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!

Should YOU worry about LEAKS?

Water Leak: SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT LEAKS?  By Kelson Carter

Water Leak from a Busted Pipe

• Do You need to worry about small water leaks?

• How much water is wasted from leaks?

• Are some leaks invisible? 

The Answers You Need:

Slow water leaks are rarely urgent. In fact, you can get by for years without fixing them. Yet, you will not get by without paying.

Water leaks are like a hidden tax…. You pay and pay. It’s sort of like the old oil filter commercial. The difference is you can pay us now or pay the utility later… and keep paying and paying and paying.

Repairing water leaks is an investment. It’s a minor investment that typically offers a better return than any bank.

FACT : Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine, a plumbing industry trade magazine, reports that water leaks account for 14% of the water used in the typical home.

What Will You Check?

Depending on your home and the condition of your plumbing system, there are different levels of diagnostic evaluation. At a minimum, we recommend checking for leaks with every faucet, shower head, and toilet.  It is possible to make some checks visually. Others require the use of special dyes, acoustic sensing, and additional diagnostic measurements.  The diagnosis involves a small charge to pay our plumber for his time.  Leak diagnostics should be performed annually.  They are included with a plumbing service agreement.

FACT :  Leaking toilets alone can account for 30 to 500 gallons of water every day. This can easily add up to an extra $1,000 to your water bill every year according to Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine.

How Much Will Repairs Cost?

Remember leak repairs save more money than they costs. If you home is typical, you can easily estimate how much water leaks cost by dividing your water bill by seven.  If the leak involves hot water, double the cost to account for the added energy costs from heating the water.

Actual repair costs will be determined following a diagnosis of the problem. Some, simple repairs may be made during the course of the diagnostic. Others are more involved. Leak repairs are typically modestly priced and usually less than the annual cost of the leak.  Before beginning any work we will, of course, provide you with an exact cost up front.

FACT : A small leak of 1/32” diameter (less than 1 millimeter) can waste 74 thousand gallons of water in a year. This is more water than two people would typically use in a year.

What Else Can I Do?

Repairing leaks is only one way to save water. We can significantly reduce water consumption by replacing old toilets with new, efficient, water saving toilets. Our designer line of reduced flow, high pressure shower heads are another easy way to effortlessly reduce water consumption and cut heating and water utility expense.

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!

Are you ready to Remodel your Bathroom?

Jamie & Kelson Carter
Licensed Plumbers

LIST of 7 good ideas when considering a bathroom/shower remodel by Jamie & Kelson Carter:

1. Budget for the unexpected
Hidden water damage is a common problem in bathrooms, whether it comes from a leaky shower pan or running toilet.  Other issues are truly hidden, for example a vent stack inside a wall that was supposed to be taken out, or a weight supporting wall.

2. Hide the toilet
A master bath that’s stylish and functional can also be discreet. That’s why it’s nice to hide the toilet away for privacy, either in its own “room-within-the-room” or behind a half wall.

3. Do choose appropriate surfaces
A bathroom’s surfaces do more than just contribute to the overall aesthetic, along with taking a lot of abuse. It’s worth investing in a surface that will last and be durable for wear and tear.

4. Splurge on the shower
Consider using extra space to create larger showers, often with his and her shower heads, body sprays, and even steam generators.  The shower is a sensual experience and it’s important to leave proper space especially if planning for a frameless door.  Don’t eliminate the bathtub if there isn't another bathroom in the house with a tub.

5. Consider water efficiency
Shower heads, toilets, and faucets have all become more water-efficient in recent years, thanks to the EPA’s voluntary WaterSense program, which labels products that are 20 percent more efficient than federal standards. Low-flow shower heads will deliver a satisfying pulse while meeting the flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. Low flow toilets are water saving devices reducing from a 3 gallon to 1.5 gallon flush.

6. Make room on the vanity
Grooming is the main task at the vanity, so it’s important to have plenty of surface area to put things down. While the double sink configuration has been popular in the past, it may make sense to have a single sink and more counter space.

7. Provide adequate ventilation and light
Moisture not only breeds mold and mildew, it can take a toll on finishes and painted surfaces. A bathroom fan is the best defense.  The National Kitchen and Bath Association call for a ducted system that’s at least 50 cubic feet per minute, and some bathrooms may need twice the amount of ventilation if the space is larger than 100 square feet or if a steam shower is installed. There are humidity-sensing units that will automatically turn on and off depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

Kelson Carter installs a new tub unit

Tub to Shower Conversion

      The standard five foot bathtub gets very little use as a tub anymore these days. Because of this, many customers are opting to convert the standard bathtub into a stand up shower.

If there is only one bathtub in the home, it’s best to keep it, because it’s a desirable feature for the resale of the home, or if there are pets or small children. But if the home has at least one bathtub here are some conversion options to consider:
1.  Straight forward: replace your tub with a shower pan
2.  Custom shower: benches & storage
3.  Add spa touches

Straight forward: new conversion shower pan

A standard shower pan drains in the center of the shower, a bathtub drains either on the right or left. But they make conversion shower pans that contain a left or right drain. These pans are slopped differently and eliminate the need to move the rough plumbing that is currently installed. This is the least cost option and is often cheaper than replacing a tub. 

Custom shower: benches & storage

The second option is to convert a bathtub to a shower and a bench. Another reason to convert a bathtub is to get rid of the tub ledge as a shelf and replace it with shower niches large enough for two three shampoo bottles, and a soap shelf which is out of the way of the water spray.

Add Spa touches 

Now that you have decided to convert your standard bathtub to a shower, adding a few spa amenities will really take the showering experience to the next level.

1.       Add an eight inch rain shower head mounted on the ceiling in the center of the shower. This can be the only shower head in the shower or it can be in addition with the installation of a diverter valve.

2.       Add a series of body sprays. There are numerous options: delta has standard shower valves that contain two body jets, or go with a total custom installation of three to six body jets.

Shower Stalls, Doors & Fixtures

Shower enclosures, sliding shower doors, frameless glass shower doors, corner shower enclosure and neo-angle shower stalls can all add a lot of personality and style to your bathroom no matter what individual layout you may have.

Your bathroom shower can be the ultimate luxury: an everyday space that feels like a retreat. The right shower design can make your morning routine feel more like a spa getaway. Find inspiration and advice on creating a bathroom shower to suit your taste and lifestyle.

Shower doors are manufactured in many sizes, styles and designed for installation inside the shower stall opening so they must fit perfectly. It’s important to make sure to accurately measure the shower stall opening. Many older homes don't have parallel walls and the wall-to-wall distance may vary from the top of the stall to the bottom. It’s important to measure in three places: the top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest of these measurements when ordering the door.

About Carter’s My Plumber:

Carter’s My Plumber is a local, family-owned, 3^rd generation plumbing company 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.  

Visit our website for more information and to schedule a Free Estimate:  http://cartersmyplumber.com/lp/shower-replacement-and-remodel/

Water Leak Causes in a Home

Basement Leaks

A leaking into a basement is generally caused by some form of drainage problem outside the home, and not with anything underneath or inside the basement itself.   Poor drainage outside can easily penetrate floors and walls, causing water damage and annoying leaks.

Basements can leak because the soil surrounding the foundation and the walls of a basement has become overly saturated.  Often this occurs after a long rainy season, and particularly if it was preceded by a drought.

1. A common cause of basement is leaks might have to do with the gutter system. Old and poorly installed gutters tend to promote pooling water; and cause a build-up of standing water around the foundation of a home. The water will leak into a basement, eventually penetrating the walls and causing serious damage.
2. If water doesn't have a direction in which to flow, it will settle against the foundation of a home and find its way into the lowest chamber: the basement. There should be a small grade of slope from a home to the street, allowing for smooth water flow.

Increase the chances of stopping leaks in a basement by decreasing the amount of water that comes near a home.  If the basement is still leaking after checking these items, it’s good to consult a plumber. The reason for the leaks might be in your interior plumbing rather than from an outside source.

Water Leaks

Leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings can be a huge source of water waste for many households.  

Research has shown that the typical home can lose 2,000 to 20,000 gallons (7.6 m³ to 76 m³) of water per year due to some kind of leak. Some leaks are obvious, such as dripping faucets and leaking water heaters. However, many leaks go undetected for years because the source of the leak is not visible.

• Whole House Meter Check for Leaks

Larger leaks or a combination of small leaks can often be detected by a simple water meter test. Here are the simple steps:

1.       Make sure all water is turned off inside and outside the home.  This test must be performed when no automatic water equipment is used, such as irrigation controllers, clothes washers, dishwashers, etc.

2.       Record the reading of the water meter, and wait 15 minutes. Be certain no water is used during this time.

3.       Record the reading of the meter again. If the meter has recorded water use during the test, it might be due to a leak. Verify that the water use is not due to small appliances such as water filters, water softeners, or whole house humidifiers.

The meter test verifies large leaks. This test does not verify small leaks that exist within the home.  Additionally, when leaks are detected, this test does not indicate the location of the leaks. Further investigation is needed to detect and locate all significant leaks.

• Water Supply Line Leaks

Sometimes there are leaks between the meter and the home, in the water supply line.  These leaks are often difficult to detect because the supply pipe is usually buried at least 3 feet (.91 m) below the ground. Sometimes the leaking water will travel along the pipe, and back to the meter. If the meter box contains water, and the water is not due to rain or irrigation run-off, this may be an indicator there is a leak in the supply line. Another common exit point for the leaking water might be where the supply line rises above the ground and/or enters the house. If the soil is constantly damp at this location it might indicate a leak. In the case of a severe leak, the water will seep towards the ground surface, usually directly above the path of the underground pipe.  Most often, leaks between the meter and the house are the responsibility of the homeowner; leaks from the meter or pipes leading from the main to the meter are the responsibility of the water utility. The water utility should be contacted before any attempt to repair the water supply pipe. If the utility deems the leak to be the responsibility of the homeowner, a professional licensed plumber should perform all repair work. 

• Faucet, Shower, and Tub Leaks

Faucet leaks are a common occurrence and usually simple to repair.  A faucet dripping slowly at only one drop every two seconds will waste more than 1,000 gallons (3.7 m³) per year.   The repairs necessary to stop the leak depends on the type of faucet, and there are four basic types found in most homes:  compression valve, ball types, cartridge types, and ceramic discs.  Each type of faucet has unique methods of repair.

• Toilet Leaks

Toilets are one the most common sources of leaks in the home, and usually go unnoticed because the leaks are often silent and out of view.  Several research studies have found 20% to 35% of all residential toilets leak to some degree. Large toilet leaks can be detected when the valve constantly emits a hissing or gurgling sound when the toilet is not in use.

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