Month: September 2020

8 Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Sep 28, 2020

8 Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing Fixture Installation in Sacramento

Crystal Blue

There are several benefits of having an energy-efficient home; for the environment and your health and safety, but for your wallet, too. When it comes to energy-efficient fixtures, most people don’t think about their plumbing. But old and outdated plumbing fixtures don’t only wastewater and energy, they can end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over time.

The Issues With a Low-efficiency Plumbing System

The pains of a low-efficiency plumbing system can be many. And while they may all seem small, together they can create a giant headache for homeowners.

Higher utility bills, a larger carbon footprint, and health and safety risks are some of the main issues associated with low-efficient plumbing systems. Older appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, are not only less efficient but are made from outdated technology that can put your and your family’s health at risk.

Older toilets use much more water than newer models to do the same job and this not only wastes water, it can increase your water bill by hundreds of dollars over the life of the toilet. Likewise, new showerheads not only offer more pressure than older models, they use much less water.

Here are eight energy-efficient plumbing features that will not only save you money but reduce your carbon footprint and offer added health and safety benefits:

  1. Fix and upgrade leaky pipes and fixtures: A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day. That’s thousands of gallons and possibly hundreds of dollars literally down the drain every year. Leaky pipes and faucets are also a breeding ground for mold spores, which can have serious health implications. Plus, the water damage caused by leaky fixtures can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars to fix when left untreated.
  2. Low-flow showerheads: Low-flow showerheads have come a long way since they were first introduced more than two decades ago. Twenty years of technological advancements mean more pressure and less water. The showerheads of yesteryear used five to eight gallons of water per minute (gpm). Current standards for today’s units are 2.5 gallons per minute and low-flow showerheads use as little as 2 gallons per minute.
  3. Insulate pipes: When carrying hot water to plumbing fixtures, heat can get lost along the way. Pipe insulation helps to lower the heat loss. By doing so, you can reduce your water heater temperature to 120-degrees or lower. While paying someone to insulate the pipes in your home may not make economic sense, it’s a great option to consider during new construction or a major remodel.
  4. Low-flow faucets: Replacing your current sink faucets with low-flow faucets can save water without reducing water pressure. In fact, these new fixtures can drop water usage from 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute, saving up to 13,000 gallons of water a year for a typical household. This translates to hundreds of dollars a year in savings. Some kitchen faucets also offer built-in filtered water features that can help you cut down on your bottled water consumption.
  5. High-efficiency toilets (HET): More than 40 percent of U.S. households use older toilets that use 3.5 or more gallons per flush. Newer toilets use as little as one gallon per flush and even offer dual flushing capabilities, one of the most energy-efficient options for homeowners. Look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s “water sense” label, which shows that the toilet has been tested for maximum flushing power all while saving thousands of gallons of water a tear.
  6. Tankless water heaters: Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, only heat water when needed. While these units can be expensive, their energy-saving capabilities outweigh the upfront cost. A typical water heater keeps 40 to 50 gallons of water hot at all times. As you can imagine, this is incredibly wasteful and inefficient.
  7. Update washer and dryer: Older washing machines have a top-loading feature in which water fills up from the bottom. Newer, front-loading machines use up to 50 percent less water. Modern dryers have more efficient heating units that can dry clothes faster, saving energy. It is also important to note that only washing full loads of laundry can save a lot of money.
  8. Regular maintenance: If you’re concerned about wasting money or energy, proper maintenance of your plumbing fixtures is important. Regular maintenance and plumbing check-ups can help you detect any small problems before they become major, and can help save money down the road.

Why Choose Crystal Blue For Plumbing Fixture Repair or Replacement?

A well-functioning plumbing system is something most homeowners take for granted. Unfortunately, since you don’t truly realize the value of it until something goes wrong, it can be hard to prioritize fixes. If saving money is top of your list, focus first on the smaller, less expensive fixes that can make a huge difference. Our plumbing experts are trained and licensed to properly address all of your plumbing needs. 

Call Crystal Blue today to schedule your plumbing fixture service! 

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5 Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning

Sep 17, 2020

5 Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning

Like any area of your home, drains can fall into disrepair and need some attention. Whether its loose hairs, food debris, or dried cleaning products, it’s likely that you’ll have to deal with drains clogging. You may try store-bought drain cleaners as a way to clear your drains before calling a plumber. These chemical cleaners are a temporary fix that never truly fixes the root of the problem. Luckily, you can call Crystal Blue to help alleviate your drain clogs and perform a professional drain cleaning. But how do you know when the problem has gone beyond a slightly sluggish drain and into a need for a plumber’s help?

 

Here are five signs that you need professional drain cleaning:

 

  1. Slow draining. When it comes to clogged drains, one of the easiest signs to notice is slower drainage. Is your sink or bathtub draining slower than it normally does, if at all? Is your washing machine or dishwasher still have a lot of water in it after a cycle? As well as being an inconvenience, this is a sign of a blockage somewhere in your pipes. A professional drain cleaning will release the clogs in your drains and allow water to easily flow through your pipes.
  2. Backed up drains. When drains need cleaning, sometimes water that should have been drained will come back up. You might have gurgling toilets or standing water in your sink. If water is going back up the drain, it’s a sign that it should be cleaned.
  3. Sewage smells. One of the more unpleasant and noticeable signs of a clogged drain is the smell of sewage. When drains are clogged, anything that goes down into the drain will build up and rot in the lines. This can become even more noticeable and disgusting if you live in a warmer area. If you smell sewage in your home, it’s a good idea to act quickly.
  4. Fruit and drain flies. When waste and other sewage starts building up in your drain, it’ll start to attract flies. Fruit flies like the smell, and can be a health risk when they get into your kitchen and food. Meanwhile, the aptly named drain fly (also known as sewer or filter fly) likes to breed in septic tanks, sewers, and clogged drains. If you start noticing lots of flies, you’ll definitely want to start cleaning your drain.
  5. Strange noises. If your drains are clogged, they may start making some odd noises. When drains get clogged, the water may be forced to go through small spaces or change course. This can result in strange gurgling or bubbling noises.

 

Why should I call Crystal Blue for my plumbing needs?

 

Crystal Blue has served the Sacramento area for more than 40 years. Our family-owned and operated business provides high-quality HVAC and plumbing while providing a commitment to integrity and honesty. Don’t take our word for it! We’ve been voted Best of the Best for Plumbing and HVAC Services for several years in a row. Call Crystal Blue today for any of your heating, cooling, or plumbing needs!

Are Your Copper Pipes Failing?

Sep 04, 2020

Are Your Copper Pipes Failing?

Folsom Plumbing Leaks On The Rise

Crystal Blue: Your Local Plumbing Experts

The city of Folsom has reported an excessive amount of copper pipe leaks in the last few months. If your home was built in the ’80s, ’90s, or even the early 2000s,  your pipes may be at risk too! Even the smallest leak can lead to thousands of dollars in damages. Here’s what you need to know.

About Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are still used in some homes around the Sacramento area. They’re fairly easy to identify: If you’ve seen copper before, imagine pipes made out of it. They do not pose any serious health risks, they tend to be durable and safe, but their inflexibility makes them difficult to install, and they are quite expensive in comparison to plastic, so they tend to be less common in new homes

How to Tell You Have Hidden Leaks

The trouble with leaks that require special detection methods is that they’re hidden. If they’re hidden, how can you tell you need to search for leaks in the first place. Here are some warning signs of leaks in your home:

  • High water bills: Do you have an idea of how much water your family uses per month? It shouldn’t vary much, so look over your history of bills to get a sense of it. When this amount starts to rise and you can’t account for it, you probably have leaks.
  • Discoloration spots: If you see brown or reddish marks on the drywall in your house, it often means water is seeping out behind it from a pipe. You may also see these marks on the ceiling. Never ignore a water stain on the ceiling!
  • Warped floorboards: Here’s another way to tell the water is starting to damage building material from leaks. If the leaks are under the floorboard, it will cause warping as well as bumps.
  • A drop in water pressure: The more leaks are occurring, and the more water escapes the pipes, the more water pressure will start to drop—and it will become noticeable.

Crystal Blue: Your Folsom Plumbing, Drain, and Sewer Experts

Crystal Blue is the dependable choice for plumbing repairs in Folsom, CA, and has been since 1976, when we first started in the business. Since we started out, we’ve made it our goal to provide the customer service our customers deserve. Folsom’s leading plumbing expert in the Parkway, Biggs Ranch, Sierra Woods, Represa, and Twin Lakes.

Our team of licensed plumbers can take care of plumbing jobs as small as simple residential repairs to as large as commercial installations. We work with water heaters, water treatment systems, sump pumps, gas piping, and much more. If you need it done, our plumbers are the people who can do it for you. Crystal Blue does it all! 

Trust Crystal Blue For:

  • 100% Satisfaction On All Services
  • Fully Licensed & Bonded Technicians
  • Award-Winning Customer Service
  • Competitive Price Match & Free Estimates on Replacements
  • Local, Reliable Plumbing Services

If you think you have issues with your copper plumbing, it’s best to seek repair before the problem escalates. Call Crystal Blue today for your leak detection and repair service!