Missed Fix-A-Leak Week? You Can Still Save On Your Own

Even if you missed this particular opportunity, you can still put water-saving fixtures to work in your home. Low-flow toilets can use less than a gallon of water to provide an impressive, bowl-clearing flush. If you don’t want a low-flow toilet, you can also install a special dual-flush valve that reduces your water consumption. The dual flush valve allows you to flush and clear the bowl with running water, rather than using the 2 or 2.5 gallons that are stored in the toilet tank. This low-consumption flush is good for clearing liquid waste. When the flush is complete, the bowl refills with running water.

Water stored in the tank is used only when you need to “power-flush.” These dual-flush valves can reduce your toilet’s water consumption by one-third to one-half. They’re also easy to install, adjustable and are available at most home improvement stores.

Water-saving showerheads can limit flow to no more than two gallons of water per minute while still providing an excellent rinse. These fixtures are also available at your local home-improvement store are easy to install. In most cases, the shower fixture has a threaded connector. Simply disconnect the old one and connect the new one. You can also install an inline temperature control for your shower that can help prevent scalding injuries. Just like the showerhead, the inline temperature regulator is threaded and simply screws into place.

A leaking faucet that drips at a rate of once every 6 seconds can waste about 700 gallons of water per year! That’s significant when you look at your overall water consumption. Put another way, that’s the same amount of water you’d use showering daily for a month, or doing about 25 loads of laundry using a large-capacity washing machine.

Sometimes a leaking faucet requires a simple adjustment to stop leaks, but depending upon the faucet’s design, you may need to replace the entire fixture to stop a drip. Replacing a faucet isn’t hard and requires only a few basic hand tools, like a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. The effort is definitely worth it when you consider how much water you can save on an annual basis.

If you have leaking sink, tub or toilet fixtures and you can’t address them yourself, please contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911. We can recommend low-consumption fixtures that will address your leak problem and save water in the process!

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What Can You Do With Rainwater?

So besides shunting it down the storm sewers, what exactly can you do with rainwater?

As-is, rainwater isn’t considered potable. It’s not clean enough to drink and may contain (or collect) biological and chemical contaminants that make a person sick, either immediately or over the long term. That doesn’t mean you can’t do anything with rainwater, though!

Some homeowners have installed rainwater collection systems to “harvest” rainwater and use it for landscape watering and gardening. Used this way, rainwater is actually returned to the natural aquifers, just like nature intended. Rainwater collection systems can be as simple as rain barrels that hold 50-75 gallons of runoff from the home’s roof, or they can be somewhat more complicated, and include cistern water storage and gray water collection. In this setup, homeowners install a separate plumbing system that can collect and distribute the non-potable water to gardens and lawns.

Rainwater toilets are also gaining traction among the environmentally conscious, and have caught the attention of the City of Portland, OR. Toilets use potable water – the same water that comes out of your tap. There’s no need for toilet water to be drinkable (except maybe if you’re thinking about the dog), but attaching the toilet to the municipal water supply is the easiest way to ensure that you have enough water to flush the toilet. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of toilets use ultra-purified water.

A rainwater toilet uses collected rainwater to provide the flush. The toilet fixture is no different than what homeowners have in place now. Depending upon local codes and whether the toilet is being used in a residence or in a commercial building, it may not be sufficient just to put untreated rainwater in the toilet.

A rainwater flush toilet must be plumbed separately from the municipal water supply, and once the toilet is converted to use non-potable water, you can’t just reconnect it to the municipal supply. (You’d need to replumb with fresh pipes if you wanted to convert back.) For commercial applications, the rainwater must also be treated locally with chlorine and/or UV light, and special filters may be required to block organic debris from entering the system.

The immediate benefit of a rainwater toilet (or other rainwater collection system) is that it reduces the use of potable water for applications that don’t require super-pure water. On a large scale, this would reduce the demand for treated water.

Rainwater collection systems are relatively inexpensive to install and depending upon the size and type of the system, can reliably collect between 10,000 and 30,000 gallons of water per year.

If you’d like more information about rainwater collection systems or plumbing for non-potable water delivery, contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911. We’ll be happy to provide a consultation.

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Can A Mechanical Valve Replace A P-Trap?

A P-trap is a small piece of drain plumbing that fits under your sink. It has a unique curved shape to it, and it is designed to prevent sewer gases from escaping into your living space. (That’s good because aside from the obvious “fresh-air” benefit, sewer gases can build up and explode.) Traps also prevent harmful bacteria from being introduced into the living space and serve to catch little items (like rings, earrings, Lego blocks) that accidentally make their way down the drain.

Over time, nasty debris – like biofilms, decayed material, hair, and soap films – also build up in the trap. Generally, traps are easy to remove and can be cleaned out mechanically without too much effort and without the need for special tools.

Traps work because after each use, the trap fills with water. The water in the trap acts like a plug and prevents the gases from escaping out of a drain hole. All plumbing fixtures – toilets, basins, tubs, etc., – must have a trap of some sort that prevents sewer gases from getting back up the drainpipe.

Traps have been in use almost since plumbing moved indoors. Newer plumbing codes restrict or prohibit the use of certain types of traps (S-traps, specifically) but P-traps are the gold standard of traps. They’re simple and they work better than anything else on the market.

Enter the mechanical P-trap. The mechanical P-trap is a straight piece of pipe that includes a membrane that is supposed to perform the same function as the “water plug” I discussed earlier. The biggest potential problem I see with a mechanical P-trap is malfunction.

When a traditional P-trap gets clogged with debris, biological buildup or a mechanical object, it still performs its basic function – blocking the movement of sewer gases back up the drainpipe. It can’t’ fail at this job because as long as there’s water (or sludge, debris, biofilm, etc) occluding the trap, the sewer gas isn’t going anywhere.

When you interfere with the open-and-close mechanics of a mechanical valve, the valve can potentially be held open. The design of a straight pipe – by its nature- will allow the offending gas to escape the pipe. In other words, when the valve fails, you can’t be sure that you’re protected from the dangers that unchecked sewer gases and bacteria present.

The traditional P-trap works even when it clogs because the design of the pipe itself provides the protection you really need. There are no moving parts to worry about so mechanical failure is impossible. P-traps can dry out – the water that forms the seal can evaporate over time if the fixture isn’t used, and deterioration of the pipe or the joints can force replacement of the trap. But under most circumstances, it’s hard to conceive of an improvement to the P-trap that’s worth taking a chance on.

If you have questions about your plumbing, or smell sewer gases when you use your plumbing fixtures, contact Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 for an inspection. We’ll find the source of the odor and recommend a solution!

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Signs Of Plumbing Trouble You Shouldn't Ignore

Outside of having a pipe burst, some homeowners don’t recognize the signs of damage or wear in their plumbing systems. Regular inspection of your plumbing system can help spot wear and deterioration before it leaves a very nasty mark on your home.

Here are some signs of plumbing trouble that you shouldn’t ignore.
Smell: If you notice a consistent odor when you open a tap, you should have your plumbing checked for leaks, corrosion or deterioration. Damaged pipes and aging hot water tanks can be a source of unpleasant odors associated with your water system.

Debris: If you notice debris coming out of your tap – the bathtub is a great place to spot these problems – your plumbing may be deteriorating. The debris is deteriorated piping material that your pipes are shedding. The debris may be brittle or rust-colored – especially if you have galvanized pipes carrying your fresh water to your fixtures. Also check the aerators on your taps for signs of mineralization and small bits of trapped debris. If you notice debris in only one location, you may simply have a deteriorating fixture.

Staining: Galvanized plumbing is notorious for creating rust-colored staining in your sink, tub and toilet fixtures. The staining doesn’t affect the performance of the fixture but it looks bad. It’s also a sign that your fresh water is being contaminated by a deteriorating pipe.

Sometimes, an electrical problem can cause staining and deterioration in your plumbing system! Electrolysis, which is a special kind of interaction between your electrical system and your plumbing, can cause unusual deterioration, wear and seemingly random damage to your plumbing fixtures. Corrosion and decay can occur at joints in your plumbing system where dissimilar metals may be in use. Electrolysis can also cause pipes to become pitted or even develop holes. Electrolysis occurs when the electrical system is improperly grounded to the home’s plumbing.

Leaks: Never ignore a leak in your plumbing, whether it’s a fresh water leak or a drain leak. Leaking water can promote the growth of bacteria and mold, cause significant water damage and can even cause structural damage if left unaddressed.

If you have questions about your plumbing, or notice strange odors, noises or leaks, contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 anytime. We’re happy to inspect your home’s plumbing system and can correct serious potential problems.

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World Plumbing Day: A Time To Think

More than 3 million people each year die as the result of preventable diseases and conditions related to inferior water quality and poor sanitation. The majority of deaths occur in children under five years of age. By itself, that’s a lot to think about – especially when you consider that you can go to just about any tap that’s connected to a municipal water supply, and get safe, clean, drinkable water from it 24/7/365, year after year in this country.

Despite our access to clean water and sanitation, water-borne illnesses can still affect us. Relatively recent outbreaks of the SARS virus and Legionnaires’ Disease come to mind as proof that improper plumbing and air-handling can serve as a breeding ground for major threats to public health.

Aside from thinking about the role of clean water and sanitation, it’s also good to think about the role that plumbers play in modern society. Plumbing may not seem like a glamorous job, and it’s not. But according to the World Health Organization, competent plumbers are responsible for a lot:

Plumbing is a trade, but it’s one that evolves over time. In some cases, modern plumbing codes are responses to changes in the way people live, the applications of new technologies and materials, and our impact on the areas in which we live. In other cases, plumbing codes are the products of the knowledge and experience plumbers gain when they handle both clean and dirty water. In still other cases, our plumbing reflects what we’ve learned about diseases, and how they spread in urban areas.

So, as World Plumbing Day approaches, spend some time thinking about the role of clean water and sanitation, and how much of a difference it makes in the lives of the 7 billion people we share our planet with.

If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing, heating or cooling systems, contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 anytime. We’re always available to help! Friend Boston Standard Plumbing on Facebook and don’t forget to celebrate World Plumbing Day on March 11.

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Best Toilet Brand? Consider This!

At Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating, we recommend the Toto brand toilets above other manufacturers, in part because Toto is the largest manufacturer of toilet fixtures in world today. Toto offers operational innovations that distinguish their fixtures from standard toilets and use less water per flush. Toto also offers a wide range of artistic fixture designs and colors that will enhance the visual appeal of a bathroom.

Toto offers a series of toilet fixtures that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An ADA-compliant fixture can allow older persons to stay in their homes more comfortably and safely for a longer period of time. The design of the fixture can assist people with sitting down and standing back up, two activities that can be notoriously difficult for the elderly and disabled.

One excellent reason consumers should be considering Toto brand is the issue of replacement parts. Toto fixtures in the GMax series use common replacement parts, while fixtures from other manufacturers like Kohler and American Standard use parts that are unique to each model of toilet. The use of common parts ensures that replacement parts are easily acquired and will be available for a long time, even if the particular model a consumer has installed is no longer manufactured.

Toto fixtures are priced comparably to toilets from other manufacturers, so you won’t spend a lot of extra cash to get a high-performance fixture that meets your needs, works well in your bathroom and is easily maintainable over time. Toto toilets also score well on Maximum Performance (MaP) testing. MaP performance testing was developed in 2003 to gauge the actual water efficiency of toilet fixtures using realistic testing media. MaP testing information is available for nearly 2,000 models of toilets and provides standard performance comparison measures. The results demonstrate how well a particular toilet design clears the bowl using a given amount of water and test flush material – an important consideration when toilet shopping!

If you’d like more information about Toto toilets, toilet selection or toilet installation, contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 anytime. We recommend Toto fixtures and can help you select the toilet that will work best for you.

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Boston Standard Plumbing Seals Up 2011 Angie's List Super Service Award!

Making Angie’s List is special because the service ratings are all customer-driven and completely unsolicited. Angie’s List is a member-driven organization whose mission is to provide unbiased rating information to homeowners and business owners nationwide. Unlike other ratings services, the reviews are not anonymous to the reader, so you can rely on the information you receive.

We work hard at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating to ensure that our customers get prompt, fast and accurate service, and that we meet their plumbing, heating and cooling needs. We’re delighted to have been selected by our customers as being one of the most value- and service-oriented plumbing, heating and cooling firms in the Boston area, and we’re motivated to deliver the superior service we’ve become known for in the Boston area in 2012!

We offer a wide range of services to help keep the plumbing, heating and cooling systems in Boston homes in good working order. We realize that many plumbing, heating and cooling jobs are unplanned, and are the result of an unexpected event. That’s why we offer true 24-hour on-call service for our customers.

In a plumbing or heating emergency, most local firms will route your call to an answering service. As licensed plumbing, heating and cooling professionals, we realize that time is often of the essence. That’s why you speak with a member of the Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating staff when you call us after hours for help. We keep our trucks stocked with a wide range of common (and uncommon) parts so we can usually respond to the problem immediately.

Offering genuine 24-hour emergency response services is just one of the many reasons our customers recommend us. Whether you need assistance with regular heating, cooling and plumbing maintenance, or you need a professional emergency response, you can rely on Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating. Call us anytime at (617) 288-2911 and let us show you why we’re one among the best in Boston.

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Boston Standard Plumbing Is A Trane Comfort Specialist

Within the last few months, Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating has become an authorized Trane Comfort Specialist, and that means we can bring a lot of high quality heating and cooling products and services to our Boston customers. We think Trane makes sense for our customers because Trane offers some significant benefits that you won’t find with other residential heating and cooling brands.

For example, Trane offers a product exchange policy that provides maximum customer protection. If you have a defective Trane unit installed, in most cases, Trane replaces the entire unit – not just the defective part. That’s a big bonus for customers because it means that you get a Trane unit that is “100%-right” right out of the gate.

Customers also get a parts and labor warranty that covers Trane products for up to 10 years. That kind of product and service guarantee is virtually unheard of in today’s residential heating and cooling trade.
Trane air conditioners are among the best in the business, largely because of Trane’s compressors. In air conditioning, the compressor is one of the primary components in the system. Most companies buy their compressors from a third party. Trane designs and builds its own compressors. What difference does that make to you, the customer? Since the performance of the unit relies on the compressor, Trane chooses to maintain strict control over its compressor design and manufacture. It’s probably no coincidence then, that Trane’s compressors are known to be the most durable in the industry.

Trane air conditioners are also distinguished by their coil designs. Most air conditioner coils are made from copper and have aluminum fins. If you know anything about chemistry, you know that dissimilar metals in certain circumstances undergo an electrochemical reaction that is irreparably destructive to the metals.

Trane uses a one-piece coil system that helps its products avoid electrolytic destruction. That design approach helps to reduce the number of mechanical connections in each Trane coil and also reduces the incidence of coolant leaks in Trane air conditioners. The single metal coil construction also withstands corrosion caused by the salty ocean air in the Boston area.

Trane takes the same care in design and engineering with its heating equipment, so with Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating and Trane, you know that you’re getting outstanding design, manufacture, installation and service.

If you would like more information about Trane products available through Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating, please give us a call at (617) 288-2911 anytime. Also, don’t forget to friend Boston Standard Plumbing on Facebook!

What's In Your Water Glass?

The cows were watered from a source known as Bubbly Creek, so named because the water bubbled from the methane and hydrogen sulfide in the water. The creek was also polluted from meat waste from the slaughterhouses. Even though the water was filtered, the cows – which arrived in Chicago from all over the Midwest – couldn’t gain weight. At the time, the City of Chicago wasn’t willing to supply the stockyards with municipal water, so the stockyard operators had to do something.

The stockyards contracted a New York firm to test the water in Bubbly Creek. Although the freshly filtered water was of acceptable quality and was treated with copper to inhibit the growth of algae, the firm noted that the bacteria count in the samples exploded within a short time of being drawn. The firm began experimenting with sanitizers to reduce the bacteria count in the Bubbly Creek water. After testing with a powdered chlorine compound known as “chloride of lime,” the Bubbly Creek water cleared to such quality that it was actually cleaner than the Chicago municipal water supply!

Other major cities, including Boston, began to chlorinate their municipal water supplies in an effort to fight typhoid fever and other water-borne illnesses. The sanitization of municipal water was so successful at fighting certain diseases that chlorination has become a standard mechanism to treat both municipal water and water where organic or biological contamination is suspected.

Pathogens still account for notable contamination in 25%-50% of rivers, streams, creeks and costal areas, but thanks to simple water treatments, most otherwise harmful contaminants are neutralized before they hit our taps. If you don’t like the chlorine taste in municipal water, you can buy inexpensive water filtration systems that attach to your tap and will successfully remove the chlorine and other chemicals prior to drinking.

If you would like more information on chlorine filtration systems for your kitchen tap, whole house water filtration systems or reverse osmosis water filters, please contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 anytime. Don’t forget to friend Boston Standard Plumbing on Facebook!

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Get Ready For Holiday Plumbing Emergencies

Drains: If you plan to have a large holiday gathering at your home, make sure your drains are running clearly before your guests arrive. Clogged drains can lead to sink overflows and unpleasant odors at a time when you need your plumbing to be in tip-top shape. Most drain clogs are made from organic matter – either food particles in kitchen drains or hair and soap buildup in the bathroom drains. Drain cleaners you buy in the stores contain lye and other harsh chemicals that can burn skin on contact. We recommend using a drain cleaning product called Bio-Clean. Bio-Clean is an enzymatic drain cleaner that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, but can clear organic matter in your drains. Add Bio-Clean to your drains the night before your guests arrive and your drains will run clear during your big event. We carry Bio-Clean. Please contact us for more information on this product.

Toilets: Toilet clogs usually don’t happen for the same reason that drain clogs do. Toilet clogs are usually the result of too much paper and material in the bowl. Inefficient siphoning can also result in clogs. You can’t really control what your guest do, but you can make sure that your toilet is in good working order before your company arrives. Check the operation of the flapper valve in your toilet and make sure your tank fills completely when you flush it. If you’re concerned about the volume of toilet paper in your bowl, or if your toilet typically doesn’t manage a lot of toilet paper well, consider replacing your premium toilet paper with paper that isn’t as thick to help ensure a proper flush.

Faucets: Faucets can start leaking, and leaks can get worse with increased use. If you have a leaking faucet, address it before your guests arrive. Some leaks can be fixed simply by tightening the connections or sealing joints with Teflon tape, but overtightening connections can actually break the fixture. If your fixture is leaking because it’s broken or cracked, replace it.

In the interest of prevention, check the local shut-off valves for each fixture. If the shutoff doesn’t work, or can’t be turned easily, replace it. Also check your dishwasher connections, including the drain hose to be sure water can enter and exit the appliance freely. As a final precaution, you should know how to shut off the main water valve in your home, and keep the number of your local plumber handy, just in case! In Boston, Boston Standard Plumbing offers 24-hour emergency service, including holiday service. Contact us at (617) 288-2911 anytime, and have a happy holiday season. Friend us on Facebook!
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