Blog

What Causes Drinking Water Contamination? Water quality is an important consideration for homeowners in the Greater Lynchburg area. Whether you get your drinking water from a well or your local municipal water system, it's important to regularly test your water to ensure it's safe and healthy to consume. Even if there are no noticeable changes in the taste, color or hardness of the water, unsafe levels of contamination may exist. While water treatment plants are required to meet EPA standards for contamination levels, it's up to homeowners to ensure that their well water is safe. Ground water contamination can occur from human activity such as agriculture, mining, and industrial production, as well as naturally occurring sources such as minerals and organic matter in the soil. Here are some of the things that can contaminate drinking water: Microorganisms Harmful microorganisms include viruses, cryptosporidium and giardia, all of which can lead to gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea, vomiting and cramps. Disinfection Byproducts Chlorite is a byproduct of drinking water disinfection. In can cause anemia and nervous system effects in infants and young children. Bromate and haloacetic acids are other byproducts of water treatment and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Inorganic Chemicals Inorganic chemicals include arsenic, asbestos, barium, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, mercury, nitrates and other chemicals. These contaminants can occur naturally in soil that comes in contact with water, as well as from industrial and agricultural byproducts. Even in very small quantities many organic chemicals can cause serious health problems. Organic Chemicals Organic chemicals include benzene, dioxine, toluene and other chemicals that can be found in industrial waste and agricultural pesticides and herbicides. If you're concerned about your home's drinking water, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. If water tests show that the water has elevated levels of contamination, or high mineral content causing hard water, we can provide effective solutions for cleaner water, including water softeners and whole home water treatment systems.

Choosing the Best Garbage Disposal Time to replace your old under sink garbage disposal? Not all disposals work the same way so it's important to choose the right model for your needs. There are a number of factors to consider, including durability, noise levels, price, and brand reputation. In this article we will focus on horsepower ratings. 1/3 Horsepower is the starting point for disposals, offering the lowest power and lowest cost. While they can seem like a bargain, we recommend avoiding low-power disposals. They will be more prone to jamming and are often made from lower quality components that wear out more quickly. 1/2 horsepower garbage disposals are the minimum rating recommended for a home disposal. They are widely available, affordable and compact enough to fit in tight spaces. If you don't use a disposal that often and don't mind the higher noise levels of a smaller disposal, a 1/2 horsepower unit may be a good option. Choose a disposal with stainless steel grinding components, as they will resist rusting and wear and tear longer, increasing the lifespan of the unit. For many households, a 3/4 horsepower disposal will work best. They have plenty of power to handle those large holiday gatherings and can safely grind potato peels, celery and more without complaint. While they require more space under the sink than lower power units, they are typically quieter than smaller units. Have a large family or do a lot of cooking and entertaining? Consider upgrading to a 1 horsepower disposal. They can handle just about anything you can throw at them. With a large grinding chamber and premium stainless steel components they make quick work of everything from chicken and fish bones to fruit rinds. 1 horsepower units are the top-of-the-line, but just make sure you have the space under your sink! Whatever size unit you decide to purchase, it's important to always run lots of water when grinding waste to ensure that residue does not build up inside the grinding chamber, which can reduce the effectiveness of the disposal and cause corrosion. Have questions about selecting the right garbage disposal for your kitchen? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We can help you choose the right disposal for your needs.

Why Isn't There Enough Hot Water? Your water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, second only to your heating and air conditioning system in total energy usage. If you have noticed that the water temperature is no longer hot enough, or you're running out of hot water too soon, there are a few possible causes. 1. The Thermostat Is Set Too Low The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting a tank-based hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Check to see if the thermostat has been set lower than the recommended temperature. If there are young children or elderly residents in the home, we recommend never raising the temperature above 120 degrees. Setting the temperature any higher increases the risk of scalding. 2. The Water Heater Is Malfunctioning Water heater problems often occur when these systems are not working correctly: Thermal switch Thermostat Heating element A licensed plumber can inspect the water heater and repair or replace the parts as needed. 3. The Dip Tube Is Broken Cold water enters the water heater through a tube at the top of the tank. The tube directs the cold water to the bottom of the tank where the heating element is located. If the tube is broken, the cold water will remain at the top of the tank, where the hot water outlet is located, preventing the water from fully heating. Your plumber can inspect the dip tube to ensure it is working correctly. 4. Sediment Has Built Up at the Bottom of the Tank Over time, minerals in the water can build up at the bottom of the water heater tank where the burner is located. This will cause a gradual reduction in heating efficiency and eventually lower water temperature. Flushing the tank annually, or on the schedule recommended by the water heater manufacturer, will prevent sediment build up and energy loss. 5. The Water Heater Is Located Too Far From Where Hot Water Is Needed. If you have to run the tap for a long time before the water heats up, or the water never gets hot enough, the problem could be that hot water tank is too far from where it's needed. During the winter in particular, pipes will cool the hot water before it reaches the tap where it's needed. Insulating the pipes and the water heater tank can help reduce heat loss. 6. The Tank Is Undersized A tank that is too small to supply your household with enough hot water will run continuously and never be able to meet the demand. Besides switching to a larger tank, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters heat water only when it's needed to efficiently provide a virtually endless supply of hot water. Not enough hot water? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We find the cause of the problem and recommend solutions to help keep the hot water flowing.

Plumbing Checklist For Spring Spring is a good time to inspect your home's plumbing to identify any problems that could lead to water damage, wasted energy, and unsafe conditions in your home. We have put together a list of plumbing systems to check inside and outside your home. Check the faucet for drips Check under the sink for signs of water leaks, including water stains or mold Inspect the operation of the disposal. Does it sound louder than it should? Do the kitchen drains empty quickly, or do they need cleaning? Check behind the refrigerator for water that could indicate the ice maker is leaking Check for drips and leaks around toilets Check for cracks in the toilet tank and bowl To see if the toilet is leaking, add several drops of food coloring to the tank. Check the toilet bowl 30 minutes later. If the water has become colored, there is a leak. Does the toilet run for longer than it should or does the handle need to be held down to empty completely? Check drains by filling sinks, tubs and showers with water. Do they drain quickly? Check faucets and shower heads for mineral build-up. Fixtures can be soaked in vinegar overnight to removed mineral deposits. If plumbing fixtures are not used for long periods of time, exercise faucets and valves under sinks and toilets to prevent sticking. Check the water heater thermostat. It should be set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. Flush the water heater tank to remove sediment at the bottom of the tank that can reduce efficiency and lead to corrosion. Check your water heater manual for the proper procedure for draining and maintaining the unit. If the water heater is over 12 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Ensure there are no flammable liquids stored near the water heater. Is the water pressure consistent throughout the house? Check washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or other signs of wear. We recommend using braided stainless steel hoses. Pour a bucket of water into floor drains to refill the trap and prevent sewer odors. Check for signs of water leaks around ceilings, walls and under sinks Ensure that plumbing vents outside the home are free of obstructions such as bird nests and debris. Check that the sump pump is working properly by pouring a bucket of water in the pump pit. The pump should turn on and drain the water away. Check outside faucets for leaks If your plumbing inspection turns up any problems, Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical can help with all your plumbing repair and installation needs.