May
14
Water Saving Toilets
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You just bought a house. It’s 40 years old, great neighborhood, beautiful landscaping – and it needs a little TLC. Where do you start?
The best place to start is with quick fixes that can give you the biggest return for your investment.
Many of the older homes on the market still have old toilets in place. Old toilets use about 5 gallons per flush. Considering a normal person flushes a toilet around seven times per day, a family of four can quickly consume 140 gallons or more every day.
Because your toilet is the biggest user of water in your home, it makes sense to start there.
Due to today’s standards and laws, the typical water saving toilets now average 1.6 gallons or less per flush – significantly less than previous standards. Because of the savings in water usage, it’s easy to see that with a simple replacement, you can begin reaping the benefits immediately.
Add in the current rebates offered by Colorado’s local water companies, it becomes an even easier choice.
Denver Water Rebate
Castle Rock Water Rebate
Aurora Water Rebate
Colorado Springs Water Rebate
[Ready to upgrade to water saving toilets? Quality 1st Plumbing is here to help you conserve water, and help you with all your plumbing needs.]
Dec
4
10 Facts About Plumbing Faucets
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1. Fix or replace? If you have a leaky faucet, fix or replace it as soon as possible. A leaky faucet with a 
drip of about 1 per second equals about 5 gallons of wasted water every day.
2. Solid brass faucets last the longest and require the least care, especially with hard water that corrodes other softer metals.
3. Faucets with die cast zinc alloy bodies cost less than their solid brass counterparts, deliver good durability, but may need replacing more often due to corrosion.
4. Different sinks require different sized faucets. Faucets can be mounted with one, two or three holes in the sink, and can have a span of anywhere from 4 to 12 inches between the holds. Your faucet has to match the style of sink in order to be properly connected.
5. Discount stores may offer a wide selection, but they can’t provide customization. Your local plumber can help match any style or theme within your home, and may have suppliers that can provide unique faucets at low prices. Your plumber will also have insight as to the quality of certain faucets, and help you choose the right fixture for you lifestyle.
6. Handles come in many style, including single and double handle models. Choose one that’s right for your lifestyle, and feels good to the touch.
7. Faucets have many different options. From spray in spout models, to antique finishes, to filtered water possibilities, the ideas are endless.
8. Most of today’s faucet designs are of a ceramic disk valve construction. Two ceramic disks control water flow: one is stationary; the other moves to open or block the water flow. The disks form an airtight seal when locked together.
9. Faucets with the WaterSense label can save you around 500 gallons of water per year over traditional faucets.
10. Consider installing a faucet that delivers instant hot water. It’s great in the kitchen for cooking, and for coffee and tea.
May
1
Repairing Your Hot Water Boiler
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In Colorado, we use a variety of methods to heat our homes. A hot
water boiler is an appliance used to heat water, and send it through a hydronic heating system. The hot water is then distributed through the home in pipes, either through a radiator system, or through a baseboard convector system.
While using a hot water boiler system is an efficient way to heat your home, like any appliance, there are occasional needs for maintenance and repair.
Poor Heating Performance
Occasionally the system may appear to not heat up to temperature properly. Sudden changes are often caused by improper water levels in the boiler, while a more gradual problem may be due to mineral deposits in the boiler or heat exchanger. The system may need to have water added, or to have the system flushed and cleaned.
Water Leakage Around The Boiler
This could be caused by a faulty pump, a faulty pressure relief valve, or leaking in the water pipe connection. Most of these repairs can be handled easily by your local plumber. Your plumber will determine the root cause of the problem, and correct it to eliminate further water leakage, and return your system to normal function.
Noisy Pipes
Noise in the pipes is a sign of a growing problem, one that should be fixed quickly to avoid further damage. Possible problems include a faulty circulator pump, or water trapped in the return lines. The circulator has a spring-loaded coupling that connects the pump to the motor. When the pump jams, this coupling may break, causing a load noise as the motor runs. Over time, the pitch in the return lines may change, causing the water to become trapped. Adjusting the pitch of the return lines or the radiator will usually fix the problem and stop the noise.
Apr
10
Should I fix my current faucet, or should I replace it with a water-conserving fixture?
I’ve heard the newest water-saving toilets don’t work well, is that true? 
Should I attempt to replace my current bathroom fixtures myself, or hire it done?
When it comes to plumbing questions, we know you face a variety of situations throughout the year.
For many plumbing fixtures, they can be replaced in an hour or two, depending on your level of experience and providing you have the proper tools and supplies on hand. It all comes down to how much time you choose to dedicate to doing your own home repair.
What is the pay back for water-conserving fixtures?
If your water comes from a municipal system, you’ll reap the rewards fairly quickly. With some plumbing fixtures, you can save a substantial amount of water in a very short period of time. If your water supply comes from a well system, you will see savings both in the amount of water you consume, and in the wear and tear on your pump.
Payback depends on how often you use your various plumbing fixtures throughout the day. Reducing a toilet from 5 gallons to 1.6 gallons per flush can save many gallons per day, especially for a larger family. Shower heads and faucets can reduce the flow from 5 gallons per minute to 3 gallons and less. Quickly do the math, and you can see your savings is substantial.
Talking about water conservation and actually implementing it are two different things. If you aren’t sure where to start, have questions about the best equipment, or just don’t have the time for installation, your local plumber can help. They’ll provide all these services and more.
Apr
3
Fixing A Leaky Faucet
Filed Under Plumbing Fixtures, Plumbing Tips | 1 Comment
A faucet that drips just once per minute will 
waste over 4 gallons of water every month, and over 52 gallons per year.
While once per minute may not seem like much, its easy to see how it adds up over time.
Faucets come in two different designs, washer-type or compression, and washerless.
To repair a washer-type faucet, first turn off the water supply either through the shutoff valve beneath the fixture, or at the main shutoff valve for the house water supply. Take the faucet apart. Washer type faucets work with a rubber washer that closes onto a metal washer seat. This rubber washer can harden or worn, causing the faucet to leak. Check for signs of damage and replace if necessary. Another common cause of leakage is the stem of the faucet. If the threads are badly corroded or worn, it may be time to replace it.
A leak in a washerless faucet usually means the faucet needs replacing. It is a sign that the parts aren’t working properly, and simply need to be replaced. In some cases, a prepackaged repair kit may be available, depending on the type and style of faucet you have.
If you have noticed a leak, finding the time to fix the problem can also be a chore. A plumber can assist you in finding the problem. Or if you’ve purchased a new faucet, and can’t find the time to install it, a plumber can have it quickly installed for you.
Mar
26
In 1995, the National Energy Policy Act mandated that all new toilets installed 
were required to use 1.6 gallons of water or less. As water efficiency and green initiatives continue to be a top concern for many, other plumbing fixtures have also been adapted to conserve water.
- The toilet continues to be at the top of the list for efficiency. Reducing a flush from as high as 7 gallons down to the 1.6 gallons of water can save thousands of gallons per year.
- Conventional water faucets increase water usage with the amount of pressure you desire. With new technology, you can now receive the same amount of water pressure, regardless of the amount of water used. Low flow faucet aerators can cut water usage from as much as 4 gallons per minute down to around 2 ½.
- Showerheads use similar aerator technology, and often have multiple flow settings, allowing you to control the amount of water used in each shower. A low flow shower head uses around 2 ½ gallons of water per minute, compared to up to 5 gallons per minute used by conventional shower heads.
The key to conserving is being aware of how much water you use, and controlling your usage as much as possible. A green plumber can help your home function at a much lower water rate. Call for your energy audit today.
Feb
2
Plumbing Disasters: Broken Faucets
Filed Under Colorado Plumbing, Plumbing Fixtures | Leave a Comment
You hear about the disasters on television, or from your friends and family. As a plumber, it’s amazing some of the things we see. This past weekend I went searching through photo sharing sites like Flickr to see what I could find on broken faucets. This is a collection of photographs that showcase broken faucets.
Quality 1st Plumbing provides you with quality plumbing services, and a green approach to plumbing within your home or commercial location. If you are in the Denver Metro region of Colorado, Quality 1st Plumbing can help you with your broken faucets, repair and upgrades, or even help you go green with your plumbing.
Jan
30
How To Fix Your Toilet
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At some point in time, you will have a problem with your toilet. 
Whether it’s a stopped up toilet, a toilet that doesn’t flush completely, one that fills slowly, or one that runs constantly. Here’s a list of fixes and troubleshooting items to help with a fix.
The Stopped Up Toilet
This is by far the most common problem. And the best way to solve it is by using a plunger. Set the rubber end on to the bottom of the bowl, creating a seal around the hole. Plunge in and pull back out several times, maintaining the seal. When you remove the plunger, the water should return to its normal level.
If plunging doesn’t work, it may be time to clear the blockage with a toilet auger. You can rent one, or trust your local plumber to help you quickly and efficiently.
The Toilet That Doesn’t Flush Completely
Many of the low flow toilets have actually led to flushing several times, or not keeping the bowl filled and operating properly.
Start by checking the entry, or filling holes located under the rim of the toilet. Make sure they remain clean and open. Also check the flapper and make sure it’s in good working condition. Adjust the chain if there is slack.
The Constantly Running Toilet
If the toilet is running constantly, it may be due to water running into the overflow tube. Try adjusting the ballcock or float cup, which has an adjustment clip that can be lowered. If its still running after adjustment, check the overflow tube, and verify the refill tube isn’t draining into it.
If all of this appears to be working, it may be a defective fill valve seal. Your local plumber can help you repair or replace the needed parts.
While some plumbing repairs can be weekend do-it-yourself projects, some things are far easier to have a professional plumber provide the service. They can save you unlimited trips to the hardware store looking for the right parts. They can be in and out in a short period of time, and provide the right service with the right parts. Quality 1st Plumbing will help you fix the problem the first time, every time.
Jan
14
Step One
Turn off the water supply to the leaky faucet. 
In newer homes, water shutoffs are often located under the sink. In older hoes, there may only be one shutoff for the entire house.
Step Two
Open the faucet and drain out any access water within the pipes.
Step Three
Cover the drain with a plug or a towel. As you take apart the faucet, many of the parts are small, and you don’t want to lose pieces down the drain.
Step Four
Remove the faucet handle. Most handles are attached with a screw hidden by a decorative cap.
Step Five
Take apart the workings of the faucet and determine which part is in need of repair or replacement.
While some home repairs may be easy to find and fix on your own, others may take a great deal of time out of your busy day or weekend. Consider calling Quality 1st Plumbing to help keep your home in top shape, and avoid water waste and higher utility bills with a simple home maintenance schedule.
Dec
12
How To Choose A Toilet
Filed Under DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Fixtures | 1 Comment
Okay, so maybe it’s not something you think of everyday. But it is something you use everyday.
In 1994, the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 went into effect for all residential toilets, requiring that all toilets made and sold in the U.S. meet water efficiency standards. Those standards set the upper limit of a single flush at 1.6 gallons of water.
So while you don’t have a choice as to the flush capacity, you do have choices in design.
Shape
Toilets are available with either an elongated front or a round front. Round front bowls are shorter in length than elongated bowls, and are suitable for smaller, more compact spaces.
Toilets can either be one piece or two. A one piece toilet provides a seamless look, where the tank and the bowl are seamed together. It has a smoother appearance and is easier to clean. Two piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl. They are usually less stylish and less expensive.
Flushing System
Today’s toilets are either gravity fed or pressure assisted. Gravity fed toilets use water to push everything from the tank into the bowl, then back up through an S shaped trap, where pull action empties the bowl and finishes the flush. Pressure assisted toilets fills the tank with water and air, forcing the water into the bowl with a pressurized release. In general, a pressure assisted toilet till be noisier and tougher to repair than their gravity fed counterpart.
Appearance
Proper function is paramount in making your decision. At the same time, the appearance also plays a part in your selection. Many models, styles and color choices are available in a variety of sizes. Visiting your local hardware store can provide you with a starting point. Also ask your plumber, who will have a variety of options and choices for you as well.
Blogroll
- Quality 1st Plumbing website - Quality 1st Plumbing website
- Troubleshooter - Tom Martino – The Trouble Shooter
- WaterSense