What Is Back Flow Prevention?

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The moment water enters your house from the water supply line, it should flow only in one direction, proceeding through your home and then back out as wastewater. However, sometimes, because of pressure changes within the pipes, water can flow backwards and run back towards the water supply line.

Backflow can happen when, for example, the main water line is broken or when a fire hydrant is used. Because pressure is lost during these activities, water is no longer pushed into your home, and instead flows back to the city water lines.

When this occurs, backflow can actually contaminate the public drinking supply with fertilizers, pesticides, human waste, chlorine (from pools or spas), soap from dishwashers, sinks, showers, and much more. And this is where backflow prevention becomes crucial.

Tucson Faucet and Sink Fixture

A backflow preventer is a machine that can be installed in your water pipes that allows water to flow only in one direction and never in the opposite. Its job is to prevent the contamination of drinking water due to backflow.

Here at Spartan Plumbing, we highly recommend that our customers in Tucson, Arizona consider backflow prevention in their homes and businesses. Without this protection, unclean and unsafe water can contaminate your water supply line, which puts the health of you and your family at risk.

There are other things you need to know about Back Flow Prevention.

How To Choose A Backflow Prevention Device

There are different types of backflow preventers available in the market as of today. Check with your local water provider, your local government, and whoever issues permits to see if the device you desire to use is authentic, effective, and legal. There are regulations that vary depending on which location you are in. Backflow prevention devices are expensive, and you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money.

COSTS

Backflow preventer prices depend on what kind of machine is used and what current situation you are in. There are 4 types of devices commonly used around the country, and here is a list of the most expensive to the least expensive:

  1. Reduced Pressure Type Back Flow Preventer (RP)
  2. Double Check Type Back Flow Preventer (DC)
  3. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
  4. Anti-Siphon Valve (ASV)

Why Should I Install A Backflow Prevention Device?

Backflow preventers help keep your water drinkable and clean and prevent the addition of pollutants that can contaminate your water supply line. Because, if backflow happens, wastewater can run in the opposite direction and expose you and your family to severe health concerns.

Other Preventive Home Tips for Backflow Issues

These are things homeowners can do to prevent backflow issues from happening:

  • Check your garden hose if it has some sort of backflow preventive setting.
  • Do not submerge your garden hoses in puddles they create, which may contaminate the hose.
  • Make sure that there are air gaps on plumbed appliances like water softeners, etc.
  • Change filters often. Filters can grow bacteria and molds that contaminate drinking water as they decompose over time with use.

Your safe, drinkable water can backflow when fire sprinkler systems are used for emergencies, in commercial boiler systems, and when used for underground lawn irrigation. You don’t want this unused water to go back to your home for drinking purposes.

Although getting the opinions of neighbors and friends can be very helpful, it is better to listen to what the professionals have to say. That way you can feel comfortable choosing an option that fits your budget. The best option for you is one that works and is affordable at the same time.

At the end of the day, ensuring your home never experiences backflow is the most important thing. This is why it is very important for you to have had a functional backflow preventer for your home or business. Spartan Plumbing is always ready to serve our customers by installing a new backflow prevention device. We’re ready to help and we’re just a call away.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

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What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

So, what exactly is a tankless water heater, and what makes it different from traditional water heater types?

A tankless water heater directly heats water without using a storage tank. When you turn a hot water tap on, the cold water passes through a pipe attached to the unit. The water heater’s heating element then heats the water. The heating element may either be an electric element or a gas burner.

To put it simply, a tankless water heater delivers a constant hot water supply to your home.

In most cases, homeowners do not pay enough attention to their water heater installation. After all, why bother when it’s functioning the way it’s supposed to? When you notice that its energy efficiency is deteriorating or when your unit is about to reach the end of its useful life, that tends to be the only time you pay attention to your water heater. When this happens, maybe it’s time to upgrade to a tankless – or on-demand of water heating solution.

Why Shift to a Tankless Water Heater

Following are some of the main advantages of tankless water heaters over traditional water heating solutions:

Long-lasting –

In general, a tankless water heater has a rugged construction using durable materials. Thus, it has a longer life expectancy compared to regular heaters. In addition, most of the parts are reparable, resulting in less of a long-term effect on the environment.

Endless Supply of Hot Water –

The storage tank of a traditional water heater limits its capacity to provide hot water. This is not a problem with the tankless variety as it will continue to supply hot water continuously, provided there’s energy or fuel for heating.

Energy Saver –

In a traditional model, water starts to lose heat as soon as it reaches the tank. Thus, the unit needs to continually run in order to have a constant supply of hot water. In a tankless model, the unit is turned on only when hot water is needed, making it more energy-efficient.

Space Saver –

The tankless model is ideal for homeowners with limited or tighter space. Just imagine how much space a 60- or 40-gallon tank would require. A lot of space is needed just to install a traditional water heater. A tankless water heater doesn’t need nearly as much space and can open up a lot of usable floor space in the basement or wherever it is located.

Lower Eco-Impact –

A tankless water heater does not only lower reliance on non-renewable sources of energy. Most of the parts can also be repaired, unlike traditional models that often require complete part replacements.

Cons:

Following are the disadvantages of tankless water heaters. Weigh the pros and cons in order to make an informed buying decision.

Higher Installation Cost:

By switching to a tankless water heater, you need to spend on initial costs up front, including installation. You may also need to install new vents and gas lines. However, you’ll recover the additional costs in the form of energy savings. This is because you will no longer need to heat and re-heat water in a tank on a constant basis.

Low Water Output:

Obviously getting water from a 60-gallon water tank is more convenient. This is true when you simultaneously need water in your household for laundry, dishwashing, and showers. While a tankless unit is more efficient, it can only provide a limited amount of water at the same time. Thus, you may need to install several tankless water heaters to address this problem.

When considering replacing your old unit or upgrading to a tankless water heater, you can count on Spartan Plumbing to provide the perfect solution. With a professional and skilled team, you’ll get a great customer experience from sales to installation.

5 Causes of Low Water Pressure Causes in Your Home

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Common Causes of Low Home Water Pressure

Water pressure problems in our homes can be of different types, and they are always very frustrating. It may be our faucets taking forever to fill the sink or the bathtub, our showerheads not giving us that strong spray we always want, or a washing machine taking much longer to run its cycle.

Water pressure issues that affect the whole house is something serious and will give you and your family more hassle if not taken care of. Here are 5 reasons why you might not be enjoying good water pressure in your home and who to contact to address such concerns.

1. Defective Fixtures

One of the most common causes of low water pressure is poorly installed or defective fixtures. Your showerhead or faucets at home could be very old and maybe clogged with dust, dirt, or other things. The poor flow of water also reduces water quality. You could opt to change these fixtures and see if your water pressure improves.

2. Clogged Water Pipe

A clogged, blocked, or constricted pipe somewhere within your plumbing system can also greatly affect the water pressure throughout your home. The worst part is, a clogged water pipe can also lead to leaks in various parts of your piping system and will likely require professional help to fix completely. There are many reasons a water pipe can be clogged – dirt, limestone, rust, even insects and small animals.

3. A Faulty Pressure Regulator

This is another cause of poor home water pressure. A pressure regulator controls the valves that reduce the input pressure within your plumbing system so that it stays at a safe level and doesn’t damage your pipes. Although not all homes have pressure regulators, those who have one in their lines need to have it checked.

4. Water Meter and Shut Off Valves not Fully Open

Another thing to check if your water pressure is low is your water meter and shut off valves. Water meter valves open or cut off the water supply from most areas of your home, while a shut-off valve is your water supply’s ‘main switch’. Check these valves to ensure they are open and, if your water flow is still slow, you should consider getting professional help before things get worse.

5. Corroded Plumbing

Having a corroded plumbing system is the most serious and costly reason for low water pressure. This happens when aged galvanized-steel water pipes begin to corrode, greatly restricting water flow. This type of pipe corrodes on the inside, where you cannot see. However, in the long run, the build-up of scale and corrosion gradually closes the pipe completely.

This issue develops over a long period of time, even decades. You usually don’t even notice the reduction of water flow because it happens so gradually. And, if you happen to move into an older house, this problem could already exist and may seem to show up out of nowhere.

Having good water pressure is very important to most people and will affect the quality of water you deal with every day in your home. Spartan Plumbing has helped Tucson residents in Arizona with various water pressure problems and other plumbing-related issues. We offer professional services that can help you address your water pressure concerns, and we can provide fast solutions for you.

Reasons to Install a New Garbage Disposal

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If your kitchen doesn’t have a garbage disposal unit yet, maybe it’s time to install one. Having a garbage disposal comes with a lot of benefits and can make life easier for you and your family.

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7 Top reasons Why you Should Consider Installing a Garbage Disposal

1. Convenient cleanup

You won’t need to meticulously get every bit of food off dishes before washing them if you have a garbage disposal. It’ll be more convenient to wash dishes since it can gather all food wastes while you’re washing and get rid of them all at once when you’re done.

2. Lessens landfill food wastes

Food wastes that go into your trash cans will end up in landfills. Using a garbage disposal can help the environment.

Decomposing wastes in landfills emit harmful greenhouse gases. Wastes that go into the garbage disposal often go through the septic system. This will not harm the environment.

3. Helps prevent clogged pipes

Sometimes, chunks of food scraps go into the drains. This can cause clogged pipes that’ll need cleared or repaired.

Having a garbage disposal will prevent this from happening. You won’t need to worry about food scraps that go into the drains. Simply turn on the blades of the garbage disposal and they will turn the scraps into tiny bits that won’t clog your pipes.

4. Helps water treatment plants

Some water treatment plants appreciate homes that have garbage disposals. The food wastes that go through their system produce methane. This gas can produce energy that helps treatment plants save on operational costs.

5. Quiet

Old garbage disposal models are known to be loud. This is why some homeowners didn’t want to install one in their home.

Recently, companies have developed newer garbage disposal models that are quiet. This prevents annoying noises from echoing in your home.

6. Sanitary

If you keep food scraps in a trashcan, it may lead to illnesses in your family. Bacteria and molds can quickly grow and multiply on rotting food. Pests such as flies and cockroaches can also become attracted to your trash.

Children may unknowingly play with garbage. Pets also sometimes get into trash cans, especially if they smell food inside. Even though the trash can is closed, the smell of rotten food can still linger in the house.

Having a garbage disposal can avoid all these problems. It will not only leave your house smelling fresh, but it will help keep you and your family healthy and safe.

7. Affordable and cost-efficient

You won’t need to spend a lot on installing a garbage disposal. They have a wide price range for every type of homeowner. Also, it doesn’t have much effect on your utility bills.

You’ll only need to turn on the garbage disposal when needed, though some models turn on automatically. In these, sensors trigger the garbage disposal to turn on only when it’s full.

Even if you have a garbage disposal, not everything should go in it. Here’s a list of some things you should not put in a garbage disposal.

  • Oil and grease
  • Vegetable peels
  • Eggshells
  • Coffee grounds
  • Vegetable or fruit pits and seeds
  • Bones
  • Paper, plastic, metal, cigarette butts, etc.
  • Uncooked pasta and rice
  • Stringy vegetables
  • Large food wastes

Remember that the wastes you put in the garbage disposal will end up in the sewage system. Also, you need take care of the blades. Putting anything too hard in the disposal may damage them.

If you’re convinced that you should get a garbage disposal unit for your kitchen, call a plumbing company now. Choose a plumbing company with licensed professionals to repair or replace your garbage disposal, like Spartan Plumbing.

Trained plumbers can quickly install a garbage disposal unit with no problems. Also, you’ll be needing their help for a regular maintenance check. That’s why you should choose a company that you can trust for a long time.

Buying A Home? Inspect The Sewer Line!

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You found your dream home. It’s beautiful, and the location is ideal to raise a family. It has a nice garden with a breathtaking view. The best part is that you got it for an amazing deal. But, have you checked its sewer line?

This is an issue that most home buyers often overlook. Yet, it’s a crucial part of a home that all buyers should check before sealing the deal.

There are many reasons why you should check a house’s sewer line before buying it.

Clogged sewer lines

It’s important to check the sewer line of a house, especially if it’s over 20 years old. If there’s a large tree near the house, there’s a chance of sewer line clogging because of tree roots. Roots tend to grow toward areas where they can sense water. Since water flows through pipes, the roots may grow in their direction.

If you’re unlucky, the sewer pipe of the house could be entirely clogged by a large root. This can take time and money to repair.

Cesspools

Check if the house has a cesspool. Some old houses still have an intact cesspool. Even though your sewer line is already connected to the city septic system, the intact cesspool could be a problem.

Other sewer line damages

Any kind of sewer line damage can be expensive. There could be leaks or holes in the sewer pipes. If you don’t check it before buying the house, you may need to spend more than you expect on repairs.

Sewer Line Inspections

The only way to get a sewer line inspected is by calling a plumbing company. The real estate agent may refer to some plumbing companies, but it’s best to call one that you trust.

Get a reputable company that will give an unbiased sewer inspection, like Spartan Plumbing.

Before the inspection, it’s important to ask your real estate agent if they’ll allow a camera inspection of the pipes. A reliable plumbing company will use a camera and manoeuvre it into the sewer line. This will give you a clear image if there is any damage or blockages.

The inspector would also be able to give you the status of its overall condition. Don’t forget to ask the inspector about the material used for the sewer line. Old houses built in the 1950’s used materials that weren’t durable.

If you’re lucky, the inspector will find a reconditioned or brand-new sewer line. From the inspection, you’ll get a clear idea if you’ll need to spend money on repairing or reconditioning the sewer line.

The cost of the inspection maybe a few hundred bucks, but it’s a good investment if you’re buying a property. The cost may depend on the size of the sewer line.

Before investing your money in a house or property, make sure to inspect everything. Some homeowners and real estate agents may hide the underlying flaws of houses just to sell the property.

If you get the sewer line inspected and there’s a problem, you have two options. First, you can move on and try looking for another house to buy. Second, you can push through with buying the house and face the repair costs of the sewer line. You can ask the inspector for a quick quote of how much you’d need to spend on the sewer line. If you are still negotiating the purchase of the house, you may be able to pay less for the house based on the needed repairs.

No matter what your choice is, remember to hire inspection or repair services from someone you can trust. Choose a reputable company that has the right equipment for a thorough inspection. You may need to spend a few hundred dollars on it, but you can be sure that your money is well spent.

Common Causes of a Noisy Water Heater

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Do you hear strange noises in your house? It might be your water heater.

A water heater shouldn’t make any noise. If it does, there might be a problem. Don’t worry, because it’s rare for water heaters to make noise, but it can be very annoying and distracting.

Here are the common reasons why your water heater might be making noise.

Mineral Build-up

Popping sounds in your water heater could mean that it has build-up. The build-up can be made up of sand, dirt, and debris. The build-up accumulates at the bottom of the water heater. Then, water will become trapped under the build-up. The trapped water will heat up, develop bubbles, and explode. This is the cause of the popping sound.

SOLUTION:

Using a water softener can help remove the sediment in the water. Doing this will eliminate the popping sound from your heater. Flushing your water heater regularly will also remove the build-up. This will ensure that your water heater has a longer life.

Extremely High Pressure

A high-pitched sound could mean that there’s too much pressure in your water heater. In this case, water and steam may leak from the heater’s valve, which causes the sound. When you don’t monitor or regulate the temperature of your water heater, the pressure can increase farther than it’s meant to.

SOLUTION:

You should shut off your heater’s valve when you hear this sound. Then, call an expert plumber that can fix the problem. Only professionals with special equipment and training can properly fix it. Call a reliable water heater service company like Spartan Plumbing.

Expanded Plumbing Pipes

When you hear a ticking sound, it could be your plumbing pipes. Hot water can expand water pipes and contract your heater. This results in the water pipes rubbing against the heater’s framing and loose traps.

SOLUTION:

Placing plastic spacers on the areas where the pipes are rubbing against the heater can solve this problem. Reducing the temperature can lower the water pressure, which can minimize the noise.

Water Flow Stopping

When the water flow stops abruptly, a hammering or knocking sound may occur. When this happens, the remaining water in the pipes may be moving in reverse. This is a serious problem that can destroy your water heater.

SOLUTION:

A device called a water hammer arrestor could help prevent this problem. It can absorb sudden shock when the water flow stops.

Loose Electric Element

Your water heater’s electric element can cause a humming sound. Your heater has one heating element on top and the other at the bottom. The top heating element can vibrate, which causes the humming. This is not a serious problem. But, it may be a sign that the heating element could be loose.

SOLUTION:

If the humming noise is becoming annoying, you can tighten it. Once it’s tightened properly, the humming sound should stop.

Your water heater can create various sounds. Each sound could have a specific cause. It could be a small or a serious problem. Even if it’s only a minor issue, water heaters shouldn’t create such noises. It’s best to check your heater for any damage, depending on the sound you’re hearing.

But the best thing to do is to call a professional plumber. Reliable plumbers should have licenses and the right equipment to fix the problem.

You might think that you could save more money by fixing the problem yourself. However, incorrect repairs may cause more problems for your water heater and plumbing.

Unless you’re a licensed plumber, avoid repairing it yourself. Call a professional from a reputable service company like Spartan Plumbing. If the noise isn’t caused by a water heater problem, they can find and fix the cause of the sound to avoid further damage and annoyance.

Tips For Preventing a Clog at Your Next Party

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When hosting a party at home, one of the worst things you can experience is a clogged drain. You’ll be handling tons of food and your plumbing might suffer for it. Disposing food scraps and washing dishes can easily lead to clogged drains.

The influx of people in your house can also strain your bathroom plumbing. The last thing you’d want is for a toilet to clog when a guest tries to flush it. Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Follow these simple tips on how to prevent a clog at your next party.

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Dispose of food wastes properly

Don’t force food scraps into your drain. Even the tiniest peels or grain of rice can accumulate over time. These scraps can build up and clog your drains, which would require you to get your drains cleaned. Food scraps from cooking or after eating should go straight to your trash cans.

Another way to prevent clogged drains is by installing a garbage disposal. But, a garbage disposal has a limit, so don’t throw everything in your unit. Throw as many scraps as you can in the trash, especially large ones. You should only rely on your garbage disposal for tiny scraps from washing dishes.

Grease is also another culprit in clogging drains. When hot, grease runs right down the drain. Once it cools, however, it’ll stick to the pipes. When food scraps go into the drain, they’ll get stuck because of the grease. This can lead to badly clogged pipes after a while. Try to keep the grease in a container. Once it’s full, you can throw this in the trash.

Flush drains before the event

Low-flow faucets and toilets can help you save on utility bills. However, they’re not that great with clearing out your drains. The low water pressure and volume aren’t enough to wash away all the debris in your pipes.

Before your party, flush out all your drains. First, take a 5-gallon container and fill it with water. Then, pour everything into your toilet while flushing simultaneously. After that, you want to fill your sinks and bathtubs with hot water. Doing this will help clean the main drain pipes.

Put signs and a trash bin in your bathroom

Some people have a bad habit of using toilets as a trash bin. Tissue paper and dental floss are some of the common garbage people flush down their toilets. Unfortunately, these people sometimes forget that they’re in a different home. You wouldn’t want them to clog your toilets with excess tissue paper and other garbage.

Try to put up a friendly sign reminding your guests not to throw garbage in the toilet. Putting a trash bin just under the sign would help them know where to put their trash. You can skip doing this if you only have close family and friends. But this is a good tip to follow, especially if you’re having a big party with a lot of not-so-close acquaintances.

Get your pipes checked beforehand

If you notice any problems with your drains, you should call a professional to check them immediately. Some of the signs that you have a clogged drain are:

  • Foul smell from drains
  • Gurgling sounds
  • Slow-draining water

These are three sure signs of a clogged drain. Some homeowners try to fix these on their own. But, what if the problem is in the main drain line?

Only a professional, licensed plumber can find the root cause of the problem. Call a reliable plumbing service company like Spartan Plumbing. 

You also don’t need to wait for a problem to arise. It’s best to call a professional regularly to check the health of your drains. In this way, you can easily fix small problems or damages before they become worse.

Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Prevent Them

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A clogged drain may only be a minor concern in the beginning. But, it can turn into a major problem fast. Clogged drains can slow down water drainage. They can also cause flooding, corrosion and sewage backup in more severe cases, and repairs can be expensive.

Clogged Drain Pipe

By recognizing what causes a clogged drain, you can prevent it from happening.

Having said that, here are the most common clogged drain causes in the household:

Soap –

Many soap bars today are made with fat or grease. The fat then mixes with the minerals in the water, and forms soap scum (hard residue). It then causes bath fitting stains, and clogged pipes. Using soap-free washes, and pressure-cleaning your pipes will help remove any soap build-up.

Dirt –

Sure, your drains are meant to wash excess dirt away from your clothes and body. But, it can accumulate in your pipes and cause blockages. To prevent dirt buildup in your drains, shake off excess mud and dirt from your body and clothes outdoors before washing them indoors.

Hair –

Hair can form clogs by binding with grease, as well as other sticky substances. You can prevent blockages caused by hair by making sure your drains have guards. You must also clear the guards on a regular basis.

Minerals –

Hard water-dissolved minerals can accumulate and form insoluble masses that can clog your drains. To prevent this, install a water softener if you have hard water. Otherwise, you must remove the buildup on a regular basis. Once they have settled, clogs caused by mineral buildup can be tough to get rid of. You need professionals like Spartan Plumbing to address the problem when it happens.

Toilet Paper –

Regularly flushing toilet paper can cause clogging over time. If water still runs through the toilet when flushing, you can try shifting and dissolving the toilet paper blockage using a plunger. However, if the toilet only fills up without draining, there is nothing else you can do but call a plumber.

Excess Food –

Never let your excess food go down your drain, even if your sink is equipped with a garbage disposal system. Get rid of your food waste in a composting pile. Some waste like coffee grounds and tea leaves don’t break down. You should also refrain from disposing oil or grease in your sink because they will solidify and block your pipes. Use paper towels to absorb oil before throwing them in the compost.

Small Objects –

Bear in mind that your drain, sink, and toilet can only accommodate water and human waste. All other waste should be responsibly disposed of. This is what trash cans, compost bins, and recycling containers are for. In case a foreign matter gets through your plumbing supply and starts to cause problems, let a professional plumber handle the job for you.

Tree Roots –

Tree roots may grow in small leaks or cracks in underground pipes. Once the roots grow bigger inside the pipes, they will cause an obstruction in the water flow. They will also damage the pipe. However, it is not easy to clear the tree roots. It may need pressure jet cleaning, rooter service, trenchless repair, or excavation. To prevent expensive and major repairs, inspect the root structure of the plants and trees near your home, and monitor your drains’ condition.

Many things can cause clogged drains, but these can all be prevented. Just make sure nothing that shouldn’t go down the drain goes down the drain. But if you still experience clogged drains and you cannot fix the plumbing problem, schedule an appointment with Spartan Plumbing right away.

Worried About an Expensive Water Bill? Try These Tips to Save Money and Water

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Water is a necessity for all living things. We need it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, among other things. But it can take up much of your monthly budget if you don’t use it well. Expensive water bills can become a huge problem for households. It’s important to use good water habits to avoid a large utility bill. Also, saving water can help the environment.

If you’re surprised with your increasing water bill, try these simple tips to save water and money.

Use water-saving appliances and devices

Glendale PlumberIf you think that your dishwasher uses more water than handwashing, you’re probably wrong. Handwashing dishes often use more water than a dishwasher. Also, be sure not to turn on the dishwasher until it’s completely loaded, as this will be the most efficient or the dishwasher and your water.

Many people open the faucet to its maximum pressure even when not needed. So, to save water through your faucets, consider replacing them with newer faucet models that use lower water pressure. If you can’t replace them, you can always use an aerator. Using old model toilets also adds up on your water bill. Replacing them with newer, low-flow models can decrease your bill.

Reduce drinking directly from the tap


Storing water in the refrigerator to chill is often the most efficient way to get cold water. People who drink from the tap tend to let the water flow until it becomes cool. All that wasted water can accumulate on your water bill. Keep water in reusable bottles and place them in your fridge. This will give you ready-to-drink cold water without opening the tap too often.

Heat water over the stove or in the microwave

You can get warm or hot water fast if you heat it over the stove or use the microwave. Letting your water run through the faucet while waiting for it to heat up can be a big waste. This will also end up increasing your water bill.

Take a shower instead of a bath

It takes about 35 gallons of water to fill a regular bathtub. This can be a big point of water loss if you take a bath every day. If you’re taking a bath daily, you may already know how much it adds to your monthly water bill. You may save up to 23 gallons of water whenever you skip the bath and take a shower instead.

Change your showerhead

There are new, low-flow options for showerheads available. These use less water compared to older models. Switching to a low-flow showerhead can reduce your bill by up to 60%.

Check for any leaks or damages to your water systemTucson, AZ Water-Leak-Detection-Services

The biggest contributor to water waste is damage to your water system. A small leak in the pipes can cost you hundreds of dollars. Also, ignoring any damage is likely to become a big problem sooner or later.

First, check the faucets for leaks. It can be surprising to find out how much you save when you replace that leaky faucet in your bathroom. Also, check for leaks under the sinks. Sometimes, pipes become corroded or damaged in other ways, but it isn’t noticeable until you really look. This damage can become larger when ignored.

If you’re already doing everything you can to save water, then you should be safe from a ridiculously high utility bill. However, if your water bill continues to increase despite your efforts, you may need to call an expert. In some cases, hidden pipes might be the culprit. It can be difficult to find the problem or do repairs because they’re hidden behind walls or under the floor.

That’s why you should call a professional plumber to check water system leaks in your home. A licensed plumber from a company like Spartan Plumbing has the experience and the right equipment. They can find the problem in your water system immediately and provide a variety of options to fix the problem.

Signs Your Water Softener Needs a Repair

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Hard water, in general, may be safe. But, it can damage your appliances and plumbing, which is why many people choose to install a water softner. If you have hard water in your area, a water softener system can be very helpful. Similar to most other home appliances, your water softener is also prone to the effects of normal wear and tear. Thus, it is important to be aware of the signs that your unit needs replacement or repairs.

water softener

When Your Water Softener Needs Attention

The following are tell-tale signs that your water softener requires immediate attention:

Soap Doesn’t Lather Easily –

When using hard water, it is difficult to lather soap. Things get worse when your water softener isn’t functioning well. Soap becomes more difficult to lather while taking a shower. Your shampoo and soap consumption may be higher than usual as well. This is because you will need a lot more soap to get the amount of lather you need. Once you start noticing this problem, consider having your water softener unit replaced or fixed right away.

Scale Build-up –

Scale is the chalky mineral deposit that forms inside your pipes. If you see a chalk-like substance sticking to your dishes, appliances, or faucets, you may have hard water. This means your water softener may need repairs or replacement. Neglecting the problem will only make matters worse, and you may end up facing a bigger and more expensive problem in the future.

Dry Hair and Skin –

If you feel unusually dry or itchy hair and skin, it may be due to hard water. The mineral deposits that accumulate in hard water can cause your skin and hair to dry out. If you have existing conditions, hard water can make them worse. This is why you should have your water softener inspected and serviced by a professional like Spartan Plumbing right away.

Scratchy and Faded Laundry –

Hard water can result in your laundry appearing faded and gray. It can also make your bedding and clothes feel scratchy. To prevent this issue, you must make sure that your water softening equipment is always functioning well.

As soon as you notice indications of hard water in your household, you should contact Spartan Plumbing. Their experienced technicians will make sure that your water supply is properly softened, either by fixing your current water softener system or installing a new one.

Tips for Proper Maintenance

An annual inspection of your water softener by a water treatment expert will go a long way in making sure that it is always working properly. The professional will make sure the valve is functioning well, and every setting is optimized. A water test will also be done to make sure that the system properly treats the water in your household.

There are times when you may need the services of a professional, aside from the annual maintenance call. If you aren’t sure if your water softener is working properly or not, it may be time to call Spartan Plumbing for professional help. That way, you can get a proper analysis of the situation and get the work you need to be done completed fast.

Weighing the Cost of Repairs vs. Total Replacement

If your water softener starts to need frequent repairs, you may be able to save money over the long term by buying a replacement. The cost of the parts and labor can add up over time. In addition, the downtime resulting from the frequent malfunctions can causes a lot of inconvenience and damage to appliances you use while your softener is out of service.

Weigh the cost of the frequent repairs against the cost of an upgrade. Getting a replacement may be more the more practical option, although it may require a bigger initial investment.