System Services

Installation of Surface Mounted Cabinet Complete With Fire Hose.

Did you know a leaky flapper is the most common toilet problem ?

Locating the Water Shutoff Valves In Your Home.

For all the pipes in your plumbing system, there are water shutoff valves controlling the flow of water. These valves will generally be closed off when repairs need to be made to your plumbing, in case of emergency, or when you will be away from home for an extended period. It’s important to know where the shutoff valves are in your home so that you can be prepared in case of breakages, issues, flooding, or other emergencies where you will need to shut off the water flow immediately.

CHECK YOUR VALVES

Luckily, main water shutoff valves can generally be found where the main water line enters your home, the area next to a washing machine hookup, or the area around the water heater, but it’s important that your other valves are located and in good working order in case of any emergencies. These valves can come in a variety of types depending on economic factors or the appliances the line connects to. Generally, valves will rotate to open and close, and these valve handles will be plastic, bronze, or steel. Plastic valves are economical, but if you check your valves and find plastic handles, you should consider upgrading to a more reliable option like stainless steel that will allow your valves to operate better and require less maintenance. Steel ball valves, most commonly used for main shutoff valves, are designed to turn on and off easily and feature lever handles, making it one of the most reliable valve options available.

SHUTTING OFF YOUR VALVES

Once you have located your valves, in the case of a running toilet, leaking fixture, or other plumbing issues, the appropriate valve will need to be turned off. Identifying the right valve for a particular appliance can be tricky, so here are some common shutoff valve locations to check for.

Under the Sink: Shutoff valves for many sinks are located in the cabinet underneath. Two valves should be located here, one for each temperature faucet, and since the valves are directly below the appliance, you can easily check these valves by turning on the faucets while the valves are shut off.Behind the Toilet: Below your toilet’s tank, at the base of the appliance, is a single shutoff valve for the toilet.Basement: For tubs and showers, shutoff valves can be much more difficult to find. These are usually located in the basement and can be hidden behind ceiling tiles or otherwise tricky to locate. If you’re having trouble locating the valve for your tub or shower, it’s a good idea to call a plumbing professional to check your valves. A washing machine’s valves are also located in the basement, though they are much easier to find. Like the sink, this appliance has one shutoff valve for hot water and one for cold water.

PREVENTING MOLD GROWTH IN YOUR BATHROOM:

Bathrooms tend to be warm places where water continuously flows. If you’re not careful to keep your bathrooms dry and thoroughly ventilated, you might find yourself battling mold. What is mold, and how does it spread? This article will discuss how it forms, why you should care about preventing mold growth in your bathroom, and what the solutions are.

WHAT IS MOLD ?

Mold is a kind of fungus that is found everywhere in nature, including your home. Mold tends to grow in moist, humid places. Bathrooms are the perfect environment for mold growth because moisture stays trapped in the area.

Mold can occur as a result of leaky faucets, pipes or flooding.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

Aside from being unsightly and possibly having a foul odor, mold can be extremely dangerous for your health. Some people are allergic to it, and research has found a link between mold and asthma attacks, other respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, sore throats, watery eyes, and even depression. It is also particularly dangerous for pets and children.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT MOLD ?

If you notice small amounts of mold growing in your home, you may be able to get rid of it before it gets out of hand. Considering the health risks, if you notice a substantial amount of mold somewhere in your home, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

If you don’t have a mold growth problem, you’re in luck! However, you should take steps to prevent future growth.

First and foremost, air circulation is crucial. When you get out of the shower, is the room filled with steam? Do you see condensation dripping down the mirror and walls? As cozy as it might feel, this is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Leave the bathroom door and windows open after you shower, and make sure the ventilation fan is working properly.

What about the grout? Grout is the material between tile. With the constant moisture and direct water it’s exposed to, it deteriorates and wears away over time. This leads to cracks and chips in the tile, making it more susceptible to mold growth. Make sure you schedule a routine check of your grout twice a year, to see if it needs to be repaired.

Last but not least, you should also make a point of checking the plumbing in your house once every few months to ensure there are no leaks, particularly under the sinks. Even a minor drip can lead to a nasty mold problem. Having a whole home plumbing inspectionensures your pipes are in good shape.