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Roots in your sewer pipes? Start here.

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 19:36:54 GMT

Sometimes, plumbing problems are caused by things we can see- like a clogged drain or an overflowing tub. However, these aren't always the root of the problem. While these are easy to fix, there is another dangerous plumbing issue that you should be aware of: roots in pipes.

It may sound strange, but it's not unusual for roots to find their way into plumbing systems and cause a major headache.

Root infiltration into your sewer lines can cause serious problems if not treated quickly and efficiently. Roots growing in sewer pipes can clog drains, back up wastewater, and even completely destroy pipes. You should be aware of the signs of roots in your pipes so that you can take quick action before the problem gets worse.

Why Do Tree Roots Grow Into Pipes

Tree roots grow into pipes for several different reasons. One potential cause is they are seeking something they need to grow, such as water or nutrients.

Another common cause of tree roots growing into pipes is because they are already there! Many older homes have been around for decades, and trees have had plenty of time to grow in them. Roots can easily find their way into a sewer line and cause damage.

Tree roots can also get into your system if you recently moved near a mass of trees. Pipes last only about 30 years, so make sure to check for leaks every year.

There are numerous colors, shapes and sizes of tree roots. Roots grow every day and can even cause major blockages once they grow large enough to occupy the entire inside diameter of the pipe.

Speaking of growing: They can grow about an inch or more a day and can travel through the smallest spaces to get to water. Some roots even split once they get deep enough in search of more nutrients.

Even though tree roots don't consume as much water as household items as toilets do, their constant intake is still enough to give you a headache or two.

Tree roots suck up water through their pores to survive, much like we do. The difference is that tree roots need more water than humans do. While humans need at least one liter of water per day for survival, trees require anywhere from 10 - 100+ liters of water every day!

Signs You Have Roots In Your Pipes

There are several signs to look for in the case of roots growing into your pipes.

The first sign of root intrusion is if your home has a slowly draining water system.

The second sign of a root in your sewer pipes is gurgling sounds coming from your toilet.

Another sign is finding patches of grass that are much greener than the surrounding grass. That green grass is likely benefiting from the extra water and nutrients from the intrusion.

A sunken area in the yard can often be a sign of a root intrusion. As the roots create a hole in the pipe, the surrounding dirt is washed into the city sewer. While the hole may seem small, they can create mini sinkholes which can be quite dangerous.

If you do find an issue with roots in your plumbing system, it's important to call a professional plumber immediately and have the problem taken care of before you end up with a large issue on your hands. Scotto's Plumbing can perform a camera inspection to confirm the presence of roots and remove them.

Preventing Roots From Entering Pipes

To prevent tree roots from entering your plumbing system again, you should make sure that the trees or plants near your home are not feeding off of your water. There are a few ways to do this:

Install a rain gutter to collect rainwater from nearby trees and plants. This will keep them from absorbing any of the water.

Create a barrier around your house with a layer of gravel at least 3 inches thick. Be sure that it extends at least 12 inches past the perimeter of your home. The best way to create a barrier is by using four layers; the first two layers should be made up of washed gravel (gravel stones that are clean on one side), while the last two layers should consist entirely of cobble (granite-like rocks).

Roots from nearby trees and plants can grow into your plumbing system, which is why you need to keep a close eye on the roots that are coming in contact with or touching your pipes. If you notice any signs of an invasion (slow draining or toilet gurgling), it's time to call in professional help to get rid of them before they cause more serious damage than just some unpleasing odors!

Scotto’s Plumbing has been providing quality plumbing service to Pinellas County residents for more than 40 years. Contact us today at 727.581.5828 for all of your plumbing needs.

Potential Garbage Disposal Issues From Neglect or Misuse

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:19:01 GMT

A kitchen garbage disposal is a relatively carefree appliance, but it does require correct usage and occasional maintenance for best operation. Incorrect usage or neglect could result in immediate or long-term issues.

Discover some potential issues your garbage disposal could develop if you neglect or misuse it.

1. Leaks

A garbage disposal can leak from one of several main areas:

Around the connection to the sink
Around the connection to the drain
At the reset button
Through the sidewall of the disposal

Any of these leaks can cause water damage under your sink, but some leaks cost more to repair than others. For instance, if the disposal is leaking at the drain connection, it may simply need the connection tightened. If it's leaking through the sidewall of the disposal, though, the body of the disposal has likely sustained significant damage.

Neglecting the disposal may lead to water damage if you don't notice and repair a failing connection. For instance, a seal made by plumber's putty may not last forever and you may need to replace it.

Misuse of the disposal can cause damage to the body of the disposal or cause connections to leak. If you pour boiling water down the disposal, for instance, it could loosen the connections if you have PVC drainpipes.

2. Smells

Everyday disposal use can lead to smells of old food scraps, which is why you should clean out and deodorize your disposal occasionally. If you neglect to do this, you may end up with more powerful smells, and you may need to give your disposal a deep clean to remove any built-up grime and debris.

The drain where your garbage disposal is located could also start to suddenly smell bad due to another problem with the plumbing (such as blocked plumbing vents). If conventional deodorizing methods don't work, you could have this type of issue on your hands, so be sure to call a plumber for an inspection.

3. Jams

A jammed garbage disposal is typically pretty straightforward: you likely dropped something in there that it can't chew up. You can often tell the disposal is jammed because it won't grind but will make a humming sound. But keep in mind that this symptom can also occur if the disposal has a motor problem, such as overheating.

If your disposal is jammed, the safest course of action is to switch it off and call a plumber. But whatever you do, never reach into the disposal to try and fish out an object from inside the impellers.

4. Backups

A backed-up garbage disposal drain is probably one of the easiest problems to get if you overuse and under-clean your disposal. The more often you use the disposal, the more no-no items you might put down it (such as grease). And the more you ignore the drain it connects to, the more likely you are to get a clog.

Some of the items you should never put down your garbage disposal include:

Solid or woody items like bones or fruit pits (these can also cause a jam)
Stringy items such as celery
Starchy items like potato peels, pasta, and beans
Eggshells
Coffee grounds
Grease, oils, or other fats

All of the items on this list should never go down any of your other drains either because they could clog your drainpipes or sewer drain line too.

These are some of the common issues that neglect and misuse can cause or exacerbate. However, some of these issues can also arise for other reasons (such as when a plumbing vent clog makes your disposal stink).

If you need to schedule garbage disposal repairs, or if you're not sure what's going on and need a professional opinion, call Scott’s Plumbing today. We've been helping homeowners with plumbing issues for years, and we'd love to help you out as well.

The Cost of Water Leaks

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:39:55 GMT

If a pipe suddenly bursts, spilling water all over your home, you probably won't wait to contact the plumber to start cleaning up the mess. However, slower water leaks are often ignored or go unnoticed because they have little or hard-to-see signs. If you don’t notice these leaks, they can turn into expensive repairs. Keep reading to check out the real cost of water leaks.

Wasted Water

One of the leading problems with water leaks is wasted water, which increases your water bill. A small leak of 10 drips per minute can waste 29 gallons of water a month, while a faster drip can waste 330 gallons of water per month. Not only is that a waste of water, but you must also pay for not using it. This faster leak can add up to $6 or more to your monthly water bill.

Toilet leaks, however, can be much more expensive. If the toilet constantly runs, it can waste an incredible 200 gallons of water per day or 6,000 gallons a month. This can increase your water bill by up to $70 a month. In most cases, you can hear and stop a leaking toilet by ensuring the flapper properly closes. But this may only be a temporary fix that you have to do after each flush.

Water and Mold Damage

Even small amounts of water can cause water damage. If the leak is hidden in the wall, the lack of ventilation may keep the area wet longer, and insulation can absorb large amounts of water.

Fixing water damage is often an invasive process because you may have to remove large portions of drywall. On top of that, your insurance provider may not cover the damage if they can argue the leak was due to a lack of maintenance.

Additionally, failure to fix water damage can lead to mold growth. Not only is mold ugly and smelly, but it can cause some health issues if you already struggle with health concerns like allergies and asthma.

Even if you are not sensitive to mold, some more aggressive molds like black mold can cause complications. On some surfaces, you can kill and clean mold, but porous surfaces like drywall and wood may need to be replaced.

Pest Infestation

Leaking water and water damage also attracts pests. Pests like quiet, dark, safe places like inside your walls. And a leaking pipe is an attractive water supply for them. As a result, they may decide to make your home their home. Common pests attracted to leaking pipes include silverfish, rats, mice, cockroaches, and termites.

In addition, some of these pests (like termites) may burrow into the wood in your wall. If the wood is wet or starting to rot due to moisture, pests can burrow even easier.

If left untreated, pests can spread throughout your home, and they may pose health risks from their droppings, saliva, and fleas.

Fire Risk

Water and electricity don't mix, but your electrical system may be behind the same walls as your plumbing pipes. As long as you maintain both systems, there is no issue. However, a leaking pipe may expose the wires to water. If those wires become damaged, or if the water hits an area with no insulation, the water can create a spark.

A spark won't always lead to a fire, but if there is also a lot of insulation around the area, the spark can ignite it. Similarly, if the area has a lot of moisture, the spark may spread or be strong enough to ignite the drywall or wood.

Water leaks can become incredibly expensive, especially if you ignore them or don’t notice them. If you would like to know more, or if you want to have your plumbing system inspected, contact us at Scotto's Plumbing today.

Should You Choose Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment for Your Home?

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 19:18:49 GMT

If the municipal water supply in your area is not as clean and pure as you would like, installing a water treatment system in your home can be a cost-effective way to improve its purity and taste. Reverse osmosis (or RO) systems are particularly popular and have numerous advantages over other commonly used water treatment systems.

However, while reverse osmosis systems are highly versatile, they do have their limitations, and may not be the best water treatment solution for every home. To determine whether a reverse osmosis system is the best water treatment option for your home, keep reading this blog.

How Do Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Systems Work?

Most reverse osmosis water treatment systems found in homes purify water using a multi-stage process. First, the water supply is forced through a basic sediment or carbon block filter, which removes chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and sediment particles from the water. Once you remove these contaminants, your system's reverse osmotic filter comes into play.

Reverse osmotic filters are highly specialized synthetic membranes with microscopic pores. As pressurized water is forced through this membrane, these pores allow individual water molecules to pass through but capture and contain any unwanted contaminants that survived the pre-filtration process.

The pores in a high-quality reverse osmotic membrane are approximately 0.0001 microns in diameter according to the CDC, which is many times smaller than the smallest viruses known to science, and only slightly larger than a single water molecule.

As a result, reverse osmosis filters can remove almost any type of unwanted substance from your home's municipal water, including lead molecules, cryptosporidium parasites, and other dangerous contaminants.

Once the water has passed through the membrane, it goes through a final stage of carbon filtration to ensure purity. At this stage, some RO systems will also reintroduce beneficial minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, back into the treated water. This helps to improve the water's taste and makes it less acidic.

Are Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Systems Right for You?

Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are the last word in residential water treatment and provide water of unrivaled purity. Installing one of these systems in your home can have numerous benefits: they eliminate water spotting on your dishes and laundry, prevent contaminants from tarnishing metal faucets and fixtures, and can reduce your reliance on bottled water by improving the taste and purity of your tap water.

Despite their relative complexity, reverse osmosis systems are also very reliable and require less maintenance than other commonly used water treatment systems. Their integrated filters and membranes will need to be replaced every 6–12 months , but otherwise, these systems require very little upkeep to stay functional.

However, these powerful water treatment systems will only function correctly if water passes through them at a relatively high pressure and rate of flow. If your home's water supply is sluggish, you may need to install a separate pump to increase water pressure before it passes through the filtration membrane. Some RO systems are fitted with integrated booster pumps to sidestep this problem.

You should also be aware that reverse osmosis systems create a significant amount of water waste. For every gallon of purified water they produce, approximately four gallons of wastewater is flushed down your drains. This may not be ideal if you are trying to reduce your home's water consumption.

RO systems also function more slowly than some other types of water treatment systems. Faucets and fixtures attached to the system may run dry if you need very large quantities of purified water in a short space of time. If your home has high water requirements, it is worth spending a little extra on an RO system with a built-in, high-capacity water storage tank, which will increase the system's capacity.

If you have any more questions about the benefits and limitations of reverse osmosis treatment systems, or you want to know about other water purification options, contact the water treatment experts at Scotto's Plumbing .

3 Tips to Prevent Washing Machine Hose Rupture

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:55:20 GMT

One of the most common causes of home water damage is a burst washing machine hose. All washing machines are equipped with three hoses: one that supplies hot water to your washing machine, one that supplies cold water, and one that drains the water. If a drain hose bursts or leaks, then the water inside of the washing machine can immediately flood the area instead of being directed into its proper drain.

However, if a water supply hose bursts, serious home water damage can occur. Both water supply hoses are connected to water valves that are typically left in the on position at all times. If one of these hoses bursts, then fresh water can begin flooding your home at a rate of approximately 650 gallons per hour until you shut off the water supply.

Read on to learn three tips to prevent washing machine hose rupture and the water damage it can cause.

1. Choose the Right Washing Machine Hoses

There are three types of washing machine hoses: rubber, reinforced rubber, and braided stainless steel hoses.

Rubber hoses are prone to bursting, because they are not very strong. These hoses are also prone to the development of cracks that water can leak out of as the rubber degrades. For these reasons, rubber hoses should be avoided.

Reinforced rubber hoses are made of rubber that has been reinforced with polyester mesh or braided rayon to increase hose strength. While stronger than traditional rubber hoses, reinforced rubber hoses can burst. For this reason, these hoses are suitable for washing machines located outdoors only.

Stainless steel braided hoses are composed of traditional rubber hoses that are encased in stainless steel. The steel encasement makes these hoses much less likely to burst, making them ideal for washing machines located inside of the home.

Washing machine hoses with special auto-shutoff technology are also available. While these hoses can vary in design, most are equipped with special connectors that sense the in change water pressure that occurs when a washing machine hose bursts. After sensing this change in pressure, the connectors stop the flow of water out of the valve attached to the broken hose.

2. Install Your Hoses Properly

All washing machine hoses are more prone to bursting when they are not properly installed.

Before you install your hoses, move your washing machine at least 3- to 4-inches away from its service water valves. This provides room for the hoses to run straight from the valves to the washing machine without twisting or bending. Washing machine hoses that are twisted or bent are more prone to bursting.

If you cannot install the hoses you have on hand without bending or twisting them due to their length, even when you create space between the washing machine and the valves, then purchase shorter hoses.

When installing your hoses, tighten all connectors that attach your washing machine hoses to your home water valves securely. If these connectors are not properly secured, water can leak around them. This leaking water can cause the connector to corrode over time, increasing the chance of the hose bursting right at the connection site.

To ensure your washing machine hoses are installed properly, have a licensed plumber install them for you to limit the chance of all types of washing machine hose problems in the future.

3. Inspect and Replace Hoses Frequently

Even the most high-quality washing machine hoses are not designed to last forever. All hoses should be inspected at least once every several months and replaced at the first sign of damage.

Signs you should replace a washing machine hose immediately include cracks, discoloration, and crimps in rubber; unraveling of the polyester mesh or braided rayon in reinforced rubber hoses; and/or rust, corrosion, or kinks in stainless steel braided hoses. Hoses that show no signs of early damage should still be replaced every three to five years.

If you own a washing machine, then you should know that washing machine hoses can burst, potentially leading to extensive home water damage. Follow these tips to prevent washing machine hose rupture and contact the plumbing experts at Scotto's Plumbing for professional washing machine hose installation today.

4 Possible Reasons for That Mysterious Dripping Noise

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 06:43:33 GMT

A constant, recurring, or totally unpredictable dripping sound can drive practically any homeowner to the point of desperation. The frustration annoyance may seem even more unbearable when the sound appears to have no obvious cause, making it that much harder to troubleshoot and remedy that underlying issue.

Once you know some of the most common types of dripping noises and the reasons that they occur, you'll feel more confident about describing the problem to your plumber and getting the right kind of care for it. Consider the following four possible causes of plumbing-related dripping sounds.

1. Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet can make just enough noise to keep you and your loved ones awake or distract you from your daytime activities. At the same time, it may sound so quiet and diffuse that you can't locate the guilty faucet in question, or it may drip so slowly that you never catch sight of water escaping.

A variety of mechanical problems can cause a faucet to drip. Sometimes the leakage occurs at the bottom of the spout, the result of a failed O-ring that no longer seals properly. Corrosion inside the faucet can change the shape of its inlet ports, interfering with the function of internal seals. Mineral scale can also affect seal performance.

Thankfully, a skilled plumber can identify and correct these leakage issues relatively easily. While mineral scale buildup may respond to a thorough cleaning, your plumber will most likely need to replace a faulty seal. Sometimes replacement of the entire faucet offers the simplest and most effective solution.

2. Toilet Tank Problems

You may think of toilet problems mostly in terms of disastrous clogs or overflows. However, more subtle problems can also cause an otherwise-functional toilet to make maddening dripping sounds. If your sounds seem to emanate from the bathroom (but the bathroom sink doesn't leak), suspect this appliance.

Dripping sounds often originate in the toilet tank . Sometimes an aging overflow tube will develop a crack that extends beneath the toilet tank's fill line. When this occurs, you'll hear a dripping sound as the excess water trickles into the bowl. A flapper that doesn't seat properly can also encourage water to drip constantly.

Plumbers diagnose the exact cause of this problem by removing the toilet tank lid, flushing the toilet. they can spot signs of tube leakage, flapper malfunctions, and problems that prevent the ball float from rising to the fill line. Solutions may include adjusting the flapper chain or replacing a worn-out part.

3. Cracked Pipes

A dripping noise with no identifiable origin point could lurk hidden within your walls. While this issue could stem from many mostly-harmless causes, it could also indicate a leak. A cracked pipe that leaks may produce structural damage (and spike your water bill) unless you get it addressed promptly.

The dripping noise you hear could come from some sort of motion, concussion, or vibration in the pipes themselves. For instance, temperature changes that cause thermal expansion may make pipes produce tapping, ticking, or dripping noises. Abnormal water pressure or air in the pipes can also create such sounds.

If you believe that your dripping sounds come from behind a wall or ceiling, contact your plumber immediately. This expert can catch and fix a little leak before it becomes a big one. The installation of a water meter pressure regulating valve or a shock-absorbing device called an air arrestor can stop vibration-related sounds.

4. Slow Drains

You don't have to have damaged plumbing to hear an annoying drip from it. In many cases, a slow drain can cause these sounds, especially if you have recently used the appliance in question. A clogged shower drain, for instance, may catch water, slowing its rate of removal and making it drip instead of flow.

Ask your plumber about safe, non-destructive ways of removing and preventing such clogs. If an especially deep or stubborn clog fails to respond to these methods or products, your plumber can use professional tools to eliminate the clog.

Scotto's Plumbing Services can look at your plumbing, listen for dripping or other unwelcome noises, identify plumbing problems, and free you from those annoying sounds. Contact us today to schedule service.

An Overview of Slab Leaks and How Repiping Can Help

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:54:09 GMT

While any plumbing leak should be repaired as quickly as possible, a slab leak is one of the most urgent plumbing problems that homeowners can face. Understanding the causes and risks of slab leaks is essential so you can take the right actions if you are ever faced with this problem. Here is everything you should know about slab leaks and how repiping can be used to resolve this problem.

What Are Slab Leaks?

The foundation of your home is a concrete slab poured onto a base of soil or gravel. In most cases, water and sewage lines are run underneath the slab because it is cost-effective and the soil or gravel surrounding them helps to keep them insulated. The term "slab leak" describes a leak in one of these lines beneath your home's slab foundation.

Slab leaks are an urgent problem because they threaten the structural integrity of your entire home. When enough water leaks out under the slab, it can cause your foundation to shift and sink in the saturated areas of the soil. This can lead to cracking in floors and walls, as well as damage to other walls in your home due to shearing forces.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks are relatively uncommon because concrete slabs are resistant to expanding and contracting due to temperature and pressure changes. When a slab leak does occur, it is usually the result of one of a very specific set of issues. One of the most common causes is poor construction and installation of the pipes. Low-quality pipe material or physical damage to the pipes make slab leaks much more likely in the future.

The water lines under your home's slab foundation are also affected by many of the same issues that can lead to leaks in other parts of your plumbing. Improper pH balance or contaminants in your water can cause slab leaks by corroding pipes. High water pressure can cause the pipes to vibrate against the slab and abrade them over time.

What Are the Signs of Slab Leaks?

There are a few signs to watch out for that may indicate a slab leak in your home. Slab leaks will cause an increase in your water bill, and will often reduce water pressure throughout your home since much of your water is being lost under the slab. You may also notice water pooling around the outside of your home as the soil becomes saturated and forces water to the surface.

These symptoms are good indicators that a slab leak is likely. However, the only way to be certain that there is a slab leak beneath your home is to hire a plumber for professional slab leak detection services. Fortunately, this can be done without breaking through the slab. Contractors typically use mics and other acoustic equipment to detect leaks through the concrete slab.

How Does Repiping Repair Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks can be repaired by breaking through the foundation and replacing the damaged section of pipe. However, many contractors opt for repiping for a less expensive and more permanent solution. Repiping is the process of disconnecting the pipes that run under the slab, and routing new pipes around the sides of the slab or through the attic.

Repiping is the preferred method for repairing slab leaks because it prevents the recurrence of slab leaks in the future. Since the pipes under your slab are no longer being used, there is no longer the risk of a leak damaging your foundation, as well as the rest of your home. Repiping also avoids the disruptive process of breaking through the concrete slab.

With these tips, you are prepared to handle a slab leak quickly and effectively if this problem ever affects your home. If you suspect a slab leak and are in need of repiping services, contact Scotto's Plumbing Services today!

Welcome back, snowbirds

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:13:06 GMT

Plumbing Checklist After Extended Absence

Welcome back to The Sunshine State. While you were away, your plumbing system sat dormant, which can cause major problems. Before you throw on your flip flops and hit our sandy beaches, or head out for a round of golf, spend a little time checking the following items:

Shut off Valves: To ensure your shut off valves aren’t stuck or leaking, turn them on and off at the toilets, sinks, and washing machines.
Run water for several minutes to ensure there are no drain issues or leaks in your showers, tubs, sinks and washing machine.
Flush all toilets.
Run hot water in sinks and showers.
Check water heater tank for leaks
Check exterior hose connections for leaks
Check ice maker line to it’s connected correctly and not leaking
Run garbage disposal
Don’t forget to check other plumbing components, like a water softener, utility sink, or reverse osmosis/drinking water system at your kitchen sink.

If you have any problems or concerns, give us a call at 727.581.5828.

The Hydro-Jetting Process: A FAQ

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 13:29:34 GMT

If you haven't had a lot of plumbing or sewer problems in the past, you may feel slightly overwhelmed by the different repair and maintenance options and words like hydro-jetting. Fortunately, this is not rocket science, and educating yourself about different sewer repair methods can help you prepare for them as you budget your time and money.

Discover some FAQ you may have about hydro-jetting.

What is Hydro-Jetting?

Hydro jetting is the process of using high pressured water to thoroughly clean the inside of the plumbing drain lines. The high-pressured water flow removed grease, dirt, scale and debris from inside the piping.

Why have Hydro-Jetting done?

Over time grease, dirt, scale and debris build up on the drain pipe walls. As these things build up on the piping walls it begins to constrict the pipe. If the pipe becomes too constricted it will no longer drain properly. This can also allow items flushed to get stuck in that build-up constricting the piping even more. All these factors will increase the chances of having a sewer back up.

Is Hydro-Jetting Expensive or Time-Consuming?

The amount of equipment and personnel required for hydro-jetting is small, so cost typically depends on how long the process takes, which depends on the size of the job. If the job is larger or more advanced (or turns out more complicated than expected), it may take a bit longer than usual.

Your contractor can provide a solid estimate for both time and costs after inspecting the pipe that you need cleaned. But typically, this procedure is simpler, quicker, and more affordable than alternate sewer line repairs (such as those that include excavation).

How Can You Tell If Hydro-Jetting Is the Right Choice?

Before the jetting procedure, your contractor will run a sewer camera down the line to check what's wrong with your sewer pipe. This allows the contractor to see the condition of the pipe, ascertain whether hydro-jetting will quickly and effectively fix the problem, and estimate how long the process will take.

Does Hydro-Jetting Carry Any Risks or Downsides?

The biggest risk of hydro-jetting occurs when the equipment is used by inexpert personnel. This is why you should never attempt to DIY your hydro jetting. Fortunately, by choosing an experienced plumber, you avoid this potential downside. And as always, you should select a contractor with good insurance and warranties for added peace of mind.

Your plumber knows what level of water pressure to use on the pipes to avoid damage. Hydro-jetting pressure can vary, and your contractor can adjust that pressure to ensure that the jets of water will remove blockages without causing damage to the walls of your sewer pipes.

Is Hydro-Jetting Eco-Friendly?

Hydro-jetting is considered an environmentally friendly repair option for several reasons. One is because, unlike some alternative options, it requires no digging. Excavation can not only disrupt wildlife and plant life in your yard but could result in erosion that contaminates nearby waterways with sediment. So avoiding excavation when possible is more ecologically friendly.

Another reason hydro-jetting is considered ecologically friendly is because it uses only water to scour your pipes with no harsh drain cleaning chemicals. Finally, hydro-jetting is much more eco-friendly than letting sewer problems go unrepaired, since that could result in contaminating the groundwater and the soil in the area.

What Situations Contraindicate Hydro-Jetting Procedures?

While hydro-jetting does have a variety of uses, some situations exist where jetting may not be the best repair option. For instance, if the pipe is structurally compromised, hydro-jetting won't fix it. A cracked or collapsed pipe will leak no matter how clean it is. In this scenario, you may have to dig up and replace the pipe or repair it with a trenchless method.

Very old, fragile pipes may not be ideal for jetting either, especially if extra-high water pressure levels are necessary. If you have very old pipes, be sure to discuss this with your contractor before you decide on jetting.

These questions and answers can help you become more familiar with hydro-jetting before you schedule a jetting procedure for your own sewer or drain lines. If you'd like to schedule a professional visit for sewer problems now, get in touch with Scotto's Plumbing today.

Common Problems With Tankless Water Heaters

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 11:54:25 GMT

Tankless water heaters are efficient and easy to maintain, but they are still susceptible to some problems. Below are some of the common problems with these systems.

Restricted Energy Supply

The water heater won't turn on if its energy supply is off. For an electric water heater, the electrical supply might be off because:

The circuit breaker has tripped
The electrical system has a short circuit
The ignition system, such as the electrode, has malfunctioned

For a gas system, here are some things that might restrict gas flow:

Improper gas pressure (for example, due to incorrect setting)
A closed gas valve
Gas supply interruption to the house

Call a plumber if you can't spot or solve the problem.

Mineral Buildup

The water supply to your house contains some dissolved minerals. Every time you use the water heater, some of the minerals remain and accumulate in the heating system. Over time, the accumulated minerals can discolor your hot water and give it a bad odor. Extreme mineral buildup can also damage the heat exchanger.

Flush the water heater regularly to get rid of the mineral buildup. The degree of mineral buildup depends on the water temperature and amount of minerals dissolved in the water. More minerals and higher temperatures call for more frequent flushing.

Vent or Exhaust Blockage

Unless you have an electric water heater, the system will require fresh air for combustion and a venting system for the exhaust. A blockage on the air supply or exhaust system spells problems for your water heater.

Blocked air supply can cause ignition or combustion problems. A blocked vent can cause overheating, chock the heating system, and foul up your indoor air. In both cases, the solution is to unblock the system.

Overload

Your water heater has a specific capacity, and you overload it if you try to heat more water than the system can handle. You can overload the water heater if you operate multiple hot water systems or open multiple hot water faucets simultaneously. Overloading the system is bad because:

You won't have adequate hot water
The system can overwork and overheat
The system can shut down

Understand your water heater capacity so that you don't overload it. Try to limit the number of hot water that flows out of the system at any time. Upgrade your water heater's capacity if you need more hot water, for example, if you renovate the house and install more hot water appliances.

Corrosion

Tankless water heaters don't easily corrode because they don't heat water all the time – but they can still corrode. For example, condensation around the gas burner can corrode it, and a corroded gas burner can suffer blockage or leakage. The heat exchanger can also corrode and cause the system to overheat.

The first step is to remove the corrosion. Replace the affected part, such as the burner, if the corrosion has already caused serious damage. Extreme corrosion in an aging system might call for the water heater's replacement.

Overheating

Lastly, overheating is also bad for your tankless water heater. Overheating can occur if:

You overuse the system
You set the water temperature too high
A malfunction restricts water supply to the system
Temperature sensors malfunction
Something blocks the air

The solution depends on the cause of overheating. Note that prolonged overheating can cause catastrophic damage to the water heater.

For most of these problems, you can repair your water heater and continue to use it. Water heater replacement is only necessary in extreme cases. Scotto's Plumbing has over 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry. Contact us today about your water heater problem, and we will be glad to solve it so that you can continue to get hot water in the house.

Sewer Line Maintenance Tips

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 17:23:25 GMT

Sewer line backup is a common problem that affects many homeowners. When you and your family members continually flush water through the toilets, sinks, and bathtubs, the sewer line sometimes gets clogged. Excessive pressure to the sewer line and debris in the wastewater also affects the drain flow.

If your toilet won't flush, your drain smells, or water is backing up in your tub, shower or sink, then you need a plumber to check your sewer line. You also need to adopt appropriate maintenance strategies to avoid these issues. Here are sewer line maintenance tips to keep in mind.

Watch What You Drain

You need to pay attention to the following areas.

Kitchen Sink

You should dispose of food particles from dishes before you place them in the kitchen sink. However, greasy substances such as oil or ketchup tend to stick on plates, and they may find their way into the drain. Some cleaning agents may also contain grease that could affect your drain flow.

You should, therefore, run cold water for about twenty seconds after you have done dishes. The water will push the grease into the main drainage to prevent flow issues. The amount of grease found in sewer lines from kitchen sinks can add up, and therefore you should prevent build up at the initial stage.

Remember to also watch what you put in your garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal only allows you to shred only particular food wastes like vegetable scrap. It cannot process all types of waste.

Toilet

Your toilet should only drain flushable waste. Avoid throwing in diapers, feminine hygienic products, wet wipes and other non-flushable things because they will clog the sewer line.

Clean the Drain Regularly

Sewer line blockages are unpredictable, and you can't tell the magnitude of the build-up. You should hire professional cleaning services regularly to remove grease and other debris before they accumulate and block your sewer line. This service will help you save money that you would have used on extreme repairs that came as a result of neglecting your sewer line.

Plant Trees Away from Your Sewer Line

If you love nature and would love to have trees in your property, you should plant them away from your sewer line. Tree roots naturally grow towards water sources, and thus they might penetrate your pipes through cracks to access the wastewater.

Root blockage can shut down your sewer line entirely and cause sewage to back up. If you must grow trees near your drainage system, then consider types with shallow roots to prevent these problems.

Replace Old Lines

Know what your sewer line is made of. If you home is over 20-years old your sewer line could be made out of clay piping, Orangeburg piping or cast iron piping. All of these old types of sewer line material are no longer to code because they are prone to failure; clay piping becomes brittle and cracks, Orangeburg is a tar paper material that wears out over time and cast iron piping develops metal splinter which allow toilet paper to catch and collect inside the pipe.

If your sewer line has been serving you for more than twenty years, you may need to replace it to avoid recurrent problems. The plumbers will install a modern sewer line that is made of advanced materials that are hard for elements, such as roots, to penetrate.

Despite observing these maintenance tips, some sewer line problems might still occur. If you notice any problems with your drains and plumbing systems, we can help you fix the problem. Our company provides reliable plumbing services to ensure your plumbing systems and fixtures work effectively. Contact us today for quality services.

Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater for Your Home

Wed, 27 May 2020 14:19:09 GMT

If you want to replace your tank-style water heater with a tankless version, then you likely want to reduce energy waste in your home. The average tankless water heater uses about 30 to 50 percent less energy than a tank-style water heater. However, you may not realize that you have many tankless water heater options that you can choose from to ensure your new water heater is perfect for your family's needs.

Read on to learn about your tankless water heater options and how to decide on the perfect tankless water heater for your home.

Non-Condensing or Condensing Heaters

There are two main types of tankless water heaters: non-condensing and condensing heaters. Each style has its unique advantages.

Non-Condensing Heaters

Non-condensing tankless water heaters have been on the market longer than other tankless water heater styles. Aside from having a proven track record of good performance, this water heater style relies on just one heat exchanger, is typically economically priced, and can be smaller in size than other tankless water heater styles.

However, this tankless heater style releases an extremely hot exhaust that can reach 300 degrees F. This hot exhaust must be vented through metal vents instead of standard PVC vents, because PVC can be damaged by high heat.

Condensing Heaters

Condensing tankless water heaters are newer to the market and slightly more energy efficient than non-condensing heaters. These water heaters rely on two heat exchangers instead of just one. The additional heat exchanger reintroduces the heat emitted by the hot water heater exhaust into the water heating process to reduce the overall energy consumption of the heater.

However, some low-temperature exhaust is still released by these heaters, so a ventilation system is still required, although this lower-temperature exhaust can be projected through PVC vents.

While both types of tankless water heaters are great options, realize that while a condensing heater may be a bit more costly than a non-condensing heater, its greater energy-efficiency will help you recoup your investment in it over time as you save on the energy you use to power it.

A non-condensing heater operates with about 80 percent energy-efficiency, while condensing heaters can operate with up to 98 percent energy efficiency.

Gas or Electric Power

Another option you have when choosing a tankless water heater is whether you would like an electric- or gas-powered heater. While most electric tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than their gas-powered counterparts, natural gas is typically more affordable than electricity in most areas. That means that most gas-powered water heaters reduce water heater energy expenses more than electric tankless water heaters, even though they are slightly less energy efficient.

Gas-powered tankless water heaters also tend to stay in good shape longer than tankless heaters powered with electricity. However, keep in mind that natural gas-powered tankless water heaters typically require more extensive ventilation systems than electricity-powered heaters, which can increase installation costs slightly.

Whole House or Point-of-Use System

Many people considering tankless water heater installation are surprised to learn that they can choose from models that provide hot water for the entire home (whole house heaters) and those that provide hot water only for specific rooms or areas of the home (point-of-use units). Point-of-use units are also called zone units.

Whole house units are good options for most homes, since the installation of multiple point-of-use units can require a more extensive and time-consuming water heater installation process. The main disadvantage of having a single whole-house unit is that here can be a slight lag when obtaining hot water in some areas of the home when only one unit is supplying hot water to an entire home.

However, some homeowners prefer to have several point-of-use tankless water heaters supplying their hot water, especially if they have large homes and would like to eliminate lag time before hot water flows through home taps.

Keep these tankless water heater facts in mind to help you decide what type of tankless water heaters you would like to add to your home. Contact the tankless water heater experts at Scotto's Plumbing to discuss tankless water heater installation today.

Signs Your Gas Lines Need Attention

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:10:11 GMT

Gas leaks in your home cause many problems both with your family's health and your appliances. Sometimes gas leaks are not obvious. You might not realize you have a gas leak until it becomes really bad. Here are some early signs that your gas line has problems, causes of gas line problems, and what can be done about them.

What Are the First Signs of a Gas Line Problem?

Most people first notice a gas smell when they have a leak. However, some gas types, like natural gas, have very little odor. Therefore, you cannot rely on smell to give you a warning sign. Here are some other ways you can tell if you have a gas leak:

Sick plants, pets, and family members : Plants are very sensitive to gas leaks and will often show signs of poor health or wilt before you notice any other signs. Some pets, especially birds, show signs of lethargy, when a gas leak happens. Even humans show signs with lethargy, dizziness, and stomach problems.
Strange noises : Gas lines are under pressure. When they leak, you will hear a steady hiss. You can track these sounds to a gas line or appliance. If the gas leak is large enough, then you may see things move or flop around the leak point.
Poorly working appliances : If your water is cold, your stove doesn't ignite, or the dryer doesn't put out hot air, then you likely have a gas leak in or around those appliances or their lines.
High gas bills: Gas leaks allow gas to escape continuously into the atmosphere. This could cause your gas meter to read an uptick in usage. You will get an unexpectedly large bill. If this is the case with you, then the first thing you should check for is a leak.
Carbon monoxide levels rise: If you have any gas lines in your home, then you should also have a carbon monoxide detector. Depending on what kind you have, you could receive an alert, or have an abnormal reading.

If you suspect you have a gas leak, even a small one, then be careful with any type of flame or spark. Don't start your car, turn on lights, or even use your phone near the leak or inside your home.

What Causes Gas Line Leaks?

Many different problems can cause a gas line leak. Here are some of their most common causes.

Old pipes: Pipes break down and erode over time. This results in leaks and breaks that will let gas escape.
Poor maintenance: If you fail to have your gas appliances and lines checked, then you could risk gas leaks. Heavy use result in prematurely worn parts and fittings, especially if the usage rate stays high.
Problem appliances: Sometimes, appliances break down on their own either by poor design or overuse. This could affect the gas line and flow.
Bad installation : Improper appliance installation leads to gas leaks, especially if the gas lines are not checked and modified. Newer appliances may require different types of connections and pipes than older ones.
Bad or loose fittings : Fittings often go bad on their own either because of age or other damage. Make sure you only have your gas line worked on by a professional. That way, you can ensure that all the connections and fittings are done right and will go a long time without leaks.

Properly installed gas lines don't often cause problems. However, they are not indestructible. The best things you can do to prevent problems is to make sure your lines and appliances are in good repair. Have your appliances and gas lines inspected regularly.

If you see any signs of leaks, or your gas appliances need replacement, then contact Scotto's Plumbing Services . We perform gas line inspections and repair and can also check over your gas appliances.

Main Plumbing Repairs to Make Before You Sell Your House

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 20:18:23 GMT

Unfortunately, many homeowners can't just sell their houses as-is. If your house needs important plumbing repairs, the sale price will decrease significantly. In some cases, you may not even be able to sell it. That said, you don't necessarily have to get every little plumbing issue repaired. Below are some of the main plumbing repairs to attend to before you sell your house.

Leaky Pipes

Naturally, your pipes need to be watertight. If they're not, utility bills skyrocket. More significantly, mold can develop behind the walls or the pipe might even break, which could cause a flood. So, you'll need to look for signs of leaking pipes so you can have them repaired before you put your house on the market.

Go on a walk throughout your house. Look for stains or watermarks on your ceiling as well as cracks and soggy spots on the floor. On the walls, look for bubbles and peeled paint in addition to the watermarks. Get into your and cupboards to look for puddles. Listen also for the sound of dripping water. All of those signs point to leaking pipes.

Clogged Sewer Line

Sewer issues are some of the worst. Many things can cause a sewer line clog. For instance, if the wrong items have been flushed down the toilet, they can stop up the sewer line. Trees that grow into the sewer line itself are another issue. If the sewer line becomes completely clogged, the raw sewage can back up into the house.

You might need to have the sewer line tested as part of a whole-house inspection. Even before that, however, these signs may indicate that your sewer line is clogged:

Water backs up out of a drain
Toilets clog frequently
Gurgling sounds from drains

If you suspect you have a sewer line clog, a plumber might be able to fish out the clog or bore through it. If that's not an option, talk to your real estate agent about the next step. You may need to have the affected part of the plumbing replaced.

Leaky Fixtures

Older fixtures start to leak over time. The change is so gradual that you may not even notice. However, now is the time to pay attention. Give your sinks a good examination after they've been dormant for a while. Your sinks should be dry. If not, you probably have a leaky faucet. Typically, you only have to replace a seal to stop the leak.

Examine your bathtubs and showers. Naturally, you don't want leaky fixtures there either. Replacement of an old seal will probably stop the issue here, too. Check to make sure that the valve turns on and off completely. If it is a tub and shower combination, make sure that when you divert it to the shower the water completely shuts off at the tub spout. Also ensure that water does not comes out from under the bath tub or shower base this can indicate that the tub drain is broken or the shower pan has failed. Most likely, you just need to replace the seal under the glass.

While you're in the bathroom anyway, make sure your toilet doesn’t have any leaks. Look under the tank. If you see a puddle of water on the floor, you might have a leak in the connection point to the floor or from a cracked tank. If you see water around the base of the toilet, the wax ring seal is probably compromised.

Replacement of these seals, though small on the repair scale, will make your house show well as you try to get it sold.

Polybutylene Piping

One main plumbing repair involves your entire plumbing — if your home has polybutylene piping. This type of piping was commonly installed between the 1970s and 1990s because it was inexpensive and had some benefits. However, this material has been known to rupture and cause flooding damage. Most homebuyers won’t want to purchase a home with this kind of piping, so replace it before you put in on the market.

Damage from polybutylene piping can be as small as persistent, widespread leaking throughout the home and as large as catastrophic flooding. Other problems associated with this piping includes increased insurance premiums and lower property value.

Water Heater Issues

The water heater is one of the most important water-based appliances in your home. Therefore, it must be in good working order for your house to sell. Below are some of the common issues that originate with the water heater:

No hot water
Insufficient amounts of hot water
Water is not hot enough
Water is too hot
Low-pressure hot water
Leaks

Professional repairs will solve most of these issues. However, if your water heater is more than 10 years old, you might have to decrease the asking price of your house. If the water heater is more than 20 years old, consider a replacement.

Get the best price for your house and get the plumbing in good shape before you put it on the market. If you need any inspections or plumbing repairs, call Scotto's Plumbing Services .

4 Possible Culprits of a Clogged Toilet

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 21:23:17 GMT

No one wants to flush their toilet and have the water in the toilet bowl rise to the top or even overflow due to a bad toilet clog. While some toilet clog culprits, such as paper towels and other items labeled do not flush, are obvious, others are not. If one or more toilets in your home frequently develop clogs for no obvious reason, you may have a plumbing problem or a bad habit that is causing these clogs without you realizing it.

Read on to learn about four toilet clog culprits and how they can lead to toilet clogs and backups.

1. Outdated Low-Flow Toilets

Low-flow toilets use less water when flushing than traditional toilets. Modern low-flow toilets have features such as pressure-assisted flushers and specially shaped bowls that help improve flushing pressure to reduce the chance of clogs while using less water to flush.

However, outdated, or first generation, low-flow toilets were not equipped with these features and often clog due to lack of water pressure. When you replace your outdated low-flow toilet with a modern low-flow toilet, you can continue to conserve water while reducing toilet clogs.

2. Blocked Sewer Vent or Vent Line

If you have a toilet that rarely clogged in the past, yet suddenly develops clogs very easily, you may have a clogged sewer vent. Many homeowners do not realize that home sewer systems require proper ventilation to function properly. Most homes have sewer vents on their roofs attached to a series of vent lines that ventilate the home's entire plumbing system. If these vents become clogged, problems are likely to occur.

A main sewer vent or a vent line blockage can cause all of your home's drains to drain more slowly and create gurgling sounds as they drain. Sewer gasses may also release into your home, creating a bad odor. A blocked sewer vent or vent line can lead to more toilet clogs when it reduces the amount of water used to flush, thus reducing flushing pressure.

3. Bad Toilet Paper Habits

If your toilet frequently becomes clogged even though you meticulously maintain your plumbing, then your toilet may become clogged due to bad toilet paper habits.

One bad toilet paper habit is always opting for thick, multi-ply premium toilet paper. Many premium toilet papers break down very slowly in water and can clog toilets very easily. Instead, opt for a budget one- or two-ply toilet paper that breaks down very quickly in water to reduce toilet clogs in your home.

No matter what type of toilet paper your family uses, tell all family members to avoid rolling toilet paper into tight balls before using and flushing it. If someone rolls the toilet paper into a tight ball, then flushes it down the toilet, the toilet paper on the interior of the ball may not dissolve as quickly as the paper on the ball’s exterior. If the toilet paper does not dissolve properly, a toilet clog can occur.

4. Personal Hygiene Products Labeled Flushable

Many personal hygiene products, including wet toilet wipes, are labeled flushable. However, even products with the flushable label can clog toilets. If they don't clog a toilet immediately, they often get stuck in the pipes that span from the toilet to the home's main sewer line.

As these wipes pile up in the plumbing system, they can gradually create a blockage in the main sewer line that can lead to wastewater backing up into the drains.

If you have one or more toilets in your home that frequently clog, then keep these four causes in mind to avoid future clogs. Contact the plumbing experts at Scotto's Plumbing today to determine the cause of your frequent toilet clogs or to have your toilet unclogged today.

Plumbing Myths | Scotto's Plumbing Services

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 15:40:31 GMT

Top Plumbing Myths Debunked

Your plumbing is an essential part of your household. You literally use it every day — several times a day, in fact. So, you want to keep it running smoothly. To do this, don't fall prey to the following plumbing myths.

You Can Flush Pets Down the Toilet

When you flush a live aquatic animal down the toilet, it can keep living and become an invasive species. In fact, over sized goldfish that likely originated as pets have even been spotted in lakes.

Flushing a live animal is also cruel to your pet. They'll have to go through the turmoil of the toilet drain and your septic system to get to the waterways. Because of the human waste in the sewer, they can also go on to carry disease into the ecosystem — if they make it out alive.

What if the pet is deceased? A good rule of thumb is to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Other solids, such as a dead fish body, can clog the system.

Flushable Wipes are Safe for Your Septic System

In that same vein, flushable wipes are not the same as toilet paper. Many people prize them because they're sturdier than toilet paper, so they clean better. Part of the reason that toilet paper flushes well and keeps your sewer system intact is that it's biodegradable and it disintegrates. Its flimsiness makes toilet paper suitable for your sewer system.

Because of this, flushable wipes are less safe for the sewer system. Their sturdiness causes them to congregate in pipe elbows, where they eventually cause blockages. When that happens, you have to call the plumber who could spend hours snaking the wipes back out. Flushable wipes can also adhere to the propellers in sewage grinders and pumps, which burns the machine out.

Water Heaters Can Explode

This myth is semi-true. Water heaters feature fuel, a flame, and pressurized contents — the heated water. Heated water expands, so the excessive temperature can cause it to expand beyond the capabilities of your water heater's tank.

That said, the pressurized contents are water, not the nitroglycerin found in dynamite. In extreme circumstances, your heated water can expand much too far for your metal tank. The result will be a rupture in the side of the tank, not a demolition-style explosion that takes out your whole house.

Citrus Wedges and Peels Make Your Garbage Disposal Smell Fresh

Here is another myth that's partially true. The scent of citrus, especially lemons, is very strong. So, if you send citrus wedges and peels down the garbage disposal, they should certainly freshen up the scent of your appliance.

That said, the peels are thick and fibrous. Your garbage disposal doesn't have knives or a car motor inside. It works with a shredder ring and impellers on a small motor. Most garbage disposals will struggle to grind up full citrus peels. As an alternative, you can pour white vinegar into the system to flush the disposal.

You Can Ignore a Leaky Faucet

Faucets are never watertight, right? They always leak a few drops of water, so you can ignore the slight drip coming from yours.

In reality, those drips add up. Put an empty cup under your leaky faucet and see how soon it's full. When the water coming out of a leaky faucet just drains away, you're losing a valuable resource. What's more, it's a resource you're paying for. A leaky faucet can significantly raise your utility bill.

A drip can be the precursor to a larger, and more expensive, plumbing issue. As with any household issue, catching the problem early is the key to keeping it small.

Know the truth about your plumbing system so you can keep it functioning well. If you do have any plumbing issues, contact Scotto's Plumbing Services.

5 Common Hard Water Problems in the Home

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 20:12:19 GMT

Many regions are affected by hard water. Both private wells and municipal water sources are prone to heavy mineralization in the water. Unfortunately, hard water can cost you, in both money and personal comfort. A whole house water softener can solve nearly all of the following hard water problems.

1. Dull Hair and Itchy Skin

Does your hair seem flat, or does your skin feel even drier and itchy after a shower? If you answered yes, the problem could be hard minerals in your water. Minerals like calcium, limestone, and magnesium make water hard. These minerals deposit on your skin and hair each time you bathe, and soap and shampoo may not fully rinse them away.

Hard water can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and dry skin. The minerals in your hair can make the strands more prone to drying out and splitting. Dandruff and scalp flakes are also common side effects of hard water. You can usually tell hard water is the culprit because your soap will not lather well.

2. Laundry Concerns

Hard water is not just hard on your hair and skin, it can ruin your clothing. Much like soap, detergent does not quite get the job done when hard minerals are in the water. The result is dingy, gray whites; yellowing on lighter-colored items; and stiff fabrics. In some cases, iron in the water may even leave reddish stains on clothing.

You can counteract some hard water issues by using more liquid detergent and hotter water. Borax may also help prevent some hard water problems with your laundry. The best solution, though, is to install a whole house water softener.

3. Plumbing Issues

Clogged water supply lines are often the result of sedimentation from hard water. Minerals, like lime and calcium, can build up inside the water supply lines. Over time, this buildup will constrict the water flow. In extreme cases, the lines may become blocked completely.

Hot water lines are usually the first affected simply because the heat causes the hard minerals to evaporate out and congeal on the lines more readily. In extreme cases, a mineral blockage in a line could cause the line to burst, which will then result in water damage in your home.

4. Appliance Problems

Hard water can shorten the life of certain appliances, such as hot water heaters, dishwashers, ice makers, and washing machines. Appliances can suffer from a decrease of 30 to 50 percent of their lifespan, which will cost you money in repairs and replacement — not to mention the inconvenience of broken-down appliances.

Hard mineral deposits in hot water heaters can be especially problematic. The buildup reduces the tank capacity, can prevent even heating, and can wear out internal components more quickly. The tank will require frequent flushing to counteract the buildup, which takes time and money.

5. Scale Buildup

Do not shy away from clear glassware or a glass shower enclosure because you dread the water spots. Scale buildup is typically white, but it may also be yellowish or gray. It leaves behind spotting that can be very difficult to remove without special cleaners or dishwasher additives.

Scale buildup can affect more than your dinner plates. When scale builds up on showerheads, for example, they may stop working completely, or the once forceful spray may become little more than a dribble. White spots can ruin the appearance of your metal faucets and fixtures. Although the spots are removable with extra cleaning and cleaners with lime removers, the extra work is avoidable if you install a water softener.

Contact Scotto's Plumbing to learn more about your water softener options.

The Do's and Dont's of Rescuing Something You Dropped Down the Sink Drain

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 01:31:15 GMT

What should you do if something falls down the drain? When something falls down the drain, take a look at the next steps that can help to save the item as well as your plumbing system.

Do Turn Off the Water Immediately

A steady stream of water running down the drain will do one of two things — it could push the item deeper into your home's plumbing system or it could cause a flood. If the item is large enough to fill the width of the pipe, any water you add will back up and out of the drain.

Turn the faucet off immediately after you drop anything down the drain. If this is not possible (due to another existing or new plumbing problem), turn the fixture's shut-off valve off as soon as possible. In some rare cases, this second option isn't possible. If you still can't turn the water off at the fixture's level, you'll need to try your home's main water shut-off valve and call a plumber.

Don't Put Anything Else Down the Drain

Are you tempted to put your hand, a coat hanger, or something else down the drain the rescue the item? Never put your hand or anything else in the drain — especially if you dropped something down the garbage disposal. This poses a serious safety risk.

Even though it may seem like the easiest option, an attempt to rescue the item with your hand or an implement may do more than pose a safety issue. It could also push the item deeper into the drain and make it harder — if not impossible — to remove.

Along with your hand or other objects (such as wire hangers or kitchen utensils), never put drain cleaner down the pipe to remove the object. Chemical drain cleaners, if not used correctly, can pose safety risks or cause damage to your home's plumbing system.

The only exception to this rule is when the item is clearly visible. If you dropped a kitchen utensil down the drain and see half of it sticking out, you can often safely grab it. Always turn off, unplug, and cut the electricity to a garbage disposal before touching anything near the drain.

Do Call a Professional

Unless you have prior plumbing experience (beyond the novice level), don’t attempt an object removal yourself. While some items are fairly easy to remove, you may need to disassemble the pipes or parts of the drain in order to get to them.

A professional plumber has the expertise, experience, and equipment necessary to remove the item safely. Not only can the plumber save the item you dropped down the drain (if possible), but they can also save you time and money. Failure to remove the item correctly the first time can result in future blockages or damage. This means more repairs and more money spent after the initial removal process.

Don't Take Apart Your Pipes

Immediately after the item fell down your drain, you probably checked out Google or YouTube what to do next. Your search may have found dozens of answers, all telling you to dismantle the pipes under the sink. While this can work, and the plumber may use this technique, unless you have expert-level knowledge of your home's plumbing system, you may damage the drain.

If you aren't sure how to take the pipes apart, aren't familiar with the parts of your home's plumbing system, or don't know how to put everything back together, leave this job to the professional.

Did you drop something down your bathroom or kitchen sink drain? Do you need help to remove it? Contact Scotto's Plumbing for more information.

Beauty and Hygiene Products That Are Ugly for Plumbing

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:29:49 GMT

Homeowners cautious about what they pour down their kitchen drains may still make mistakes with their bathroom plumbing. Many items can lead to plumbing clogs besides eggshells, bacon grease, and coffee grounds; you should also consider how beauty and hygiene products can affect plumbing lines.

Concerns with Wipes

Municipal sewer companies and residential plumbing experts have long warned homeowners to not flush baby wipes down the toilet because of the tendency of the product to lead to sewer backups. The problem has continued as wipes have become increasingly popular as a product used by many adults.

Manufacturers now make wipes for makeup removal and adult sanitary use. Some products label themselves as flushable, so people feel confident they will not cause any plumbing issues. Unfortunately, researchers have discovered that even flushable wipes can cause clogs as they do not always break down as easily as expected.

Worries About Oil

Coconut oil has become a popular cosmetic product for hair and skin. Some people even use coconut oil for oil pulling. Oil pulling is a dental practice that involves swishing oil around the mouth for 15-20 minutes to remove bacteria and plaque from the mouth before the oil is spat out in the drain.

The concern with coconut oil is that temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit turn it into a solid. The product, warmed by body heat, turns into a liquid form during use and stays a liquid when rinsed with warm water down the drain from the mouth, hair or body. Once the oil reaches colder plumbing lines, the liquid becomes a solid again.

Coconut oil causes problems like bacon grease goes when it goes down a drain. The liquid coconut oil turns solid and collects along the pipe as it cools. The oil that remains in the plumbing pipe becomes a sticky spot where other items can collect.

If too much of the oil goes down a drain at once, it might close off the pipe on its own. Boiling water may temporarily loosen a clog close to the drain, but the solution is often only temporary. Another clog could occur further down the pipe as the oil cools again. Boiling water may not stay warm enough to dissolve oil deep in a drain.

Issues with Floss

Dental floss is such a small and seemingly harmless product it may seem strange to imagine it could cause any problem. One strand, like a single strand of hair, is unlikely to lead to a sewer malfunction. The problem is that most people use dental floss daily, so the floss collects in the same way a strand of hair becomes a clump of hair in drains.

Dental floss does not biodegrade, and it can easily wrap around other items in the pipe or stick to rough, rusted sections of older plumbing. Over time, the dental floss continues to build in these sections and collect bits of paper, hair, or other flushed debris. The collection eventually builds until it closes off the pipe entirely.

Problems with Swabs

Cotton swabs have the same small and innocent appearance of dental floss but can cause the same problems. Swabs can also become stuck to rough areas of plumbing pipes and cause other items to collect. A swab can even become wedged across the pipe and stop toilet paper from flushing through the line.

Homeowners can prevent many instances of clogged pipes if they never flush down anything except human waste and toilet paper and use caution with the products they rinse down their drains. If the warning comes too late, call us. At Scotto's Plumbing Services , we offer 24/7 emergency services to help keep your plumbing systems operating flawlessly.

4 Variables That Affect How Much Drain Maintenance and Repairs You Need

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 08:26:00 GMT

As a homeowner, you know that every home system needs maintenance from time to time. And if you neglect that maintenance, you're more likely to need expensive repairs. But sometimes, the amount and frequency of the maintenance needed can vary a bit.

For example, if you take great care of your plumbing drains, they may not need professional cleaning as often. Here are some variables that could affect how often your drains need maintenance.

1. Drain Screens

The more likely your drains are to clog, the more often they'll slow down and need cleaning. One easy way to keep debris out of your drain is to use a mesh screen at each entrance to the drainage system. The finer the mesh, the more debris it will catch. (Keep in mind that smaller mesh may drain more slowly because it forces water through small holes.)

Your bathtub, showers, and kitchen sink are the most important spots for drain screens, but any bathroom and laundry room sinks are important as well. Mesh screens are quite inexpensive and can effective. They can help catch hair and food scraps and reduce the chances of drain slowing or blockage, which in turn reduces how many drain cleanings you need.

2. Soap Scum

Soap scum can contribute to a drain clog, especially in the bathroom sink and the shower or bathtub. If you use bar soap in the shower and bath, you can try cleaners that cut through soap scum. But that may work better for your bathtub than for your drains; plumbers don't recommend harsh chemical cleaners for your drains.

Another option to reduce soap scum in your drains is to consider switching to a product such as a body wash or shower gel. Liquid body wash and shower gel are often less likely to cause buildup in your drains.

Often, body wash and shower gel technically contain a type of detergent rather than an actual soap product. This doesn't mean body wash is a harsh product like laundry detergent; this just means that it doesn't contain fats that will congeal in your drain.

3. Kitchen Disposal Use

The garbage disposal in your kitchen sink is another thing you need to keep in mind about drain maintenance. The garbage disposal is designed to grind up food scraps so that they won't clog drains. However, that's only the case if you use the disposal according to manufacturer recommendations.

If you use the disposal incorrectly (such as by jamming it too full or not using enough water with it), you could still end up with drain problems such as unpleasant odors or slow drains. Pouring grease, oils, and other fats down the drain can have a similar effect. Fats can congeal on the sides of the drain and cause slowing.

4. Drain Age

An older plumbing system is likely to clog easily. The system may have odd bends in the pipes, tree roots that grow through the pipes, and even pipes partially blocked by buildup. If your drains are older, you may need to baby them along with frequent professional maintenance as well as careful use and home care.

These are just a few of the factors that can come into play when determining how often you'll need professional drain maintenance. As you can see, taking a few simple steps to avoid buildup in your drains can help reduce your plumbing bills.

Scotto's Plumbing provides drain maintenance and clog removal as well as a wide variety of other plumbing maintenance and repair solutions for homeowners. If you live in Pinellas County, feel free to give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you.

4 Home Water Softener Options and Their Unique Advantages

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 04:38:18 GMT

If you live in Florida and your home doesn’t have a water softening system, then your home likely has hard water. Florida land contains large amounts of limestone , which contains calcium and magnesium. As rainwater passes through this limestone after it falls and into the groundwater, the water picks up calcium and magnesium molecules and becomes hard.

While hard water is not a health hazard, it can cause lime scale buildup inside of your home's pipes and water fixtures; exacerbate skin conditions, such as eczema; create spots on your clean dishes; cause clothing to come out of the washing machine stiff; and cause soap scum to accumulate in your bathtub.

Thankfully, many devices on the market today can soften your home's water. Read on to learn about the four main devices that soften water today and the unique advantages of each one.

1. Ion Exchange Water Softener

The ion exchange water softener is the most popular type of water softener, and it has been on the market for many years. It is named after the process it uses to soften water. It exchanges the hard ions in water, calcium and magnesium, with a softer ion, which is typically sodium.

An ion exchange water softener tank contains a substance called an exchange medium covered in sodium ions. As hard water passes through the exchange medium, many of the calcium and magnesium molecules in the water are replaced with the sodium molecules.

The main disadvantage of this type of water softener is that it can increase the amount of sodium in your home's drinking water slightly. However, this slight increase in sodium is not a concern for most healthy adults and children, and some ion exchange systems add potassium to water instead of sodium.

2. Salt-Free Water Conditioners

Another option when you want softer water is a salt-free water conditioner. These devices do not offer all of the benefits of a water softener that actually removes calcium and magnesium from water, but they do help stop the accumulation of lime scale inside of your home's plumbing.

As water flows through the filtering medium in a salt-free water conditioner, the structure of the water molecules alters, often by adding another substance to the water. This substance varies by water conditioner make and model but is always a substance safe to drink and bathe in. The change in water molecule chemical structure makes the hard ions in it less likely to stick to the inside of your plumbing fixtures, preventing lime scale.

3. Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

Another option if you want softer water is a reverse osmosis water filtration system. This is a great option if you not only want to truly soften your home's water but also remove other contaminants from it to improve its quality even further.

A reverse osmosis water filtration system forces your home's water through a porous membrane, or filter, that removes calcium and magnesium ions to soften it. As the water goes through the membrane, it also removes other contaminants, such as chlorine, arsenic, and other dissolved minerals.

These systems are ideal for families who want water that is soft, healthy, and free from contaminants.

4. Magnetic Water Softener

Another water-softening device on the market today is the magnetic water softener. To soften your water, these devices pass your home's water through special electromagnetic coils that change the structure of hard ions, including calcium and magnesium, to soften your water.

However, like sodium-free water softeners, magnetic water softeners are more water conditioners than softeners, since they leave excess calcium and magnesium in your water. They are mainly to prevent lime scale buildup only.

If you are tired of living in a home with hard water that contributes to lime scale buildup inside your pipes, dry skin, and water spots on dishes, then consider having one of our plumbing professionals install a water softening system today. Contact Scotto's Plumbing to further discuss your water softener options and learn which is right for your home.

5 Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 09:06:50 GMT

Whether you're a culinary prodigy or use your kitchen mostly as a place to store and heat frozen meals, you rely on the kitchen plumbing to provide fresh water and carry wastewater away down the pipes. But just like any other system in your home, the plumbing system can sometimes hit a snag. Here are five common kitchen plumbing problems you might encounter.

1. Grease Clog

The kitchen is one of the easiest places to accidentally cause a grease clog. Even if you habitually pour excess grease into the trash, someone else in your household might thoughtlessly cancel out your good habits by pouring some oil down the drain one day. And even the bits of grease that cling to the insides of dirty dishes can build up inside the drain.

If you do suspect your sink is falling victim to a clogged drain line, don't be ashamed to call the plumber. These types of clogs are very common, and it's better to call for help right away than to call later after pouring hazardous chemicals down the drain in an attempt to shift it. Video inspections and specialized tools allow plumbers to eradicate clogs that frustrate homeowners.

2. Faucet Drips

A faucet drip may not seem like a big deal at first, but if you want to increase your home's energy efficiency and water efficiency, you'll want to get even a small drip sorted out right away. One drop per second can waste several gallons of water per day and over a thousand in a year. That's a high price to pay for an easily preventable drip.

After all, a dripping faucet usually is quite a quick fix for a plumber. It's often a simple matter of replacing a blown seal or washer or a damaged cartridge.

3. Fridge Water Line Malfunction

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or an ice maker, it has a water supply line to carry water to these features. If the water line becomes clogged or springs a leak, you have an appliance-related plumbing problem on your hands. You could hire an appliance repair technician, or you could choose an experienced plumber to replace or unclog the line.

One caveat for appliance-related issues is that if your appliance is still under warranty, you may need to choose a specific repair company for repairs regarding the appliance itself to avoid voiding the warranty. Check your warranty terms to see if this is the case for your appliances.

4. Dishwasher Drain Issues

Many dishwasher drain problems arise from an incorrect installation technique. For example. if the drain is installed without a high loop, the dishwasher may be unable to drain correctly with each cycle. If the connection between the dishwasher drain and the sink drain occurs on the wrong side of the sink's P-trap (the side closer to the sewer), sewer gases can escape.

In addition to these installation problems, dishwashers can experience plumbing problems when a mechanical part such as a valve is faulty or reaches the end of its working lifespan.

5. Leaks Under the Sink

Sometimes an under-sink leak is big and obvious, but other times it's sneaky and hard to pin down. Whether you need help figuring out where it's coming from or just want it to stop causing problems, getting a plumber on board is the right call in this situation. Under-sink leaks can come from the drain, the P-trap, the disposal, the dishwasher drain, or the faucet, to name a few places.

These five common troubles with kitchen plumbing may be tricky to you, but don't worry; plumbers see this type of thing all the time. For diagnosis and repair of these or less common plumbing issues, feel free to get in touch with Scotto’s Plumbing, at any time, day or night. We can provide both regular and emergency services for any plumbing issue you encounter.

3 Bathroom Upgrades to Reduce Water Usage

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 21:04:00 GMT

If your water usage is higher than you would like, the most likely culprit is your bathroom. The vast majority of water used in most homes generates from the bathroom.

Luckily, there are various levels of upgrades you can make to your bathroom that will allow you to reduce your overall water usage.

1. Low-Flow Shower Head

Low-flow showerheads are designed to use around 40% less water than a traditional shower head without compromising on water pressure.

There are two different types of low-flow showerheads, non-aerating and aerating.

Non-Aerating Low-Flow Shower Head: Non-aerating low-flow shower heads use less water by pushing lower-quantities of water through extremely small holes. This creates a high-pressure, intense water spray.

Aerating Low-Flow Shower Head: An aerating low-flow showerhead achieves less water usage by mixing oxygen with the water before it flows out of the showerhead. This creates a water spray that is still high-pressure but feels a little softer than the spray produced by a non-aerating low-flow showerhead.

Keep in mind, with a low-flow showerhead, you not only save on your water costs but on your energy costs as well. Less water in the shower generally means less hot water being used, which should help reduce the energy costs associated with your hot water heater.

2. Low-Pressure Faucets

Low-pressure faucets use many of the same principles as low-flow showerheads.

Most low-pressure faucets use aerating techniques to reduce water usage. Air is added to the water to reduce water usage while keeping the water pressure consistent.

The great thing about installing low-pressure faucets is it’s an easy switch. All you need to do is switch out the existing aerator at the end of the faucet with one that is low-flow; you don't have to replace the entire faucet. When you purchase a new aerator, look for how much water it uses per minute. A low-flow aerator uses less than a gallon of water a minute.

Faucet aerators further help conserve water by reducing the water that splashes around the sink. The aerator creates smaller streams of water within the mainstream of water as it comes out of your faucet. This reduces the water wasted as it comes out of the faucet.

3. Water-Conserving Toilets

The toilet is the culprit in your home that consumes the most water. Older toilets use around 3.8 gallons of water per flush. Switching to an ultra-low or high-efficiency toilet can allow you to save between 2.2-2.5 gallons per flush.

There are three different types of water-conserving toilets you can install in your home: ultra-low flush, high-efficiency, or dual-flush.

Ultra-Low Flush Toilets (ULF): If your toilet was installed in your home after 1994, you probably have an ultra-low flush toilet as federal laws were established which required all toilets to use 1.6 gallons of water or less.

High-Efficiency Toilets (HET): High-efficiency toilets dominate the marketplace today, making them an affordable option. They only use 1.3 gallons of water per flush.

Dual-Flush: Dual-flush toilets account for the fact that flushing solid waste and liquid waste doesn't require the same amount of water or pressure. Dual-flush toilets have a feature that allows you to choose between two methods of flushing and result in greater water savings than ULF and HET toilets.

If you upgrade from an ULF toilet to a HET toilet, you will save you .3 gallons per flush. If you go one step farther and install a dual-flush toilet, you can further increase your water savings.

Give us a call at Scotto's Plumbing Services , and we can help you reduce your water usage by installing a low-flow showerhead, low-pressure faucets, and a more efficient toilet in your bathroom.

5 Steps to Take When Saving Water on Plumbing

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 20:37:01 GMT

There are so many ways to save water in your everyday life that it can be hard to know where to get started. But if you worry about your water usage, you’re already have an advantage. Here are five first steps to take when you want to reduce the water waste in your home plumbing.

1. Track Water Usage

The first thing you need to know is how much water you use and where, when, and why you use it. Start by getting a copy of your recent water bill. It won't tell you what you use the water on, but it'll tell you how much you've used recently.

Then move on to day-to-day usage. Track the numbers on your water meter to see which days you use the most water. Or you can use a smart water meter tracker app to help you analyze how much water you use for each application. This will help you identify any overuse or surprise usage, such as a toilet that uses more water than you thought.

2. Add Low-Flow to the Equation

One way to instantly reduce water use with a minimal outlay is to add low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Unlike low-flow appliances, these are quite inexpensive, and you may even be able to install them yourself. A low-flow showerhead can save you a great deal of money on water usage over time.

For example, if you switch from a 2.5 gallon per minute head to a 1 gallon per minute showerhead, you can save 15 gallons per ten-minute shower. That amount of water adds up quickly.

If you have the budget for low-flow toilets, they should be the next low-flow item on your list because toilets are one of the largest indoor water users. A low-flow toilet can save 15,000 gallons of water annually for a family of four.

3. Have Your Plumber Do an Audit

You may have heard of electrical contractors offering to do an energy audit to see where you're wasting energy. A plumber can perform a similar service with your water usage. He or she can check for drips and other leaks that could be wasting water 24/7, and can even check for slow leaks inside your walls with a special infrared device that looks for cold spots.

Your plumber can also offer suggestions for more water-efficient ways to do things and discuss with you the specific pros and cons for your situation of water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers.

4. Look for Places You Can Reuse Water

Once you've gone low-flow and gotten any leaks patched up, another way save water is to start reusing it. For example, if you wash your pots and pans by hand, catch the rinse water in a basin and use it to flush a toilet, water a landscaping bed, or even pre-rinse the next set of dishes.

Several other easy places most people can reuse water include in the shower (catch warm-up water in a bucket to flush a toilet with), in the bathroom sink (catch handwashing water to flush the toilet with), and on the stove (save cooking water until it cools down, then water plants with it).

5. Make a Short-Term and a Long-Term Plan

How much do you hope to reduce your water usage over the rest of the year, and what steps will you take to do it? How will you fit them into your budget? How will you remind yourself to keep reusing water and reducing water waste throughout the day?

These five first steps can help you get an overall picture of what water usage you need to cut down on and take several great strides toward your goal of reducing water waste. For more information on how we can inspect your plumbing, or install low-flow plumbing fixtures and appliances, call Scotto's Plumbing .

Fruit-Infused Water Recipes and Tips

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 28 May 2019 15:15:29 GMT

Drinking water is essential for health, but, if we’re honest, plain water can be so boring.

According to nutritionists, you should be drinking half of your weight in ounces of water every single day. For a 120-pound women, that’s 60 ounces of water, every day.

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to drink water when you’re at a spa or swanky hotel? You can recreate that at home with fruit-infused water. Summer is ideal time, with so many fruits in season. Infusing your water at home with fruit is a great way to increase your water consumption without feeling deprived.

How to make fruit-infused water at home

Use a glass jar instead of a plastic jar.
Water can be infused in as little as 1-2 hours at room temperature or 3-4 hours in the fridge. It takes 1-2 hours at room temperature or 3-4 hours in the fridge for the water to become infused with the fruit flavor. Never leave infused water out of the fridge for longer 12 hours, as mold and bacteria can begin growing.
Always use organic fruits and herbs.
Using citrus with rinds can cause the water to become bitter, if left too long. Either peel the rind first or remove the citrus after four hours.
Always use filtered water. Adding a filtered drinking water system is an economical way to improve your drinking water.
If you are serving infused water to guests, throw some of the fruit into your freezer and use the frozen fruit as ice cubes.
Cut the firm fruit into slices and the fleshier fruits into chunks.
For herbs, muddle the herb first to release the flavor.

Favorite Fruit-Infused Water combinations

Watermelon and strawberries
Apple, mint and lime
Lemon, raspberry and mint
Strawberry and lime
Orange, blueberry and mint
Kiwi and orange
Peach, plum and mint
Strawberry and pineapple
Orange and lime
Strawberry, lemon and mint

Got a favorite infused water recipe? Tell us about it!

Five Reasons a Water Filtration System is a Good Investment

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 20 May 2019 17:29:57 GMT

Drinking pure, clean water is essential for good health. Nutritionists recommend drinking half your weight in water (in ounces) every day. For the average American woman that’s 83 ounces each day. Drinking filtered water is a smart and economical way to ensure you and your loved ones are drinking enough high-quality water. Here are five reasons you and your wallet will love installing a water filtration system in your home.

#1: Have safer water to drink every day.

In Tampa Bay, potable (drinking) water is a blend of groundwater, treated surface water, and desalinated sea water. The treatment process for this blended water includes going through a

hydrogen sulfide removal process, and adding chlorine and ammonia as disinfectants, then adding sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, a polyphosphate inhibitor and fluoride. (Source: Pinellas County 2017 Consumer Confidence Report ).

By adding a home water filtration system, you are able to remove harmful contaminants like arsenic, barium, copper, lead, nitrate and more from the water you and your family (and your pets) drink!

#2: Improve the taste and look of drinking water

No one wants to drink water that doesn’t taste good or looks cloudy. Home water filters are designed to remove elements like lead, chlorine and bacteria that can cause water to have an unpleasant odor and taste, and are cloudy. Installing a home water filtration system will improve the taste and smell of your water.

#3: Reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues

That water coming out of your tap traveled through miles of pipe to get into your faucet. Many microscopic organisms live in water and, if when not treated properly or if the water is contaminated in the pipes, those organisms can be ingested. Parasites that can cause intestinal and digestive problems are removed by filtration.

#4: Save money

If you drank 83 ounces of bottled water every day, you would spend more than $800 a year for water. Just for you. If you have other family members or pets you want drinking healthy, clean water, that amount goes up! And that assumes a 24 pack of water is less than $10. Plus, the hassle of having to remember to buy it, drive to the store to buy it or paying to have it delivered, storing it… A drinking water filtration system can be installed for about half that amount, resulting in big savings for you.

#5: Save the planet

According to studies, Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year. But only 20% of the plastic bottles we buy get recycled, with the remaining 80% ending up in landfills, where it will take 450 years to decompose! And, the production of the bottle is a huge waste of natural resources. It takes three times the amount of water in the bottle just to make the bottle. By adding a drinking water filtration system and getting a reusable bottle, you can have fresh, delicious water on-the-go that saves the planet while saving you money.

Scotto’s Plumbing can add a space-saving, stylish drinking water filtration system to your kitchen for less than you may expect. Contact us today for a quote.

Plumbing Issues With Older Homes

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 10 May 2019 02:01:45 GMT

If you have recently purchased an older home, you may be delighted by some of its vintage features. After all, older homes can offer a type of quality and workmanship that many people complain about being unable to find today.

At the same time, your older home may not be perfect. In fact, you may find that the plumbing issues leave a lot to be desired in your home. These are some of the most common plumbing issues discovered in older homes.

Pipes Made of Older Materials

Building codes in the United States have differed significantly over the years, and in the past pipes could have been made by a number of inefficient materials. An inspection of your home's plumbing could reveal that you have some scary plumbing materials lying beneath.

Some older homes may have lead pipes, which were once deemed very durable. The trouble with lead is that it is highly toxic, leading to health issues that could include stomach issues and fatigue. The use of lead pipes was banned via the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986.

Galvanized iron was also a popular material used for plumbing in older homes. Unfortunately, zinc that was used to coat the pipes can begin to erode. This leaves behind poor piping susceptible to major problems.

Tree Roots Invading Plumbing

Plumbing that has been in place for a long time may be susceptible to damage caused by tree roots. For one, older pipes may be weaker and more susceptible to damage from invading forces (like trees).

On the other hand, trees that were planted around the same time the house was built may just be getting to the point where the tree roots grow as deep as your plumbing. Roots will seek water, shifting their way into your pipes.

Older Features

Of course, it's not always just about the pipes. One of the most common issues people face in an older house is older plumbing features. You might be unhappy with the way the shower is set up, or perhaps you want to replace the entire tub. Even supply lines are not up to par in many of these homes.

Unfortunately, older features are commonly associated with water leaks and bad repairs made in the past. On the bright side, a plumber may be able to address issues you have with plumbing to ensure that your features, including knobs and spouts, are all working.

Shifting Pipes

Older homes shift on their foundations naturally, with time. In some older homes where pipes rest underneath the structure, this shifting causes problems. When pipes begin shifting down, the result is something called a pipe belly.

If your older home has a pipe belly, you may notice that the flow of water slows down or even stops. The water may also carry sediment from resting in a pool.

Plumbers may opt to redesign much of the plumbing in your house if a pipe belly is to blame. Sometimes, they might address issues like sediment that is changing shape under the home, and other times they might realize that a former contractor didn't necessarily follow building codes (or maybe even building codes preventing pipe bellies didn't exist yet).

You Can Deal With Older Plumbing Issues

Thankfully, help is available for the owners of older homes. Plumbers have seen it all, and they have experience fixing and replacing parts in homes of all ages.

Scotto's Plumbing Service understands what you may be facing as the owner of an older home. Call us today to get started with a new plumbing project or a repair. We are here to help.

Three Major Differences Between Water Heaters With and Without Tanks

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:10:13 GMT

If you're a homeowner, you understand the necessity of having a reliable water heater. These convenient appliances not only provide a way to take a relaxing shower but also provide hot water for important household chores, such as doing laundry and washing dishes.

If your water heater is on the brink of wearing out, you should replace it as soon as possible. When getting a brand-new water heater, you'll need to decide between getting a traditional storage tank water heater or one that is tankless. Even if you already have one or the other, you may not realize all the differences between the two.

In order to help you make the best choice possible to suit the needs of your household, consider these three major differences between tank and tankless water heaters.

1. Size

Since water heaters with tanks need to store water, this type is much larger than a tankless heater, so you'll need adequate space for it. Tank water heaters are usually about 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Most people put their tank water heater in their basement or in a closet.

Tank water heaters come in various sizes, depending on the water needs of your household. A good guideline to go by is how many people live in your home. If there are just one or two people, you can get by with a water heater that holds between 30 to 40 gallons of water.

For a household between two and four people, the capacity of your water heater should be between 40 and 60 gallons. If you have five or more people in your home, you'll probably need one that holds between 60 and 80 gallons of water. However, you should know that these guidelines aren't set in stone, and they can change depending on how much hot water you actually use.

If your water heater is too small, you might not have enough hot water to meet the needs of your household. If the tank is too big, the size could result in wasted water, not to mention a higher-than-necessary energy bill.

Tankless water heaters are much smaller, since they don't need to store water. Instead, they contain superheated coils that provide hot water on demand. Electric tankless water heaters are about 10 inches high by 7 inches wide. Gas tankless water heaters are a bit larger and measure about 30 inches high by 20 inches wide.

The smaller sizes of both electric and gas tankless water heaters allow them to be mounted on the wall, although you will need much more wall space for a gas unit.

A gas-powered water heater works better for more than two people. For larger households, one advantage of a tankless water heater is you can install more than one in your home. For example, you could install one each in the laundry room, the bathroom, and the kitchen.

2. Cost

Storage tank water heaters are considerably less expensive than tankless ones. According to Bankrate, the average water heater with a tank costs between $650 and $850, depending on what size you need. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, can cost up to $1,500.

Despite being more expensive, some homeowners choose a tankless water heater because they are more energy efficient, which means the owners can save money on their energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, depending on how much water is used, tankless water heaters can be anywhere from 8% to 50% more energy efficient than tank water heaters.

When it comes to water use and energy efficiency, consider the following statistics about tankless water heaters:

Homes that use about 86 gallons of water a day are 8% to 14% more energy efficient
Homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water a day are 24% to 34% more energy efficient
Homes that have a tankless water heater installed wherever hot water is used are 27% to 50% more energy efficient

Depending on how much water your household uses, you can expect to save anywhere from $70 to over $100 a year on your energy bill, per Energy Star and Consumer Reports.

3. Life Expectancy

According to Apartment Therapy, one more major difference between storage tank water heaters and tankless ones is how long they last. If you want your water heater to last longer, you may want to install a tankless water heater, which lasts for up to 20 years. Compare this to a tank water heater, which normally lasts between 10 to 13 years.

As you can see, there is much to think about when choosing between a storage tank water heater and a tankless one. No matter which kind you choose, contact Scotto’s Plumbing for all your residential water heater installation needs.

4 Reasons to Insulate All Your Water Supply Pipes

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 18:37:05 GMT

Many existing homes don't have all their water pipes insulated, only those that will be exposed to freezing temperatures (which hardly ever happens in Pinellas County) or those that carry hot water.

But all your pipes can benefit from insulation, whether they carry cold or hot water. Here are four reasons, other than freezing temperatures, to insulate water supply pipes.

1. Reduce Pest Attraction

You may have known that leaks and dripping faucets can attract pests, but did you know that even totally intact pipes can provide a water source for pests? Cold water pipes may produce condensation on their exterior surfaces where the warmer air of your home touches the pipe.

Tiny insects such as silverfish, earwigs, and even cockroaches can easily subsist with only water droplets as a water source. So to avoid providing them with the means to live in your walls or under your sink, consider insulating all your cold water pipes to provide a buffer between the cold surface and the warmer air. The insulation reduces the chances of water condensing.

2. Reduce Moisture Problems

It may not seem like a cold water pipe that collects condensation can actually cause a moisture problem. After all, it's only collecting water that was already present in the air as humidity (something Florida has in plentiful supply). However, like the condensation on uninsulated windows, the collected moisture on the outside of a pipe can cause a localized moisture problem.

The condensation can drip or run down onto nearby materials such as drywall, wood, or insulation. Once wet, these materials may grow mold or even start to rot, compromising their structural integrity and causing water damage that can spread to other nearby materials. Mold and rot can also attract termites and greatly reduce your indoor air quality.

If you have cold water pipes in your walls, you could head off some of these potential problems by adding insulation.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

Even if your area rarely dips below freezing, it can still be beneficial to insulate your hot water pipes. That's because your water heater requires energy to heat up the water, and when the water sits in the pipes between uses it can cool off, dispersing the energy to the surrounding air. Insulating the pipe allows the water to stay hot longer.

In addition, if the pipe runs inside your home, the excess heat will be transmitted to the indoor air, meaning your AC has to work that much harder. So insulating your pipes could even offer a small benefit in the area of AC energy efficiency.

4. Take Comfortable Showers

The further away from the water heater your bathroom is, the more heat the water will lose between the heater and the shower or bath. If you like to take hot showers, this can be a highly inconvenient factor. Your instinct may be to turn up the water heater's settings to ensure the water is still hot enough by the time it reaches your bathroom.

But you may not have to turn up the temperature of your water heater. Instead, just insulate the pipes to reduce the amount of lost heat, rather than spending more heat energy.

These benefits demonstrate why your water pipes all deserve to be insulated. Fortunately, pipe insulation typically doesn't cost much for the materials, and you can have the installation done by a professional so it won't take up your valuable time. After a quick professional insulating job, you can reap all the benefits described above without a huge outlay of cash.

If you'd like to update, improve, or install pipe insulation, get in touch with Scotto's Plumbing Services today to schedule a visit — and be sure to ask about our monthly promotions.

Was your home built before 1975?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 17:07:15 GMT

You may have a potential disaster lurking underground!You may have a potential disaster lurking underground!

If your home was built prior to 1975 then you most likely have cast iron sewer lines. High-quality cast iron pipe is approved for plumbing and is still used today. However, about 50 years ago imported steel made its way to the US. The imported steel was not subjected to the same quality standards but became popular due to its lower cost. American companies were forced to produce lower quality steel that could compete pricewise. Also, recycled steel became more popular. Much of the new cast iron is produced from lower quality recycled steel rather than smelting new steel from ore. The new, lower quality, steel is prone to rusting, splitting and cracking. A broken or cracked sewer line will stop the normal flow of sewage, allowing raw sewage and water to run in your yard or much worse, back up into your home. It is also prone to scaling which occurs when pipe oxidizes from the inside. The inside of the pipe bubbles, splinters and flakes off. The splinters catch paper products flushed down toilets and eventually cause stoppages by clogging the normal flow of sewage. This then causes the sewer line to back up into the house. A back up inside your home can cause significant water damage as well as health hazards from raw sewage.

How do you determine if your home has cast iron piping?

Often, we find older homes have had previous repairs or sections of the sewer replaced. You may think you have a PVC sewer line when in fact only parts of it are PVC tied into sections of cast iron. The most accurate way to check your entire sewer system is to have a sewer camera run through the main. The camera can determine what type of piping you have, and the condition of the piping.

I have cast iron piping, now what?

If the sewer camera reveals rust, cracks, splits or thinning of the pipe your best option is to have the line replaced as soon as possible.

If the sewer camera reveals excess scaling a technique called chain knocking and hydro-jetting can be used to remove the scale build up and return your sewer line into good working condition.

Call us today to schedule to have your sewer line inspected.

3 Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Attention | Scotto's Plumbing Services

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 03:02:35 GMT

Your dishwasher is a valuable tool for quickly and safely cleaning dishes to remove any food and bacteria. However, as with any major appliance, your dishwasher needs regular maintenance and may need occasional repairs to keep it working well. Check out these three signs your dishwasher needs attention so you can determine if yours is working at full capacity.

1. Water Remains After the Dishes Are Washed

Whether you use the drying option or not, some water often remains in the machine. For example, an upright cup may still hold water from the wash, but this can easily be fixed by loading the machine correctly. However, if you see a lot of standing water at the bottom of the washing machine, there is probably a reason, and your dishwasher may need attention.

If you left a lot of food on the dishes when you put them in the dishwasher, the food can clog the drain. When this happens, you can usually remove the food yourself. However, if the problem is deeper, you may have a clogged pipe or tube. This is also likely if your sink with a disposal floods or fills with dirty water when you use the dishwasher.

Depending on the location and size of the clog, you may be able to get it with a small snake, but for larger or deeper clogs, a professional is likely your best choice. Not only will a professional plumber fix the problem, they will also tell you why it happened and/or if you need a new system to really solve the issue.

2. Water Is Pooling Near the Washing Machine

Your system uses a lot of water, but it should also contain that water. No leak from your dishwasher is normal, and if the leak is left untreated, it can cause major damage, such as wood rot to the floor. If you do notice leaking, stop using your dishwasher immediately and contact a plumber to prevent any future damage to your home.

If you haven't noticed any leaks or pooling water, check for signs of rust. Specs of rust here and there aren't a big problem, but they may indicate the system is starting to breakdown, allowing water into more areas. You may also notice rust getting onto or into dishes.

3. The Dishes Aren't Hot or Clean

When you open the washing machine right after a cycle, it should be hot. Even if you don't use the drying feature, the hot water should leave the dishes hot to warm. This is because the water used in your dishwasher should be about 171 degrees Fahrenheit according to the FDA. This is the commercial standard, so yours may not need to be this hot.

However, if the dishes are cold after washing, you have an issue because it means the water washing the dishes isn't hot. This means your dishes may not be as clean or as sanitary as you'd like. If the water isn't getting hot or hot enough, something might be wrong with the heating coil, and a repair may be necessary.

Another sign your dishwasher may not be hot enough is unclean plates. There are many reasons food may remain on your plate after washing, such as simply not presoaking. However, if all your dishes remain dirty, the water may not be getting hot enough to adequately remove the food particles and residue

You don't always need to buy a new dishwasher when yours starts to show signs of wear and tear. A good repair can have your system working great again, which saves you money in the long run. If you would like to know more about how we can help, contact us at Scotto’s Plumbing Services today.

3 Steps to Prevent a Ruptured Water Heater Tank

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 19:12:51 GMT

If you haven't provided routine maintenance for your water heater in more than a year, schedule that right away. Your water heater is under a lot of pressure - literally. If too much pressure builds up in the tank, your water heater is at risk for rupture.

Unfortunately, if your water heater explodes, you face significant water damage inside your home, not to mention the possibility of serious injuries to yourself or others. The best way to prevent ruptures is to keep your water heater well-maintained. Here are three steps that will help you avoid a ruptured water heater tank.

1. Flush the Tank Annually

If your water heater tank hasn't been flushed in a few years - or has never been flushed - you need to take care of that as soon as possible. A dirty water heater tank does more than affect the flavor and color of your water. The sediment that builds up in your water heater can cause the tank to burst, especially if enough pressure builds up.

To stop the destruction of your water heater and the potential for a costly flood, flush your water heater tank at least once a year. If you continue to notice sediment in your water or your tank makes unusual sounds, talk to your plumber about a replacement.

2. Replace Components Before They Malfunction

If you're like most people, you wait to make repairs until you're faced with a malfunction. That might work for some systems in your home. However, if you postpone repairs on your water heater, you could end up with a ruptured tank. Where your water heater is concerned, you need to replace worn-out components before they malfunction altogether.

Here are two components that need to be replaced as soon as you experience problems with them.

Thermostat

If you're not able to maintain an adequate supply of hot water, or the temperature fluctuates continually, you need to replace the thermostat right away. A faulty thermostat can cause your water heater to burst, especially once the temperature of the water gets too hot.

Anode Rod

Your water heater has an anode rod inside the tank that's responsible for the prevention of rust and corrosion. Once the anode rod wears out, your tank will corrode at a rapid rate. If you don't replace the faulty anode rod, the corrosion will increase the chances of a rupture inside the tank.

3. Know the Warning Signs

You should know the warning signs of an impending rupture. Once you notice the presence of warning signs, have your water heater repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Here are two signs to watch for.

Pressure Relief Valve Leak

The pressure relief valve is responsible for maintaining the pressure inside the tank. If the pressure relief valve fails, the pressure will build up until your tank ruptures. If you notice a leak in the pressure relief valve, have it replaced right away. The presence of a leak around the pressure relief valves is an indication that your tank has a pressure-related problem.

Rotten Egg Odor

If you have a gas water heater, pay attention for the odor of rotten eggs. This odor is a sign that your water heater has developed a gas leak, which could cause an explosion if left alone. Not only that, but gas can be harmful if inhaled for long periods of time.

Don't take chances with your water heater. The information provided here will help you avoid a rupture in your water heater tank. If your water heater is in need of maintenance, contact the professionals at Scotto's Plumbing Services .

Plumbing Problems? 5 Signs Dirty Drains Are the Culprit

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 19:07:17 GMT

Plumbing problems are no laughing matter, especially when they involve your drains. Luckily, drains usually provide you with some advance warning before they go into full blockage. One way to prevent blockages and keep things flowing smoothly is to have your drains cleaned on an annual basis. Here are five signs that your drains need immediate attention.

1. Your House Smells Like Sewage

If you've got foul odors coming up from the sinks and tubs, and your home isn't connected to a septic system, chances are good that you need to have your drains cleaned. Human waste and particles of food get clogged up in the drains, leading to the noxious odors that fill your home from time to time.

Unfortunately, no amount of cleaning will rid your home of the foul odors. To keep the sewer odors away, have your drains cleaned about once a year.

2. You've Attracted Drain Flies

If you suddenly see small brown gnats flying around your home, you have an infestation of drain flies. These little flies live and breed deep inside the drains, especially those that aren't used that often. While drain flies don't pose a health risk, they can become a nuisance once they begin to breed in your plumbing.

One way to keep the drain flies away is to flush your drains with hot water about once a week. Another way is to have your drains professionally cleaned. The professional cleaning removes the bacteria and debris that drain flies feed upon.

3. You Found Black Slime in Your Sink Drains

If you recently plunged your bathroom sink and a thick wad of black slime came up, you saw the remnants of hair, toothpaste, bacteria, and phlegm. The dark color is caused by the natural decaying process of what remains in your drains after you've rinsed the sink.

This distasteful remnant only goes away with a thorough cleaning.

4. You're Dealing With Stubborn Clogs

If you find yourself with at least one stubborn clog a week, especially clogs that affect more than one drain at a time, there's a good chance that your drains are backed up with decaying grease, hair, human waste, and rotting food. If you have mature trees in your yard, your drains could also be clogged with roots. If roots have invaded your drains, they will need to be removed by a plumber.

5. You Have Sewage Coming Up in the Bathtubs

If your main line is blocked, the sewage that leaves your home can't get through to the sewer system. Instead, the sewage will back up through the pipes and eventually escape into your bathtubs. Unfortunately, raw sewage

• contains substances that can cause serious health risks.

• Parasites. When you have raw sewage in your bathtub, you're exposed to parasites that carry

• cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. Both parasites are known to cause loose stools and cramping.

Viruses. In addition to parasites, raw sewage also contains viruses such as gastroenteritis, Hepatitis A, and poliomyelitis.

Bacteria. Finally, exposure to raw sewage puts you at risk for contamination from bacteria such as E. coli and leptospirosis.

As soon as you discover raw sewage in your tubs, contact a plumber. You need professional assistance to clear the blockage and clean the drains. If the raw sewage has backed up onto your bathroom floors, you also need to have a professional water damage team come out to ensure safe cleanup of the waste.

Don't live with problem drains. If you recognize any of the issues described above, you need to have your drains cleaned. Contact us at Scotto's Plumbing. We'll clean your drains and inspect your plumbing for signs of additional issues.

What's Wrong with Your Water Heater?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:57:05 GMT

Water heaters can be finicky, and you certainly do not want to have to deal with not having hot water as the temperature decreases this winter. Many people don't know much about their water heaters because they are appliances you can typically hide and not think about-until something bad happens and you don't have water for your shower.

If you notice your water isn't heating properly, something has probably gone wrong. You need to pay close attention to the issue before it worsens. Read this list to see if your water heater has one of these common problems.

Your Water Heater Has Built-Up Sediment

A buildup of sediment is common in a water heater, especially over a long period of time. Tanks become more insulated as the sediment builds up. The end result of this problem is lukewarm water and eventually even very cold water.

A heater with this problem needs its tank to be flushed out.

Your Water Heater Has a Clogged Burner Assembly

A gas water heater has a burner assembly that uses gas to create heat. The carbon particles eventually build up over the burner assembly, and sometimes this prevents the jets from firing when you expect them to. Over time, you may notice hot water does not generate at all.

In most cases, you can treat this problem by having a professional clean the burner assembly.

Your Water Heater Has a Cracked Dip Tube

The dip tube allows the flow of cold water into the tank, keeping it separate from hot water. When the tube cracks, it leaks cold water into the tank and allows it to mingle with the hot water. You feel colder water at your faucet as a result.

When you have a cracked dip tube, the only possible option is to replace the tube.

Your Water Heater Has a Failing Ignition Device

The water heater's ignition device initiates the natural gas stream, which allows the burner assembly to begin creating heat. Without a working ignition device, the burner assembly fails to heat up. You won't get any hot water as a result.

If this problem appears in your water heater, you need to have the ignition device repaired or replaced. In some rare cases, you might need an entirely new water heater.

Your Water Heater Has a Failed Heating Element

Electric water heaters experience failures at the heating elements inside the tank, leading to a loss of warm water. Don't ignore this problem, as it can worsen and leave you with only cold water if the second element also fails.

Some heating elements fail as a result of a tripped circuit breaker, but other times they need to be replaced by a professional. You could have a problem with one or both elements requiring replacement.

Your Thermostat Is Broken

Thermostat issues are tricky, but they can be fixed. If your water heater stops working with no hot water at all, you may have an issue with the thermostat shutting down for both heating elements. If the water is lukewarm, it could be a problem with a thermostat for one element.

A professional may be able to fix or replace your thermostat or determine if there is a problem with a specific heating element. Since this issue can be difficult to diagnose, you do not want to do it yourself.

You Need a Plumber Today

Are you ready to diagnose your water heater problems? A professional is the best person to determine how you should proceed with possible repairs and replacements. Call Scotto's Plumbing today to get answers to your questions and learn more about your options.

3 Signs Your Sewer System is in Distress

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 20:17:38 GMT

Damage to your sewer system can occur in many ways, including flushing unflushable items down the toilet, disposing of excess waste in your kitchen and sink drains, and underlying tree roots that grow into your sewer lines. Without the proper repairs, you may experience a sewer backup and leaks that impact your home and your health negatively.

While it may be surprising to learn, sewage contains a variety of unhealthy gasses, such as hydrogen sulfide, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane as well as dangerous bacteria. A sewer system that is not in proper working condition can also damage your home. This guide and your plumbe r will teach you some signs that your sewer system is in distress.

1. Continuous Clogged Drains

An occasional clog in your sink, tub or shower, and toilet drain is normal and something most homeowners will face at one point in time. However, if multiple drains are experiencing clogs continuously, you may have an excess of sewage in your sewer lines.

Plungers and plumbing snakes can remove these clogs, but these tools do not provide long-term solutions if the drains continuously clogs up.

Consider having a plumber use a hydro-jetting service to clean your drains, which removes any debris that is currently clogging, or will clog up, your drains and sewer lines in the future. If applicable, make sure all drain and sewer lines are installed in the right slope to allow adequate drainage.

2. Bubbles in Drains

Experts believe there is really only one thing that can make bubbles come out of your drain and that is air.

If your drains or your sewer lines are clogged and backed up, water and waste will not be able to move past the clog, which can cause air to become trapped inside the lines. When this situation happens, you may notice bubbling in your toilet drain or the drains of your sink, tub, and shower.

To determine if the bubbles stem from a clog in the drain or a backed-up sewer, fill a sink or tub with water. Then, allow it to drain. If bubbles appear only in that location as the water drains, the clog is most likely located in that specific drain only. If the bubbles appear in all drains, including the toilet, the clog is located in the sewer.

3. Rotten Egg Smell

The smell of rotten eggs in and around your home is a surefire sign something is wrong with your sewer system.

This foul smell stems from various sewer gasses, such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and even ammonia. As mentioned earlier, exposure to these gasses can be hazardous to your health. If you are smelling sewer gas, your sewer system is most likely in distress.

In most cases, the smell will be most prominent at the location of the sewer issue. You may also see puddling of water/waste in the area where the problem is.

If the rotten egg smell is more noticeable inside in a specific room, check the drains in the room. Make sure there are not clogs in the toilets and the sinks are free of debris and other waste. You may also need to clean out the p-traps under your sinks to ensure these drains are free of clogs and waste.

Clogs in the vent pipes may also cause a sewage smell inside your home. This situation is most common in older homes that have rusty cast iron vent pipes. Replacing these pipes will be necessary to prevent corrosion, future clogs, and a sewer backup.

If you are experiencing any of the above signs, help is available. Contact Scotto’s Plumbing today.

Do Your Water Heater a Favor and Install a Water Softener

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 20:05:52 GMT

You probably rely on hot water several times throughout the day. From taking a comfortable shower to washing your dishes after dinner, access to hot water is important

Most homeowners know that it's important to maintain their water heaters if they want continued access to hot water in the future. What you might not realize is that making the choice to install a water softener in your home could be a real lifesaver for your water heater.

What Is Hard Water?

One of the primary threats to your water heater is hard water.

Some municipal water supplies contain trace minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are left behind on the surfaces within your home when the water carrying them evaporates. If you have hard water in your home, you might notice that you have a lot of limescale on your shower surround, or that your dishes have spots and streaks when you pull them out of the dishwasher.

To determine the exact hardness of your water, reach out to Scotto's Plumbing. We'll test your water for you to see how much you need to worry about hard water.

Why Worry About Hard Water?

The trace minerals found in hard water don't pose any risk to your health, but they can badly damage the performance of your water heater. The elevated temperature within your water heater's tank can cause limescale to build up rapidly along the interior surfaces of the tank.

The minerals that are released from the hard water are typically deposited on the bottom of the water heater's storage tank. A thick layer of sediment can make it difficult for the heating element located underneath your storage tank to adequately heat your water. This leads to reduced efficiency and higher energy costs associated with your water heater.

A tankless water heater can also be affected by hard water. Mineral deposits can accumulate along the heat exchanger and slowdown the transfer of heat from the heating element to your water

The limescale can negatively affect hot water pressure by adhering to the interior walls of your tankless water heater's pipes and restricting the flow of water through your home.

What Can You Do About Hard Water?

Now that you see how detrimental hard water can be to your water heater, you may wonder howto protect your water heater from the harmful effects of hard water. A professional plumber can install a water softener that will eliminate trace minerals from your home's water supply.

A water softener features a processing tank that is filled with polystyrene beads. These beads are coated with sodium ions. As hard water passes through the processing tank, the magnesium and calcium ions in the hard water are exchanged for the less harmful sodium ions.

Once the polystyrene beads are too saturated with magnesium and calcium, they soak in a brine bath to release the harmful ions ad regenerate themselves with sodium ions once again. Since sodium will not adhere to the surface of your pipes or the interior of your water heater's storage tank, a water softener can help extend the life of your plumbing fixtures.

Even with routine inspections and regular flushing,a water heater that is exposed to hard water over an extended period of time could fail prematurely. A reputable plumber can provide you with professional installation of a water softener, replacement filters and cartridges,and ongoing service to prevent hard water from harming your water heater.

Give the plumbing professionals at Scotto's Plumbing a call if you are thinking of installing a water softener to protect your home's water heater. We're ready to help you.