Switch It up This Mother's Day With the Gift of Relaxation!

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Create an in-Home Spa Retreat for Mom! 

When people think of Mother’s Day gifts, they often think of traditional things like breakfast in bed, flowers, chocolates, nice dinners, and so on. And these are great gift ideas, no doubt. But why not spice it up this year with a gift for Mom that will keep on giving…say, by upgrading the bathroom? 

Sure, it may sound wonky, but just hear this out. Given the amount of time people spend in the bathroom, shouldn’t it be a relaxing and enjoyable experience? With a few simple bathroom upgrades, families can convert their basic bathrooms into wonderful spa-like experiences. This gift is sure to bring a smile to Mom’s face on Mother’s Day and every day!

Spice up the Showerhead

shower

Spicing up the showerhead can make a huge difference long-term. Just think of how often she (and everyone else in the house, for that matter) takes a shower. This is the type of gift that will keep on giving! Showerhead upgrades are both easy and accessible, and professionals can help with installation in no time.

Families can choose the type of showerhead upgrade they want depending on what they think Mom is most interested in. If she loves good water flow, consider a high-pressure showerhead. If she loves to have a fun time, consider a showerhead equipped with LED lights or speakers. If she is concerned about the environment and water usage, consider a low-flow showerhead. The possibilities are endless! 

Upgrade the Bathroom Aesthetics

Upgrades to the bathroom aesthetics are additional gifts that will keep on giving. To start, accessorizing the bathroom with simple things like shelves, racks, soap holders, and mirrors can make for greater convenience, a more sleek look, and an overall more enjoyable bathroom experience.

Besides accessorizing, homeowners might also consider more complex upgrades that can make a difference in the long term. One of the most significant upgrades that may take some time and require professional help is retiling. While it is more intensive with regard to labor and time, this type of upgrade can really transform the bathroom. Other remodeling upgrades like new sinks and faucets are also a great idea to improve both aesthetic and functionality.

Invest in Smart Lights for a Relaxing Ambiance

lightsIn addition to the showerhead and aesthetic upgrades, lighting upgrades are a great idea for Mother’s Day. Smart lights, in particular, can help to boost the mood depending on what Mom is feeling. For example, warm colors can induce calm and relaxation, while cold colors can induce focus and productivity.

Since Mom will likely be in the bathroom at different parts of the day, she can choose her smart light settings based on what she wants to achieve. Cold colors are great for mornings when the day is just getting started. Warm colors are great for evenings when things are winding down. The great thing about smart lights and the other upgrades mentioned prior is that everyone in the family can enjoy these too!

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing of Miami, FL, is a women-owned and operated business that has been providing services since 1986. They believe in good old-fashioned customer service, with the idea that they want to treat clients how they themselves would like to be treated. Their team of expert technicians offers upfront pricing, individualized solutions, and expert workmanship. Call them today for bathroom remodeling in South Florida!

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Watch Out for These Common Plumbing Issues This Spring!

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Plumbing Challenges Brought About by April Showers

The saying always goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, it seems whoever said this left out the part about how April showers also bring some very pesky plumbing issues! With spring on the horizon, homeowners must prepare their homes for some major rain.

Spring showers can put people’s homes at risk for significant plumbing issues. It is crucial for homeowners to know what issues to look out for, as these can cause severe damage if not addressed early. Here are three common plumbing issues homeowners should watch out for this spring. 

Soaked Soil

It might seem quite obvious to say that excess rain can lead to soaked soil. But what is less apparent is how this impacts home plumbing. The biggest concern homeowners should be worried about is septic system backups.

Septic systems are a critical part of home plumbing since they facilitate the processing of household wastewater. When soil becomes saturated, wastewater cannot properly drain from the septic tank. This can lead to major backups that may find their way into the home’s indoor plumbing fixtures. Not great!

Given that septic systems are mostly underground, these backups can be hard to spot before some nasty symptoms arise. Here are some common signs:

  • Foul odors
  • Slow draining (toilets, sinks, etc.)
  • Water backups (basement)

Septic system backups can also contaminate groundwater and therefore affect the quality of drinking water. Even without a septic system backup, groundwater can be contaminated by flooded soil on its own, as flooding limits the soil’s ability to filter out harmful pathogens in the water.

Leaks in the Foundation

foundationFoundation leaks are another primary concern related to excess rain. Homes are typically built overtop concrete “foundations,” which provide stability to the overall structure. The foundations sit on top of the soil, so naturally, excessive rain can affect the stability of the foundation itself. Clearly a cause for concern!

With each new rain, the soil gradually moves and reforms as it constantly fluctuates between saturated and dry states. When the soil reforms, the foundation shifts by microscopic amounts, which places increasing amounts of stress on the structure and can result in foundational leaks over time.

There are several potential signs of foundational leaks, including:

  • Dampness or puddles
  • Mold
  • Obvious foundational cracks or fractures
  • Overactive water meter
  • Sudden difficulty with opening windows/doors
  • Uneven floors

Repairing leaks in the foundation can be a complicated endeavor, so homeowners should seek professional help for identification and repairs.

Damaged Underground Pipes

pipes In addition to causing leaks, shifts in the home foundation due to excess rain can lead to broken underground pipes. This typically happens when the stress buildup is so high that it overwhelms pipes built within the foundation. This can also occur if the pressure of heavy soil overwhelms the pipes running underground.

Homeowners will be able to tell fairly quickly if there is a burst pipe, as the pipes might make strange sounds, water might flow improperly, or water might become discolored. In this case, homeowners should seek immediate professional help.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing of Miami, FL, is a women-owned and operated company that has been in business since 1986. They provide honest upfront pricing, and their experienced team provides quality solutions with top-notch customer service. Call them for immediate help today!

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Lillian Ann Baumbach Was the First Woman Master Plumber

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The Legacy of The Pretty Plumber

Lillian Ann Baumbach was the first woman master plumber. She had paved the road to lead other women into the profession of plumbing. The professionals look up to her, and women want to be her. 

Lillian Ann Baumbach was not only the first women master plumber in the 1950s, but she was dubbed as the “Pretty Plumber”. When she was just the age of six, she began going on service calls with her father. When she was 12, Lillian was a regular helper on his jobs. She went with him to his service calls and added a bit of spark to her father’s company, Baumbach Plumbers of Arlington. 

woman The Making of A Female Master Plumber

It wasn’t a sight to be seen every day - a woman carrying around a wrench. After all, this was supposed to be a man’s job! It was very rare to see a woman turning wrenches under a bathroom sink or by a toilet at that time. When she graduated from Washington-Lee High School in 1947, she knew exactly what she wanted to do, so Lillian went to take the test to become a Master Plumber. 

She had received her certification and went on to perform plumbing tasks. However, she didn’t always go to the service calls. She did a lot of estimates and talked on the phone while sending the men out to do the heavy lifting. 

letters The Letters

After she had become the first woman Master Plumber, she began receiving fan letters from across the globe. The letters came, addressed to “The Pretty Plumber”, from all around the world- Australia, Alaska, Korea, and beyond! She accepted these letters and became the Pen-Pal of well over 250 men, many of whom wrote to ask for pictures, plumbing advice, and even propose marriage.

Afterward, she became the military pin-up girl for the Korean War. She was also in two television shows, was featured on the cover of a national plumbing magazine, and did a radio broadcast. She was a jack-of-all-trades type of woman. 

During this time, she got married to George W. “Bill” Jacobs. They lived together for 26 years and had two daughters. She then took over her father’s company and was elected president until her retirement in 1989.  

An Influential Woman 

At 1.1 percent, women are slowly starting to make up some of the plumbing industry statistics. Lillian Ann Baumbach lent a helping hand with this. She was the first of her kind and ran her father’s company successfully. Needless to say, her life had a significant impact on women looking to get into the plumbing industry today. 

Women looking to get into the plumbing industry should be well aware of the perks. The government offers Federal grants to women-owned companies. While there are still significantly more men in the industry than women, Lillian Ann Baumbach’s groundbreaking career in plumbing opened a door for generations of women to follow in her footsteps, becoming licensed and owning their own plumbing companies!  

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a successful woman-owned plumbing company in Miami, Florida. They offer personal attention to their customers, 24/7 emergency services, upfront, flat-rate pricing, free estimates (with limitations), and a satisfaction guarantee on their services.

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Free Yourself and Ditch Low Water Pressure

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Don’t Get Dragged Down by Low Water Pressure 

It’s Valentine’s Day, and it's time to take inventory of the relationships that may be dragging people down. One of those is a homeowner’s relationship with low water pressure. 

Low water pressure can happen to anyone. When it happens, homeowners will be left to navigate a stinky mess. This Valentine’s Day, get help breaking up with low water pressure for good with help from local plumbers. Take their advice and water pressure worries kick it to the curb!

Source of Low Water Pressure

question mark

A blockage always causes low water pressure in a home’s drains. Usually, the obvious giveaway that an appliance is blocked is standing water in a toilet or basin. But other signs can indicate that a problem is brewing as well. Some of these signs are:

  • Foul odors
  • Gurgling sounds
  • Slow flushes of toilets
  • Slow draining 
  • Backed up toilets
  • Backed up sinks
  • Sewage in bathtubs or floor drains

If any of these signs have started to manifest, then scheduling a drain cleaning is a good idea. Slow drains never fix themselves; they will always need some kind of attention to restore performance. 

Fixing Low Water Pressure

Drain cleaning from qualified professionals is the best way to fix low water pressure. A plumbing company specializing in drain cleaning will have the knowledge and tools to fix any drain problem fast. Among these tools are:

  • Hand-held pipe snake
  • Industrial pipe snakes for sewer lines
  • Hydrojetting machines
  • Tools to remove and clean P-traps
  • Expertise to pull toilets and look for debris in the trap

Useful Ideas for Preventing Low Water Pressure

Preventing low water means that homeowners will never have to deal with emergency drain cleanings ever again. Preventing low water pressure can be as simple as changing a few habits and practicing good drain care. Some ideas to help keep drains clean are: 

letters
  • Throw food scraps in the trash: Most clogs that happen in the kitchen can be traced back to food scraps. Even if a garbage disposal is in place and regularly used, food scraps can still be a problem. Potatoes, onions, coffee grounds, and eggshells are common contributors. 
  • Leave the lid down. The lid, or cover, of a toilet is meant to stop items from falling into the bowl. In many bathrooms, shelves are built above the toilet. Things will fall off of said shelf all too often, landing in the toilet. Additionally, if children are in the house, the lid prevents them from losing toys in the potty. 
  • Don’t put grease in the sink. Kitchen grease may be liquid when cooked, but it turns to a solid when it cools off. This means that each time grease is poured down the sink, it quickly hardens along the pipes’ inner walls. Over time, this constricts water flow through the pipe, leading to a nasty clog. 
  • Don’t use chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and can cause damage to drains, even to the point that plumbers will have to replace large sections of the drain line. Calling a plumber first and getting routine drain cleaning will help prevent clogs. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a woman-owned business serving Miami since 1986. Friendly representatives always answer their phones. Their prompt and professional service is available 24 hours a day for emergencies and regular service. Call today to schedule expert drain cleaning services in Miami.

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Important Information About Home Repiping

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Repiping Might Be the Best Option

The piping system is one of the most intricate systems of the modern home. In functionality, it is quite simple, but in design, things can get confusing rather quickly. That is why it is vital to have a trustworthy plumbing professional that fixes any problem the homeowner throws at them, including home repiping. Home repiping isn’t a topic that gets brought up much, but it can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and damages if everything is handled correctly and efficiently. That said, there are certain things that homeowners need to know to ensure they are prepared for when this day arrives. 

For more information, continue reading below!

Knowing When It’s Time For Home Repiping

confused woman

Knowing when to repipe a home’s plumbing system can be a little difficult to interpret. Sometimes the signs point to other issues. The easiest way to solve this problem is by calling a professional plumber. The professional will be able to tell right away if it’s time for home repiping. 

Still, some signs should never be ignored: 

  • Noisy pipes
  • Leaky pipes
  • Water that smells unusual 
  • The temperature is hard to change
  • There are water pressure issues

It is vital that the homeowner calls a professional the moment they notice any one of these signs. Doing so can save them money, time, and effort in the end. 

The Different Piping Materials Available 

When homeowners figure out that they need home repiping, this can be stressful enough. However, this is only the beginning. There are also decisions to be made regarding what material is best for the new piping. Of course, the plumbing professional is there to help and provide advice whenever need be. 

pipes

Regardless, two piping materials are used in most homes today: 

  • PVC Piping: This type of piping is a type of plastic, which means it is the most affordable option for piping. It also is quite durable and seems to be the most valuable option, so homeowners usually go with this material. 
  • Copper Piping: The use of copper pipes dates back to the beginning of indoor plumbing, but it is still one of the most widely used materials in modern home piping systems. It is still, by far, the most durable piping material on the market, but it also costs more to have it installed. 

Home Repiping: How It Works

Before the plumber can begin repiping, there are a few things that he will need to go over with the homeowner first. Mainly, deciding on a time that is most convenient for the homeowner. 

Typically, the best time to have repiping done is when the homeowner is busy for most of the afternoon or even an entire day. This gives the professional time to get the job done properly without distractions, but it also ensures that the homeowner isn’t inconvenienced in the process. 

It’s also a smart choice to repipe when the homeowner isn’t home because the water has to get turned off, and small holes have to be cut into the walls to locate the pipes. A trusted professional will ensure the job is done safely and efficiently and with the least disruptions to those in the home. 

Falcon Plumbing Don’t Mess Around

The experts at Falcon Plumbing in Miami, FL, are the plumbing professionals that work hard to ensure their customers are always happy and safe. Plumbing emergencies always seem to come at the worst times, but with these professionals around, Miami homeowners can trust that nearly any problem will be eradicated in no time. Call today to schedule a home repiping!

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Any Water Heater Would Love To Receive This Gift This Holiday Season

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Water Heater Repair Tips for the Holidays

Water heater repair is one of those unavoidable things that’s bound to happen sooner or later. In fact, heading off a water heater disaster is all about prevention and maintenance. But it can be hard to know when a water heater actually needs repairs. Aside from the obvious issue of the loss of hot water, it may be hard to tell something is wrong with the unit. And it can be even harder to know when replacement is required instead of simple repairs. Read on to find out how to tell the difference and when to give the gift of water heater repair. 

How To Know When a Water Heater Needs Repairs

The first indication that a water heater may need repair or replacing is its age. Ten years is the upper limit of a water heater’s age range. It’s not too hard to figure out how old a water heater is. If it’s not in the homeowner’s paperwork, contacting the manufacturer with the model and serial number is usually the best way to determine this. Next up is a leak around the water heater. Even a small leak is concerning and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Rust-colored water is another sign that it’s time for repair. But only if the discoloration of the hot water. If both hot and cold water is discolored, it may be an issue with the pipes or the water itself. Finally, strange noises from the heater are an indication that something is wrong. These noises include a high-pitched whine, banging, popping, or cracking sounds. 

Reasons Water Heaters Break Down in the First Place

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Water heaters can fail for a number of reasons. In the case of leaks, it could be because of high water pressure, a cracked tank, or a faulty part. Any system will start to break down eventually, but knowing how that happens can help homeowners stay ahead of the game. Corrosion is another issue that plagues water heaters. They have sacrificial anode rods that help keep corrosion from happening, but they eventually lose effectiveness. 

Lastly, sediment buildup is unavoidable in the tank of a water heater. When the water is heated, the sediment separates and settles in the tank. Flushing the water heater regularly helps to keep the sediment buildup from getting out of hand. 

When To Consider Water Heater Replacement

The good news is that water heaters aren’t all that expensive to replace. If a water heater is over ten years old (or getting close to it) and needs a repair, the homeowner is probably better off simply replacing the system. Otherwise, the issues will crop up more and more often, and so will the repair costs. 

time

When a water heater begins to leak from the inside, it’s time for a replacement. The difficulty lies in determining where the leak is coming from. A cracked tank is not replaceable and requires that a new unit be brought in. This is why homeowners should call a professional if they believe they are dealing with a cracked tank. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been helping folks in Miami, FL, with their plumbing needs for over 25 years. They provide 24/7 emergency service for no extra charge. They also offer upfront pricing, excellent workmanship, and superb customer service. Call Flacon Plumbing for water heater services in Miami.

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Extra Thankful for Working Garbage Disposals

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Garbage Disposals: The Hero of Thanksgiving!

The holiday season is a time to give thanks for all of the wonderful blessings in life. Many people give thanks for family, friends, or good health. 

But people also give thanks for all of the little things in life. Even a working garbage disposal is something to be grateful for, especially since it simplifies the clean-up stage of holiday meals and prevents plumbing clogs.

Garbage Disposals Stop Clogged Drains

Many homes have garbage disposals because they are a great way to prevent sink clogs. How exactly does this device work? It is placed directly under the kitchen sink drain to temporarily collect food waste in a chamber. It then grinds up the waste into smaller pieces, making it easier for the waste to move through the pipes without causing a clog.

There's never a good time for a garbage disposal breakdown, but it's especially inconvenient in the middle of the holiday season. If it stops working, it won't break up the food waste that falls down the drain. This could lead to a clog in the pipes and cause water to back up into the sink. That's not exactly a good impression to leave guests when they're eating, drinking, and having a good time during Thanksgiving dinner!

4 Ways To Protect the Garbage Disposal

letters

While garbage disposals are pretty durable, they aren't invincible. Homeowners still need to be careful with what they put down the drain to protect the garbage disposal and prevent problems.

  1. First of all, homeowners should never pour grease down the drain. It will harden as it cools and is one of the biggest causes of sink clogs.
  2. Homeowners shouldn't use drain cleaners on the kitchen sink. The chemicals in these products are very harsh and could damage the garbage disposal.
  3. Homeowners should only use cold water when the garbage disposal is turned on. This is the best way to prevent grease and oil from solidifying in the pipes. 
  4. Also, try to use natural solutions whenever possible. If the garbage disposal starts to develop a smell, grind up citrusy foods (like an orange or lemon peel) to eliminate the odor. 

 

When Is the Time to Call for Garbage Disposal Repair?

If homeowners properly care for and maintain their garbage disposal, they shouldn't experience any problems. However, like any device, garbage disposals can still malfunction due to age and normal wear and tear. 

woman on the phone

Homeowners should pay attention to the following signs to know if their garbage disposal needs to be repaired or replaced:

  1. It's not uncommon for garbage disposals to smell. It is a temporary home for food waste, after all. But if the smell won't go away, there may be food particles trapped in the unit's crevices. If this is the case, it needs to be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned to eliminate the smell.
  2. Garbage disposals should have a grinding noise when they are turned on. However, if the device starts making other loud noises, like screeching, this is typically a sign that the motor is wearing out and needs replacing.

 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing treats its clients how they would want to be treated themselves by always showing respect and being honest. All services are performed with the customers' best interests in mind. There is no job too small or too tough for Falcon Plumbing to handle. Contact them today for expert drain cleaning services!

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Bathroom Remodels Can Seem Scary, But They Don't Have To Be

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Professional Contractors Can Help Homeowners Complete Bathroom Remodels

Home remodels are rarely as easy as they look on TV, especially if homeowners try to do the project themselves. Budgets go over, and projects last longer than expected. 

Any homeowner that has attempted their own remodel will usually admit things didn't go according to plan. Are they allowed to work on plumbing? How do sinks mount on walls? Does flooring go down before cabinets or vice versa? By the end of the project, they often find that they could've saved money by hiring professionals that could do the job safer and quicker. 

Reduce Risks by Hiring Professionals

plumber

With any big project, there are always risks involved. Bathroom remodels are no different. Risks can include injury to people doing the job and damage to the home where the work is being carried out. No job is worth the risk of injury, so it is vital that DIYers know what they are getting into before they start. Additionally, damages to the home can be expensive or even catastrophic. 

Hiring professionals has its advantages. Professionals are trained to carry out the work on time and handle power tools, so they don't waste time because they don't know what they're doing. This also allows them to complete the job more safely. Furthermore, licensed contractors carry special insurance that protects them and even the property they are working on. In the event of an injury or damage to the property, the insurance takes over and makes financial amends. 

Save Money by Doing Things Right the First Time

All too often, amateurs slow down projects because they have to do things twice. Having to do tasks multiple times wastes money on material and time on pipe installation. A few missteps in the process of a bathroom renovation can seriously undermine a project's success and cause the renovation to go massively over budget. 

woman holding a coin toy pig

Professionals know what they are doing, so they don't have to waste time and materials on doing tasks twice. A savvy homeowner will realize that there are actual financial consequences for performing a job that requires several attempts by themselves. Often, it makes better financial sense to skip trying to do the project themself and hire it out to professional bathroom remodelers. 

Save Time By Hiring Companies That Know What They're Doing

Competent companies can complete bathroom remodels much faster than a homeowner trying to do it themselves. Most homeowners have other time commitments that include jobs, kids, and family. That leaves very little time for working on major projects like bathroom remodels. The scheduling conflicts that arise with a big construction project can draw even a short project out across several weeks. 

During the weeks, the entire bathroom may be unusable. Since bathrooms are such critical spaces to the peace of a household, it often becomes easier to allow a professional to complete the job in a fraction of the time. This allows the homeowner to fulfill their commitments and get a renovation done promptly so the household can get back to normal sooner. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been serving the community for over 30 years. In that time, they've helped hundreds of satisfied customers complete their bathroom remodels. With upfront pricing and no hidden costs, they always complete their jobs on time and on budget. Contact them for expert bathroom remodeling in Miami, FL. 

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Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

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All You Need To Know About Tankless Water Heaters

Hot water is a necessity for the modern-day homeowner. Without it, people would not be able to clean their clothes, dishes, or even body. Not to mention it’s also a great way to help thaw out food! 

Regardless of what they use hot water for, homeowners most likely use it several times throughout each day. That is why it is important to invest in a water heater they can count on. When investing in a tankless water heater, they are doing just that. Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular mainly because of their efficiency and help in lowering monthly utility bills.

Continue reading below to learn more about the different types of tankless water heaters and the pros and cons of owning one. 

Learning About Tankless Water Heaters

tankless water heater

A tankless water heater is different from a traditional water heater because it doesn’t have a tank that heats the water. Rather, it has heat exchange coils that heat the water as it passes through and enters the home. This type of water heater is exceptionally beneficial because it creates an endless supply of hot water. Not to mention homeowners have a choice of which tankless water heater works best for them. 

The two types of water heaters are: 

  • Gas 
  • Electric

Essentially, gas and electric tankless water heaters work the same as a gas or electric furnace. The gas water heater has a pilot light and runs on gas to heat the water, while the other uses electricity to heat the water. 

The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

drawing a cross

There are, without a doubt, numerous benefits to installing a tankless water heater into the home. However, there are also a few disadvantages to be aware of. In the end, it is up to the homeowner to weigh the options and decide if a tankless water heater is best for their needs. 

Some pros include:

Some cons include:

  • It sometimes causes inconsistencies in water temperature
  • The initial investment is expensive
  • Installation is expensive as well
  • May also need a water softener
  • Requires added maintenance to reduce build-up 

How To Know If a Tankless Water Heater Is a Right Choice

confused

It can be hard to invest in a tankless water heater because of the initial out-of-pocket investment, not to mention the installation process and possible added equipment. Some people shy away from this type of water heater for that reason alone, and that is okay! It is up to the individual homeowners to decide if it is the right fit. 

For those who have any questions about whether or not a tankless water heater is a good option, they should call a local plumber for expert advice.

Falcon Plumbing Knows the Plumbing Industry

When customers call the experts at Falcon Plumbing, they can rest assured that their plumbing is in capable hands. They have the training and the hands-on experience to get the job done right the first time. Call to learn more about water heater options and schedule a water heater installation in Miami today!

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The Different Ways To Clear Blocked Drains

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Approaches To Clearing a Drain

There is nothing worse than the slow gurgle from a toilet or tub that signifies a clogged drain. Backed up drains are caused by many things, but primarily, hair, oil, fat, roots and food particles. Homeowners may be tempted to clear a drain themselves, but plumbers will almost always be the best option for serious blockage.

But how exactly do plumbers clear drains, and is there anything a responsible homeowner or tenant can do before they get there? Read on to learn the three main methods and options that exist in drain clearing, and which ones are a good option before a plumber shows up. 

Using a Snake

a plumber fixing kitchen drains

Snaking a drain is one of the most common methods of clearing a blockage. Essentially, a metal auger breaks up and removes the blockage from the pipe. Plumbers will assess the severity of the blockage, the pipe size and age before deciding how and when to snake a drain. 

There are many different kinds of specific snakes that plumbers use, each suited to a particular task and situation. Some use a motor, others are hand-powered, and they all range in diameter and length. Plumbers know which type to use to avoid problems.

Purchasing a snake and unclogging a pipe might seem like a simple task that an average homeowner could complete, but there is a risk of injury from improper usage. Furthermore, chipping porcelain toilets and sinks, damaging pipes, and even creating worse blockage further down the line are real possibilities when using a snake at home. A professional plumber will make sure it’s done properly the first time. 

The Power of Hydro-Jetting

hydro-jetting at work

Hydro-jetting shoots a very high-pressure stream of water down a pipe to clear blockages. This is done by feeding a special hose and nozzle into the pipe while attached to a pressurized tank. 

Hydro jetting is extremely effective and can get pipes into almost new condition. This method can only be done as long as the pipes aren’t too old or damaged. Because of the high pressure used, a visual inspection of the drain line is essential before hydro-jetting. This helps prevent pipe damage or failure. Due to equipment and safety concerns, this method for unblocking a drain best left to a professional. 

Household Items: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Many people use baking soda and vinegar for a large variety of household cleaning tasks. But in a pinch, these ingredients can create a drain cleaner that will temporarily help fix a slow drain. 

Simply pour a half cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a half-cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and allow the mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes (longer is better!) and then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. 

baking soda and vinegar

This all-natural method won’t harm pipes and is cheap and easy. Unfortunately, while easy, this method won’t work on a serious blockage and should only be used as a temporary fix. The underlying issues are most likely still present, and that's why one should call a professional.

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing has been serving Miami for 34 years. As a woman-owned business, Falcon prides itself on exceptional customer service and care. Falcon plumbing provides a full spectrum of plumbing services with upfront pricing, personalized service and no overtime charges.

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