Shower Doors
Monday, January 16th, 2012 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
A new shower door would also help save your floor. With a shower curtain and liner, it is almost impossible to keep all of the water inside of the shower. This results in water escaping out of the corners and running down the side. Over time, the water will slowly start to wreak havoc on your floor, no matter what type you have. It will also make your wall and trim damp and mushy and eventually ruin it. Once again, go ahead, take a look. This will also lead to more mold and mildew.
A shower door, when properly installed, will keep the water in the shower, where it belongs. This will keep your bathroom in better shape, and help you to avoid a dangerous fall.
Most shower stalls do not have an overhead dome light. This makes for a very dark and gloomy feel. A shower door will allow much more light to enter, and make for a better, more refreshing shower.
Shower doors come in a wide variety of styles, colors and glass types (yes, you can even choose your glass!). If you are updating, a shower door would be the perfect compliment to a new paint job and new fixtures!
Common Water Heater Terminology
Friday, December 16th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
It doesn’t hurt to be well prepared when entering an unchartered zone and familiarizing yourself with common water heater terminology. Do just that when you start off on your quest for buying a water heater for the very first time. It sounds serious, but it is not that difficult.
So you must be thinking why learning water heater terminology is important when you are not going to service it yourself? Well, over the years, I have learned that even if you are not going to fix or install a gadget yourself, you should still equip yourself with a bit of first-hand knowledge about the product.
The Advantages of Understanding Water Heater Terminology
Below are a few advantages of familiarizing with water heater terminology.
First off, let me tell you that the service providers will take you and your task much more seriously if they get a feeling that you know something about the water heater yourself, even if you don’t. You can give this impression by using the correct water heater terminology when discussing how to get it fixed or installed.
Secondly, when buying a water heater for yourself, you will notice that the shop keepers or marketing experts will use a lot of water heater terminology when they are trying to sell a product to you. You won’t be able to decide on which one to buy if you don’t know what they are talking about in the first place.
Thirdly, knowing a bit of this terminology will actually teach you a thing or two about how the product actually works. So when in the future you face a bit of a problem and it is not too big, you can handle it all by yourself.
Common Water Heater Terminology Terms:
Having discussed the importance of knowing the authentic terminology, let’s get right down to some of the common terms used in this business.
- Gallon Capacity: This term refers to how much water in gallons can be stored in the water heater. It is important to determine how much water is required in the first hour of peak demand, as in winter mornings. Usually this capacity ranges from 30-100 gallons for gas water heaters and 2-119 gallons for electric water heaters.
- Thermostat: The thermostat is the main component of the water heater. It regulates and controls the water temperature. Usually there are three settings – low, medium and high. If the temperature of the water inside drops below the setting that you have chosen then the thermostat will automatically increase the flame of the burner until the desired temperature of water is achieved.
- T&P Valve: Also known as the temperature and pressure relief valve, this part also has great importance and you must see to it that it is installed in your water heater. In case of accumulated high pressure due to overheating, the T&P valve automatically releases some hot water to stabilize the pressure and to prevent a potentially risky condition.
- Gas Burner and Pilot Flame: A pilot flame is a constantly burning little flame which is used to ignite the gas flow in the gas heater to achieve a full flame in the gas burner. Therefore the gas burner is a round disk, just as the stove burner, which is placed right under the water tank.
- Gas Flue Tube: This component is only found in gas heaters. It is a cylindrical tube like a chimney which runs through the center of the water tank. Its purpose is to release the harmful combustion gases into the outdoors. This is the reason why a gas water heater needs to be installed only in a well-ventilated area.
- Input: Knowing the input of the water heater is important as this is going to determine how much of your budget is going to go in billing. So the input is the amount of electricity or gas that is going to be used per hour to heat up the water present in the tank. The input would differ for both gas and electric heaters.
- Limited Warranty: Like any other gadget, a new water heater also comes with warranty. A limited warranty refers to the number of years, during which the manufacturer is responsible for replacing components or providing services.
- This is the basic water heater terminology that one should definitely be familiar with when planning to get a water heater installed or fixed.
Why Limescale is a Problem
Friday, December 16th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
Prevent Limescale Damaging your Whirlpool Washing Machine. If you live in a hard water area you need to take steps to protect your home appliances. Hard water contains a larger quantity of dissolved minerals which, when heated or left to stand, form limescale. This poses a very serious threat to the health of your appliance.
Limescale coats the internal parts of your washing machine such as the heating element. It forms a coating on the element in much the same way that it lines the inside of your kettle, making your washing machine less energy-efficient and forcing it to work harder to maintain performance. Limescale build-up not only makes your washing machine more expensive to run, but if it is allowed to persist, can even cause some internal parts to fail. When this happens, the pa
rt in question will need to be replaced. This can lead to a hefty repair bill, especially if you need to call a professional.
However, there is an alternative if you’re competent at DIY. You can find almost all Whirlpool spares online, including elements and other parts commonly affected by limescale, as well as helpful videos and advice on how to fit them – so in some cases it might be possible to repair the washing machine yourself.
Prevention is better than a cure:
The best way to combat Limescale in your washing machine is to use a good quality water softener or descaler to prevent build-up. There are lots of anti limescale products available ranging from tablets that can simply be added to your regular maintenance wash, to magnetic limescale systems that can be fitted into your washing machines inlet hose or between the water tap and inlet hose – for a more permanent solution.
Limescale around the home:
It is not just your washing machine that is at risk. Limescale can be a problem for a whole range of home appliances including dishwashers, kettles, irons and coffee makers. Just as with your washing machine it worth using a quality anti-limescale product to prevent problems occurring.
Winterize Your Vacation Home
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
You may have another home, a vacation home or getaway, that you need to winterize. This will take a few more steps.
- Drain supply pipes – Because they are under pressure, supply pipes are the most likely to freeze. First, turn off your main water supply. Turn on a faucet at the highest location in the house and open a valve in the lowest part of the house, usually on the hot water tank. Drain into a bucket. Give it an hour or so to ensure drainage.
- Hard to reach places – Take these extra steps for further security. Turn all faucets to `on’ position. Flush the toilet, hold lever down until the bowl is entirely drained. Empty the supply line to the washer and washing machine. Inspect your home for traps and standing water.
- Inspect for water sources – Take some time to look around your property for other sources of water and take appropriate steps.
These simple procedures should be of great help when winterizing your home. In the event of an emergency, Knoxville Plumbing stands ready. And of course, if you have any questions about winterizing your home, give us a call. We love talking about this stuff.
Winter’s approaching – check your plumbing!
Thursday, October 20th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
As the leaves start to change color in many regions of America, and temperatures slowly dropping, it may be time to think about your plumbing. Live in an area that reaches freezing temperatures during the winter puts your plumbing at risk for freezing pipes and crystallized water. Here are some easy tips that can greatly lower the chance of plumbing problems during those cold winter days.
Insulate your exposed pipes! These include your garage or basement. A layer of insulation, either by pipe insulation, rags, or newspaper, will provide protection for those unprotected pipes.
If you know that a hard freeze is in the near future, leave your faucets trickling! It may sound a bit wasteful, but it makes all the difference. Doing this helps to halt any water in your pipes from freezing and clogging with icy blocks.
Keep the cabinet doors under your sink open! This allows the warmth of your home to flow around the pipes, keeping them from freezing.
Uphold maintenance to your water heater! Water heaters work harder than normal during the winter, providing you with warm water. Without proper upkeep, they can develop buildups that lead to corrosion. Definitely not optimum during the cold months.
Keep outdoor water faucets off and disconnected! Since these are obviously outside, they are more susceptible to the frost. Keeping water from flowing through them will keep them from freezing over, and wrapping rags around them can add extra protection.
Make an appointment with your plumber! Inspecting your pipes for leaks before the cold sets in can dramatically reduce or even prevent later damage. Take care of imperfections now and avoid spending hundreds of dollars later in plumbing replacement come spring when the pipes are thawed.
http://www.theplumbingblog.com/Importance Of Plumbing Check-Ups
Thursday, July 14th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
One can encounter problems related to plumbing on frequent basis as there are so many plumbing components in a house. If you want to prevent plumbing problems then make sure that you carry out plumbing check-ups on regular basis.
Most specialists recommend executing a plumbing related check-up once in a year. The very best time of the year to perform a check up is in the spring, specifically if the home-owner lives in an area that has chilly winters. The main reason behind this is that most of the plumbing related problems occur in the winter season only.
There could be many problems with your plumbing method that if left unfixed could become a large and expensive problem. Consequently, it is much more economical to detect and restore plumbing difficulties as early as possible.
If you will avoid a problem then that problem can turn out to be very serious that will be very difficult to repair. Lets take an example of a cracked water pipe that you ignore. In some time that pipe can burst and cause a very serious damage to your basement.
Also a burst septic line can be a dirty and smelly dilemma that cannot only be costly to fix, but costly to clear up. The accumulation of sediment in a water pipe can outcome in a clogged pipe and minimal water pressure. It is important that pipes are checked regularly.
There are many issues with your plumbing systems that can be effortlessly fixed if detected early. Like if you will tighten connections, replace previous and used showers, add caulking close to plumbing fixtures, replace used screws and washers, and thoroughly clean faucets, shower heads, and aerators regularly then many plumbing problems can be avoided.
When it comes to continuously running toilets, at times it is just the flapper valve method that is damaged which can be effortlessly fixed. Before creating any plumbing repairs, it is important that a house owner shuts off the drinking water.
Although it might seem like a large chore to do a plumbing related check-up, it is an important component of maintaining a home. If you dismiss the program until a serious problem happens, you could end up with a large repair invoice. If there is a problem that might possibly be serious or difficult to repair, it is crucial to speak to a skilled plumber.
July 6th, 2011, Scott Rodgers
Finding Suitable Plumbing Supplies
Thursday, July 14th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | 1 Comment
The ever rising issues about the influence that our lifestyle is getting on the atmosphere have resulted in much more care being taken relating to the type of goods that we use. They have direct impact on the soil, water and air.
We should choose goods that will not release poisons and harmful chemical substances into the atmosphere. You can get many plumbing related goods that can be employed in residential and industrial plumbing related techniques.
It is not difficult to get plumbing related goods that are environment friendly and will not harm your atmosphere. When you will use these goods, you will find that these are not as effective as your traditional plumbing goods.
You can get eco-friendly drain cleaners in market that can efficiently clear clogs and will also stop clogs from forming. These goods will not have any harmful impact on the atmosphere. If you will use these chemicals then you need not to get concerned about the contamination of the ground water with harmful chemical compounds.
Environment friendly drain cleaners will use organic germs for breaking lower substances. These germs are vegetative microbe that can easily break the clog in tiny items that can be flushed easily with the help of any plumbing system. It will eliminate all the natural and organic matter without affecting the environment. Along with that, bad odor will also be eliminated. It is safe to use organic drain cleaners than chemical drain cleaners.
By use of organic urinal blocks, you can get rid of calcium within drain lines. It will provide you clear drains and will eliminate bad odor from the drain. The water can now flow freely and unobstructed in the drain. A powdered septic tank activator is another plumbing related product that can be used for it.
Another commercial plumbing related product that is secure for the atmosphere is water softener. Water softener is used to deal with hard water. It is an organic product that replaces minerals that cause hardness in water.
The main purpose of your home plumbing is to carry water to your house, remove waste water and send water back to the atmosphere. One needs to maintain the plumbing system properly and use safest solutions for that.
July 7th, 2011, Scott Rodgers
How to Clean a Garbage Disposal
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
How to Clean a Garbage Disposal
Cleaning your garbage disposal is a quick and easy way to help keep your kitchen smelling fresh and your sink drain working properly. Although well-maintained garbage disposals that are used correctly should generally clean themselves, the following tips will help keep your garbage disposal in tip-top shape.
1. Cleaning the Garbage Disposal
Most garbage disposals are made of a metal cylinder equipped with rotating impellers. Many newer units include a series of grinders on the sides or bottom of the metal cylinder that grind down the contents of the garbage disposal. In either case, the insides of a disposal can quickly become covered with sludge and debris. No matter how hard you try to protect your disposal, items unsuitable for disposing will find their way down your drain. Glass, metal, rubber objects or highly fibrous food materials like cornhusks, shrimp shells, peach pits, artichoke leaves or large bones will need to be physically removed from the disposal. In all cases, items that become lodged or left within your disposal will breed odor-causing bacteria and compromise the performance of your garbage disposal and drain. There are a few ways to clean sludge and debris:
Clearing Items Out of the Garbage Disposal
Safety is important when clearing your garbage disposal. Before you start, be sure to turn off the fuse that regulates power to your garbage disposal to ensure there is no chance for the unit to turn on while you’re clearing it. Using tongs or pliers, you may be able to remove any non-disposable items stuck inside your garbage disposal. You should try to avoid sticking your hands inside of the disposer, but if it becomes necessary to use your hands, be sure that the power to the unit is disabled.
Cleaning the Grinding Elements Using Ice and Rock Salt
You can combine two cups of ice cubes and a cup of rock salt to make a great cure for malodorous garbage disposals. Fill the garbage disposal with the ice cubes and then pour the salt over the ice cubes. Run cold water and turn on the garbage disposal for approximately 5-10 seconds. The combination of ice and rock salt will help knock sludge and debris off of the grinding elements so that they can make their way down the drain. If you don’t happen to have rock salt, substituting a cup of vinegar will also work.
2. Clearing the Drain Line
Good general garbage disposer maintenance includes a periodic purging of the drain line leading from the garbage disposal. You should also purge the line after removing sludge and debris because it ensures that all dislodged items make their way down the drain. This can be accomplished by plugging your drain, filling your sink with 2-4 inches of water and then removing the drain plug and turning on the garbage disposal. Then all of the collected water gets pulled through the line. In addition to being a part of good maintenance, you should also clear your drain line each time after you dispose of particularly fibrous foods. It will help ensure that all of the food particles make their way down the drain.
3. Freshening up your Garbage Disposal Using Citrus Peels
After you’ve cleared and cleaned your garbage disposal, you can use citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) to help freshen up your sink. Put a handful of citrus peels into your garbage disposal, run the cold water and turn on the disposal. The citric acid will help deodorize your disposer and leave your kitchen smelling fresh.
It’s especially a good idea to clean your garbage disposal before you leave your house for a few days. Having food, sludge and debris sitting in a moist garbage disposal that isn’t being used is a sure fire recipe for breeding odor-causing bacteria. Following these easy steps will help keep your garbage disposal working properly and your kitchen sink smelling clean.
Saving Knoxville from Clogged Drains
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
Do you have a clogged drain? What a pain! We all take plumbing for granted until it stops working. There is nothing in the plumbing world worse than a clogged drain to really ruin your day. What went wrong? Clogs occur for a 
variety of reasons. Kitchen sinks tend to build up grease. Older homes with cast iron drainpipes can slowly build up and clog. We run into quite a few homes here in Knoxville that have had some movement in the soil, and broken the pipe. A broken sewer line will eventually clog. Roots find the water, and before you know it… Toilets that regularly clog are normally just poor quality toilets. It may have been expensive at the time it was purchased, but with the improvements in flushing technology, even the base model Kohler or Toto will out flush your old toilet.
What to do about these clogs.
If you have a toilet that is clogging regularly, let us change it. The toilets we are installing now have a great flush. You will forget you even own a plunger. If a drain line is clogging on a regular basis, there is very likely a break, or belly (low spot that traps water grease, debris…) in the line. We can find these trouble areas with our sewer camera, and locater. Once the line has been scoped, a precise repair can be performed. Your drain system should work flawlessly 99% of the time. If you are dealing with clogs on a regular basis that is not normal. We would love to come out and get things working for you.
Calling A Plumber Is Cheaper Than The Damage Caused By Trying To Fix The Problem Made Simple
Thursday, April 28th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
Trying to fix a plumbing problem no matter whether it is big or small, you will find that calling a Knoxville Plumber is cheaper than the damage caused by trying to fix the problem yourself. Nine times out of ten you are probably going to find out that it was not worth trying to do the job yourself. You probably realized by now that could have spared yourself a lot of hassle.
It is sometimes an easy task to go to the store and buy the right kind of products to unclog your drain or stop a dripping tap. These products are capable of doing the job and you might well believe the situation is solved. But many times you realize that even though they fixed the situations, it all starts up again at a later stage.
Sometimes trying to deal with the problem yourself and buying a plunger can also go a long way in solving the situation. But once again it might not be permanent. When you get in the professional services of a plumber, with his excellent knowledge and experiences, he normally gets right to the root of the situation. He will know the exact tools to use.
You insurance company might end up not wanting to pay for any plumbing damages when they realize that you might be at the bottom of fixing the plumbing problem in the first place. It is not advised to seek out any kind of tool you find in your garage to try and repair a water problem. You could easily damage other pipes and cables and create a bigger situation.
Not all plumbing work is easy either. Some of it is very dangerous. For example you might be doing a job on a hot water device which really requires the work of a professional. You might think that just replacing a few pipes in the right places seems an easy job. You might realize too late that plumbing also requires working with dangerous equipment.
For instance, if you are working on that hot gas water system, you might have packed it all up and secured it tightly back again, not realizing you did not do a proper job. You might have accidentally secured it back going on with life while unbeknown to you, it is now a volatile leaking gas problem. You could be endangering your family.
When you decide to do your outside drainage pipes yourself, you might discover how exhausting this can be. You might not have realized that there is a lot of fitness required for this big task. You could find yourself with medical bills as well. A professional plumber will sort out the situation with the right machinery and complete it perfectly in half the time.
Calling a plumber is cheaper than the damage caused by trying to fix the problem yourself is probably very good advice. It could also ensure peace of mind while also saving you time and money . By leaving your plumbing requirements in the capable hands of the professionals, you are leaving you more time to enjoy the activities you really love.
Knoxville Plumber is a specialist in installing and maintaining systems used for drinking water, sewage, and drainage.
April 8th, 2011 Dona Roma
Kitchen Sinks
Thursday, April 28th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
Selecting the right type of sink for your kitchen is very important to meet your daily and basic functional requirements and also to save your time, energy and effort. If your sink is not arranged in a proper way, it can turn out to be quite irritating and frustrating. Also, finishing your daily chores will become difficult and you will have to struggle to fit your pots and appliances inside.
So, to make your kitchen more user-friendly and convenient, make sure to select the right sink. Today, different types of kitchen sinks are available commercially, which not only add style and glamour to your kitchen, but also make your work comfortable and easier.
A single-bowl sink is the most preferred type among people having smaller kitchens. It has a deep bowl as compared to bowls of other sinks, thus allowing the user to easily wash large pans and pots.
A more convenient and handy option is to install a double-bowl kitchen sink, or a dual bowl sink. It is useful if more than one person is required to work at the sink in the same kitchen space. It is very versatile in nature.
Next on the list is triple-bowl kitchen sink. Generally, it consists of two large sink on the sides and a small sink in the center for the disposal of food residue. It allows more working space within the sink.
A recessed sink or an under mount sink is very common in kitchens. Lower maintenance can be accounted for its popularity. It also allows for a seamless flow as it is fixed under the countertop.
Bar sink: this is also referred to as a prep sink as it is small in size, as compared to a traditional kitchen sink. The sink is very apt to add to any place you entertain, so that you don’t have to run to the kitchen every time you need something.
It is not difficult to find a kitchen sink, but the difficult part is to choose a kitchen sink according to your lifestyle needs. You can choose from a variety of finishes that are available. The materials are cast iron, stainless steel, copper etc; stainless steel being the most preferred one.
Scott Rodgers is a famous writer who has been providing great guidance on plumbing works all over the country. His splendid knowledge has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation, from El Cajon Plumbers to West Covina Plumbers .
April 9th, 2011 Scott Rodgers
What You Should Know About What A Plumber Does Today
Thursday, April 28th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
Today a plumber is the one who installs pipes, maintains water systems and even takes part in designing systems. Plumbers are the one you should call when you can’t fix the problem with your toilet or even the kitchen sink. Locating one in your town should not be too difficult with the local listings or the internet search engine. Plumbers lay down the pipes on new houses, commercial properties and many industrial sites while abiding by set standards. A career in plumbing can be 
very rewarding and those interested in becoming one can start through on the job training, or at a technical school. Whenever your sink gets plugged up or you have something else you can’t fix they are the ones you should call.
Plumbers today are the individuals that are trained to maintain, test and install piping for water systems. This might be sewage, drainage and getting clean water to the kitchen or shower. These professionals install whenever a new house is built, and they are the ones that are trained to fixed problems when they happen.
If you are wondering when is the best time to call a local plumber? Well, it’s when something stops working the way it should. It can be the drain in the kitchen sink or just a toilet that no longer flushes right. They are the ones that know plumbing inside and out, and can fix just about any problem. That’s why it’s a good idea to know who the local plumbers are just in case.
Whenever you are in need of some help finding plumbers in your city should not be a problem. Since there’s usually many listing on the web and local listings through some advertisements you should be able to get help when you need it. Keeping some numbers on hand may be a good idea especially when an emergency arises.
When it comes to new home installation a plumber is the one who puts down the initial piping. They are also the ones who will set up the commercial or industrial systems. In addition when it comes to maintenance they can test for problems and ensure everything is up to the local standards.
For anybody that would like to become a plumber in the near future there’s a couple ways to get the right training. This might be simply to start attending a local Trade School where you may get all the training you need and the help to find employment. Or it might simply be getting employed by a company that provides on the job training. Each of these ways can lead you to a rewarding career and make a good living.
In some cases a toilet can get plugged up by misuse or just by accident. It can even be a drain in your sink or the toilet in the bathroom. In this case it is why it can be a wise choice to call someone who has the right equipment to get it working back the way it should.
Plumbers are the people that install, test, fix and maintain water systems, pipes and even sewage. It might be for a brand new house or apartment and even commercial properties or industrial sites. Usually finding one to call can be easy with the use of the internet or even the use of local business listings. A career in this area can be started by attending a trade school or finding employment to get on the job training. When you can fix any of your plumbing problems on your own it’s time to call a local plumber to help you out.
April 12th, 2011 Adriana Noton
Tips on How to Make Plumbing Pipes Fit in with your Interior Design
Thursday, April 28th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
Although plumbing pipes are an essential part of the home plumbing system, often these pipes can detract from the decorative design of a room. Plumbing pipes do not always have a decorative appeal and do not fit in with the interior design of 
a room. Some are often considered an eye sore. Fortunately there are things you can do to make plumbing pipes fit in with your homes interior design.
The following is a list of tips on how to decoratively integrate plumbing pipes with your interior design:
1. If you are planning to modernize your room, check to see how old your pipes are as you may be able to upgrade with more modern pipes. They will not only look more appealing but they will help ensure your plumbing system stays in good working order.
2. Many homes will have exposed plumbing pipes that run down the exterior walls. They can be a real eyesore, especially if the rest of the room is very well designed. There are things you can do to make these pipes more attractive and fit the design of the room. For instance, consider adding a fresh coat of paint with a color that blends well with the room. Also, you can wrap artificial green around the pipes and extend them all the way up the pipe. You can even wrap a pretty ribbon around the pipes. If you want to cover the pipes, you can hang a decorative curtain or place a ceiling to floor furniture piece such as a shelving cabinet in front of the pipes. You could even get a cabinet that allows you to have the pipes placed inside so that you can install the cabinet right up against the wall.
3. Some homes will have exposed pipes under the sink. You can hide these pipes by installing a cabinet under the sink and the pipes will be inside when you open the cabinet. There are many stylish sink cabinets on the market that can really add style to a room. You can also store items in the cabinets. If you build a cabinet or decorative box around the pipes, you can paint and decorate the cabinet to reflect the decor of the room.
4. Pipes that run across the ceiling can be a distraction. You can paint them to match the ceiling or you can lower the ceiling so that the pipes will be covered. It is not that difficult of a job. You can use stylish material for the ceiling or paint it a colour that will add style to a room.
Exposed plumbing pipes or drains can often make a room less appealing. However, there are many things that you can do to cover the pipes or fashionably integrate hem with the rest of the room. If you are planning on upgrading pipes or making a change that requires working with the pipes, you should call in a professional plumber to do the job as the plumbing system is such a vital part of the home and you do not want to damage them which can result in a big mess and an expensive repair bill.
~April 26th, 2011 Adriana Noton
10 Worst Things to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Thursday, February 10th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
D
o you ever wonder what can and can’t go in your garbage disposal? Do you just assume that you could put any food into the garbage disposal and all would be fine? Wrong!
While garbage disposals are one of the most frequently used items in the kitchen, it may be easy to overlook how to keep it in top shape. Here’s a look at 10 things to avoid sending down the drain. Avoid putting these things in your garbage disposal and avoid an unnecessary plumber’s visit.
1. Paper, plastic, glass
Avoid dropping down paper such as coffee filters, or bits of packaging as you are taking items out of their wrappers.
2. Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds in excess can act in a similar manner to rice and pasta, clogging up both the blades and the pipes.
3. Egg shells
The pieces of shell can linger in the pipes and eventually cause a blockage.
4. Shells from shellfish or bones
Bones from items like chicken, or shells from shellfish can break off and get caught in the blades.
5. Vegetable peelings
If you are peeling a bunch of potatoes or carrots, place them in your garbage instead of sending them down the disposal. The peels in excess can gum up on the blades and in the pipes, backing up the system.
6. Fruit pits
Cherry pits, peach pits, nectarine pits – any type of fruit that has a hard, middle seed.
7. Celery stalks
Celery is string-fibrous and can produce the same affect as vegetable peelings. Avoid sending celery down in excess.
8. Fats and grease
Fats and grease will adhere to the pipes over time, creating backups and clogged pipes.
9. Pasta
Starchy substances will stick to both the blades and the pipes. In excess, pasta can quickly cause backups.
10. Rice
Rice is similar to pasta, and will cause backup when put down the disposal in excess.
Professional Drain Cleaning
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
There are many reasons why you need to hire a professional to do this for you when you need to have plumbing drain cleaning done. Knowing these reasons will help you make a smart decision.
Here are the most imperative reasons why a professional should do your drain cleaning for you no matter where you live even in Knoxville.
One: Experience – Knoxville plumbers and plumbers all over the U.S. have the experience needed to clean drains right the first time. Anyone that doesn’t have experience cleaning drains will end up spending a lot of time doing it and could end up costing yourself a lot of money.
Two: Equipment – Plumbers have plumbing equipment and cleaners that will make the cleaning job much easier and make it go faster. This is not equipment that you can get without spending a lot of money and time to learn how to use it.
Three: Saves time – For anyone that doesn’t know how to clean drains you will have to spend the time to learn how to effectively do it right. Because they already have the knowledge needed this is not something a professional needs to do.
So hiring a professional saves you from wasting all that time.
Four: Saves money – You can save money when you hire a professional to clean your drains. Many people don’t believe it but depending on what you will need to get your drains cleaned such as equipment or cleaners it can get expensive to do it yourself.
A plumber has everything already needed to clean any drain and it won’t cost you extra. Take some time to find out what you would need to do the cleaning of the drain yourself compared to the price of a plumber. You will be surprised at what you find.
Five: Effective cleaning – When a plumber cleans your drains they know what needs to be done to effectively clean them so there are no plumbing problems later on from clogged drains. If you don’t know what you are doing then you may not get the drains cleaned like they need to be to prevent future plumbing problems.
Now that you know what these important reasons are you can see why it is a good idea for you to hire a professional to do your plumbing drain cleaning instead of trying to do it yourself. Be smart and get your drains cleaned the right way by the professionals the first time.
Broken Water Lines
Thursday, December 16th, 2010 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
Old pipes can be easily broken in cold and freezing weather. It can lead to flood damage of your home. This can easily be prevented by replacing your old water lines with the latest up to date aqua pex water piping, which can expand up to 10 times without breaking. Call us for a free quote!
Plumbing Systems for Homeowners
Thursday, August 5th, 2010 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
What is PEX?
An Uponor plumbing system features Engel-method crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing. This is a flexible plastic tubing product that has been used for more than 35 years in radiant floor heating, plumbing and fire safety systems.
PEX is classified into three categories: • PEX-a (Engel or peroxide method) • PEX-b (Silane method) • PEX-c (Electron beam or radiation method)
The PEX tubing industry considers Engel-method PEX-a tubing superior because the crosslinking is done during the manufacturing process when polyethylene is in its amorphic state (above the crystalline melting point). Because of this, the degree of crosslinking reaches around 85%, resulting in a more uniform product with no weak links in the molecular chain.
The properties in PEX-a tubing make it the most flexible PEX on the market, allowing for the tightest bend radius available — as little as 3½” for ½” tubing. Its flexibility also greatly reduces the instance of kinked tubing. However, because of the thermal memory of PEX-a, if a kink does occur, a simple shot from a heat gun returns the tubing to its original shape.
The Unique ProPEX® Connection
The shape memory of PEX-a tubing allows it to expand and then shrink back to normal size. This allows for the use of Uponor’s unique ProPEX® expansion fittings, which capitalize on the shape memory of PEX-a to create strong, durable and reliable connections without the use of dangerous torches, glues or solvents.
Plumbing Products that Preserve Water, Energy, and Funds
Thursday, June 10th, 2010 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
We all like to save money. If we can save money while benefiting the environment, then all the better! Plumbing is an area where you can reap huge savings by paying a bit more up front for water and energy efficient appliances and fixtures.
Your fixtures may be serving you well at the moment, but if you’re in need of a replacement, look into these efficient alternatives for everything from water heaters to faucet washers.
Products with an Energy Star or EPA Water Sense sticker are always the better choice, but there are more advanced options you can go with as well. Here are some ecologically-sound alternatives to look for:
- Toilets
- Sink and Shower
- Water Heaters
- Others
- Resources and Developments
Toilets
Composting — waterless (or very little water depending on model), no septic or sewage system necessary, decomposes solid waste into fertilizer, and now many odorless models exist, such as those made by Sun-Mar. And here’s all you could ever wish to know at envirolet’s Composting Toilet World.
Low-flow, dual flush — uses considerably less water. Dual flush allows you to choose how much water is used (varies depending on the type of waste).
Waterless urinals — hands free and odor free!
Sink and Shower
Low-flow aerators — screws right on to your faucet head and reduce water flow while maintaining pressure.
Low-flow showerheads — many options exist: look for flow control technology that actually increases water pressure, and those with non-aerating spray, which save energy as the water takes less time to heat up.
Sensor operated faucets — touch-free and water conserving.
Water Heaters
Tankless or instantaneous — provides hot water when you want it, eliminating the energy wasted by keeping water heated in a tank. Can be used in addition to a solar heating system.
Solar — sunshine is free!
Point-of-use — smaller heaters installed where you want hot water. Energy efficient and cost-saving.
The U.S. Department of Energy has a handy page for cost-comparison of different water heater systems.
Other
Hot water re-circulating pump — another way of eliminating energy and wait-time for water to heat.
Smart irrigation system — dramatically saves water by adjusting itself according to factors such as weather and will water only when plants need it.
Rain sensors — shuts off the normal irrigation system when it detects enough rainwater has fallen to provide adequate watering.
Resources and Developments
Here are some great websites featuring energy efficient appliances and fixtures:
Conserv-A-Store
Improvement Direct
Greenmaker
In recent years, Japan has taken bathroom technology to the next level. Forget just saving water, how about an impromptu medical check-up the next time you use the toilet?
And no need to run more water to reheat the bath—these insulating tubs keep water warm without wasting energy. The materials used are toted as eco-friendly, though there is some controversy concerning the use of polystyrene foam.
by GLI Editors in Plumbing
Top Reasons to Hire a Professional Plumber
Monday, April 12th, 2010 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
When you set up a new house, plumbing becomes one of the most important activities. It is essential to ensure that all plumbing is done in a careful manner in order to prevent any leakage of water or gas in the house. Every home owner in a city like Knoxville will require a Knoxville plumbing service at least once every few years. A clogged drainage system will inevitably spill the dirt into your bathroom or kitchen. Hence it is important to take care of drainage and water pipes in your house.
Many people try to do their plumbing on their own. While this requires a certain amount of skill, there are some things that can only be done by a professional plumber. For instance, most Knoxville plumbing services have expert plumbers who can identify blockages and replace drainage pipes underground. Likewise, leakages in water pipes can also be plugged by them easily. Professional plumbers have all the machinery required for carrying out a plumbing job. Hence, you should call them over whenever there is a requirement of a plumbing job in a house or any other kind of building.
Leakages can be very damaging to your house, particularly to the wooden insides of your home. Excess water can cause the growth of mold which doesn’t leave a good impression on your eyes. Seepages like this should be plugged quickly. Many Knoxville plumbing services have specialized in this. There may be situations where the main water supply to the house will need to be shut, maybe even for many hours, and the entire water pipe line will need to be changed. Such situations are best handled by a professional plumber. They also ensure that proper safety measures are undertaken when the pipeline is changed through the walls and ceilings of the house.
If you notice a change in the color or taste of the water in your home then it is a good plan to get your plumbing checked. However, in most cases such a situation is generally the result of a problem with the water supply of your city or locality. It is also good to contact your Water Supply Company or municipality and report the matter to them. They might suggest that you contact Knoxville plumbing services who can then suggest you the solution for your problem.
It is important to hire an experienced and licensed plumber in your area. This not only ensures that the job is done professionally, but also that it is done without any undue wastage of time and money. Knoxville plumbing agencies are known to hire experienced plumbers and regularly apprentice plumbers. This helps in ensuring that good plumbers are available throughout the city, all days of the week. Most of these agencies can also address plumbing emergencies such as sudden pipe bursts or water tank overflows. It is therefore highly recommended that professionally trained plumbers in and around Knoxville are hired for plumbing jobs.
Plumbing become one of the most important activities. It is essential to ensure that all plumbing is done in a careful manner in order to prevent any leakage of water or gas in the house. For more information contact Knoxville Plumbing and get all your plumbing problems solved.
Wise ways to save on taxes
Friday, March 26th, 2010 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
The tax man cometh again but before you file in your returns, look for ways to maximize your tax savings.
THE time for filing tax returns is upon us again and foremost on every taxpayer’s mind now is how to pay the least tax without being penalized – or even imprisoned – for tax avoidance.
So the million-dollar question is how can Malaysian taxpayers pay less tax?
KPMG tax partner Pauline Tam points us to some simple moves.
“Make an effort to be updated with the full list of tax exempt or partially tax exempt allowances or benefits, personal relief, deduction, rebates or tax incentives that we as individual taxpayers are entitled to.
“Start to recap what you spent in 2009 and compile the receipts for purchase of books, magazines, sports equipment, computer and course fees for a degree at Masters or Doctorate level and so forth that you could have chucked away in your drawers.
“If you have somehow forgotten what you spent in 2009, it’s never too late to start planning now for 2010,” she advises.
Peter Lim, a senior manager with a multinational company, has a shoebox full of receipts, which he plans to sieve through in the coming weeks to offset against his taxable income.
“I aim to take advantage of all the tax reliefs that I am entitled to. My taxes always result in a big hole in my pocket, as I tend to lose my receipts and are not updated on the latest incentives and reliefs.
“Hopefully it will result in lower taxes for me this time especially since the Government did not introduce many new incentives for the year of assessment (Y/A) 2009,” he says.
There are few changes in terms of tax incentives, reliefs and rebates for individual taxpayers for Y/A 2009 versus Y/A 2008.
The main changes consist of the reduction of the top marginal tax rate to 27% from 28%; increase in the rebate given to individual taxpayers whose chargeable income does not exceed RM35,000, to RM400 from RM350; and tax exemption on interest income from Syariah-compliant savings bonds issued by the Government.
The withholding tax rate on non-corporate investors including residents and non-residents for income from real estate investment trusts listed on Bursa Malaysia was reduced to 10% from 15%.
In addition, bonus and directors’ fees are to be taxed in the year such income are received.
Therefore, tips for individual taxpayers to pay less tax would definitely come in handy. (See: Important points to consider and Quick Tips chart)
Employers’ role
KPMG’s Tam says employers might wish to educate their employees on the types of reliefs and tax deductions that they are entitled to, as well as the types of records that employees should maintain to substantiate the claims.
“This would go a long way in assisting employees. The tax awareness program could involve either inviting Inland Revenue Board (IRB) officials or their tax agents to conduct briefings on a yearly basis or whenever there are tax changes.
“The program could also include guidance on how to e-file their tax returns and to have a better understanding of their rights and obligations under the tax laws,” she adds.
Employers should also consider the available tax-exempt benefits and allowances when reviewing the annual remuneration package for their employees to reduce their financial burden.
However, these would have to be weighed against the additional cost and administrative tasks in implementing the benefits.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Taxation Services managing consultant Hilda Liow concurs.
“Malaysian employers are mostly quite receptive to employee tax incentives announced by the Government and do actively consider structuring their employees’ remuneration for tax effectiveness.
“However, the usual constraint is in ensuring that there is no increase of cost to the employer in implementing a tax efficient remuneration structure,” she says.
She stresses that Malaysian employers have to begin to appreciate the overall attractiveness of their employee remuneration and incentives programes as an important tool for recruiting and retaining talent.
New incentives for Y/A 2010
Incentives that taxpayers should look out for this year are as follows.
Firstly, the top tax rate on chargeable income exceeding RM100,000 is 27% for Y/A 2009, with a reduction to 26% for Y/A 2010.
Secondly, personal relief will be increased from RM8,000 to RM9,000.
In addition, there are new tax reliefs like a tax relief of up to RM500 per year for broadband subscription fees from 2010 until 2012.
The relief for life insurance premiums/approved fund contributions would be increased to RM7,000 from RM6,000.
The additional RM1,000 is given solely to annuity scheme premium from insurance companies contracted with effect from Jan 1, 2010.
The Budget 2010 announcement also saw the unprecedented introduction of a flat reduced tax rate incentive on the employment income of a knowledge worker in a specified economic region (the knowledge worker, qualified activity and specified region must be approved by the Finance Minister).
“The employment income of a Malaysian and foreign knowledge worker residing in Iskandar Malaysia and working in qualifying activities will be taxed at a flat rate of 15%,” Liow explains.
“This incentive applies to knowledge workers applying for and commencing employment in Iskandar Malaysia between Oct 24, 2009 and Dec 31, 2015.”
However, the IRB has yet to issue guidelines on the definition of “knowledge workers” and neither has it provided clear guidelines as to the application process and the documentation to support the application with the Finance Ministry.
To sustain a progressive nation, Liow says the Government would need to enhance the competitiveness of individual taxes.
“There is still the 1% gap between the top personal tax rate of 26% (effective from Y/A 2010) and the corporate tax rate of 25% (effective from Y/A 2009).
“An eventual harmonization of the top personal and corporate tax rates could provide a competitive advantage in attracting investment and providing greater flexibility for individuals in business to determine their business structure,” she adds.
According to Liow, it is also timely for the Government to expand green tax incentives to the individual consumer especially with the continued focus on green issues and the need for countries to work together to lower their carbon footprint and reduce gas emissions.
Currently, the only incentive enjoyed by an individual is the stamp duty exemption announced in Budget 2010 on the costs incurred to obtain the Green Building Index certificate by the first owner of a residential building.
“More incentives for the individual taxpayer could include residential energy efficient reliefs for energy efficient households, such as the usage of solar heating systems and circulating fans as well as fuel vehicle reliefs for the usage of personal hybrid vehicles,” Liow says.
Tam highlights that widening the income band in each income bracket for the respective progressive tax rates or granting more reliefs or deduction would have a substantial impact in easing the tax burden for individuals.
She reckons the Government could introduce parent relief in recognition of taxpayers supporting their aged and handicapped dependants with further parent relief if the taxpayer lived with the dependant.
“They can also allow taxpayers to claim the full amount of donations given to approved charitable organizations without any restriction. Currently, the deduction of donations is limited to 7% of aggregate income,” she says.
In addition, Tam says, the Government could consider reinstating the deduction of interest paid to finance the acquisition of real property as part of the incidental cost to the acquisition price for computing real property gains tax payable.
By ELAINE ANG and JOSEPH LOH
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/21/focus/5898878&sec=focus
4 Reasons Your Sink Drains Slowly
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
If your sink drains are emptying slowly, it may be tempting to immediately call the plumber. However, there are many mundane problems that can cause your sink to drain slowly that do not require professional attention. Almost anything other than water that is flushed down a drain in large enough quantities can be enough to start the clogging process. What follows should give you an idea of the most common problems that sink drains face, and give you simple countermeasures to prevent them.
1. Hair Clogs
Hair is a common problem for drains. If any hair gets into your drain, it is probably going to stay there for a long time. Hair does not dissolve or break up easily, and as a result makes very strong clogs. In addition, it can even catch other small pieces of debris that would normally pass safely through your drain, allowing them to build up and cause further problems.
You can remove hair clogs from your drain by using drain cleaner, or using a plunger or drain snake. However, you are much better preventing them before they happen altogether. If you have problems with hair clogging your drain, you should purchase and install a hair trap to keep your drain in good condition. Be sure to empty it regularly, as there is a good chance your filter will fill up quickly if you have enough hair going down your drain to cause problems.
2. Grease Clogs
Grease can also cause many problems for drains. While grease seems like it would not be solid enough to clog a drain, the truth is that there are many things that can make liquid grease solidify enough to both block the flow of water, and trap other solid particles to make a stronger clog. You can avoid grease clogs by simply not pouring grease down your sink, or pouring hot water down with it when you must do so. Additionally, you should be able to remove weaker grease clogs by pouring hot water down your drain. However, if this does not work, more standard methods will probably be necessary.
3. Mineral Buildup
If you have hard water, minerals may build up in your drain pipe, causing your drains to work more slowly than usual, or even stop altogether. Mineral buildups can also cause other debris to accumulate more quickly. You can remove a mineral buildup with drain cleaner or a drain snake. Additionally, dealing with the problem at the source by dealing with your hard water problem is also a possibility.
4. Soap Scum
Soap scum functions much like grease in your drain. Although it is a liquid when you wash it away, it can solidify and accumulate just as much as any of the other substances that form clogs. Additionally, soap scum can catch other items that are being flushed down your drains and form them into clogs. Soap scum is very difficult to avoid putting down your drains, so unfortunately there are few effective preventative measures that you can use against it.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/4-reasons-your-sink-drains-slowly#ixzz0iRgDmC4D
Common Problems with Drain Cleaner
Friday, February 19th, 2010 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | 1 Comment
A chemical or enzymatic drain cleaner is often the first choice to remove blockages caused by hair, grease, soap, human waste or other foreign materials. It’s easy and inexpensive to use, but can cause problems if you choose the wrong cleaner for the type of clogged drain you have, or if you use the product incorrectly.
Damage to Pipes or Surrounding Surfaces
Chemical drain cleaners react with the blockage material by creating heat that disintegrates it. Designed to be denser than water, they are more likely to splash and corrode surrounding surfaces. To reduce damage to surrounding areas like porcelain, stainless steel and aluminum faucets, pour the cleaner as close to the drain as possible and use only the minimum amount necessary. Most require that you either add water to the cleaner or add cleaner to the water. Do so carefully and slowly to reduce splashing. Avoid pouring the cleaner into a plastic or porcelain basin to reduce the chance of cracking it.
Be aware of what type of piping you have. Chemical drain cleaners can soften soft plastic pipes (PVC). They can also cause additional damage to already old and corroded pipes. You may have to use an enzymatic drain cleaner to prevent damage to your pipes. They tend to be less corrosive, but they’re also less effective at dissolving blockages. A manual drain cleaner like a drain snake is also an option.
Toxic Fumes
Chemical drain cleaners tend to release vigorous gases. To prevent breathing in the fumes, use drain cleaners only in well-ventilated areas and don’t stand close and watch as it works.
Avoid mixing different types of drain cleaner. If one type doesn’t work, don’t use another type since you could create a chemical reaction like a dangerous cloud of toxic gas or an eruption of chemicals from the drain. Mixing drain cleaners could also make it impossible to later unblock the drain manually with a drain snake due to the risk of exposure to unknown chemical mixtures.
It’s crucial that you don’t mix drain cleaner with any cleaning product containing bleach. This could create chlorine gas that is deadly to humans and animals.
Drain cleaners tend to be affordable to use, but some of the more budget-conscious may be tempted to buy the cheapest product available. The cheaper ones, such as those found in discount dollar stores, tend to be ineffective. The strength of their mixtures are often inconsistent so you’ll never know how potentially toxic they are. It’s best to go with a medium- to high-priced cleaner from a reputable store.
Danger to Pets
Liquid drain cleaner can pose a danger to pets who often like to drink puddles of water in sinks, tubs and toilets. Even a small amount of the product is poisonous and can kill your pet if he or she drinks it. After using any liquid drain cleaner, make sure to clean the surrounding area thoroughly. If possible, keep your pet away from the toilet, sink or tub for a couple of days.
Helpful Hint’s for Front Load Washers
Friday, December 11th, 2009 | Knoxville Plumbing Blog | No Comments
A frequent problem with front load washing machines is a pungent odor coming from the unit. This problem is due to a bacterial buildup cause by a lack of proper sanitation. Preventive measures such as weekly use of sanitizing tablets, which can be purchased at the local appliance store, as well as leaving the door open after each use to allow proper air ventilation.
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