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Traditional vs. Tankless Water Heaters

You may be wondering if a tankless water heater is in your family’s future. Perhaps you’re tired of lukewarm showers, especially if you share a home with teenagers who forget there are other people in the house. Maybe you have limited storage in your home or condo and want to explore a space-saving tankless water heater. Regardless of your motivation, Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida is your source for water heaters in Orlando and central Florida.

Tankless water heaters and their traditional counterparts have advantages and disadvantages, including storage space, ease of use, energy costs, repair costs, and longevity. Read on to see which water heater is right for you and your family.

What’s the difference?

A traditional water heater is likely what you grew up with in your basement or laundry area. Water is heated with gas or electricity and stored in an insulated tank that typically holds between 30 and 50 gallons of water at your desired temperature. When you need hot water, it’s sent directly to your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.

A tankless water heater is also known as an “on-demand” water heater. That’s because water isn’t heated until you need it. A tankless water heater relies on high-powered burners to heat water as required rapidly. They, too, tend to run on gas or electricity.

Initial costs

Traditional water heaters are easier on your wallet, at least initially. Unlike the more complex tankless water heaters, traditional water heaters are simple and usually don’t incur high repair costs. However, traditional water heaters may result in higher utility bills. They also may require specific retrofitting during installation, which adds more expenses to the bottom line. Tankless water heaters can cost more than twice as much as traditional water heaters.

Energy efficiency and lifespan

Tankless water heaters come ahead in energy efficiency comparisons, offering more than 20% more energy efficiency than the traditional models. They also have a life expectancy of more than 20 years, according to Energy.gov, compared to about 10-15 years for traditional storage models.

Which one is best for your family?

You want a water heater that provides hot water for all your family’s needs, including washing, bathing, or cooking. Traditional water heaters will have 30 to 50 gallons of hot water waiting for you when you step into the shower, while the tankless water heaters will heat as you go. However, tankless water heaters may not sustain more than one hot water activity at a time. So, if you’re taking a shower while your spouse is washing a load of laundry, you may find your shower is a little chilly. On the other hand, a traditional water heater usually supports about three hot showers in a row. If you’re fourth in line, you may face a cold reality.

If you are thinking of going tankless, Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida can help you with this critical decision. We can cover all your hot water needs, including installing or repairing any water heater. Please schedule an appointment now or call us at 407-219-9772.

How to prevent backflow contamination

You may take it for granted that your Orlando area drinking water is safe and free from contamination. Ideally, the water that enters your home flows in one direction, bringing clean water to you and your family. But, if your home’s plumbing system allows dirty water to flow backward, you risk invading the water supply with chemicals and bacteria that can cause illness or death. This is known as backflow contamination, and it is an important consideration for all homeowners. Fortunately, Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida can help ensure your home is not contributing to a contaminated water supply.

How does backflow occur?

When water enters your home from a city water supply or a well, it should only flow in one direction. But there are also common points in your home where your water supply connects with your home’s non-potable water supply – for instance, your dishwater or washing machine. If something disrupts water flow to your home, the contaminated water may flow in the opposite direction, sending chemicals, waste, and other pollutants back to the water supply. This is known as backflow.

What causes backflow?

 Pressure changes can disrupt the normal flow of water and cause backflow. For instance, if your city experiences a water main break or a nearby fire hydrant is used, the water may no longer be pushed in the proper direction. Backflow may also occur when there is a vacuum or pressure drop in the main water supply.

How can we prevent backflow?

Fit your home’s plumbing system with backflow equipment utilizing a special valve that keeps water from flowing backward. Regular annual backflow testing can protect your family’s drinking water supply. Other backflow preventers may use a regulated amount of air in the pipes to prevent backflow. However, these systems must be operating correctly to be efficient.

Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida has trained technicians to check your backflow preventer for any issues. We are trained in testing, repairing, and replacing all brands and models of backflow equipment. If you are concerned about backflow or have not had your backflow preventer system checked by a professional, reach out to Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida. We’ll ensure your backflow preventer is working correctly and discuss any necessary repairs or replacements. Call Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida at 407-219-9772 to schedule an appointment now.

Benefits of a Solar Water Heater

Have you been thinking about adding a solar water heater? After all, you do live in the Sunshine State. Why not harvest some of that energy for your hot water? Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida is your source for water heaters in central Florida. Read on to learn more advantages of installing a solar water-heating system.

They reduce energy costs

Who wants to save on energy bills? Heating your water can account for up to 20% of your energy costs. Sunlight is free, and solar water heaters use the sun’s light and heat to heat water for your washing and bathing needs. A typical home with a solar water heater uses about 50% less energy to heat water. That’s money back in your pocket.

They cut down on pollution

Traditional water heaters use electricity or gas to bring your water up to a comfortable temperature. When you burn fuel, you add pollution to the air. Switch to solar power and lower your carbon footprint.

They are a smart financial investment

Solar water heaters are more expensive than their gas- or electricity-powered counterparts. However, you will see that money returned to your checking account over months of reduced energy bills, and, over time, you’ll come out ahead. As the world becomes more focused on green technology, homes with solar power are becoming more popular. An investment in a solar water heater may mean an increase in your home’s overall value and appeal. Plus, you may qualify for government tax credits.

You’re not as dependent on energy

When was the last time a severe storm knocked out energy to your home? It happens, and we all know it’s no fun. If you’re dependent on a solar water heater, though, you’ll at least have warm water during a power outage.

Solar water heaters have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance

Nobody wants to step into the shower and discover their water heater went down overnight. A solar water heater will cut down on these rude wake-up calls. A solar water heater’s lifespan is about 20 years, nearly twice as long as that of a gas or electric water heater. Solar-powered heaters also require less maintenance than traditional units.

Are you ready to talk about solar water heaters? Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida can help you decide if a solar water heater is a wise investment for your home and your family’s comfort. Schedule an appointment now or call us at 407-219-9772. With more than 250 years of combined experience among our staff, you can trust our expert opinions and commitment to service.

How Hard Water Impacts Your Home’s Pipes

There’s nothing easy about hard water. It has a high concentration of dissolved minerals, including calcium and magnesium, and these minerals can interfere with cleaning and leave behind a white residue. They may also build up within your home’s pipes, causing clogs, corrosion, or reduced water quality.

Hard water tends to be common in the Sunshine State, where the aquifer contains those dissolved minerals that cause so many issues. Fortunately, Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida can soften the blow (and the water) with a water-conditioning process designed to keep your water softer and your home’s plumbing system cleaner. Do you need more convincing? Read on to see what happens when you allow hard water to flow through your pipes.

Hard water clogs your pipes

Have you noticed a chalky white substance on your taps, bathroom tiles, or toilet bowls? That substance is called limescale; basically, the calcium and magnesium are left behind after the water evaporates. Now, imagine that same limescale building up inside your pipes. It isn’t wiped clean easily; instead, it builds up until you see hard, often crusty, formations around your fixtures. In some cases, it may even look red or rusty. This buildup can lead to clogged pipes.

Hard water hinders water flow

As hard water deposits continue to attach themselves to the sides of the pipe, your home’s water flow becomes impeded. Does your bathtub take forever to drain? Are you running around in a circle under a weakening stream of water when you shower? That’s limescale buildup in the pipes.

Hard water can damage your pipes

If buildup isn’t bad enough, the minerals in hard water react with the metal of your pipes, especially in older homes. The metal can break down, leaving the pipes vulnerable to cracks or breaks that require repair or replacement. You may notice water leaks in your home. Your water may become yellow or brown as pipes decay. Hard water can also damage your water heater tank, sometimes voiding the warranty. It may gradually erode the inner workings of appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine, shortening their lifespan and costing you extra money.

Hard water reduces water quality

Hard water is safe to drink, but you’ll notice a strange taste or texture. It also interferes with soaps and detergents. Your clothes may become dingier. Your dishes may have a residue that does not quickly rinse away.

Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida offers a treatment known as water conditioning, which is simply the process of removing or altering minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants from a water source. Our trained professional plumbers will remove the buildup within your home’s pipes and ensure your water is flowing freely throughout your plumbing system. Call Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida now at 407-219-9772 to schedule an appointment, or contact us online.

How to Fix a Leaky Showerhead

Your father’s words are coming back to haunt you at night: “Don’t wastewater.” But what’s a homeowner to do when the showerhead keeps dripping even when the knobs are in the “off” position? Don’t panic. Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida is here to walk you through the steps of a simple DIY project. And, if you’re not the DIY type, we can come to you to make sure your water stays put and your water bill remains low.

Step 1: Remove your showerhead

Grab a wrench to unscrew the showerhead. Wrap the showerhead with a thick cloth first to avoid damaging the finish. Turn the wrench counterclockwise (you may need a second towel to grip the showerhead if the fixture seems stuck).

Step 2: Check the inside and give it a good cleaning

Pull out your phone and take a picture of what it looks like before you take everything apart. You should see a screen, as well as rubber O-rings, a washer, and possibly other items. Check the O-rings to ensure they’re not brittle or broken. They need to form a tight seal to keep water from leaking. If they need replacing, take them with you to the hardware store to get a perfect match. Meanwhile, soak the showerhead (minus the removable rubber parts) in equal parts water and vinegar to eliminate the mineral deposits that build up inside. Rinse the entire head with hot water and use a stiff plastic brush to remove any remnants.

Step 3: Wrap your pipe threads

Reinforce the seal around the shower arm with thread-sealing tape, also called “Teflon tape.” Make sure the tape is going in the same direction as the threads.

Step 4: Reassemble the showerhead

Put everything back together, screw the showerhead onto the shower arm and turn on the water. If there’s no leak, congratulate yourself on a job well done! Grab your phone and refer to the picture you took earlier.

Step 5: Call in the pros as needed

We get it. Not everyone wants to take on home plumbing jobs. That’s why Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida is just a phone call away. We can fix your leaky shower or set you up with a new fixture that lets you enjoy a luxurious spa-like experience every time you use it. Call Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida now at 407-219-9772 to schedule an appointment or contact us online. You’ll be sleeping well in no time with a shower that doesn’t keep you awake with the drip, drip, dripping noise of wasted money down the drain!

Fruit Flies in the Bathroom? Get Rid of them!

Fruit flies, or gnats, in the kitchen are pests. They’re hard to catch, find their source, and sometimes more problematic to get clear out. If you’ve noticed fruit flies in your bathroom, that can be even more annoying. Here’s how the experts at Michael’s Plumbing get rid of these pesky pests.

Yes, Fruit Flies in the Bathroom

You might associate fruit flies with being in the kitchen, thanks to the abundance of fruit and veggies you might have on hand, but they can also be found in your bathroom. Anywhere that has warm, moist air is a tropical vacation for these microscopic pests. Sewer gnats, which look like fruit flies, prefer the warm, moist air of your bathroom and can be found attracted to buildup and debris in the sink or shower drain.

Prevent the pests

Remove any wet items from the bathroom. Don’t leave used towels lying on the ground to decay—hang them up or run them through the washer. Same with clothing. Any used mops need to be completely dry before storing.

Fix any leaks you might have in your bathroom. If you’ve noticed wet bathroom rugs or standing water, there might be a leak in your sink or shower.

Install a fan or vent in the bathroom. Not only will this assist in removing any foul odors, but it will assist in controlling moisture and humidity levels, leaving fresher, drier air that is not inviting to gnats.

Remove the pests

Utilize a fruit fly trap in the bathroom. You can purchase these traps in stores, but you can also make your own with items already there.

Cover the cup with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick and place it near the sink or shower. Once filled, throw away the cup in the trash outside.

Refresh your drains with a cleaner. Even if you don’t see the gnats flying around, their larvae may still be deep down in your drain’s pipes, ready to pop back up. Create your drain cleaner with boiling water or boiling white vinegar.

Use a drain snake to clean the pipes and remove any larvae or flies attached to the leftover gunk.

Call Michael’s Plumbing for a professional drain cleaning. If you’re still bombarded with these pests after completing all of these steps, give Orlando’s plumbing experts a call at 407-219-9772. Our plumbers will use professional-grade cleaning tools to remove all drain buildup, thus eliminating all traces of the fruit/sewer flies. Let us help you take back your bathroom.

The Five Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

There’s no such thing as a small emergency when it comes to your plumbing. Even the most minor leaks can mean a big, big problem if not handled immediately and professionally. Michael’s Plumbing, Florida’s plumbing experts, can help you avoid the headache that can be one of these (and more) plumbing emergencies:

Clogs

No, we don’t mean the dancing shoes. Clogged sinks and clogged toilets can make mundane activities challenging to perform. While a slow drain can be annoying, it can become severe if not remedied. The same is true for clogged toilets—that’s a significant damper to put on the most used room in your home. While there are some do-it-yourself actions you can do to fix a clogged toilet or drain, we recommend being careful about what you put down the drain and how you try to remove the clogs.

Leaks

Leaking faucets and toilets are another prevalent issue in homes. Not only can the constant drip of the water be annoying, but the accumulation of drops can also increase your water bill, cause rust to form, and be a breeding ground for mold growth. You may also find leaks in your washing machine (clothes and dish) hoses as well as your water heater. The worst leak is the one you might not know about, and that’s why a professional needs to help diagnose the issue and offer a solution to fit your home’s needs.

Lack of Hot Water

Nothing can put a downer on what should be a relaxing shower or bath than not having hot water. Or, even worse, you are lathered up, and the water instantly turns to ice. Water heater malfunctions can be several things, including a leak or electrical issues. Plumbers can help you to identify the problem and get you back soaking up the warmth.

Busted Water Lines

Central Florida tends to have soil issues or, worse, problems with water lines. Tree roots can grow into settled water lines, or someone digging without checking can cut right through. You might not even know it until you notice soggy areas in your lawn or very low, to nearly nil water pressure.

Sewer Line Backups

Sewer backups are the most significant emergency Michael’s Plumbing typically sees. Sewer backups are a big issue—big in repairs and meaningful to the pocketbook. Having a sewer line backup can cause flooding and structural damage to your home or commercial building. We recommend that all homeowners be familiar with their home’s main sewer line, know the signs of a backup, and then call Michael’s Plumbing immediately.

Never hesitate to call Michael’s plumbing at 407-219-9772. Our plumbing experts help you navigate the treacherous waters of common plumbing emergencies and how you can handle or prevent them in your Central Florida home.

Five Benefits to High-Pressure Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains are no fun, and they add stress to your day and can indicate something much bigger deeper within your plumbing system. You’ve been told to avoid chemical drain cleaners, but the sound of “high-pressure drain cleaning” scares you more. Is it safe? That’s the perfect question for Orlando’s plumbing experts, Michael’s Plumbing.

What Is High-Pressure Drain Cleaning?

High-pressure drain cleaning uses the power of water to clean out any clogs, potential smaller tree roots, and more from your plumbing’s clogged pipes. Experts use a jet nozzle attached to a flexible line that can pass through drain elbows, and any twists your home’s plumbing might have, all while being able to handle several thousand PSI. Due to the sheer power of the jet spray, it’s highly recommended that only a trained professional performs this task.

1. The water is pressurized to such a high degree that it busts through debris and sludge, emulsify grease, batters hardened scale, and can even take care of minor tree roots. (Larger, more mature tree roots require a commercial hydrojetter.)

2. Using high-pressure drain cleaning is also environmentally safe since you avoid any dangerous or toxic chemicals that can be flushed into waterways. Restaurants and office buildings will use this method because of the strength and ease of the procedure.

3. While the term “high pressure” seems like the power can quickly erode the strength of the plumbing in your home, this is only a concern if you have an older home with older pipes made from ceramic, clay, or wood composite. Our plumbers can perform a drain camera inspection before using the high-pressure system to ensure that the integrity of the pipes is in strong enough condition that there will not be any compromise.

4. Routine drain cleaning helps to eliminate pesky odors that live in your pipes, thanks to clogs made of food, hair, oils, and more. Clogs within your lines can start to grow bacteria in the pipes, making for a not-so-healthy situation with your drains. High-pressure drain cleaning clears all that gunk away, leaving fresher air in your kitchen and bathrooms.

5. It’s also important to note that using this method should be done regularly. Doing so will maintain cost-effectiveness because it allows for a freer flow of water to and from your home and being part of a thorough inspection to check for any concerns with the integrity of the drain lines. Investing in routine high-pressure drainage cleaning saves you money on major repairs down the road.

Contact Michael’s Plumbing by setting up an appointment online or calling 407-219-9772 to have Central Florida’s best plumbers explain the benefits of high-pressure drain cleaning for your family’s home.

The Spooky Part of Plumbing: What’s Hiding in Your Pipes?

Does the thought of diving deep into your home’s plumbing scare you, even just a little? You’re not alone. Not surprisingly, many homeowners are unaware of what scary things might be happening within the pipes in your walls and under your home. But your Orlando plumbing expert, Michael’s Plumbing, likes to instigate those sorts of things, mostly to reassure our customers that their plumbing won’t go “bump” in the night.

Scary: Sewer Stench

There’s nothing scarier than an encapsulating stench that takes over your sinks and quite possibly your home. If you’re starting to smell sewer gas in your home, it could mean two different issues: the drain trap has run dry, or the vent line meant to draw the odor to the roof has a crack in it.

Refilling a dry trap with water can quickly solve the problem. However, a cracked sewer vent will require a phone call to Michael’s Plumbing since those sewer vents are typically within your home’s wall.

Not-So-Scary: Slow Drainage

If you witness slow drainage in your sink or bathtub, the fix might be as easy as removing a clog. A simple clog can be an easy fix at home, using the appropriate tools (avoid harsh chemicals), but if the drain delay continues to occur, or your fix doesn’t seem to solve the problem, it’s time to call the professionals.

Scary: Not So Clear Water

If the water coming from your faucets is cloudy, brown, or yellow, something is going on. Yellow or brown water indicates rust from corroded pipes, and greenish water could mean corrosion from copper pipes (though this is less common). Any hint of color suggests a call to the plumber is necessary to inspect your plumbing system before any significant damage occurs within the pipes.

Not-So-Scary: Gurgles from the Toilet

No, a Halloween monster isn’t about to come through the toilet in the middle of the night. Gurgling sounds from your toilet can mean that there is a blocked vent stack or blocked sewer line. A quick call to a plumbing expert can help quell any fears of toilet monsters.

Scary: The Paint is Peeling

If you’ve noticed peeling or cracking in your paint or the separation of your wallpaper from the wall in your kitchen or bathroom, it’s not time to repaint; it’s time to call Michael’s Plumbing. Blistering paint or peeling wallpaper in your bathroom or kitchen can be evidence of a leak in the wall. Contacting an expert will allow for an accurate diagnosis and fix before performing drywall work.

No matter how scary the issue, never fear calling Central Florida’s plumbing experts at 407-219-9772. Michael’s Plumbing is here to put your mind at ease and take away the spookiest of the spooky season.

Frequently Asked Questions: Home Plumbing

The plumbers that make up Michael’s Plumbing get many questions. These questions come not only from clients while on a call but at the neighborhood cookout, while shopping at the local home improvement store, and sometimes even while sitting in the dentist’s chair. We get it. After all, we are Orlando and Central Florida’s plumbing experts.

So, what are some of the most frequent questions asked regarding home plumbing? Answering questions here will be easier than trying to carry a conversation with a dentist’s hands in your mouth.

How can I stop my faucets from dripping?

Tiny drops of water from your faucet can be more than annoying. They can become costly, too. Fixing a leaky faucet is most times a simple fix. Start by turning the water off under the sink, then removing the faucet handle. You may see that the faucet cartridge (or faucet stem, which regulates hot and cold water) needs replacing. Install the appropriately sized replacement cartridge and reattach the handle. If a leak remains once you turn the water back on, it’s time to call the experts.

Where is my water shut-off valve located?

Make sure everyone in your family is aware of the location of the shut-off valve in case of a plumbing emergency. The water shut-off valve helps you avoid a potential disaster in your home. Busted pipes can release around 23 gallons of water per minute at an average water pressure setting. You want to prevent this disaster. You’ll typically be able to locate water shut-off valves within three to five feet of where the water main enters the home. If you cannot find the shut-off yourself, we recommend asking your Michael’s Plumbing expert for assistance.

What do I do when a pipe bursts in my home?

Here is where knowledge of your water shut-off valve comes in handy. Immediately turn off your home’s water at the shut-off point to stop any further water damage. Then, turn off electricity to the affected areas of your home to avoid any potential shocks. (If you’re unsure of the exact location of the affected areas, just turn off all the power.) If you can soak up the water with some towels, do so to prevent further damage. Take photos to assess the damage for insurance purposes and then call a licensed plumber to tackle the cause of the damage.

How do I unclog my toilet?

First of all, avoid continually flushing your toilet if you see it might be clogged. You can cause your toilet to overflow onto the floor. Next, grab your plunger—it’s the easiest, less invasive tool. The key is to make sure there is enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the entire head of the plunger. If there isn’t, add water from the bathtub or sink using a bucket or bowl. If the plunger does not work, you can try a plumber’s snake, but we suggest covering the floor in towels first. If the snake doesn’t work, that’s when it’s time to call Michael’s Plumbing for professional drain cleaning.

Can I fix a leak myself?

If you have good general knowledge of plumbing and the leak isn’t a big issue, you can fix the leak yourself using kits and tools such as tape, epoxy, or a pipe or hose clamp. We recommend taking the time to assess the leak and situation and be honest with yourself: is this job too large for you to do on your own? Are you 100 percent certain you know where the leak is and what is causing it? If you have any hesitation on your part, call Michael’s Plumbing. Fixing a small job is less expensive than fixing a small job that grew larger after a failed DIY attempt.

If you have any questions, never hesitate to call Central Florida’s leading plumbing experts at Michael’s Plumbing by calling 407-219-9772.

Help! My Toilet will not Flush!

It’s probably one of the most annoying and embarrassing issues you might run into in your Orlando home: Your toilet won’t flush all the way. Ew. Do you call a plumber like Michael’s Plumbing? Or is it something that you can fix on your own?

There could be a cause staring you right in the face as soon as you lift the tank cover. So, it’s essential to go through all the possibilities to diagnose the issue.

Clogging

The most common cause of plumbing issues is a clog. There could be a clog in the toilet bowl, the flange, or the drain which will prevent water from thoroughly flushing down the toilet. Use a plunger or an auger to assist in removing the clog. Augers are used to target those hard-to-reach areas of your toilet.

If the clog doesn’t budge after using a plunger or auger, call Orlando’s leading clog remover, Michael’s Plumbing.

A Flopping Flapper

The flapper is located within the tank. It’s that small rubber stopper covering and sealing the hole at the bottom of the tank. It is attached to a chain that is lifted while pressing down on the handle when flushing. This allows the water stored in the tank to pour into the toilet bowl. When the toilet has not been flushed, the flapper seals the hole, preventing the tank water from draining.

The water-tight seal is lost when the flapper is old or damaged or when the chain isn’t set to the appropriate length. The leak decreases the amount of water available when you flush, thus causing an issue when flushing. Check to see that there isn’t too much or too little slack in the chain—if there is, adjust the length and see how the chain fits (hint: you should have about a half-inch of slack in your chain). If the chain isn’t the issue, check your flapper—you may need to purchase a new one and replace it. If you’re too uncertain about replacing your flapper, you can call Michael’s Plumbing, and an expert will come over to help.

Not Enough Water

If the water level in your toilet tank is set too low, your toilet bowl won’t get as much water as needed when you flush. Your toilet needs a lot of water to successfully flush everything away. Inspect the inside walls of your toilet tank—manufacturers usually leave a mark to show how much water the tank is designed to hold (usually about an inch below the top of the overflow tube).

Water levels can be adjusted manually. You can also check to see whether any components in the tank have become misaligned. You can try adjusting your float (the large rubber ball device in the tank) by making a slight upwards bend in the arm of the float. Or, if your toilet has a floating cup supply valve, that can be adjusted with the screw that is on top of the fill valve.

Poor Drain Design

If the slow flush has always been an issue, the cause may be the way the plumbing for the toilet is designed. If the toilet’s drain pipe isn’t in a downward slope, there will always be a pool of water that accumulates in the pipes. Call a professional plumber for a review and inspection of your drainage pipe system and discuss a potential redesign.

If you’ve tried the easy do-it-yourself fixes with no success, don’t hesitate to contact Orlando’s Michael’s Plumbing by calling 407-219-9772 for quick service and better flushing.

Ways to Conserve Water Around Your Home

Take a look around your Orlando-area home and try to quickly tabulate how much water you and your family use. If your faucets are leaking, you hear water continually running during nighttime routines, and your washer is running only half-full, your household could be wasting hundreds of gallons of water daily. Michael’s Plumbing is passionate about saving you money while being more environmentally conscious, and we’re here to help you conserve water around your home.

There are many things your family can do to conserve water around your home:

Turn off the Faucet

Leaving the water running while you brush your teeth twice a day wastes eight gallons of water each day. Just by remembering to turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands can save at least 200 gallons of water each month.

Shower Over Bath

The average bath uses up to 70 gallons of water (depending on tub size), while the average shower uses only around 10 to 25 gallons of water. Choosing to use the shower over a bath can save hundreds of gallons of water each month. Limit the amount of time you run the water prior to stepping in, and then limit the time spent in the shower to shrink your water usage.

Pile the Scraps

Instead of dumping your food scraps into your kitchen sink’s garbage disposal, start an environmentally friendly family tradition by starting your own compost pile. Not only will this alleviate the overuse of your garbage disposal (thus, all the water needed to run the disposal), but it can also lessen the amount of trash your family discards. Having your own compost pile assists in the growth of your own green thumb because your soil is fertilized naturally, encourages better nutrients for your plants, and reduces your carbon footprint.

Fully Loaded

To maximize the efficiency of your dishwasher, washing machine, and reduce the amount of water used, only run full loads of laundry and dishes. Most dishwashers use a preset amount of water, no matter how full the appliance.

Water Smarter

Avoid watering your lawn and outdoor flowers in the heat of the day—not only can it damage your greenery, but it also causes you to use more water because the heat evaporates the water faster. If you must water your lawn, install rain sensors on your irrigation system and turn sprinklers on in the cooler morning hours.

Families can also utilize rain barrels to capture the offerings of Mother Nature, using the collected rainwater for outdoor plants.

As an extra way to save on your energy costs, consider washing your clothes in cold water.

You can contact Michael’s Plumbing to help you achieve even more water usage efficiency by doing the following:

If you’re looking for advice on how to improve water usage in your Orlando area home, reach out to the experts at Michael’s Plumbing. Call 407-219-9772 today.

Ready to put our team of experts to the test?

Our licensed plumbers and friendly team always answer the call. To ask a question or request service, fill out our contact form or just give us a call at 407-219-9772.

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