Press Releases Archive - Page 4 of 5 - Annapolis Plumbing Contractor

Don’t Let Kitchen Clogs Ruin Summer Cookout Fun!

Keep Kitchen Sinks Clear this Fourth of July!

Summer is in full swing, which means fun festivities with family and friends are not too far behind! With so many gatherings on the horizon, homeowners will want to make sure to give extra special care to their kitchens to ensure that they can keep up with all the barbecue fun.

Speaking of mayhem, given that there will be much chaos in the kitchen (and in the sinks for sure), homeowners should employ best practices to avoid clogs. After all, the last thing homeowners probably want is to have to deal with pesky clogs when they are relying on their kitchens for all the summer cookouts!

Do NOT Deposit Coffee Grounds and Excess Food Waste

The first and one of the most important pro tips to prevent kitchen clogs is to avoid depositing coffee grounds and excess food waste. Beginning with coffee grounds, the issue here is that grounds tend to clump when they come in contact with water. This means that when homeowners send coffee grounds down the drain and run water, the grounds will clump and lead to potential backups.

In turn, excess food waste can lead to heavy backups – especially when combined with coffee grounds! Too much food waste can lead to very foul smells, and when a buildup starts, it sure is difficult to stop it. If homeowners are dealing with large food waste, they should consider putting a portion of it in the trash and the remainder down the drain.

Do NOT Deposit Grease of Any Kind

The second and perhaps more important pro tip to prevent kitchen clogs is to never ever deposit grease down the drain. The primary reason why grease is the top culprit of kitchen clogs is that it is sticky and takes different physical forms depending on temperature. That is, when grease is hot, it is liquid – and that is the time when many homeowners are tempted to pour it down the drain.

But the thing that happens is that grease begins to solidify as it cools. So solid, sticky grease will line the drain as it cools and start to adhere to food or other waste being sent down the drain. This will make the drain highly prone to clogging and can be a huge problem, so homeowners should avoid ever putting grease down their drains.

Consider Investing in a New Garbage Disposal

Lastly, one of the best tools homeowners can use to counter kitchen sink clogs is to invest in a new garbage disposal. These appliances are critical and provide a whole host of advantages to homeowners and their families:

Decreases time for post-meal cleanups
Decreases volume of trash
Reduces foul odors

Importantly, above all else, garbage disposals break down waste, which reduces the probability of clogging. Homeowners should seek professional help with the installation of their new garbage disposals. Professionals can install garbage disposals quickly and efficiently, and this new appliance will be absolutely life-changing!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. of Annapolis, MD is a family-owned and operated business providing quality solutions since 1947. Their team of highly skilled experts provides emergency assistance, transparent pricing, and unparalleled customer service for every one of their clients. Give them a call for garbage disposal installation in Annapolis today!

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3 Reasons Why Whole-Home Water Filtration Is So Important

This Is Why Whole-Home Water Filtration Is So Important

Tap water might be considered safe to drink, but that still doesn’t mean it is the cleanest it can be. In fact, tap water has several different chemicals in it. These chemicals allow the water to be drinkable for humans. However, these chemicals still aren’t the best thing to circulate the body, especially when the body is mostly made up of water! That is one of the main reasons why it is so important to have a whole-home water filtration system. These systems work consistently to eliminate all chemicals and other harmful pollutants from the water. By doing this, the water is healthier to drink and reduces hard spots left behind on dishes.

Below are the three main reasons why having a whole-home water filtration system is so important. Continue reading to learn more.

The Smell and Taste of Water Changes for the Better

Unless homeowners have well water, people typically think their tap water tastes pretty good. However, homeowners can’t even begin to know what good water tastes and even smells like until they try tap water from a whole-home water filtration system. When the chemicals and other things are removed from the water, all the homeowner is left with is the water itself. Anyone that doesn’t have a whole-home water filtration system probably doesn’t know what pure water tastes like.

That said, some people might say the water tastes “funny” or “weird” after they have a whole-home water filtration system installed. As mentioned, this is because they are so used to drinking chemicals and potentially harmful bacteria most of their lives. It’s a lot to think about, honestly. The fact that people are so used to drinking chemicals. Still, after a few days, people tend to get used to the water and prefer it over other tap water.

Once homeowners are used to clean, pure water, they can’t stand the taste of unfiltered water.

Removes Chemicals From the Water

A whole-home water filtration system removes all impurities from the water, including the chemicals used to make the water safe enough for humans to drink in the first place.

Below is a list of chemicals and impurities that whole-home filtration systems work to remove:

Lead
Chlorine
Zinc
Hydrogen Sulfide

It might seem strange that all of these chemical compounds are needed to make tap water clean enough for humans to drink, but those are the facts. That is why it is so imperative to have a whole-home water filtration system installed. It is the only way to ensure that the water is chemical-free and free from impurities.

Protects Against Other Pollutants

Because the water needs to be treated with so many chemicals, it is also safe to assume that sometimes, harmful bacteria make it past some of these chemicals. It isn’t often that pollutants like harmful bacteria are found in drinking water, but it also isn’t worth the risk of getting sick!

It is best just to invest in a whole-home water filtration system to be on the safe side. Homeowners are likely to see improvements in their overall health and energy levels as well. Clean water makes a world of difference on the human body!

Heidler, Inc. Knows What Works

Annapolis homeowners can discover what it’s like to finally have a trustworthy plumber when they call the experts at Heidler, Inc. They are the family-owned and operated plumbing professionals who have provided excellent service since 1947. They even offer emergency assistance when needed. Give Heidler, Inc. a call today to learn more about their water filtration service in Annapolis.

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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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Tools of the Trade that Keeps Toilets Running

Ever Wondered What Tools Plumber Use?

Even in an age of DIY projects, plumbing remains a mystery to most people. Maybe this is because plumbing projects can be gross, or maybe it’s because most plumbing is technical work that people would rather leave to professionals. Regardless, demystifying plumbing is important so that homeowners can know how to proceed when plumbing problems arise. By learning more about their home’s plumbing, homeowners can be empowered to make smart decisions and know how to hire reliable contractors.

As a guide, local plumbers have given the following information about one particularly pesky plumbing problem: clogged toilets.

How Plumbers Deal with Clogs

Toilet clogs are a fairly obvious and urgent plumbing problem. Toilet clogs manifest themselves in water and waste backing up into the toilet basin. For homeowners and plumbers alike, there are a few different ways that toilet clogs can be dealt with. The options are:

Plungers: Plungers are the first line of defense against toilet clogs. Even if the homeowner has tried plunging a toilet clog, a plumber will likely try the same strategy before moving on to more serious tools.
Snakes: Plumbing snakes are tools that are designed to fit around the curves in a home’s plumbing. They can be mechanically or manually spun to bite into clogs so the clogs can then be pulled out. Snaking should generally be left to the professionals.
Pulling the Toilet: In extreme situations, a plumber may need to remove the toilet from the stack to clear a clog. This will probably only be necessary because of toys or other solid debris that gets caught in the toilet trap.

Other Common Toilet Issues

Toilets are generally very reliable, but they do have some other common problems that professionals can easily fix. One of the most common is a running toilet. Running toilets can be fixed easily by replacing the tank kit. The cost of replacing the kit will be small compared to the amount of water a running toilet can waste.

Another common issue with toilets is when they start to wobble on their stack. When they begin to wobble, it can mean that the floor is rotting from a small leak and that the wax ring is compromised. When the wax ring is gone, sewer gas will be allowed to leak up into the bathroom and create nasty smells. The problem can be easily fixed by professionals.

How Plumbers Replace a Toilet

Replacing a toilet isn’t a hard job, but it is best left to professionals. If a homeowner decides they need a new toilet, the steps that a plumber will take to replace it are:

Loosen the bolts on the current toilet
Remove the toilet from the stack
Scrape off the remainder of the wax ring from the stack
Install new wax ring on the bottom of the new toilet
Properly set new toilet on the stack
Tighten down new hardware to keep the toilet in place and protect the wax ring

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. serves residential and commercial customers in the Annapolis area. Prompt service from Heidler, Inc. means that homeowners are waiting around with a mess on their hands. Their skilled technicians are always ready to handle any plumbing problem a local homeowner may be facing. Give them a call today for expert toilet repair in Annapolis, MD.

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HVAC Resolutions for the New Year

Steps To Improve HVAC Operation During the New Year

The new year is a time of excitement and hope. It is at this time of year that many people acknowledge the challenges ahead in the next year. Every homeowner understands the challenges they face year-round, and many use this time of year to resolve to take better care of the responsibilities that come with homeownership.

One of the responsibilities shared by every homeowner is to take care of their home’s HVAC system. While HVAC maintenance can be too much for one person to try and handle, it is often better to seek a professional’s help to lighten the load. Here are few tips to make HVAC maintenance easier on homeowners going into the new year.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Professional HVAC maintenance is one of the best things that homeowners can spend their money on in the new year. Most HVAC maintenance contractors and manufacturers recommend maintenance at least twice per year to get the most out of the system, and they build their HVAC maintenance programs around that advice.

Many homeowners notice the monthly price tag associated with enlisting in a maintenance program and wonder what value they get for the money. Some of the benefits of professional maintenance include:

Protecting warranty
Ensuring longevity
Lowering repair bills
Keep the system efficient
Cleaner indoor air
More comfortable home

By enlisting in these programs, homeowners can save money over the life of the unit with lower costs for running and repairing the unit.

Replace Air Filters When Necessary

Deciding when to change filters is essential for every household. Air filters keep indoor air clean and prevent dirt from entering the HVAC unit, allowing it to last longer. For homes with pets or in dusty environments, filters may need to be changed monthly.

Additionally, if a home’s occupants are subject to asthma or allergies, better filters and more frequent changes may be beneficial. For a standard home with regular filtration needs, they can be changed every three months.

Many contractors include this in a service agreement, so homeowners don’t have to keep track of when the filters need to be changed. Along with a service agreement, seeking an HVAC contractor’s help can help homeowners decide the best filter to protect their system and those living in their home.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Maintaining a consistent temperature around the home is the whole point of having a central HVAC system. When summers lead to hot spots or winters to cold drafts, action should be taken to keep the home comfortable.

A consistent temperature is also important to ensure that things like wood furniture, flooring, and plumbing stay safe from environmental issues. Here are a few steps to help homeowners keep their home’s temperature more consistent and enjoyable:

Make sure vents are open and not blocked
Use curtains to dampen cold drafts or block hot sunlight
Check the thermostat for good operation
Keep doors open between rooms for good circulation
Ensure windows and doorways are sealed tight
Beef up insulation where possible

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is an HVAC contractor in Annapolis committed to customer service with awards for 10 years and running. Their prompt service is available 24-hours a day for emergencies, and homeowners can always count on them for fast and reliable service.

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Signs of Heater Malfunction Homeowners Should Never Ignore

Solve These Heater Issues Quickly

Winter is almost here, whether people like it or not. The days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are getting colder. Homeowners need to prepare themselves and their homes for the coming months. As the fall turns into winter, now is the best time to make sure everything is running as it should to keep the home comfortable throughout the winter.

The heater is one of the most significant components of the HVAC system and is used constantly during the winter. It’s critical to inspect the home’s heater to make sure it’s ready to take on the responsibility of keeping the house cozy indoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Homeowners should also keep a close eye out for the common signs of heater malfunction.

Heater Blowing Cold Air

The purpose of the heater is to produce and distribute warm air through the house. Therefore, if the heater can no longer do this and starts blowing cold air instead of warm air, this is a clear sign of heater malfunction. There are a few things homeowners should check when this happens.

Take a look at the thermostat. If it’s set too low, cold air will start blowing instead of warm air. Luckily, this is an easy one to fix.
See if the air filters need changing. If the air filters are too dirty, this could be preventing warm air from being distributed throughout the house.
Check the pilot light. If the pilot light is broken or has a yellow flame instead of a blue flame, this could be causing the cold air as well.

Odd Noises

When the heater is experiencing a problem, it’s great at communicating that problem to the homeowner. If it isn’t blowing cold air to tell the homeowner that something is wrong, it might start making loud, unusual noises instead.

Scraping and grinding noises typically signal that something is wrong with the blower wheel. Old age or wear and tear may be causing the component to malfunction, and it likely needs replacing.
For gas furnaces, banging noises are another typical sound of heater malfunction. When the gas burner is too dirty, it delays the ignition. All of that gas starts to build up over time, and when the burners finally ignite, it results in a loud bang.
Screeching noises can signal a problem with several heater components: the blower motor, the blower belt, or the shaft bearings. Poor maintenance and lack of oiling and lubrication are common causes for this type of breakdown.

Pilot Light Turns Yellow

In a normal heater, the pilot light burns blue. Blue is the natural color of a flame when it has adequate oxygen. But if this oxygen is restricted, the pilot light can turn from blue to yellow. As a result, the flame is not as hot and can go out frequently, causing the gas supply to shut off.

Additionally, since the yellow flame is weaker, it can’t eliminate all the carbon monoxide that the blue light can burn. This puts the health of homeowners and their families at risk as the poisonous can start leaking into the rest of the house.

The most common reason for this problem is the buildup of dirt on the air intake valve. This is why it’s so critical for homeowners to have their heater checked. A maintenance check could identify this buildup of dirt and resolve this problem before turning the heat on.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has been leading the way in plumbing and heating innovation since 1947. Their team of experts continuously keeps up to date on the plumbing and heating industry’s latest advancements. By staying educated on new trends and technologies, they can provide the quality heater repair services Annapolis homeowners deserve.

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Give the Gift of Hot Water This Holiday

Why It’s Important To Have a Healthy Water Heater

Having hot water all year long is great, but having hot water during these colder end of the year times is a must. No one wants to start or end their day with a cold shower, especially not in the late fall and during the winter. However, it is hard to enjoy a warm shower when a water heater is either old or needs some repairs. And the best way to make sure that their water heaters are good and healthy is to call on a professional. Read on to learn the common symptoms of a damaged water heater and what homeowners can do to protect their home.

Top Signs a Water Heater Needs Service

While water heater repair and service should always be left to the experts, knowing when to call them is just as important. Some signals a water heater needs help include:

Hot Water Is Not Hot For Long: Just like with the human body, when a water heater gets older, it begins to break down. Things do not work or function the way they did when it was younger or brand new. If, while taking a shower, a person notices that the water gets keeps getting cool, and they have to keep turning the faucet handle, again and again, it may be time for the water heater to be repaired.
Discolored Water: Seeing rust-colored water is clearly unsettling. And seeing it come out of a sink or showerhead is a sign of a water heater in need of some serious repairs. It could be due to rust building up on the inside of the tank. Sediment buildup is also a common reason for this. And if left unchecked, it can lead to tank corrosion. And that can lead to a bunch of other problems no one wants to, or should, deal with.
Loud Noises From the Unit: Hearing an occasional “clink” or “clang” from a water heater is normal. When it starts sounding like a horror movie scene, it is time to call someone in to have it checked.

What’s Making the Water Heater Break Down?

The biggest thing that makes a water heater break down is, once again, let’s say it together: Sediment Buildup. Heated water may leave behind small minerals that slowly grow and build up over time, causing a water heater to become less efficient and reducing the flow of hot water. The buildup can then later lead to corrosion, which can cause a water heater to rust up and even begin to deteriorate.

Another thing that makes a water heater break down is a lack of attention. If it is never inspected, how can someone know if something is wrong with it? Unfortunately, the saying, “Ignorance is Bliss” doesn’t work for the water heater.

Owners should always be aware of their water heater’s condition. It is for a good cause, after all. The well being of their health as well as their wallet. The sooner a problem is spotted, the sooner a solution can be given. And earlier solutions will eventually catch up with better payments down the road.

When Is the Right Time To Replace Your Water Heater?

A hot water heater is supposed to do one thing: provide hot water. It’s in its name. If it is not doing that, it may be time to get it replaced. The average water heater lasts about eight years, though it can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance. If the poor thing is getting up there in age, it is more than likely that it will already start to show signs of aging and give problems.

Also, if a water heater technician constantly has to be called to repair an existing water heater, it is probably wiser to just replace it altogether. In the end, if one is unsure about whether they should replace their water heater, it is always wise to call on a professional.

About Heidler, Inc.

Since 1947, Heidler, Inc. has provided plumbing and heating services to Annapolis. With their flat rates and live emergency assistance, Heidler, Inc continues to contribute excellent service for all of their customers. Call Heidler, Inc. today and ask about water heater installation in Annapolis.

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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!