5 Plumbing Tasks You Should Leave to Professionals

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Being able to make repairs around the home is a valuable skill to have, saving both money and time, and also giving a sense of satisfaction. Many domestic plumbing tasks can be carried out by anyone who’s reasonably good with their hands — leaking faucets, malfunctioning toilets, blocked pipes — you feasibly can fix all of these yourself, especially in this age of instant information and tutorials over the internet. However, there are some types of repair that should definitely be left to the plumbing experts, and here are five examples.

Water Heaters
Aside from routine cleaning, anything involving a water heater is probably a job for professionals. When working with a heater, you’ll be dealing with water, electricity, and probably gas or oil. If you make one mistake, the consequences can be severe. Also, an amateur is unlikely to have all the right tools to ensure safety, such as those needed to detect gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions, and your home insurance may not cover any damage caused by faulty DIY repairs.

Sewer Repair
Not only is this an unpleasant job that you might prefer to give to someone else, but you could easily make things worse by tackling it yourself. What may seem like a simple leak could in fact be caused by a blockage or other problem deeper within the system. Without the right tools, such as cameras and other inspection devices, you might only apply a band aid with your fix. If you don’t address the main problem, you risk a more severe issue at a later stage, possibly involving the expense and disruption of digging up your whole yard.

Pipe Repairs or Replacement
Tightening a loose joint is one thing, but tackling anything more complicated is risky. A pipe system is only as strong as the weakest part. Without the right tools to ensure a proper job is done, you risk failure when the system is brought up to pressure. With water pipes, this can be a damaging leak that’s quickly noticed and fixed. With gas pipes, you might not even realize there’s a problem until disaster strikes.

Major Leaks

If you’re faced with a pipe spraying water across the room, it’s time to turn off the main supply and call in a professional. It might seem a simple matter to fix the obvious fault with a replacement joint or a spot of soldering, but this might only be the tip of the iceberg. If a major leak has occurred, it’s likely that other parts of the system are also in a similar state of wear and tear, and could be close to failure, possibly in a much more damaging and hard-to-fix location. A plumber will not only deal with the immediate problem, but also will check on the health of the rest of your pipework to prevent future failures.

Multi-Occupancy Buildings
In most jurisdictions, amateur plumbing repairs are illegal in buildings where other families also live, and so a certified professional needs to be used. Whether this restriction would ever be enforced over a simple leaking tap is of course your judgement to make, but certainly for any more major work, then it’s a point to be aware of if you want to avoid legal problems down the line.

Many plumbing repairs are fairly simple, and easier and quicker to carry out yourself rather than call in someone else. However, if you’re at all unsure, and when the consequences of a mistake can be serious, it pays to consult a professional. With most good plumbers now offering free call-outs and estimates, you’ve nothing to lose by getting an expert opinion.

Kohler Water Saving Products

Save Every Single Day With Kohler Water Saving Products

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In the continuing effort to help you, the customer, become more aware and less wasteful with your household water usage, the name you can always trust in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing is an authorized dealer of Kohler Water Saving Products, that can be installed and start you on the road to saving immediately.

In a section titled, “Save Water Every Day,” at Kohler’s official website, they explain in detail how each of the Kohler Water Saving Products is designed to get you starting to save. In the page’s first paragraph, it explains, “At Kohler, we believe great design is form and function in perfect harmony with the environment. This means designing products that don’t just look beautiful and perform exceptionally well, but also use significantly less water.” The post concludes, “Because lowering your water usage shouldn’t mean lowering your standards.”

Further explanation is given as the page goes detail about each individual type of Kohler Water Saving Products, starting with water-saving toilets. “Switching to a water-saving toilet is the single most effective change you can make in your house to conserve water,” is exactly what the experts at Kohler say in this description. The page then goes on to explain that through utilizing the most innovative and latest technologies in plumbing for their Kohler Water Saving Products that the consumer will not have to give up any of the performance they expect to conserve.

Showers are the next item discussed among Kohler Water Saving Products. Noting that a change to a water saving showerhead or hand shower can “make a big difference when it comes to saving water and energy.” As with the comment on the performance of the toilets not suffering one bit, the Kohler site notes, “your showering experience will still be every bit as luxurious as you’d expect a Kohler shower to be.”

The third and last of the Kohler Water Saving Products discussed are kitchen and bathroom faucets. “Our water-saving faucets feature the quality, design and performance you expect from Kohler. So you can have a great-looking bathroom and kitchen, while also feeling great about conserving water.”

Kohler Water Saving Products

Being an authorized dealer of Kohler Water Saving Products, the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing can not only install, but also help you to select the products and appliances that best fit you and your household. For more information on Kohler Water Saving Products, visit their website at us.kohler.com.

Souther Ideal Home Show

Visit the Triangle’s Most Trusted Professional Plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, at The Southern Ideal Home Show Raleigh

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Souther Ideal Home ShowWith hundreds of experts representing the most trusted names in landscaping, decorating, remodeling, and home building, the Southern Ideal Home Show Raleigh is the Triangle’s Largest Home and Garden Event of the Fall Season. Stop by the “Kitchens and Bath” section at Exhibit #2310 and visit the Raleigh plumbing experts from Poole’s Plumbing for some helpful tips and ideas as well as some fantastic deals.

Southern Ideal Home Show Raleigh

Poole’s Plumbing

Exhibit #2310 in the “Kitchens and Bath” Section

Friday, September 23th — Sunday, September 25th

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC, 27607

raleigh-plumber-interview

tank-water-heaters-pooles plumbing

Poole’s Plumbing Guarantees the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh

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Best Water Heater Prices in RaleighIn addition to being the most trusted name in Raleigh NC  plumbers, and the definitive water heater experts across the Triangle area, with Poole’s Plumbing you not only get the best service, but they also guarantee they have the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh.

As more Raleigh area plumbers moved into the “digital age,” developing websites and later on utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, and Twitter among others, keeping up with the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh has become increasingly more difficult to do. Staying honest and true to their loyal customers, while still delivering the highest quality work in the Triangle area, Poole’s Plumbing instituted their “Best Price in Town” guarantee.

Basically, the guarantee states that Poole’s will match the price of any competing plumbing company and deliver to their customers the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh, whether you are having a new unit installed or having your old one replaced.

Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh

Poole’s Plumbing only asks that the following criteria is followed in their Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh guarantee:

  • The competitor whose price is being matched must be licensed and insured
  • The work that is being completed must be done in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s Plumbing Code
  • A written estimate from the competitor whose price is being matched must be provided.
  • The guarantee will apply only to the same water heater on the competitor’s estimate provided or one equivalent to that unit
  • If applicable, the permit fee must be included

The reputation earned by the Raleigh professionals at Poole’s Plumbing over the past seven-plus years is one that the company has prided themselves on being built on forging strong relationships with the customer through honesty and the quality of their work. There “no gimmicks” approach is one you can always rely on and as always, the Best Water Heater Prices in Raleigh guarantee is also “gimmick free.” To read more about the “Best Price in Town Guarantee,” visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

Hydro-Jett Services

Why to Choose Hydro-Jett Services to Clear Your Drain

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A clogged drain can be a costly and disastrous problem if not addressed properly, and utilizing the most innovative techniques and equipment in the industry, the foremost authority on Hydro-Jett Services in the Raleigh NC and surrounding area, Poole’s Plumbing is your “go to” for opening up those pesky clogs.

Hydro-Jett ServicesAlthough many are still not aware of the differences in Hydro-Jett Services as opposed to the traditional use of a cable feeding device to clear a drain, the professionals at Poole’s Plumbing, as in all fields, are experts. Utilizing high pressured jets of water that send a spinning stream through your clogged lines at different angles, Hydro-Jett Services leave your pipes clean whether the clog is formed by more common items like grease build up or soap scum, or even the always difficult tree roots. The process is safe on any and all types of drains and as an added bonus to getting your drains cleared, Hydro-Jett Services allows for your yard or pavement to not need to be dug up and made a mess of.

Hydro-Jett Services

There are many benefits to choosing the Hydro-Jett Services when having your drains cleared but the following points make clear why this has become the most efficient and effective method for both residential and commercial drain clearing needs.

  • Effectiveness

The overall power of the 3,500 PSI high pressure water jets used by Poole’s Plumbing through their Hydro-Jett Services COMPLETELY clears the line of all debris and build up. While snaking with a cable can remove a blockage or clog, it still leaves residue that will eventually lead to another clog that can be avoided through Hydro-jetting.

  • Cost Efficient

Even though initially the cost for Hydro-Jett services is a bit higher than the more traditional methods, in the long run you lessen the need for future clogs and service calls by completely clearing the pipes affected. Also, hourly labor costs for the services can be saved upon due to the much quicker clearing from Hydo-jetting

  • Environmentally Friendly

While some may question whether the amount of water used in Hydro-Jett Services being wasteful, in actuality compared to either chemical or other procedure, this process is far more environmentally friendly that other drain cleaning methods. Unlike many other of these methods, hydro-jetting is even safe for residences or businesses located close to lakes, rivers, ponds, and other water.

Hydro-Jett Services

In addition to these reason to utilize the Raleigh NC professionals at Poole’s Plumbing’s Hydro-Jett Services, they also offer a camera on all of their hydro-jetting lines so that you can personally view how clear the pipes and drains have gotten. For more information or to have Poole’s come out and take a look at your clogged drains, visit the Hydro Jett Clear and Clean Services page on their website at poolesplumbing.com.

High Efficiency Toilets

Water Innovations from Toto Give You Power and Cleanliness in High Efficiency Toilets

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With the always evolving technology in bathroom appliances giving you many selections to choose from, no companies innovative designs and features may be a more sound choice than Toto High Efficiency Toilets, of which the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing are an authorized and licensed dealer of.

Toto offers three different choices in their “water innovations” line of High Efficiency Toilets, with all options focus on conveinience and conservation as well. All three of these advanced flushing systems also specializes in keeping your High Efficiency Toilets bowl clean with efficient usage of water. The “Water Innovations” from Toto are:

The Tornado Flush

Using two powerful nozzles to siphon water and by harnessing both the energy of gravity and water, this method efiiciently maximizes cleaning with remarkably efficient water usage. The perks of the Tornado Flush include:

  • Dual-nozzle water propulsion system
  • More Powerful flush
  • 1 gallon or 1.28 gallon per flush
  • Cleaner bowl and less cleaning

High Efficiency Toilets

The E-Max System

Usage of an extra-large siphoning jet combined with a wider three inch valve, this system gives you a consistently powerful flush. Not only does the usage of only 1.28 gallons per flush give you great water savings, but the “E-max” is also a very quiet flush. Special features include:

  • Large siphon jet
  • Powerful, quiet flush
  • Pilot-operated fill valve
  • Clean shutoff at any water pressure

High Efficiency Toilets

 The 3-D Tornado Flush

The newest innovation that Toto has added to its High Efficiency Toilets, this is described at totousa.com as “ a flushing system not only featuring three powerful nozzles that create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinsing action but also the option of choosing between 0.9 or 1.28 gallons per flush. This technologically-advanced high-efficiency system is remarkably effective, saving you up to 35% more water than the standard 1.6 GPF. The modern hole-free rim design also means that it performs more consistently and is easy to clean.

High Efficiency Toilets

For more information on the “Water Innovations” and specific models of Toto High Efficiency Toilets featuring each of the options detailed above, visit the “People Planet Water” section at totousa.com.

Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance

Going with the Flow: Tips for Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance

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The Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing are the number one water heater specialists across the Triangle area, however, even if you have been enjoying the water savings and convenience of a tankless unit you had installed by us, to ensure you keep your hot water flowing, here are several things that you can do at home to perform important Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance.

As noted in a series of articles which include video instructions at the official Noritz website that can be found here, the first step in your Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance is to do an inspection, visually around the unit. Take a good look to make sure there are absolutely no combustible materials present can help to avoid a future hazard. One thing to look for is any type of discoloring on the outside of your tank and its remote control. Wipe this outside surface first with a wet cloth and then be sure to dry it, as despite being water resistant, your water heater is not waterproof. In cleaning the remote control never use oil or fatty detergents or benzene, as either of these can and will be harmful to it.

Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance

Much like the first simple step above of Water Heater External Maintenance, next, simply listen to your water heater to be certain that you don’t hear any abnormal sounds as the unit is operating. If you do hear something that you find abnormal, it is best to troubleshoot this type issue with one of the water heater specialists at Poole’s.

Checking for leaks in the pressure release valve may seem obvious, but this too is a part of Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance that can help to avoid a larger issue down the road. You will want to open the valve to make sure that it turns off correctly and that everything is working as it should. If you do find a leak or drip in the pressure release valve, it will need to be replaced. A thorough check of all connections to the water heater to make sure everything correctly fits can also help to detect leaks and save on a much larger problem occurring down the road.

If your water heater is a DV condensing model you will want to regularly check for dust or soot that has collected in the exhaust. To do this, you will want to use the end of a screwdriver to remove the screen from the intake valve and check for any type of debris. Before putting it back in, thoroughly clean both sides of the screen with a brush and some water, then allow it to fully dry before placing it back in. This will help to ensure that there can be proper airflow into the system.

Tankless Water Heater External Maintenance is crucial in keeping your flow of hot water steady and plentiful and by following these simple at home tips you will be more likely to catch a potential problem or issue before it becomes disastrous and costly. Our next post will be a second part in doing Tankless Water Heater Maintenance with a focus in that entry on how to maintain the internal area of your unit.

Inside-Fall-Plumbing-Tips

More Household Water Conservation Tips for the Kitchen and the Rest of Home

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In the initial posting offering up tips on how to become smarter about conserving water in the bathroom, the Raleigh professional plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing listed several ways in which you could be smarter about not only your usage of water, but by doing so, save money on costly bills by simply being more observant and making sure all is running properly. The same applies to Household Water Conservation throughout the kitchen and the rest of your home, just by making a few simple adjustments and keeping a close eye on the functionality of your appliances.

Household Water Conservation

Starting out in the kitchen and laundry room, there are many simple steps that can be taken to start you on the road to savings and to avoid being wasteful through Household Water Conservation. Three major areas around the house where you can conserve are when using your faucet in the kitchen, while washing dishes, and when doing laundry. The following simple steps can be done by anyone to start your Household Water Conservation.

Faucets

  • Look for any leaks and if found, fix them immediately. (A faucet that leaks just 60 drops in a minute wastes over 190 gallons of water over the course of a month, this is the equivalent of over 2,300 gallons in a year’s time)
  • Install a faucet with the WaterSense label. Any aerator or faucet containing the U.S. EPA WaterSense name uses a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute.
  • An obvious step that sometimes is overlooked is to simply turn your faucet off if washing hands or scrubbing dishes while lathering.
  • Do not run the water to thaw out frozen foods. Being mindful and thinking ahead to simply put these items in the refrigerator to thaw overnight is an easy way for Household Water Conservation

Dishwashing

  • As noted above under faucets, if washing by hand fill the sink with water to use and then shut the faucet off rather than keeping he tap running.
  • When running a dishwasher, only wash when it is completely full. This will cut down on the number of times you use the machine and thus help with your Household Water Conservation efforts.
  • Use the dishwasher as opposed to washing by hand when possible. Especially if you are mindful of water usage during “pre-rinsing,” the dishwasher will use considerably less water than running the tap as you scrub.
  • Lastly, if you have an older model dishwasher, look into a new, more efficient model. With technological advances, Household Water Conservation can be had easily, as most newer models will tell you the amount used per washing cycle.

Laundry

  • Just as stated above with the dishwasher, maybe the most simple way to achieve Household Water Conservation is by only doing full loads of laundry as opposed to starting up a half full washer.
  • If you have an older model washing machine, adjust the water level for the amount needed in each load. Many of the newer models will do this automatically
  • Once again, updating your older model may be the most efficient method of Household Water Conservation in the laundry room. Units built prior to 2011 on average use about 40 gallons per load, while the newer models use as little as 15 gallons per load.
  • Finding an EnergyStar model or checking when selecting a new unit for the lowest possible “water factor” will help you maximize your per load conservation.

Household Water Conservation

 Much like the conservation tips offered in our previous article touching on the bathroom, following these simple tips for Household Water Conservation can put you well on your way to avoiding wasteful water usage as well as starting on the road to savings.

Unclog a Shower Drain

Simple Household Spring Plumbing Tips Can Help to Save

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As the changing of the season from Winter to Spring is even more apparent with the recent change in temperature, the second part of our Spring Plumbing Tips from the most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, has several more simple things that you can do around the house to help prepare and avoid major issues as the heavy rains of the season approach.

These basic check up and repair techniques are Spring Plumbing Tips that any home owner can follow and they not only get you ready for the changing of the season, but also is a safe way to avoid more significant damage in the case that you have actually developed some type of plumbing issue during the cold winter months.

To begin with these Spring Plumbing Tips, thoroughly check all faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom of your home. This can help you to conserve water and money, as can checking your toilets to be sure there aren’t any leaks. An easy way to do this would be to place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and if a leak has developed you will see the coloring in the bowl with in 30 minutes time. Checking for leaks or cracks in the toilet bowl also is a good idea when doing this.

Before moving along from checking your toilet, another of our suggested Spring Plumbing Tips is to be sure the units are flushing correctly. If by chance you need to shake or wiggle the handle, certain parts will need to be replaced. This can be done inexpensively and can not only fix the toilet but also save you money on water costs.

Spring Plumbing TipsChecking for clogs is next on the list of Spring Plumbing Tips. Beng certain that you have a filter on all of the drains in the house will prevent buildup such as soap, hair, or a variety of other substances from creating some type of blockage. Shower heads are another area that can easily become clogged due to mineral deposits. A simple solution to this is to fill a zip-lock bag with white vinegar and using are rubber band to secure it, wrap the full baggie around the head. Leaving this on the shower head for 24 hours will break the deposits down and have it completely clog-free and clean.

Lastly, you should check your water supply valve on occasion and turn them on and off. By doing this regularly, you can prevent the valve from sticking, which can lead to much more serious issues down the road.

By following these simple Spring Plumbing Tips and staying on top of these items around the house, in addition to checking each of the items detailed in Part One of our tips that can be seen here, you can with little effort have the plumbing in your home ready for the Spring and free and clear of any minor damage caused through the winter before it becomes more costly and a much bigger problem.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits

Residential Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits Extended Through 2016

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The Consolidated Appropriations Act was jut signed in December, extending the Residential Energy Efficiency Improvements Federal Tax Credits for that had expired at the end of 2014.

For those owning qualifying Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters installed between January 1, 2015 and the end of 2016 this makes for a maximum credit of $300.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits

These credits, for residential energy efficiency improvements, include a maximum of $300. Those having a Rinnai Condensing Boiler installed during this same period time can qualify for a $150 credit.

The Raleigh plumbing professionals at Poole’s Plumbing offer all the quality Rinnai plumbing products, from tankless water heaters and condensing boilers to so much more.

For more information on how the extension of Energy Efficiency Improvement Federal Tax Credits applies to Rinnai products and/or how to apply for your rebate visit rinnai.us.

Spring Plumbing Tips

Following Spring Plumbing Tips Can Help Avoid a Costly Fix

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As the colder weather here in the Triangle area starts to secede and give way to the warmer temperatures of a new season, the trusted Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing want to remind you that there are many things to remember as you check around the house and look for possible repairs that may need to be done as part of our Spring Plumbing Tips.

By simply going through your bathroom, kitchen, appliances, and plumbing equipment in your home’s common areas and following these Spring Plumbing Tips early on in the season, you can avoid or at least lessen the likelihood of major and potentially costly repairs.

With the increase in rainfall that we are already experiencing one thing you for sure want to check up on is that all drains, gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris. Likewise, on top of the list of Spring Plumbing Tips and check points should be to make sure all vents and plumbing pipes are clear as they could be hindered or clogged from leaves, sticks, bird nests, or a host of other items after the winter “thaw out.”

Spring Plumbing Tips

Another very important item on your Spring Plumbing Tips checklist should be checking your hose bib. First look at the faucet to be sure there are no leaks. This is a somewhat common problem after the colder months when a hose has been attached to the hose bib for the entire winter. If it was hooked up for the winter, it could have lead to the water supply pipe freezing at some point and this in turn may have seen the pipe expand and crack. If you do discover this is the case, call your trusted Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s and have the pipe replaced before major water damage can occur.

Keeping your plubming system safe should be a top priority during any of the four seasons, but the most important Spring Plumbing Tip you can follow as the winter cold turns to the warmer months is to make sure your sump pump is ready to endure some hard work in the upcoming season. Checking this is as simple as pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit for starters. It should then start up with in a few seconds and then after the water flows, it should turn itself off automatically. If this does not occur once again, you should contact the professionals at Poole’s Plumbing to come and see your sump pump first hand before it burns out completely and once again requires a much more costly remedy.

Taking just a little time to go through and around the house to check on these items and follow up on each of these Spring Plumbing Tips as the cold air begins to warm with the change of the season could be the difference between major plumbing issues and water damage at your home, not to mention some unnecessary damage to your wallet. In part two of our Spring Plumbing Tips, we will discuss some other simple ways around the house to conserve heading into the Spring.

High Efficiency Toilets

Conservation is Just a Flush Away with Sterling’s High Efficiency Toilets

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With several models of High Efficiency Toilets to choose from, the most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing can deliver exactly the water conservation that you have been looking for with the installation of a Sterling “Dual Force” toilet.

High Efficiency Toilets

Providing an unparalleled combination of water conservation and exceptional performance, the “Dual Force” technology of Sterling’s High Efficiency Toilets is exactly what you may be looking for in trying to keep the water usage down in your bathroom, while still getting the quality, look, and comfort you’ve come to know from any Kohler brand bathroom appliances.

Offering two separate models with its revolutionary “Dual Force” features, the Karsten and the Rockton, Sterling gives you the option on both of either having a round front or elongated bowl.

The Karsten model, is described at sterlingplumbing.com, saying that this model “excels at saving water without compromising tremendous bulk flushing capabilities.” Continuing on to speak of its stylish design, it explains, “The contemporary style of Karsten makes this toilet a perfect choice for baths inspired by sleek, streamlined decorating schemes.”

The website likewise speaks the praises of the Rockton model High Efficiency Toilets, complimenting this model for its “unprecedented water conservation and reliable performance” as well. As with the aforementioned model the Rockton also offers consumers a great design that “with a clean and understated aesthetic…compliments any bathroom décor.”

Both of these “Dual Force” High Efficiency Toilets are very user friendly and simple to operate. Utilizing a two-button actuator that is integrated into the id of the tank these High Efficiency Toilets flush either 1.6 gallons or .8 gallon. The .8 gallon “Dual Flush” option is for light waste or liquid is estimated to save the average household up to 25,000 gallons of water per year, while in being assisted by a flapperless valve and a large trapway for the removal of bulk waste in a single flush, the 1.6 gallon setting completely eliminates water being wasted by needing to repeatedly flush.

The most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, can offer you tips on water conservation in addition to installing your new High Efficiency Toilets like the Sterling models detailed above. For more details on “Dual Force Technology” and all the other great Sterling products, visit www.sterlingplumbing.com.

Tankless Water Heater

Improvements and Innovations Making Choice to go with a Tankless Water Heater an Easy One

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With the Raleigh plumbing experts at Poole’s Plumbing specializing in installation, and manufacturers using the technology they are afforded for continuous innovations to the always economically sound Tankless Water Heater models, many of the question marks that consumers have had when deciding upon a new unit are slowly being erased.Tankless Water Heater

 

As discussed in a recent article published by Consumer Reports, despite the obvious upside in switching to a Tankless Water Heater, when the units were first introduced, did give customers a few reasons to debate whether or not to stick wit their conventional model water heater. However, as time has passed, many of the major producers of the Tankless Water Heater have worked to consistently improve the technology in the units, addressing the three main issues below over the course of the past seven years that make the switch to a Tankless Water Heater in many cases today a much less uncertain move.

Issue 1: Expensive and Complicated Installation Process

How it’s improved: Manufacturers have addressed the installation process issues by improving upon the design of the Tankless Water Heater and making the switch from tanked to tankless an easier process. For example, in the Noritz tankless models the input and output waterlines have been moved to the top of the unit, much like the tanked units, to make a much smoother transition on a change out. The addition of a flexible exhaust pipe and a proprietary adaptor also make connecting to ductwork far easier than the standard PVC piping.

Issue 2: Inconsistency in Temperature

How it’s improved: One of the initial worries with a Tankless Water Heater was what many refer to as the “Cold Water Sandwich,” or inconsistency in temperature. Manufacturers have for the most part completely rectified this issue, as in the case with Rinnai models, where a circulation pump has been added to guarantee that water comes out hot and stays that way for the duration of its usage. Some units have even evolved to include a buffer tank that stores a backup supply of hot water.

Issue 3: Need for Constant Maintenance

How it’s improved: A major issue many that chose the Tankless Water Heater seemed to run into initially was a need for constant maintenance to their model due to scale buildup. This could restrict water flow, decrease efficiency, and eventually damage the units. With major companies adding isolation valves to their models, the descaling process and routine maintenance has been made far easier.

Whether you need a new unit, or are just interested in the possibility of exploring whether a Tankless Water Heater is the right fit for you, the specialists at Poole’s Plumbing can bring you the knowledge and know how to help you make this decision.

Selecting a Well Pump

Constant vs. Conventional : Selecting a Well Pump

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When calling upon the Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing for replacement or installation, it is essential to know the facts and both the pros and cons of both Constant Pressure and Conventional models when Selecting a Well Pump.

Constant Pressure Pump Selecting a Well PumpIn Selecting a Well Pump, it is essential to know which model best suits you and your needs as to not waste your money on a pump that may give you either too much or too little. The Constant Pressure Pump operates using a variable speed motor that is built in to the unit that allows the pump to speed up or slow down depending on your level of water usage. Thus, when you need more water, the Constant Pressure Pump runs faster, and when less water is used, it runs at a slower pace. Benefits of this type model include:

  • Better water pressure when taking a shower
  • More “city-like” water pressure coming from all faucets
  • Higher powered lawn irrigation
  • A smaller, low cost tank that takes up less space
  • Several built in features to prevent any damage to your pump
  • Convenient push button pressure selection

Conventional Pump System Selecting a Well PumpThe conventional or traditional system is your other option in Selecting a Well Pump. These units operate at only two speeds, on and off. A pressurized switch controls the Conventional Pump System, turning the unit on when a certain pressure level is reached and likewise, shutting it off once the necessary level is reached.  Benefits of the Conventional Pump System include:

  • A larger tank model produces longer cycles
  • Overall length of the pumping cycles being determined by the varying size of tank which you need
  • The pump not running while you are consuming water
  • Due to its “on” or “off” cycles, helps to conserve water and avoid unnecessary or wasteful usage.
Raleigh Emergency Plumbers

Get to Know your Main Water Shut Off Valve even before Calling Your Raleigh Emergency Plumbers

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Before picking up the phone to call your Raleigh Emergency Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing, it is a wise decision to become more familiar with your homes’ main water shut off valve, where it may be located and how to turn it off.

If a plumbing emergency occurs, such as a broken water pipe or even an overflowing toilet that is sending water rushing across your floor, it is best to know where your main water shut off valve is, rather than figure it out as the water continues to flow freely across the floors of your home. While sinks and toilets do have their own valves, they can stick and in that case you still would need to locate the main to stop the flooding.

Raleigh Emergency Plumbers

The location of your main water valve can depend on where you live, actually.  Usually, in southern locations like this area, the valve is located outside of the home. In most cases, it will be toward the front of the house and near an outdoor hose faucet. However, it should be noted that in some cases the valve is located inside the homes’ meter box. If this is the case, making sure to have the key to that box in an emergency situation is a must.

Equally as important as finding where in your house the main water shut off valve is, is knowing how to actually shut it off. Most off these can simply be turned off by hand, while other could require a wrench, but either way always remember to turn the valve to the right to turn them off.

Making sure that everyone in the family, including the little ones, know where the valve is and how to turn it off correctly is a good way to avoid an unexpected plumbing catastrophe. Keeping the number or even a business card from your Raleigh Emergency Plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing near the valve so once it is shut off in case assistance or repairs are needed is also a good idea for the times when you may not be home and there is an emergency situation.

Water Heater technology : The future has arrived with iCOMM Elite

Water Heater technology : The future has arrived with iCOMM Elite

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The expert Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing specialize in water heater installation, offering you the latest technology in the field from the best names in the industry, including State Water Heaters, who with their iCOMM Elite models give you the latest in innovative Water Heater technology. Water Heater technology : The future has arrived with iCOMM Elite The iCOM Elite featurs an interactive remote monitoring system unique to the State brand units. According to their website, “It’s the latest technology in commercial water heating that allows you to interact with, privately manage, and monitor your State water heaters or boilers from anywhere in the world via the internet.”OMM Elite features an interactive remote monitoring system unique to the State brand units.

According to their website, “It’s the latest technology in commercial water heating that allows you to interact with, privately manage, and monitor your State water heaters or boilers from anywhere in the world via the internet.”

A few of the innovations the iCOMM Elite afford to you as a customer are the ability to access current and historical water heater data, monitor “live” water heater status using a web browser, respond instantly to leak detection notifications, manage fault alerts sent by text or email, and monitor your fleet of water heaters from anywhere you night be.

For more information on the iComm Elite and all the latest products available through the Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing you can check out the State website at www.stateconnect.com.    

What Are the Benefits of Using a Low-Flow Shower Head?

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Low-flow shower heads have been near the forefront of home water conservation efforts for some time now, and it’s no surprise as 20-25% of all household water usage comes from showering. Unlike earlier models of low-flow shower heads, newer models utilize a smarter design with smaller water apertures that allow these devices to provide adequate water volume while still fulfilling their purpose of using less water. These new low-flower shower heads provide clear benefits:

Water Usage. Low-flow shower heads provide the obvious benefit of water conservation, something the Environmental Protection Agency has near the top of its list (See: WaterSense program here: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.html). Regardless of one’s opinion of the environment, water conservation also helps homeowners directly. Low-flow shower heads have been found to drop overall household water usage by as much as 40% — if not more. Aside from the nobility of conserving so much water, the tangible benefits on your wallet will be felt with each monthly water bill. Newer, non-low-flow shower heads disperse at least 2.5 gallons of water a minute. Low-flow shower heads gently produce 2 gallons or less a minute, while older shower heads actually put out as much as 5 to 8 gallons per minute.

Energy Usage. Running your shower also consumes energy. Use of a low-flow shower head will also cut down on your monthly energy usage thanks to the decrease in monthly water usage, as water requires energy to be heated. Fewer gallons of heated water mean greater savings on energy costs.

Carbon-dioxide Emissions. Lower energy usage with low-flow shower heads also leads to lower CO2 (carbon-dioxide) emissions.

Moen Arbor With MotionSense Kitchen Faucet

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The Arbor with MotionSense kitchen faucet from Moen is designed with ease of use and water conservation in mind thanks to its MotionSense technology. The MotionSense faucet head senses your hands via the ready sensor at the base of the faucet and activates water flow automatically, allowing a hands-free control that pays dividends when using soap and lathering up. Water flow doesn’t begin until the lathering process is complete, and soap and water spots stay off the faucet thanks to the hands-free control. Common, everyday kitchen tasks are made easier and more efficient with a MotionSense faucet installed. Additionally, the faucet’s sensor combined with its eco performance design minimizes water use and helps cut down on yearly water bills.

The chrome finish of the Arbor with MotionSense kitchen faucet blends well with any interior decor, and the one-handle lever design further simplifies the faucet by allowing for one-handed manual adjustment of the water stream. The slick design of the pull-downspout allows for a movable, adjustable spray head that’s ideal for cleaning pots and pans.

Moen’s MotionSense faucet also sports the following additional features:

  • Reflex system for secure docking of the pull-down spray head
  • Pause function that allows for quick stoppage of water flow from the faucet head
  • Aerated stream for normal cleaning
  • Power rinse for heavier cleaning
  • Single hole mount that streamlines design
  • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications
  • 5 year warranty on digital components and a limited lifetime trim warranty

Thinking of installing a Moen MotionSense Kitchen Faucet yourself? Watch this how to install a MotionSense Kitchen Faucet video by Moen.

How Does a Water Softener Work?

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Water softeners perform an “ion swap” procedure within the water in order to achieve softening. The harmful excess calcium and magnesium ions that create water hardness are swapped out with sodium ions, restoring the quality of the water. Sodium most often works for this purpose because sodium “plays nice” with soap and doesn’t react poorly when other elements are introduced. Generally, the amount of sodium that accumulates within your water as a result of this softening process is of no concern and lies far below the FDA’s “very low sodium” classification.

How Ion Swapping Works. A tank full of negatively charged polystyrene beads are bonded to the positively charged sodium ions. The sodium ions “swap” with the harmful magnesium and calcium ions as the water rushes by the beads. Eventually and after numerous cycles however, the sodium within the polystyrene beads is completely replaced by the calcium and magnesium, and the water softening unit can no longer perform its duties without a regeneration cycle. Salt is added back into the water softener to begin this cycle, and the beads are soaked in this solution of salt and water. The beads are regenerated with the proper levels of sodium and any excess solution flows out of the water softener through a drainpipe.

While most home water softeners utilize polystyrene beads, not all determine when it’s necessary to regenerate in the same way. Some water softeners utilize a mechanical water meter that begins the regeneration cycle only when the ratio of existing water to sodium requires activation.  Other water softeners operate on a regular, timed schedule due to electric timers, and some instead simply use a computer that begins the regeneration cycle when it deems enough water use has transpired.