Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Archive for May, 2013

Ask a Plumber: Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Running?

Friday, May 17th, 2013

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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Corroded Pipes and Plumbing Repair

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

We often think of our home plumbing system as indestructible. After all, metal is known for its strength as well as its durability. But corroded pipes can sneak up on homeowners. They can lead to serious systemic damage and you may need whole house repiping. In this post, we’d like to share with you two major issues that can lead to severe corroded pipes within your home. If you’re concerned with your pipes, then don’t hesitate to call for plumbing repair in Orlando, FL. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

Orlando Plumbing - Pipe Replacement

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vax-o-matic/3828158533/

Your home plumbing materials are made out of plastic, concrete, or metal. While both plastic and concrete pipes tend to resist corrosion, metals are susceptible. But what is corrosion? Metal corrosion involves the constant release of ions of the metal into the water. Rust is probably the most well-known form of corrosion, and it involves the electrochemical oxidation of the metal in reaction to the oxygen in the air. When there is a substantial difference in the mineral composition of the metal piping and the water that runs through it, corrosion can result. Let’s take a look at common reasons for corroded pipes.

  • Flux problem: The term “flux” names a kind of paste cleaning agent used in the copper pipe soldering process. Plumbers use flux to facilitate soldering because dirt, oil, and oxidation at the site of the soldering can present obstacles to a successful joint. Muriatic acid cleans the joint and thus prepares it for bonding. But the downside of flux is that it may actually begin to react with the copper pipe itself if the pipe installation is delayed. If cold or hot water does not run through those pipes relatively soon after installation, then the acidity may pose problems to the integrity of the joint.
  • Water acidity: The alkalinity, hardness, and pH of the water running through the pipes all contribute to corrosive or scale-forming results. If the pH of your water is low, then your water is acidic and this often leads to enhanced levels of pipe corrosion.

We hope this helps you to better understand why pipes corrode. When you need comprehensive plumbing repair in Orlando, FL, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI)

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Commercial Plumbing Project: Florida Hospital Altamonte Surgery Expansion

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Modern Plumbing Project - Florida Hospital Altamonte Surgery ExpansionOne of the most rewarding benefits about working in the plumbing industry is working on a project that will ultimately help people. We worked on a major expansion of a surgery center in Altamonte Springs, FL in 2009. This expansion allowed the surgery to fulfill the medical needs of a much wider range of patients, and the experience for us was both challenging and rewarding. Working on a new large commercial building is relatively simple in comparison. When you have to move materials and equipment and make noise in a hospital environment, you really have to take into consideration where you are, and the patients nearby who are both preparing for and recovering from surgery.

That means paying attention to the risk of contamination, limiting noise, and disruption of ongoing services, and fast-tracking the project by working double-shifts. The project involved a wide range of gas equipment installation, including five major medical gas systems. Additionally, the expansion required extensive medical alarm panel wiring, along with various plumbed sinks and specialty fixtures for surgical and clinical purposes. Such equipment requires very precise installation because there is no room for error when it comes to taking care of patients. We also installed a domestic water system and sanitary and storm systems.

All in all, the project was a success, completed within budget and on time. Although we excel in such situations, every job is a learning experience and we continue to grow as a company so that we can meet the demands of any job.

Call us today to learn more about the residential and commercial plumbing services we offer to Altamonte Springs, FL and the surrounding area.

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