FUN INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF INDOOR PLUMBING

It might be hard to believe that ancient civilizations had indoor plumbing that is almost as sophisticated as today’s bathroom fixtures, but Egypt, Greece, and Rome were known for their running water, attractive stone facades and sophisticated systems that could carry away waste.

1. The sinks in ancient Greece were set up on tall pedestals called louterians, indicating the Greek’s worship of running water.

2. Toilets in ancient Rome were ancient and communal with as many as twenty stone toilets located in one room, making it difficult to obtain a little privacy.

3. You sometimes risked your life while going to the latrine in ancient Rome as the buildup of gases from the human waste would spontaneously combust.

4. Statues of Fortuna, the Goddess of Good Luck, were often found in the latrines of ancient Rome and meant to help prevent users from catching a disease or being caught in an explosion.

5. The public toilets in Rome that were designated for use by slaves were painted white and red.

6. People who stood in long lines to use the toilets in ancient Rome scrawled messages and drew on the walls to pass the time.

THE CHALLENGES OF KEEPING CLEAN WITHOUT INDOOR PLUMBING

Unfortunately, by 410 B.C., Rome and most of the Mediterranean world was conquered by the Visigoths who had no interest in bringing any knowledge of Roman plumbing to the Gauls or Anglo Saxons.

This resulted in almost a thousand years of no bathing.

1. In the Middle Ages, people paid to have steam baths in public places, that were often infested with disease-ridden vermin such as rats.

2. In the 14th century, the self-indulgent Edward III had a wooden bathtub installed in his bedroom.

3. Henry VII had the first bathtub that had its own dedicated water heater.

4. The eccentric and impulsive Louis XIV installed water pipes at the Palace of Versailles to water his fantastic gardens but did not install plumbing in the palace.

5. Marie Antoinette invented a strong floral perfume to cover up the terrible odor at the court of Versailles.

TRIVIA ABOUT CONTEMPORARY INDOOR PLUMBING

The history of contemporary plumbing has some interesting moments:

1. The modern toilet is sometimes called “the crapper” because it was invented by Thomas Crapper.

2. Water pipes were sometimes made of lead, which delivered poison water to its recipients.

3. Wooden Water pipes in Montreal and Boston were sealed with animal fat and sometimes dug up by hungry creatures.

4. Germany was one of the last countries in the world to have indoor plumbing with many homes not having toilets until 1950.

5. The White House has 35 bathrooms all of them equipped with low-flow toilets.

Today’s smart toilets, like Duravit SensoWash Toilets, have heated seat, bidet and drying functions and can be operated by remote control. These posh toilets make one wonder what kinds of amazing innovations the plumbing industry has for us in the future.

Texas is relatively “safe” when it comes to the brutal winters that can snow in and trap people in the northern parts of the USA. But that doesn’t mean we don’t experience some seasonal changes here.

Every few years, we do get snow, and it’s not unheard of for ice storms and other precipitation to hit the area. That’s why when we get to this part of the year; it’s still a good idea to think of some winter preparations.

MAKE SURE YOUR ALARMS ARE WORKING

Any alarm, like your fire alarm, is important for protecting your home all year round. However, some alarms, like carbon monoxide alarms, are especially important during the winter season if you have a furnace heating your home.

Furnaces don’t have to break down completely to malfunction. Incomplete combustion is when some breakdown in the furnace still generates heat, but also produces carbon monoxide that then leaks into your home.

Because carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and eventually lethal, only an alarm can prevent people in your home from getting sick once it starts leaking. Get a carbon monoxide alarm if you don’t already have one.

HAVE YOUR INSULATION & VENTILATION CHECKED

Insulation can mean the difference between big heating and cooling bills throughout the year, and an energy efficient home where even turning up the heat doesn’t bump up the bill too much.

Check your insulation in your roof, and, if you don’t have any in your walls, considering getting installed there. Blown cellulose makes a huge impact on your heating bills and can even help to reduce noise.

You ventilation is another important aspect of your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to occasionally have someone inspect and clean your vents.

This way, both hot and cold air flow unobstructed into every room in your home. A clear duct also means that no one is breathing in possible harmful matter like mold, which can sometimes settle in ducts and then send spores throughout the home every time air is circulated. Try to also keep both exhausts and air intakes clear as well to ensure that you’re getting the most operational efficiency from your HVAC systems.

Fort Worth, TX usually doesn’t have to worry about getting snowed in. But winter does hit, and things do cool down a little in this area. Following this checklist helps you to have a safer, warmer, more energy efficient winter season.

We know that home maintenance is an important consideration for many property owners as we begin 2018. But the vast majority are still debating how best to improve their home for the coming months.

One service of immense potential value is home drain cleaning, and in this latest post, our experienced team will explain more on the four reasons to start 2018 off with a drain cleaning appointment.

IT CAN HELP KEEP YOUR WATER CLEAN

Drain cleaning is a great way to remove some of the germs and other contaminants that can impact your property.

The process can ensure that drains remain clear of obstructions from food that might otherwise have bacterial growth.

This means that drain cleaning is ideal for families with young children to protect in the coming years.

IT CAN PROTECT AGAINST CLOGS

Clogs are one of the more persistent problems that homeowners across the country are now dealing with.

They can arise at any time throughout the week and make it difficult to use the sink or toilet in the home.

Undergoing comprehensive drain cleaning work can help resolve issues with persistent clogs around the home.

Cleaning teams can use the latest technology to identify and then isolate the clog, ready for effective removal. Take the time now to contact a local drain cleaning team and review your full range of options for dealing with clogs.

YOU’LL SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HOME WATER BILL

By undergoing drain cleaning services with a local professional, you can save hundreds of dollars on your home water bill.

Clogged drains prevent the optimal level of water making its way into the home, and it could mean you have to run the taps for a while before the clean water begins pouring.

Drain cleaning professionals can review your home drain cleaning challenges and provide a clear resolution that helps save you money in the long-term.

THERE’LL BE NO MORE CREAKING PIPES

Pipes can often emit loud noises as a result of contamination and clogs that prevent water making its way through.

Contaminants can sometimes knock against the interior of the pipe, leading to significant noise throughout the home each time the tap is used.

Working with local drain cleaning companies can help ensure a comfortable and quiet home environment. If you are diligent in the New Year, there’s no reason you can’t have a smooth plumbing system from the beginning to the end.

The fact that residential water is becoming more expensive with every bill sent out is not news to residents of Fort Worth, TX, but the good news is that there are ways that you can cut down on your water consumption by making just a few simple lifestyle changes. You can also save money by upgrading and retrofitting your plumbing system.

This is especially important if you are dealing with a plumbing system that is always leaking because just one problem like this can raise your water bill by 30% over one year. This means that if you have two leaking pipes or faucets or a leaking toilet tank that your bill can be increased 60% over a year. This is why you need to make sure that all of your faucets and fixtures are in tip-top shape before you put any water conservation measures into daily practice.

START BY TAKING SHOWERS INSTEAD OF HAVING A BATH

The first step you should take to conserve water in your home is to ban the taking of baths. A full bathtub can require up to 60 gallons of water to fill, but an eight-minute shower only requires 15 to 20 gallons of water.

This amounts to a substantial saving on your water bill that will appear on next month’s bill. Your plumbing expert will also recommend that you install a low-flow showerhead in your shower to lower your costs by another thirty percent.

STOP HOSING YOUR CAR DOWN AT HOME AND TAKE IT TO A CAR WASH

One of the most frivolous uses of water is washing your vehicle at home. It is much cheaper to simply take it to the local drive-through car wash, which costs less than $25.00.

These car washes have state-of-the-art water recycling systems as well as low-flow high-pressure spraying mechanisms that easily get your car clean fast.

When you wash your car at home, the greywater is more toxic and runs straight into the lake, and most of the water pouring out of your garden hose often ends up running down the driveway pavement and into the sewer.

OUTFIT YOUR APPLIANCES WITH HOSES TO DISTRIBUTE GREYWATER

Any appliance that uses rinse water in your home can be hooked up to a flexible hose and the water funneled outside. It can then be used to water grass, flowers and plants.

Greywater can also be hauled from basins and sinks in pails and used for the same purpose. However, avoid using water that contains bleach, ammonia or human waste as that can contaminate your garden and cause poisoning.

Every homeowner wants to make sure that their home is safe, warm and dry. One way of accomplishing that is by taking good care of your plumbing. Here are our best tips on how to avoid messy, costly water leaks.

DROP WATER PRESSURE

How do you know if you are healthy? One measure is to check your blood pressure. You can apply the same idea to your plumbing.

Check your water pressure. What is it at? If it is any higher than 60 psi, you are putting a lot of extra strain on your plumbing, which is going to cause leaks eventually.

Enlist the help of your Fort Worth, TX plumber to install a water pressure regulator to make sure it is where it should always be.

FIND ALTERNATIVES TO COMMERCIAL CLOG CLEANERS

Got a pesky clog? Do not (repeat do not) use commercial clog removers. They don’t always work and contain harmful chemicals that attack your plumbing.

Your plumbing gets weaker and eventually will leak. There are easy-to-use alternatives, like a plumbing snake.

With some gentle pressure, you can work your way through and remove the clog without causing leaks.

AVOID PIPE CORROSION

Copper is a really popular plumbing material because it is easy to use and is quite durable. However, it is material that is prone to corrosion.

The problem is that corrosion causes leaks. How old is your home and when was the plumbing last replaced? You may want to consider replacing old copper plumbing with PVC.

If you see discoloration in the water or see outward signs of corrosion on your pipes, the process is already underway. Call your plumber for an inspection.

HOW TO FIND LEAKS

Commit to finding leaks before they have a chance to cause you serious water damage. You don’t necessarily need expensive plumbing equipment to find leaks.

You’ve actually got the equipment that you need right on hand: your eyes and your ears. Simply by looking and listening, you can find a lot of leaks.

Be watchful for pooling water, moisture, mold growth, discoloration of walls and ceilings and warped floors. Listen for the sound of rushing water behind the walls, which can indicate a foundation leak. Also, listen for running water in your bathroom; that could signal a plumbing leak.

As an extra tip, don’t overload cabinets under sinks with storage, as you won’t be able to tell easily if there is water there. Also, note if there is mold growth or if you are experiencing an increase in your water bills that doesn’t make sense.

A plumbing emergency in a home can often be a very unwelcome crisis. It’s not enough that it can disrupt the modern convenience of 21st-century life; it can be expensive as well.

If you want to avoid having to check into a hotel just to use a shower and toilet or stop professionals from needing to tear into the floor to get at a pipe, keep an eye out for these issues.

LEAKY FIXTURES

Not as severe as the other emergencies we have here. Some would even say this isn’t really an emergency.

However, it can cause endless irritation with the incessant dripping. It also ends up going on your monthly water bill as an unwelcome, wasteful, added expense.

A leaky fixture is often a simple matter of just turning taps more tightly “off,” or replacing a few key parts.

The O-ring and the washer are two small, but cheap, easily replaceable parts that can cause leaks in fixtures after years of constant use. Try breaking out a wrench and swapping out these parts to take care of this issue.

THE BLOCKED DRAIN

Are you ignoring a problem that could get very big and inconvenient later on down the line? A blocked drain is impossible to ignore when it finally happens, but very easy to notice—and ignore—when it’s building up.

Blocked drains don’t happen overnight. It could be either hair or food, but it means something is getting caught in the pipes and sticking. As time passes, other things stick to that initial build up, resulting in a partial blockage.

That partial blockage first manifests as the “slow drain,” where your sink empties out slower than it used to. At that point, it’s up to you to deal with the problem now, while it’s small, or wait till it gets more expensive.

OVERFLOW FROM THE TOILET

If you have children that have discovered how to use the toilet and entertain themselves by playing with it, this could be a very real, very expensive, ongoing issue.

Toilets are supposed to eliminate only human waste, which is either soft, or liquid, or toilet paper, which is designed to break apart on contact with water.

Any other foreign object flushed down a toilet has the potential to block the toilet and cause an overflow.

So if you’ve got children that are playing with the toilet by flushing things down, break them of this habit quickly

If they learned it from you, because you’ve been flushing down cigarettes, tampons, disposable diapers or even paper towels from the kitchen, you should stop this habit too.

PIPES THAT HAVE BURST

It takes extraordinary circumstances for pipes to burst, but it does happen. High water pressure can weaken water pipes.

Very old pipes, like early 20th century cast iron drain pipes, are prone to metal fatigue as they approach the 100-year mark.

Get old pipes replaced, and keep water pressure within tolerance levels for your water pipes to avoid these issues.

Homes in Fort Worth, TX usually enjoy years of plumbing operation free from issues. If you want to keep that streak going, keep an eye open for the small signs of trouble, and deal with them early to prevent them from getting larger and more costly.

The pipes in our plumbing are not the first place we think of when leaks come to mind. Usually, a leak is something you hear dripping out of a tap, and a wrench, a replacement washer or O-ring and some elbow grease are all it takes to solve the problem.

If you’re doing some serious water leak detection and you find your pipes leaking, even if it’s not a major problem now, this is a symptom. It’s just like ignoring a fever, or a cough; this is a small sign of something major to come. But what causes a leak in pipes and what leads to it? These four factors are a possibility.

OLD PIPES

People that live in older homes that have been well maintained are enjoying hard work and quality construction that has lasted for decades.

But even the best-made fixtures of a home can’t last forever, and you shouldn’t rely on them too. This is especially true with plumbing.

Some homes in Texas are now 100 years old or more, and still use the same cast iron drainage plumbing they were built with!

But after a century of use, it shouldn’t be a surprise that metal fatigue may be an issue that can cause fractures leading to leaks and eventually a breakage in the pipes. Get old pipes inspected and replaced!

RUST/CORROSION

Another possible side-effect of time is the weakening of pipes through chemical processes. Metal, for example, oxidizes when exposed to moisture, air and time, resulting in rust. But rust isn’t just a discoloration; it’s also a weakening of the structure, which leads to leaks.

Corrosion is another risk where parts of the pipe simply get worn away. Don’t think you have nothing to worry about if you have plastic pipes, even PVC can corrode!

People that get too enthusiastic with drain pipe cleaning products may not realize it, but they are pouring highly acidic chemicals down their drain to clear those blockages. Those chemicals, if they get too concentrated, can literally eat away at your pipes, eventually letting water seep through for which you’ll need water leak repair!

WATER PRESSURE SETTINGS

This one surprises a lot of people, but it makes sense if you think about it. If you’ve ever been hit with a firehose, you know water, at sufficient pressure, carries a lot of force.

Your water pipes have a recommended tolerance level for pressure, but some people ignore this because they want high pressure for an invigorating shower.

However, now you’re putting stress on every single water pipe in your home, every day of the week, all year long, just to get a high-pressure shower. Over time, this will inevitably damage pipes, cause breaks, and eventually, water leak detection will find drips in your pipes. Use a pressurized showerhead instead, and you avoid this risk.

WATER QUALITY ISSUES

You can’t control what water comes into your pipes, so this is a variable you won’t be able to do much about.

But things like calcium and pH levels can contribute to chemical interactions with your pipes that can lead to structural failures and leaks.

Leaks can happen to any home in Fort Worth, TX, with diligent water leak detection and professional water leak repair, you can stop small problems from turning into bigger, more expensive ones.

Making upgrades to your home can be a fun and fulfilling activity. On top of boosting your quality of life, you can get a great sense of satisfaction upon completing a job. But before you even think about getting started on that plumbing project, it pays to learn more about the necessity of plumbing permits and what it takes to get permission from the city.

Interested in understanding how it all works? Here’s how to obtain a plumbing permit so you can go ahead with your remodeling project.

WHEN TO APPLY FOR PLUMBING PERMITS

Often the scale of a project is the determining factor when it comes to needing a plumbing permit for your job. Homeowners who want to conduct relatively simple tasks, such as installing a new faucet, typically don’t need to seek permission.

When it comes to big projects that will directly affect your home’s plumbing system, however, it’s likely you will need a permit. The following projects commonly require a permit: repiping, drain line replacements, sewer line replacements, water heater installations and anything to do with relocating plumbing.

Keep in mind permit requirements may change for different cities. Some ask for permits to conduct specific tasks while others may not. We recommend you check with Fort Worth, TX municipal regulations before starting.

PERMITS ARE DESIGNED TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS

Although it might not exactly feel like it, the permit application process is designed to protect homeowners. Getting the correct permits grants you access to municipal reviewers and inspectors from whom you need to gain approval to proceed with different parts of your project.

It’s their job to ensure everything you do complies with local plumbing codes and zoning laws. In addition, plumbing permits can also be used as evidence you’re being compliant with sanitary and safety concerns. This may include potential issues with neighbors and nearby structures.

Those who aren’t carrying the right permits may be fined by the city. There may also be complications if you try to sell your home. But most importantly, without these permits, you may inadvertently begin a project without any assurance it meets code and minimum safety requirements.

COSTS OF ACQUIRING PLUMBING PERMITS

Different cities have different rates for permits depending on what the project involves and the type of building you’re working on. It could cost between tens and hundreds of dollars for each permit.

Cities may also change the price depending on how many fixtures you want to install or offer packages, which charge more for installing items beyond the threshold. In some cases, there may be an application fee.

If you find yourself confused by the process and need help with getting permits, you can always ask a local Fort Worth plumber for advice.