Are Plumbing System Upgrades Worth It? How a Plumber Can Help

Are Plumbing System Upgrades Worth It? How a Plumber Can Help January 27, 2022 admin When you own a home, there are many decisions to make, especially if you live in an older home that may need some work. One thing you might be wondering is whether it’s worth it to upgrade the plumbing system in your Vancouver, WA, home. The thing is, it depends on several factors, including what kind of features you value in your plumbing. If you need help deciding whether or not you should hire a plumber to upgrade your home, Pilot Plumbing and Drain has you covered. Repiping Many homeowners have done a repipe when they live in an older home. Repiping is essentially running new water and drain lines (or one of the two) in your home. This is important because you don’t want any leaks in these lines, and you want to make sure they’re big enough to handle the plumbing needs of your home. Water lines last a reasonably long time, but your copper water lines will start to wear down after about 60 to 70 years. For PEX lines, you can expect about 40 to 50 years of life. If your lines are any older than that, you should at least have them inspected by a plumber to see if they need to be replaced. Not only will a repipe prevent future problems, but it could also solve any water pressure problems you’re currently experiencing. Drain lines are tricky because it depends on the professional and when your home was built. Old drain lines were made of cast iron, which can last quite a while but is expensive and challenging to run. During the ’70s and ’80s, PVC drain lines became more popular for durability and ease of use. Most plumbers will say that PVC drain lines can last an indefinite amount of time. At the same time, cast tends to last somewhere between 50 and 100 years, depending on environmental conditions and other variables. Consider upgrading if your cast drain lines are more than a century old. Fixtures From the toilets in your home to the faucets and even your showerhead, your fixtures have a significant impact on the way you use water. So whether you want to add modern convenience to your home or save on your monthly water bill, upgrading your fixtures is a great first step to take. Faucet upgrades are great because they allow you to make your kitchen or bathroom more convenient. For example, you can switch from a two-handled faucet to a single-handle tap or upgrade to a kitchen faucet with a built-in sprayer. With that upgrade, you can also improve efficiency since most newer faucets are designed to use less water than their older counterparts. Most plumbers will recommend upgrading your showerhead as well. Not only are showerheads easy to replace, but old showerheads can use as much as twice the water of modern ones. Finally, you should consider upgrading your toilets if yours are very old. Older toilets didn’t have the same gallons per flush regulations, while newer toilets were designed to save water. Plus, you can opt for a dual-flush toilet that offers two different flushing modes for liquid and solid waste. If you don’t need as much flushing power, you can save money by using the light flush setting. Not only are these toilets not as expensive as you might think, but a plumber can install them in about the same time it takes to install a standard toilet. Leak Detection Another thing you might want to consider when upgrading your plumbing system is installing a leak detection system. These systems are designed to detect leaks as soon as they occur, so you don’t have to worry about wasting a bunch of water or causing water damage to your home. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, make sure you ask your plumber about it during your next scheduled service. Leak detection systems work by detecting water pressure changes that may indicate a leak. When a leak is found, we can notify you via an app on your smartphone. Then, you can shut the water off so that leak doesn’t cause any damage to your Vancouver, WA, home. This is one of the best ways to minimize damage to your home while you wait for a plumber to arrive. Water Heater Upgrades A new water heater is one upgrade that just about every homeowner could benefit from. Your water heater determines how much hot water you have available at any given time, as well as how quickly new hot water is made. Plus, different types of water heaters can make life even more convenient for you. For starters, you should always look at efficiency and capacity when upgrading. The more efficient and the higher the capacity of your water heater, the more hot water you’ll have. You may want to upgrade to a tankless or point-of-use water heater. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, which means you have access to hot water whenever you need it. Point-of-use water heaters can be tankless or traditional. Plumbers install these point-of-use water heaters throughout your home to deliver a dedicated supply of hot water to a single room for constant hot water throughout your home. We Can Help Deciding how to upgrade your plumbing system is difficult, especially if you don’t know a lot about plumbing. The good news is that the plumbers at Pilot Plumbing and Drain can help you make even the most challenging decisions. Whether you want to save on your water bill or have a more modern plumbing system, we can help you figure out what you need to do to achieve your goals. To learn more about upgrading your plumbing system, call Pilot Plumbing and Drain at (360) 549-5848. Previous PostNext Post

5 Signs That It Is Time For A Water Heater Replacement

5 Signs That It Is Time For A Water Heater Replacement January 19, 2022 admin Although all of the appliances in your home are necessary for your daily life, your water heater is incredibly essential. If your water heater isn’t working correctly, you won’t be able to take a shower or perform simple everyday tasks. Also, your appliances that rely on water won’t function properly if you have issues with your water heater. Some issues can be repaired; however, other problems cannot require a water heater replacement. It is essential that you can recognize that a replacement is necessary. The longer you wait, the more problems can arise. If you are like most Battle Ground, WA homeowners, you keep your water heater tucked away either in the corner of the basement or in a closet where it is out of sight. If there are any issues with the water heater, you might not even notice. Because water heater issues can cause severe problems in your home, it is best to make it a point to check on the water heater once a week. If you notice any of the issues below during your weekly inspection, you should call a licensed plumber immediately. #1 Not Enough Hot Water If you have never run out of hot water in the past and find that you are running out of hot water more frequently, you may need a water heater replacement. Before you call a licensed plumber, you should first consider any changes that have occurred in your home. For example, if a new person has entered the household, your hot water demand will increase, which could be why you are running out of hot water frequently. If this is the case, a replacement might be your only option. You will need a water heater with a larger tank with higher hot water demand. You can also go with a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. This will ensure that you never run out of hot water again. If you recently installed a new water-based appliance, it could also be why you are running out of hot water quickly and might require a replacement with a larger water tank. If nothing has changed in your home, the problem likely lies within the water heater itself. Over time, sediment can build up inside the tank. This sediment will take up space inside the water tank, and there won’t be as much room for heated water to be stored. Over time, this will cause you to run out of hot water faster. This issue might not be repairable, and you will need a water heater replacement. It is best to call a licensed plumber as soon as you notice the problem. But, until you do, cold showers will be part of your daily life. #2 Rusty Hot Water When you turn the water on in your home, it should be clean and clear. If the water comes out rusty, it is a significant cause for concern. It isn’t safe to bathe in rusty water, cook with it, or drink it; therefore, you need emergency assistance. If the hot and cold water in your Battle Ground, WA home is coming out rusty, the pipes are likely corroded and need to be replaced. However, if just the hot water is rusty, the problem lies within your water heater. As mentioned earlier, sediment can build up inside the water tank over time. It can break apart when the tank heats up and comes out in hot water when this happens. Because rusty hot water is so unsafe, it is best to call a licensed plumber and schedule an appointment for a replacement. #3 Rumbling Sounds Coming From the Water Heater If the water heater in your home is functioning correctly, you shouldn’t hear anything more than a low-level humming. However, if you hear a rumbling sound, it might be time for a water heater replacement. When sediment builds up inside the water tank, large pieces can break off and clang against the side of the water tank. This is a very serious issue. If the sediment pieces are large enough, they can hit the sides of the water tank hard enough that they puncture a hole in the tank. This can cause a major flood in your home, which can be very damaging and expensive to repair. It is best to call a plumber as soon as you notice the rumbling sound. A professional can inspect your water heater to determine if we can repair it or if a replacement would be necessary. The sooner you make the call, the better. #4 Leaks Around the Water Heater There should never be water pooling around your water heater. If there is, you should call a licensed plumber immediately. The problem could be minor, like a loose, broken, or disconnected hose. It could also be a leak in the water tank, which is a very serious issue. When the metal tank heats up, it expands, resulting in minor fractures that will allow water to leak from the tank. If a large piece of sediment hits the inside of the tank, it can also cause a rupture in the water tank. If you leak your water tank, it is time for a water heater replacement. #5 Your Heater Has Reached Its Maximum Lifespan Most water heaters have a lifespan of about ten years. If your water heater has reached its maximum lifespan, it is time to consider a water heater replacement. If you try to get a few more years out of your water heater, you could end up dealing with serious issues, such as a flood down the road. A licensed plumber can inspect your water heater to determine if it is time for a water heater replacement. If you wait too long, a disaster can occur. Why Choose Pilot Plumbing? If you think it is time for a water heater replacement in your home, don’t waste your time with a Google search. Instead, contact

Commercial Drain Cleaning From Your Plumber: Grease Traps And Benefits Of Automatic Grease Recovery Units To Restaurant Owners | Portland, OR

Commercial Drain Cleaning From Your Plumber: Grease Traps And Benefits Of Automatic Grease Recovery Units To Restaurant Owners | Portland, OR January 3, 2022 admin The plumbing situation in the United States is not looking good! 75 percent of sewer systems in the United States are not functioning to their full capacity due to blockages and grease buildup. Consequently, billions of dollars are used every year to ensure sewage lines keep operating. Likewise, every year the City of Portland spends millions in cleaning and fixing sewer lines congested by fats, oils, and grease (FOG) and treating wastewater with high concentrations of food waste and FOG substances. The grease sticks to pipe walls in the long run, leading to blockages while fats and oils destroy wastewater treatment equipment. If FOG substances enter a natural watercourse, they’ll seriously impact the environment and affect restaurants due to blockages in internal pipes that lead to costly repairs and potential equipment downtime. Luckily, restaurant owners can use grease management systems, especially the automatic grease recovery unit, to resolve sewer issues. Without a doubt, grease traps are a lifesaver when maintaining a plumbing system of a restaurant or a commercial eatery. In this blog, our licensed plumbers will shine the spotlight on what grease traps are, how they work, and the benefits of automatic grease recovery units. What Is a Grease Trap? Surprisingly grease traps have been around for over 100 years. Sometimes called grease converters, interceptors, or catchers, they’ve been used in various environments, including: Restaurants Hotels Bakeries Cafes Bars and pubs Takeaways Schools and colleges For novices, a grease trap is a plumbing device where wastewater carrying FOG passes through before entering the drainage system. It is strategically situated between the eatery drain and sewer line, allowing FOG to be isolated, collected, and dumped correctly. Various FOGs trapped by this receptacle include: Sauces Vegetable oil Butter and margarine Olive oil Fats from pay-frying meats, Canola oil Food scraps There are three types of grease traps: Hydromechanical Gravity Automatic grease removal unit (AGRU) A grease trap is not the most attractive part of a hotel or commercial kitchen, and it’s usually hidden underground or beneath the sinks. Although it maintains a low profile, the grease converter is among the most plumbing parts and, when not properly maintained, can result in extensive headaches. How Does a Grease Trap Work? Since water doesn’t mix with grease and separates easily, all that’s needed for a proper functioning grease trap is time and space. That’s why there is sufficient “retention time” inside the grease trap to allow FOG to separate from the wastewater. Since oil is lighter than water, it rises to the top, and once on the surface, it’s trapped by the baffle plate, hence can’t leave the tank. Then sediments and food waste solids settle at the bottom of the tank. Although it sounds straightforward, don’t make the mistake of thinking that all you need for your commercial kitchen is the most basic passive grease trap. For instance, if the trapped grease stays in the tank for a while, it will begin to smell, and as it continues to accumulate on top, the sediments settle at the bottom. This reduces the “free” volume for trapping FOG substances, affecting the effectiveness of the grease trap. Plumbers advise restaurant owners to empty the grease traps regularly to prevent the grease from passing through the trap. However, most hotel owners do not know when and how often the tank has to be emptied. Plus, having a professional plumber empty the grease converter regularly is not a cheap affair. Not to worry, though; over time, automatic grease recovery units (AGRUs) have been introduced in the market, saving end-users the hassle and work involved in passive hydromechanical (manual) grease traps. Below are some of the benefits of AGRUs. The Benefits of AGRUs Although AGRUs use the same techniques as the standard passive trap, they can re-heat and remove FOG solids automatically as programmed. The FOG that’s been removed is moved into a collector bin for easy removal and recycling. As a restaurant owner, you are saved the trouble of checking or measuring grease levels because the programmed schedule depends on the amount of FOG produced. AGRUs are available in various sizes to cater to a range of requirements. Due to their higher initial investment cost, they are not available in most small businesses. But they are more effective, and you spend less on the long-term operation and servicing costs. Continue reading to understand why a plumber should install an AGRU in your restaurant in Portland, OR. Saves Thousands of Dollars You can save lots of money in the long run by investing in AGRUs because they don’t need to be emptied regularly. This grease trap automatically removes food waste solids and FOG every day; thus, you don’t have to pay a plumber to pump the waste monthly. Imagine running a busy restaurant that produces 5 to 10 pounds of FOG daily, and you are using the traditional under sink grease trap that can only accommodate 50 pounds. This will end up being costly because you’ll need a plumber to empty it as recommended by the manufacturer frequently. But, with an AGRU, you’ll save more because it removes grease, oil, and fat daily. Renewable Energy What makes it worth investing in AGRU is that it skims quality grease compared to the one that comes out of traditional grease interceptors. The grease is usually partially dewatered and separated from solids, hence this grease may be recycled and used as a renewable energy source or for pharmaceutical products. AGRU Can Fit Almost Anywhere While traditional grease interceptors have big tanks to hold sludge and FOG for a long time, AGRUs are small and can fit under sinks and hold FOG for a few hours before skimming substances. Therefore, an AGRU is economical in matters of space because it can fit anywhere. Reduces Carbon Footprints An AGRU is eco-friendly compared to the traditional grease interceptor. If all eateries in Portland, OR, required a pump truck to come monthly