Things to Know About Going Green on Earth Day

 

recycle_480The local environment must be protected so that your family and future generations enjoy the same access to resources we do. But without implementing environmentally-friendly initiatives in the process, local resources cannot be protected. It’s why our team is committed to guiding property owners on going green. And with Earth Day on April 22nd in mind, we’re presenting our tips for implementing resource-friendly strategies around the home.

Low Flow Systems Limit Water Output

You might not be aware of it. But each time you take just a 10-minute shower, you’re potentially using up to 17 gallons of water. This is a significant amount, and it can be reduced simply by installing low flow systems in your home. The installation of low-flow toilets and showers can reduce your water use by half! It’s a process that could save you hundreds of gallons in water waste each month.

save-water_480Water Filters Reduce Reliance on Bottled Water

Bottled water spending is rising significantly each year across the country. We spend millions of dollars simply buying filtered water in plastic bottles from worldwide manufacturers. But what if you were to use filters to achieve the level of water quality in your own home? A filter such as reverse osmosis systems help remove toxic metals and chemicals from the water while ensuring the water has a clean taste. The installation of the filter is simple and takes just a few minutes.

Shopping Locally Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

carbon-footprint_480Focusing on reducing your carbon footprint is a great way to minimize the overuse of local resources. You can move forward in this process by committing to shopping locally. This means you won’t have to drive as far, or even at all to pick up food. You can also choose to buy from local food producers, which limits the amount of transportation required to bring your food to the home. Each of these steps can play an important role in reducing your carbon footprint.

Tankless Water Heaters Provide Hot Water On-Demand

Rather than storing water in the home and then heating up small amounts for showers and baths, why not install tankless water systems for hot water on demand? Tankless technology mitigates the need to keep stored water on the property and means you can be enjoying your shower or bath quickly.

It’s Time for World Water Day on March 22nd

 

World-WaterAre you aware that World Water Day is taking place On March 22? This globally recognized day is the result of the water crisis currently affecting some of the most impoverished areas in the world.

In 1993, the UN General Assembly declared that we would celebrate World Water Day in March as a way to raise awareness for the water crisis and work toward a resolution.

What is the Water Crisis?

World Water Day is all about recognizing the water crisis and working toward a resolution. But what is the water crisis? You may not realize it because of how lucky we are to have access to water as Americans, but over 663 million people in the world do not have access to clean water near their homes.

Wasting-waterFor many people, walking for hours and waiting in line for a jug of clean water is a daily occurrence. For others, they are not so lucky and must use contaminated water for their cooking, cleaning, and bathing.

UN-Water was started in response to this crisis, and in 2015, a series of sustainability goals were outlined in order to reach the larger goal of ensuring clean water for all by 2030.

What is Going on This Year for World Water Day?

Across the globe, there are events and seminars for World Water Day. Each year, there is a theme to the event. This year’s theme is wastewater. Wastewater refers to the water that comes from our houses and cities. In many cases, wastewater is not properly treated, and it flows back into nature polluting the Earth and producing more waste.

UN-Water’s initiative this year is to prevent wastewater with better reusing and recycling means. They aim to halve the amount of wastewater produced, by repurposing the water for things like irrigation and use in cooling systems.

How Can You Help?

Water-dropIt may seem overwhelming to think of ways you can make a difference for someone on the other side of the world, but there are many things you can do at home to help UN-Water achieve its goals and reduce wastewater. If we all pitched in and did a little bit, it would make a huge difference. Here are a few ideas to get started:

  • While you’re waiting for the shower to heat up, place a bucket under the showerhead to collect the unused water. Use that water to water your garden or even flush the toilet.
  • Invest in a water-conserving or dual-flush toilet. They use less water and you will notice savings on your water bill.
  • Get water leaks repaired right away.
  • Collect rainwater in a bin outside to water your plants or garden.
  • Turn off the tap between brushing your teeth.
  • Invest in a greywater reuse system.

Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer has many more tips and tricks for conserving water and saving money with your plumbing system. For service in West Covina, CA call 626-962-0885 today.

Which Way Does Your Toilet Bowl Swirl?

Sometimes it’s the little things that make us wonder how they came to be that way… Do you know which direction your toilet bowl swirls? Take the video quiz below to find out! You may be surprised to see what you find.

The experts at Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer, in the West Covina, CA area, are always willing to share their knowledge with you. If you’re interested in learning more contact us at 626-962-0885.

Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking for Effective Drain Cleaning

 

Keeping your drains clean and free of debris is a vital part of homeownership. In addition to preventing annoying clogs and blockages, clean drains promote a healthy plumbing system and efficient plumbing appliances.

hydrojettingvssnaking

With that being said, clogged drains are still among the most common plumbing problems we see as professional plumbers. In addition to hair, grease, food and oil getting stuck in the drains, we also see problems from homeowners using chemical drain cleaners to keep their drains clean. These chemicals are harsh and corrode your pipes, weakening them from the inside and speeding up the wear and tear process.

For quality drain cleaning services, we recommend snaking or hydro jetting. These methods are both safe and effective. Continue reading to find out which service is best for you:

How does Snaking work?

plumbingsnakeSnaking involves using a cable with an auger-like attachment on the end. The steps for snaking are as follows:

  • The cable is fed into the drain by a technician.
  • When the technician feels resistance against the cable, it indicates that the clog has been reached.
  • After the cable is set in position, the technician will turn a crank on his end of the cable that makes the blades inside the drain rotate.
  • The clog gets chewed up. Smaller pieces of the clog are then free to either wash out through the system or get pulled out when the cable is removed.

What are the benefits of Hydro Jetting?

As the name suggests, hydro jetting uses a jet of high-pressure water to quickly clear out years of debris and grease from the drains. This service is fast, effective and safe. Hydro jetting is perfect for stubborn clogs and recurring blockages.

The jets are so powerful, they actually smooth the inner texture of the pipe to help prevent future clogs before they even get a chance to form.

Circumstances in Which You Should Choose Snaking Over Hydro Jetting

hydrojettingIn most cases, technicians will recommend snaking as the first defense against clogs because it’s simple, easy and mostly effective. Snaking is ideal for simple clogs that have not yet hardened to the pipe wall. When snaking isn’t enough, we recommend hydro jetting since it’s more intense and actually prevents future clogs from forming.

Are these Services DIY-Able?

Most professionals will strongly discourage trying to hydro jet your drains without the necessary experience and training. Some of the reasons for this include:

The high-pressure water could cause damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you have pipes that are already damaged or weakened from chemical drain cleaners, hydro jetting may make the problem worse. This is why our technicians always inspect the pipes before recommending the service.

Call Drainiacs Plumbing, Drain & Sewer today to keep your drains in tip-top shape. Call (626) 962-0885 today for trusted drain cleaning services in Covina, CA.