Consumer Tips

» Houston TX Plumbers’ Guide to Water Softener Maintenance

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

Houston TX plumbers

Our Houston, TX plumbers remind you to take care of your water softener. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your unit in the best working order all year long:

Salt –

First you must decide which salt to use, and in this case, you generally get what you pay for. There are three types to choose from; rock salt, solar salt and evaporated salt. Rock salt is the cheapest, but it also has the most minerals and will result in more frequent cleanings. Solar salt is the next step up in price and it is the most common. Evaporated salt is the most expensive, but also the best quality.

Levels –

We recommend checking the salt levels monthly. If it is a new system, it’s best to check the levels every two weeks until you are sure of the amount that is necessary. If the level reaches a dangerous low, you may harm the unit. So, if you’re worried about low levels, you can fill it up as many times as you like.

Brine Tank –

The rule of thumb is to inspect this every three to four months, however, if you use rock salt it’s best to check every two to three months. Once the salt levels have reached one-third of the tank, inspect the walls of the brine tank to see if there is any salt residue. If you do see buildup, turn off the unit then take out the tank and clean it thoroughly with soap and water. Then simply refill the salt, replace the tank and turn the water softener on again.

Area Conditions –

Humidity can cause the salt to get stuck in the top of the tank and not fall into the unit. If you live in a humid climate, or the water softener is in a humid area, we recommend keeping lower salt levels in the tank. If this does happen in your unit, use a mop or broom handle to push the salt to the bottom.

Do you have any tips or tricks to keep your water softener in shape? Share them with us on the AAA AUGER Facebook page.

If you perform these maintenance tasks recommended by our Houston, TX plumbers, you reduce the risk of having to foot the bill for a costly water softener replacement. That means there is more money in your pocket and it will continue to soften your family’s water for years to come!

 

Photo Credit: Flickr

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» Austin Plumber Explains 3 Ways to Use Greywater

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

austin plumber greywater uses

Greywater is the hottest green-home trend, even though it isn’t really a “new” way to save water. U.S. homeowners have been slow to implement this process into their homes; however with increasing droughts and water prices, we think greywater is the future. Our Austin plumber is here to show you three ways to incorporate this water-saving technique into your everyday life:

1. Irrigation – Don’t waste precious tap water on your plant life. Greywater can be the perfect solution to drought conditions, as well as high water bills. You can use this “wastewater” on lawns, trees, bushes and edible garden produce. However, because this water is not filtered, make sure to only apply the greywater directly to the soil of your plants. If your garden contains edible items, do not put the water on any part that will be consumed raw. Also, if you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, you can even grow a firebreak or “greenbelt” without wasting any more water!

2. Flushing the toilet – Toilet flushing generally accounts for more than 50 percent of the wastewater in your home. Combat this by using greywater to flush! There are many different ways to pump greywater into your toilet tank, just take care not to put any in the tank itself. This can cause your toilet to malfunction and could even lead to the contamination of your home’s freshwater supply.

3. Washing Clothes – With certain attachments, you can reuse the water from one cycle to the next or you can use it for irrigation. If you plan to use laundry water for irrigation, do not wash any items with gasoline on them, or use any liquid fabric softener or detergents. This will keep unwanted chemicals out of your soil.

If you’re interested in learning how to make your home greener and save water and money, contact your local AAA AUGER Austin plumber to make sure your plumbing is in working order. If you would like more tips on green plumbing visit our website today!

 Photo Credit: Flickr

 

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» San Antonio Plumbing Service Explains 3 Reasons to Get a Natural Pool

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

San Antonio Plumbing Service Natural Pool

Summer is fast approaching and local pools are preparing for a season of fun and sun. If you and your green-loving family shy away from neighborhood pools due to high chemical contents, our San Antonio plumbing service has another solution – natural pools! You may have heard of these before, but if you’ve thought about installing a chlorine-filled pool, consider these reasons to switch your plan to a more natural option.

Economical –

One of the reasons many homeowners have previously dismissed the idea of installing a natural pool is the cost. While the price of installation is roughly the same per square foot, natural pools are generally larger because they must include a natural ecosystem. Maintenance is where you will quickly see most of the money savings. It’s best to have a pump to help circulate the water and the standard energy-efficient low-flow pump saves money and water. Not to mention your entire filtration system is essentially a small natural system of flora and fauna, using mostly up-front costs for landscaping.

Unique Design –

For the homeowner that wants to create a unique focal point in the yard, a natural pool is the way to go! The possibilities of the pool’s design is only limited by the size of your yard. All you need are two parts to complete your natural pool. One shallow end for plants that filter and clean the pool water, and the other end for actual swimming. The usual add-ons include a water pump, which costs less than a traditional pool filter, and a small oxygen pump to provide the pool with plant-feeding bubbles.

Natural –

Though there is a common misconception that natural pools come with too many unwanted guests such as toads and reeds, you are not likely to see them often. With the exception of the noise, they are generally attracted to the area that has been designated to hold the plant life. These poolside guests also help rid the pool of mosquito and other bug larvae!

If you’ve ever swam in a natural pool, what did you think? Tweet your answer to @AAAAUGER!

At AAA AUGER, we’re always looking to find new ways to help our customers save money and energy. If you want to see what green things you can do to your home, call the local San Antonio plumbing service to come out and evaluate your plumbing today!

 

Photo Credit: The Daily Green

 

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» Tulsa Plumbing Shares How to Childproof Your Bathroom

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Tulsa Plumbing Shares How to Child-Proof Bathroom

AAA AUGER values the safety of our customers and their families, but we know how dangerous a bathroom can be for young children. To help you, our Tulsa plumbing team shares a few tips to childproof your bathroom and keep it safe for your family.

Cabinet Locks – There are many hazardous materials stored under the kitchen sink for cleaning or keeping your drains clog-free. Be sure to keep your children away from these chemicals and install a lock on all of your bathroom cabinets.

Trash Can – Keep your small trash can inside a locked cabinet to reduce the risk of your child ingesting the items that are hazardous to their health. If keeping your trash can hidden away in a cabinet is too cumbersome, consider purchasing a childproof trash can lid.

Toilet lock- To reduce the risk of your child falling into the toilet and drowning, remember to keep the toilet lid down. We also recommend installing a toilet lock to keep children from opening the toilet.                                                       

Electronics – Make sure to keep all hot irons, curling irons and electronics away from the bathtub, especially during your child’s bath time. Also, unplug all electronics before giving your child a bath and remember to keep these items away from the edge of the counter. Both of these precautions will reduce the risk of your child being electrocuted and/or burned.

Mats - To prevent the whole family from slipping in and around the bathtub, place a non-slip mat on the floor outside the bathtub, as well as another one inside. Also, teach your baby at a young age to stay seated in the tub.

Door Knob Lock - Get into the habit of closing the door. If you want to take this a step further, consider adding a door knob lock to keep young children out of the bathroom without adult supervision.

What childproofing products or practices do you have in your bathroom? Tell our Tulsa plumbing team on Facebook or Twitter! 

Photo Credit: Flickr

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» Emergency Plumbing Dallas TX Shows Best Way to Install New Toilet Seat

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Emergency plumbing Dallas TX Install New Toilet Seat

Our emergency plumbing team in Dallas TX noticed that a lot of our customers are wanting to update their homes and we think that there’s no better way to update your bathroom on a budget, than simply changing your toilet seat! See our tips below on how to change a toilet seat the right way:

What You’ll Need

- New Toilet Seat

- Screwdriver

- Adjustable Wrench

- Penetrating Oil (optional)

  1. Make sure your toilet seat is the correct shape and size for your toilet bowl. Ask a sales associate at your local home improvement store for help if you are unsure. If the new seat doesn’t come with new bolts, you may have to buy them separately.
  2. Place the toilet seat and lid in the down position. Locate the screws at the back of the seat towards the tank. They may be covered by a plastic cap, so use the screwdriver to pop the caps off and reveal the screws.
  3. Next, locate the nuts on the underside of the toilet bowl and use the pliers to hold the nuts in place while you unscrew the screws on the top of the bowl. 
  4. If you are working on a particularly old toilet and the screws are hard to move, use the penetrating oil to place a few drops near the threads. Wait for about 30 minutes, then attempt the process again.
  5. Once they have been removed, lift off the seat and take the time to make your toilet bowl and tank as clean as the sparkling new toilet seat you are about to place on it! Clean all the dust and grime off the entire fixture.
  6. Situate the new seat on top of the bowl and line up the holes for the screws.
  7. Use the pliers again to hold the nuts in place at the bottom of the bowl and begin to screw in the new bolts.
  8. Replace the plastic caps that covered the screws on the top of the seat and you’re done!

Once you have this completed, consider updating all of your fixtures to match! This is generally something that you can handle, however, if you do ever have an emergency pop up, call your local Dallas TX emergency plumbing team anytime day or night!   

 Photo Credit: Flickr

 

 

 

 

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» Austin Plumber Buyer’s Guide to Low-Flow Toilets

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Austin Plumber Buyer's Guide Low Flow Toilets

 

As water-saving technology has become more and more popular, low-flow toilets have become more efficient as well as cost effective. If you’re in the market for a low-flow toilet, but aren’t sure which to choose, our plumber in Austin has just the guide for you!

Dual Flush

Toilets using dual-flush functionality don’t feature a handle on the tank. To streamline the look and upgrade the water savings, on top of the tank are two buttons. One button is used for a smaller flush, generally about .08 gallons of water. The other button is for solid waste and it only uses about 1.6 gallons. This gives you massive savings because your toilet actually becomes more efficient. HGTV claims that the average family can save more than $2,100 while using this technology.

Gravity-assisted Flush

Using one of the very first flushing methods, gravity helps water flush waste into the bowl. Until the 1930s, toilets were placed high on the wall to aid this process and make the force of gravity work more efficiently. However, with the new water regulations, there had to be some adjustments. Modern gravity-assisted toilets feature wider flapper valves (the hole where the water flows into the bowl) and trap (the hole in the bottom of the bowl). The bowls also feature a glazed trap to make the process even easier and cut down on the friction.

Pressure-assisted Flush

Pressure-assisted flush toilets use pressurized air to help push the water with more force. This helps make up for the little water that is allowed to be used and saves energy. The downside to this type of low-flow is that it is noisier than most toilets. It can also require an electrical power source. However, if the upside of efficiently using less water outweighs these, this is the “loo” for you!

Which of these toilets would be the perfect addition to your water-efficient home? Tell us in the comments below, or go to our Facebook and let us know.

If you need any help installing your new water-saving toilet, call your Austin plumber today!

Photo credit: Flickr

 

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» 24 Hours Plumbing Team Shares 10 Interesting Water Facts

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

24 Hours Plumbing Team Shares 10 Interesting Water Facts

In honor of Earth Day this year, all of us at the AAA AUGER 24 hours plumbing team want to share these interesting water facts with our customers to help spread the word about how much the water we use and waste affects the Earth we live in.

 

1. According to the Norcross Patch website, easy-to-fix household leaks across the U.S. waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually. This amount is enough to supply 11 million homes with water. 

2. One drip per second from a dripping fixture can equal more than 3,000 gallons of water wasted per year.

3. Pre-rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher can waste as much as 20 gallons of water per load.  

4. Running a full load of dishes, instead of partial loads, can save 100 pounds of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.

5. Water-efficient dishwaters use about only about 4 gallons per wash. 

6. While you are brushing your teeth or shaving, turning off your faucet can save about 8 gallons of water per day.

7. Water–saving showerheads with the WaterSense label must use no more than 2 gallons per minute (gpm) 

8. Three percent of energy in the U.S. is used to pump and treat water, so if you conserve water, you also help reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

9. Leaky toilets can waste about 200 gallons per day.

10. In only 10 minutes you can check winter water bills and fixtures for evidence of water leakage and tighten pipe and hose connections saving you water and money!

 

If you have a plumbing emergency anytime, day or night, call your local AAA AUGER 24 hours plumbing to get your system working efficiently to save you time and money. Do your part this Earth Day!

 

 

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» San Antonio Plumbing Shares Earth Day Plumbing Tips

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

San Antonio Plumbing Shares Earth Day Plumbing Tips

In honor of Earth Day this year our San Antonio plumbing team wanted to share a few green tips to help you do your part to save the Earth!

Save Water: Do your part to reduce the 10,000 gallons of water that are wasted every year, by locating any leaking pipes in your home.

 

  1. Make sure that the exposed pipes underneath the kitchen and bathroom sink show no signs of leaking.
  2. To check if your toilet is leaking, add six drops of food coloring in the top of the toilet tank. Then, come back after about 30 minutes have passed. If the color is in the bowl, then you may need to replace a part.
  3. Consider replacing your fixtures with an energy-saving model. Most energy-saving faucets and toilets also conserve water better than older versions.
  4. If you do decide to replace a fixture, recycle it instead of throwing it out. Find out where to recycle fixtures with the help of GreenYour.com.

 

Clean: There are more than a few ways to prevent clogs, but keeping things clean will help you reduce the risk of energy-wasting clogs and keep your plumbing running efficiently. 

 

  1. Showerhead buildup can cause the water pressure to drop, therefore leaving your showering experience less than perfect. To get all you can from your showers, clean your showerhead by unscrewing the fixture and soaking it overnight in vinegar. In the morning rinse it off and clean off any buildup with a soft brush.
  2. Protect your roof from leaks and other damage by making sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of dirt and debris.

What do you usually do for Earth Day? Tell us on Facebook, or send us a tweet at @AAAAUGER.

If you come across any difficult repairs or have a plumbing emergency, remember to call your local San Antonio Plumbing team at 210.341.6124!

 

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» Houston Texas Plumbing Services Show How to Beat the Texas Heat

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

It’s no secret that Texas summers can be utterly unbearable, but our Houston Texas plumbing services can help you create your own entertainment and cool down with a PVC pipe sprinkler!

 

She Wears Flowers PVC Sprinkler

Photo Courtesy of She Wears Flowers

She Wears Flowers posted this ingenious idea on My Homespun Threads and we think it’s the perfect solution for those days when the scorching Texas sun is shining. All you need is:

Two 10-foot pieces of half inch PVC pipe
PVC t-joint
PVC hose to pipe connector
Four PVC elbow joints
PVC cement
A drill with 1/16 inch drill bit
PVC pipe cutting tool (optional)

First, cut the 10-foot pipes into four 4-foot pieces. Save the excess in the event that you need to make repairs later.

Then, drill holes along the length of each 4-foot pipe. Keep it interesting and play with the direction the holes are slanted, but make sure they are only on the top of the pipe.

Next, cut one 4-foot section of pipe in half to be joined with the hose connector and t-joint. Using the PVC cement, glue the t-joint, hose connector and the pieces of pipe together.

Glue the remaining pieces together using the elbow joints to connect each side and make a square. If you have time, consider grabbing more pieces and fashioning them into different shapes. Octagon anyone?

Finally, allow the PVC cement to dry and screw your garden hose into the hose connector piece. Turn on the hose, then enjoy! You can also easily store it by unscrewing the hose and tipping the sprinkler to drain the excess water. 

Just like that! You get rid of excess PVC pipe in your home and water your lawn while also creating a fun activity that you and your family can enjoy in the dog days of summer.

If you have a plumbing problem pop up, don’t hesitate to call the AAA AUGER Houston Texas plumbing services to come out whether it’s 40 or 90 degrees outside! 

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» Fort Worth TX Plumbers Share Springtime Recipe

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

Spring is officially here, but in many parts of the U.S. winter temperatures are still present. Our Fort Worth TX plumbers have noticed that quite a few customers are fed up with the weather’s ups and downs and are worried about the effects on their plumbing. Sadly, we can’t do anything about the frigid weather, but after making sure your plumbing is winterized, why not enjoy an amazing pot pie recipe in the meantime? When done right, it’s the perfect comfort food, as well as a nice preface to the coming spring!

We found this recipe for Chicken Pot Pie with Parker House Roll Crust by Baked Bree to be the perfect winter cuisine that makes us look forward to warmer spring temperatures, while keeping us toasty as the weather warms up.

Ingredients

Baked Bree Chicken pot pie AAA AUGER favorite

Pot Pie Filling:

  1. 1/4 cup butter
  2. 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  3. 3 carrots, chopped
  4. 3 celery stalks, chopped
  5. 1 onion, diced
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  9. 1/4 cup sherry
  10. 1/2 cup flour
  11. 3 cups chicken broth
  12. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  13. 1 cup frozen peas
  14. 3 Tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
  15. 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1.     You can buy a premade crust, or see how easy it is to make one here!
2.     For the filling, melt butter then add chicken and cook until browned. Transfer chicken to a plate. Then, add the carrots, celery and onion to the pan. Cook for an additional 6 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften.
3.     Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer, stirring constantly. Add salt, pepper and sherry. Be sure to scrape the browned scraps from the bottom of the pan.
4.     Return the chicken to the pan, then sprinkle flour over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute or until flour is no longer visible.

Baked Bree AAA AUGER favorite recipe spring

 

5.     Next, add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. When the broth begins to bubble and thicken, add the cream and peas. Next, stir in parsley and thyme.
6.     Ladle chicken into oven safe bowls then, roll the dough balls out on a floured surface to be about 2 inches larger than bowl. Wet the rim of the dish and cover with dough. You can brush with melted butter if desired.
7.     Make sure the oven is preheated to 350 degrees, then bake for 30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

Baked Bree AAA AUGER Favorite Spring Recipe

 

All you have left to do is enjoy! What are your favorite recipes to get you through the transitioning weather? Tell us below in the comments or on our Facebook.

Due to the unpredictable weather, make sure that your plumbing is winterized to keep your pipes safe from freezing and causing a major plumbing problem later in the season. If complications do arise in your plumbing system, call our plumbers in Fort Worth TX to help you get everything back on track and ready for spring!

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