Plumbing Blog | Modern Plumbing Industries

3 Vital Components of Your Water Heater

November 4th, 2013

Your water heater is one of those silent household appliances that many of us take for granted. It tirelessly does its job day in and day out: providing hot water for cooking and bathing without any work on our part. Only when problems arise do we think about it and the job it does. In order to function effectively, water heaters require a number of smaller components to work as they should. Here are 3 vital components of your water heater in Orlando, FL:

Dip tube. The dip tube allows cool water to enter the heater tank without diluting the hot water that’s already there. It sends the cold water to the bottom of the tank to be heated, leaving hot water at the top of the tank ready for your to turn on the faucet.
Anode rod. The anode rod is usually made of steel, with magnesium or aluminum wrapped around it. It serves to retard corrosion inside the water heater tank, keeping the walls of your tank intact and reducing rust and similar corrosive elements. Anode rods slowly disintegrate over time, which means they periodically need to be replaced.
Pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is just what it sounds like: a device intended to release pressure inside the tank if it ever gets too high. This is a key safety component in the water heater. Without it, your heater runs to risk of exploding if the pressure gets too high.

In terms of water heaters, Orlando FL residents know better than to monkey with an unqualified repair service. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. knows how to address problems with these 3 vital components of your water heater, and with any other heating problems you may be experiencing. Give us a call today to talk about your options; you’ll be glad you did!

Plumbing Question: What Is a Mixing Valve?

October 28th, 2013

You use running water in your home every day. When you reach for the knobs or handle that controls the flow of water into a sink, shower, or bathtub, you have the option to get cold or hot water, or a blend of both. You probably know the exact combination of the two that’s the most pleasant for you. But did you know that there’s a hidden mechanism in your plumbing to make certain that you don’t get an unpleasant surprise of extremely hot water every time you turn on a faucet? It’s called the mixing valve, and without it your daily supply of water could become dangerous.

The term “mixing valve” has the general application of meaning any device in plumbing that controls the mix of hot and cold water to provide a comfortable temperature. In most cases, a mixing valve isn’t designed simply to provide comfort; it serves as a safety mechanism that will keep you from accidental scalding due to high temperatures.

The danger of scalding water from your plumbing exists because water in a home needs to be stored at high temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. Without the regulation of a mixing valve, this water might flow from your showerhead, bath faucet, or sink and cause you injury. A central thermostatic mixing valve works automatically to prevent this from occurring. The valve’s thermostat is preset so that it will close a plunger and stop the supply of hot water if the cold water pressure experiences a sudden drop. As long as the mixing valve is working correctly, you won’t have to fear getting extremely hot water when you turn a faucet handle.

Central mixing valves operate without the user having to do anything. There are some manual mixing valves that can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. However, these do not provide the same guarantee against very hot water that a central mixing valve does, so your home should still have a thermostatic mixing valve installed to prevent accidental scalding.

Because a mixing valve is important for protecting you and your family—whether showering, cleaning dishes, or washing your hands—you need to take good care of your plumbing. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) offers excellent maintenance plans; an annual visit from one of our experts in plumbing in Orlando, FL will alleviate your worries. Contact us today.

How Much Water Does My Toilet Use?

October 21st, 2013

Of the items that run water in your house, the toilet uses a high volume of water; in general, the bathroom is the place in your home that will use the most amount of water. Your toilet quite a lot of water each time it is used. The amount, however, varies depending on the type. More recent designs have a lower flow, while older ones can use up to four times as much water. And when it comes to a malfunctioning toilet, the waste of water can be enormous.

Conserving water is important for our environment and for your budget. We’re going to explain how much water your toilet might use so you can think about how to conserve, and also why getting repairs is so important. When you need to call a plumber in Orlando, FL, get on the phone with Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

A modern low-flow toilet uses about one 1¼ gallons per flush. According to the EPA, older models can use between 3½ to 7 gallons. As a comparison, a running faucet uses about 2 gallons per minute, so a single flush on one of these older models is approximately equivalent to running a faucet for anywhere from two to four minutes.

If your toilet starts to run without stopping, the amount of water it uses will leap up to extremely wasteful levels. A running toilet can waste up to 2 gallons a minute. That means that if you let it run for two hours, it will use 120 gallons of water! Even a leaky toilet is extremely wasteful, with the EPA estimating a use of 200 gallons per day. You don’t want to pay bills for that kind of drain on the water supply, so make sure you see to the problem right away, and get a plumber to help you if you can’t solve it on your own.

Make sure that you aren’t wasting water. Aside from unnecessary flushes, see that your toilet isn’t leaking or running without stop. With an older model, you might consider upgrading to a low-flow toilet with the government WaterSense label. Get in contact with Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for a plumber in Orlando, FL who can offer you the advice and repairs you need to make the bathroom in your home more water conservation friendly.

High Water Pressure and Water Heater Repair

October 14th, 2013

No matter where you live in the globe, from the tropics to above the Arctic Circle, getting hot water is an important part of your daily comfort. Hot water doesn’t just do the job of making a shower a pleasant experience instead of a frigid one; it’s also responsible for cleaning your clothes and dishes effectively by killing bacteria. Whatever type of water heater you have installed in your home in Florida, you need it to work its best for you every time you turn on a tap or start the washing machine.

A problem we sometimes see in water heaters that we repair is high water pressure. Along with rust, sediment build-up, and simple neglect, high water pressure is one of the major foes of your water heater that can lead to the need for serious repair or even a full replacement. It’s also a problem people don’t often consider a danger. High water pressure can cause thermal expansion inside the heater, when the system starts to heat water despite there not being a need for it. This can cause internal damage and other, more severe issues.

The water pressure inside your home should be in the range of 50 to 60 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). A pressure that is too high might violate local plumbing codes, which require that any water pressure greater than 80 PSIG needs to have a pressure regulating valve installed. Even if your water isn’t at that high a pressure level, you should consider getting a pressure regulating valve installed if you are above 60 PSIG.

Getting a plumber with expertise in water heaters over to your house will help guide you through this. For an expert, high water pressure isn’t a difficult problem to remedy. The plumber can gauge your water pressure and then install a valve if it’s necessary. If you already have an existing valve, the plumber will know how to adjust it and help you maintain proper pressure.

Working with a water heater can be risky if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing: accidental blockages can lead to ruptures. It’s always better to stay on the safer side and get a professional plumber to help out. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) specializes in water heater repair in Orlando, FL, as well as water heater installation. We can handle hybrid and solar water heaters in addition to more traditional models, and we’re available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Contact us now if you need help with problems from high pressure water.

Hard Water and Its Impact on Your Plumbing System

October 7th, 2013

The term “hard water” often baffles people unfamiliar with chemistry or plumbing. You hear it often, but what does it actually mean?

The simplest explanation of hard water is that it’s water with higher than normal mineral content, usually calcium-based minerals. The most common minerals found in hard water are magnesium and calcium, although a variety of other minerals such as gypsum also occur. Under most conditions, hard water poses no health risks to drink. It can make it difficult to create decent soap lather; it tends to create soap scum instead, and this is the most immediate effect of hard water that homeowners notice.

However, hard water has a more serious danger than simply making it more difficult to get a good tub full of suds. The minerals in hard water will have a harmful effect on your plumbing. Hard water can do damage to your pipes that lead to problematic and expensive repairs unless dealt with. The water treatment specialists at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. have solutions for hard water trouble with your plumbing in Orlando, FL. If you have questions, concerns, or want to schedule water treatment system installation, contact us.

The main difficulty hard water can cause for your plumbing is a build-up of “scale,” which are deposits of calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium sulfate. (You can see why somebody invented a simpler name for this.) Scale will start to restrict water flow in your pipes. This can turn into an especially serious problem if you use a boiler, since the increased pressure can cause the boiler to overheat.

Because hard water encourages the creation of soap scum, build-up can lead to clogs. Hard water will also increase corrosion that will weaken pipes and make them susceptible to leaking and breaks.

There are a number of ways to combat hard water. One of the best is to have a reverse osmosis system installed to separate the minerals out of your water. There are also DI resin cartridges and a variety of filters that will help. Call in water treatment specialists to test your water supply and recommend a remedy for your hard water troubles.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. is one of your best options for professional work on your plumbing in Orlando, FL. We offer 24-hour emergency service, so call us any time.

Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc.

September 27th, 2013

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. is joining the nation in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Breast Cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people every day, in order to help increase awareness our Technicians will be wearing pink booties in honor of those that have had an impact on their lives due to this form of cancer. Modern Plumbing will also donate a portion of our profits for the month of October to help fight for a cure.

If we all work together we can help shed light on the impact this terrible disease has on people all over the globe. Our hope is that someday there will be a cure and until that time comes, we want to recognize and support the people within our local community and all over the planet that have to deal with this affliction. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. invites you to join in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, if you’re looking for more info you can go to http://www.nbcam.org/.

Water Heater Question: Why Is My Water Heater Rumbling?

September 9th, 2013

Your water heater works hard for you every day that you need hot water in your Florida home. One of the first signs that something might be wrong with it is when it makes an ominous rumbling noise. You might at first be afraid that the heater is in danger of rupturing, but it doesn’t need to be so catastrophic. However, a rumbling heater is something to checked, or it could suffer additional problems and cut off your daily supply of hot water.

Even with an emergency, you can count on Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to handle your water heater trouble in Orlando with our 24/7 service.

Some of the reasons for a rumbling water heater include:

Cold and hot water mixing: If there are leaks around the input valve, then too much cold water might be entering your heater. As the cold and hot water mix together, they create the rumbling sound you hear. The addition of too much cold water will make your heater work harder, which is both inefficient and will hasten wear… leading to more repairs.
Hard water: You might have heard the term “hard water” before but didn’t understand what it meant. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, which can cause build-up inside your water heater called “limescale.” Too much limescale can cause overheating, leading to the rumbling problem. A skilled technician can descale your tank and stop the problem.
Too much sediment: Sand and silicate can infiltrate your heater through the main water supply or through leaks in underground pipes. As with a build-up of limescale, too much sediment in your water heater can cause it to overheat. Regular, professional maintenance can alleviate this trouble by flushing the system.

A rumbling water heater can be a bit frightening, but trained technicians can take care of your worries. For Orlando water heater needs, Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) is ready to answer your questions and provide the service that will add you to our growing list of satisfied customers. We also serve Winter Springs as well as all of Seminole County, Orange County, and Osceola County.

Why Can’t I Just Do My Own Drain Cleaning?

August 28th, 2013

Clogged drains are a fact of life, and can stem from many sources. Backed-up drains may stem from undergrowth and blockage from rainstorms, in addition to more universal causes like build-up inside the drains. A frugal homeowner may wish to address drain cleaning themselves, using a store-bought snake or similar piece of equipment. It usually pays to hire a professional for all but the most perfunctory drain cleaning jobs however. Why can’t you just do your own drain cleaning? The reasons include but are not limited to:

Equipment. A basic drain snake is sufficient for a minor blockage, but many blockages are more serious than that. Professional plumbing services have mechanized snakes to provide considerable power, as well as a variety of snake heads to fit the particular blockage. That allows them to treat the issue more quickly and efficiently, saving you a great deal of time and stress.
Know-how. Plumbers handle drain cleaning issues for a living. They understand the causes and can implement an appropriate solution. If the situation needs a snake or other equipment, they know how to deploy it properly. They also might have specialized equipment, such as hydro-jetting. Either way, you benefit from the training and experience of a qualified professional, rather than having to guess your way through the operation.
Safety. Along those lines, attempting to address a clogged drain yourself can result in additional damage to your pipes or other parts of your plumbing. A licensed plumber not only brings the skill and know-how to that equation – minimizing the risk of further damage – but he is insured to cover the costs of any additional damage that is incurred.

In frugal times, people want to save on costs, and doing your own drain cleaning may sound like an easy answer. It can cost you in the long run, however, especially if a quality professional plumber can do the job quickly and efficiently. Call upon the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. to handle drain cleaning in Orlando and throughout the surrounding communities.

Ask a Plumber: Why Does My Toilet Run So Long?

August 22nd, 2013

Running toilets are one of the most common problems that plumbers face, a nuisance that requires professional attention to properly treat. A plumber can usually pinpoint the issue fairly quickly and implement a solution, but it may help homeowners to understand why their toilet is running so they know when to call for a repair.

A running toilet is invariably caused by a leak somewhere in the system. In some cases, a leaky flush valve is the culprit, in which case it can be fixed simply by jiggling the handle (the flush valve lifts whenever you flush the toilet, draining the water out of the tank). A leaky valve should be replaced eventually, and a plumber can diagnose whether the problem lies with the valve itself or the chain-and-handle connected to the toilet lever.

An improperly set float ball may cause the problem as well. It’s the rubber ball on the end of a stick, which shuts off the running water and prevents the tank form overflowing. If it’s not set properly, the water won’t shut off; it will just keep running.

A more severe leak could be taking place in the spud gasket which connects the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. In some cases, you can spot this leak by the presence of water on the floor around the toilet. Spud gaskets require a significant effort to replace, so a plumber should be called in as quickly as possible.

Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. employs some of the best plumbers in Orlando and throughout the surrounding area. Our plumbers are fully certified and we pride ourselves on our efficiency. If your toilet keeps running and you’re not sure how to stop it, give us a call today!

Polybutylene Piping and You, What You Need to Know

August 19th, 2013

Polybutylene Piping was a common material used in the plumbing systems of many commercial and residential buildings between 1978 and 1995. Due to its inexpensive cost it was used frequently as a material for the plumbing system piping in homes and businesses. Since 1995 it has been discovered that polybutylene piping is actually vulnerable to leakage, breakage or general erosion due to the reaction of the metal with certain common chemicals used to treat water.

It is important to know whether or not you have this type of piping in your house because it may be susceptible to these erosive type failures that can cause or lead up to catastrophic failure event. Beyond the potential for a major failure of the piping, it is also important to note that many insurance companies may not underwrite insurance for homes or business that have this type of material. You could find yourself unable to get adequate insurance due to the discovery of polybutylene, which means a full re-piping of your home may be required. This issue has been known to affect home sales as well, and is often something a potential buyer will ask be fixed prior to completion of the sale. There have also been incidents of insurance companies dropping homeowner policies upon discovery of this plumbing material, making it extremely important to find out if your home contains this material and catching plumbing issues early.

If you find your home or business has this type of piping you may be asking yourself what the next step should be. Call us at Modern Plumbing Inc and we will come inspect the piping for your plumbing and give you some options for replacement. We want to protect our community residences and residents as well as local businesses, many times just getting an expert opinion can start you on your way towards having peace of mind that your plumbing is safe. If you live in the greater Orlando or Winter Springs, FL area give us a call today!