plumbing Archives - Annapolis Plumbing Contractor

Reasons to Schedule Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Advantages of Plumbing Maintenance

Plumbing problems are a headache, and paying the costs of repairs for the problem and any damage can be even worse. With all of the things that can go wrong, it makes sense to give the plumbing some attention from a plumber from time to time to keep things running smoothly, extend their lifespan, and save money. This post will share the benefits of scheduling routine plumbing maintenance services.

Keeps the Plumbing Reliable and Helps Avoid Problems

Routine plumbing maintenance is an effective way to help prevent plumbing problems that can cause inconvenience and unsafe conditions around the home. By investing in routine plumbing maintenance, homeowners can enjoy greater reliability from their plumbing by allowing plumbers to perform preventative tasks and an inspection, making minor repairs or adjustments to lessen the likelihood of issues occurring.

For example, one task a plumber will do during a maintenance visit is to check the water pressure. This is important for preventing problems because if the water pressure is too high, it can cause issues like pipe damage, leaks, or corrosion. So, making the necessary adjustments before a problem occurs can help avoid future issues, repairs, and water damage.

Extends the Life of the Plumbing

Plumbing replacements can be costly and inconvenient. However, plumbing maintenance can also lead to less frequent replacements being required by extending the lifespan of plumbing components. A plumbing inspection during a maintenance visit allows issues to be caught and fixed before causing enough damage that a replacement is needed.

One part of the plumbing where this is apparent is with the water heater. Water heater maintenance tasks, such as having a plumber drain and flush the hot water tank and replace the anode rod, can prevent corrosion and extend the water heater’s lifespan. This will prevent having to get a water heater replacement too soon.

Reduces Bills and Costs

Regular plumbing maintenance can also help save homeowners money, so it is a great investment, helping save money, prevent issues, and help the plumbing last longer. It can lead to fewer future repair costs and avoid the unnecessary cost of early replacements. However, it can also help reduce a household’s utility costs.

When the water heater runs efficiently due to routine maintenance, the utility costs will be lower than if maintenance was neglected. Additionally, problems that cause inefficiency can be caught during the inspection to lower costs. This includes water leaks that can be caught and fixed to reduce water bills.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving the Annapolis area. They provide dependable, flat rates, live assistance, and on-time arrival. Call them for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.

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Three Ways to Prevent Plumbing Problems

Flush Those Plumbing Worries Good-Bye!

All it takes is one plumbing problem to turn the household upside down. However, many plumbing problems are preventable. From leaking pipes to clogs and more, plumbing problems can cost a great deal of money if not taken care of properly. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent plumbing disasters this summer. This blog post will discuss three simple tips that can help keep the plumbing safe and problem free all season long.

Being Mindful of Plumbing Leaks

If a homeowner suspects that they have a leak, they should address the problem immediately. Leaks do not get better on their own. If anything, they get worse, wasting water and causing further damage. But how does one detect a leak before it becomes a plumbing disaster? Homeowners can check their water meters to check for leaks and look out for warning signs. Here are some common signs of a leak homeowners should know:

If a homeowner notices mold growth, water stains, or dampness, this could point to a hidden leak.
If a homeowner hears running water and there isn’t a water-using appliance or fixture turned on, this could also point to a leak.
If the water bill is much higher than average without explanation, this points to a leak.
If there is low water pressure from the plumbing fixtures, it can indicate a leak.

Not Pouring Grease, Fats, or Oils Down the Drain

Summer is a time for outdoor activities and cooking delicious meals with friends and family. While it’s easy to get distracted by the fun times, it’s important to remember not to pour any grease, fats, or cooking oil down drains when cleaning up after grilling or cooking.

Grease, fats, and cooking oil can quickly build up in drain pipes, forming tough clogs requiring professional services to clear out. When they cool, these substances harden and can catch any other debris going down the drains to form blockages. To prevent blockages due to fats, grease, or oil build-up, pour leftover oils into an old container and discard them properly in the trash once it cools. Take the proper precautions this summer to protect your plumbing from clogs and the issues they can cause for the home.

Prioritize Maintenance and Professional Drain Cleaning

It’s essential to consult a trained plumber routinely because plumbing systems are sophisticated networks that need periodic maintenance. By scheduling regular maintenance for the plumbing system, homeowners can help prevent issues such as clogged drains, slow-running toilets, or water leaks.

Regularly cleaning out drains ensures that debris doesn’t build up over time and cause blockages. This will also help prevent foul odors in the home from backed-up sewer lines and prevent burst pipes caused by clogs. Additionally, having a professional inspect the entire plumbing system can detect potential problems before they become serious issues requiring costly repairs or replacements.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated plumbing business serving Annapolis and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate prices, live assistance, and a preventive maintenance agreement. Call them today for plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning services in Annapolis, MD.

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This New Year, Make a Resolution to Remember Plumbing Maintenance

Types of Plumbing Maintenance and How Professionals Perform Them

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

Keeping the Drains Clean

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

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

Regular Tuneups

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

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

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

Don’t Forget About the Water Heater!

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

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

About Heidler, Inc.

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

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

Why Homeowners Should Never Do Their Plumbing Repair

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

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

DIY Plumbing Lacks Experience

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

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

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

Slow Moving Drains: This can be a symptom of a simple clog or a much larger problem like a collapsed drain pipe or encroaching tree roots. It may involve clearing the line or digging the yard to replace the pipe.

Low Water Pressure: A sudden change in water pressure that seems sourceless can be due to a few things. There may be a leak in a supply pipe, problems with various valves, or hard water buildup in the lines or the fixtures.

Rust Colored Water: This symptom can indicate a wide range of problems, from aging pipes to needing a new water heater.

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

DIY Plumbing Does Not Save Time

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

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

DIY Plumbing Does Not Save Money

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

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

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

About Heidler, Inc.

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

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Plumbing FAQs For 2022

Avoid Plumbing Problems in 2022 With the Answers To The FAQs

When it comes to plumbing systems, there are a lot of FAQs from homeowners. Plumbing systems are simple in nature, but they are made up of a lot of tiny pieces that can make things complicated for those living in the home. That is why it is always best to hire a plumbing service company when plumbing problems arise in the house. A professional plumber will know how to handle the problem in the quickest and safest way possible. Whether it is water line leak repair, drain cleaning, or simple plumbing maintenance, homeowners can feel secure knowing a professional plumber will get the job done right.

Below are three common FAQs that can help homeowners prevent as many plumbing problems this year as possible.

The Most Common Plumbing Problems: What Are They?

The most common plumbing problems in today’s world are:

Clogged drains
Leaky pipes
Leaky faucets
Low water pressure
Water heater issues
Toilet issues

Clogged drain repair, toilet repair, and burst pipe repair are some of the most common plumbing services that professionals are hired for today. For every call wondering about these services, most homeowners do not partake in regular plumbing maintenance once or twice a year.

All of these problems can be minimized with regular maintenance.

These problems can cost homeowners hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in damages. The bad thing about plumbing problems is they can quickly escalate to an emergency status that involves water damage covering much of the home. The last thing any homeowner wants is water damage throughout their home, so it is best to catch these problems early with regular maintenance.

How To Know When To Call a Professional Plumber

A professional plumber should be called the moment a homeowner realizes a problem with their plumbing system. There are a few signs that every homeowner should be on the lookout for.

These signs include:

slow-to-flush or trouble flushing the toilet
A toilet that won’t quit running
Leaking faucets, toilets, pipes
The sound of constant running water
Low water pressure
Rattling pipes
Increased water bill

What Are the Different Ways To Prevent Plumbing Problems

As mentioned above, the best way to reduce or prevent these common plumbing problems from happening is with regular maintenance. Professionals recommend that homeowners have their plumbing professionally maintained at least once a year. Doing so will ensure that all potential problems are eradicated before they cause expensive damage.

However, having drain cleaning services done after heavy rainfall is also encouraged because rainwater can cause the pipes to get clogged with unwanted mud, leaves, and other debris. If the yard starts to become flooded, this is a good sign that the piping system needs to be cleaned and that homeowners should call in a professional right away.

Heidler, Inc. Is There To Answer the Tough Questions

Heidler, Inc. keeps Annapolis homeowners safe with their decades of experience in the industry. They always work hard to provide the best customer service and get their customers the best prices possible. Call today to learn more about their professional plumbing services!

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Save Holiday Dinner From a Plumbing Disaster

Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Ruin Holiday Celebrations

The easiest way to accomplish any big task is to make a list and cross off as much of it as possible before the deadline. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays when there is so much to do. Making a list and breaking down the items into more manageable steps can be the difference between enjoying a holiday and being totally overwhelmed.

When planning for the holidays, there is simply too much to do at one time. One thing to remember when planning for a holiday get-together is to make sure the plumbing is ready for the holidays. This short guide from local bathroom plumbers can give homeowners the peace of mind that their holiday plans are protected from disaster long before any guests arrive.

Emergency Clogged Toilet Repair Can Ruin a Night

A picture-perfect holiday meal contains family, a turkey, and no problems with the toilet! The fastest way to upset the plans of a holiday dinner host is to have to deal with a clogged toilet. Instead, add “checking the bathroom plumbing” to the list. When checking the bathroom plumbing, homeowners should look for things that indicate a potential problem with the toilet. These signs are:

Slow flushing
Loud flushing
Wobbling tank or toilet
Constant clogging or frequent plunging

Calling for toilet installation or repair before guests show up is the best way to protect the party. Cross this off the list early and move on to more exciting things.

Holidays isAreNo Time for Sewer Line Repair

A more serious problem that could be lurking in the plumbing is a clogged sewer line. Clogged sewer lines can be seen by slow flushing toilets or problems with multiple plumbing fixtures, including sinks and showers. Clogged drain service will be needed to diagnose and treat the problem.

One of the most likely remedies for a clogged drain is a process called hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is an easy way to remove years of buildup from inside drain pipes. During the procedure, a high-pressure jet blasts through clogs and scrubs the walls of the pipes, resulting in pipes that are as good as new.

If more serious problems are found, early intervention will be even more important. Who wants sewer line repairs to ruin their holiday? Early detection will ensure that plans stay on track.

Remember to Be Thankful for Plumbing Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance in plumbing takes the form of preventative drain cleaning. Too often, customers wait until a drain is totally clogged before calling for help. This makes the drain clearing process more expensive and involved. The better option is to schedule routine cleaning to prevent problems from ever getting out of hand.

During a routine drain cleaning, a professional will clear the buildup out of a drain so that it doesn’t get any worse. Annual cleaning is recommended to keep things under control. With annual drain cleaning, the homeowner never has to worry about nasty drain clogs interrupting their plans. Scheduling drain cleaning before the holidays every year means that the kitchens and bathrooms are always ready to go!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is the choice for prompt and honest plumbing service in Annapolis. They provide comprehensive solutions for residential and commercial customers. Call today for upfront, flat-rate pricing on plumbing service.

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Spring Showers & Plumbing Problems

Prevention Tips for April Shower-Fueled Plumbing Troubles

Spring showers are a welcome reprieve from the cold weather of winter. The rain brings the gorgeous greenery of spring to life. Despite the beauty of spring, these showers can contribute to problems with a home’s plumbing. Preparing for the inevitable deluge of spring showers now can help prevent any plumbing problems later into spring and summer.

Keep reading to find out common plumbing problems brought on by spring rainstorms and how to effectively prevent them from harming a home.

Saturated Soil Struggles

Everyone knows that April showers bring May flowers, but seldom do homeowners think about the conditions underneath their colorful lawn. The truth is, a green lawn or even a muddy one can hide a treacherous problem lurking underground. Overly saturated soil is frequently indicated by standing water, or rushing water issues over topsoil, and even root rot or browning leaves on rooted plants.

But why is saturated soil an issue for a home’s plumbing system? The answer is pretty simple: erosion. As water seeps underground, it can lead to soil degradation, which can cause pipes to collapse underground. When this happens, plumbing is more likely to leak into the soil around the home or even flow back into the house. This can be an exceptional problem when it comes to sewer pipelines sinking or bowing underground.

Preventing saturated soil starts and ends with directing water away from the home. Ensuring proper drainage and keeping ground drains clear and flowing away from the house will help prevent bowing pipes.

Foundation & Slab Leaks

Water is a remarkable source of pressure on a home’s foundation. Oversaturated soil feeds foundation and slab leaks, turning them into a monster of a problem. As the soil surrounding a home becomes saturated, it begins to swell, building pressure and pushing up against the foundation of the house. Over time cracks develop as the water pushes into the foundation.

Signs of foundation leaks include flooding in the basement, excessive humidity, or mold in a home’s basement or lower level. Repairs to a foundation can be labor-intensive and require professional assistance to ensure that the cracks and holes are repaired correctly and effectively with cement, waterproofing, or other sealant materials.

Busted Buried Pipes

Spring may bring warmer days, but the nights can still be pretty cold. In fact, burst pipes are surprisingly common during spring weather. There are two main reasons for burst pipes occurring in the summer, and they work in tandem with each other to create a broken underground mess.

First and foremost, springtime means more moisture for the pipes to deal with. Soil saturates, spring rains bring water flooding through pipes, and overall the outdoor drains, indoor sump pumps, and underground pipes undergo more work. Combining the increased presence of water with the deep chill that spring nights can still bring spells trouble for pipes.

Burst pipes can wreak havoc inside and outside a home. Underground pipes can flood the basement and lower levels of a house with water and sewage, creating a hazardous living environment and thousands of dollars in damages. Repairing outdoor pipes can require excavation, heavy equipment, and a lot of hours working with plumbers. It’s best just to avoid the whole situation with the proper prevention.

If there’s a freeze warning or if frost is still collecting on the grass overnight, there is a chance pipes can burst. It’s important to keep hoses and water fixtures outside unplugged until the last freeze date has passed. Additionally, keeping water moving through the home with a dripping faucet will help prevent any surprise freezes at night.

Keeping the water of spring showers away from the home can help prevent these unenjoyable springtime plumbing problems, leaving homeowners free to smell the spring flowers and enjoy those April showers!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has proudly been providing their Annapolis neighbors for over 65 years with the best plumbing and heating service around. Heidler, Inc. provides honest, affordable solutions tailored to their client’s individual needs. From gas fireplaces to plumbing installation, their technicians get it done right the first time. Give the ma call today for Annapolis slab lear repair.

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What’s Different Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing?

Residential Vs. Commercial Plumbing

During the education of plumbers, they must undergo training and testing to be able to perform the various aspects of plumbing regardless of whether it is residential or commercial. After their master’s certifications are complete, many plumbers choose to specialize in one or the other based on the type of work they prefer to do. Some, however, like the variety of challenges presented by opening themselves up to both the residential and commercial plumbing sectors.

The distinction between residential and commercial plumbing may be unclear to people looking for a good plumber, so local plumbers in Annapolis are here to provide information on the differences between the two.

The Size of the Work

The size of the work is one of the major differences between residential and commercial plumbing jobs. This is reflected in both the size of the installation and the size of the material used. In a typical residential dwelling, freshwater lines rarely exceed one inch in diameter. Sewer lines are typically three to four inches. These sizes are all that is necessary to carry out normal residential plumbing requirements.

When commercial systems are installed, they can require freshwater lines up to and exceeding six inches in diameter with much higher pressure than residential systems. Sewer lines are also adequately sized to be able to handle the drainage from any industry.

The technology and equipment necessary to install such large systems are completely different from installing residential systems. This is why many plumbers choose to stick to one or the other.

Commercial Systems are More Complex

Residential plumbing systems only require small freshwater and gas inputs and reasonably sized sewer outputs to meet building codes. On the other hand, commercial plumbing can require massive amounts of inputs and outputs that aren’t familiar to most people. A commercial plumber, for example, that is called on to install a boiler for process steam will have to plumb huge gas lines as well as high-pressure steam and condensate lines for the boiler to be able to operate. This is highly specialized equipment and beyond the scope of work for a typical residential plumber.

As a result, commercial plumbing systems are much more complicated than a typical residential system.

The Stakes are Higher

Due to the size of commercial plumbing installations, more people are affected than would be in a residential setting. While an interruption in plumbing service in a home is an inconvenience to a couple of people, an interruption in plumbing service in a commercial setting may prevent a business from serving customers as well as causing workers to be sent home due to shutdowns.

Because commercial plumbing is more complex, there is a higher chance for problems to occur. When problems arise in high-pressure water, gas, or chemical lines, there is a far greater chance that someone could get hurt when a problem occurs. This is why commercial plumbers take safety so seriously, and why they are so proud to advertise that they serve commercial customers.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has award-winning service in Annapolis. They handle all aspects of plumbing in residential and commercial settings. With years of experience and highly qualified technicians, they’re a top choice among commercial plumbing contractors.

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Plumbing Backflow: Scarier Than a Swamp Monster

Understanding the Dangers Posed by Backflow

Most homeowners have never heard of backflow in their plumbing. This is fortunate because backflow is a dangerous condition that can happen anywhere in a residential or municipal water supply. When backflow occurs, it means something catastrophic has happened somewhere in a freshwater system’s supply lines. Whatever the cause of a backflow condition, the problem will need fixing, and the water checked and certified that it is safe again. This is where backflow testing and certification specialists can help.

Backflow happens whenever contaminated water gets sucked backward through plumbing into clean water supplies. The water can be contaminated with chemicals, groundwater, sewage, or a host of other culprits. All local plumbing codes require the installation of backflow prevention devices to protect potable water supplies, but sometimes they fail or were never installed to begin with.

Home and business owners are required to have backflow preventers periodically tested to ensure that their devices won’t allow the contamination of large portions of municipal plumbing.

Grisly Messes That Need To Be Cleaned Up

While the phrase “contaminated water” may not conjure up frightening images like a scary movie, some of the stories that come from backflow prevention case studies are truly creepy.

A few examples of creepy stories from contaminated water supplies are:

A father running a bath for his child discovered parasitic worms swimming around in the tub. The worms came from the home’s irrigation system that wasn’t protected from backflow. During a water main break, worm-ladened groundwater was siphoned back into the home’s plumbing.
At a hospital, nurses complained of rusty water coming from a drinking fountain. When maintenance workers went to investigate, they found that it was blood coming from the fountain. The blood was coming from autopsy tables that had unprotected fixtures for washing after examination.
A small town’s residents were left without water for weeks after a toxic insecticide was back siphoned into municipal supplies. Water lines across several city blocks were flushed for days, but the insecticide had leached into the pipe walls. The extermination company responsible was forced to pay $21,000,000 in damages.

While these stories are extreme examples and not likely to be encountered by most homeowners, any case of backflow can lead to flood damage, requiring lengthy and expensive repairs.

Health Risks

Indoor plumbing that provides safe, clean drinking water is one of the miracles of modern society. Humans are susceptible to diseases and illnesses caused by waterborne organisms and chemical contamination, so water supplies must be protected. Backflow preventers are an essential part of protecting the water supply and keeping it safe for consumers. When they fail, people can be exposed to dangerous pathogens, chemicals, worms, and fecal matter. Backflow testing and certification help keep consumers safe from all of the threats carried through contaminated water supplies.

Why Testing and Certification Are Important

Backflow testing and certification are necessary to protect clean water supplies. Most local codes require these devices to be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Suppose it is found that backflow has occurred in a plumbing system. In that case, a licensed plumbing contractor must perform the certification process to ensure that no contamination is present after repairs and flushing of the water line.

By abiding by backflow testing and certification procedures, homeowners, business owners, and plumbers help keep municipal water safe for everyone who uses it.

About Heidler, Inc

Heidler, Inc has been serving customers since 1947. In over 70 years of customer service, their core values have changed very little. They still strive to offer honest and excellent service to all of their customers. Contact them to schedule Annapolis, MD, backflow testing and certification today!

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A Simple Introduction To Shower Plumbing

Learning About the Plumbing System

Most people shower at least once a day, if not more. Showers are the centerpieces of the bathroom in the modern home, but they are also the heart of plumbing issues. But that makes sense; the more something is used, the more care it will need. Showers require weekly maintenance to maintain their efficiency, but they need a professional to eradicate a serious issue.

Because of this, homeowners need to understand how their plumbing system works. Not only that, but how the plumbing connects to their showers as well. It is the only way to maintain a shower properly. It is also the only way to know when a professional is needed.

A Home’s Plumbing System

The average plumbing system doesn’t need any fancy technology. All it needs are some pipes, a little water pressure and gravity.

Sure, it sounds easy, but in all actuality, the plumbing system is a complex maze of pipes that have to be installed in the right place and at the exact right angle to function properly. It takes the knowledge of a trained and experienced professional to install a plumbing system. Otherwise, there will only be endless clogs leading to broken pipes.

A home’s plumbing system works like this:

Water flows into the home through a water supply line
Water leaves the home through a drain-waste line
Gravity keeps everything in motion
Water enters the home through the water heater
The water heater sends it everywhere it needs to go inside the home
The water is turned on and flows through a plumbing fixture in the home
Water leaves the home through the drain-waste line

Learning How Bathroom Plumbing Works

Bathrooms are typically one of the smallest rooms in the home, yet they generally have the most plumbing fixtures. That is why it’s crucial to know how your bathroom’s plumbing system works; all those pipes mean that there is a lot of opportunity for error. To keep the system working properly, homeowners must know what to look for in case of plumbing issues.

Above all the other fixtures in the bathroom, the toilet is unique in that:

The process starts by flushing the toilet
Water and waste leave the toilet
Clean water enters the bowl in place of the wastewater
If the pipes are clear, the waste leaves the home efficiently

The fixtures that have hot and cold water spouts work as valves regardless of the tub. When the hot water spout turns, the valve opens and allows the water to flow out. Then the same process mentioned above repeats itself with each use.

Understanding Shower Plumbing

Whether the home has a bathtub that turns into a shower or only has a stand-alone shower, this part of the bathroom has its own plumbing pipes as well. It might seem confusing at a glance, but its functionality is essentially the same as the rest of the home.

Below is an overview of the parts that make up the shower plumbing:

Showerhead
Base pan
Drain
Valves
Faucets
Strainer
Cartridge
Water supply line
Drain-waste line
Hot water line
Cold water line

The pipes in a shower can be made from copper, metal or even plastic. Many people in today’s world are starting to convert to plastic or PVC pipes because it’s durable and weather resistant.

Knowing how the shower plumbing works is helpful when a plumber is needed. Having a basic understanding of how the shower plumbing works doesn’t mean a homeowner should try to maintain it on their own. Plumbing is still something that should always be handled by a trained professional.

Heidler, Inc. Is There When You Need Them Most

When in need of a skilled plumbing professional with hands-on experience, look no further than the experts at Heidler, Inc. They know plumbing, and they understand the industry. Feel safe in trusting that they will get the job done right every time!