sewer pipe, their expertise keeps things healthy and safe. Without water and sewer line repairs, no one could clean, bathe or use the bathroom. 

Fixing Gas Line Leaks 

Thanksgiving is the day of feasting all over the nation. Since so many people are traveling, guests will need a hot shower, made possible by plumbers. Many water heaters in homes are powered by gas carried in professionally-installed plumbing. 

Without high safety standards and professional service, accidents from gas leaks would be far more common. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can cause fires and explosions. Gas leak detection and repairs are a very important part of the job and another great reason to be thankful for plumbers. 

Water Heater Services

water heaterIs there anything worse than being cold and wanting to warm up in a hot shower only to be met with cold water? Water heaters are essential appliances in every home, and plumbers ensure they work properly with professional installation, repairs, and maintenance. 

Water heater repairs and maintenance are a vital part of a plumber’s scope of responsibilities. To keep a water heater running efficiently, they perform crucial tasks like:

  • Draining and flushing the tank 
  • Inspecting burners and heatings elements
  • Repairing leaks in fittings
  • Inspecting anode rods and replacing them when necessary

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding neighborhoods since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing, emergency assistance, and maintenance plans. Call them today for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.

Watch Out For a Backflow Scare This Halloween

Prevent Plumbing Backflow

Backflow is when dirty and contaminated water enters a clean water line. It can occur because a clogged or burst pipe creates a sudden water pressure imbalance in the plumbing system. The contaminated water can contain human waste, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other dangerous substances. 

Residential and commercial properties should have backflow prevention devices installed. One of the reasons why backflow can be unpredictable is because a sudden storm or flooding could cause backflow to flood plumbing fixtures. Backflow can cause water damage to the property, corrode pipes and plumbing fixtures, and expose homeowners to health hazards.

Homeowners can protect their homes from the horrors of plumbing backflow this Halloween by hiring a professional plumber to perform backflow testing on their backflow prevention devices. Annual backflow testing helps to protect homeowners from the hazards of backflow.

Backflow Dangers

waterWater contamination is a severe threat to public health. People can contract illnesses and viruses from exposure to contaminated water. Homeowners can do their part to protect their community by keeping their plumbing safe from backflow. 

Another risk of backflow is a home flooding with dirty water. The pressure imbalance in the pipes could cause the water line to burst. Moisture from flooding and burst pipes can lead to the growth of mold and mildew in the home. Inhaling mold particles can also cause a myriad of health problems.

Another risk of backflow is damage to the plumbing hardware from corrosive chemicals. Backflow can permanently damage the plumbing system by corroding metal pipes and fixtures. Testing backflow prevention devices annually is the best way to keep the plumbing, home, and community safe from backflow and contaminated water.

Backflow Testing

testingDuring backflow testing appointments, the plumber will inspect the plumbing system and ensure there are properly working safety features to prevent backflow from entering the system. Shutoff valves prevent backflow from getting into the plumbing during storms and other plumbing emergencies. The plumber will replace worn-out valves to keep the device working properly. 

Homeowners and businesses may receive notice from the city that it is time to do backflow testing. The city can shut off water for commercial properties that fail to complete backflow testing in time. During backflow testing and plumbing maintenance appointments, plumbers can identify the source of any pressure imbalance in the system and recommend solutions.  

Benefits of Backflow Testing Services

Backflow testing helps to protect public health from the spread of illness via contaminated water and helps protect the homeowner’s property from water damage and plumbing from corrosion. Trusting a professional plumber with backflow testing can give homeowners peace of mind that their plumbing system will protect them from backflow contamination. 

Backflow prevention devices need to be tested to ensure they are working properly in case of an emergency. Flooding and storms can be unpredictable, so homeowners need to be prepared by maintaining their backflow prevention devices with annual maintenance and testing. 

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They offer flat rate pricing, unparalleled customer service, and emergency assistance. Call them today for backflow testing and certification in Annapolis, MD.

Clogged Toilet Prevention Tips

Why is the Toilet Frequently Clogged?  

Usually, homeowners can unclog toilets quickly using a household plunger, but other clogs require calling a professional plumber. It is important to fix a clogged toilet fast to prevent germs, bacteria, and foul smells from lingering in the air. 

Because the entire plumbing system is connected, a clogged toilet could cause issues in other areas of the home plumbing. Clogged toilets could also be a warning sign of a greater plumbing issue, such as a clogged sewer line. Here are three tips homeowners can use to prevent clogged toilets.

flushed

What Not to Flush

The only thing that should ever be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper. Even wipes that advertise themselves as flushable can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system and sewer line. Being mindful of what gets flushed down the toilet is one of the best ways for homeowners to prevent the hassle of fixing a clogged toilet and damaging the plumbing system. 

Items that should not be flushed include wipes, diapers, menstrual products, paper towels, and tissues. The toilet should never be used as a trashcan. For example, gum, cigarette butts, expired medications, and pieces of paper should also not be disposed of in the toilet. The best way to protect a home plumbing system from toilet issues is to dispose of trash in a trash can and only flush toilet paper. 

Reduce Toilet Paper Usagetoilet

Some people use too much toilet paper to wipe after using the restroom, leading to frequent toilet clogs. Homeowners should try to minimize their toilet paper use to prevent clogs. Too much toilet paper being flushed at once is one of the main reasons toilets get clogged. 

One trick for preventing clogged toilets when using a lot of toilet paper is to flush more than once. Breaking the flush down into two or more increments will help prevent the toilet paper from clogging up the toilet. Children in the home may need to be reminded more than once to only use the amount of toilet paper they need. 

Sewer Line Clogs

Home plumbing fixtures all connect back to the main city sewer via sewer lines. Any problem with the sewer line could cause the toilets to get backed up or clogged. Over time, flushing wipes and other items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet can lead to a buildup in the sewer line and, eventually, a nasty clog. Another cause of a sewer line clog is tree roots growing into the pipes. 

Preventing sewer line clogs helps to avoid toilet clogs. Professional plumbers can fix or prevent a clogged sewer line using hydrojetting. Hydrojetting involves shooting pressurized water through the pipes at high speed to blast away the source of the clog. Clogs due to tree roots can be prevented using root barriers underground to protect pipes. Working on the sewer line can be dangerous, so sewer line issues should only be handled by a professional plumber. 

About Heidler, Inc. 

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat rate pricing, unparalleled customer service, and emergency assistance. Call them today for clogged toilet repair or hydrojetting services in Annapolis, MD.

Dealing With Sudden Low Water Pressure

What is Affecting the Water Pressure?

Consistent water pressure in a home is something people tend to take for granted. Modern plumbing systems are designed to allow good water pressure with the most efficient amount of water usage, so when people see a dip in water pressure, there is often a problem that needs to be addressed.

Sometimes only one area of the house shows signs of decreased water pressure, and sometimes it is throughout the house. A finite number of things can cause low water pressure, but there are many variations of the same theme.

Leaky Pipes

leaksWhen a pipe leaks, some water goes in a different direction than it should. Low water pressure may be the first sign of a problem like a leak, especially if the decrease is sudden.

Older pipes tend to become corroded, which can lead to holes in the pipe that allow water to escape and cause structural damage to the home. If there is a pressure problem, especially if it’s throughout the house, the homeowner may need to search for leaks. Once leaks are fixed, the water pressure should return to normal.

Scale Buildup and Sediment Clogs

Aging pipes are not only responsible for leaks, but they can be responsible for clogs as well, which can lead to low water pressure. Hard water can also result in scale buildup and mineral deposits on the sides of pipes that can grow, leading to smaller passageways for water to travel through. This and other debris can get caught in a sink aerator and immediately affect water pressure. Here are a few of the things that can enter pipes that can cause issues:

  • Rust or other corrosion
  • Scale(calcium and magnesium) buildup
  • Dirt, grease, or food waste
  • Contamination from a crack in the main supply line

The solution to these problems may be fairly simple but will require a trained professional to do it right. Pipes may need to be replaced in extreme cases, or it may be a simple matter of flushing the lines and installing a water softener to prevent further buildup. Contamination in the main line can be a serious problem that may lead back to the municipal source.

Problems With Valves and Fixtures

valveIf the water pressure issue seems to be isolated to a single fixture, such as low water pressure in the shower, this could be a problem with the fixture itself. There could be a loose handle or clog in the shower head. A homeowner may need to verify if all connections are tight. Here are a few examples:

  • Corrosion or scale buildup: If this has blocked the individual fixture, it may simply need to be removed and cleaned or replaced. The root of the problem (hard water or corroded pipes) will still be there, but the fixture should go back to normal water pressure.
  • Loose Connections: Sometimes, screws can ream out the threads on valves that control the water, such as sink and tub handles. The pieces can wear out and may not turn on as much as they normally would, leading to a dripping faucet. Replacing these parts is very easy for a trained plumbing technician.

If the entire house is experiencing low water pressure, the issue may be from the main shut-off valve or the water meter valve. If these are closed or are only partially open, then it will result in poor water pressure. These valves are two sides of the same coin. The water meter valve is on the city side of the main supply, and the main shut-off valve is on the home side of the main supply line.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company with over 70 years of experience serving its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, unparalleled customer service, and emergency assistance. Call them today for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.

The First Line of Defense Against Floods: Sump Pumps

What is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are found below the basement of homes, just below the surface. This carved hole is known as a basin. The basin is where the sump pump is located, and the pump is equipped with valves. These valves can sense rising water levels and pressure. As the water levels get too high, the sump pump removes the excess water from the basement to the outside through a discharge line. 

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

sumpSump pumps work by detecting water levels that are elevating and getting too high, as well as pressure from the water. This ensures that these water and pressure levels do not climb too high before a switch in the basin activates and turns the pump on. 

The sump pump then guides water through a discharge pipe and away from the home’s foundation, protecting the home from flooding and other damages. Primarily, pumps are powered through wires electrically, but several sump pumps have a backup pump installed within them in case of power outages. These backup pumps are powered by a battery or water. 

Types of Sump Pumps 

pumpsThere are two main types of sump pumps: submersible units and pedestal pumps. As the name suggests, a submersible sump pump is a sump pump that is designed to be submerged in water. On the other hand, a pedestal pump is placed inside the sump pit, but the motor is placed outside of it since it is not designed to be submerged. 

Due to the stark differences between these two pumps, with one being submersible and the other not, it should be no surprise that the pedestal pump is louder than the submersible one since the motor for the pedestal pump is left out of the pit. 

The submersible pump is more expensive than the pedestal pump and more difficult to repair because it is located deep within the pit. However, the submersible pump can effectively handle bigger bouts of water as well as solids and particles. Unlike the submersible one, the pedestal pump cannot handle solids or particles, making it less effective. 

Still, when it comes to sump pump repair and sump pump installation, the pedestal pump is both easier to repair and easier to replace. Plus, the pedestal pump can usually last up to 5 times longer than the submersible pump and are much cheaper.

Sump Pump Benefits

Sump pumps provide a lot of benefits to homeowners. The primary benefit of having a sump pump is that it can reduce water and moisture-related problems and damage. This includes wood rot, insects that feed on wood, pests that are attracted to stagnant water, mold and mildew growth, and electrical problems that could result in fire hazards. 

Those aren’t the only benefits, though. Sump pumps also provide prevention for flooding and prevent extensive water damage. It also protects against backups of sewage and structural damage to the home. 

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat-rate pricing, emergency assistance, and unparalleled customer service. Call them today for sump pump installation or repair in Annapolis, MD.

Plumbing on the Edge: The Dangerous World of DIY Repairs and Reasons to Avoid It

Why Homeowners Should Never Do Their Plumbing Repair

There is a whole world of entertainment devoted to DIY or do-it-yourself projects. The subject has its cable channel, and there are also hundreds of videos online via websites like YouTube and TikTok that show everything from cleaning a cast-iron skillet to changing knobs on a sink. 

While some of these videos are helpful and useful, it is good to remember that plumbing professionals undergo extensive training to do what they do, so plumbing repairs should be left to the professionals.

DIY Plumbing Lacks Experience

Nobody would want a major surgery done by someone who had not been to medical school. That person is more likely to make a person’s health worse than better. It is a similar situation with plumbing repair. 

Before calling themselves plumbers, they must undergo multiple years of training and pass exams for licenses and certifications. They also have specialized tools that can help them repair whatever plumbing problem they come across and analyze and diagnose the problem. 

Several symptoms look very similar but may stem from different problems.

  • Slow Moving Drains: This can be a symptom of a simple clog or a much larger problem like a collapsed drain pipe or encroaching tree roots. It may involve clearing the line or digging the yard to replace the pipe.
  • Low Water Pressure:  A sudden change in water pressure that seems sourceless can be due to a few things. There may be a leak in a supply pipe, problems with various valves, or hard water buildup in the lines or the fixtures.
  • Rust Colored Water: This symptom can indicate a wide range of problems, from aging pipes to needing a new water heater.

If a homeowner misdiagnoses their problem, it could lead to frustration and wasted time and money. This leads right into the following argument.

DIY Plumbing Does Not Save Time

clockWhile working with a plumbing company to find an appointment that fits a particular schedule may seem daunting, there is no way for the average homeowner to save time by doing it themselves. Because plumbing technicians are familiar with the issues, they can much more easily fix the problem than someone trying to learn how to do it for the first time. 

If the problem is misinterpreted and the homeowner gets the wrong part, they have used up time that could have been better spent elsewhere. However, the professional would have the correct position on their fully stocked truck and can install it with ease. Additionally, professional service is important because if parts are not installed correctly, it may prove dangerous for the household and cause structural damage and personal injury. 

DIY Plumbing Does Not Save Money

save Saving money is one of the primary reasons people try fixing their own plumbing. In theory, it is sound reasoning, but homeowners often fail to consider certain factors. Here are a few of the things that save clients money when they work with a professional plumber:

  • Insurance to cover the cost of mistakes or damage
  • Proper tools
  • Proper training
  • Knowledge 

Homeowners will have peace of mind even if something doesn’t go as planned, and they will not have to pay for any damage that may be done as a result of any mistakes.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has served Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They pride themselves on putting their customers first and offer emergency assistance and flat-rate pricing on all their plumbing services. Call them today for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.

A Complete Guide To Drain Cleaning

What Drain Cleaning Methods Are Most Common?

At first, it doesn’t seem like much, but it slowly gets worse until it’s impossible to ignore. The kitchen sink starts draining slower than usual, and water pools up in the shower. The toilet isn’t fully flushing on the first try. Whatever form it takes, a clogged drain is no fun. When it happens, the solution can’t come soon enough. 

But what is the solution? Chemical drain cleaners? A plunger? Or is it best to call a plumber and let them handle it? This article will answer all of these questions and compare some common drain cleaning methods to help homeowners find the best one for their situation. 

methods

DIY Drain Cleaning Methods

Homeowners can try several popular do-it-yourself methods before calling in the big guns. An ordinary toilet plunger can be effective at clearing blocked bathroom sink, tub, or shower drains but won’t work in a kitchen sink with garbage disposal. The key is to make sure that the bottom edge of the plunger is completely submerged in water to form a pressure seal.

Pouring boiling water down the drain may help melt or dissolve substances like grease and soap scum forming a clog, but this method should never be used on PVC pipes as it can damage them. Another great way to clear minor obstructions and remove nasty odors is to pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. After waiting 15 minutes while the mixture fizzes, homeowners can run hot water down the drain and repeat the process.

Liquid drain cleaners are another popular method, but it’s best to avoid them. The harsh chemicals they contain can damage the plumbing, release toxic fumes, and interfere with the biological processes in septic systems – plus, they often don’t work against tough clogs. 

Drain Snakessnaking

A drain snake is essentially a long cable with a corkscrew-like auger at one end that plumbers can use for a clog. The line is fed into the pipe until it reaches the blockage, then is rotated using a hand crank, power drill, or large motor, depending on the snake’s size. The auger drills into the clog and allows it to be extracted.

Drain snakes of various sizes are sold in hardware stores so that homeowners can use this method themselves. Still, professional plumbers are experienced in using this method to clean drains and clear clogs without damaging pipes. Drain augers effectively remove clogs but aren’t quite as useful for preventative drain cleaning, as they don’t entirely clean residue off of the pipe walls. 

Hydrojetting Machines

A hydro jetting machine is a little like a pressure washer for pipes. It uses a long hose with a special nozzle to spray water at 5,000 PSI. The nozzle sprays a powerful jet stream forward while simultaneously spraying backward at an angle to propel the hose on and scour the pipe walls. This takes care of any blockages ahead and any residue collected inside the pipe.

Hydro jetting is the ideal drain cleaning solution for preventative maintenance and removing clogs. However, the exceptionally high water pressure involved can damage more fragile pipes (such as those used in landscape drainage systems) and cause serious injury if mishandled. The machines themselves are also quite expensive, as they’re primarily intended for industrial use. For these reasons, this is one method best left to the professionals!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. serves its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and has been family-owned and operated since 1947. They always provide flat-rate pricing and are available around the clock for emergency assistance, so don’t wait to call them for professional drain cleaning services in Annapolis, MD.

Eco-Friendly Appliances and Fixtures Homeowners Should Install for Earth Month

Make Plumbing More Eco Friendly This Earth Day

This Earth day, homeowners should be focusing on getting and using eco-friendly and energy-efficient appliances. Although plumbing mainly deals with water and water conservation, it also has a connection with electricity since the water needs to be heated and used. Thankfully there are water-saving appliances, energy-efficient fixtures, and unique pipe materials to help save water and energy. 

toilet

Look for Water-Saving Appliances

Water-saving appliances are a favorite for many homeowners because they help the environment and save them money each month! A popular water-saving appliance at the moment is the smart washer.

There are washing machines that use smart technology and are often connected to Bluetooth or the internet. It works to ensure that the right amount of water is used for the size of a load of laundry and no more is being wasted. It also requires less energy than standard non-smart washing machines.

An eco-friendly toilet is also a great water-saving appliance as it saves water with each flush since it requires less water to flush the toilet. An example of an eco-friendly toilet is a dual flush toilet.

Touch faucets have a motion sensor that senses a person’s hand and only then starts the water. This ensures that the water is not overused. When a homeowner does not need the water, it automatically turns off and waits for the sensor to be tripped again.

Energy-Efficiency Fixtures and Appliances

water heater

Some other appliances and fixtures also related to plumbing focus on energy efficiency instead of water conservation. For example, water heaters that are energy-efficient use minimal electricity to work. One such water heater is a tankless water heater.

Other energy-efficient appliances are water-saving toilets and showerheads. The water-saving toilets don’t use a lot of energy if any at all. The water-saving showerheads are personalized so that homeowners can get creative with their features, and they also use less energy with hot water as they change pressure and longevity. 

Pipe Materials 

One eco-friendly plumbing option that is often forgotten is pipe insulation. These materials wrap around a pipe to keep the hot and cold temperatures insulated. While a stainless steel pipe is best at not corroding, it does leak a lot of heat, forcing the electricity and the water to work harder.

The best thing about carefully choosing pipe materials is that they each have different benefits. Professional plumbers are likely to recommend a foam-like material to homeowners. This material does a great job at insulating and is often used in locations where it reaches freezing temperatures during the winter. This insulating material keeps the pipe safe from breaking, bursting, and cracking and traps the temperature inside.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving the Annapolis area since its founding in 1947. They provide flat-rate pricing, so clients know exactly how much they will spend with no surprise charges. Let their reliable, expert team help with plumbing solutions in Annapolis, MD.