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

The Best Options for Cleaning Your Drain

Monday, December 30th, 2013

Every homeowner can expect to experience a drain clog or a slow drain now and then; the pipes and drains in your home can’t handle everything that goes down them, so eventually you will have to deal with getting a drain unblocked. However, if drain clogging starts to happen to you frequently, then you may need to call in a professional drain cleaning service instead of fixing it on your own.

Scheduling regular drain cleaning will not only help you avoid clogs in the future, it will also lead to smoothly running plumbing and lower water pressure. With the right maintenance from an experienced company like Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., you can get rid of those unpleasant drain clogs.

Here are some options for cleaning your drain:

  • Not chemical drain cleaners: This first one is a negative. Most people are quick to reach for a bottle of commercial drain cleaner when they want to clean out clogged drains. However, these caustic chemicals can harm both your drains and you. They leave behind toxic fumes and harm the environment because the residue inside the bottles gets into landfills. These inexpensive cleaners seem like an easy way out, but you will only create far worse problems in the future.
  • Motorized drain snakes: Drain snakes are commercially available in manual models, but you should only rely on trained technicians who use powered drain snakes. A drain snake works like a long, flexible corkscrew that maneuvers down into your drain pipes, drills into clogs, and then clears them away.
  • Hydro-jetting: Hydro jets are powered devices that blast hot, high pressure water down into drains to scrub away grease, oil, and other deposits that can pollute the inside of drainpipes. The strength and heat of the water is effective at removing most drain clogging without damaging the inside of the pipes.  Because of the potential danger of high-pressure water, only trained plumbers should perform hydro-jetting.
  • Video pipe inspections: Sometimes it is difficult to know where a drain needs targeted cleaning. In these cases, professionals with video pipe cameras on long flexible cables can find the trouble without needing to open up pipes or remove floorboards, wall sections, or fixtures. Using this technology, plumbers can find fast solutions to your drain cleaning problems.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. offers a customized maintenance plan to our customers that adapts to your needs and budget. Get on the road to a cleaner, more efficient, and more durable plumbing system with Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc.

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Modern Plumbing Inc. Wins the 2013 Super Service Award

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

Recently Modern Plumbing Inc. was awarded with the 2013 Super Service Award for our dedication to customer service and excellence in the field. Here at Modern Plumbing, service is the most important part of the experience and we strive to deliver excellence to all of our patrons. We are dedicated to supporting the community while providing the exemplary service you’ve come to expect. Call us today for all of your plumbing needs!

http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/fl/winter-springs/modern-plumbing-industries-inc-reviews-256277.htm

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How a Plumber Pinpoints a Leak

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

If you’re a plumber in Orlando, you have to handle your share of leaks. They’re easily the most common plumbing problem in Central Florida, and if they’re not addressed, they can cause some serious damage to your home. Large leaks are fairly easy to detect – you simply look for the puddles – and can be spotted before you call in a plumbing service. Other methods are more subtle, however, and usually require professional skills. Here’s a quick list of how a plumber pinpoints a leak.

  • Leak detection equipment. Most plumbers use some form of leak detector, which utilizes one of a variety of means to pinpoint a leak. Some are acoustic, listening to micro-shifts in sound to spot the leak. Others use lengths of tape wrapped around the pipe to detect moisture, or sensors running along the length of the pipe to spot the leak. Whatever the technology, it becomes an invaluable tool in the plumber’s arsenal: able to detect leaks fairly quickly and save considerable time in the bargain.
  • Food coloring. Food coloring is a quick and easy trick to detect the location of leaks in toilets. The plumber simply drips a few drops into the tank and follows where they go. Unfortunately, this method is much less effective with other forms of plumbing, though it can still be used in some cases.
  • Careful examination. In some cases, a trained eye is still the best tool. Plumbers know how to look for telltale signs like discolored metal indicating rust or corrosion. Rotted wood near the leak, water stains on the ceiling or floor and key problem locations such as seals or fittings are also good indicators of the source of a leak. Laymen can spot such signs too, but professionals have more experience in the subject and know what signs to look for.

Knowing how a plumber pinpoints a leak isn’t the same as pinpointing a leak yourself. Trust a professional to do the job right and make sure your leaky pipe gets fixed properly the first time. If you’re looking for a plumber in Orlando, turn to the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. We’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction and our trained staff won’t rest until your problem is solved.

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The Lead Free Mandate and How it Affects You

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

The New Year is a time of fresh beginnings and resolutions. And this year, 2014 will bring a significant change in the laws that affect your fresh drinking water. We at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. would like to share with you what the lead free mandate covers and what it will mean for you.

The Lead Free Mandate

On January 4, 2014, the Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, originally signed on January 11, 2011, will go into effect. Also known as the “lead-free mandate,” it marks a major change in the definition of lead free in plumbing that is far stricter than current Federal requirements. A number of states—specifically California and Vermont—have already enacted tighter regulations on lead content in plumbing, and this is what originally prompted drafting a new law on the Federal level.

What exactly does the law entail?

The Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act amends Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1986, which limited the use of lead pipes, plumbing fittings or fixtures, solder and flux that did not fit the definition of lead free. The current definition of lead free by the SDWA (1996 amended) is “not more than a weighted average of 8.0% lead.” The new law alters this so that lead free is now defined as “not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.” A product that meets this requirement can be called “lead free”.

What kind of plumbing does this affect?

The term wetted parts refers to meters, expansion tanks, backflow preventers, flexible connectors, strainers, and assorted gauges, fittings, valves, etc. Essentially, any product used to convey water anticipated for human consumption, i.e. “potable water.” This doesn’t mean that all existing pipes need to be replaced, but that “any part used in the repair… must meet the new definition of lead free.” So any new parts used to make repairs to the plumbing that carries your drinking water after January 4 of next year must contain less than 0.25% lead.

Why is the reduction of lead beneficial?

The presence of lead in drinking water has potentially harmful effects. Lead has been linked to developmental delays in children and high blood pressure and kidney problems in adults.  The EPA identifies brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures as the main source of lead entering into drinking water. Reducing the amount of lead allowed in plumbing from 8% to 0.25% marks a major improvement in reducing lead content.

Who enforces this law?

The EPA is responsible for implementation, but actual enforcement will rest on the state level, which in turn will pass it on to cities, towns, and municipalities, which use health and plumbing codes to drive enforcement. Contractors who fail to comply with the new law will face fines or lawsuits.

You can trust to Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. to implement this new law into all our work. The job we do on your plumbing will be compliant with the new mandate so that you will have the lowest amount of lead content in your pipes as possible, whether for your home or your business. For more information about our Orlando area plumbing services, call 407-327-6000 today!

More information available at:

http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/

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Modern Plumbing Industries Inc partners with SCT Fleet Solutions Increasing Efficiency and Safety

Monday, December 9th, 2013

Winter Springs, FL 12/06/13

Modern Plumbing Industries Inc, a professional plumbing provider and longtime advocate for the environment recently found a new way to increase efficiency within their operation. By partnering with SCT Fleet Solutions technology, Modern Plumbing has successfully reduced their company vehicles’ top speed and idle rpm decreasing their fuel consumption while helping reduce harmful emissions.

“We are constantly looking at proven methods and technology to help us reduce costs to our customers while improving the environment for future generations” – Charles Bracco said. “It’s not enough to talk about it, actions drive results.”

With the growing cost of fuel on the minds of many, businesses and consumers are constantly looking for low cost ways to increase fuel economy. Some easy changes that can be made are:

  • Check your tire pressure regularly
  • Reduce unnecessary weight in your vehicle
  • Keep vehicle health by following the scheduled maintenance
  • Avoid speeding above the posted speeds

SCT’s proven technology has been helping customers and businesses reduce fuel consumption since 2003. A combined experience of 450,000+ vehicles allows SCT to help take the guess work out of efficiently using vehicles. More information at www.SCTFleetSolutions.com

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Does Gurgling and Hissing Mean It’s Time to Call for Plumbing Repair?

Monday, December 9th, 2013

The plumbing in your home will occasionally make odd noises, such as pinging and knocking sounds. Many of these are innocuous, and if they don’t occur regularly they usually aren’t anything to worry about. However, there are some noises that indicate serious problems developing in your plumbing. You need to summon an experienced plumber to look into the sound and find out what’s causing it—and how to fix it.

When you are looking for quality plumbing repair in Orlando, FL, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. We’ve served central Florida with excellent plumbing service since 1975, and we will answer your needs 24 hours a day.

What does that gurgling sound mean?

When you hear gurgling from your drains soon after running water down into them, it usually indicates a bad clog starting to develop—even if your sink still seems to be draining fine. What’s occurring out of your sight is that an accumulation of oil, grease, hair, dirt, or other obstructions has trapped air, which is then bubbling up through the water that is stopped above the clog and draining slowly through it. You may not see the water backing up from the drain yet, but you soon will if you do nothing to fix the problem. Use a plunger to try to clear out the clog. If the gurgling sound continues, you need to contact a plumber to remove the clog using a powered drain snake, hydro-jetters, or other professional methods. (Don’t use chemical drain cleaners; they can damage your pipes.)

What about that hissing noise?

If you hear hissing sounds coming from your plumbing, you may have trouble with high pressure inside the pipes. This might mean overheating in the hot water tank. High pressure will quickly become a problem because it will start leaks throughout the plumbing. In fact, leaks probably already have sprung in spots you can’t see. This requires immediate professional attention; plumbers will need to find the reason for the increase in pressure and stop it, and then locate whatever leaks have occurred and seal them. Leaking is hazardous for your plumbing and the building material of your home, so remedy it as soon as you can.

Rely on professional plumbers

The only sort of plumbing repairs you should attempt on your own are the simplest of fixes, like using a plunger for easy clogs. Attempting amateur fixes can lead to damage to your pipes that require even more expensive repairs, and on their own will likely cause the very leaks you are trying to stop.

When you hear gurgling or hissing noises from your plumbing, make the wise move and call for a plumber. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. is ready to help you with your plumbing repair in Orlando, FL.

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Ask a Plumber: What Causes This White Buildup?

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Here’s a common question we hear from our customers: “What causes this white buildup I see on my faucets, drains, and other fixtures?” They usually follow up with: “Is it serious? Can I do anything about it aside from scrubbing it away?”

We will answer these questions in this post—it’s a bit more detailed than you might imagine—and tell you the best way to remedy the problem.

When you need a plumber in Orlando, FL, call on a company that has proudly served Central Florida since 1975: Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. We offer 24-hour emergency service for your convenience.

Answer: Hard Water

That white buildup that often encrusts the surfaces of your fixtures is calcite residue from hard water. You may have heard about hard water before without properly understanding what it means. Hard water generally refers to any water with a high mineral content. Specifically, it means water with large amounts of calcium-containing minerals such as gypsum. The magnesium mineral dolomite, which also contains calcium, is another common mineral suspended in hard water.

Usually, these minerals pose no threat to your heath: hard water may not taste as good as “soft water,” but it is rarely dangerous. However, it can cause trouble for your plumbing and any appliance hooked to it.

The visible white buildup is calcification from the minerals in hard water. Aside from looking ugly, this calcite will start to coat the inside of your pipes, which will restrict water flow and start to raise the pressure within the plumbing until it erupts into leaking. The calcification will also infiltrate your hot water heater (or boiler, if you use one) and leave limescale alone the inside of the tank, which can seriously impair it. Hard water will also damage components in your dishwasher and laundry.

What can I do about hard water?

Hard water comes to you through the municipal water system, so the best way to combat it is through a whole-house water treatment system attached to the main line. Water softeners will filter out the excess minerals from hard water and rebalance the water with sodium. Installing a water softener of this size requires the work of professional plumbers.

Do not ignore the evidence of hard water in your home: it might be causing damage to your plumbing out of your sight. Hire experienced plumbers like those at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. to test your water and then offer solutions to the problem. We have experience with many types of water treatment systems, and we will know the best way to fix your troubles with hard water. Hire an Orlando, FL, plumber from Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today.

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