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.