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How Low Flow Fixtures Can Help You Save on Water

These days everybody is concerned about having enough water, especially during drought conditions, and therefore most are paying more attention to how much water they are using.

Along with the need to conserve water is the need for lower water utility bills. Both problems can be fixed by new plumbing technologies that we are well experienced at installing. Our expert water conservation-aware technicians will quickly convert your home to a water-conserving home.

New Toilets

Since the toilet typically uses more water than anything else in a home, it makes good sense to replace all toilets with the new low volume flush features. Traditional toilets use up to 7 gallons per flush.

Some of the low-volume toilets include other water-saving features, such as having 2 flush controls, one for a minimal flush of about 0.8 of a gallon and another for the full 1.6-gallon flush. They cost a little bit more upfront, but the savings in water utility bills will pay it off very quickly.

New Shower Heads

The second biggest use of water in the home is the shower. Have a low-flow showerhead installed and save even more water, and therefore money. Traditional showerheads flow at about 5 gallons per minute.

Switch to a low-flow solution and reduce that flow to a mere 2.5 gallons per minute, or even less. Showers are preferable to baths because a bath can take up to 25 gallons of water. A low-flow showerhead solution may use as little as 15 gallons.

New Faucets

Traditional bathroom and kitchen faucets use up to 3 gallons per minute, which is about double the flow of a low-flow faucet, at 1.5 gallons per minute.

Of course, whenever there is a leaky faucet you must have it serviced or replaced right away. All faucets should be upgraded at the same time.

We are experts in the installation of all things plumbing. Give us a call and we will have a conversation about upgrading your plumbing to use drastically less water, helping you responsibly conserve water and save money at the same time.

Don’t delay. Give Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer a call at (626) 962-0885 to save money and lower the carbon footprint of your West Covina home without changing your busy lifestyle.

5 Summer Plumbing Tips

Summer is in full swing and families are out in the thick of it getting all those good summer vibes. The last thing to cross your mind is your plumbing and some of the risks you face during these hot months.

You might be surprised to know that some major problems can befall you during these beach days and bonfire nights. Here are just some of the issues that you can come across.

Kitchen Clogs

Cookouts are a major staple, and with that staple comes more food waste. Sure most of it will end up in the garbage can, but a lot more than usual will end up in the garbage disposal.

Be mindful of what you’re putting down in the disposal, stay away from fats and oils, corn husks, banana peels, and other foods that may clog it.

Washing Machine Woes

Right about now parents are probably scratching their heads wondering why they keep running out of laundry detergent so quickly. The simple answer, the kids are home. With increased outside activities comes increased dirty clothes. Check your washing machine for cracks and leaks and move it away from the wall.

Plunger Paradise

While your washing machine handles more clothes, your toilet is handling more…stuff, especially with the kids at home for the summer. With them home, just like the disposal and the washer machine, your toilet is getting a nice summer workout. Make sure your children are using a modest amount of toilet paper, and not jamming toys down there.

Mean Mother Nature

In some parts of the country, Mother Nature is simply unforgiving. Increased rain showers, thunderstorms bring more water.

That water has to go somewhere and that somewhere could be your sewer pipes. Cracks in the pipes are going to provide an opening for this water and you’ll be blessed with everyone’s favorite problem, clogged sewer pipes.

For Love of Lawn

For those who have sprinkler systems that are embedded in the lawn, before you start watering, check for clogs.

This is one of those problems that will creep up on you since you probably don’t think about them at all. Mowing will surely increase and with that increase, clumps of grass and dirt.

Of course, with any of these problems, it’s better to call the professionals with any problems that may arise. No need furthering any damage already done.

Looking for more insight on summer plumbing tips for your West Covina home? Call Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer at (626) 962-0885 today, and see what works for you!

Tips for Dealing with a Plumbing Emergency

There are several areas in the home that involve plumbing. All you have to do is look around the bathroom, kitchen, and even outside of the home to find faucets, pipes, and drains. As with any major item in the home, you will find that there could be emergencies that need to be handled.

You can find a reputable emergency plumber by reading reviews online, asking friends and family, or asking if the plumber that you ordinarily use offers emergency services.

You want to find a plumbing company that will discuss the issue and what it will take to fix it before making any final decisions. There are some common plumbing emergencies that you might see more than others in the home and tips to follow to handle them.

Turn Off The Water And Gas

In any plumbing emergency, you want to make sure the water is turned off. There should be a main valve to turn off the water to the entire home. Make sure you know where this valve is located. You also need to know how to turn off the gas to the home in the event that plumbing components, such as the water heater.

Duct Tape

This can be something ideal to use for sealing cracks in pipes until you can get another piece of pipe. Use a tape that is waterproof and that is wide so that it covers the most area possible. Teflon tape can also be used.

Frozen Pipes

If there is no water flow in the winter, it can be a sign that the pipes are frozen. Wrap the pipes ahead of time in order to prevent this situation.

Turn the heat in the home up so that there is more warm air flowing through the house. A plumber can come to the home to thaw out the pipes safely so that they don’t burst, leading to more repairs that are needed.

Leaks

Sometimes, you might not know that there is a water leak until you get a higher water bill. You can listen for a sound that is similar to air coming from the pipes if you suspect that there is a leak. A plumber can use special tools to find a leak that is outside or under the ground.

Looking for an emergency plumber in Badlwin Park? Call Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer at (626) 962-0885 for quality service you can trust!

How to Extend the Life of Your Piping System

Many piping systems have proven to be reliable over the years, but there are some important measures to take that can ensure a long life for your pipes after years of daily use.

Avoid Chemical Drain Clearing Products

Despite the impulse to unclog every drain with clearing products easily found at any given supermarket, these items will only damage your pipes and negatively affect the environment as a result.

As well, they rarely fully resolve the issue in the short term, so the problem is likely to happen again and the problems will repeat themselves. It is better to hire a professional to snake the drains.

Reduce the Pressure

Applying high-pressure water on a regular basis can eat away at the lining of your pipes over time, and cause a leak in the worst-case scenario. Each time you use your pipes after they’ve developed leaks causes them to work harder, producing more leaks.

And a low-flow showerhead doesn’t resolve this problem; it only causes the showerhead itself to perform at lower pressures. A hose bib gauge can measure the pressure of the water within the pipes, and it can be attached to a spigot outside for viewing convenience. If it shows numbers outside of 40 and 85 PSI, consult with a plumber to consider a pressure reducer system.

Soften the Water

Ask your plumber if your water contains high levels of mineral content, or hard water, as it can negatively affect your plumbing system in the long run. The mineral content, made up of things such as magnesium and calcium, builds up along the walls of the pipes and restricts the water, which then increases the pressure and causes problems.

This is a problem especially in the Southwest and the Northeast, so make sure to consult with a plumber if you leave in these areas. One sign that you might notice yourself white debris present around showerheads and faucets.

You can also review your house’s municipal water service for information about your water’s quality. If you do have hard water, they will install a water softener to prevent further damage to the piping system, consisting of sodium and electromagnetic pulses in more contemporary solutions. The sodium-based system is pricier but more convenient if an electrical outlet is not available.

Want to extend the life of your West Covina home piping system? Call Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer at (626) 962-0885 to find out ways to extend the life of your pipes.