<![CDATA[Zell Plumbing & Heating - Blog]]>Sat, 29 Jun 2024 12:47:53 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Five Steps for Water Damage Restoration]]>Mon, 01 Feb 2016 12:58:27 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/five-steps-for-water-damage-restoration
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​Water damage can bring about sudden and serious damage in our lives. We do our best to shield our homes and organizations from occasional storms, catastrophes and wear and tear. Indeed, even with the majority of our precautionary measures, sometimes that cold snap is excessively cold, the water rises quickly, or that pipe begins to spill while we are away from home.
By following the five steps listed below you will get through water damage disaster and get your world back again.

1) Safety is your First Concern

Be alert in case of standing water or if your home or business is seriously harmed. It can be enticing to dash into recover heirlooms or to survey the harm, however it is best to sit tight for help from a qualified proficient. In the event if it is possible, make sure that all utilities are off and visually look for indications of structural damage.
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2) Lookout for a Start-to-Finish Professional

At the point when water damage strikes, we might need to live or work without running water for a few days, have to go through the emotional trauma and worry about insurance procedures. Recognizing a qualified and authorized provider of water damage restoration services that can deal with all parts of your restoration procedure will spare you time, headache and energy. Pick an organization that can accomplish more than using pumps and clean carpets. Locate an expert that can deal with the initial steps furthermore the structural repairs and final restoration process. Preferably this organization ought to additionally give a free, in-person assessment of the damage and a cost estimate.
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3) Remove Stagnant Water and Residual Moisture

Removing standing water is must when managing water damage. Chances are your own wet and dry vacuum is not suitable for the job. Water restoration experts should utilize the most recent in industrial water extractors and submersible pumps. It is additionally vital to consult specialists so they can distinguish any dangerous or harmful substances in the standing water before evacuation. Water damage can likewise extend to subfloors, floors and walls. Utilizing drying systems particularly for wood floors and subfloors should remove moisture in these difficult to reach places. Air moving machines might likewise be important to expel moisture from wood frames, drywall and other surfaces. If your ensure to completely remove both standing water and hidden moisture then it will help you to prevent damage in the long run(like staining and warping) to your floors and other various structures, and will prevent the growth of health hazardous fungi and microorganisms such as bacteria.

4) Protect Your Health by Sanitation

Flooding and burst pipes can let dirty and contaminated water loose in your home or business. Use modern or commercial cleaning items when you need to sterilize your home or business by wiping out bacteria, fungi growth, harmful chemicals and sewage.
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5) Repair or Replace Damaged Structures

Contingent upon the seriousness of the damage, carpeting, flooring and rugs might need some repairs or may need to be replaced. Some areas of roofs and walls may also require replacement and repainting.
For vast scale water damage, you might need to reach out to a specialist such as Vital Restoration. It is vital to restore water damage when it happens, and to do so completely.
Author Bio: Andrew Hoffman is a freelance writer and journalist from Los Angeles, CA, who has written on behalf of a range of clients including the Livestrong Network and Demand Media. In addition to writing about a range of topics, he enjoys surfing in Santa Monica and collecting classic, first-edition novels.
]]><![CDATA[Winterizing Your Outdoor Plumbing]]>Fri, 20 Nov 2015 20:48:21 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/winterizing-your-outdoor-plumbingIf you live in the northern half of the United States, it's safe to say that winter temps are around the corner (if you haven't experienced them already).  While it's a wonderful thing to experience the different seasons year round, it also puts a lot of responsibility on property owners.  With the transition of seasons comes the task of closing outdoor plumbing for the winter months and preparing them for use again in the spring and summer.

If you haven't already winterized your outdoor faucets, now is as good a time as any to get them taken care of to prevent major damage and headaches later on this season.

STEP ONE

First, disconnect hoses from your outside hosebib. Even if you've invested in the popular freeze-proof hose it needs to be disconnected. Also, make sure that you have no splitters or connectors attached to the faucet. By leaving the hose or other connectors on the faucet you risk water getting trapped in the line and expanding as it freezes. This will cause a break in the pipes or outside faucets.

STEP TWO

The next step is to inspect your outside faucets.  It's easy to forget about them as the fall months begin, but ignoring any leaks or drips will no doubt cause a big problem this winter as the temperatures plummet.   If you notice any water dripping or leaking from the hosebib it's best to minimize the potential damage now and get it repaired before winterizing your faucet.
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STEP THREE

Next, you will actually turn off your faucet in the following steps:

1.  Locate your shutoff valve for the outdoor faucet or faucets.  This is often times in the basement, crawl space or garage depending on where you live.  Gently but firmly turn the water off.  In a newer home you will see a lever style valve which you will want to turn one quarter turn to the "off" position.  In other homes you may have a knob which you will rotate clockwise until it stops.  If you have a much older home you may see a square post at a pipe junction.  For these valves without a knob or a handle, a pliers can be used to turn it clockwise until it stops.
2.  Go back to your outside faucet and turn on the water.  Once the water has stopped flowing you can be certain that you have released any water trapped in the pipe.  This will reduce the chance of any freezing during the winter months.  Leave the hosebib open all winter for extra protection.
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STEP FOUR

Finally, you may want to protect your outside faucet with insulation.  The easiest way to do this is install a hosebib cover on each outdoor fixture (yes, even those frost free hosebibs!) The options below are highly rated to protect your plumbing outdoors from winter mishaps and disasters.
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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[Don't Flush It (Part Two)]]>Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:56:16 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/dont-flush-it-part-twoA kitchen sink drain is probably one of the most notorious plumbing service calls we get.  The kitchen sink is the most used sink in the house and is not only used for washing hands, but for preparing meals and cleaning dishes.  One of the biggest culprits plaguing kitchen sink drains is food and grease.  A great way to avoid food going down your drain is to place a basket strainer in the drain opening.  But what to do about grease.....and is it really that big a deal if you do happen to pour cooking grease down the drain?

How Grease Ruins Your Plumbing

We've all been there.  Breakfast time is over and we are hurrying to get the dishes cleaned up so we can get on to the day's activities.  The largest pan is still on the stove containing the bacon grease and it's waiting to be cleaned.  In a rush there might be an internal debate.  Tossing the grease from the food down the drain would be much quicker.  Who has time to find a container to store the grease in and let it sit out until cooled or hardened enough to throw it in the trash?   But using the drain to dispose of grease could end up wasting more time and costing more money in the long run as opposed to just throwing cooking grease in the trash.
The reason grease is such a drain-blocking culprit is because of how fats in grease attach themselves to other foreign objects.  When the grease leaves your sink it flows down your pipes and into your city's sewer pipes where it is mixed together with other waste water.  The fats from grease get broken down into their component parts; fatty acids and glycerol.  The fatty acids bind calcium found in sewers and can lead to corrosion of concrete.  The fats in grease and oils attach themselves onto other chemicals in the sewer systems and in your pipes.  This forms a conglomeration of fats, chemicals and other inorganic particles that begin to build up in your pipes and the city sewer pipes.  The more blockage there is in the pipes, the less dirty waste water can flow through them.  This can eventually become so bad that the sewers and pipes can become compounded with fats, oils and all the things they carry with them.
If you have a clog in your home, it may be easily fixed by a drain cleaner that can unclog the blockage and clean out your kitchen sink pipes.  However while your drain may be clear, the greasy conglomerates just get washed down the city sewer afterwards which can lead to even bigger problems.  In the UK it took a team weeks to power-wash and clean out London's sewer system where a 17 ton mass of fatty compounds had become lodged in the sewer system.

How to Properly Dispose of Grease

1. LET IT HARDEN
If you have a small amount of grease to get rid of, the easiest solution is to let it harden.  Pour the liquid grease in dish and wait for it to harden.  Once it is hardened into a solid, scrape the grease into the trash.  To make it even easier, pour the grease into a disposable container and once it is hardened toss the whole thing.
2. SOP IT UP
This is a great method to use while browning meat that has excess grease you'd like to dispose of.  Using a paper towel, you can soak up any extra grease and throw the paper towel away in the trash. This is also ideal if there is a very small amount of grease that needs to be thrown away.
3. RECYCLE IT
Some cities actually offer fat and oil recycling.  This is perfect if you are using a lot of oil at one time.  For example, frying a turkey uses a lot of oil that needs to be thrown away.
A great habit to form is to wipe out pots and pans that have been used during cooking before you wash them.  This can ensure as little grease as possible goes down the drain and into the sewer.
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What to do When Grease Ends up in the Drain

Even the smallest amount of grease down the drain adds up, especially in large cities with a lot of restaurants, or in older homes that have had many years of grease poured down the drain.  If everyone in your neighborhood, apartment building or street poured one tablespoon of grease down the drain every week, it would start to add up and create blockages very quickly.
So, if grease has gone down your drain, is there a way to fix it?  Well not entirely, but there are ways to minimize the damage.  You can wash out your sink drain with boiling water and a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.  This will help push it out of your pipes, however it will still be able to coagulate in the main water system or further down in your own waste plumbing system.



​These grease disposal bags are perfect for any kitchen that loves to cook foods such as bacon or other foods that require grease or oil disposal.  
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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[Don't Flush It (Part One)]]>Thu, 05 Nov 2015 21:35:07 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/dont-flush-it-part-oneThey seem to be a parent’s best friend; especially the potty-training parent.  They are found in bathrooms, purses, diaper bags, and on kitchen counters.  They come in varieties made for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, antibacterial and just plain water.  They are flushable wipes.  We conveniently use them and viola, we flush them down the toilet never to think of them again.  Flushable wipes seem to be the greatest invention ever for our busy lives.  
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The sad truth is that these advertised wipes are actually anything but flushable.  Yes, they go down our toilet and leave our homes sometimes without a problem to us.  Yes, we don’t think about them again after we flush them.  No, they are not biodegradable.  These wipes don’t break down as they are sent through the sewer systems around the world.  ​
WHY NOT TO FLUSH THEM

​The package says flushable, so why not flush them? Wipes are most often times manufactured with plastic or other synthetic substances like polyester.  The reason wipes are created with these materials is to ensure the wipes are durable.   However plastic and polyester do not break down in water.  Toilet paper or facial tissue on the other hand break down within a few seconds once they come into contact with water.  This is the reason wipes are so appealing, especially for parents who are still in the diapering and potty-training stages.
And while the wipes willingly leave your home’s waste system most of the time, they are not breaking down by the time they enter a waste water treatment plant.  It should be noted, however, that some homes with older plumbing and homes with septic systems are often times unable to rid the wipes of their systems.

A study was recently done in which waste water officials watched and tracked flushable wipes that were dyed through the sewer system to see if they did in fact break down through the process.  What they found was that the wipes were still completely intact.  The flushable wipes did have more rips and tears in comparison to the regular wipes that are not deemed flushable, but overall, they were still a whole wipe starting a major blockage problem.
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Photo Courtesy of NY Times
CAUSING PROBLEMS
Wastewater authorities around the world are finding clusters of wipes that are unable to break down and have gotten stuck in our waste water plants causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in work to clean up the messy wipes.
The issue with flushable wipes went global in July of 2015 when sewer officials in London removed a 15 ton “bus sized” lump of wet wipes that clogged the city’s sewer system.   
The United States has had its own fair share of problems in various cities.  Many cities have started campaigns and sent out fliers urging residents to use the trash for wipes and not to flush anything but toilet paper and waste down the toilet.
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Some cities, such as New York have installed basket strainers to catch the flushed wipes in hopes of avoiding more service calls to unclog city pump station.  Orange County, California experienced over 950 maintenance calls last year alone costing over $300,000 to remove wipes that have clogged their city sewer system.

Our sewer systems were made with the use of only toilet paper in mind.  They were not created to handle globs of wipes.
You wouldn’t flush a synthetic fabric.  You wouldn’t flush a wash rag.  Don’t flush wipes either.  By using our waste water systems for only human waste and toilet paper we can save thousands of dollars and prevent long term damage of our water ways.  

Here are some of our favorite “Don’t Flush It” campaigns, what are yours?
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saveyourpipes.org
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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[How We Get Our Drinking Water (Part Three)]]>Wed, 07 Oct 2015 19:25:42 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/how-we-get-our-drinking-water-part-threeAlthough the United States has developed clean water systems in urban and suburban areas, there still remains well over 15 million people who receive their clean water from a private well.  Private wells are intricately engineered and have been improved in functionality over the course of time.  Obtaining water through a well brings a whole new set of water contaminants to the forefront of the purification process.  Most well owners don't worry about chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia or aluminum being introduced to their water supply as those receiving city water do (Read more on City Water Here).  However, well owners must filter out many organic particles, bacteria and man-made pesticides in order to maintain clean water for their homes.   An important process to understand is how water gets to our private wells.  By following the flow of water to private wells we can understand exactly how water must be treated to achieve pure and safe drinking water.
As with any water we are bringing into our homes, whether by private well or your municipality's water, the process begins with a look at the Hydrologic Cycle. This process is outlinedhere in Part One of this series.
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How a Private Well Works

Starting from the precipitation phase of the Hydrologic Cycle, the water that is absorbed into the earth drips down into underground aquifers.  These aquifers are not large, open caves beneath the earth's surface, but instead they are layers of rock and sediment and soil that water slowly drips through.  Gravity works by pulling the surface water down through the rock and soil deep into the layers of earth.  Once the water drips past the initial layer, it then saturates the deeper soils.  The top layer of soil that is left drier and doesn't necessarily carry any fresh water is called the water table.  
The higher the soil, the more water gets trapped in the rock and dirt.  The deeper into the earth you would go, the more water is saturated and "pooling" into holes and caverns.  When a well is dug into the ground, it is merely a hole, that when dug deep enough, fills up with fresh water.  The well would need to be below the water table in order for it to fill with water.  Modern wells use pumps that pull the water up against the force of gravity and pushes the water through pipes into your home.
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The great thing about private wells is they are most often times free from city-added chemicals such as chlorine, aluminum and ammonia.  (Read more on city added chemicals here).  However, it also means that the homeowner is left to be responsible for maintaining clean and safe water for his own home.  Private wells are not covered by the EPA regulations, which means routine water tests should be performed by homeowners.

Although the United States has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world, there are still many contaminants that can infiltrate ground water that flow to wells.  Most are naturally occurring minerals and chemicals (such as radon and arsenic).  However, local land use practices can also bring in pesticides, chemicals from farms and contaminants from malfunctioning waste-water treatment systems.

Natural Chemicals

Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.  From there it can dissolve into a water supply.

Groundwater that flows through granite or granitic sand is often found to have a higher level of radon than other areas.  Radon becomes more of a problem when showering, washing dishes and doing laundry as the steam from the hot water used releases the radon gas into the air.  

Radon has been shown to increase the risk of developing stomach or other internal organ cancers.  A whole house carbon filter is the best way to remove radon from water.

Arsenic
Arsenic is also a naturally occurring element in rocks and soil.  It usually enters the water from natural deposits in the earth near an underground aquifer.  There is a popular belief that when water levels drop significantly, arsenic dissolves out of certain rock formation below the earth.

Arsenic is similar to Radon in the way that it is more harmful in water vapor and as a gas than in water alone.  Arsenic has been linked to bladder, lung and skin cancer and also has effects on the nervous system.  It may also cause birth defects and reproductive problems.

One of the best ways to filter out Arsenic is with an RO Filter or through distillation.

Chemical Runoff

Chemicals used in farming and other agricultural practices are one of the most dangerous contaminants for well owners.  Farms that use pesticides, herbicides and other man-made chemicals almost always end up contaminating ground water around their own land and even land that is miles away.

Once chemicals are used, anything remaining on plants or on the surface ground water level becomes mobile through snow and rain.  The precipitation pushes the water and chemicals through the ground water and then it infiltrates the aquifers below the earth.  From there the chemical flows into water supplies and gets pumped up through wells into resident's homes.

Water travels quite a distance and sometimes the chemicals and pesticides used in farming can end up miles away just by the flow of water.  ​
While it's a great benefit to have your own water source, those who have wells must be more diligent in keeping their water safe and clean.  There are fewer checks and regulatory tests along the path.  However, it doesn't need to be difficult or costly.  Below are some easy to use water testing kits that will keep you informed on the quality of your private well water.

Well Water Test Kits

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Amanda Klecker,​ Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[How We Get Our Drinking Water (Part Two)]]>Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:59:56 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/how-we-get-our-drinking-water-part-twoWater is one of the most natural commodities we consume as a society.  Being privileged enough to live in high functioning communities, water is methodically pumped through metro and suburban areas and into each home and business within its boundaries.   There is an intricate system involved in treating and cleaning water before it hits your pipes.  While turning on the faucet is an extremely routine part of our daily lives, the process our water goes through getting to our home is probably a lot more complex than most of us realize.  However, the process is often forgotten due to the convenience we have become accustomed to.

There is a price that is paid to have such a precious resource at our fingertips.  Unfortunately maintaining a high quality of water means there are many additives and chemicals used to purity it for home use.  This in turn means we are left with chemical laden water ready to drink and use at our discretion.   Taking a look at the second part of how we get water will help us understand what comes in our water and why it contains the contaminants it does.
In the first part of our Drinking Water series, we delved into the environmental side of water quality as well as the hydrologic cycle.  (If you missed it or want to read it again, you can find it here).

In Part Two we will focus on functions cities and municipalities perform to provide us clean drinking water.

First your municipality draws water in through a screen to begin the process.  This ensures large organic particles and materials as well as garbage, plants and possibly fish are filtered out of our drinking water before entering any sort of treatment facility.

The next stop for our water is part one of  the chemical treatment.  First, an initial chlorine additive is used to disinfect the water and kill any micro-organisms at this beginning stage.  The chlorine will also treat the water for odors and poor taste.  A coagulant is also added at this stage.  Many times aluminum or alum is added to force any small particles to bind together.  Once the minuscule particles in the water are clumped together they are easily filtered out through a carbon filter.

Next, the water is pushed ​through several kinds of filters within the tower or treatment plant.  All the particles that were forced to coagulate and bind together from the chemical treatments are either filtered out at this point, or they settle to the bottom of the tank.   The filters also remove any of the previously added chemical and other organic organisms that remain in the water.  

Next the water travels through fine media filters such as coal or sand to remove ​the remaining fine particles. 

Finally the water is sent to a storage tank that ​holds the water before it is distributed to local homes and businesses.  While the water is being held in the storage tank another dose of chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria and organisms.  This is also the step where most cities add fluoride into the water.    Ammonia is also another common additive at this stage to help in stabilizing the chlorine and aiding in the disinfection of the water before distribution.

Finally after routine testing the water is pumped out of the treatment facility and water tower into the pipes that lead to homes, schools, factories and businesses.

As you can see there are many steps your local government agencies take in order to ensure the local drinking water is clean.  While the chlorine, aluminum and ammonia are added to help our quality of water, it unfortunately comes at the cost of chemicals being left in our drinking water. ​​​

The good news is that there are ways to remove most, if not all the chemicals once the water enters your home.  Below are some great whole house filters that will remove additives, including fluoride from your water.


HOW CHEMICALS AFFECT OUR HEALTH

Chlorine
The largest and most widely used chemical treating our water supply is chlorine.  Chlorine has been a required addition to city water since 1904.  While it has done a great job of keeping bacteria out of our water, it has it's own risks.  Often times chlorine is not necessarily the only factor that comes into play, but the disinfection by-products  (DBP) that come along with it.  DBPs are reactions and by-products created when chlorine (or another disinfecting chemical) come into contact and mix with other types of organic matter in the water.  Often times these DBPs are linked to nervous system disorders, liver and kidney damage, birth defects and various types of cancer.   According to recent studies the DPBs are known to increase the production of free radicals in one's body and are extremely carcinogenic, or cancer causing.

While most mention of chlorine in relation to cancer and other ailments is often discussed in terms of drinking water, the Journal of Public Health stated that "Up to two-thirds of the harmful effects of chlorine are due to inhalation and skin absorption while showering."  When we inhale the chlorine through vapors, it goes immediately to our lungs and the chemicals are introduced directly into our bloodstream.
Get Chlorine Filters Here
Ammonia
Ammonia is also referred to as chloramine as it is mixed with chlorine during the treatment process. Chloramine  when ingested in small amounts can have harsh effects on our immune systems.  This is especially true for those who already suffer from a suppressed or weakened immune system.  This would include those who are going through or have going through chemotherapy.  Ammonia also causes many skin reactions related with the drying effect it has on our body's largest organ.  In addition, chloramine and ammonia can aggravate digestive disorders.

The same way chlorine can lead to severe problems when inhaled through vapors, chloramine behaves in a similar manner.  When inhaled while showering, chloramine exposure damages the lungs making them more susceptible to allergens and infections.
​Fluoride
Fluoride is added to water in the United States to prevent tooth decay.  It was originally added in the 1940s and continues to be a standard additive in city drinking water today.  There is a lot of controversy over if fluoride is bad for your health or not.  Most cities continue to Fluoridate their water before distributing it, however there continues to be an ongoing debate.  

On one hand yes, fluoride does help with tooth decay and cavity prevention.  But a lot has changed in dental hygeine practices since the 1940s.  One change is that there is now fluoride in our toothpaste and we actually get fluoride from other sources besides water.

That being said, there have been studies showing that there is a connection between fluoride consumption and osteoporosis.   Scientists refer to fluoride as a calcium in-activator as it precipitates calcium out of bones and causes buildup of calcium stones and crystals in joints and organs.  There is also a study showing fluoride causes anemia due to this as well.
The concerning news above also comes with the good news that you can filter out many of these chemical contaminants and restore your water to a safer state.  The filters below will help make your water more pure and give you ease of mind as you and your family consume chemical-free water.

Carbon Block Filters

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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[How We Get Our Drinking Water (Part One)]]>Thu, 24 Sep 2015 11:31:15 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/how-we-get-our-drinking-water-part-oneWater is one of the single-most important components of our bodies and the world we live in.  It takes up such a vast area of earth and is vitally important to live.  However, sadly, so many of us don't quite know how we even get our water.  We turn on our tap and out it pours.  This three part series will cover just how we get our water and why it's so important to keep water clean and safe at all levels of the hydrologic system and on its journey through our communities.

The first area we'll look at is our hydrologic cycle and the importance of water quality at this beginning level.

Hydrological Cycle

Before water ever gets to our wells or city treatment plants, it begins in a more natural state, traveling through our earth in a natural hydrologic cycle.   The image above is a great depiction of how the cycle of water works.  The cycle begins as with precipitation (in the form of snow and rain) falling to the earth.  The water travels in the way of streams, rivers and creeks into larger bodies of water and into the ground water deposits.  Water then seeps into the earth and travels through the layers of rock prior to pooling in the aquifers and ground water deposits.  While it travels through the rock  and bedrock, the water is purified naturally.  The snow melts and travels the same way as water does.  The water can also travel in the form of surface run-off into larger areas of water such as lakes and oceans.  Water traveling as surface runoff also makes its way to the ground water eventually.  The water sitting on top of the earth's surface then evaporates, turning into water vapor and the cycle starts all over again.

Watersheds

The water that remains on land flows and drains into a shared destination of some kind.  Whether it be a river, pond, stream, lake or estuary, these are our homes' watersheds.  A watershed has three main functions.  First it captures precipitation in the form of snow, ice and rain.  The characteristic of the watershed depends on how much is captured.  For example, a large lake will take in much more water from precipitation than a small stream.
Next, the watershed stores the water once it infiltrates the soil.  This is necessary for native plants to grow, which in turn keeps other animals and organisms healthy in their natural habitat.  The third function of a water shed is to slowly release the water into streams, rivers and oceans.  As mentioned before, the water flows underground in aquifers and as groundwater as it travels to a larger body of water to be stored.  Again, this is when the water is naturally purified and cleaned through the rocks in the earth.

Human Disturbances

As with almost any area in a developed region, humans have disturbed and changed nature and the natural flow of water to benefit our lifestyle.  While it is important to have a high-functioning society with plenty of resources, there is a fine line that is easily crossed when we modify the earth and water cycle.
For instance, dams created to provide energy to a metropolis also changes the temperature range of that river's water flowing after the dam.  While this may not seem like a very important issue, it definitely can be in some areas.  The natural changes in water temperature between the surface water and deep layers of a body of water determine what natural algae and organisms will thrive in the water.  When the temperature is changed and doesn't allow for as much variation, the natural algae, organisms and sediments begin to disappear and change.  As this happens, it becomes easier for non-native intrusive plants and organisms to invade the waterway.  Sometimes this means they choke out natural inhabitants and completely take over.  This also causes wildlife patterns to change, tree and plant regrowth to slow or stop and it can become increasingly difficult to eradicate any intrusive, non-native predators.

Another example is when waterways are straightened or moved for the sake of industry and development.  When the flow of water is changed it will disrupt the natural sediments on the bottom of the river that water is sifted through.  Again, while this may not seem like an issue in water quality, it absolutely can be.  The fine and natural sediment and rock that our water flows through is the most natural filter one could find.  When those rocks and sediments change through an unnatural process the water flowing to our watershed and into our groundwater actually becomes less clean and less filtered.  This means we need to do more of the cleaning and filtering ourselves through the use of energy and unnatural filters and media.  These unnatural filters and media can actually remove some of the good components of water, such as minerals, which are important to our bodies.

Even small changes to the grade and surface of landscaping changes how water flows from the precipitation stage into our larger bodies of water and ultimately into our groundwater and watersheds.
The way water flows and moves through the hydrologic cycle is important to understand as we move towards restoring many water ways and bodies of water back to their natural state.  A great way to better understand these concepts is through visual aids and science projects (for adults and kids alike!).  Below are some great ideas for these kinds of projects:

Learning About the Water Cycle 
by Marci @ The Happy Housewife

Making it Rain
by Jenea @ I Can Teach My Child

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Terrarium to Explore the Water Cycle
by Heather @ Only Passionate Curiosity

Make a Water Filter Out of Dirt
by Liz @ Kitchen Pantry Scientist

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READ PART TWO HERE
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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[Keeping Your Home's Water Temperature Safe]]>Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:23:25 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/keeping-your-homes-water-temperature-safeThe term "bath night" in our house ranks right up there with "movie night" and "ice-cream-for-dessert-night".  Our kids love baths, as do most kids and babies.  But the bathroom can be a dangerous place for kids.  As a parent I try to make my house as safe and fun as possible for my kids and safety in the bathroom is at the top of my list.   Scalding accidents are one of the most hazardous accidents that can happen at home.  It is an easily preventable accident; however, it can be confusing to determine what temperature to set your home's water at.  This is based on several different health factors and what can be conflicting recommendations from experts and building codes.

First let's discuss why it's important to have your home's water hot.

WARM JUST ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH

All water heaters have a thermostat on the outside of them which allows homeowners to adjust the temperature up and down according to their family's needs and preferences.  Often times hospitals and pediatric offices will suggest you turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  While we know this suggestion is based on the fact that water any hotter than 120 degrees can scald and severely injure an infant, there are reasons your water heater is factory set hotter.  Water that is warm and stagnant, sitting in your water heater or in dead-end piping legs is a breeding environment for dangerous bacteria.
Legionella Bacteria/Legionnaire's Disease
Legionella is a common water bacteria that is found in surface water sources, such as lakes, rivers and streams.  It is also found in some ground water and soils.  In nature this bacteria is almost completely harmless to humans.  However once the bacteria enters a home it can continue breeding to an unsafe level.  As mentioned before, water that is stagnant and sits in a water heater or in dead-end piping legs is a great breeding ground for bacteria.  Once consumed, either in water or in vapor particles, the bacteria begins to take over a person's body, causing Legionnaire's Disease.  This is a bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract.  It cannot be transmitted from person to person and is purely of environmental origin.  

By maintaining hot water temperatures of about 130 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you can ensure that the bacteria that enters your home on a daily basis is being killed and not allowed to reproduce infecting your plumbing system.

Now that we know why hot water is required to maintain safe plumbing, we still need to know how to keep our water temperatures safe for our kids and other members of our family.

BUT NOT TOO HOT

Scalding burns can happen in just a split second.  Ninety percent of scalding accidents happen in the home and are most often preventable.  Those at the highest risk include children under five with tender skin and elderly individuals who may have a slower reaction time.  As discussed, seconds can be all it takes to receive a second or third degree burn from water that is too hot:

TEMPERATURE                TIME IN WATER                                                     RESULT
120 Degrees                        5 minutes                               2nd and 3rd degree burns on adult
--------------------------------------Temperature to maintain in order to kill bacteria --------------------------------------------------------
130 Degrees                     30 seconds                              2nd and 3rd degree burns on adult 
                                              4 seconds                               2nd and 3rd degree burns on child
--------------------------------------Temperature to maintain in order to kill bacteria --------------------------------------------------------
140 Degrees                        5 seconds                               2nd and 3rd degree burns on adult
150 Degrees                        1 1/2 seconds                        2nd and 3rd degree burns on adult
160 Degrees                        1/2 second                             2nd and 3rd degree burns on adult

Consequently if a water heater is kept at 130 degrees in order to kill bacteria, it will take a child all but 4 seconds to receive 2nd and 3rd degree burns on their body.

SOLUTION: TEMPERATURE LIMITING DEVICES

The solution that plumbers and experts will recommend is a Temperature Limiting Device that is installed on your faucet.  Some faucets come with these and some do not.  If your faucet does not you can add an anti-scald temperature limiting adapter to protect your family.  You will want to make sure your adapter is in compliance with ASSE 1070 regulations regarding mixing valves that limit hot water.  This regulations states that to meet code, the mixing valve must never let the faucet temperature exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  You can test this with a liquid thermometer to verify that your temperature limiting valve is within code.

TEST YOUR TEMPERATURE

The only way to know if your home is in the proper temperature zone is to test it.  We highly recommend getting a infrared thermometer that can take the temperature of water running through pipes in your walls.  This is a great and very accurate way to test your home's water temperature.  

Infrared Thermometers

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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[Contaminants in Drinking Water: Nitrates]]>Fri, 11 Sep 2015 12:04:36 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/contaminants-in-drinking-water-nitratesMore information about other contaminants can be found here.
If your main source of water comes from a well, you are probably well aware of all the responsibilities that come with owning and maintaining that well.  One of the best things a homeowner can do for their well is to get it tested at least annually.  In fact, testing your well can save a lot of headaches down the road and prevent long term contamination of the water that it provides to you and your family.

One of the most common contaminants in well water is Nitrates. 

WHAT ARE NITRATES?

Nitrates are naturally occurring in the surface and ground water before it flows to a home's well.  However, nitrates are added to water through unnatural sources such as fertilizer, animal waste and human sewage that infiltrate the surface water and well.  There are also nitrates in the air.  Most of these nitrates are from decomposition of plants and animal waste.  Vegetables also contain many nitrates that we consume.  In fact the average adult consumes 20 - 25 mg per day of Nitrates, which in most part comes from vegetables.

WELLS AT RISK

Certain wells may be more vulnerable to exposure of Nitrates in their water.  In particular, wells that receive their water from areas with heavy farming and agricultural land use have the highest levels of Nitrates.  In addition, shallow wells, wells that have damaged or leaking casing or wells that are dug with casing that is not water tight can allow more nitrates to infiltrate the water supply.

NITRATES AND OUR HEALTH

A healthy adult can handle consuming a significant amount of Nitrates.  However, in some adults with reduced stomach acidity, pregnant women and infants under six months a more serious problem can occur.  The Nitrates in these individuals converts the Nitrates to Nitrites by the bacteria in their stomach.  The Nitrites are then absorbed into their blood where the oxygen-carrying component of blood, or the hemoglobin is then converted to methemoglobin.  Methemoglobin does not carry oxygen efficiently, which results in decreased oxygen to vital parts of the body, such as the brain.  
Babies Under 6 Months
Babies have very low stomach acidity at birth and it slowly increases as they grow.  By the time they are six months the Nitrite producing bacteria is reduced, meaning the conversion of Nitrates to NItrites no longer occurs.  However, for babies that are under six months, this issue of Nitrates can be deadly.  When their hemoglobin is converted to methomoglobin (which doesn't allow enough oxygen to travel to their vital tissues), they develop what is known as "Blue Baby Syndrome" or "methemoglobinemia".  If their condition worsens and they consume even more Nitrates without being treated, you will notice the skin around their eyes and mouth begin to turn blue due to the decreased oxygen being carried through their bodies.
Compromised Adults
Other adults are also at risk of developing methemoglobinemia as well.  Those who have decreased stomach acidity (caused by hypothyroidism) and pregnant women can become affected by Nitrates in drinking water.  People with certain blood disorders should also be particularly careful of their Nitrate consumption and drinking water.

LINKS TO CANCER

A study done by a professor at the University of Iowa showed a link between Nitrates in drinking water and an increased risk for bladder cancer in women.  Unfortunately this study also showed that even low level exposures increased a woman's chance of bladder cancer by three times.  Currently the federal standard allowed in drinking water is 10 mL.  These studies were performed using water that had only 2.5 mL of Nitrate per liter which is well below what is allowed in "safe" drinking water.

HOW TO TREAT YOUR WATER

First and foremost, testing your well water is an absolute must.  It is very important to know exactly what is in your well water before you attempt to treat it.  If you find your well tests positive for Nitrates and you would like to remove them, there are two key ways to do so.  

One way to test your water is to order a kit such as the one below which includes a test for Nitrates.  Another way is to contact a company to test your water for you.


Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis filters are a great way to remove Nitrates.  The water travels through a series of filters, one of which is a reverse osmosis membrane.  These filters collect the impurities, including Nitrates, and separate them from the pure water.  The clean water is then sent to a storage tank awaiting your use.

Distillation
Distillation is another method that works to remove Nitrates by heating the drinking water.  Once the water is heated, water vapors are collected while leaving behind the impurities and contaminants.
Both reverse osmosis and distillation are point of use filters.  This means they can be used at one faucet while leaving the rest of the home's water untreated and impure.  If you are searching for a way to treat all the water in your home, you will want to get a whole house point of entry filter. A whole house Ion Exchange Nitrate Filter is a practical way to remove Nitrates from all the water entering the home.  Ion exchange is the same technology a water softener uses to remove hard water.  In this case, however, the media being used is specific to removing Nitrates.  A Nitrate filter will use Anion or Nitrate Selective Media to remove the Nitrates.

Distillers

Reverse Osmosis Filters

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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
]]><![CDATA[The Water Issue All Homeowners Should Pay Attention To]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:05:36 GMThttp://www.zellplumbing.com/blog/the-water-issue-all-homeowners-should-pay-attention-toClean water is the center of livelihood in our society.  Without a plumbing system in your home, you would be left without more than just clean water.  Safe water entering your home provides you with the opportunity to cook fantastic meals, bathe, wash your clothing, cars and belongings, and take care of your children properly.  But what would happen if there was a problem with your incoming water that required you to be cut off from your city's water supply for a period of time?  It sounds like it could be one of the largest inconveniences of our modern society.  By taking care of the plumbing in your home, you can help ensure this problem won't happen to you and your family.

One of the problems we commonly see in residential homes that can create a large headache is a broken pressure regulator valve, or one that is not fully functioning as it should.  By learning how to check your pressure regulator at your main water source, you can prevent a large plumbing pitfall.

WHY DO WE NEED PRESSURE REGULATORS

The water that you pay for from your city or municipality is required by law to meet certain standards and requirements.  This means that the pressure of the water needs to be high enough to provide water to industrial plants and high-rises, fill water towers and provide hydrants with enough pressure to be able to put out a fire.  Average water pressure from the city can range from 150 pounds per square inch (PSI) to 200 PSI.  If water entered your home at too high of pressure, a slew of problems would arise:

INCREASED WATER WASTE AND WATER BILLS
Water pressure that is too high when running through your pipes and fixtures could have a number of negative affects.  Imagine that every time you washed your hands your faucet was pumping out twice the amount of water it currently does.  All your safe water goes right down the drain.  And almost as importantly, you are paying for it in water charges and sewer expenses.  Twice as much water pressure can mean twice the water bill and twice the utility bill from heating all your family's water.  

COSTLY REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS
Faucets, toilets and appliances are manufactured to be able to handle water at a certain pressure.  The higher the pressure, the more damage can be caused to the faucets, cartridges and seals (which means you dole out money for a repair or replacement plus the increased water bill).  High water pressure is also hard on water softeners and water heaters' life expectancy.  These appliances can also be expensive  to repair or replace.

CORRECTING HIGH PRESSURE

In cities where there is excessive pressure or there are pressure spikes, most ordinances require the installation of a pressure reducing valve.  This device will not allow pressure to go higher than 70 to 80 PSI, maintaining a safe water pressure for your home.  Typically a water pressure regulator is installed directly where water comes into your home from the street.  Often times this is located in the basement or on the concrete slab level of the home.  It is also near the main shutoff for your home's water.  Most water pressure regulators are factory set around 50 PSI.  Standard water pressure for a home is anywhere between 50 PSI to 80 PSI.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR HOME HAS A WATER PRESSURE ISSUE

Before even testing your water, your home may have symptoms of water pressure that is too high.  Many times when there are toilets that are running or faucets that seem to constantly be dripping, we know there is a bigger culprit behind these repairs.  Your water heater pressure relief valve leaking is also a way to tell there is too much pressure in your home.  Another tell-tale sign is if your home's pipes rattle when irrigation is turned on and off. 

HOW TO TEST YOUR WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR

Testing your water pressure regulator is a quick and easy check that all homeowners should familiarize themselves with to avoid the headache of having their main water shutoff for an extended period of time.  

1.  First you will need to purchase a water pressure gauge.  These are often times found at your local hardware store in the sprinkler section.  Or, you can order one online for around $10.00; similar to the one on the right.

2.  Make sure all faucets and appliances that use water are off when you are testing your water pressure.  You want your home's water pressure to be accurate when you are testing it.
3.  Attach the water pressure gauge to your front hose bib.  This is often the one that is closest to the street where your water comes in or nearest your water meter.  Make sure the gauge is securely fastened. You may need to use a pliers to ensure it is not letting any water leak out.  

4.  Slowly turn on the water at the faucet until it is fully opened.  You will see the needle on the gauge move up the dial to show you what your water pressure is on your hose bib. 

Your reading should be between 50 and 80 PSI.  If it is above or below that range, your water pressure regulator may be faulty or installed incorrectly.  Double checking your reading never hurts either.  Wait a few minutes and repeat the steps above to check the pressure.

HOW TO ADJUST YOUR PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE

If you are a do-it-yourself kind of homeowner, you can attempt to adjust the water pressure regulator yourself.  If you are unsure or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to contact a local plumbing professional to safely adjust the regulator for you.

1.  Make sure your home's main water is turned off.  We always warn homeowners to be extra careful when turning off water at your main source.  Older valves that are difficult to turn can fail or break. 
2.  Once your water is turned off you can carefully adjust the pin at the top of the pressure regulator.  LEFT will decrease your water pressure.  RIGHT will increase your water pressure.  

3.  Once you have made the adjustments carefully turn on your home's water and test your water pressure again with the steps above.

If you have completed the steps above and still have issues with water pressure, we encourage you to find a trusted plumbing professional that can trouble-shoot and accurately solve your pressure problems.
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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating
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