Last updated 17 hours ago
Is your water bill breaking the bank? That is just one reason you should switch to low-flow plumbing fixtures for your home. There are several advantages of using low-flow fixtures, and many cities sweeten the deal with financial incentives. If you’re on the fence about calling your plumber and asking for a change-over to low-flow fixtures, consider these benefits:
Save Money
It is true that low-flow fixtures usually require a greater initial investment than regular fixtures, but most homeowners recoup their costs within a year. How do low-flow fixtures save you money? Because these fixtures use less water, they help keep your water bills in check. You can save even more money if you live in one of the many towns that offer tax breaks and other incentives to help offset the cost of making the switch to low-flow filters. The Port Authority of New York is a great example of how much money low-flow fixtures can save. After replacing their plumbing with low-flow fixtures, they saved $160,000 on water costs in a single year.
Save Water
Low-flow fixtures are the most environmentally-friendly choice you can make for your plumbing. Low-flow showerheads and faucets use only 2.5 gallons—or less—per minute. Some standard models use more than twice that much. By overhauling all of the plumbing in your home with low-flow fixtures, you could significantly cut your family’s water consumption.
Upgrade Appliances
When it comes to plumbing, new fixtures are always an upgrade. They tend to be better constructed and longer-lasting than older models, and they usually offer aesthetic benefits as well. While you’re saving money and water, you may just end up making your kitchen or bathroom look a little more stylish.
If you’re considering low-flow fixtures, let Reliance Plumbing help. We’ve been helping North Shore and Northwest Chicagoland residents with their plumbing needs since 1991. Call us now at (773) 467-7842 to get answers to your questions about low-flow fixtures, sump pumps, and more. We’re here 24 hours a day for all of your plumbing emergencies.
Last updated 4 days ago
A septic system or drainage problem can severely impact your home or office. Check out these links from around the Web to learn about the origin of the sewer system, the danger of oil on your sewer lines, how sewage backups can harm your home, and the basics of overhead sewer systems. Give Reliance Plumbing a call at (773) 467-7842 for more information about our services.
Make sure you know how to properly dispose of kitchen grease by reading this HowStuffWorks.com article.
What happens when grease and oil build up in your sewer system? You can learn about the importance of proper oil and grease disposal with this article from LiveScience.com.
Did you know that exposure to a septic backup can lead to infection and illness? Learn more about the dangers of a sewage backup by reading over this article from EPA.gov.
Septic backups can be highly hazardous to your health. Find out why and learn how to properly clean up after a backup with this link from HousekeepingChannel.com.
Last updated 11 days ago
A properly working drainage system is essential to transporting wastewater safely away from your home. In this video, we learn about the complications that can occur due to poor residential drainage systems.
Poorly working drainage and septic systems can lead to lingering pools of water, musty or foul-smelling odors, and unusable landscapes. If water enters into cracks in the foundation, it can cause further damage, jeopardize the stability of your home, and increase the need for costly repairs. Check out this video for more information about maintaining your drainage system and preventing common problems.
Is your residential or commercial drainage system not working correctly? Get the services you need by consulting with the qualified plumbers at Reliance Plumbing today! Explore our website or call (773) 467-7842 for more information.
Last updated 18 days ago
Many of us tend to take our sewage systems for granted—at least until we experience a major problem such as a clog or septic tank backup. Make sure you understand the dangers of a sewage backup on your home, and when you should contact a residential plumber, by reading over the topics discussed in this article.
Water Damage
Sewage system backups from your toilet, shower, tub, sink, or washer can all lead to serious water damage. This not only includes personal items, but also damage to the structure of your home itself, such as the drywall, wood frame, and the foundation. Water damage to your home will lead to costly repairs, and in some cases may require the plumbing company to dig a large hole in your front or back yard to repair the septic tank.
Mold and Mildew Growth
If the proper steps are not taken, water damage from sewage backups can lead to mildew and mold growth within your home. The presence of mildew and mold interfere with the indoor air quality of your home, and usually leads to or exacerbates preexisting allergy and asthma symptoms.
Contamination
In addition to causing water damage and increasing the risk of mold growth, a sewage backup may allow wastewater to reenter and contaminate your home with harmful bacteria, such as fecal coliform and E. coli. Exposure to septic wastewater raises the risk of contracting a number of serious health conditions, including skin rashes, gastroenteritis, infection, and hepatitis.
Reduce the chances of a septic backup in your home by having your sewer system inspected and serviced by a professional residential plumbing company. Give the trained and experienced plumbers with Reliance Plumbing a call at (773) 467-7842 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. We offer free plumbing estimates during business hours, 24-hour emergency services, and a wide variety of materials and name brand products.
Last updated 26 days ago
Drainage and sewer systems are designed to transport wastewater and storm-water away from the property, often to an off-site drain field or sewage treatment plant. However, the drainage and city sewer systems utilized today differ greatly from their early predecessors. Continue reading to learn more about the origins of modern city drains and sewers.
The First Sewer Systems
The first use of drainage and sewer system dates back as early as 3500 BCE, when civilizations in southern Pakistan created drains using stone or man-made masonry units to move stormwater away from their earthen-made homes. The Roman Empire was also famous for having an extensive system of cut-stone sewers and aqueducts to move water throughout the cities. Over the next few thousand years, the development of sewers and drainage pipes would migrate into the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Growth and Development
The idea of a sewer system grew in popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries as plagues ravaged many of the European countries. Between the 1860s and 1890s, Parisians developed underground sewers beneath almost every street—incorporating a number of new ideas such as low-flow channels, sidewalks for workers, and devices to clean the systems. London also began constructing new sewer systems during the 1860s as a way to stop to the spread of bacteria due to horrendous sanitation conditions.
Modern Advances
The first sanitary sewer system in the United States was created in Memphis, Tennessee, following the spread of cholera and other diseases after the Civil War. Commonly used materials included clay, wood, concrete, and cast iron. Today, many drainage and sewage pipes are still made using cast iron, steel, and vitrified clay brick.
The plumbers with Reliance Plumbing have more than 35 years of combined experience serving the North Shore areas. Give us a call at (773) 467-7842 for more information on our residential and commercial plumbing services.
