Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Winter Park’

4 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to Be Serviced

Monday, January 9th, 2023
hand-feeling-the-temperature-of-running-water

Sometimes, homeowners aren’t sure whether or not repairs are warranted. A minor problem, or one that develops gradually, might be easy to overlook. While some things seem like obvious concerns, like a puddle of water below your water heater from a leak, other necessary repairs might be postponed because the problem isn’t as clear.

For the record, if your water heater is leaking, you definitely need to have it serviced. 

Here are four subtler problems you might encounter that indicate that you should have a technician service your water heater.

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Common Drain Clog Causes and How to Fix Them

Monday, December 12th, 2022
clogged-sink-drain

Clogged drains can be incredibly frustrating. They interfere with normal use of your plumbing fixtures, cause unpleasant smells, and sometimes even lead to water damage. It’s even worse if they occur repeatedly, or if you can’t figure out how to unclog them. 

We’re here to help. Here are some common reasons why drains clog, ways you might be able to resolve the clogs yourself, and pointers for avoiding them in future. We’ll also cover situations where professional plumbing help is essential.

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When to Invest in Water Treatment

Monday, September 19th, 2022
filling-water-glass-from-faucet

The water you drink should be clean and clear. It should smell and taste fresh. It shouldn’t leave residue on anything, and most importantly, it shouldn’t make anyone sick. Perhaps you’re reading this because you’re experiencing something with your water quality that doesn’t seem quite right. Or perhaps you’re a homeowner who just wants to make sure that your water is the best that it can be. At Modern Plumbing Industries, we’re committed to making sure you have the resources you need to make your water clean and safe for everyone in your home.

Water can be treated in a variety of ways. There are water softeners for hard water, and many options for water filters and water purifiers. Different systems solve different problems, and testing is necessary to determine exactly what the problems are. How do you know if it’s time to get your water tested and look into water treatment service in Winter Park, FL? Here are several indications to look for.

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Why Should I Hire a Licensed Plumber?

Monday, November 19th, 2018

hand-holding-wrenchYou’ve got a plumbing task you need done for your home or your business. Who do you call? You can have a local handyman on the job. Or you might break out that toolkit of wrenches. After all, why not save some money this way rather than go with a licensed plumber?

We need to stop you right there—it’s vital you only hire a licensed professional plumber for any job more complicated than using a plunger on a clog or cleaning aerators in faucets. Going with non-licensed plumbers can result in serious consequences.

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Ways to Tell You May Need Water Main Replacement

Monday, August 3rd, 2015

One of the essential parts of your home’s plumbing is the water main. After all, if you don’t have a line to bring in fresh water from the municipal system, there really isn’t much good for half of the plumbing fixtures in your home. Although water mains are built from durable material, they can still suffer from damage due to root infiltration, ground shifting, corrosion from chemicals, and even lightning strikes. (Yes, as odd as this sounds, lightning is a source of pinhole leaks.)

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How to Spot Corroding Pipes

Thursday, April 2nd, 2015

One of the biggest threats to any plumbing system is corrosion. As pipes get old and rusty, they begin to degrade, and this corrosion could lead to a major leak on your property that would do some serious damage. Eventually, any pipes will need replacement, but it’s always best to replace the pipes before they corrode than to wait for a leak to flood your yard or damage your home. But what can you do to prevent this from happening? How can you tell when corrosion is near? We’ve created this guide to answer just those questions.

When you need quality plumbing services in Winter Park, call the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We offer pipe inspection and quality pipe replacement services with minimal damage to your property.

Signs of Corrosion

  • Water Discoloration – If your water begins to develop a yellowish color, a strange taste, or if you notice red flakes, these are all early signs of corrosion. Rusting inevitably leads to corrosion, and in general, the entire water line will need replacement in order to avoid the effects of corrosion.
  • Drop in Water Pressure – If your water pressure plummets, there may be a few different causes. However, when it affects multiple faucets in the home, it’s most likely a leak in the water line. This could indicate corrosion or another issue that requires prompt repair.
  • Old Age – One of the signs that your pipes are at risk of corrosion has to do with how old your pipes are. Galvanized pipes, which were common plumbing installations before the 1970s, begin to rust after a few decades, which is why today’s pipes are made of less-corrosive copper.
  • Visit from a Plumber – Not sure whether your pipes are at risk? Call a plumber for an inspection and maintenance visit today. With a plumbing maintenance visit, your plumber will inspect all of the most important components of your system, from the drain pipes to the water heater to the showerhead, make a few adjustments, and inform you of any trouble that needs repair.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for more information about pipe replacement and corrosion or to find out if your plumbing system in Winter Park is at risk.

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Is Rust a Sign I Need Water Heater Repair?

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015

Rust on anything is evidence of corrosion that has developed from excess moisture, which typically isn’t a good thing. When it comes to water heaters, the big question is: where is the rust located? The reason this question is important is that there is a big difference between rust being only on the outside of your water heater or on the inside. This does not mean that rust on the outside of a water heater is a good thing, but it is better than rust coming from the inside.

Sacrificial Anode

Water and metal are usually a bad combination, but there are a lot of instances where the two have to come together. When it comes to water heaters, there are two ways in which the process of corrosion via rust is inhibited: first, by insulated lining in the water tank and second, by a component known as the sacrificial anode. As its name suggests, the sacrificial anode’s job is to attract the electrolytes that help create corrosion. Sacrificial anodes are made of highly active metals, so the anode is the part that will corrode first out of all of the water heater’s components. This is done purposefully so that the less active metals that comprise the water heater won’t rust and corrode.

So What If You See Rust?

This is where you need to see where the rust is. Sacrificial anodes have an average lifespan of about 6 years. Once the anode is fully rusted, the electrolytes inside the tank will likely move on to other parts of your water heater.

Rust Prevention

So what can you do to help prevent rust and know the state of your sacrificial anode? One of the best ways is to schedule annual water heater maintenance. During a water heater maintenance appointment, all the components of your water heater are checked, including the anode; if the anode is rusty, it can be replaced during the appointment. Flushing your water heater twice a year also helps, as it removes any built-up sediment and bacteria in the tank.

If you are seeing rust on your water heater, and aren’t sure if it’s coming from a problem inside the tank or outside, it’s best to play it safe and make an appointment for water heater repair in Winter Park, FL. The experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., can help with any water heater issue you may have, so call us today!

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Why You Need Professional Plumbers for Pipe Replacement

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

If you have a problem with your water or sewer line, the worst case scenario is that your pipes will need replacement. However, the situation does not have to be stressful so long as you choose a qualified plumber for the job. A quality plumber will inspect the pipes to ensure that you get the right service, keep you informed of time and cost estimates, and provide the quickest and, more importantly, the most thorough service possible.

At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we want to help you choose the right technician for the job, so we’ve put together a guide to some of the reasons you should always trusted skilled and experienced professionals for pipe replacement in Winter Park.

The Right Contractor Will Let You Know if Repair Is an Option

Of course, replacement is generally a last resort, chosen only when the pipes suffer from mineral buildup, are at risk for corrosion, or when improper placement or faulty installation causes frequent leaking and pipe bursts. Don’t let an inexperienced plumber charge you more for pipe replacement when a few repairs may prove just as effective. Check reviews online to find a contractor who won’t scam you and leave you with a hefty bill.

A Good Contractor Can Work with Your Schedule

A decent contractor should be able to work with your schedule in some ways, since pipe replacement is a job that often takes several days. Ask for time estimates and make sure there is some way you can still have access to water. Many plumbers will run a temporary pipe to the water main so you can get on with your daily routine.

Professionals Know How the Safest and Least Invasive Methods of Pipe Replacement

Finally, professional plumbers know the safest ways to repair your pipes, as well as which methods do the least damage to the landscaping. Pipe replacement is an invasive process, during which large portions of your yard must be excavated, but professionals can help make sure the impact of this is kept minimal.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to schedule an appointment and speak with experts you can trust for quality pipe replacement service in Winter Park.

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Why You Need Professionals to Install Backflow Preventers

Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

To protect your home’s supply of fresh water, you need to make certain that contamination from the wastewater system doesn’t flow back up the pipes (backflow) and into the freshwater pipes. The device that prevents this from occurring when there is a change of pressure that lowers the water pressure on the freshwater side is called a backflow preventer. Many Central Florida municipalities legally require homes to have backflow preventers for sanitation and health reasons—so the chances are high that your plumbing system already has one installed.

Backflow preventers can fail, however, and they need to have annual inspections from licensed plumbers to see that they are still working properly. If you find out that your backflow preventer is no longer adequately shielding your fresh water supply, you must contact professional certified plumbers to install a new one as soon as possible.

To reach expert plumbers with the experience necessary for installing and inspecting backflow prevention in Winter Park, FL, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We also have 24-hour service in case of emergencies.

Licensed Plumbers Are Necessary for This Installation

Backflow prevention isn’t a matter of convenience: it’s one of safety. For this reason, you must only entrust the work to licensed professionals. A certified plumber will make certain that the right size of backflow preventer is installed into your plumbing and that it seals correctly so there is no danger of allowing sewage into your freshwater lines. You do not want to risk the safety of your family by attempting to install it on your own, or by hiring a non-certified amateur.

Also keep in mind that in the majority of Central Florida municipalities, non-licensed work on a backflow preventer is illegal. Any backflow preventer that receives low-quality installation from a non-professional will likely fail its next annual inspection. When a backflow preventer fails this test, it must receive immediate replacement. You will save time and money by making certain that you have the work done by licensed plumbers the first time.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for Backflow Preventer Installation

Our licensed plumbing team is experienced with numerous types of repairs and installations. We specialize in professional backflow prevention services in Winter Park, FL and the rest of Central Florida. We can handle the inspections, repairs, maintenance, and installations you need. Call us any time and we can answer all your questions regarding backflow prevention.

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Why Install Both Low-Flow Fixtures and a Tankless Water Heater

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

Most people would love to save money every month on their utility bills, but many do not know that there are some simple ways to do so. Many homeowners waste water and energy with inefficient appliances that increase water, gas, and energy bills. Installing new appliances and fixtures may decrease your bills and help the environment in the process.

Two things you may choose to install in your home to help manage your utility bills are low-flow fixtures and a tankless water heater. In this guide, we’ll detail these items, showing you how they waste less hot water than your current fixtures and how you can save money every month by making a simple change.

Low-Flow Fixtures

If you replace your current showerhead with a low-flow showerhead, or if you install a faucet aerator for your sink, you can save a significant amount on your energy bills, up to sixty percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy. These relatively inexpensive fixtures reduce the amount of water produced per minute, as do low-flow toilets.

Tankless Water Heaters

With conventional storage tank water heaters, water is heated and stored in a large tank. Water fills the tank through a dip tube which leads to the bottom. A burner or electric heating element heats the water, and it naturally moves to the top of the tank where it exits through a smaller pipe. The problem with this type of heater is the standby energy loss that comes with leaving the water heated at all times. A tankless water heater heats water immediately as it passes through, eliminating the need for a tank. When combined with a low-flow fixture, you’ll use significantly less energy and water whenever you turn on a hot water tap.

Other Ways to Save

Installing low-flow fixtures and tankless heaters is not the only way to save hot water. Switching to energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers can also reduce your bills. You should also be sure to call a plumber for professional repairs at the first sign of water leaks in your pipes. For water heater installation and other plumbing services in Winter Park, save money every month by calling the professionals at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

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