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Water Waste Concerns: Why Saving Water for Summer Months is Key

Do you have summer plans for your water?

If you didn’t plan on using a lot of water all year, then more than likely you’ve planned to do so in the summer. There are so many things that can be done around the home with water during the summer months, including:

• Fill up a new pool
• Run a waterfall
• Add a water slide
• Insert a Koi pond
• Run the sprinklers for fun

If you had any ideas in mind about how to use water around the home for fun this summer, then you’ll want to start conserving water, especially if you don’t want to waste it or have an extremely high water bill.

Filling a Pool

Some people wait until close to summertime before they decide to build a pool in their backyard, or they choose to purchase a pool that can be set up and filled. Those that know they’re going to fill up a pool for the summer should realize that pools can easily take hundreds of gallons of water, and some pools can use a thousand gallons or more, so this can be a significant increase on your water bill.

The water used to fill up a pool isn’t necessarily going to waste because the water can be reused throughout the year if the pool is kept in pristine condition. Water waste becomes a problem when you have a pool that can be taken down and is not covered when it’s not being used, and you have to refill the pool every year. As long as you’re caring for your pool and keeping it covered to keep out the harmful elements when it’s not being used, then the water you use to fill any pool could last for years.

Installing a Waterfall

What would look better than a custom-made waterfall in front of a home that catches the eye and beautifies the home? A waterfall can even be attached to a custom-made pool and will take up energy, but you also have to worry about the water consumption as well.

Although the water is recycling itself and doesn’t need a continuous infusion of fresh water, filling the waterfall to capacity could take many gallons of water, depending on the size of the waterfall and how strong the pump is. If you’ve chosen to put a waterfall on your property, whether it’s for visual stimulation or for fun by the pool, make sure it’s made correctly and not overfilled so that you won’t be wasting water.

Water Slide

Another fun addition to any pool would be a water slide, but some of them need water in order for people to go through them smoothly.

If you plan on adding a water slide to your property that needs running water to allow it to work, then you should anticipate that you’ll be using a lot of water, which means that saving your water usage until the summer is even more important.

Inserting a Koi Pond

If you’ve decided to beautify your property by adding a Koi pond, then realize the task you’re taking on as well as the amount of water these types of ponds will need.

Similar to a waterfall, the Koi pond can reuse the same water that is used to fill it, but the pond still takes up a massive amount of water, especially if it’s a custom made Koi pond that’s large.

Running the Sprinklers

Since building ponds and pools is not something that everyone can afford, you may just be planning to run the sprinklers for yourself or others when you feel like enjoying outdoor water activities, which can still take up a lot of water.

The downside of running the sprinklers is the fact that the water will most likely be wasted unless you run it over different portions of the lawn to complete two tasks at once. Getting a pool, even a temporary pool, can save you more water than running the sprinklers, but if you anticipate running the sprinklers a lot this summer, then start your water conservation methods now.

Saving water now will help you later.

When you know your summer is going to be filled with water activities that will directly tap into the amount of water you use, then conservation is the key.

Water waste is something you want to avoid, such as allowing the faucet to run while you groom yourself or even brush your teeth. Using too much water for cooking, cleaning and washing clothes is also a waste of water. Don’t allow the garden hose to continue running when you know it won’t be in constant use. Fill up containers of water for drinking, even if the water starts coming from the tap warm, don’t let it go down the drain and to waste.

Also, many don’t realize that their long showers are contributing to an extreme amount of water waste, and cutting showers down to five minutes can be a great way to start water conservation in the home. It’s also best to take showers as opposed to running a bath, which can use up to 50 gallons of water for a single use. Small conservation methods now can allow you to use more water in the summer, so observe how you are using water, and start cutting back on water usage when it’s possible.

Allow your plumber to be your guide.

If you don’t know how you can save more water around the home, then contact your local plumber. Your plumber can give you some great ideas on how to conserve water, and you should also have them look at any plumbing around the home that may possibly be leaking.

If you know your toilets or other plumbing fixtures are leaking, then have your plumber fix or replace them, especially since it may be costing you an untold amount of money on your water bill and wasting several gallons of water each day with each fixture.

Plumbing services from Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer in Covina, CA are always available by calling (626) 962-0885.

We wish it didn’t have to happen to us but when that kitchen or bathroom drain starts to slow down our hearts sink to the pit of our stomachs. Ugh!! That dreaded feeling of despair and helplessness comes upon us but don’t fear! We have an easy home remedy for those small yet annoying slow moving drains that can pop up out of know where!

First off, we must say that not all slow moving drains are created equal. When a drain begins to slow down it can be caused by any number of things. It can get clogged with normal everyday use or it can potentially be the symptom of a bigger underlining issue. If the latter is the case, then we’re sorry to say that this home remedy for a slow moving drain might not work for you but you’ll never know unless you try it! Right? So let’s get started!

For starters, all that backed up water needs to drain completely from the affected drain. Once that’s been taken care of, you’ll need to gather the following household supplies:

1. 1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
2. 1 Cup of Lemon Juice or Vinegar
3. 3 Cups or More of Hot Water
4. Towel or Stopper to cover drain

Next, get as much of the baking soda down the drain as you can. You want to make sure it doesn’t just sit at the top of the drain. Now here comes the fun part, pour your lemon juice or vinegar down the drain and quickly cover it with a towel or drain stopper. Make sure those bubbles don’t spill over and out of the drain! We want all those bubbles to attack the clog and break it apart. Let the foaming mixture sit in the pipe for at least 15mins.  Remove your towel or stopper and pour in the hot water straight down the drain. This will help push the remaining clog down the pipe. If this doesn’t work the first time, repeat the process.  If after the second try the clog still doesn’t budge, it might be time to call your friendly DCP plumber.

DIY Wet Wipes (Why Flushing Regular Wipes Will Clog Your Drains)

There was a time in which wet wipes were reserved for cleaning babies during the diaper-changing process. However, wet wipes, also referred to as disposable wipes, are being increasingly used by adults as well. They provide a portable, disposable alternative to carrying cloth towels. People use these wipes to clean their faces, their hands, and the home’s surfaces.

While the convenience that these types of wipes provide cannot be disputed, the manner in which they are disposed of can prove to be problematic. While there are a number of brands that advertise their disposable wipes as being flushable, what people are learning is that over time, flushing these wipes leads to the clogging of the plumbing, and high costs for toilet repair.

Using Disposable Wipes as a Convenience

The term “disposable wipes” is simply another term for wet wipes that are packaged and marketed for adult use. In essence, there is no difference between wet wipes and disposable wipes, with the exception of fragrances and types of soap. As far as the type of paper that is used, everything is basically the same.

Some manufacturers and brands market their products as being flushable, which should mean that it breaks down in water, much in the same manner as toilet paper, however, consumers are reporting that they are running into plumbing problems with prolonged use.

The cost to repair the clog can be expensive.

There are multitudinous consumer reports that are being published suggesting that flushing these wipes has led to expensive repair costs.

According to these reports, the number of instances in which pipes are becoming clogged due to flushing wipes is increasing exponentially. While it may seem that the clogging of pipes with disposable wipes would be a minor issue, with minimal damage, there have been reports of major pipe damage, and sewage backup — which can also create health hazards.

In addition to problems in residential structures, there have been reports of city governments having to invest in heavy equipment to repair or replace pipes that have been damaged by flushable wipes. These wipes have increasingly clogged pipes and water pumps over the last several years. There have been flooded basements, in addition to damaged furniture and walls.

How to Avoid Costly Repairs Associated with Flushable Wipes

Although packages may be labeled as flushable, it is imperative to understand that the current standard for what is considered flushable is somewhat ambiguous, and the regulatory sanctions for mislabeling this type of product are relatively light, which reveals that just because it is labeled as flushable does not mean that it is a good idea to flush it down the toilet.

The first thing that has to be considered is the plumbing design and the layout of the pipes. Some plumbing systems will fare better than others.

The best way to determine if a particular home has a plumbing system that can facilitate flushable wipes is to consult a qualified plumber. The plumber will be able to access the plans for the design, and they will be able to advise the homeowner as to whether their plumbing system can facilitate flushing disposable wipes. It is likely that the vast majority of plumbing professionals will err on the side of caution — suggesting that disposable wipes not be flushed.

When consulting a number of top plumbing companies across the country about ways to avoid this costly issue, the common response was not to flush them.

Drain Cleaning Pipes Clogged by Wipes

For the homeowner, it should be a common practice of having their plumbing system inspected at least twice per year. The good thing is that the homeowner who has their plumbing system inspected by a qualified plumbing professional will benefit from the fact that the inspection will reveal buildup that could possibly lead to a clog. The sooner that a problem like this is discovered and addressed, the easier it will be to resolve the issue.

Additionally, the earlier the problem is diagnosed, the less expensive the repairs will be.

When people don’t address plumbing issues until symptoms manifest, it can often be too late.

Homeowners should understand that water flows through the pipe systems being propelled by pressure, and where there is pressure, there is always a risk of damaging the pipes as the pressure builds.

When pipes burst, there is risk of interior water damage. It is also a chance that the damage will trigger sewage backup, which will not only create an inconvenience, but it could be harmful to the health of the residents in that home and surrounding homes.

Once the pipes burst, toilet repair and drain cleaning costs can literally skyrocket. What homeowners should avoid is the proclivity to take shortcuts and to seek cheaper ways of addressing the issue. When it comes to plumbing, if it is not repaired right initially, the damages will simply compound when the faulty repair fails.

Using a professional will ensure that the problem is properly diagnosed and all of the damage is detected the first time around.

Consumer Awareness

It is obvious that the use of disposable wipes provides convenience, however, convenience should be tempered with practicality. While flushing the wipes may seem to be expedient, the long-term effects make it counterproductive, and costly. To dispose of these wipes through other means would prove more beneficial.

When homeowners do find themselves in a situation in which their pipes and drains are clogged because of flushing disposable wipes, they should seek professional assistance, as soon as possible.

As more Glendora, CA homes use disposable wipes, there has been an increase in clogged drains. For questions about your drains call Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer at (626) 962-0885.

10 Benefits of an Advanced Water Filtration System

Throughout the western world, plumbing companies report that the challenges are changing. Some do not know how to keep up with the wave of change. Every measure is being taken to ensure that homeowners will have clean water.

So when homeowners hire plumbers for their water filter installation, many of the plumbers are surprised at how sophisticated the systems are. Homeowners are quickly realizing that when they hire a La Habra area plumber for their water filter installation, they need somebody who is competent. A sophisticated and advanced water filtration system is important enough to warrant a competent plumber.

The public is quickly learning all of the benefits of such a filtration system.

1 – Clean Water From Every Source

Many people will go out of their way to purchase spring water or a filtered pitcher to ensure that they will have some clean drinking water.

But an advanced water filtration system will ensure that every water source generates clean water.

If some water accidentally flows into your mouth while you are taking a shower, you will not need to worry about the intake of chemicals. If you wake up in the middle of the night with a dry mouth, you will not have to go all the way to the kitchen.

You can just turn on the sink in the bathroom and take a drink.

You will also not need to worry about where your children are getting their water.

2 – Filter Out Arsenic

It is interesting how people learn of the negative impact of certain things in retrospect. People learned that cigarettes caused cancer after the correlation to cigarettes and cancer became evident.

But today, science has advanced to such a state that one can detect what is in tap water and deter the public from drinking it. Tap water has chemicals such as arsenic, which is often associated with cancer. An advanced water filtration system will filter it out.

3 – Weight Loss

It is widely known that when one intakes a healthy amount of water, they will burn more calories throughout the day. It helps people cut back on sugary drinks and will even suppress one’s appetite, especially if it is consumed before a meal.

However, if you do not have clean water in your La Habra home, you will not be able to enjoy the health benefits or the weight loss. Without a clean water source, you will not have access to the amount of water that you need.

4 – Reduce Waste

Many people who want to intake clean water will often purchase plastic water bottles. However, since there is a growing emphasis on the environmental damage that humans are causing, people are less inclined to make this sort of purchase. It is a waste of natural resources, particularly when so many people are throwing their water bottles into the garbage.

An advanced water filtration system will help the environment by preserving some of the earth’s natural resources.

5 – Save Money

Some people might object to the idea of an advanced water filtration system because they are worried that they are going to have to spend a lot of money.

Although, the money that they spend on a water filtration system will be significantly less than the money that one spends to purchase filtered water and new water filters for their pitcher throughout the course of their life. It is akin to the difference between purchasing a fishing pole and purchasing fish.

While it may be cheaper to buy filtered water in this single purchase, the cumulative cost will far exceed the cost of an advanced water filtration system.

6 – Children’s Health

There is a reason that so many people are concerned about the lack of water around the world. Children need clean water, and they often do not have access to it.

Water is important for the development of a child’s immune system. Unfiltered water is dangerous for adults just because of the ongoing exposure to chemicals. However, children are still growing. Their immune systems are still developing. They need clean water more than anybody else.

Many people who care about the welfare and future of their children are purchasing an advanced water filtration system.

7 – Cleaner Air

Unfiltered water will impact the entire household. It is more than merely the water that one intakes. It is the atmosphere in which a person lives.

The air will be stained and polluted. This is particularly harmful if an individual is already suffering from asthma or another condition that makes it difficult to breathe.

When one installs a water filtration system for their entire house,  they find that it is much easier to breathe. The water will be cleaner. The water vapor will be cleaner. You will breathe easier.

8 – Avoid Chlorine Exposure

People often put chlorine in their swimming pool so that the water will remain clean. But one would be well-advised to avoid drinking pool water. Similarly, prolonged exposure to chlorine can have very harmful effects. If it is being poured over one’s skin (like in the shower) or ingested (like drinking water), the effects can be very harmful. A household water filtration system will circumvent this.

9 – Skin Hydration

Your body needs to be properly hydrated. If you are consuming clean and filtered water, your skin will be more healthy as a result of proper overall health practices.

10 – Better Taste

Sometimes unhealthy food tastes better. But there is nothing about tap water that would allure or tempt anybody. Fresh water that has been properly filtered tastes much better than tap water. In fact, many people who switch to filtered water wonder how they ever spent so much time drinking tap.

If you want to find a plumber in your city of La Habra, CA who can help you install a filtration system, please contact Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer at (626) 962-0885.