Posts Tagged ‘Las Vegas’

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Faucet Aerators for Las Vegas Plumbing?

Monday, April 30th, 2012

A tap aerator or faucet aerator is a device which is added to the tip of water faucets, and are best used inside with bathroom sink faucets and kitchen plumbing for Las Vegas homes.  They are used to separate water streams into a number of smaller streams, in essence adding air to the water stream.  This reduces the amount of water which comes out of the tap at one time while also reducing the amount of backsplash which occurs when the faucet is turned on.

Utilizing faucet aerators can be one of the most inexpensive ways to save money on water consumption and save energy.

There are two main types of faucet aerators, some which use metal or plastic screens to separate the water, and some which do not use screens. One advantage to those without screens is that they eliminate problematic clogging which occurs on screen aerators due to sediment buildup.  There are also aerators with off-valves and swivel aerators which allow users to direct flow to wherever the water spray is needed.

There are three main flow-types seen today. The needle method creates a circular pattern of small, single streams of water with no water-flow in the very center.  The aerated method created a tubular flow with air mixed into the water, creating a single stream of bubbly water.  The laminar method has no air mixed in which makes for a single stream of water with no bubbles.

Many aerators are designed as more economical low-flow aerators which optimize the water flow while still providing optimal water-flow performance.  In kitchens these low-flow options decrease flow from 2.2 gallons per minute to 1.5 gpm or 1.0 gpm, saving anywhere from 32% to 54% of water-usage.  For Faucets found in bathroom plumbing, the water-flow is decreased from 2.2 gpm to 1.0 gpm or even 0.5 gpm saving from 77% to 84% of water usage.  When engineered properly, low-flow or economic aerators can provide increased perceived water pressure while in actuality helping to save water.

When purchasing new faucet aerators, ensure that you find the proper type (male or female) and the proper size (regular or small).  There are dual-thread options for those who do not know whether a male or female aerator is necessary.  Also, look at the tap aerator’s price in conjunction with how much savings it can provide in water usage annually and see how little must be spent on each faucet in order to save hundreds of dollars.

For more assistance with choosing the correct faucet Aerator please call Yes! Plumbing.

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Posted in Bathroom Plumbing, Kitchen Plumbing for Las Vegas, Plumbing | Comments Off

Las Vegas Plumbing Repair Question: Why Does My Tub Faucet Leak when the Shower Is On?

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Here is a common and yet seemingly complex Las Vegas plumbing problem for you. You turn on your shower, flip the switch to go from tub faucet to shower head and the tub faucet continues to leak. Not only is it rather irritating, but it draws from the water pressure in the shower head. Let’s take a look at why this happens and how to quickly fix it.

Why the Leak?

There is a valve in your tub’s faucet that diverts water from the tub to the shower head when the switch or lever is pulled to turn on your shower. Because the valve is not a perfect seal, the tub faucet will drip a small amount during a shower. However, if a large amount of water is coming out of the tub faucet and very little is coming from your shower head, it is likely a problem with that valve.

In some cases, the only way to know the root of the problem is to take apart the assembly and check all of the valve parts individually for damage. The specifics of the plumbing repair process will depend largely on the type of shower and diverter valve you have.

 Fixing the Problem

To fix this problem, you can either replace part of or the entire shower diverter valve. Start by removing the faucet and pulling the screw that holds the shower diverter valve in place. Once the screw is removed, take out the rubber washer and replace it. Many times, this is enough to fix the problem.

If it is not, however, you may need to replace the entire shower diverter valve. There are some situations that make it hard to reach the shower diverter valve, such as when you have a shower handle instead of a faucet knob. If this is the case, you may need special tools or professional assistance in removing the knob to access the valve.

If you find that this does not fix the problem or that you are uncomfortable attempting this repair, contact a Las Vegas plumber who is experienced all bathroom plumbing, such as Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

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The Root of the Problem – Why Some Sewer Lines Get Blocked in Las Vegas?

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Have you ever had to fix a blocked sewer line?  Well if you have, you are familiar with the nightmare that Las Vegas drain and sewer maintenance can be.  Sewer lines are comprised of incredibly tough components for a purpose: mostly because we collectively want to keep their contents inside. So, when a sewer line gets blocked and starts backing up or seeping — or even cracks under the stress — it can be a real mess.

If you have never had encountered a sewer line block, count yourself lucky.

Whichever category you fall into, it is important to know about causes of sewer blocks lie, so that you have an idea what you are up against should you ever encounter (another) one, as well as being able to take some reasonable prevention measures. Read on to learn about some of the common culprits that block up sewer lines.

Flushed Objects

The most preventable common cause of a blocked sewer line is the flushing of objects that should not be flushed. Sewer lines are not meant to handle solid objects like diapers, sanitary napkins or other garbage, so if these get flushed down the toilet — either intentionally or by accident — it can cause an ugly block.

Even smaller objects or bits of debris that seem to move fine through the sewer line can build up over time to cause a block. Paper towels, hair, grease or dirt can collect on the walls of the line and cause a block as well.

Tree Roots

It may seem like nothing happens beneath the ground of our lawns, where the sewer line runs. In fact, there is quite a bit of life going about its business under there, including the root systems of the trees in your yard. These roots can grow right into your sewer line, infiltrating it and causing a blockage.

Defect

The last main cause of a sewer link blockage is shoddy materials. Although sewer lines are meant to be made of high quality material because of the stress they perform under, it is still possible for one to collapse or bulge with use.

If Repairing a blocked sewer line is what you need to do, it’s best to call Yes! Plumbing for assistance. To avoid having to make that call, the best thing you can do as a homeowner is keep solid objects from being flushed down into the sewer line. It can save you a huge headache later on.

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Yes! Plumbing Helps Channel 8 News with Fix A Leak Week

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Did you know that those small leaks in your toilet, kitchen sink, or outdoor faucet can contribute to 10,000 gallons of wasted water in your home each year?  In order to raise awareness that household water leaks are a national problem, the Environmental Protection Agency  made this week Fix A Leak Week.  Dennis Thompson from Yes! Plumbing walks Sherry Swensk from Channel 8 News through a typical home to show viewers common leaks that could be affecting anyone’s plumbing.  Click on the video below to watch Dennis display where leaks occur and how to address them.

Throughout the video Dennis and Cherry discus how to identify leaks and easy ways of correcting them.  Here are a few images of areas that need plumbing maintenance throughout the home.

These are images from the Fix A Leak report on Channel 8.  Dennis and Sherry go over how to detect leaks occurring in your toilet, and how to fix them.  They also review how to fix common faucet problem in the kitchen and bathroom.  Dennis also points out an interesting fact that water used in most homes throughout the Las Vegas desert contains heavy minerals, causing this tap water to become hard water.  This hard water will contribute to the deterioration of pipes and plumbing fixtures throughout a home at an increases rate.  This abuse from hard water will increase home’s chances for springing a leak.

This final image is of a home’s water meter.  Dennis from Yes! Plumbing discusses how to detect if you have water leaks just by looking at this.  After you turn off all your water using appliances check your water meter and if the white triangle in the center of it is still spinning, that will indicate that you have a leak somewhere in your house.  If you have any questions about how to follow up on this test please call Yes! Plumbing for more information.

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Posted in Bathroom Plumbing, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumbing | Comments Off

Yes! Plumbing is the Proud Sponsors of the Northwest Girls Softball Team, The Warriors!

Friday, March 16th, 2012

A few weeks ago the Northwest Girls Softball legue started, and Yes! Plumbing was lucky enough to become proud sponsors of the talented team, The Warriors!  The Warriors are the most energetic team in the league, with the biggest hearts.  They are off to a great start with a big win, and are now tied for 3rd place.  The whole Yes! Plumbing family has great hopes for these very talented girls.  Check out these skills:

If you get a chance head over to the website for the Northwest Girls Softball League to check out their schedule.  Games are held at the Majestic Fields throughout the week, so come and show your support any time you are close.  The schedule can be found here.

Good Luck Warriors!

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Yes! Plumbing is Offering $200 Off High Efficiency Tankless Water Heater

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

At Yes! Plumbing we want to help you save money, and the environment, by helping you invest in a high efficiency water heater.  The water heaters that we are offering for $200 off have been graded by the nationally run organization STAR, so they must meet very high standards in energy conservation.  Not only will Yes! Plumbing save you money on your purchase of the water heater, but this highly efficient water heater will save you money for years to come.

Did you know that water heaters consume 15% of a home’s energy usage?  Did you also know that the high efficiency water heaters use 10% to 50% less energy than standard models?  That means that after installing a STAR rated water heater you will be saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars every year.  This is a deal that will only be available until the end of April, so please consider taking advantage of this deal from Yes! Plumbing before it is too late.

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Why is the Garbage Disposal in My Las Vegas Home “Humming”?

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Ah, the garbage disposal: one of the greatest conveniences and frustrations of a Las Vegas kitchen. When it is working well, it seems like few things could be better than this magic machine that whisks away our gross garbage. But when it is on the fritz, there is nothing more annoying.

One common occurrence is the “humming” garbage disposal. You flip the switch to turn the disposal on, but instead of spinning up and sucking those coffee grounds away, it just makes a humming noise and doesn’t do anything. Definitely frustrating. The good news is that since it is making that humming noise, you may be in OK shape. Read on further kitchen plumbing tips.

There are two basic causes of the humming phenomenon. Let’s discuss the simpler one first.

Stuck Flywheel

Most of the time, the problem is as simple as a stuck flywheel. Usually this problem is identified by the brevity of the humming sound, as the garbage disposal will either reset itself or the circuit breaker will trip and the whole thing will shut down.

To fix a stuck flywheel, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down the power to the garbage disposal by shutting of the circuit breaker or pulling the fuse.
  2. Using an offset wrench (it came with the disposal unit, but you can buy a replacement at the hardware store), turn the flywheel clockwise to dislodge it.
  3. For a no-wrench fix, stick a wooden broom handle down the drain and into the disposal, then use that to manually turn the blades.

If the problem is just a stuck flywheel, that should take care of it. However, there is another, more sinister explanation for the humming sound.

Seized Motor Bearing

If your efforts to free the flywheel did not get the disposal working again, then you may have a seized motor bearing on your hands. A disposal with a seized motor bearing needs to be replaced. It’s as simple as that.

However, before you go ahead and assume the worst, it would not hurt to have a professional look at it. It is possible that the flywheel is just quite stuck and needs the touch of a pro. If not, call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and we can go ahead and install a new unit for you.

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Posted in Garbage Disposal, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumbing | Comments Off

Yes! Plumbing Offers $500 Off Premium Whole House Filtration System With Installation

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Starting this month and going until the end of April, Yes Plumbing will be offering $500 off premium whole house filtration system with installation.  Installing a whole house filtration system allows residents to stop being concerned about the quality of the water they clean, prepare food with, and drink.  These filtration systems will purify water of metals, debris and sediment.  By clearing your water of these pollutants you will not only improve the quality of your water, but you will also save your plumbing from the harmful effects of metals and sediment.

Call today to get your water tested by our trained technicians at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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Posted in Plumbing, Water filtration, water treatment systems | Comments Off

Happy Valentine’s Day From Your Las Vegas Plumbing Experts at Yes! Plumbing

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Everyone at Yes! Plumbing wishes you a very happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you have a day filled with lots of candy, flowers, and Valentines! Today is all about showing your appreciation for those you love, including your friends, your family, or your significant other. Take a moment today to think about everyone who makes a difference in your life and how you can let them know how special they are to you.

While traditional gifts like candy and flowers are wonderful idea, why not think a little out of the box this year? Upgrading your bathroom plumbing can make your whole house more livable, which is something that your entire family will appreciate! A new water heaeter can increase the quality of everyone’s showers, or a new garbage disposal can make doing the dishes much easier. While not the most romantic of gifts, it certainly will let your family know that you care.

For more information about how a few plumbing upgrades that can make your home more comfortable, give Yes! Plumbing a call. In addition to making your home cozier, you can also make your friends and family happy by making this delicious recipe for Chocolate Bar Fondue

Ingredients

  • 32 ounces milk chocolate, grated
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1/3 cup hot water

Directions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the chocolate with the heavy cream. Mix in the instant coffee, vanilla extract, sugar, and hot water. Continue to heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth.

For more details, visit allrecipes.com.

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What to Do if a Pipe Bursts in Mountains Edge

Friday, February 10th, 2012

If you live in a cold climate, like Mountains Edge, there is a chance that you will experience the disaster of a frozen pipe bursting, which will require plumbing repairs. There are other causes of burst pipes, so rest assured you are not alone; plenty of homeowners have had to face a burst pipe as well.

When this happens, there are three fronts on which to attack the problem: stopping the flooding, repairing the pipes and preventing future bursts.

Before doing anything else, you need to stop the flooding in your house. Start by turning off the main water line, either to that pipe or to the whole house. It doesn’t matter which, as long as it’s shut off. Turn on cold water taps around the house to drain remaining water from the pipes. Turn off the water heater. This will at least prevent the flood damage from being too extensive.

Get a sump pump and or some absorbent material to start sopping up the water that leaked into your home, then call a plumber. The pipe and fitting will need to be replaced, and some adjacent ones may need to be as well, so the best solution here is just to call in a professional rather than try to do it yourself. The last thing you need is another burst pipe.

Finally, prevent future breaks in pipes by implementing some of these strategies:

• Insulate your pipes

• On cold days, keep your pipes warmer by opening up doors to the attic or basement

• When going away in the winter, shut off the water supply and drain the plumbing system

By keeping your pipes as warm and insulated as possible, you decrease the likelihood that the water within will freeze, potentially causing a leak or break in the pipe. Burst pipes are not necessarily completely preventable, so it is important that you now know what to do if and when a pipe bursts in your home.

Water damage, especially flooding, can cause serious trouble in your home, so everything you can do to prevent and mitigate the risk is a good step.  If you have any additional questions on this topic please call Yes! Plumbing.

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