Auburn/Opelika
If you’ve ever wondered if your home suffers from hard water, chances are it’s a resounding “Yes.” According to a U.S. geological survey, hard water is found in more than 85 percent of the country.
In this post we take a closer look at hard water. What is it? Is it safe? What problems does it cause? Are there any solutions when dealing with hard water issues? Does it require a call to a plumber for inspection?
What Is Hard Water?
When it rains the water is “soft” and free of minerals, which it picks up as it passes through rocks, sand, and soil. Hard water contains mineral salts, calcium, and magnesium ions.
In a previous post we “solved” the mystery of the rotten egg smell in your home’s plumbing. Now we take a closer look at what to do about it.
Getting Started
Before digging in, it helps to have a basic understanding of how the plumbing in the home, specifically in the bathroom.
You’ve certainly looked under the bathroom sink and into the cabinet underneath. You probably noticed a U-shaped pipe that runs from the sink drain above to a larger wastewater pipe in the wall. Few people ever really pay attention to the U-shaped pipe, or the P-trap (images), except to note it gets in the way when storing cleaning supplies or hand towels.
Read more: What Is That Rotten Egg Smell: What To Do About It
Chances are that sometime, when you least expect it, your water heater will stop heating water and you’re up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The statistics say so.
Energy.gov estimates about 27 million U.S. households have a water heater 10 to 12 years old and, since the life expectancy of storage water heaters (the most popular type in residential homes) is 10 to 15 years tops, a bunch of water heaters are going to be replaced in the next few years. Your’s may be one.
In the conclusion to our Introduction to Water Heaters, we take a closer look at two of the most popular water heater types — storage tank and tankless — and conclude with water heater issues, a few maintenance tips, and simple ways to reduce water heating bills.
You know that distinctive smell that assaults your nostrils the moment you walk into a bathroom. The smell of rotten eggs. The smell of sulphur.
Why is that sewer smell in your home? Ewww. Nasty.
What is going on?
Is something wrong with the plumbing?
Is that smell from the sewer line?
What can you do about it? Call a plumber and hope it’s not a major, costly repair at your home?
The pungent smell of rotten eggs or sewer gas in your home is alarming from a sensory perspective but it is not catastrophic. It is something you can investigate and solve on your own or, if you prefer, you can call a plumber for help pinpointing the origin of the rotten egg smell and what to do about it.
In this post we take a look at the annoying rotten egg smell — what it is and what’s causing it.
Read more: What Is That Rotten Egg Smell: A Plumbing Mystery
The new Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency standards for water heaters went into effect this spring with some discomfort to homeowners.
Yes, replacing an existing water heater will cost more, but how much depends on the equipment and technology chosen.
What you get in return for that extra dinero is moderate-to-significant energy efficiency, again depending on the equipment and technology chosen.
In this post we look at the impact of the new DOE water heater efficiency standards, the types of equipment available to homeowners, and purchase considerations.
If you have any questions regarding the new standards and what it means for your home, discuss with your plumber or plumbing contractor. Some plumbers even specialize in “water heaters.”
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