URGENT INFO: Preventing Frozen Pipes – Part One

Written by Kevin on January 5, 2018. Posted in Plumbing.

With below freezing temperatures continuing in the Triad, it’s critical that you as a homeowner know how to protect your pipes from freezing as best as possible. Just this week, Go Green Plumbing has received hundreds of calls reporting frozen pipes and while we are doing our best to get to everyone, with that number of people, the challenge is real.

While there is no foolproof plan to guard against frozen pipes, it’s important you understand what you are fighting against.

The most dangerous issue with frozen pipes is not that they are frozen, it is that they will eventually thaw, and you, as a homeowner, won’t know if the until it’s too late if the expansion from the freezing has cracked a pipe. As soon as it starts flowing again, you could have a flood. And most homeowners dont have flood insurance.

This issue is especially common if you have galvanized or copper pipes. These types of pipes are more likely to freeze than a plastic PEX Pipe.

If many of your pipes run on exterior walls, or your pipes are in a crawl space or uninsulated basement or garage area, leave all faucets dripping for the night, and set an alarm and wake up at least every three hours to run the water in those fixtures until the water runs hot.

While it may be difficult to do for this specific cold spell, to pre-empt these issues, you can install heat trace wire on wells and water heaters, or fixtures that run along exterior walls. You can also add insulation to pipes on crawl spaces, basements and garages. When the weather warms up, you may want to consider making these changes or have a plumber take care of it for you.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Some Common Plumbing Issues

Written by Kevin on December 19, 2017. Posted in Plumbing.

Ever wonder if what you’re dealing with regarding your plumbing system is common? Below you’ll find the most common requests plumbers receive — and you can rest assured you’re not alone.

1 –Your toilet is leaking. Without question, this is one of the top issues that homeowners face with regard to plumbing issues. And because it can be a sign of a larger issue, it’s not one to be ignored. If your toilet is leaking at all, give your plumber a call so you can

2 – Your water lines are broken. Again, another frequent problem amongst home owners. What’s important to remember here is that you are responsible for issues affecting the main lines from your yard to the street. The city, however, is responsible for issues affecting lines from the street outward.

3 – Your sewer is clogged. This is trickier to diagnose. Homeowners don’t often notice a broken sewer line. However, if the clog is severe, sewage will begin backing up into your home. That’s why, if you do have a clog, it’s important to act fast.

Call your plumber immediately, and he or she can enlist a variety of options that best address your particular situation. First, they may pull the toilet or go through a “clean out drain” in your yard to loosen the clog. Or, they may use a sewer machine to try to clear the clog. If they can’t find the clog, your plumber may want to run a camera down the line to assess the situation. However, if the sewer is full, the camera cannot be used. That’s why, especially if you’re on a septic tank, that you have it emptied every 3-5 years.

Also, when a plumber can’t clear a clog completely, they may clear it enough to send a camera down to see if there is a break in the pipes. In addition, they may offer a service called “hydrojetting,” which is like an intense pressure washer hose being channeled down a drain to clean It out or to push out the clog to the line to the city where it can be dealt with.

4 – Your water heater is leaking. If this is the issue you’re facing, a few important questions are: How old is your water heater? Is it under warranty? Is the tank rusted out? Or is it just a valve issue? Why so many questions? Because most water heaters are only meant to last 7-10 years. If yours has passed its warranty and is older, it may be less expensive to purchase a new one than to fix it.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Is Your Water Heater Temperature Too Hot?

Written by Kevin on December 12, 2017. Posted in Plumbing.

On a cold winter morning, sometimes there’s nothing better than a hot shower to get you warmed up and ready for your day. But if you’re not careful, the hot water can be a little too hot — for you and your children, and also for your wallet.

Here’s how to make sure you keep you and your family from scalding temperatures when the temptation to move that hot water knob a little further to the left hits. Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent you and your little ones from accidental harm when taking a bath or shower, or even washing your hands.

Some manufacturers do recommend 140 degrees, but if you have young children in your home, it’s especially important keep your temperature setting at 120 degrees or slightly below. Further, lowering the temperature can decrease your bill by an estimated $10-30 annually for each 10 degree decrease in temperature.

But what about your ensuring your water is hot enough to sanitize dishes in your dishwasher? No worries, that’s why dishwashers have heat boosters. Dishwasher manufacturers actually point to monthly water bill savings as a benefit of heat boosters because you don’t have to keep your entire house at a higher temperature to make sure your dishes are clean.

Are there any cons? The only risk of lowering the water heater temperature is may allow bacteria to build up with the lower temperature. However, most people in general good health do not have to worry. If you have a suppressed immune system or chronic respiratory problems consider keeping it at 140. If you have small children, or are elderly, make sure to add mixing valves at each sink or shower which will help prevent you from scalding accident.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! You can reach the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Everyday Wisdom From Your Plumber – Part Two

Written by Kevin on December 8, 2017. Posted in Plumbing.

Wish you could have prevented that plumbing issue that created thousands of dollars of damage? Sure you do. And do you know where to find that information? It’s as easy as calling your plumber. To get you started, below you’ll find a few nuggets of wisdom from your technicians at Go Green Plumbing.

If you are using a septic tank, know that it must be emptied periodically. This is an issue that can cause unnecessary headaches and very real problems. If your septic tank is full, inevitably your plumbing system will back up and it won’t be pretty – or inexpensive.

Identifying and using a good bacteria and enzyme product on your septic system is a wise investment. The bacteria and enzymes will work to break down the waste in the septic, helping to alleviate any back up issues that may begin otherwise. There are a few different brands, but one that Go Green Plumbing recommends is BioClean.

Limit your use of bleach if you are on a septic system. Though you’re using the Clorox in your home for cleaning, when it’s flushed or washed down the sink, it can kill the good bacteria that is working to break down the waste in your septic tank.

Have your water tested periodically. Heavy levels of sediment and minerals can damage fixtures internally and externally and will shorten the lifespan of their system. If you have a high level of sediment or minerals in your water supply, consider a water purifier for your home.

Washing machine hoses are the number one cause of home flooding. Checking, replacing, making sure they have braided stainless steel hoses instead of plastic hoses can save you several thousands of dollars in the long run.

Always disconnect outdoor hoses from hose bibs when you expect freezing temperatures. In addition, always cover the outdoor faucet for temperatures below 32 degrees. If you don’t do this, the frozen water in hoses and faucets can create the perfect storm causing water lines to burst.

Turn off your water at the main valve when you are on vacation. By doing this, you’re preventing major damage to your home in the event of a water leak or burst pipe.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Everyday Wisdom from your Plumber – Part One

Written by Kevin on December 8, 2017. Posted in Plumbing.

Go Green Plumbing, Greensboro, NC Most people only talk to their plumber when there is a problem that needs fixing. But few take advantage of the wealth of knowledge he or she can provide regarding how to prevent those very issues before they start. To that end, below you’ll find several nuggets of wisdom from Go Green Plumbers to help make sure you’re doing what is best for your plumbing system and your home .

EVERYONE in your home should know where the main shut off valve is located. If there is a leak, or a pipe bursts, the first thing you need to do to minimize damage to your home is to turn of the water. This can be critically important to protecting your home.

Never, ever, ever flush “flushable wipes” … or any wipe other than toilet tissue for that matter. They will clog your toilet-even though their marketing information says otherwise-causing you expensive plumbing repairs. Toilet tissue is the only tissue that should be flushed.

The cost of a yearly plumbing inspection can be worth its weight in gold. These annual check-ups for your plumbing system are equivalent to your annual physical. An inspection is the perfect opportunity to find issues that could grow into bigger, more costly problems, ultimately saving you time, frustration – and money.

A water heater is only meant to last a certain number of years, it will not last forever. After the manufacturer’s “life expectancy” has been reached, it’s reasonable to expect expensive issues to arise. Thus, purchasing a new water heater in a timely manner is often the more economical choice if you begin running into larger repair expenses.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Dishwasher Efficiency Can Save You Money

Written by Kevin on November 21, 2017. Posted in Plumbing.

Having a dishwasher today is one of the modern luxuries that many Americans take for granted. Just rinse and load the dishes, add the detergent and turn on the washer. It’s that easy. And while it IS that easy, there are a few ways that you can change your dishwasher habits to save yourself some money.

First, is your dishwasher and Energy Star dishwasher? Energy-star.gov explains that the US Energy-Star program is a government-backed labeling program that helps you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying home appliances that have superior energy efficiency. If yours is not an Energy Star rated appliance, it may be worth investigating a newer model if you want to save some cash long term.

So now that that’s established, the next thing you can do is to scrape and rinse your dishes. Not only does that help ensure your dishes will get clean in the wash, you will save some water and ensure your dishwasher drain doesn’t get clogged—saving you big bucks down the road.

Next, wash the dishes only when you have a full load. It’s not always possible, but when you can it’s worth it. Are you worried that your dishes will smell? Or that food will cake to your dishes? Then see if your dishwasher has a rinse and hold mode to manage these issues until you wash the bigger load. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a rinse and hold mode, then simply run a short rinse cycle.

And when do you typically run your dishwasher? Right after dinner? Did you know that energy companies typically charge more during peak hours? Run the washer right before going to bed if you’re a night owl, or, if you’re an early riser, run it very early in the morning. If your dishwasher has a delay mode, you can use it to run the dishwasher overnight when energy costs much less.

And last but not least, you can always let your dishes air dry rather than using the drying cycle in your dishwasher. This will cut down on the heat and energy needed to dry your dishes.

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Protect Your Pipes

Written by Kevin on November 19, 2017. Posted in Plumbing.

Protecting your pipes from freezing this winter is no small matter. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, from 2005-2015, total claims for damage due to frozen pipes exceeded four billion dollars. The good news though is that frozen and burst pipes can be prevented with some regular maintenance and preventive action.

Keep in mind that your goal is to keep your home warm and thus your pipes warm, using your heating system supported by good insulation. This is yet another reason to have your HVAC checked each fall to make sure it’s in top shape. Also, each year about this time, take a walk around your home to determine what areas need the most attention, be it more insulation or a little extra insulation around pipes.

Keep your garage doors closed, especially if you have access to water lines in your garage.

If you expect a hard freeze, let your faucets drip and open lower cabinet doors to let the heat in under your sink to keep those pipes warmer.

Wrap exposed or vulnerable piping with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves that you can purchase at your local hardware store. Remember: any piping that runs through unheated areas like attics or basements are especially vulnerable to freezing.

Drain and disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets and store them for the winter. Next, wrap the outdoor faucets with foam or fiberglass sleeves. If you don’t have either of these on hand, grab an old t-shirt or towel, wrap it around the faucet, cover with a plastic Ziploc bag and duct tape it closed around the base of the faucet.

If you are going out of town and you expect temperatures to dip below freezing while you’re gone, turn off the water to your home and open all faucets to drain.

Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night.

If you do find yourself in the position of dealing with frozen and/or burst pipes, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will send one of our expert plumbing technicians over as soon as possible.

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Help for Your Holiday Water Bill

Written by Kevin on November 19, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, the holiday countdown has begun. And like many families, you may be hosting several friends or family members over the next several weeks. While your preparation list likely includes gifts, food and cleaning, have you prepared to absorb the additional water expense that comes with extended house guests?

If your answer is “no”, you’re not alone. With all the activities happening at this time of year, homeowners rarely think about ways to save money on utility bills – until they receive them in the mail or their inbox in January. The fact is that extra guests mean an extra demand on your plumbing system and in your hot water needs, resulting in a greater impact on your wallet

To help you get through this holiday without a whopper of a water bill, here are just a few things you can do right now to save you money.

If you don’t have them already, you may want to consider installing low-flow plumbing fixtures. They can be a great asset in slowing down the water flow in your home. These nifty fixtures use a special high pressure technique that creates a flow that is equal to or greater than the flow on traditional flow faucets but using less water. You can find low-flow shower heads, toilets and faucets at your local hardware store.

Did you know you can buy a blanket for your water heater? To keep your water heater insulated and your water warm longer, stop by your local home improvement store and ask for an insulated blanket for your water heater. These are made especially for your water heater and can make sure all of your guests have a warm shower in addition to saving you money this holiday season.

With more guests comes more laundry. When doing laundry, especially guests’ towels and sheets, make sure you have a full load and that your water level matches the size of your load.

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Plumbing Myths

Written by Kevin on November 19, 2017. Posted in Plumbing.

Webster’s defines a myth as “a popular belief that is false or unsupported”. While myths may seem harmless, when it comes to your home and the systems that run it, it’s important to be certain you are making decisions based on reality and not myths.

So, the natural question to ask is, “What are common plumbing myths?” Below you’ll find a few of the most popular ones debunked for you.

MYTH: Ice cubes sharpen garbage disposal blades.

TRUTH: Ice cubes don’t sharpen disposal blades, but they can help clean them. Experts recommend using ice cubes once a month as preventative maintenance for your disposal.

MYTH: Lemon peels will clean my garbage disposal.

TRUTH: They may make it smell good, but the skins can clog your disposal while the corrosiveness of the citric acid can wreak havoc on the disposal’s mechanisms.

MYTH: Cat litter is flushable.

TRUTH: In theory, yes, it is possible to flush cat litter, but don’t do it! Cat litter can carry a parasite called Toxoplasma, that can cause a condition called toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful to pregnant women and marine life.

MYTH: Lightening can’t travel through plumbing pipes.

TRUTH: If your home still has metal pipes as part of your plumbing system, then you possess the perfect conductor for lightening (if it were to hit your plumbing system outside). If you have PVC pipes, then you are much better off. However, water can be a great conductor of electricity especially with a little help from various impurities that are commonly found in public water systems.

MYTH: Toilet bowl tablets are safe for my toilet.

TRUTH: In reality, if the toilet bowl tablets contain bleach this can me very harmful to your toilet and the mechanisms supporting it over time. While using bleach to clean your toilet is ok, the fact that these tablets are designed to stay in your toilet bowl 24/7 is the issue.

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Teaching Your Children To Use Toilet Paper

Written by Kevin on November 5, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

When it comes to toilet paper, a little good judgement goes a long way. While most adults have a sense of how much is too much, young children can have a harder time discerning the proper amount of toilet paper to use.

Thankfully toilet paper isn’t that expensive, but using too much can add up over time. To make matters worse, too much toilet paper can lead to problems like clogged and overflowing toilets. It can also create bigger problems for your septic system down the road which can mean costly repairs.

To help teach your child the finer points of toilet paper use, consider trying one of the following tactics.

Count the squares. This one is pretty straightforward. Determine a number of toilet paper squares that you and your child decide is appropriate and let them count out the squares and then tear them off.

Draw a line/Mark the Spot. This is as easy as it gets. Take a pencil and simply draw a line on the wall under the toilet paper roll to show your child how far to pull the toilet paper out. When they reach the line, tear the toilet paper. If you prefer, you can mark the spot with a small arrow sticker.

Make a measuring ribbon. This one takes a little more time, but it is probably the most aesthetically pleasing. Either purchase an attractive ribbon, or find one that you have at home. Measure the length that represents the number of paper squares that you’ve agreed on and cut the ribbon, leaving about an inch to an inch and a half extra on each end. Then affix the ribbon to the toilet roll holder and slip a small bead on the opposite end of the ribbon to add some weight. Finally, tie a knot adjacent to the bead and let the ribbon hang. Voila!

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!