Water Filtration Systems: Are They Worth It?

3 Reasons Why A Home Should Have Water Filtration

Many people have heard about some type of water filtration system. Because of the wide variety of water filters available, it may be overwhelming to know where to start. There are many advantages to having a home water filtration system, and this blog discusses some of the benefits of filtered water. If homeowners are unsure which water filtration system will work best for their home, they can contact a trusted local plumber for more information.

Not Only is Filtered Water Safer, But It Tastes Better Too

water People often talk about how drinking water tastes different in different parts of the country. This is actually due to contaminants and minerals dissolved in the water. Water filtration systems help remove impurities and chemicals, making the water taste more pleasant and safer to drink. A reverse osmosis system is very effective at removing contaminants such as heavy metals. The system forces water through a membrane to remove pollutants and minerals. Here are a few of the things that such a system may remove:

  • Bacteria
  • Copper
  • Sodium
  • Chromium
  • Chlorine
  • Lead
  • Calcium
  • Fluoride
  • Radium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorous
  • Arsenic

Monetary Savings

saveIt is sometimes necessary to spend money to save money. This is true for water filtration. Even a cheap grocery store package of bottled water can cost more than five dollars, which adds up. The cost of a water filter is more than a bottle of water, but purchasing one saves money in the long run in the following ways: 

  • No More Bottled Water: With a home water filter, there would be no need to purchase bottled water anymore. This can save huge amounts of money over time.
  • Reduces Chances of Plumbing Problems: Certain water filters can remove minerals and corrosive materials that can cause buildup on the inside of pipes or cause corrosion. Leaks and clogs can be the result. Water that is free of these things will put less stress on the plumbing system, making repairs less likely.

Saving the Planet One Glass At A Time

Eliminating the use of plastic water bottles in a home is a great way to save money, but more importantly, it helps the environment. Plastic, though recyclable, is often not recycled. Up to 86% of the plastic water bottles discarded in the US go into the garbage instead of being recycled. 

They typically end up in landfills and often in the ocean, where it contributes to plastics killing more than a million sea creatures annually. Even the production of water bottles is based on fossil fuels, further contributing to pollution and global warming.  

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a veteran-owned and family-owned and operated company serving Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas since 1981. They offer same-day service, financing, and live answers 24/7. Call them today for water filtration systems in Sacramento, CA

Learn About Water Heaters - Basics 101

What Homeowners Need to Know About Their Water Heater

Homeowners should know the types of water heaters available and what size and type are best for their homes. The size of the water heater should be based on the number of people in the household and their typical hot water usage. The type of water heater is more of a personal preference. Homeowners should also know the maintenance required to keep their water heater functioning properly.

Types of Water Heaters

types of water heatersThere are various water heaters on the market, each with its own pros and cons. Gas water heaters are probably the most common type. They work by burning natural gas to create heat, warming the water heater and water inside.

Electric water heaters use electricity to warm the water inside the tank. Tankless water heaters are a newer type of water heater that doesn’t use a typical tank. Instead of keeping a large tank of water warm, they heat the water as needed, saving money on utility bills.

No matter which type of water heater someone chooses, it’s important to have it professionally installed to ensure that it works properly and doesn’t pose any safety risks. They should also have the water heater regularly serviced to keep it in good condition and help prevent problems.

How Are Water Heaters Maintained

Regular water heater maintenance is required to keep the water heater working well. It involves draining the tank and ensuring the anode rod is in good condition, replacing it if needed.

Flushing the water heater tank ensures everything works well by removing the sediment inside and catching problems before they worsen. It’s recommended to have the tank drained at least once a year.

Professionals check the anode rod to see if it is still in good condition. The anode rod helps to protect the water heater from corrosion, so if it’s not in good condition, the water heater could rust.

How to Tell the Water Heater Needs Repair

water heater repairThere are a few things to look for when determining if the water heater needs to be repaired. One of the most obvious signs of trouble is leaks. If water is leaking from the water heater, this is a clear sign it needs repair. Additionally, if the water is too hot or too cold, this could also be a sign that the water heater needs attention.

Another common issue that may indicate the need for water heater repair is pilot light problems. If the pilot light keeps going out or flickering, this could be a sign of a problem. Homeowners should always consult a professional if they notice signs of water heater issues.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

The team at 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling has been serving Rancho Cordova, CA, and the surrounding areas since 1981. They provide same-day service, financing, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for water heater services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

3 Key Benefits of Calling a Professional Plumber for Repairs

Why It’s Better To Call a Pro for Plumbing Repair

When a plumbing problem strikes, most homeowners aren’t thrilled by the thought of shelling out for a plumber. DIY plumbing repair may seem like the lesser of two evils for many people—however, most who take that route end up regretting it. 

The truth is, hiring a professional plumber can be very beneficial for homeowners. This article will explain why hiring a pro for plumbing work is one of the best things homeowners can do for their homes, their wallets, and their sanity!

Save Money and Avoid Mistakes

diyMost people take the DIY route because they want to save money. It’s a logical thought, but unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. Without the training and expertise that a professional has, a well-meaning DIYer is much more likely to make a mistake that damages the plumbing system or the home itself, leading to more expensive repairs. Or they might simply misdiagnose the problem and needlessly spend money repairing the wrong thing.

Some of the tools that professional plumbers use are rare and expensive. The cost of special pipe wrenches or cutters can add up, and some more advanced equipment like leak detection instruments and hydro-jetting machines are very expensive. Professionals already have these tools on hand and the training required to use them properly. For these reasons, hiring a pro tends to cost less in the long run!

Save Time and Skip the Headache

time Not only do DIY plumbing projects tend to cost much more than expected, but they also tend to take much longer and be much more stressful. Especially if attempting to tackle a specific repair for the first time, the learning curve can be rough and time-consuming. It’s always best to do plenty of research and go slow to avoid mistakes, but not everyone has that much time to spare - especially if the whole home’s water needs to be shut off for the duration of the repairs!

On the other hand, a professional plumber already knows how to perform virtually any repair. Chances are, they’ve done it more times than they can count, so they can get it done quickly, efficiently, and without mistakes. A pro can also provide tips and insights to help homeowners maintain their plumbing systems and prevent future issues.

Enjoy the Peace of Mind That Only a Pro Can Offer

Perhaps the biggest advantage of hiring a local plumber instead of going the DIY route is the sense of security and confidence that comes from having a licensed and insured professional on the job. A licensed pro will be up to date on the latest plumbing codes and certified to work on any plumbing system.

With an insured plumbing company, homeowners will be financially protected if anything goes wrong during the repairs, resulting in injury or property damage. With a licensed and insured plumbing company, homeowners can rest easy knowing that their home and plumbing system is in good hands!

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated company with over 30 years of experience serving the community of Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, 24/7 live answers, and a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Sacramento, CA.

How to Prevent Plumbing Issues This Summer

Prevent These Common Summer Plumbing Disasters

The summer is a great time for enjoying outdoor activities such as grilling burgers at a family cookout or lounging around a backyard pool. The summer also poses a unique set of challenges for the home plumbing system. Our expert plumbers share tips for preventing common summer plumbing disasters in this blog post. 

All home plumbing fixtures and drains are connected via pipes that lead to the main water and sewer lines. Plumbing issues like a burst pipe or sewer line clog can affect the whole home’s plumbing and ruin summer fun. Costly plumbing repairs could slash the family vacation fund if homeowners are not careful in preventing common summer plumbing problems. 

Inspect Plumbing for Signs of Damage

leakDoing routine maintenance on the plumbing system can go a long way in protecting the longevity of the pipes and plumbing fixtures during the busy summer months. Homeowners should inspect their plumbing systems regularly to look for signs of damage, such as pipe leaks or cracks in plumbing fixtures. 

Catching and fixing small problems early on before they develop into big issues will help prevent plumbing disasters. A small plumbing leak could cause extensive property damage if left alone for too long. Burst pipes are hazardous for multiple reasons, including causing the growth of mold indoors and causing electrical issues if the water reaches electrical wiring. 

Do Not Put Cooking Oil or Grease Down the Drain

oilGrilling outside is a beloved summer activity, but cookouts often cause tough plumbing clogs due to food and cooking oil being washed down the drain. After a cookout, the disposal of cooking oil, animal fat, or grease by pouring it down the drain can result in a nasty pipe clog. Cooking oils can become coated on the side of the pipes and harden as they cool. As food and other debris wash down the drain, they can become lodged in the oily residue until a severe clog forms. 

The best way to dispose of cooking grease is to put it in a disposable container and throw it in the trashcan. A pipe clog can be costly and dangerous to fix if it results in a burst pipe, so get into the habit of properly disposing of cooking oils. 

Flush Drains Regularly for Clog Prevention

Homeowners can request professional drain cleaning services from their local plumber during annual maintenance appointments to prevent clogs from forming. There are also some DIY drain cleaning methods that homeowners can use to prevent clogs. 

One method homeowners can use to keep their drains clean is pouring boiling water down the drain. After pouring the hot water directly into the drain, homeowners should cover it to allow the hot steam to soften any clogs. Sometimes hot water alone is not enough to soften tough clogs. However, boiling water should not be used in homes with PVC pipes as the heat can damage them. 

Plumbers do not recommend liquid drain cleaners because of the harsh chemicals. These chemicals are dangerous to touch or inhale. Instead of using a liquid drain cleaner, homeowners can try putting a cup of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to produce a chemical reaction that can clear or prevent clogs naturally. 

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a veteran and family-owned and operated company with over 40 years of experience serving the community of Rancho Cordova, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, financing, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for plumbing services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

Who Should You Call for Sewer Line Repair in Sacramento?

How to Find the Right Sewer Line Repair Company

There’s nothing quite intimidating to a homeowner as a sewer line problem. It isn’t an issue with an individual pipe coming from a shower or sink, affecting only one fixture. Sewer line issues can affect the entire home and cause serious damage‌. It can also quickly become unsanitary, as the sewer line gets rid of the home’s waste. When a sewer line is broken, waste material often leaks out of the pipe and into the yard or the ground around the foundation. Sewer line repair needs to be performed by professionals, but how should homeowners find the right expert for the job? Read on to find out. 

Why Use a Professional?plumber

Many homeowners may consider tackling the sewer line repair job themselves, but it is a job best left to the professionals. It’s not as easy as accessing a leaking pipe in the house and repairing it. Finding the leak’s source can be difficult without the right equipment and know-how. 

Sometimes a broken sewer pipe will need to be excavated, digging up several feet of dirt to access and repair it. This is time-consuming and dangerous for those who don’t know how to do this safely. Doing this wrong can further damage the pipe, turning a minor repair job into a major one. Plus, professionals can often perform sewer line repair without digging up the yard, using special techniques and equipment. 

A Bit of Research Goes a Long Way

read reviews
Once homeowners decide to hire a professional, there are a few things to look for to determine the best company for the job. This means a little bit of research. It helps to ask if friends and neighbors can recommend a professional sewer line repair company. Online reviews can also be helpful, taking the best and worst reviews with a grain of salt to get a feel for the average service provided by a given company. 

It’s also important for homeowners to only use a licensed and insured sewer line repair company. The license means that they have met the local requirements and stay updated on best practices and techniques. Insured companies are important because they protect both the homeowners and the company employees in worst-case scenarios.  

Call and Ask

Homeowners can narrow down their options of sewer line repair companies using the tactics above. Once they find a company that looks good, the next step is calling and talking to someone there. This is the best time to ask questions about the service, including whether they do trenchless sewer line repair, which is often faster and more cost-efficient than methods that require digging a trench. 

Once these questions are answered to satisfaction, it’s good to schedule a consultation to determine an estimate for the repair. A broken or leaking sewer line should not be put off, so finding a professional company quickly is essential to get the repair done before it causes any more damage. 

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a veteran-owned and family-owned, and operated company proudly serving the Sacramento, CA area since 1981. They provide same-day service, financing, and 24/7 live answers. A lifetime guarantee backs their work, so call them today for sewer line repair in Rancho Cordova, CA.