Winterization is the process of preparing your home’s plumbing system for extreme temperatures to prevent pipes from freezing.
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!
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.
Seasons are changing, and it’s time to make sure your home is prepared for cooler temperatures!
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:
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:
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:
‘Tis the season for extra visitors in your home, whether it be family visiting or if you hosting a fabulous holiday party with some friends. And just as the highways will increase in traffic, your home’s pipes will also have more traffic, and we want to give you some preventative tips to reduce the risk of traffic jams.
There is always that one family member who foolishly puts 10 pounds of potato skins down the disposal, and it’s always a nightmare! In the next few weeks, you and your kitchen are probably working on overtime, and your pipes will be working just as hard! If you are unsure of how to care for your garbage disposal or kitchen sink check out our blog on Disposal Care.
But here is a shortlist of the Kitchen Dos and Don’ts:
It is probably one of everyone’s worst nightmares, using the restroom during a party and the bathroom clogs! To save your guests the embarrassment and the hassle of you dealing with a major party fail here are some helpful preventative tips:
What is your worst nightmare when you are hosting people at your home? One of the most common responses is when a toilet clogs, and the water overflows all over the bathroom. Unless you have a faulty toilet flapper, there is a clog or jam in your drain trap, or something was improperly flushed.
The drain trap is the u-shaped bend in the pipes. Plumbing systems work based on gravity, so if there is a clog, it will not allow the water to continue to move down the pipes. Clogs can come from flushing foreign objects, basically anything other than human waste, water, cleaners, and toilet paper down the toilet. But clogs aren’t the only reason you should not flush any foreign objects down the toilet, and it also prevents environmental disasters and human and animal safety risks.
So what happens after you put something in the toilet, down your sink, or your shower drain? Here in the Reno-Tahoe area, the water that flows through our plumbing systems either flows into a septic tank or the community sewer system. Most homes in Reno are on sewer lines or septic systems. We have all heard the horror stories of clogged septic tanks, which are gross, embarrassingly messy, costly, and time-consuming. Being plumbing technicians, we have listened to a misconception about what people think they can and cannot flush down the toilet.
Even if you don’t have a septic tank at your house, it is the responsibility of the homeowner/tenant to avoid disposing of items that can cause damage to our municipal sewage treatment facilities. It can cause devastating effects environmentally, economically, and for the safety of the community’s health.
Here’s a quick list of things you should NEVER flush down the toilet:
There are misconceptions and false advertisements of “flushable” wipes. These wipes are NOT flushable! “Flushable” wipes have caused significant problems for sewage treatment centers, and are now being told to change the name to disposable. Just because it says “flushable” doesn’t mean you are supposed to flush them! Frequently, household plumbing is not the first thought at the moment, but flushing wipes will cause MAJOR issues!
We all know that paper towels are made with stronger materials, but did you know that tissues are made of stronger fibers than toilet paper? Most think that flushing kleenex or facial tissues are okay, but the material is different than toilet paper and does not break down the same way. It will clump and cause clogs down your home’s pipes.
Diapers, tampons, and pads are all made with cotton and designed to be absorbent and withhold liquid, once flushed these would fill up with water and instantly clog your pipes and could be absolutely devastating to plumbing systems.
Just as hair clogs in your shower, it should never be flushed because the hair will never break down in the water and will clog your pipes.
The absorbent nature will collect water and then clog the pipes.
Pet waste and cat litter have toxins that are not biodegradable by the chemicals in our water treatment facilities and can cause serious health risks for our community’s water.
Other items to NEVER Flush
Even toilet paper can cause a clog! Some of the older piping systems in our area can’t handle the thicker ply paper. The eco-friendly brands of toilet paper will disintegrate better than the other brands. Homeowners insurance does not cover clogs, but the good news is most plumbing problems can be avoided with some knowledge, preventative practices, and maintenance.
Since 1893 we have been here to help safeguard our community from devastating costs, health and safety risks for humans and wildlife, and lasting environmental effects. It’s our job, as Nevada’s Oldest Contractor and Reno Plumber, to provide our customers with the education and tools they need to keep their homes’ plumbing system safe and clean, to therefore maintain a healthy and clean community, because that’s the Savage Way!
If you ever have a plumbing emergency we are available to help you 24/7, call us at (775) 828-4193!
One of the reasons we all love living in the Reno-Tahoe area is to be able to experience all four seasons. But while we enjoy the versatility of weather, our homes have to be equipped and prepared for a lot of adjusting temperatures and changing seasonal climates.
As temperatures drop, the pressure of our air and water fluctuates, constricts, and contracts. This is something important for residents of the Reno-Tahoe region to be aware of to ensure the safety of the piping and the home.
“Bursting water pipes are a major concern when winter temperatures drop. But why do the pipes burst? It’s all about pressure. As water becomes ice, this causes an immense amount of water pressure to build between the ice blockage and fixtures — eventually, causing the pipe to burst under the pressure.
Flo by Moen alerts to pressure and temperature changes in the water, which can help avoid catastrophe. Water pressure in your home is like blood pressure in your body. As high blood pressure puts stress on parts of your body and can cause serious problems, the same is true for the home — high water pressure is serious stress being applied to the entire home’s plumbing. Left untreated, high water pressure can cause bursts in pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Just like a balloon when there’s too much air pressure… BURST!” – Moen
When the weather and temperature changes, you will want to know what is going on behind the wall, and now you can monitor your home’s water systems from your smartphone or tablet! The Flo by Moen offers an all-in-one security system for your home’s water that will help prevent water damage, leaks, and waste as small as a drop per minute. Flo is installed on the main water supply line of the home and proactively looks for leaks and other vulnerabilities. If your Flo by Moen smart valve detects a leak in your home’s water system, push notifications will be sent to your smartphone via the Flo by Moen app available on iOS and Android, giving you the ability to shut off the water remotely! The system is also capable of sending text messages, emails, and calls to users.
Some people may already be proactive about this and have leak detectors for their home, but what good is leak detection if you can’t turn off the water?
Flo will help you detect issues such as damage, burst pipes, mold behind walls, and unexplained water bills.
You can feel at ease knowing that you can check on your home from anywhere that you can connect, and if something is leaking, you’re able to turn off your home’s main water line home in the Reno-Tahoe. And, if something catastrophic were to happen and you aren’t able to connect, Flo is smart enough to turn it off itself!
“Most water meters (and leak detection systems) can’t detect small drips of water. That’s problematic because those small drips are key early indicators of big problems like pipe bursts, and those same small drips can equate to more than 100,000 gallons per year of water released behind walls, in ceilings or underneath slabs, which can cause mold and other problems”. – Moen
“Water damage in homes is a leading cause of preventable homeowner’s insurance claims every year, more likely than theft and fire damage combined. Flo by Moen’s water monitoring and shut-off system is proven to reduce the likelihood of major water damage dramatically”. – Moen
Schedule your FREE Estimate today by calling (775) 828-4193!
There are major perks to having a garbage disposal in your kitchen. To put it simply, they are a magic switch that grinds away your food waste and is environmentally friendly by keeping less food in landfills. But just like everything in life, this magical tool does have its limits, and it needs maintenance to ensure it works efficiently and lasts as long as possible. There are rules and best practices to keep your garbage disposal running in the best condition – because it is essentially the safety gate for your household plumbing!
Most think Garbage Disposals as a blender with blades, but a garbage disposal has impellers – similar to a coffee grinder. Garbage disposals grind up most types of everyday food waste into small tiny pieces so it can quickly be passed through the drain, then through the household plumbing, and then further treated at the water treatment facility. So, what should you never put down the garbage disposal?
NEVER EVER put any non-food items in the garbage disposal including plastic, pills, produce stickers, paint, cigarette butts, basically ANY non-food waste. Always check to make sure there are not any utensils or non-food waste in the drain before operating the Garbage Disposal.
The disposals can pass the liquid pretty easily; however, when that cools down, it will solidify in the pipes and cause major clogs and household plumbing issues.
Coffee grounds are misleading and our arch-nemesis! The grounds will get caught in your shredder and can pack in tight together, causing build-ups in your pipes further down the drain. Coffee grounds are compostable.
The membrane of the eggshells will get wrapped around the impellers and cause the them to jam or block the drain filters causing it to clog. Eggshells are compostable.
They’ll just keep spinning around with the disposal’s impellers, and if they happen to make it through the disposal, they will get caught, block the drains, and could cause clogs to your household plumbing. Bones should be thrown away in the trash can.
We’ve either all experienced it, or know someone who accidentally put potato skins in the garbage disposal and caused it to jam or break! But even vegetables like celery, artichokes, asparagus, onion skins, corn husks, or leafy greens like lettuce, kale, collard greens, chard, etc. that have fibrous strings will tangle around your disposal’s impellers and cause jams and sometimes further maintenance. To avoid jams or clogs, these types of food can be composted or can be thrown away.
These are too hard for the impellers to grind and process its solid form as well as have the ability to pass through the holes of the drain. These would be best to be composted or thrown away. If you wouldn’t put it in a blender or cut it with a knife, definitely don’t put in the disposal!
The longer pasta and rice are immersed in water, the more they will expand. If pasta, rice, or grains are put inside your drain, they will quickly expand and cause significant drain clogs for your household plumbing. If you have leftover pasta dinners or an old casserole that’s been in your refrigerator for far too long, we recommend not putting it down the drain, and it should be thrown away.
So – now you’re probably asking, what is okay to put down the disposal? And, how can I avoid future food waste in my household plumbing?
Our plumber’s rule of thumb is:
If a baby can eat it, then the disposal can handle it!
It might be helpful to see how a garbage disposal actually works and understand how the food is processed in the disposal and through the drain. Check out this video:
If you don’t already have one, get a drain trap for your kitchen sink, so it can collect the larger items while you are cleaning dishes. This is an easy and affordable solution to prevent more complex and expensive plumbing problems.
Clean out your drain and disposal about once a month by throwing in a handful of ice cubes along with a 1TBS of salt into the garbage disposal, and then turn it on while running hot water. Doing this will clean the impellers by collecting any built-up food waste or scraps that are stuck inside the garbage disposal or drain. You can also add lemon juice or vinegar to the ice cubes before freezing them to also to combat odor and add additional disinfectant.
If odor persists, pour a 1TBS of bleach in the drain and allow to sit for a few moments, then flush with hot water, and turn on the disposal.
There is nothing worse than spending hours cleaning your bathroom, and you look at your shower or bathtub and still see a soapy residue ring around it! Sometimes this task never seems done, and it feels impossible to ever get clean again. Here is a helpful tip to getting rid of that eyesore and letting your bathroom sparkle like it’s supposed to and all just using a grapefruit and salt!
This method works particularly well with rustic tubs and older bathrooms. Citrus and salt are a proven cleaner, and soap scum won’t stand a chance against it, and it smells amazing! Have you tried this method? Let us know at @SavageandSon!
Here are some other helpful homeowner’s tips!
If you’re ever experiencing a plumbing emergency or problem, give us a call, and one of our trusted technicians will be there to help you! Call us at (775) 828-4193!
Len Savage, President and Pete Savage, Vice President had the pleasure to sit down with the Caughlin Rancher to talk about the business, family history and their love for Reno. Read the article here:
