Carter's My Plumber Walks for a Cure in the 2014 Indianapolis Light the Night

Lisa Carter was part of the Executive Challenge Team and raised $4300 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Carter's My Plumber walked in the 2014 Indianapolis Light the Night event on October 12, 2014.  This was the 9th year for the Carter Plumbing team to walk in this amazing event.  Lisa Carter's father, Roger Cole, passed away from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in October 2004.  This mission is close to Lisa's heart to raise money to find a cure.  Carter's My Plumber was able to raise $4300 for the event and cause.  

We are living in an extraordinary moment because the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is on the brink of incredible breakthroughs that have already begun to change the lives of thousands of patients; treatments that can manage a person's condition with a daily pill, therapies that seek out cancer cells and kill them, and the use of a patient's own immune system to eradicate cancer not someday, but today.The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk funds those treatments.

Lisa was part of the Executive Challenge Team this year.  Local businesses competed in a team effort to raise funds for the Light the Night event.  Each team set their own personal goal and competed weekly to meet that goal.  Lisa's team goal was $2500, and they were able to raise $4300.  Her team came in 2nd overall!  It was a rewarding experience to be part of something that is going the distance to wipe out cancer.

Here is a picture of our team who walked in memory of Roger Cole (AML), and Bill Kirkman (AML).  They were close friends, and battled the same disease a few years apart.  Their team also walked in honor of Joe Saba who is currently undergoing treatment at IU Med Center for AML.  

Is your Drinking Water Safe?

Is your drinking water safe?   By Jamie Carter, Licensed Plumber, Certified Plumbing Engineer

I just received our local water company’s annual water analysis report.  It’s very interesting in the fact the sampling date was 9 months ago and the report was mailed the 1^st of July.  It classifies contaminates in two categories: Radioactive and Inorganic.  This is the water you use on a daily basis to drink, cook and shower with.  The Inorganic contaminants include Barium, Copper, Lead, Nitrates, and Sodium.  Lead is a concern since it has been proven to cause physical or mental development if ingested in high concentration levels for infants and children.  Lead can be a culprit for children’s poor attention spans and learning difficulties.  In high concentrations, lead can cause kidney problems or high blood pressure in adults.

So how does lead get into your water supply you may wonder? 

The primary source is through corrosive plumbing within a home.  The water lines and faucets that supply the direct supply of water contain lead and leach it into the supply.  Copper is another metal which leaches into the water supply through your home’s plumbing system.  Prior to 1986 home’s weren't required to have lead-free plumbing installed.  Lead-free faucets are now also required for all new home installation. The barium found in your water supply is a discharge from metal refineries or erosion from natural deposits which leach into the supply line.  Nitrates are leached into your water supply from underground septic tanks and from the runoff from fertilizer use.  Nitrates are particularly harmful to infants causing difficulty breathing and blue-baby syndrome.  Nitrate levels can rise quickly for short periods of time after a rainfall or agricultural activity close to your home.

Water Utilities are required to provide safe levels of water, but not completely pure.

While water utilities are required by Federal and State requirements to be safe to drink, it makes you suspicious when you pick up a glass of tap water.  Filtration is the best means of removing these particular molecules from your drinking water.  Most refrigerators that supply water have a carbon filter that will remove these contaminants.  It’s important to change these filters on a regular basis according to your refrigerator manufacturer guide. If you are unsure of your drinking water, we can provide a water analysis of your tap water by simply obtaining a sample.

Best solution is a filtration system or water softening system.

The best solution for a home’s water supply is either a whole-house filtration system or a filter at the tap where you consume your drinking water.  Another solution is a water softener which will remove metals from the water source.  For more information please email us, or call us for a free water analysis and estimate for a solution.

Water consumption prevents dehydration.

Summertime is a busy time, and water consumption is important to prevent dehydration. The more active you are the more your body losses water through sweat, which helps keep your body cool.  Insufficient hydration can cause fatigued muscles, reduces coordination and can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.  Drinking water helps to restore water and sodium loss that occurs.  If you exercise strenuously, such as running or cycling, you should consume on average 1 cup of water every 15 minutes of exercise.  If you engage in a more moderate activity such as yard work, ½ cup every 15 minutes is sufficient.

Here’s to safe drinking water!  Again, don’t hesitate calling or emailing us if you have any questions.  We are happy to assist you in the peace of mind that your drinking water is pure and safe.

Information 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.  Carter’s My Plumber is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor and is a member of the World Plumbing Council, PHCC, BBB and Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.

Best Anti-Aging Secret out there is… Soft Water!

Best Anti-Aging Secret out there is…  Soft Water!  By Lisa Carter RN, BSN, BA

I’m a spoiled Plumber’s wife!!  Every time we have something go wrong in our home, Jamie, my husband, and a #Plumber will fix it!  Well for the past week our water softener has been out of commission.  It needs replaced, and Jamie has been too busy at work to take care of our matters at home!  I didn't think it was too bad the first day, and wondered if it was really necessary to have a water softener.  By the 2nd day, I noticed my hair wasn't performing at optimal levels being limp and dry.  My skin has been drier than normal, and soap definitely doesn't lather up like it normally does with a softener.  I notice build up on the faucets, and the shower doors have water spots all over them.  

I found some statistics stating 85% of homes in America depend on a hard water supply.  Hard water contains excess minerals or metals, such as calcium and iron.  It’s generally safe to use, but it can cause problems for cleaning purposes and appliance use because of the harshness of the metals.  Water Softeners remove or dilute the mineral/metal concentrations in hard water.

Benefits of a Water Softener:

1. Easier Cleaning of showers and tubs, including glass doors
   
   1. Harsh metals leave scum and deposits that are difficult to clean.
2. Extended Appliance Life
   1. Minerals found in hard water build up on the inside of appliances, shortening their usable life and decrease overall efficiency.
3. Faster Water Heating
   1. Hot water heaters can heat softened water more quickly than hard for the obvious reason of fewer deposits in the chemical composition of the molecule.
4. Cleaner Plumbing System
   1. Hard water leaves scaly deposits in plumbing fixtures and pipes, which build up over time causing clogs and corrosion.  Have you noticed green deposit build up on your showerhead?
5. Better conditioning for Hair & Skin
   1. Skin is more conditioned with the sodium ion where harsh metals cause drying at the cellular level.
6. Better lathering for soap and washing
   1. Soap and shampoo lather up faster and rinse out cleaner with the silkiness of the conditioned water.

Having softened water is definitely an overall benefit for a household, and in the long run will save you money with longer lasting appliances and plumbing systems.  Overall, for me I really miss our water softener, and I will have to up the ante to get my Plumber husband to increase the priority of installing a new one!! 

Information about Carter’s My Plumber:

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 My Plumber is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor and is a member of the PHCC, BBB and Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.

Other posts to read regarding health & Plumbing:  http://cartersmyplumber.com/blog/flush-medicine-toilet-drain/

http://cartersmyplumber.com/plumber/dont-use-hot-water-for-food-prep-or-drinking-water/

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

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

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.

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.”

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

Other Clients also read this article:

http://cartersmyplumber.com/blog/water-leak/

Comments:

K. Gammons – Customer | Greenwood | May 2, 2014 |says:

Kelson and everyone with Carter’s My Plumber were fantastic!  You worked us into what I know was a VERY busy schedule for your team – even now I can recall seeing the crawl space with the mud, gravel and rain.

L Query | Indianapolis | April 10, 2014 |says:

Your plumber was awesome!  I’d recommend Carter’s to anybody!!  L Query, Indianapolis

M & K Fortune | Indianapolis | March28, 2014 | say:

You guys did a great job, and we will definitely recommend you to friends and family!

Do NOT FLUSH your Medicine down the Toilet or Drain!

Do NOT FLUSH your Medicine down the Toilet or Drain!  By Lisa Carter, RN, BSN

Do not flush your medication down the toilet or dispose of in the drain. We have been long told to dispose of excess or expired medication by simply flushing it down the toilet or drain, instead of dumping it in the trashcan.  As a medical professional and the wife and mom of Plumbers, it could be harmful for not only yourself, but for our environment.

Prescription drugs, along with over-the-counter medications are making their way into our drinking water, polluting lakes and streams and affecting fish and wildlife.

• A Recent study shows that 80 percent of US streams contain small amounts of human medications.
• Sewage systems are not equipment to remove medication from water that is released into lakes, rivers or oceans.
• Fish and other aquatic animals have shown adverse effects from various medications in the water supply.
• Small amounts of medication have found their way to our drinking water.

According to the EPA, the levels of drugs in our water supply are far below a potentially harmful level at this point in time.  However, the EPA isn’t required to track pharmaceutical levels on yearly municipal water reports.   While the levels are reporting low, it’s the combination of medications that mix into different cocktails that may be the harmful culprit.

With medicine-laden water ending up in fresh bodies of water, researchers have found an anti-anxiety drug such as oxazepam makes fish hyper, aggressive and antisocial, which interferes with breeding.  Traces of antibiotics and an anti-diabetic drug were found to be polluting Lake Michigan just two miles from a water treatment plant, by researchers at the University of Wisconsin.

The EPA recommends crushing and mixing unused drugs with wet cat litter or used coffee grounds, and placing the mixture in a sealed container.   The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has a National Prescription Take Back Day every April.  There is a list of local take-back programs online atwww.deadiversion.usdoj.gov and search for “drug disposal/takeback.”

Some local government agencies have medication receptacles or specific days set aside to collect medications that are out of date or are no longer needed, plus, Doctors’ offices or Pharmacies may have medication receptacles. You simply bring your old or unusable medication to the office and dispose of them in the receptacle, but remove the label first, or use a permanent marker to block out your name and information. Ask your physician if they have this service available.

The problem with outhouses way back when, was that people were constantly reminded of what went down the hole, not to mention the smell. Indoor plumbing was a great invention with flushing confirming another axiom: out of sight, out of mind!  But flushing doesn’t make the medicine go away; it just put it into somebody else’s backyard.

Information about Carter’s My Plumber:

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 My Plumber is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor and is a member of the World Plumbing Council, PHCC, BBB, andGreenwood Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa Carter is a Registered Nurse, BSN, BA Public Health, Certified Cancer Coach, Certified Cancer Educator, Business Owner.

Investing in a Tankless Water Heater

Why should You invest in a Tankless Water Heater?  By Jamie Carter

Limitless Hot Water:  never run out again, no matter how much you use!

Energy Efficient: costs less to operate than a tank heater (up to 40%*)!

Valuable Investment: Lasts up to twice as long as a tank-type heater—longest warranty of any water heater!

Environmentally Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint

TANKLESS WATER HEATER 

Tankless water heaters solve many of the problems common to tank-type heaters. First, they only heat up the water as it’s needed. There’s no waste because it heats the water instantaneously and only uses as much gas or electricity as it needs at that moment.

What’s even better is that with a tankless water heater, you’ll never run out of hot water. That means you can run one hot shower after another.

A tankless heater will usually take up less space too.

STORAGE TANK WATER HEATER 

Storage tank water heaters have served us well for decades. They continually heat water to ensure its ready whenever you want it. The problem with storage water heaters is they must continually re-heat the water in the tank as it cools off — even if nobody is using it. That wastes energy and money. Storagewater heaters can also run out of hot water. If you use up the hot water too quickly, it takes time to heat up the cold water that fills the tank. 

Save Money With a Tankless Water Heater And Never Run Out of Hot Water

The storage tank spends its time heating and reheating water with excess energy you pay for, whether you use it hot or cold. Tankless water heaters only heat water as it is needed, which ensures you will not run out of hot water in the middle of your shower.

Tankless water heaters are up to 80% more energy efficient than the traditional storage tanks found in most older homes. Switching to a tankless water heater from your old storage tank can save you 30-60% in energy bills.

Traditional storage tanks require more and more energy to do their task as time goes on due to sediment build up. Tankless water heaters remain at a constant efficiency and last twice as long as the life of a traditional tank.

Additionally, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, established in February 2009, provides a 30% tax credit on the installation of gas tankless water heaters in order to support energy saving homes. Newly installed water heaters with an energy efficiency of .82 or higher can receive up to $1,500 in tax credit.

Trust Carter’s My Plumber to help you save money with your tankless water heater system by calling today for your consultation at 317-859-9999.

Other Clients also read this article:

http://cartersmyplumber.com/plumber/water-leak-causes-home/

Comments:

K. Gammons – Customer | Greenwood | May 2, 2014 |says:

Kelson and everyone with Carter’s My Plumber were fantastic!  You worked us into what I know was a VERY busy schedule for your team – even now I can recall seeing the crawl space with the mud, gravel and rain.

L Query | Indianapolis | April 10, 2014 |says:

Your plumber was awesome!  I’d recommend Carter’s to anybody!!  L Query, Indianapolis

M & K Fortune | Indianapolis | March28, 2014 | say:

You guys did a great job, and we will definitely recommend you to friends and family!