Orlando Plumbing Question: What Does a Drain Vent Do?

June 18th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we have seen a wide variety of plumbing jobs throughout the Orlando area.  We believe that an informed customer is a great thing; it allows you to spot any issues or problems with your piping that may cause clogs and leaks. It’s relatively simple to understand that drains needs to be installed at a pitch so that gravity can push your organic waste and gray water into your sewer. But your drain ventilation system is just as critical. In today’s post, we’d like to address what a drain vent does. If you have any issues with your plumbing system that need professional attention, give us a call today.

Your wastewater disposal system cannot work without proper ventilation. Think of your drain as a tube plugged at one end. Without ventilation integrated into the drainpipe, that wastewater cannot move because there is a pressurized vacuum. A drain vent pipe connects your drain to what’s known as the main stack. While its location may vary from home to home, the main stack ventilates your drainpipe system all the way through the roof. This allows for air to flow into your drainpipe, thus relieving the pressure of a closed system, and letting gravity do its job to keep your home a hygienic and pleasant place to live.

As you can imagine, your drain vent is subject to wear and tear and problems just like any other aspect of your piping system. If there are any blockages in your drain vent, whether at the local pipe itself, or within the main stack, then you simply cannot expect effective and efficient waste removal. This may cause odors to develop in the home or might even completely backup your plumbing. It’s critical that any such problems be addressed by a professional plumber so that your home is restored to its normal operation.

Call  Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today for comprehensive plumbing services in Orlando, including drain vent repair.

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Benefits of Scheduling Maintenance Service with a Professional Orlando Plumber

June 11th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

There are huge benefits to getting your home’s plumbing system regularly maintained. The expert plumbers at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) have years of experience offering complete plumbing maintenance for all different kinds of plumbing system. Make sure that you take a couple minutes to check out some of the benefits of getting your plumbing system inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

  • Reduced plumbing repair – Perhaps the most important benefit of regular plumbing maintenance is that it could potentially reduce the need for plumbing repair. When you have a professional plumber regularly cleaning and inspecting your system, they will be able to find the small issues that eventually turn into repair. This could allow you to prevent some plumbing problems from ever occurring.
  • Increased efficiency – Your drains should be able to quickly drain the water out of your home. If you start to notice that your drains are slowing down it usually means that there is a clog forming somewhere in your plumbing system. During regular maintenance visits your plumber will look for the beginnings of those clogs and remove them which could help all the drains in your home work better.
  • Extended life – In some cases, clogs in your plumbing system can cause leaks or ruptures in your pipes. Maintaining your pipes and drains can help them last longer.

If you’re interested in scheduling regular maintenance for your home’s plumbing system, just call the Orlando plumbers at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We will visit your home several times every year and perform a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing system.

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Common Water Heater Repairs in Orlando

June 7th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco
Orlando Water Heater

Photo by Brian Cantoni

Considering all the use that it gets on a daily basis during the course of a year, it’s no wonder that your water heater may sometimes need professional service from an Orlando plumber. While there are numerous types and brands of water heaters on the market, there are some common water heater repairs that are more or less shared by all hot water systems. Let’s take a look at a handful of them. If you’re in need of comprehensive, thorough water heater repair, look no further than Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

  • Sediment and scale buildup: Over time, your water heater accumulates sediment. Because of the volume of water that it processes, this sediment can accumulate on the bottom of the tank and begin to causes problems. The heat exchanger, which is responsible for safely transferring heat from the combustion chamber (if gas) or coils (if electric), can become inhibited by the amount of sediment buildup, and this can cause it to overwork itself. If you hear a rumbling or boiling sound, this is often the result of this problem.
  • Sacrificial anode decay: The anode rod in your tank water heater is designed to sacrifice itself to protect the steel of your water heater. The interaction between water and metal can create problems for the integrity of the container; most commonly, the problem of rust, or oxidization. The anode rod is there to absorb this interaction, so that it doesn’t occur to the sides of your tank. But it needs to be monitored periodically and replaced to avoid significant problems.
  • Leaks: Leaks occur anywhere water is contained. Your water heater is a pressurized cylindrical tank that is susceptible to leaking. If you notice a water leak, make sure you have it checked out by a professional plumber.

Call MPI today for quality plumbing services in Orlando, including water heater repair and replacement.

 

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Orlando Plumbing Guide: Reasons You Need Video Camera Inspection

June 4th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

While some of the plumbing techniques and materials that we use on a daily basis have been around for a long time, one of the recent arrivals into our industry is video camera to inspect your pipes. The compact size and flexibility of the video camera inspection device allows us unprecedented access to the interior of your residential or commercial piping. It allows us to see in vivid detail what might be causing problems with your plumbing system, as well as to check upon any areas that might need replacement or cleaning. The small, fiber optic video line can travel deep within your wastewater or supply lines and project the live feed onto a monitor. It eliminates the need to dig up pipes for inspection purposes. In today’s post, we’d like to review a few reasons why you need video camera inspection. If you’re in need of Orlando plumbing services, then simply call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

  • Major pipe blockages: Pipe blockages can come in various forms and for a variety of reasons. For example, if you have hard water, your piping may be subject to accumulations of mineral deposits over time, which can reduce the aperture of the pipe, thus leading to water flow problems. Such issues in water pressure as well as water disposal need to be investigated with the use of a video camera.
  • Potential replacement: If your pipes are getting older, and you don’t know what the problem is, then video camera inspection gives your plumber a detailed picture of the inside of your pipes that will, in turn, allow him to make a professional recommendation as to what the best course of action is. Pipe replacement is a serious undertaking, so make sure you consult with a quality plumber.
  • Cracks and holes: If you notice a decrease in water pressure, or wet spots in the yard, there is probably something wrong with one of your main pipes. Over time, your pipes may develop cracks and holes. By getting an up-close look of your pipe’s interior, your plumber can figure out exactly what’s the problem is.

Don’t settle for anything less than effective performance when it comes to your home plumbing system. Call MPI today to learn more about our exceptional Orlando plumbing services. 

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Winter Springs, FL Water Heater FAQs

May 31st, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

Hot showers and baths, clean sheets, linens, and clothing, pristine dishware—you rely on your water heater more than you may recognize. With professional installation and plumbing maintenance, your water heater will last for years, but eventually it may be in need of repair, or even replacement. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today for comprehensive plumbing services, including water heater installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance.

Winter Springs Water HeaterHere are several water heater FAQs: 

  • Should I get a tank or tankless water heater? Great question. It’s certainly one that’s likely a common concern for those homeowners looking for a new water heater. Work with a plumber to figure out exactly how much hot water you need on a daily basis. While tank systems tend to be more cost-effective upfront, tankless systems often achieve much better energy efficiency in the long-term.
  • What’s a hybrid water heater? A hybrid water heater is a highly energy efficient option for producing hot water in the home. It’s called a “hybrid” system because it utilizes conventional natural gas as a fuel supply, as well as an electric heat pump. The latter component draws in thermal energy from the air surrounding the heater itself, thus reducing the amount of natural gas necessary to produce hot water. A hybrid water heater gives you energy efficiency options without sacrificing the comfort of certain hot water when you need it. 
  • What’s that strange sound coming from my water heater? If there is a rumbling or boiling water sound coming from the bottom of your water heater, you may have excessive buildup of sediment or scale at the bottom of your tank. This can lead to increased damage and scalding temperatures so it’s best to get it checked out by a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Call  Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today for comprehensive Winter Springs water heater services.

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Winter Springs Water Heater Guide: How to Detect a Water Heater Leak

May 27th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

Is there a puddle of water on the ground near your water heater? Have you noticed a decline in the amount of hot water in your home? You rely on your water heater nearly every day to provide hot baths and showers, and clean dishes and laundry. With professional installation and routine maintenance, you can keep your water heater working well for years to come, but there comes a time when you may also need professional repair. One such problem occurs when your water heater springs a leak. Leaks can occur anywhere water is contained, but are particularly susceptible at valves and joints. In today’s post, we’d like to give you some examples of water heater leaks so that you won’t have any trouble recognizing one. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today for comprehensive Winter Springs heater heater services.

  • Condensation: This isn’t a leak! We put this one first because it’s often mistaken for one. If you see beads of water on the outside of your water heater, then it’s probably not a leak, but condensation due to the temperature difference between the interior of the water heater and the ambient air surrounding it. If the ambient outside air is warmer than the cold water entering the tank, this can occur.
  • Pressure overload: Your water heater is a tank under pressure, and this pressure needs to be controlled. Over time, it builds up and may need to be released. There is a pressure release valve that allows your tank to recalibrate itself. You may find that this leaks some water now and then, but if it’s a substantial leak, this may be a problem worth calling a plumber about.
  • Loose drain valve: Your water heater has a drain valve that allows your service technician to flush the tank and remove any sediment periodically. If the valve becomes loose, however, then this can lead to hot water leaking onto the floor. It’s best to make sure your water heater is repaired ASAP.

If you’re in need of professional water heater repair, call MPI for superior Winter Springs  water heater services today! 

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How Drain Cleaning Can Help Your Home or Business in Orlando

May 24th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

Orlando Drain CleaningYou probably rely a lot more on your plumbing than you think. Both homes and businesses alike need effective and efficient wastewater disposal systems, and drain cleaning so critical to the operation of your plumbing. Organic waste and mineral deposits can accumulate inside the interior of your piping and cause the aperture of your pipe to decrease, which reduces water flow and can cause all sorts of problems. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to hear more about our superior drain cleaning services.

  • How does it work? Drain cleaning should always be performed by a qualified plumber. While the needs of each job are potentially different, we would probably begin with a video camera inspection to figure out which areas of your drains are causing problems. While we will clean every interior surface, knowing where the problematic areas are in advance helps us target them. A special nozzle is attached to the end of a hose. A specialized compressor allows your pipes to be cleaned at an incredible pressure.
  • What are the benefits? The benefits are clear. Not only do you reduce the possibility of serious clogs and major malfunctions to your plumbed appliances, but you also extend the longevity of your piping. Considering the resources required to replace your drain pipes, it’s a good idea to make sure that you do everything you can to avoid repiping, unless it is absolutely necessary. Drain cleaning can ensure that plumbing problems do not get in the way of you and your business.

As one of the leading plumbing companies in Orlando, we take great pride in the quality of our workmanship and the satisfaction of our customers. Call MPI today for professional drain cleaning services.

 

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Orlando Plumber’s Guide: Problems Caused by Roots in Your Drain Lines

May 20th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

If you ask any Orlando plumber, one of the more serious problems that can arise with your home plumbing system occurs when roots invade your drain lines. In this post, we’d like to talk a little about this problem so that you can stay informed about ways your plumbing might be affected. If you need an exceptional Orlando plumber, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

  • Multiple clogs: If you find that you have not one, but two or more serious clogs in your home at one time, it may be an indication that something’s wrong with your sewer line. Your sewer line is the big drainpipe of your home that connects your wastewater disposal system to the septic tank or the municipal waste management system. Simultaneous clogs often indicate a serious problem deep within your drainpipes that requires professional attention. If it’s serious enough, your home may be at risk of backflow, which is the cross-contamination of supply and wastewater systems.
  • Wet spots in your yard: If it’s not raining and you don’t have a sprinkler on, then those puddles of water in your yard are probably coming from below the ground. Tree roots exert considerable amounts of pressure and if they’re large enough, they can actually penetrate the surface of the drainpipe itself and this can lead to sewage leaking into your yard. This is not only bad news for your plumbing, but it can also become a health hazard.
  • Foul odors: One of the side effects of wet spots in your yard caused by tree root penetration of your drainpipes will likely be foul odors. But they can also occur within your home. If the wastewater is blocked, then the odors of the drain system may waft up through the drains and directly into your living space.

If you need an Orlando plumber to come take a look at your drain lines, then don’t hesitate to call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today! We offer both drain repair and drain cleaning.

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Ask an Winter Springs, FL Plumber: Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Running?

May 17th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

Toilet problems can be incredibly disruptive. As one of the most used appliances in your home, you need to make sure that it operates well every day throughout the year. One of the most common problems that we come across is toilets that continue to run long after flushing. While this may seem like an inconsequential, minor issue, it can actually lead to leaks and higher utility bills. There’s no repair too minor (or too large) for a professional Orlando plumber, so call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today.

Ask an Orlando Plumber: Why Won't my Toilet Stop Running?In order to better understand what the problem is with your toilet and why it won’t stop running, it’s useful to first look at how your toilet functions. Your toilet is comprised of three major components: the flushing mechanism, bowl siphon, and the refill mechanism. Simply physical principles ensure that there is a consistent and constant level of water in your toilet at all times. Water conforms to a container or surface because of gravity and the curvature of the pipe behind the bowl allows the overflowing of the bowl by the tank to cause the toilet to flush. So long as the bowl is filled quickly with enough water to activate the siphon, your toilet will flush.

The tank behind the toilet bowl rapidly dumps several gallons of water into the siphon, which causes the bowl’s contents to overflow down the drainpipe. But in order to control the flow, your toilet tank has a flush valve that controls the flushing mechanism. The filler float, which looks like a ball connected to the end of a stick senses the level of water in the tank, and tells the filler valve to send water into the tank and the bowl after the flush is complete, so that the flush mechanism can be restored.

A sticky or damaged flush valve can cause a toilet to run constantly after flushing. It may also be a problem with the chain that connects the handle to that mechanism. Sometimes a jiggle on the handle will ensure that the tank fills back up, but you may need to replace the part to ensure that it doesn’t happen regularly.

Call MPI today if you need an excellent Orlando plumber. We’d be happy to take care of your any problems with your home plumbing.

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Orlando Plumbing Question: Why Must a Professional Handle My Drain Cleaning?

May 16th, 2013 by Anthony Bracco

You depend a lot on the integrity and effectiveness of your plumbing systems. You rely on them to supply pressurized potable water throughout your home so that you can keep yourself, your clothes and dishes clean, and so that you can prepare food. You rely on your wastewater disposal system to remove organic waste from your home, and to ensure that you can flush the toilet and take a shower. Your drains endure a significant amount of wear and tear over the course of their service lifespan. In order to operate well, they need to be professionally inspected and cleaned. But you may be wondering why a professional should always be hired to handle your Orlando drain cleaning. We’d like to explain its importance in this post. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today for details about our excellent plumbing services.

  • Thoroughness: Our professional drain cleaning service offers an incredibly thorough clearing of your drainpipes. Only with the right equipment and skills can you expect your drains to perform well. We use the latest technologies and techniques to ensure that your drains perform like new. Hydro-jetting uses a highly pressurized water stream to dislodge hair, grease, and even mineral deposits from your drain piping.
  • Quality: Another factor to consider is the quality of the drain cleaning service. You need drain cleaning that is highly efficient so that it doesn’t take too long to be finished, but you want the service to be as long lasting as possible. Don’t settle for harsh chemicals being poured down your drains. Professional drain cleaning is safe and won’t deteriorate your piping. Considering the cost of drainpipe replacement, you should make sure you receive quality drain cleaning.

Professional drain cleaning involves a video camera inspection of your piping so that we can pinpoint areas that are particularly problematic. This first-person view of the interior of your piping gives us unprecedented information about the condition of your pipes, and makes the entire process operate smoothly. If you want to improve your plumbing, consider a professional Orlando drain cleaning from MPI. Call us today!

 

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