Don't Use Hot Water for Food Prep or Drinking Water

You might be tempted to cook your pasta with hot tap water since it boils faster. Unfortunately it is bad for your health. The reason being lead.
 Hot Water is more likely to leach the heavy metal from your plumbing pipes. In 1986 using solder for pipe joints was banned, however, brass plumbing parts might contain a bit of lead as well. Today Plumbing parts legally considered lead-free may contain up to 8% lead. This means chances are you don't have lead-free plumbing.
So what's the big deal? It has been proven that too much lead in the body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.  It's especially bad for pregnant women and children.  

     The EPA recommends  not using water taken from the hot tap for cooking or drinking, and especially not for making baby formula. If hot water is needed, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove. If a faucet hasn't been used for at least six hours, "flush" all the water that has been sitting in the pipes. This procedure can take anywhere from five seconds to two minutes. it is "flushed" when the water stops getting colder.   

     On January 4, 2014 Federal Law mandates the wetted surface of every pipe, fixture, and fitting sold for or installed in potable water applications not contain more than 0.25% lead by weight.  If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to email our office:  www.cartersmyplumber.com

Jamie & Lisa Carter attend the World Plumbing Council Meeting in Ann Arbor, MI

"The mission of the World Plumbing Council is to provide the role of plumbing in improving public Ralph and safeguarding the environment, by uniting the World Plumbing Industry, for the benefit if all."

"Good plumbing can and does make a difference in many aspects if our day to day lives. While most people in developed countries tend to take the provision if wholesome drinking water and sanitation services for granted, it was not too long ago that general health in these countries improved dramatically when such services were first effectively provided."

1.1 billion people do not have access to safe water.

2.6 billion people do not have access to acceptable sanitation.

6000 children die every day fri. Water related diseases.  

Good plumbing systems could help to improve these tragic statistics dramatically and Jamie and Lisa Carter have joined the World Plumbing Council to learn how they can participate in improving plumbing conditions around the world.   

The entire world is affected by climate change and the unceasing pressures on our natural resources through demand for fossil fuels and shortages of potable water.  The plumbing industry is at the foremost of moves towards increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy. Water conservation is also a major issue in which the plumbing industry is involves in many countries. 

Fall Plumbing Maintenance Checklist, by Jamie Carter, Certified Plumbing Engineer

Winterizing your Home's Plumbing is an Essential part of Prevention, which will save time and money.

Winterizing your home’s plumbing in the fall will save you from potential expensive winter repairs. Jamie Carter, Certified Plumbing Engineer, has been doing plumbing for over 30 years, and he’s created a checklist of fall plumbing maintenance that will help protect your home for the winter. This simple checklist is for homeowners. If you are a snowbird and winterizing a home that will be vacant for a long period of time, you will need to take further precautions.

·         Fall Plumbing Maintenance: Exposed Pipes
If your home has any exposed plumbing pipes that are used for water they should be wrapped with electrical heating tape, especially with our colder climate in Indiana. Once the pipes have been secured with the electrical heating tape, they should be insulated with foam pipe insulation.

·         Fall Plumbing Maintenance: Exterior Water
All exterior faucets should be shut off during the fall plumbing maintenance process.  It’s important to remove and drain all hoses and drain any open taps. If your home has a sprinkler system, don't forget about shutting it off and draining it as well.   There are three methods to drain water down, manual, automatic, and blow-out. The appropriate method will vary by system and an experienced plumbing professional will know the best process.  

·         Fall Plumbing Maintenance: Hot Water Heater
Hot water heater will freeze based on the location of the unit if exposed to extreme temperatures, and it’s important to take precautionary measures (and also to save money on your water bill), by wrapping the heater tank with an insulating blanket.  If you live in an area where it gets particularly cold, this is definitely recommended before the cold weather hits, it will save you HOT water, and added expense from utilities.

·         Fall Plumbing Maintenance: Miscellaneous
The following items are routine things that should be checked in a home periodically. Leaky faucets are often simple to fix and should be repaired as soon as possible in order to conserve on water usage. It’s important to check the visible as well as the inconspicuous areas like underneath the cabinet as well. Leaks can also occur in the pipes inside the walls.  If you have noticed soft spots on the ceiling or the walls, you may have leaking pipes inside the walls or in the attic. Check all your toilets to be sure they are flushing properly and not running continuously. Also, be sure the toilet is firmly held in place to avoid the risk of falling. If any caulking around showers, tubs, toilets, and sinks is coming loose, peel it all away and re-caulk those areas.  Drains should be inspected for potential back-ups.  Sump pumps should be carefully inspected to prevent pump malfunction and potential flooding.

An ounce of prevention will save you a pound of cure in the long run!  If you don’t have the time, or are unsure of performing this plumbing checklist, please call us and we’ll take care of it for you.  We are offering a Fall Plumbing Maintenance special for $29.  This includes checking all of the items above, along with draining your water heater down to remove calcification and scale build-up.

Plumbing Drain Lines need Probiotic care like Human Intestines

Bio-Clean does similar action to drain lines as probiotics do to human intestines.

by Jamie Carter, President Carter's My Plumber, Licensed Plumbing Contractor, and Certified Plumbing Engineer

Bio-Clean is a plumbing drain product which is a blend of bacteria and enzymes.  The bacteria is natural occurring and not genetically engineered. 

SAFE
It is safe and nonpoisonous.  When it interacts it does not heat up, cause fumes or boil and it does not attack live tissue or inorganic materials.  Bio-Clean is safe enough for people to eat.  It works on organic waste like grease, hair, food particles, paper, cotton and sewage.  It is formulated to change waste particles into water, carbon dioxide and mineral ash which run harmlessly out of a waste system.

WORKS FAST
Bio-Clean is so effective it will start working an hour after pouring the bacteria into the drain.  The bacteria eat their way into the waste that has built up in the lining of drains.  This is bacteria's natural food, and it digests the waste and spreads through the drainage system to clean it completely.

BIO-CLEAN CAN BE USED IN THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS:

• All drain and sewer pipes
• Kitchen sinks
• Bath tub drains
• Shower drains
• Floor drains
• Laundry drains
• Septic tanks and drain fields
• Garbage disposal odors
• Grease traps
• Sewage ejector sumps
• Outdoor outhouses and cesspools
• R.V. and boat holding tanks
• Lift Stations
• Cat Litter Boxes
• Horse and Cattle Stalls

BIO-CLEAN IS INEXPENSIVE:

• 100 drain treatments per 2 lb container
• 2 lb container treats 1,000 gallon septic tank
• Eliminates the need to clean grease traps and cable drains
• Eliminates the need to buy dangerous chemicals
• Eliminates the need to buy deodorant blocks for urinals
• No danger to people

HOW TO USE BIO-CLEAN

The bacteria in BIO-CLEAN are dormant while in the jar, but when mixed with water they come to life in about 30 minutes. In the meantime the enzymes break down the waste and are very fast as they work on contact.  When the bacteria revive they are hungry and each one eats its weight of waste every minute - plus, they never sleep! As a result of eating and growing they start to multiply through cell division and they will double every 30 minutes under favorable conditions.

BIO-CLEAN should be mixed with warm (not hot) water and applied when no water will be drained for six to eight hours. This allows some of the bacteria time to embed themselves into the waste so they won't be washed out when water is drained again. Complete instructions are inside each container.




ABOUT CARTER'S MY PLUMBER
Carter’s My Plumber is a local, family-owned, 3^rd generation plumbing business located in Greenwood, Indiana, providing plumbing service to the Indianapolis, Greenwood, Whiteland, Franklin, Bargersville, Trafalgar, Mooresville, Wannamaker, Beech Grove and Southport areas.  Carter’s My Plumber has a special menu of services designed to meet the needs of every homeowner to provide a complete solution to their home’s plumbing system.  With over 30 years of plumbing experience, their trained plumbers meet the plumbing need of every residential and light commercial need. 

What's that Smell coming from your bathroom Sink??

If you notice a foul odor coming from the overflow pipe in your sink, the pipe is probably harboring a layer of gunk and a colony of bacteria. Even though you can't access this pipe as easily as you can access the drain itself, you can still clean it fairly quickly. You might be able to do the job using only household items, but if vinegar and baking soda don't do the trick, try oxygen bleach as a less-toxic alternative to commercial bleach.

1

Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of table salt to make a natural scouring mixture. Pour it down the sink.

2

Pour 1 cup of warm distilled white vinegar down the sink. Wait while it foams, and let it work for 15 minutes. Notice whether any of the mixture emerges through the overflow pipe; it may or may not, depending on the force of the foaming action in the drain. If it doesn't, you are more likely to need the oxygen bleach later.

3

Flush the drain with hot water for 30 seconds. Fill a turkey baster with hot water, and vigorously squirt the water into the overflow pipe to rinse that portion of the drain system as well.

4

Check whether the overflow pipe still smells. If so, the cleaning mixture didn't foam far enough up the pipe to reach the problem. Open a window for ventilation, and fill the turkey baster with oxygen bleach.

5

Insert the tip of the turkey baster into the overflow pipe. Forcefully squirt the oxygen bleach into the pipe. Repeat this three to four times to cover as much of the inside of the pipe as possible. Let the oxygen bleach sit for 15 minutes, or the length of time specified by the manufacturer.

6

Rinse the pipe thoroughly by squirting in hot water with the turkey baster. Dip a cloth in some distilled white vinegar and wipe the inside of the overflow pipe to kill any bacteria living in the mouth of the opening. Allow the vinegar to evaporate.

Green Plumbing Ideas by Jamie & Kelson Carter

Limit water use and eliminate water waste are the fastest way to make a home green-friendly.

The earth has a limited supply of water and a constantly growing use pattern, and adding "green" fixtures and plumbing to your home will save the environment, and save you money.

When most people think of high water use, sinks and toilets are first to come to mind, which are two great places to start, but green plumbing possibilities do not end there. There are several ways to be more responsible and cost effective with your water consumption.

Toilets                                 

Cut water utilization with low flow toilets. There are Dual flow toilets which allow regular flush, or a low flow flush- based on need.  There are also power-flush toilets which use a vacuum suction flush.

Sinks and Showers

All sinks can be fitted with low flow faucets which produce plenty of water for normal use without overloading the system and wasting water. The kitchen sink faucet can be equipped with a hose device for easily turning on water to rinse and automatically shut off the flow when the handle is released. One of the most water wastes of a home is a kitchen sink where water runs constantly during rinsing and washing dishes, pots, and pans.

Sensor operated water flow faucets can be installed in all of the bathrooms to prevent wasting water. The sensor recognizes when a hand is in front of the spigot and turns on and off accordingly.  Sensor operated faucets also help control germs from touching faucets with dirty hands.

Install a low-flow shower-head to control the amount of water used during bathing.

Water Heaters and Other Devices

Water heaters with reservoirs which store large amounts of water and heat it constantly even when there is no demand, not only waste water but huge amounts of energy to heat the container. Tankless water heaters allow hot water to be generated only when called upon and eliminates heating element costs during times water is not being used.

There is the option of installing point of use water heaters. These units do not supply the entire house, but rather specific areas where more hot water may be desired quickly such as showers.

Another alternative is to install a solar powered water heater. This cuts the energy used to heat the water in the containment system.

Leak Detection

If you have an unusually high water bill, you may have a plumbing leak and some common areas to look are the toilet and leaky faucets.  Water leak detection can help locate a leak underground or other hard to find leaks. Some plumbers may offer this service, or have a leak detection specialist they work with.

Lead FREE Faucets are required in 2014

Lead Free Faucets are required by the EPA to be installed in 2014.  by Jamie Carter, Certified Plumbing Engineer

Lead is a metal found in natural deposits, and is commonly used in household plumbing materials and water service lines. The greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust, however, lead in drinking water can also cause a variety of adverse health effects. Exposure to babies and children through lead in drinking water above the action level can result in delays in physical and mental development, along with slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. In adults, lead can cause increases in blood pressure, and those who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

Lead is rarely found through our water source, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder, but, new homes are also at risk: even legally “lead-free” plumbing may contain up to 8 percent lead. The most likely area of concern is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures which can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially hot water.

An act by Congress titled Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act requires all plumbing materials and faucets are to be lead free.  These items should not contain more than 0.2 percent of lead when used in solder and flux, and not more than .25 percent lead in surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fixtures, and fixtures.

How Can lead be lowered in drinking water?

The amount of lead can be easily lowered in most cases. To reduce the amount of lead in water:

• Run the tap until water is cold to the touch before using it for drinking or cooking. This is especially important after the water has been standing in the pipes overnight or over many hours. (The flushed water can be saved for watering house plants, washing dishes or general household cleaning.)
• Use only cold tap water for cooking, drinking or making a baby's formula. Hot water is more likely to leach lead from pipes and solder.
• Check household plumbing for leadbased pipes or solder. A plumber can help.
• Use only lead-free materials in all plumbing repairs or new faucets and pipes. The use of lead solder in plumbing was banned in New York State in 1986. Ask the plumber to show you the label from any solder packaging being used. It should state that the solder is lead-free.

How can water be tested for lead?

Certified commercial laboratories can test for lead in drinking water. The cost ranges from $15 to $50 per sample. Contact the local health department  for the names of laboratories approved to test drinking water for lead.

What is replacing lead in the the new material?

There are a variety of new material formulations that have been developed that use silicon, bismuth, antimony, tin and nickel.  Most plumbing contractors are aware of this regulation and have made the necessary provisions to change their product lines over to comply with the new regulation.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your home's drinking water, please contact Carter's My Plumber at 317-859-9999.  We are available to test your water, and provide recommendations for lead-free plumbing products.  We only install lead-free products, and we are continually educating ourselves about this new regulation and the health benefits.

What Can a Leaky Faucet Cost?

A Leaky Faucet can Cause Lack of Sleep, and Waste up to 5 Gallons of Water per Day.

by Jamie & Kelson Carter, Father/Son, Carter's My Plumber

    Can you imagine not having a faucet in your home?  Where would you brush your teeth?  Wash your face?  How about that fresh glass of water?? Faucets are such a valuable part of a home structure, and keeping them in a good working condition is imperative.

    A leaky faucet causing a “drip, drip, drip” noise is not only disturbing to sleep but adds to the water bill and causes inconvenience that might range from annoying to catastrophic. 

   So, what causes a faucet to drip?  The cause can be corrosion, mineral deposit on the internal parts, or defective gaskets, O-rings, or washers. Ignoring a faulty faucet can turn a simple repair into a major plumbing replacement project. Did you know a single faucet drip can drip 5 gallons of water per day?  That equates to 41 baths per year! 

   Not only is that bad for the environment, but the wasted water will cost you.       

1.Here are the Facts!

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency; “On an average, leaks can cause almost 10,000 gallons of wastage in a home every year, and this amount is sufficient to fill a swimming pool. The most common issues of leakage are dripping faucets, leakage in toilet flappers, or leaking valves, all of which can be easily fixed. However, among these, the most prominent leakage issue is caused by a dripping faucet; fixing one can save almost 10% of a homeowner’s water bill.”

2.What causes a Faucet to Drip?

There may be several causes why a faucet is drips. Here is a list of some major causes:

1. Problem with the O ring – A stem screw holds the handle of a faucet in place. This stem screw is made up of a small disc attached to it, known as the O ring, which is an integral point where dripping can occur. The O ring, which is a rubber material, may become loose or wear out with regular usage, causing the faucet to drip near the handle. Replacing the damaged O ring will fix the dripping faucet, if this is the issue, and this problem occurs specifically in cartridge faucets. 

2. Corroded Valve Seat – A valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout in a compression mechanism. Accumulation of water sediments can cause the valve seat to corrode and cause leakage around the spout area. Make sure to clean the valve seat regularly, with the help of a professional plumber. 

3. Worn out Washer – Definitely one of the most common causes behind a dripping faucet. During each use, the washer is forced against the valve seat. This constant friction and resistance causes the valve to wear out. As a result, dripping starts around the spout.  A worn out rubber washer in a compression faucet can be stopped by replacing the washer. 

4. Improper installation of Washer – If the washer is not installed properly or is not the right size, it will cause leakage.  Seek professional help in installing the washer correctly, and this will take care of the leakage problem. 

5. Loose Parts – The adjusting ring and packing nuts in the stem screw may become loose with continuous usage, causing leakage near the handle of the faucet. If there is leakage from the handle, either packing nut needs tightened or replaced. 

6. Worn out Seals – Inlet and outlet seals are a vital part of disc faucets. With constant usage, sediment can accumulate inside the assembly, and cause the seal to wear out.   This causes a faucet to drip.  Hire a plumber to clean the water sediments regularly from the inlet and outlet seals to make sure that the faucet mechanism works properly. Replace the seals for better faucet function. 

7. Broken Plumbing – On occasion, a dripping faucet may be caused by a broken pipe or fittings. Broken pipes develop cracks that can interfere with water pressure and lead to faucet dripping. If none of the solutions above have solved the dripping faucet issue, hire an experienced plumber to check the water pipes. 

Understanding why a faucet is leaking is crucial to fixing it properly and fixing the drip will save sleep and money over time!  Call Carter's My Plumber if you need advice, or a professional plumber:  317-859-9999

The Most Common Plumbing Problems during the Summertime

by Jamie & Kelson Carter, Father/Son Plumbing Contractors

Here is a list of the Most Common Summertime Plumbing Problems and how you can help Dad out with a repair!

1. Clogged Garbage Disposal:  Since, we are more active during summer with cookouts and barbeques, it is important to properly dispose of food waste.  Do not put excess fruits and vegetables that are more fibrous and hard in texture such as watermelon rinds, celery and potato skins down the drain.  Cooking oil, grease and fat from meats should be placed in the trash instead.  Be sure to run plenty of cold water before, during and after the food is being ground up by the garbage disposal to ease in the downward flow through the drain to prevent a drainage clog.
2. Backed Up Sewer Lines:  When the air begins to heat up, summer rain showers can bring bursts of rain showers.  Excess rain water and tree roots in the soil can cause cracks in sewer lines through which water can seep into the sewer line and cause a sewer line to back up from so much velocity overload.  If water from the toilet begins to back up into the bath or shower drain that is a warning sign of a sewer line back up.  It could be a simple fix or an extensive replacement.  It's always good to have the line inspected with a camera device to know exactly what the "root" cause is.
3. Watch The Washing Machine:  The washing machine tends to get used much more frequently during summertime with everyone spending more time doing a variety of activities such as spending time at the lake and enjoying the outdoors.  It's a good idea to not leave the house while the washing machine is running so that you are readily available to stop the wash cycle if something goes haywire.  The washing machine should be positioned a foot or so away from the wall, to ensure that all water lines and hoses have room to work properly without kinking.
4. When Toilets Clog:  With school out there may be more people home during the summer and toilets get used more.  Caution family members to use smaller amounts of toilet paper and keep a plunger handy for those small clogs which occur.  If the toilet is completely clogged and won't flush, call a plumber who will be able to rooter, or "snake" the line.  When gravity won't fix it, it takes a special tool to push a blockage out the line without breaking it.
5. Outside Hose Spigots:  Sometimes outside hose spigots wear out from "wear and tear" of using the hose or from extreme winter temperatures.  When you are getting a spray of water where the hose fits to the spigot, or if the spigot continually drips, it could be a simple repair or something that requires a new device.

If you need advice, or need a plumber, please call us.   We are locally owned and operated.  We are a father/son team!  We are 3 generations in the plumbing business.  Call our office at 317-859-9999, or tweet Jamie @proplumberjc

Carter's My Plumber Donates Comfort Height Toilet to Cancer Patient

Carter's My Plumber offers Solutions for Assisted Devices for the Bathroom by  Licensed Plumbers and a Registered Nurse.

Some things in life can be taken for granted until a disabling condition like a fracture, stroke, arthritis or cancer occurs. When independence in the bathroom is lost, embarrassment and depression can often occur.  There are numerous toilet assistive devices and special design toilets to help get off the toilet. These devices help individuals maintain their independence and dignity in the bathroom.  

We recently installed a new comfort height toilet for a cancer patient. We were able to identify the need and we installed the device “on –the-house” in order to accommodate the need and assist with the burden of expense.  The toilet has maintained her dignity, and ability to support her independence in the bathroom.

What is the difference of a “Comfort Height" toilet?

The difference between a Comfort Height toilet (which can be referred to as a handicapped toilet) and a regular toilet is a “Comfort Height” toilet has a higher vertical posture. A regular toilet has a posture which is fifteen inches from the floor. Toilets designed for someone who needs more assistance in the bathroom has a posture height of 17 inches from the floor to the top of the seat.

2 inches may not seem like a big difference, but in fact, an extra two inches in height makes it easier for the person who needs assistance or extremely tall people to get up and down from the toilet. The vertical posture of 2 inches places less pressure on the knee, which is a hinge joint to bend and mobilize.  While the main application for these type of toilets may seem like they are for hospitals or businesses with public bathrooms, they actually have a very widespread benefit for homeowners.

·         If you need assistance and want to live independently, a bathroom that is set up to accommodate your needs can make a huge difference in your quality of life. This is because a toilet that is seventeen inches in height can also be coupled with an assistance railing. When an assistance railing is attached to the adjacent wall, it helps make unassisted living more possible.  It allows people who are physically weak be able to use devices to support themselves and maintain their dignity.

·         Comfort Height Toilets assist flushing by making it easier to push down on the handle being at a higher vertical level. This kind of assistance makes it easier for the person who needs assistance, or may not have full use of their hands to flush the toilet. There are many different options available, and it’s important to have them properly installed by a licensed plumber. To get a proper solution for a bathroom for someone who needs assistance, give us a call for the most up-to-date information. We not only have licensed plumbers on staff, but we have a registered nurse who is also a cancer coach. 

Lisa Carter is a Registered Nurse in the state of Indiana, and a Certified Cancer Coach. www.cancercoachrn.com

Jamie Carter is a Licensed Plumber Contractor in the state of Indiana CO88900054.

 

FIX FOR THAT LEAKING HOSE BIBB

Have you planted the garden yet?  How about the spring flowers??  Have you fired up that outside hose bibb of yours?  I've planted three rows of the garden so far this season, and I've used the outside spigot at least 4 or 5 times!  That's usually when it happens... the hose starts spraying like a fizz all over the wall and you!  You may have also noticed your water bill is higher than last month.  One place to check for a leak is your hose bibb.  That's right, they call it a hose bibb - why, I don't know.  I guess the hose needs a bibb if it's leaking!

I have been doing plumbing since I was 16, so that's over 35 years!  I have fixed a few "hose bibbs" so far in my lifetime and generally the problem can be fixed relatively easy.  Here are some things for you to try yourself,  before you call your plumber!

First you must determine where the leak  is coming from and the leak that most often gets you wet is the easiest to fix.  There are generally one of two problems:  #1 The hose connection is not secured tight enough or #2 the hose doesn't have a hose washer, or the old one is defective.  The fix is to first turn the faucet off and try to tighten the connection with your hand and remember "righty-tighty, left-loosey.  Don't try to muscle-it because if the pipes are old you will break the pipe that feeds the hose bibb.

Now look at the end of the hose connection to make sure the washer is secure and without defect.  You can easily change the washer and replace the hose to the spigot by screwing it back onto the hose bibb and giving it  "quarter-turn" with pliers to ensure a snug fit.  There are a few other things that can be causing your hose bibb to leak:

1.  Leaking Packing Nut:  The packing nut is a hexagon nut that is located directly behind the handle of the hose bibb.  It sometimes drips after have finished using your hose.  These drips add up and can be costly to your water bill.  One drip per second for a whole month adds up to be a ton of water and money!  If grass is growing underneath the hose bibb better than anywhere else that is a clue your hose bibb is leaking.

2.  Hose Bibb Washer/Cup:  If your hose bibb keeps leaking and water is just dripping or running out of the faucet, the Bonnet nut needs to be removed and the stem, a metal "cup" contains a washer that will need to be replaced.

3.  Hosebibb is split:  A hose bibb can freeze during the winter if the hose is left on, which causes the supply line and/or the silcock to split.  This line will need to be replaced, and if the hose bibb has frozen it will need replaced as well.

If you are unsure about what to do, please call us and we'll send one of our plumbers out.  Call us at 317-859-9999 or tweet me @proplumberjc and I'll answer your question.

Jamie Carter
Licensed Plumbing Contractor 
CO88900054

What are the Health Effects of Drinking Soft Water?

How Softened Water Impacts Health.  

by Lisa Carter, RN, BSN, Cancer Coach - owner Carter's My Plumber

Water softeners remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water supply to your home by a local utility or from a well. The two major components of most water softeners are: a filtration unit that contains charcoal, resin beads and sand to remove contaminants, and a saltwater tank used to flush out the filtration unit and recharge it. There are pluses and minuses about a water softener and your health.

Improves Skin and Hair Condition

Hard water can make detergents less effective and thus, utilization is higher. The minerals present in hard water combine with soap, forming a residue known as soap curd or soap scum. This sticky substance can remain on the skin after a bath or shower. As a result, it may be harder to remove dirt and bacteria. The soap curd may prevent skin from returning to its usual slightly acidic pH level, causing irritation. Residual soap and minerals in the hair can also accumulate and affect its health, rendering it dull and harder to groom.

Is it Safe to Ingest Softened Water?

Regular tap water contains very little sodium. The amount of sodium a water softener adds to tap water depends on the "hardness" of the water. Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium and most water-softening systems replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. The higher the concentration of calcium and magnesium, the more sodium needed to soften the water. Even so, the added sodium doesn't add up to much.

An 8-ounce (237-milliliter) glass of softened water generally contains less than 12.5 milligrams of sodium, which is well within the Food and Drug Administration's definition of "very low sodium." Thus, it's unlikely that sodium in softened water would pose a risk for most healthy people.

However, if an individual is on a very low-sodium diet and concerned about the amount of sodium in softened water, they may want to consider a water-purification system that uses potassium chloride instead. Another option is to soften only the hot water and use unsoften cold water for drinking and cooking.

In any case, it's important to keep in mind that the majority of sodium in an average person's diet comes from table salt and processed foods.

 

Jamie Carter, of Carter's MY Plumber, Offers Plumbing Tips to Homeowners about Spring Home Maintenance

Jamie Carter is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor offering basic maintenance tips for every Homeowner. Keeping a home's plumbing worry-free is an important preventive measure for every Homeowner.

Carter’s My Plumber is a local, family-owned, 3rd generation plumbing business located in Greenwood, Indiana, providing plumbing service to the Indianapolis, Greenwood, Whiteland, Franklin, Bargersville, Trafalgar, Mooresville, Wannamaker, Beech Grove and Southport areas. Carter’s My Plumber has a special menu of services designed to meet the needs of every homeowner to provide a complete solution to their home’s plumbing system. With over 30 years of plumbing experience, their trained plumbers meet the plumbing need of every residential and light commercial need. Carter’s recently received this Angie’s List review: http://bit.ly/156QNeK

About Jamie Carter, Plumbing Pro:
Jamie Carter is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor in the state of Indiana. He has been doing plumbing and construction for over 30 years. He is a Certified Plumbing Engineer through ASPE. He is a board member for PHCC, a local Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors association. He is a member of Service Round Table. Jamie graduated from Mechanical Skills Plumbing Trade School and became a licensed Master Plumber and Contractor after high school. He owns and operates Carter’s My Plumber in Greenwood, Indiana and provides residential service to the Indianapolis market.

Spring Cleaning for a Homeowner includes basic maintenance:
As Spring fast approaches, a homeowner knows what that means for their home: it’s time for spring cleaning! A Homeowner should think about basic maintenance for the plumbing, appliances, and drains in their home. Some basic inspections and little tasks here and there will ensure a homeowner their home’s plumbing runs trouble-free year round. Carter’s My Plumber offers a full plumbing inspection for a homeowner at a special price of $39.

Here are a few items a Homeowner can look for on their own:

• Does the toilet flush first time, and does it stop flushing soon after it’s been flushed? If not, some of the pieces in the tank are worn or broken. It may necessitate a toilet rebuild, saving both water and aggravation!
• Check the water heater. The average age of a water heater is 7-10 years old. If a home is older, it is at risk of a failure (and accompanying flood). If the water heater’s not old, but is failing to keep up with a home’s hot water usage, sediment has likely built up in the tank and maintenance is in order.
• Check pipes for leaks. It’s important to check the ones under a kitchen sink, or any pipes seen in a bathroom. If a homeowner can’t see any obvious leaks while running the water, turn it off and see if the water meter keeps running.
• Check appliance hoses for signs of wear and tear. A lot of the time, the first thing people know about their appliance hoses being old and worn is when they split and flood the utility room! A homeowner should consider calling a plumber to install some new stainless steel hoses, with an auto shutoff feature for safety measures.
• Clean the showerhead and faucet aerators. A homeowner can detach the shower head or aerators and disguard any sediment build up. Plus, use a cleaner to dissolve any corrosion. The best cleaner is a natural one using baking soda and vinegar to avoid harsh chemicals.
• Check your Sump Pump. Sump Pump floats can become lodged, or the pump mechanics can fail. It’s important to inspect the device to ensure it is operating smoothly especially with Spring Rain Showers fast approaching.

If a homeowner needs further advice or has a question they can contact Jamie direct by sending a tweet to @proplumberjc, or call Carter’s My Plumber to schedule a Spring Maintenance for $39.00.

Jamie Carter, Licensed Plumbing Contractor     @proplumberjc

Plumbing Pro, Jamie Carter, Gives Advice about Sump Pumps for Local Homeowners

Jamie Carter is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor and Offers Free Advice for Preventing A Flooded Basement. Carter’s My Plumber is Owned by Jamie Carter and Provides Professional Plumbing Service.

Carter’s My Plumber is a local, family-owned, 3rd generation plumbing business located in Greenwood, Indiana, providing plumbing service to the Indianapolis, Greenwood, Whiteland, Franklin, Bargersville, Trafalgar, Mooresville, Wannamaker, Beech Grove and Southport areas. Carter’s My Plumber has a special menu of services designed to meet the needs of every homeowner to provide a complete solution to their home’s plumbing system. With over 30 years of plumbing experience, their trained plumbers meet the plumbing need of every residential and light commercial need. Carter’s recently received this Angie’s List review: http://bit.ly/156QNeK

About Jamie Carter, Plumbing Pro:

Jamie Carter is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor in the state of Indiana. He has been doing plumbing and construction for over 30 years. He is a Certified Plumbing Engineer through ASPE. He is a board member for PHCC, a local Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors association. He is a member of Service Round Table. . Jamie graduated from Mechanical Skills Plumbing Trade School and became a licensed Master Plumber and Contractor after high school. He owns and operates Carter’s My Plumber in Greenwood, Indiana and provides residential service to the Indianapolis market.

How water Floods a Basement or Crawl Space:

There are many ways for water to enter your basement or crawl space, and flooding is most often caused by water build up in the soil that makes its way inside. There are many ways to prevent water entering and a sump pump is a last defense against flooding. Sump pumps pump water out from the lowest section of the basement before the water level reaches the basement floor level. As groundwater level rises it is diverted into the sump hole. When the water reaches what is called ‘the critical level’, the sump pump begins to pump it out through a pipe that leads outside and away from your foundation.

The Importance of a Sump Pump:

The sump pump has recently become more important especially in newer homes since the Federal Clean Water Act which doesn’t allow builders in many municipalities to drain rainwater collected by gutters into sewerage systems. Water collected on the roof of your home and drained by your gutters can cause flooding if it is not carried far enough away from your home’s foundation.
Checking your sump pump:
It is important to check your sump pump regularly to make sure that it is working properly.

• Remove the cover and slowly pour water into the sump tank.
• Watch for the "float" to rise and trigger the pump.
• Once the pump is engaged, the water level will quickly lower and the float will shut off the pump.

This is what is called "a normal sump cycle."

Most sump pump problems are float related. If the pump does not start, the float may be hanging on something in the tank. A simple repositioning of the pump should solve the problem.

• If this fails, the float may need replacement.
• If the pump fails to shut off when the water level drops to the bottom of the sump tank, this indicates a new float is needed.
• Float switch - The float switch is the part of the sump pump that activates the pump when water reaches a certain threshold.

If a homeowner needs further advice they can contact Jamie direct by sending a tweet to @proplumberjc.

Are You Pouring Money Down the Drain???

We love this infographic which illustrates how common households waste GALLONS of water in the bathroom.  Learn some easy water saving tips here:

World Plumbing Day is March 11th - Hug your Plumber!

World Plumbing Day is March 11th!

Congress honors those who keep our water clean with World Plumbing Day.     Here’s something to get flushed with excitement about: The Senate has designated March 11 as World Plumbing Day.

Even though the Senate is pretty clogged up with other important business, members took the time this week to honor the sanitation systems and the workers that we too often take for granted. 
Potty puns aside, World Plumbing Day is actually a serious occasion: The measure designating it, sponsored by Sen. Michael Bennett, notes that “884,000,000 people around the world do not have access to safe drinking water” and that unclean water results in thousands of deaths of children under the age of 5 every day. It also sounds like the event is meant to be a Hug-Your-Plumber Day: The resolution states that “the people of the United States rely on plumbing professionals to maintain, repair, and rebuild the aging water infrastructure.”
The Senate clearly thinks that clean water for all is no pipe dream!