We’ve all heard myths passed down through family members from one generation to the next, many of them believed to be true.  As a southeast Michigan homeowner, you should know that there are a few myths about plumbing that have long been believed to be the “gospel” truth as well.  So, will lemon really freshen your drain, and does your plumber really know what he’s doing? Haley Mechanical is here to do some busting on plumbing myths.

Here are a few facts that will help clear up any confusion about many common plumbing myths:

Myth #1:  Your plumber is an expert and knows what he’s doing.  Just like “shade-tree” mechanics, there are plumbers that do not have a license and are not educated in their field.  Be sure you consult with a plumber who is licensed and participates in continuing plumbing education courses.  Even better, see if you can find a BBB rating.

Myth #2:  If you know what you’re doing, you don’t need the instruction manual.  Ironically, this may be why you are having a plumbing problem!  Instruction/user manuals are meant to be read, and contain pictures/diagrams to ensure the job is done right.  Essentially, this saves you money.  Read your manual not once, but twice!

Myth #3: You can rely on water pressure regulators.  Even though they do offer important information, water pressure regulators should not be your only measure.  Check the pressure yourself. Indications that your pressure may be too high include a leaking water heater, banging noises coming from pipes, or shower pressure so strong it “stings.”

Myth #4:  Running water while the garbage disposal runs help flush waste on down.  While this is the belief of the majority of homeowners, food can get “jammed” in the disposal using this method.  How many times have you had to put your hand down the drain to remove a blockage?  Better idea – fill the sink with 4 times more water than you have waste.  This separates the waste and allows it to flow easily down the drain.

Myth #5:  Your disposal will smell fresh if you put lemons in it.  While it may smell citrusy and fresh for a short time, putting lemons in your disposal actually is a bad thing!  The citric acid found in lemons will corrode the metal inside.  What to do?  Use ice instead; it works like a power washer to remove the scum that’s causing the odor – noisy, but it works.

Myth #6:  In-tank toilet cleaners will clean your toilet and mean less work for you.  This is a biggie!  Your toilet won’t be any cleaner, although it may smell better.  In-tank cleaners actually just bleach out the nasty build-up, but don’t remove it.  Instead, use vinegar in the overflow tube.  It will remove the build-up and prevent the possible damage in-tank cleaners can cause.

Not believing all of the myths you hear about your plumbing can keep your sinks, toilets and showers working smoothly, and save you a bundle.  Haley Mechanical is a proud member of U.A. Local 190 Plumber’s Union. Our expert team provides plumbing quotes and every home plumbing service you need, from fixing various toilet plumbing problems, sewage systems and pipelines in case of running water problems, to installing boilers in your shower for your convenience.

Conserving water is the most important thing southeast Michigan homeowners can do to lower monthly water costs – but how can you conserve one of our most limited resources?  By installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures.  There are many systems and accessories you can install (or have installed) that will reduce the amount of water your family uses while helping you save on utility bills.  We have included some information about a few of the most popular solutions below.

Dual-flush toilets help save up to 30% of the water used in flushing over standard toilets and offer two different flushing styles.  Flushing liquid waste requires less water while flushing solid waste requires more.  However, both flushing methods are designed to provide sufficient water to remove waste entirely with a single flush.

Plumbing fixtures carrying the WaterSense label.  Products that carry this label are certified as water efficient.  The U.S. EPA’s WaterSense program granted this label, so look for it on plumbing fixtures to ensure you are conserving water.  The WaterSense website provides information regarding water conservation you will find helpful.

Low-flow shower heads, aerators, and faucets conserve water by restricting the amount of water that flows through the fixture.  While you might think this would affect water pressure substantially, it does not.  Low-flow fixtures provide plenty of water for cooking, showering, bathing, washing dishes, and other tasks while using less water.  Besides, because the amount of water flowing through the fixture is reduced, you will also save money on electricity costs as you will use less hot water.

Greywater systems.  Although not intended for drinking or cleaning tasks such as washing clothes, it is a system that recycles and reuses residential rainwater, stormwater, and certain household water used in cleaning or cooking tasks.  The type of water in a greywater system may be used as part of the sanitation system to flush toilet waste away.

Haley Mechanical has been providing Southeast Michigan residential and commercial clients with HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services for 17 years.  For more information on plumbing fixtures and systems that conserve water and help you save money, contact us today!  Serving Ann Arbor, Howell, Dexter, Ypsilanti, and surrounding areas.

Summer is the season that most southeast Michigan homeowners typically experience higher water bills, due to increased consumption. However, there are some easy ways to lower your water bill year-round, helping you save a little money (in summer months, you could save substantially)!

At Haley Mechanical, we want to help homeowners in Dexter, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and surrounding areas save on water usage and cost. Here’s our recommendation:

1. Consider a dual-flush or low-flow toilet. Low-flow toilets use far less water when flushed than standard models, and dual-flush models are even more efficient.

2. Install low-flow fixtures in the kitchen and bath. Fixtures labeled low-flow are highly efficient. For instance, low-flow faucets installed in the kitchen and bathrooms often use only one-fifth of the water consumed by standard faucets!

3. In summer months, install rain barrels. Watering the lawn and flower beds in summer months can leave you with an astronomical water bill. In fact, taking care of outdoor watering needs can account for up to 40% of your total water usage. Consider collecting rainwater in barrels to be used for irrigating your lawn and flower/vegetable gardens.

4. Install high-efficiency appliances. Your washing machine and dishwasher may not be as efficient as newer models. When it’s time to replace, consider one of the newer models labeled high-efficiency.

5. Install a recirculation pump. Waiting for the water to get hot before you shower is not only frustrating, but the amount of water used can add up. By installing an on-demand recirculation pump, the hot water from the water heater reaches you almost immediately, meaning no more wasted water is going down the drain while you wait for the water to heat.

Water is one of those “natural” resources which is becoming in shorter supply as time goes on; by conserving water, you not only reduce how much you pay each month, you’re doing your part to help conserve a resource that is essential for life not only in the U.S. but around the world.

Whether you have home comfort issues or are in search of more expert advice on how to reduce your consumption of water (and thus lower your bill), count on the plumbers at Haley Mechanical.