Temperatures are beginning to rise in northern Nevada, trees are blossoming, and the birds are chirping! Winterizing your home is essential for its protection during the cold-weather season. However, during Spring, it is critical to prep your home for the rising temperatures and increased water pressure. Here are some homeowner’s tips for Spring to ensure your home and its water piping systems are operating at their full potential!
Sump pumps help prevent groundwater from getting into your basement or crawl space. Inspect your sump pump for proper functionality by running water through it. Fill your sump pump with enough water for the float switch to turn on. If it is properly working, the water level will lower. If it doesn’t turn on, you may have a faulty switch. We can help with this! Also, inspect your sewage ejector for proper operation. Pumps should turn quickly, discharge water, and turn off quickly.
These appliances do a lot of work for your home and have many hose attachments. Check for any weakness or cracks in the hoses for replacement. Also, check the dishwater drain hose and door gasket for signs of leaks or cracks. If your appliances’ hoses are over ten years old, it may be time to replace them.
Make sure your toilets flush correctly. Are you having trouble using the handle? To check if you have a toilet leak, you can drop a few drops of food coloring (any color except red) into the tank and wait an hour to see if the bowl water changes color. If you see color in the bowl, you have a toilet leak, and we are here to help you fix that! Also, check if the rubber flappers are worn from sitting in water and need replacing.
Check for soap, food, and hair buildups in your kitchen and bathroom drains. Removing small clogs can help prevent blockages that require professional removal. Replace or add new drain traps for future prevention; these simple improvements can help save water and money. Check the piping under your sinks, and if there are any cracks or leaks in the pipes, these will need to be replaced to prevent further water damage.
Locate your main water line that connects to your outdoor plumbing and turn it back on.
If you’re in the market for an upgrade, consider installing an app-controlled smart water valve, like the MOEN FLO. You will have the convenience of turning on/off your water line from your smartphone or tablet. If you are interested in installing the MOEN FLO for your home, visit savageandson.com/showroom for more information or contact us at (775) 828-4193.
Check the water meter before going to bed and recheck it in the morning. Installing a Water Management tool like the MOEN FLO can help you determine if you have a leak at your home, all from an app on your phone. Homeowners with this device can turn off the main water line straight from their smartphone or tablet! According to Angie’s List, “a slow drip from an outdoor spigot can add up to 20 gallons of water a day or 500 gallons a month.” Check for debris in plumbing vents, yard drains, gutters, downspouts, and sprinkler systems, and inspect your hoses for expansion before performing a test run of your outdoor faucets. Check sprinklers for signs of leaks, adjust for proper coverage, and adjust the sprinkler clock to account for extra daylight. Check out these tips for checking for yard leaks from Angi.
Check for leaks; this can sometimes happen in colder Winter climates (like Northern Nevada) if hoses have been left on the hose bib during the winter months. It can even occasionally freeze the supply pipe and crack during expansion after the pipe thaws out. This pipe can continue to leak and could be damaging to your home. If you are experiencing this, we recommend you call us to help resolve the issue ASAP!
As the temperatures warm up, you’ll want to check your irrigation system for leaks and cracks. Let us know if you see any Winter cracks in your vacuum breaker or backflow assembly, and we can help you repair it or install a new one! Just email us a picture at service@savageandson.com.
Truckee Meadows Water Authority has a helpful guide to turning your irrigation system after winter. “After you have done the preliminary steps for turning your system back on, watch the low-flow indicator on your water meter. If it is still, no water is being leaked. If the low-flow indicator is moving, first, ensure no water is being used within the home. Then, at the vertical valve and drain sleeves, ensure there is no water filling either sleeve. Next, check your backflow to be sure there is no water dripping from the flat handles, the test cock screws, or the black bonnet (pressure vacuum breaker) located at the top of the assembly. Finally, be sure the drain in your irrigation control valve box was closed snugly, and there is no water dripping (TMWA)”.
Little blockages from minerals in the water could collect in your shower head and will cause water pressure issues. Check out these helpful tips for removing them with vinegar from our previous Homeowner’s Tip blogs!
Ensure that your Water Heater’s temperature is not set above 120 degrees. It will save your skin and dollars on your energy bill! Spring is also a good time to drain the sediment from your water heater; sediment can cause corrosion and lower your tank’s efficiency. Check out this guide from Angi for tips for draining and flushing your water heater.
Maintaining a functioning home takes dedicated work; we hope these tips prove helpful! If you are experiencing slowing drains, cracked or damaged pipes, or leaks around your property, we will always be here to help you.
Water Heaters are the type of household equipment that you don’t think about until it isn’t working, and usually, it’s when you need it most. Our company has evolved with the times and growth of northern Nevada and the Sierra, and we’ve been helping keep homes warm and the water flowing hot and cold since for over 129 years. We repair and install both residential and commercial tank and tankless water heaters.
Have you been experiencing issues or multiple repairs to your water heaters? Do you even know how old your water heater is? If your water heater is more than ten years old, it’s definitely time to consider investing in a new water heater.
Determining the Age of Your Water Heater:
A standard water heater will typically have a life span from about 8-10 years, depending on which make and model. Angi has a helpful list for determining the age of your water heater at home.
“It’s crucial to know the age of your water heater. Find the age by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker on the upper portion of the water heater. The serial number contains the date that the water heater was manufactured. But it won’t look the way a date is normally written. Instead, the serial number will have a date code such as “F051052638”.
F is for the month, and F is the sixth letter in the alphabet, so it represents the sixth month, June. Next, the first two digits of the serial number are 05, which represents the year, 2005. So this water heater was made in June 2005. Each manufacturer has a similar date code, and they can vary; check the manufacturer’s website to learn more.”
Most people will not know if their water heater is about to fail.
Here are some symptoms that you will need a water heater replacement or repair:
Benefits of a well-working Water Heater: There are obvious benefits to having a functioning water heater, you will save money and energy in your home, have hot water when needed, and reduce the risk of leaks and further damage to your home.
Saving Energy and Money: Most water heaters carry an ENERGY STAR® certification. Some water heaters can be programmed only to operate when needed, saving energy and work in high efficiency. These models may have a higher cost, but your return on investment will be appreciated in the long run.
Always Hire a professional – Nowadays you can shop online, watch Youtube, or get a new water heater from a big box store to install it yourself, and it’s really tempting. But installing a water heater yourself can cause serious risks to you, your home, or business. You can relax and let one of our professional technicians install it for you – because peace of mind is priceless! We stand by our work and do it right the first time; you can take one more thing to do of your list and know that Savage and Son has you covered.
As the winter months quickly approach, make sure you are aware of the age of your water heater, know the symptoms of a failing water heater, and if it requires repair or replacement, just know that Savage and Son will be there to help you find the right model for your home and budget. Our skilled technicians will ensure that it’s installed correctly, honestly, and efficiently – because that’s the Savage Way, and it has been since 1893!
Give us a call at (775) 828-4193 to discuss your options for a new water heater or repairs on your existing model! We repair and install all makes and models for all residential and commercial tanks and tankless water heaters.
For homes in the Reno/Sparks and Lake Tahoe area, it’s impossible to forecast how intense the winter season will be, so it is always essential to take precautions that can prevent pipes bursting in your full-time or vacation home.
If you plan to leave your house for an extended vacation or leave it vacant for the winter, it is vital to get your home’s pipes winterized. Our skilled technicians can help you get it your pipes insulated and your home winterized so you can feel confident that it was done safely and correctly for the season.
If you turn on your pipes and nothing comes out, there is a major problem happening with your home’s pipes. Turn it off, and call us right away, we have 24/7 Emergency Services that will always be there to assist you when needed, that’s the Savage Way!
We’ve been solving plumbing issues since 1893, and we’re here to help you, call us today at (775) 828-4193!
While our homes are protecting us, they are exposed to all of the elements and to prevent crises from happening during the coldest months!
You or the homeowner can do most of the seasonal checks, however, a plumber can be needed to help execute further service.
Water Heaters:
Check for Leaks:
Check for leaks or drain slowing around the property. Do you see any leaks around your irrigation and exterior or your property? If so, you can take a picture or video and email it to us at service@savageandson.com to explain the issue you are experiencing, and we can get it scheduled and diagnosed.
Winterization:
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When the temperatures start to freeze overnight, you’ll want to make sure that you Winterize your home’s piping, hose bibs, and exterior vents to help prepare it for dropping temperatures, especially if it’s a vacation home. Ensure you know where your main water shut off valve is in case there is an emergency or any cracks or pipe bursts due to cold temperatures.
Check out our other Homeowner’s Tips:
With increased water usage for sprinklers and irrigation, you will want to make sure you are mindful of your water consumption. Try to limit your shower time to a maximum of 10 minutes to help save water and turn the tap off while washing dishes, brushing your teeth, cooking, and cleaning. By simply turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, you can save 8 gallons of water per day or 200 gallons per month!
Switching to a low-flow model will help you save water and money! According to the EPA, “The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads. Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy.” Email our Showroom to discuss what Watersense showerheads and faucets will best fit your home and your budget at showroom@savageandson.com.
Both your water heater and appliances will likely be working overtime this Summer with the heat and extra people at home.
According to Energy.gov, “the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. The lower setting will also conserve energy and save money. Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them to be set at 120ºF, which also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding.
Savings resulting from turning down your water heater temperature are based on two components: reduced standby losses (heat lost from water heater into surrounding basement area); and consumption (from water demand or use in your home). Set too high, or at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses and more than $400 in demand losses.
Switching to an Energy Star rated Water Heater will save you energy and money on your utility bill! You can also install a hot water circulation pump to help your water heat more quickly, which can help you save water, money, energy, and time waiting for the water to heat up! Email service@savageandson.com to explore a new water heater or hot water circulation pump for your home.
Make sure that your beautiful yard doesn’t come at an extra cost to you! Run your sprinklers in the morning when the air temperature is lower, there is less wind, and there is dew on the ground. Watering your grass when it is already damp in the morning will help reduce the amount of water it needs and help prevent the spread of disease and will also reduce the amount of wasted water due to evaporation from the wind. Windy conditions can increase the rate of evaporation of the irrigation water.
It’s essential to check on your home for leaks every season. A leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons per day or over 6,000 gallons per month! Not only is water a precious resource that shouldn’t be wasted, but leaks can also cause mold and expensive damage to your home! Inspect the fixtures around your home for any visible leaks, and also look at your water bill and compare the usage over the past few months. The EPA says a drip rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. While checking around the property, make sure to check your sewer piping because any tree growth can cause roots to make their way to your sewer lines in search of a water source.
You can also start saving with the MOEN FLO, a device that is installed on your main water line and detects and stops leaks! The MOEN FLO smart water security systems monitor all of your home’s piping from your showers to the toilet to the foundational pipes. You can feel protected even when you are not home and all from the convenience of your smartphone!
The Moen Flo is continuously monitoring your water levels, with nightly checks, and can detect a drop per minute! This smart device helps you see what’s happening behind the wall and gives you the control and comfort knowing you have a solution to helping you save your home, time, and money on your water bill!
Email service@savageandson.com to learn more and set up your appointment for installation or if you are experiencing leaks at your home and require professional inspection and repair!
Always make sure that you are keeping your pipes clear from anything that can cause clogs or damage. Follow these best practices for “Disposal Dos and Don’ts” and “What Not to Flush.”
Be aware of any dishes made at home that say “Just Add Water” and don’t put them in down the disposal. When you add water to these items, they expand, and they will continue to expand inside your pipes, which can cause serious piping clogs and plumbing issues.
Summer is upon us here in Northern Nevada! Increasing temperatures and extra daylight require adjustments around your home to ensure it is ready for the seasonal shift. Here are some Homeowner’s Tips to keep your home or business’s plumbing running efficiently this Summer!
With increased water usage for sprinklers and irrigation, you will want to make sure you are mindful of your water consumption. Try to limit your shower time to a maximum of 10 minutes to help save water and turn the tap off while washing dishes, brushing your teeth, cooking, and cleaning. By simply turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, you can save 8 gallons of water per day or 200 gallons per month!
Switching to a low-flow model will help you save water and money! According to the EPA, “The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads. Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy.” Email our Showroom to discuss what Watersense showerheads and faucets will best fit your home and your budget at showroom@savageandson.com.
Both your water heater and appliances will likely be working overtime this Summer with the heat and extra people at home.
According to Energy.gov, “the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. The lower setting will also conserve energy and save money. Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them to be set at 120ºF, which also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding.
Savings resulting from turning down your water heater temperature are based on two components: reduced standby losses (heat lost from water heater into surrounding basement area); and consumption (from water demand or use in your home). Set too high, or at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses and more than $400 in demand losses.
Switching to an Energy Star rated Water Heater will save you energy and money on your utility bill! You can also install a hot water circulation pump to help your water heat more quickly, which can help you save water, money, energy, and time waiting for the water to heat up! Email service@savageandson.com to explore a new water heater or hot water circulation pump for your home.
Make sure that your beautiful yard doesn’t come at an extra cost to you! Run your sprinklers in the morning when the air temperature is lower, there is less wind, and there is dew on the ground. Watering your grass when it is already damp in the morning will help reduce the amount of water it needs and help prevent the spread of disease and will also reduce the amount of wasted water due to evaporation from the wind. Windy conditions can increase the rate of evaporation of the irrigation water.
It’s essential to check on your home for leaks every season. A leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons per day or over 6,000 gallons per month! Not only is water a precious resource that shouldn’t be wasted, but leaks can also cause mold and expensive damage to your home! Inspect the fixtures around your home for any visible leaks, and also look at your water bill and compare the usage over the past few months. The EPA says a drip rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. While checking around the property, make sure to check your sewer piping because any tree growth can cause roots to make their way to your sewer lines in search of a water source.
You can also start saving with the MOEN FLO, a device that is installed on your main water line and detects and stops leaks! The MOEN FLO smart water security systems monitor all of your home’s piping from your showers to the toilet to the foundational pipes. You can feel protected even when you are not home and all from the convenience of your smartphone!
The Moen Flo is continuously monitoring your water levels, with nightly checks, and can detect a drop per minute! This smart device helps you see what’s happening behind the wall and gives you the control and comfort knowing you have a solution to helping you save your home, time, and money on your water bill!
Email service@savageandson.com to learn more and set up your appointment for installation or if you are experiencing leaks at your home and require professional inspection and repair!
Always make sure that you are keeping your pipes clear from anything that can cause clogs or damage. Follow these best practices for “Disposal Dos and Don’ts” and “What Not to Flush.”
Be aware of any dishes made at home that say “Just Add Water” and don’t put them in down the disposal. When you add water to these items, they expand, and they will continue to expand inside your pipes, which can cause serious piping clogs and plumbing issues.
While we have all been quarantined at home, the buildings we normally occupy for business have sat empty. Buildings that have been shut down or used less frequently during this pandemic have the potential for water quality degradation from stagnation, an issue separate from the COVID-19 crisis.
Stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria. It also can lead to low or undetectable levels of disinfectant, such as chlorine, in the water system. Unlike the coronavirus, you cannot simply quarantine the system for a few days to make it safe. The longer that systems are idle, the more likely that these issues can occur.
We all want to get back to work, but to assure the occupants of your building that it is safe to return, we recommend your entire building is flushed properly. We have established a comprehensive water management program following recommendations of the CDC as well as relevant ASHRAE standards. This includes flushing of all appliances like ice machines, dishwashers, and water coolers while wearing the appropriate protective equipment. We can inspect mechanical equipment such as cooling towers, boilers, pumps, backflow preventers, and hot water systems.
After flushing, water samples should be taken for analysis to a qualified independent testing laboratory. If test results indicate the need for disinfection, possible chlorination of your water systems can be done, but it must be done correctly to avoid further issues.
Afterward, a water quality safety plan will protect the long-term security of your employees and visitors for the foreseeable future. We recommend this service to any building that has been dormant during the quarantine.
In addition, after disinfecting a building, it is equally important to change all the air filters. One of the processes for cleaning includes a “fog” of the building. The smell may carry over for many weeks, but changing the filters can clear the residual disinfectant from the airstream. You may also want to consider having every RTU and AHU cleaned before the building reopens. This can include spraying the interior with a bleach solution and wiping down, changing filters and bagging, and properly disposing of all materials.
According to Business Insider, “Americans use over 34 million rolls of toilet paper every day, or equivalent to 15 million trees per year”, which wastes our valuable resources that lead to environmental impacts.
Washing your body with water is effective, comfortable, and refreshing, and it works the same way with a TOTO Washlet or bidet!
If you are interested in a Washlet for your home, you can place an order with our Showroom, and we can install it for you! We are offering $20 off our installation of the Washlet. Call us at (775) 828-4193 for more information!
TOTO S550e Washlet Features:
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the global community. We understand that our plumbing services are typically required in special and emergency circumstances. Unfortunately, plumbing issues don’t stop during challenging times, even though it feels like the rest of the world does.
As an essential business to Northern Nevada and the Sierra and as the COVID-19 situation evolves, we want to assure you that the safety and hygiene of our employees, customers, and community is our top concern. Plumbers help safeguard our sanitary systems and keep our city’s water clean, and we are here to help support you when you require plumbing services.
As Nevada’s Oldest Contractor and leaders in the industry, we remain fully committed to fulfilling the needs of our community even as potential demand for our services may increase with more people and families required to social distance and remain in their homes. While the number of families staying at home increases, there is no critical time than the present to maintain a healthy home, and we are treating every call with heightened diligence. We are taking extra precautions with our Service Technicians to ensure the safety of our employees, customers, and community.
We understand the uncertainty during this time and the demand for toiletry products. We urge you to avoid flushing paper towels and any non-toilet paper products for the safety of your home’s piping systems and our city’s sanitation system.
Now and always, we want you to be confident in knowing that we will be here to help you, especially during these challenging times. We will always be here for our community when it needs us, because that’s the Savage Way, and it has been since 1893.
