Author: Honest Abe's Home Services

Our public water supply is clean and safe for human consumption. However, it is not impossible for our clean water to become contaminated. This occurs when there is improper tubing and faulty pipe connections in the home. This is where backflow preventers come in.

Wastewater backflow into your clean water supply can be prevented when using the best plumbing tools.There are several backflow prevention devices on the market, so it is essential that you learn the different types of devices and which one will suit your home best.

Backflow Preventers

In plumbing, the term “backflow” refers to when water flows in the reverse direction, such as wastewater that flows backward and mixes with the home’s clean water supply.

This poses serious health risks to occupants of the home or anyone who consumes the water supply inside. Many city codes require the use of backflow preventers to prevent backflow.

Places like food processing factories, in stock hospital water, and municipal water systems utilize backflow preventers to safeguard the public from severe water contamination.

What Are Air Gaps?

Contaminated water and clean water should never meet! Each should always flow through separate pipes. The best way to prevent this type of backflow with an air gap.

An air gap in plumbing is used to describe an open, upright space or gap between the water break and a fixture’s flood level.

Wastewater is sent over the gap of air, therefore, blocking contamination. Air gaps are a guarantee that your clean water supply is protected from wastewater contamination.

Pressure Vacuum Breakers in Irrigation

Another backflow prevention device, called pressure vacuum breakers, will shield against water backflow.

They are very effective in irrigation systems, used to prevent non-drinking water from inadvertently entering the clean water supply by way of an irrigation system.

The tank will shut off a control valve that reduces any backflow from leaking into the clean water supply when the water pressure is below the air pressure.

An atmospheric vacuum breaker, or AVB, is a dependable and cost-efficient backflow prevention device with a top lid that opens to let air into the system and fills it up if back-siphoning should occur. The top lid works with a poppet valve that is squeezed by the water system pressure.

Which Backflow Preventer Should You Get?

The backflow prevention device that you buy depends largely on your individual plumbing system and sewer line. If you live in a milder climate, pressure vacuum breakers can be used in homes to restrict backflow as a result of a vacuum force in the pipeline.

PVBs will send air into a pipe to stop the absorption. You may add more modifications to the backflow from inside the plumbing system. Controlled pressure zone preventers and assembly preventers can quickly shut close if a backflow that clogs the pipeline system should occur.

Not only are backflow prevention devices highly effective, but they are also a requirement in many cities. Check with your city’s building authorities for their recommendations for plumbing backflow preventer preconditions and if permits are required.

Want to learn more about backflow prevention devices? The backflow prevention specialists at Honest Abe's Home Services in Osage Beach, MO are ready to help you find the right backflow preventer for your home’s plumbing supply and any other plumbing questions you may have.

What's that awful stench coming from your plumbing? Smelly plumbing has a number of causes, among them a break in the sewer line, clogged pipes or drains, and even contaminated piping or water. How do you know for sure what is behind your smelly pipes and drains?

Aside from having professional drain cleaning done, there are some other tricks that you can try to remove that odor. Here are some handy plumbing tips and tricks for you to refer to.

Contact a Professional Plumber

For peace of mind and a fresher-smelling home right away, why not rely on the expertise of your trusty plumber? Some more severe plumbing problems require specialized equipment to diagnose, like cameras or particular listening devices.

Even the most accomplished DIY homeowners won’t necessarily have these specific tools at hand. So don't guess at the issue. Take care of the problem and keep it from coming back by contacting your plumber as your first step.

Your Sink is Stinky

Do you use the smelly sink infrequently? Then you may have a small problem with a low-tech solution. The P-trap might be dry. The P-trap is the curved piece of the pipe just under the sink.

Its job is to block unpleasant sewer gases from entering your home with a cushion of water in the pipe. If the P-trap runs dry, often from disuse, the cushion has been depleted, and there is nothing to block to flow of gases into your home.

To fix this, you just run the water. It's that simple! Another potential problem is that there are high levels of bacteria in your sink and the plumbing. Do you do a lot of food prep in or around your sink?

Do you disinfect it often? Do you allow food particles and grease to fall down the drain regularly? It is common for this debris to get caught in the drain. When it starts to rot, it will smell. Get your drains cleaned to take care of this.

Sulfur and Your Pipes

If there is a distinctive rotten egg smell, it could mean that your plumbing has high levels of sulfur in it. If you have a higher-than-average mineral content in your water, your pipes could be oxidizing, which will release sulfuric gases, creating a smell.

Consult your Osage Beach, MO, plumber for their opinion on whether the problem stems from the pipes or your water supply. It can be helpful to have regular drain cleaning to reduce odor.

Your drains will be clean, and in turn, the rest of your home will be cleaner as well. You'll also be less likely to have to deal with the inconvenience and mess of clogged drains.

The kitchen is well-known as the heart of the home. In this context, isn’t your kitchen sink a major part of that action? Given that your kitchen sink is so important for use and décor in your kitchen, it needs special attention to give your kitchen that extra element of usability and sleek design.

Also, if you have granite countertops, or are thinking of doing a remodel and putting in granite countertops, you need to take some special steps to ensure that your kitchen plumbing is installed successfully. These are some tips to help you go through the process.

Choose the Best Sink for Your Kitchen

There are varying statistics, but roughly, it is believed that you spend about 60 percent of your time in the kitchen standing at the sink. When you consider how many hours you typically spend in your kitchen on a given week, it underscores the importance of making sure your sink suits your needs completely.

First, think about style and material. Typically, stainless steel sinks are the best choice to go against granite counters, but you don’t necessarily have to go that route. Do you like the look of an undermount, top-mount or seamless sink?

Maybe you are leaning towards the current trend of a deep farmhouse sink?
In addition to the style of your sink, consider how you are going to use it. For example, if you are handwashing a lot of dishes, a double basin is a good idea.

The Measurement Guide

Whatever style of sink that you end up choosing, ensure that the measurements are done right. We can’t emphasize it enough. If measurements are not accurate, you could end up damaging the granite or having to order a new sink or both!

When doing measurements, measure the opening and the new sink. Measure the counter height and cabinet depth. Don't forget to measure your backsplash too. Many people forget about the backsplash. You need enough clearance in front of the backsplash and behind the sink for your faucets.

The Upside of Bringing in the Pros

While you can handle this kitchen plumbing job on your own, you don't have to. You can rely on your local Osage Beach, MO plumber to get the job done efficiently and easily.

You will also be comforted knowing that your professional plumber is certified, which means high-quality work. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking the time to make sure that you cover all the bases when installing a kitchen sink in granite counters.

It's a dilemma many homeowners face when dealing with fragile plumbing devices. Every time it breaks down you wonder which is the best option: fixing it or buying a new one. Calling for repairs might be less expensive in the short-term, you know one day it will need to repipe your home.

The good thing about buying modern equipment is despite its high initial cost it tends to be more energy efficient and requires less maintenance. It's an investment that pays off down the road. So how do you figure out when it's time to buy a replacement? Here's what you should know when it comes to replacing key plumbing devices.

What About the Shower Top?

Something one needs to think about when it comes to shower tops is the effect of clogs. Sediment buildup could create blockages and impact the device's water pressure and efficiency. In addition, it may lead to water leaks and water damage throughout the bathroom.

If you need a replacement shower top, remember to buy a water-efficient model. This will help you save money on your utility bill by consuming less water.

Even the Kitchen Sink

It's always best to ensure your kitchen sink is in good condition. This is the most used sink in your home, and any damage or cracks could result in leaks.

These leaks may cause water damage, which would be pricey to fix. Purchasing a new kitchen sink to replace an old one could prevent this from ever happening.

While out shopping for a replacement kitchen sink, be sure to purchase water-efficient faucets. This is yet another way to reduce a home's water consumption and lower the charges on your water bill.

Water Heater Awareness

Water heaters undergo a lot of stress every day, which may cause some to wear down at an alarming rate. Water leaks, rust spots, and loud noises caused by sediment buildup are all signs of a device in decline.

These issues are problematic because they could reduce the device's efficiency and accelerate the damage being done. One solution to this situation would be to buy a tankless water heater.

These devices connect directly to a home's plumbing and give you access to a limitless supply of hot water. Since there's no need for a tank, you can also remove the old one to get more storage space. Tankless water heaters are a practical and efficient option.

Replacement Washing Machines

Washing machines may appear to be sturdy, but there are some things, which can go wrong and lead homeowners to find a replacement.

Leaks due to cracks in the tub or loose drums or motor mounts, for example, are expensive to fix. Buying a replacement washing machine often makes the most sense in such cases.

Many modern washers also consume less water and energy than old models. Buy one and save on utility charges while helping the environment.