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This Is How Smart Thermostats In Geysers Can Help Save Money

Smart thermostats are refined electronic devices that are also called programmable thermostats. These can provide you a high level of control over the operation of the geyser and HVAC system. They also work to turn the system on and off in response to the type of water required. With the following ways, a smart thermostat can help save several hundred dollars a year.

Better monitoring of energy usage – Smart thermostats can give you with a detailed report on the amount of energy that is actually being consumed for heating or cooling. It will help you monitor the energy and money being consumed by geyser or HVAC, according to which the adjustments can be made for more efficient cooling and heating.

Set Points – These are the temperature settings that precisely control the operation of the system. Although these are pre-programmed, however, are adjustable. These can be used to turn up and down the geyser or HVAC system whenever required. Moreover, it can even automatically turn on the system at any point of time with the required temperature.

Hold Feature – Smart thermostats come with “Hold” feature that allows setting the temperature to stay at a certain level over several days. This feature is often useful for commercial facilities that are closed for vacations or for a period of time during renovations or repairs.

Calling a plumbing expert to ensure the system runs appropriately is always recommended!

Avoid Slipping In The Shower With These Bathroom Upgrades

Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them, but one place you know you’re at increased risk is in the shower. Wet tubs and tiles can mean you’re just one wrong move away from a fall that could cause serious injury. If you’re worried about the possibility of slipping and falling in the shower, you don’t need to remodel the entire bathroom, although that is one solution. Check out these safety enhancements, from cheap and simple to full-scale renovations.

Go to the Mat

For most bathtubs, the cheapest and simplest solution to avoid slip-and-fall accidents is to use a textured mat designed for this purpose. Just be sure to measure your tub first to confirm that the mat you choose will fit, and look for a model with suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place. If a full shower mat feels like too much, you can also buy smaller clings that stick to the bottom of the tub and provide a little traction. Spacing these out properly will help you avoid treacherous falls without covering the entire floor of the tub.

Have a Seat

While impractical for bathtubs, spacious shower stalls can be made safer with the addition of a water-resistant chair or stool. Having the option to sit is especially helpful for those with mobility issues or injuries. Even a cheap plastic patio chair will do the trick nicely. If you have the space and think a seat would make a nice permanent addition, consider talking to a contractor about installing a tile-covered bench in one corner of your shower.

Grab On

Another fairly cheap and simple solution is to install one or more grab bars in the tub or shower area. These stability bars are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so all bathing areas can be accommodated with off-the-shelf products. And if you’re outfitting a bathroom for someone with mobility issues, grab bars are also helpful next to the toilet to make sitting and standing easier.

Finish Up

After years of use, a bathtub may need professional refinishing to restore its original luster. If your tub has reached this point, or if you’re looking for the effect of a bathtub mat without the bulk, look into refinishing your tub with a textured agent. Contractors can include a sand additive in almost any bathtub finish to give you a little grip across the entire surface while leaving the tub smooth enough for comfortable baths.

Need help with any of these improvements or other ways to make your bathroom safer? Reach out to a professional plumber for assistance!

Plumbing 101 For Home – Save More On Water Bills

If you are looking to save on water bills, do not forget to keep these plumbing tips in mind.

Fix Leaks ASAP

If you notice a leaky faucet, fix it right away. Waiting could result in possible water damage and higher water bills. Also, that dripping noise never any fun to listen to.

Water Usage

Conserving water can save money too.

  • Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth.
  • Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.
  • Take 5-minute showers.
  • Flush only when the toilet contains solid waste.
  • Clean laundry in economy mode or only with cold water.

Clog Prevention

It’s always a good idea to use a strainer in every drain at home. They keep hair, soap scum, and food out of the pipes. Pour vinegar down the drains and leave it to sit for about ten minutes. Once done, flush it with hot water. Doing this twice a month will prevent clogs.

Update Bathroom

Updates such as replacing older faucets or shower heads can impact significantly on the bathrooms utility and can lower the water bill.

Garbage Disposal

Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, onions, egg shells, potato peels, and coffee beans. Run water while using the disposal.

Annual Inspections

It is wise to mark down a quarterly pipe inspection on the calendar. Check for leaks or signs of water damage under sinks, in the basement, under the water heater, and in the crawl space. If you find a leak or corrosion on the pipes it would be best to talk a professional.

Signs That Notify The Need For Re-Piping The House

Faulty or old pipes can be the reason for several plumbing issues and considering complete copper re-piping work can assure the prevention of numerous expensive plumbing issues. These following signs notify the need for re-piping the house.

  • Leaky Pipes – Build-up and corrosion in pipes limit the flow of water, sometimes even the entry water pressure remains constant, resulting in pressure build-up and a broken pipe.

 

  • Low Water Pressure – The development of interior build-up and corrosion that limits the water pressure is the foremost sign of the requirement to re-piping the house.

 

  • Rusty / Dirty / Smelly Water – Corroded plumbing pipes usually lead to smelly, dirty or rusty drinking water, for washing or showering as well. It may lead to several harmful effects on health and may even leave stains on clothes.

 

  • Noisy Pipes – There can be several reasons for noisy pipes such as the loose anchors, or air leaking out of the pipe having a build-up. An interior build-up may sometimes lead to rattling/popping noise in the water pipe, resulting in the formation of air bubbles that pop or burst once the water heats up.

 

If you notice any of these signs, feel free to get connected with a local plumbing expert and consider re-piping throughout.

Do you know why main water shut-off valve is leaking?

A lot of homeowners might have noticed the water dripping from the main water shut-off valve at home and most likely speculate if it is an indication of a larger plumbing issue. Let us have a glance at it in brief.

The packing nut is accountable for making a watertight seal where the valve stem intersects with the water line. So, if there is a leak at the valve stem, it most likely indicates the valve us not shut off all the way.

When tightened, the packing nut on the main water shut-off valve binds down the packing material against the washer to seal off the water. Over time, though, this packing material can get disintegrated or hardened. And, when this occurs, it will not form a solid seal, thus resulting in dripping water through it.

If the water valve still continues to leak at this point, a bad washer may be accountable, which needs to be replaced with the help of professional plumbing experts.

If you are uncertain how to overcome any of these aforementioned plumbing repairs, look no further to hire certified professionals to scrutinize the circumstances of the main water shut-off valve.