Showers Instead of Baths

There’s no denying that baths require way more hot water than a shower. Warm baths should be considered a luxury. Don’t opt for baths for your children or you on a daily basis. If possible, limit baths to 2-3 times per month. Full baths require 70 gallons of water on average versus about 15 gallons for a short shower or 30 gallons for a 10-minute shower. If you choose baths 3 times a month vs daily, you will save anywhere from $15 to $35 per month, when you take into consideration the cost of the water and the electricity required to heat it.

Of course, reducing the time your family spends in the shower will help reduce the cost and will help ensure hot water is available for washing clothes or dishes or to the next bather, unless of course you have a tankless hot water heater. Try this trick: Keep the bathroom door closed (especially in cold winter months) as this will help maintain the warm air. A fluffy robe can help you maintain warmth as well.

Identify any plumbing problems

Yes, there are situations when those huge water heating bills are caused by plumbing issues. There could be a valve or pipe blockage or a number of other issues. Even a single drip add up when it comes to a water bill. This is why you need to hire professional plumbers and handle these types of problem as fast as possible. Thankfully, catching a plumbing issue early can produce significant cost savings.

Reduce Hot Water Heater Temperature

Your hot water temperature can be adjusted down. Many people do this in the summer when the water tends to be warmer anyway. It may be difficult to know how low to set the hot water heater. Try reducing it a notch or two and see if you can tell any difference. Also, be sure to consider children who are in the household or visiting. Having a water temperature set too high can result in skin burns.  Be sure to read your hot water heater instructions to be sure you set it the right way. We have had customers who tried to lower their temperature and raised it instead.

Avoid Leaving the Hot Water Running

Instead of leaving the hot water run when you step away to soak a pan or fill a teapot can escalate your hot water use quickly. The best practice is to turn off hot water if you are not there to monitor it.

Adjust Dishwasher Settings

Consider adjusting your dishwater settings to increase efficiency. You can either change the setting to lower the temperature of of your dishwasher or have it run a shorter time. Of course some items may require high heat, particularly for sterilization purposes. Consider your settings before simply defaulting to high heat and lengthy cycles.

Add a Timer to your Water Heater on Alexa 

Timers have become popular in recent years. In fact, Alexa’s Amazon Echo or Google can likely control your water heater settings these days. When set, the timer turns off the electric water heater at your time selected time (when it’s not used). For instance, you can set the unit to not run during the night or times when you are away from home for long periods of time. One last opportunity to save is when you go out of town or on vacation. There is not a real need to keep your water hot when you are away from home for a long period of time.

Fix It All Plumbing is committed to providing you with premium plumbing services at fair rates. We are glad to help you with any plumbing questions or issues. Call or text us at 615-568-5051.

The post 6 Easy Tips to Save Money on Water Heating Bills first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

One of the best ways to comply with this program and save water is to install low-flow plumbing fixtures like showerheads, faucets, and toilets.

The program calls for conservative methods to reduce water usage, by encouraging the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures in both our homes and businesses.  Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures in your home offers several benefits, which are outlined below.

For more information on the program and saving more water, check out Start Saving at EPA.gov.

Shower Heads

A great place to start saving inside your home is with a low-flow showerhead.

They reduce water consumption by more than 40%, and help you significantly lower your monthly bill.

Showers also use energy to heat up water, and cutting down on water usage saves energy. This can save you up to $50 on heating costs every year.

Another great attribute of low-flow shower heads is carbon dioxide emissions reduce as a result of the lower amount of energy being used.

Faucets

Another plumbing fixture that can greatly reduce water consumption is the low-flow faucet.

Water flow can be reduced by up to 75%, by upgrading regular 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) faucets to 0.5gpm for wash hand basins. Using low-flow faucets reduces water usage, energy, and sewers costs because of the lowered water usage and reduced cause to heat up the water.

Also, the amount of water removed from water bodies is decreased thereby protecting the water cycle and alleviating the stress on the water supply for public consumption. In addition to this, low flow faucets decrease energy use emissions linked with treating, distributing, and heating clear water.

Infections can also be prevented because the risk of splashing associated with hand washing is removed.

Toilets

It is estimated that by replacing old toilets with low flow toilets, you can save as much as $100 on general utility bills.

A low flow toilet will use an average of 1.6 gallons of water per flush when compared with standard toilets that use as much as 3.5 gallons.

They are designed to drain more effectively, thereby improving its flushing capabilities.

In a typical home, conventional toilets make up as much as 30% of the water usage monthly. With the use of low flow toilets, however, they use 60-80% less water than conventional toilets.

Toilets are usually the largest water drain in most households, so saving this much water will definitely have a huge impact on your finances.

Also, low flow toilets come in dual flush systems, saving you even more water. The dual flush system is designed in such a way that there are two flush buttons; one for liquid wastes, which dispenses a little quantity of water, and the other for solids, which dispenses just enough to flush wastes down the drain.

Summary

Installing these devices in your home is a great start to protecting the water reservoirs in your area. We can’t live without water, and it’s our job to protect it for our children.

For more information on how you can protect your family from overusing water, contact us today.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Plumber

Fix It All Plumber, Kevin Sipes

The post Benefits of Installing Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures in your Home first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

Today, there are many products you can use to make your child safer when it’s bathroom time.

This article is dedicated to reminding you of some of the dangers your children face in the bathroom and the measures you can take to ensure their safety. We also know how hard it is to get your kids to take a bath sometimes, so there will also be some fun ideas to make the bathroom a fun place for even the fussiest toddler.

Toilet Safety Tips Accessories

Hide the Toilet Paper and Lock the Cabinet Doors

I think every kid decides one day to take a roll of toilet paper and have a ball. Even teenagers think toilet paper is fun.

Obviously, you can’t hide all the toilet paper in your home.  I do recommend keeping an eye on it during potty time. Consider a paper holder or dispenser that only lets you roll a sheet or two at a time.

Secure Your Toilet Brush

You should secure the toilet brush and obviously the cleaners out of plain sight. The last thing you want is your 3-year-old play fighting with the toilet brush, just like Thor swinging his hammer.

Toilet brushes are full of bacteria and need to be kept away. Consider purchasing cheap ones at the Dollar Store or Walmart and change them frequently.

Non-Slip Mats

Water can get everywhere after a bath with a toddler, making the bathroom potentially dangerous for your toddler and yourself.

Slip and fall in the bathroom and you could easily wind up in the hospital with a concussion or worse.

Bath mats also create an opportunity to add some color to your child’s bathroom. Get a bath mat for inside the tub and make sure the floor mats absorb moisture and don’t slide.

Toilet Shut Lock

Now don’t get the wrong idea here, I’m not saying your child will take a dip in the toilet, but I am thinking about them putting their toys or your valuables in the toilet. Why risk it when you can lock it down?

This is also a great way to keep your pets out of the toilet.

Don’t go overboard with these. You can easily find one under $20 online or the next time you’re in Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Summary

These tips and products are the bare minimum you need to make your bathroom kid-safe. We aren’t recommending any brand because the market changes so much. Amazon is a great place to find exactly what you’re looking for. Make sure you read the reviews on each product and consult your local plumber or home improvement guru for tips on the best products for kids.

As always check out our blog and we’ll see you next month.

Your Friendly Neighborhood,

Fix It All Plumber, Kevin Sipes

The post Kid-Proofing Safety Tips for Toilet Time first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

Rule #1: Don’t Panic!

This can be pretty tough, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to worry anymore because this article has a tip you can take with you to every party you attend.

A Close Call At A Graduation Party

Everything was going fine, except when my wife came up to me after returning from the bathroom. She said she clogged the toilet and it’s going to overflow. Me being a plumber, I ran to that bathroom to save my wife from the embarrassment. I ran as fast as I could to see if I could stop the overflow.

When I got there I could see it was luckily not overflowed but at the brim. Thank you, Lord!

I found a plunger, carefully fixed the clog and went back to the party. I assured my wife there was nothing to clean up and everything was fine.

When we got home I told her there was something I wanted to show her. She gave a cheesy look and I said “in the bathroom.” Not knowing what to expect, she slowly inched into the bathroom.

That’s when I showed her there wasn’t much she could do about not clogging the toilet. At parties, it’s obviously more likely to happen. However, I showed her a trick to stop the overflow.

“I wish I would have known this…”

If you run into this situation again, look behind the toilet for the main shut off valve.

Sometimes these are hidden behind a wall, but in many cases, they are not. Simply close the valve (righty tighty, lefty loosey) to stop the flow of water into the bowl.

My wife was astonished at how and said, “I wish I would have known this. Thank you!”

“But wait! There’s more,” I said.

If you can’t move the valve by hand, because it’s stuck, you can remove the toilet tank lid and see if the flapper is open. If it is, close the flapper. If it’s not or won’t stay closed when you close it, grab the float ball and lift it to the surface of the water.

“You now have the tools to go to a party. Haha,” I said. LOL.

Don’t forget about Rule #1: Don’t panic. Then use this trick to save your bathroom or someone else’s.

Just Your Friendly Neighborhood

Fix It All Plumber, Kevin Sipes

The post “Please Stop!” Toilet Overflow Quick Fix first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

Why to Let a Plumber Repair Your Sewer Line

There are numerous reasons to contract with a professional plumber when it comes to fixing, installing, or doing anything related to sewer lines.

While a sewer repair may seem like it makes sense to do yourself to save on the large expense associated with such repairs, there are a number of risks involved.  One critical risk is the health danger that may result from an error due to inexperience or not having the proper equipment. For example, sewer gases may be emitted, which are poisonous.

Plumbing Knowledge and Experience in Sewer Repairs

Having worked with sewers for 10 plus years, a master plumber has a significant edge over a handy DIYer. Experienced plumbers in most cases have had the opportunity to see lots and lots of different sewer issues and hopefully have learned how to diagnose and resolve the issue in the best most efficient way. Seeing an issue for the first time can present a daunting dilemma involving proper sewer problem diagnosis and a repair plan. A plumber always locates the underground utility lines when excavating to avoid a major mishap.

Plumbing Equipment & Tools Required Sewer Repairs

Aside from knowledge and experience come another important requirement: Equipment and Tools. Many DIYer simply don’t have the proper tools to get the job done. If a sewer pipe line bursts, you may need specialized plumbing tools such as a pulling machine, a pipe video camera, excavating equipment, an expander head, pipe sheers, cutters, and even a retaining device. These items are part of a plumber’s arsenal, yet may not be readily available in your tool box.

Causing Additional Damage to Your Sewer Line

The last thing you want to do is cause additional damage to your sewer system. Things can go wrong like gas leaks. More damage may also result which can enlarge a leak. For instance, you may initially be dealing with a soft spot in your front yard and all of the sudden sewer water is backing up into your house. At that point, you will likely call a plumber and pay much more than you would have to treat the original problem.

Sewer Work: When to Call the Plumber

There are some plumbing repairs and installations that are best left to a licensed and experienced plumbing professional. Sewer lines can be complex and quite messy.

Fix It All Plumbing is led by one of Nashville’s best Master Plumbers and has the experience and equipment to take care of any sewer line issues you may face.

Call or text 615-568-5051

The post When to Avoid DIY Sewer Line Installations and Repair first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

How Long Does a Cast Iron Pipe Last

The average lifespan of a cast iron pipe is estimated at 50 years. In optimal conditions with proper installation, you can find a pipe lasting 75 years or even over 100 years. These pipes were known for their reliability and durability. Some known issues with the pipes include the variability in the quality of the manufacturing. Some pipes are made well and some have defects or weaknesses in their construction from the beginning. A second problem is they generally begin corroding over time from inside out which can result in sewage line blockages, leaks, and pipe ruptures. Damage from cast iron pipes can even interfere with the clean water supply, resulting in contamination.

Warning Signs of Cast Iron Pipe Issues

The only way to tell for sure that your cast iron pipes need attention is to look at them with a special camera or up close and personal.

Some signs you may notice include the following:

Sewer back-up

Standing water in tub or shower

Discoloration of water

Foul Smells resulting from sewer gases, such as hydrogen sulfide and methane

Leaks, particularly water around baseboards

Light brown colored rug, flooring, or carpet from water contact

Raised floor tiles in bathroom or other room

And even pest infestations (Yes pests are attracted to sewage)

The key to preventing loss is to catch the issue early. Otherwise the sewer pipes may completely rupture causing significant damage to your property. Have a plumber you trust inspect the pipes for issues. Sometimes a cast iron pipe may not need to be replaced right away.

If you live in the Nashville area, Fix It All Plumbing is glad to come out to your home or office, evaluate your pipes, and offer options for repair or replacement, if needed.

Call or text us at (615)568-5051

The post Replacing Cast Iron Sewer Pipes first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

If this is the first time you have ventured into the world of porcelain throne options, you could quickly be overwhelmed by the types, features, and brands of hoppers “flooding” the market.

Over the course of your toilet-shopping experience (the “game of thrones,” if you will), what started as a simple plan to swing by the home improvement store to purchase a commode becomes a harrowing trial of pitting different models against each other to compare their numerous features. If you pay attention to advertisements for the many fancy flushers available, you may find yourself asking questions like:

Will I ever need to flush 40 golf balls into my septic system?

If I get a self-cleaning toilet, have I actually found a life hack for household chores?

Should I get an eco-friendly toilet that saves water, or opt for a model with the flushing power of a small tornado?

Is it necessary to conduct in-depth research about the health benefits of certain toilet seat styles – or should I just pick one that seems the most comfortable?

To help you get familiar with the options you may encounter, we’ve composed this basic guide to toilet styles so you can decide what type is best for you.

Tank or Tankless

One of the first options to consider is whether you want a toilet with a tank (the most common style in the home) or a tankless model (seen most often in public restrooms). A loo with a tank uses gravity to function; the tank fills up with several gallons of water, which it releases into the bowl when you press the lever. A toilet with a tank is generally more affordable, is quieter on the flush, and uses the same amount of water as a tankless. A tankless john, also called a flushometer, does have one big advantage, though: power. These toilets use pressure from your water supply system to create a much stronger flush, so you may never need to use a plunger again.

 One-Piece or Two-Piece Toilet Tanks

If you’ve settled on a toilet with a tank, you now need to decide whether you want a two-piece toilet, which has the tank separate from the bowl, or a one-piece, which is a single sleek unit. Both styles are equally functional, but a one-piece is usually simpler to install and easier to keep clean. Two-piece toilets, however, are generally less expensive.

Dual Flushing

Whichever style lavvy you plan to install, a feature you should consider is a dual-flush option. This flushing system is quickly growing in popularity because it can save on water, thus lowering your water bill. The concept is simple – instead of a single lever, you have two buttons. One delivers the usual powerful flush, but the second is for a lower pressure flush that uses less water.

Compact vs. Elongated Toilets

The shape of the toilet bowl is an important factor in your bathroom design. Elongated bowls, which are oval, are considered more comfortable by most adults, but a compact bowl with a round shape may be the best option if space is limited in the restroom. In addition, small children generally prefer the smaller size of compact bowl toilets.

Extra Toilet Accessory Options

Additional features and details may be available from various toilet brands, but most of these are simply a matter of aesthetics and personal preference.

Now that you have a “handle” on the basic toilet style options on the market, your potty-shopping experience should be a breeze!

The post Best Toilets to Buy: Find the Best Commode for Your Abode first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

Condensation

One of the most common reasons for toilet leaks is condensed water on the surface of the toilet and the toilet tank, which then falls on the floor. This problem is caused mainly from the temperature difference from the water in the tank and the air in the bathroom. Hence, it happens usually when you are taking a shower due to the increased hot steam. Unfortunately, this is a problem that occurs anytime of the year and can cause you troubles with excessive water, which might lead to other issues in the bathroom. Therefore, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible thanks to the various methods that are available.

Fixing condensation

The best way to fix this type of issue is to use toilet tank liners, which are basically insolators between the water and the outside air. However, if you want more reliable approach, think about getting a toilet tank valve that is specifically design to mix hot and cold water so that no condensation appears.

The tank leaking itself

Tank leaks are quite common. There are various parts of the tank that could be leaking for one reason or another. Nevertheless, it is quite easy to locate exactly which part needs to be fixed. The smartest and most accurate thing to do is to simply poor food coloring in the water tank and leave it stay like that for 10-20 minutes. If the leak is coming from the tank or one of the pipes around it, you should be able to easily spot it with the different color.

Fixing tank leaks

The most straight forward approach would be to change the whole tank. Yet, if the problem is in one of the pipes, it will be considerably cheaper for you to fix this issue rather than buying a whole new set up. Thus, take a closer look at the pipe system or ask for advice a professional.

If you live in the Nashville area, Fix It All Plumbing would love to help you with your toilet issues. Call or text our Master Plumbers at 615-568-5051.

Common Toilet Repairs

The post Reasons Your Toilet Leaks and How to Repair It first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

3 Warning Signs Sewer Line is Leaking or Clogged

1. Water Bill Costs Rise

   If you see an inordinate increase in your water usage and your bill rises for no reason you can identify, it’s a good idea to investigate for a leak. The price rise in your water bill will likely be significant. If you think about it, a leaking toilet can leak more than 1000 gallons of water a day. Think how much water would leak if you have a break in your sewer line. If you notice a high water or sewer bill that can’t be explained, call your landlord if you rent or a plumber if you own the home.  It also may be best to turn off the water supply to your home until the issue is diagnosed.

2. Backed up Water

   Another sign that the there is a problem with your sewer line is backed up water from a drain in your home, toilet plumbing, or water leaks in your basement or crawl space. Clogged drains can result from a number of plumbing issues but they are often an indication of a clogged or leaking sewer line. You may ask, what can clog a sewer line? Usually the culprits are tree roots. This is likely the case if you have an older home and some large trees or trees near the sewer lines. Clogs in newer homes can be from a number of sources including feminine protection products, paper towels, and yes, toys. Sometimes it is a Lincoln Log or Legos, and even plastic Easter eggs can wreak havok on pipes. This home owner in Mount Juliet found water in her basement. After investigating, the sewer line had broken as a result of the house settling. The pressure from the house settling actually caused a low area known as a belly in the line. The entire sewer line had to be replaced in this case.

3. Standing Water in Yard or Sunken Grass

   If you notice wet spots in your yard or soft sinking areas above the sewer line even when it hasn’t been raining, an underground line may be cracked.  You may also notice a foul sewer smell in your home and outside. Definitely call your local plumber when you have soft sunken grass and/or wet spots in your yard when everything else is dry.

Suspect a broken or clogged sewer line in the Nashville area? Call Fix It All plumbing or text us at (615)-568-5051

The post 3 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line is Clogged or Leaking first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

It’s that time of year again! We are coming up on National Hug a Plumber Day on April, 25^th.  If you are wondering what date it falls on each year it is the last Wednesday of the month. Are you wondering what National Plumber Day is and how it started? Perhaps you’ve never heard of this holiday. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Have you ever had the desire to hug your plumber? That’s what we have been hoping.

The history of plumbing dates back to 3000 to 4000 BC when the first pipes carrying water were constructed to transport water along the Indus River (India). Approximately 2500 BC the Egyptians started using copper pipes to carry water for use in bathrooms, irrigation, and sewer systems. Yes, restrooms were found in Egyptian tombs for use after death.

The National Hug a Plumber Day history is somewhat of a mystery. It likely started in the United Kingdom. As Americans, we have embraced the day to show appreciation for plumbers who ensure we have consistent access to running water for baths and showers, kitchen use, lawn watering, laundry and so much more. Not only do we count on having immediate access to water in our homes, we trust that it is clean. There are many reasons to thank our plumbers and one of the best ways is to give them a hug whether it is National Hug a Plumber Day or not.

If you are wondering if there are other days plumbers are recognized throughout the year, check out World Plumbing Day, an international day to celebrate plumbers, falling on March 11th, each year.

Benefits of Hugging Your Plumber

There is actual benefit that has been scientifically proven behind the power of a hug. In fact, a study performed shows that a 10 second hug a day can improve your all around health including fighting infections, boosting you immune system, easing depression, fighting fatigue, reducing stress and lowering your risk of heart disease.

When you hug, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin. When this is released, it causes you to feel happy and connected to others. Oxytocin has often been called the “love hormone” because of the emotions one feels when it is released. This hormone alone is responsible for helping lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure due to the calming effect it has. Oxytocin can also relieve pain, according to Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.

Hugging is beneficial in many ways, and starts at a young age. In fact, infants who are hugged frequently grow up to be less stressed than other adults who were not frequently hugged during infancy. Studies also show that a hug can help reduce fear. Even if it is an inanimate object, like a teddy bear, hugging can keep one calm. This could explain why children like to sleep with their stuffed animals tucked closely beside.

While the holiday is called National Hug a Plumber Day, we think you should take that opportunity and enjoy hugs from everyone, plumbers and non-plumbers alike.

The post National Hug a Plumber Day first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.