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

Will a Leaky Pipe Always Require Replacement?

Monday, February 16th, 2015

There are lots of items that fall under the guise of “home remedies” to fix leaking pipes. Some of these so-called fixes are sprays that turn into rubber while others are just the old standby: duct tape. Unfortunately, none of these home-grown remedies every really repairs anything and can actually contribute to more problems down the road. So to answer the question, “does a leak pipe always require replacement?” our answer is “yes”. To help you understand why pipe replacement in Sanford is important, we’d like to share some leak facts from the EPA WaterSense initiative for your consideration.

Water Leak Facts

It can be amazing how much a little drip there or a drop here can cost you, but these statistics don’t lie:

Household leaks average a loss of 10,000 gallons of water per year – if you pay for your water, you are paying for a whole lot of water that isn’t getting used.

Most, if not all, leaks can be eliminated when the problem plumbing sections are replaced correctly by professionals.

The most common leaks are: toilet bowl flappers, leaking valves and dripping faucets, all of which can be easily repaired by an expert.

A faucet that drips a droplet of water every second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually.

10% of homes have an average loss of water of 90 gallons per day due to small leaks.

Replacing an old and/or inefficient toilet with a low-flow toilet can save you up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.

Have in-ground watering? A leak the size of a dime can waste over 6,000 gallons of water per month.

As you can see, even the smallest of leaks can cost you a significant amount of water, which translates into dollars with your monthly water bill. Additionally, these statistics do not take into consideration any water damage that can easily occur from the leaking water. The bottom line: if you have a leaky pipe, don’t spray it or tape it; instead, call an expert from Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. and schedule an appointment for pipe replacement service for your Sanford home.

Tags: Pipe Replacement, Sanford
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Will a Leaky Pipe Always Require Replacement?

How Commercial Backflow Prevention Services Benefit Your Business

Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

The people on your commercial property trust your commercial plumbing system to be just as safe and reliable as the one they use at home. Whether employees are washing their hands in the break room or kitchen staff members pour a glass of water for a guest, they expect that the water is clean and healthy. One real risk that many commercial property owners and managers don’t often consider is that a plumbing system that is not maintained may risk the chances of backflow. Backflow prevention devices are put in place in most plumbing systems to keep unwanted sewage or other sources of cross contamination out of the water supply, but they need frequent maintenance to do so.

If you need a backflow prevention device in Sanford for your commercial property, or if you need it tested to ensure continued quality, call the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

How Backflow Prevention Works

Backflow is defined is the undesirable flow of waste into the potable water supply in case of a pressure change in the plumbing. Your water supply is kept pressurized so that it can easily flow from the faucets and fixtures in the home. Your drainage system, on the other hand, relies on gravity to move wastewater along the pipes. If the pressure were to change in one of these areas, cross contamination could occur via back-pressure (when the water supply pressure is increased) or back-siphonage (when the water supply pressure is decreased). This may be due to a water main breach or a number of other issues. Backflow prevention devices usually use an air gap and a series of check valves to prevent this from happening—but they need regular testing and maintenance to work properly.

Professionals Only: Safety Is Key

You should only have professionals service your plumbing system to ensure the absolute safety of everyone in the building. They know what to look for when making sure the parts have not worn down and are still just as capable of protecting your plumbing.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to learn more about commercial backflow prevention in Sanford. We offer quality maintenance, repair, and installation for all of your plumbing components.

Tags: Backflow Prevention, Sanford
Posted in Commercial Plumbing | Comments Off on How Commercial Backflow Prevention Services Benefit Your Business

How Commercial Jetting Benefits Your Business

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014

Your commercial property requires proper care and maintenance in order to run smoothly and to keep clients, customers, employees, tenants, and city regulations satisfied. And one component of your property you simply cannot afford to neglect is the plumbing. Plumbing issues can mean a disaster for your business, as leaks or clogs can cause floods on your property or allow sewage to back up through the drain. And if a clog in your plumbing system results in sewage backup on public property, you can get a hefty fine from the city if you’re proven responsible.

The grease trap from your commercial kitchen helps to prevent clogs from forming. However, this doesn’t guarantee that your drains won’t back up, particularly if you don’t follow proper maintenance procedures. One of the best ways to maintain your drains is by hiring a professional for commercial jetting services, which could ensure your bathroom and kitchen plumbing runs smoothly and that you don’t end up paying a lot more later in repairs, clean-up, and fines.

What Is Commercial Jetting?

Commercial jetting involves the use of a hydro jet to clear the drains of any material stuck inside of the pipes. First, a quality plumber should inspect the pipes to find any major clogs in the pipes and make sure those are addressed first and foremost. The plumber may decide to use a tool to pull out blockage through the drains, or they may decide to go ahead with hydro jetting. The plumber will use a thin hose and move it along the pipes so that it can shoot water out at extremely high pressures and eliminate any buildup from the insides of the pipes.

With commercial jetting, a professional can also clean out your grease trap, a service which is particularly important in a commercial kitchen. Grease traps keep F.O.G. (fats, oils, and grease) from building up, since these substances solidify as they cool down. F.O.G. is responsible for many plumbing clogs, continuously collecting until debris gathers in your pipes and the pressure imbalance leads to major issues.

When you decide you need commercial jetting in Sanford, call on the professionals at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). Our commercial jetter is capable of delivering strong enough pressure to break up the toughest of clogs and clear out grease traps as well. Call us today!

Tags: Commercial Jetting, Sanford
Posted in Commercial Plumbing | Comments Off on How Commercial Jetting Benefits Your Business

How Hard Water Can Lead to Pipe Replacement in Sanford

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

Have you noticed a metallic taste to the water from your taps? Is it difficult to work up a lather of soap in the bathroom or kitchen? Have you noticed flaky white deposits along fixtures like sinks and bathtubs?

You probably have hard water in your home.

Now don’t panic…hard water is rarely detrimental for your health. However, it can lead to problems with your plumbing, causing damage to appliances and reducing the volume in pipes. It’s not uncommon for hard water to lead to a need for pipe replacement in Sanford, FL.

Fortunately, you have Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) on your side: we can handle all the plumbing repairs necessary to combat the effects of hard water. And we can eliminate hard water as well with the installation of a whole-house water treatment system. Call us today for help combating problems from hard water.

What is “Hard Water” Exactly?

“Hard water” is water that enters your home from the municipal system that has a high concentration of minerals suspended in it. The most common minerals are magnesium, gypsum, and calcium. It isn’t harmful to drink, although you will notice the taste of the minerals, and it makes it more difficult to develop soap lather.

Why is Hard Water a Problem for My Pipes?

The main trouble from hard water is that it leaves mineral deposits along the inside of plumbing. Imagine the flaky yellow-white material you find on your fixtures building up along the inside of the pipes. That’s what will happen over time due to hard water. As the calcium deposits accumulate, they will reduce the water volume inside the pipe, which will cause a spike in water pressure. If the water pressure rises high enough, it will cause pipes to begin leaking and require replacement.

Is There a Way to Prevent Hard Water?

Yes: a whole-house water softener. These water treatment systems attach onto your water main and add sodium ions to the hard water that enters your home from the municipal system. The sodium ions counteract the minerals in hard water and balance them out. You’ll have “softer” water, noticeably better tasting and no danger to your plumbing. Installing a water softener requires the work of a professional plumber.

If you need to have pipe replacement in Sanford, FL because of hard water deposits, take a serious look into installing a water softener. You can expect more plumbing repairs in the future if you allow the hard water to continue.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) offers a variety of whole-house water treatment systems to make sure you have water entering your home that is healthy for both your pipes and you.

Tags: Pipe Replacement, Sanford
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on How Hard Water Can Lead to Pipe Replacement in Sanford

The Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

Monday, July 21st, 2014

When you first hear about the existence of a “tankless” water heater, the idea may sound a bit too strange to be true. Because we are so accustomed to thinking of a water heater as a large metal tank where water is kept hot for immediate use, it is difficult to break away to the idea of heating up the water as it runs through the pipes, which is essentially what a tankless water heater does. The device is attached to the water main, and uses a heat exchanger to warm up the water as it passes through.

If it sounds intriguing, you should know that a tankless water heater is far more than a neat gimmick. It can serve some useful purposes that will make life more convenient and save you money. Although not ideal for every home, we encourage you to look into a tankless water heater in Sanford, FL for your next installation. Call our water heater experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for more details.

Why Go Tankless? Here Are 3 Reasons:

Never run out of hot water: That’s right… if you live in a household where somebody has to go with a lukewarm shower every morning, a tankless water heater is a great solution. Tankless systems heat up water “on demand,” activating the heat exchanger when a tap comes on demanding hot water. Because there is no standing supply in a tank that can be depleted before the system can heat up more, you won’t run out of hot water!
Save energy: The standard storage water heater is a “standby” system that keeps water ready constantly for use. This is an advantage when you want hot water without having to wait, but it also means that the water heater must remain on continually to replace heat loss and keep the water hot. This translates into large expenditures on utility bills. But tankless systems only heat up water when you need it, and they do not use energy at other times. You will cut down significantly on your heating bills with the installation of a tankless system.
Longevity: The stress of holding large amounts of water and continually using electricity or natural gas to keep that water heated eventually will take its toll on a storage water heater. Tankless systems in general will last many years longer because of the reduced amount of stress placed on them.

Tankless systems are more expensive to install upfront than storage systems. However, they compensate with their energy-efficiency and longevity. Check with a water heater installation expert to find out of the energy savings will offset the costs of purchasing the system. In some cases, a storage water heater is a better choice, but you may be surprised to learn how much you can save in the long run with installation of a tankless system.

Since 1975, Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) has installed and serviced water heaters in Central Florida. Count on us to help you with installation and care for a tankless water heater in Sanford, FL. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.

Tags: Sanford, Tankless Water Heater
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on The Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

Noises That Indicate a Need for Water Heater Repair

Friday, June 20th, 2014

Even with the best maintenance done on a top-of-the-line model, no water heater can ever be 100% free from repair issues. At some point, you may need to call for technicians to investigate trouble with your water heater when you notice a drop in the temperature of the water, spot rusty discoloration coming from the taps, or find that you are running out of hot water sooner than you used to.

There are other warning indications that you need work done to protect your hot water supply, such as unusual noises emanating from the water heater. Here are a few of the common warning noises that water heaters will make that indicate it is time to call for repair technicians. For a prompt response and quality work on your water heater in Sanford, FL, make the call to Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We have handled the plumbing needs of Central Florida since 1975.

A Few of the Common Water Heater Warning Sounds

Rumbling: When the water heater tanks starts to rumble, a noise that people often associate with a tank that’s about to burst, it could mean a number of issues. It’s possible that there is a fault in the mixing valve, or a broken dip tube, which will allow cold and warm water to mix. It could also point to an increase in sediment along the bottom of the tank that has so significantly reduced volume in the tank that the water has started to overheat. Either situation is serious and needs trained technicians on the job right away.
Popping: This noise can come from excess water pressure, and you should immediately check the pressure on the tank. If adjusting the pressure doesn’t alleviate the popping sound, call for repair technicians immediately.
Hissing and whistling noises: There are some innocuous reasons for these sounds to occur…but enough bad reasons that you should definitely call for repairs, especially since one possibility for these noises is a dangerous increase in water pressure.
Running water that won’t stop: This is probably trouble with the pressure release valve; if this occurs in an older water heater, it is usually a sign that it is time for a replacement unit.

Our plumbers at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) can handle whatever issues you may have with your home’s water heater in Sanford, FL. We also offer water heater installation of a wide range of water heater options, including tankless, hybrid, and solar options. Make us your first choice for all your water heater and plumbing needs. Contact us today to schedule your next water heater service.

Tags: Sanford, Water Heater
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on Noises That Indicate a Need for Water Heater Repair

3 Common Types of Water Heater Repair

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

People often take their home’s hot water supply for granted…until something goes wrong with it. As durable as manufacturers make water heaters today, the appliances can still suffer from wear and tear and malfunctions that will eventually lead to repair needs. You can help prevent repairs with regular maintenance, but you may still need to call for technicians to assist you with the work that will restore your water heater.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) specializes in water heater repair in Sanford, FL. Whenever you find that you are running low on hot water or the water no longer seems as hot as it should be, call our staff right away. We have 24-hour emergency service for your convenience.

Here are some of the common water heater repair jobs that we perform:

1. Fixing broken dip tubes

The dip tube carries cold, fresh water from the municipal supply down through the tank of the water heater and to the bottom where the heat exchanger transfers energy from the combustion jets. As the water warms, it rises back to the top of the tank. If the dip tube breaks off, it will deposit cold water at the top of the tank, where it will mix with the heated water. A broken dip tube is the most common reason for a sudden decrease in the supply of hot water, but is also a simple job for technicians to fix.

2. Restoring a faulty burner

Gas-powered water heaters can encounter problems in their burner, much like those in a gas furnace. Rust in the burner or dirt across its surface can lead to it having trouble igniting, and low gas flow or blockage in the line can also lead to a loss of heating power. As with any repair issue connected to natural gas, you should never attempt this work on your own due to the health risk involved. Only trust the job to experienced technicians.

3. Replacing failed heating elements

Electric water heaters use two heating elements inside the tank to raise the temperature of the water. If one of the elements burns out, the water temperature will decrease and you’ll experience lukewarm water from your taps and showerheads. Repair technicians can open the tank and replace the broken element.

Don’t let any reduction in your home’s hot water go without attention. Call for Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) as soon as you notice a problem. We will bring our almost four decades of experience to the task to restore your hot water as soon as possible. When it comes to water heater repair or other plumbing services in Sanford, FL, place your trust in us.

Tags: Sanford, Water Heater Repair
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on 3 Common Types of Water Heater Repair

Can Neglecting Drain Cleaning Cause Damage?

Monday, July 1st, 2013

Having good, working drains is critical to your home’s proper functioning and also to your daily life. Getting regular drain cleaning is one of the best ways for you to make sure that your drains continue to work well for as long as possible. But what happens if you neglect drain cleaning? Can it really cause damage to your home’s plumbing system? Here at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we are dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction and to the quality of work that we do. We anted to help our customers understand the importance of getting regular drain cleaning in Orlando, FL.

The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning

Your drains get a ton of use every single day from showers, toilets, sinks, dish washers, and laundry machines. All that use can cause your drains to develop small clogs, cracks and leaks. These types of problems usually start small and then end up becoming larger, more costly repairs.

But when you get regular drain cleaning, you might be able to keep those problems from being quite such a hassle. During a drain cleaning visit, your plumber will thoroughly clean out your entire drain system. This will allow them to remove any small clogs that are developing before they completely clog your drain. Your plumber will also inspect your drains for any leaks and cracks that could be happening. This is probably the best way for you to potentially avoid drain leaks. However, if you neglect to get drain cleaning, there’s no way for your to keep those small clogs or cracks from becoming full-blown plumbing repairs.

Call for Drain Cleaning in Orlando, FL

If you’re tired of having your drains clog or if you’d like to potentially avoid plumbing repair, call the friendly experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We will visit your home on a regular basis and use our specialized tools to thoroughly clean out your entire drain and plumbing system. Contact us today for drain cleaning in Orlando, FL.

Tags: Drain Cleaning, Lake Mary, Orlando, Plumbing, Sanford
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Can Neglecting Drain Cleaning Cause Damage?

Plumbing Question: What Does a Drain Vent Do?

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

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.

Tags: Drain Repair, Drain Vent, Orlando, Plumbing, Sanford
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Plumbing Question: What Does a Drain Vent Do?

Factors That May Damage Your Sewer in Orlando

Friday, April 26th, 2013

We rely on our sewer systems every day to provide safe, effective wastewater disposal. However, considering all the use that it gets, it will probably need professional repair at some point. Because of what it does and where it is, your sewer is subject to various potential factors that may affect its integrity and performance over the years. In this post, we’d like to look at a few that seem pressing. For more information about your sewer in Orlando, and whether it may need professional attention, call the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

Root penetration: The roots of trees are incredibly powerful. While they do not move fast, they carry a lot of force behind their extensions into the earth. If you have trees in the vicinity of your sewer line, then you may have to deal with the possibility that a root may penetrate your sewer line, causing it to crack and leak.
Soil erosion: While we feel only solid ground underneath our feet, the soil is constantly shifting. When parts of the underground soil composition erode, it can lead to shifts in soil density that can collapse your sewer line.
Nearby construction: When large machines move over the earth, the soil may expand or settle in adjacent areas. If you or your neighbor has a construction project, make sure the contractor knows about any sewer lines in the area.
Age of pipes: Over time, even the most durable sewer pipes corrode, crack, and collapse. Even when professionally installed, your sewer line is at risk when it hits a certain age. If you have an older home plumbing, you may wish to consult with a professional about pre-emptively replacing your sewer line before it causes a major disruption.

For more information about factors that can damage your sewer line, make sure you contact your local plumber. Sewer repairs should be taken care of immediately. If your sewer in Orlando needs professional attention, call the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

Tags: Altamonte Springs, Orlando, Plumbing, Sanford, Sewer
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Factors That May Damage Your Sewer in Orlando

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog