A Guide to Choosing the Right Type of Water Heater for Your Home

There are several key things that you should take into consideration when you are selecting a new water heater for your home.

Doing a little research before you purchase your new water heater can save you a significant amount of money over the years. It can also help ensure that you have a stable supply of hot water for your entire household for many years to come.

Pay Attention to the Energy Sources You Have Access To

Your choice of water heaters will be limited by the fuel sources you have available to heat water. Electricity and natural gas are the most widely available fuel sources in homes.

These energy sources can power almost any type of water heater including storage, tankless, heat pump, tankless coil and indirect water heaters. If however you use fuel oil to heat your home you will only be able to use storage, indirect and tankless coil water heaters in your home. Propane can be used to power tankless, storage, indirect and tankless coil water heaters but not heat pumps.

When selecting a water heater make sure that it is compatible with the energy sources you have available. It also makes sense to select a water heater that uses an abundant and inexpensive fuel source that you have access to.

For example, if you use propane to heat your home, but also have access to electricity it would make sense to use a water heater that can use electricity. This is because electricity tends to be much less expensive to use for heating a heater than propane. The savings for using electricity compared to propane in water heaters can amount to hundreds of dollars each year.

Your Climate Plays a Major Role in Water Heater Selection

Heat pumps and solar water heaters are new and highly efficient models now available to water heaters. To properly use heat pumps and solar heaters you must take your climate into consideration.

Solar water heaters work best in warm climates and in spots that receive plenty of sunlight. Heat pumps are not recommended for cold climates because they will function very poorly there. They function best in temperate climates that do not have great temperature variations between the seasons.

Take Your Water Needs Into Consideration

Perhaps one of the biggest determinants in selecting a water heater is how much water you use. When selecting a water heater make sure that it will be able to fulfill the water needs of your entire family during peak water use.

You do not want to run out of hot water when showering or when the dishwasher is going through a cleaning cycle. Make sure you get a large enough storage unit to provide you with enough hot water for the entire household. For tankless water heaters you may want to install several units in your household so that enough hot water is produced during simultaneous use of hot water.

For solar units, it is a good idea to have a back up storage heater in case it is overcast for a considerable amount of time.

Not sure what water heater works for your Stuart, FL home? Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998, and get the best advice.

5 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Your Home

Today, the most important word to describe a kitchen remodeling design is livability. The kitchen has become a popular gather place for everyone in a house.

Its expanded role includes doing things that are confined to living room, family room and home office. With that in mind, these remodeling ideas below will not make you a better cook but make your time in your kitchen enjoyable.

Replacing Appliances

Wouldn’t it be delightful to cook food in a kitchen that is equipped with all the latest appliances? Yes, that is what you exactly need to do. Overhaul the old appliances and replace them with new and latest ones.

Picture a refrigerator that could hold all the treats, antacids, leftovers and much more. Think about enjoying breakfast in a space that isn’t dark, dingy and with full access to modern hand-held toasters and ovens.

These examples demonstrate that a kitchen can be organized and made functional with modern appliances. The place to start is with non-functional, old rusty appliances.

Functionality and efficiency are the cornerstone of latest kitchen appliances in the market. A highly efficient dishwasher, for example, will take less time to clean your dishes in addition to saving water. You can greatly increase the performance of your kitchen with these latest additions.

Replacing or Remodeling Cabinetry

How convenient is it to work in a kitchen where people are not bumping into each other. When cabinets are open, if the traffic pattern in interrupted, you need a remodeling project.

With cabinet remodeling, you can solve many of the issues like make the space feel more open. You can also include accessories such as cutting board, emergency table and much else that comes with remodeling.

Replacing Floor

As with any other remodeling project, flooring plays a major role in establishing style for the kitchen. For kitchens, although wood flooring is comfortable, tiles are better for safety reasons.

The quality of ceramic tiles adds a continental flavor to a kitchen. They are a perfect accompaniment to any type of cabinetry. Tiles are durable and will last a lifetime as well.

Replacing Fixtures

There are many designs and finishes to suit any taste when it comes to sinks and faucets. Sinks and faucets are also highly decorative elements in modern homes.

Adding On

If reorganizing existing space isn’t enough, you may have to build an addition. You may have to replace a portion of your adjacent room to handle the new load. Look at areas next to the kitchen such as pantries and hallways.

Open up the layout to accommodate an island by removing any extra wall.

Your kitchen is a central part of your family life, so make it beautiful. Call Allore’s Plumbing at  (772) 288-0998 to transform the look of your Stuart home with unique kitchen remodeling ideas.

The Top 3 Water-Wasting Appliances in Your Home and What You Can Do About It!

Before you answer this serious question before the house of common sense, think about what you propose to say. The $64 thousand dollar question is: “What appliance do you think is the biggest water-waster in most homes; perhaps, including yours?

Well, there probably wont’s be many surprises in answering that question, especially if you have a house full of teenagers. We are also assuming your water comes from Stuart’s public water utility and not water from a well.

Conserving Water Indoors Is The Key To A Lower Water Bill. That said, here are the usual suspects that most often top the rankings of wasting water in any home; teenagers or not.

Suspect Number #1 , A Leaky Toilet

Of course, it’s the leaky toilet that you purchased back when Bush was president. Old toilets tend to eventually lose water because, well, they’re just old. Toilets that date back then were very inefficient, to say the least. They wasted up to 3.61 gallons of water per flush – Yikes!

Suspect Number #2 , Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets, dripping showers and pipe leaks are all listed together since those drip, drips, will sooner or later take its toll on your water bill. These three culprits can collectively waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water in one single year.

Talk with the local Stuart plumbing company you currently do business with and get onboard the “water-saving train” with a new toilet and sink. Also that showerhead you’ve been using accounts for 2.3 gallons of water down the drain every minute the shower is turned on.

Suspect Number #3, Inefficient Washing Machines

There’s a tie for the third position, between the washing machine and dishwasher. This may come as a surprise, but your washing machine is the second biggest water user in the home (toilets are first). On average 15 gallons of water is lost per person every day.

Also, don’t believe the bogus hype that washing dishes by hand beats the dishwasher; not so. You use up to 35 percent more water if you let the water continue to run, run, and run washing dishes by hand.

Here is a sidebar that’s another water-waster if you have a large family. Running the water until it gets warm to shave, brush your teeth or wait until the water gets cold enough to drink will literally waste 4 gallons of water. If all of this scenario fits you, time to call your plumber.

Now more than ever, conservation doesn’t require a lifestyle change! Call the professionals of Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 to see how easy it is to conserve water in your Stuart home.

Backflow Testing Could Save Your Family Member’s Lives

The importance of having your water supply testing can not be understated. There are many circumstances around your property and off property that could pose a serious threat to the quality of your water, putting family member’s lives at serious risk. Luckily your local plumbing repair company can perform backflow testing and even install a backflow device that will ensure your drinking water supply is safe.

Leaking Irrigation System

Each day homeowners are dumping tons of toxic chemicals into their soil to ensure their grass is green and free of weeds and insects. Those pesticides are poisonous, and could cause serious injury if were able to access the water supply.

As these toxic ingredients seep into the soil, they come in contact with the irrigation system, and if crack or leaking, allow the chemicals to go right up into the system and contact the water supply. If there is not a device in place such as a RPZ valve to eliminate this from happening, your family is at serious risk from water poisoning.

Broken Water Pipes

Once a pipe begins to break inside the house, the water pressure will begin to drop. As the pressure drops, contaminated water that should be flowing the other way is allowed to back up and flow into the system and interact with clean water. Your family could be exposed to these toxins before the leak is even detected.

Your local plumbing repair company will perform a backflow test and determine the next course of action. Placing a backflow device in the home will protect your family the minute the pressure begins to drop. No contaminated water will be able to flow back, as the device pushes out water rather than letting it in.

City Water Issues

While it might be easy to identify a serious water issue at home, you have no control over water main breaks and power issues that happen throughout your city. Once serious water main break and water pressure can drop quickly. Once the pressure drops, contaminated water could be backing up in your home while you are sleeping, unaware of the serious issues with the water supply. The backflow testing procedure will make certain that your residence is protected from these unfortunate events ever happening.

Contacting your local plumbing repair company and requesting a backflow test could possibly save the life of your family.

Want more information on back-flow testing in your Stuart area? Just call Allore’s Plumbing Services at (772) 288-0998!

It’s Time to Go Low Flow!

With the recent spate of droughts around the country and the rising cost of water, many homeowners are looking for ways to save water and money. The easy answer is to go ‘low flow’. Low flow toilets and showers can produce significant savings over time, enough to pay for the new fixtures as well as being environmentally sound. Keep reading to see if the low flow revolution if for you and your home.

What Is Low Flow?

Low flow plumbing fixtures are ones that use less water per use. These fixtures only use enough water to do the job, preventing excess clean drinking water from being wasted down the drain. Exchanging regular fixtures for low flow fixtures will help the homeowner achieve savings in both water usage and water service. Low flow fixtures are also good for the environment as less potable water is being wasted.

Low Flow Toilets Are The Way To Go.

Toilets can be a major source of wasted water. Some estimates say that toilets use up to 40 percent of the water used in the home, especially the older toilets that use up to six gallons of water per flush. Low flow toilets use less water with only 3.5 gallons per flush. When low flow toilets were first introduced many users didn’t care for them as it could take two flushes to do the job of one flush of a full flush toilet but today’s low flow toilets are much more efficient.

Low Flow Showers: Get Clean While Keeping It Green.

Another bathroom fixture that can waste a lot of water are shower heads with some estimates suggesting that standard shower heads can account for 18 percent of the water used in a home and up to 37 percent of the hot water used. Low flow shower heads can reduce the amount of water used significantly the name low flow is a bit of a misnomer as it suggests a sluggish shower when actually low flow shower heads only reduce the amount of water used but users generally don’t notice any change in appearance of the shower flow or in their shower experience.

A plumber can make these simple switches for you and the saving in water will pay for these next fixtures in time. There are also low flow faucets and other fixtures for even more water savings.

Don’t delay. Give Allore’s Plumbing a call at (772) 288-0998 to save money and lower the carbon footprint of your Stuart home!

5 Summer Plumbing Tips

During summer, a lot can go wrong when it comes to plumbing. Plumbing issues can ruin your summer completely. Here are five summer plumbing tips to help you prevent plumbing problems or deal with them when they occur.

1. Garbage Disposal

During summer, people cook out a lot, and most of the waste food is passed through the garbage disposal. Hard fruits and vegetables can cause damage to the blades of your in-sink garbage disposal or cause clogs.

Used cooking oil also damages the garbage disposal and should not be poured in. If your garbage disposal is clogged, a plumber can clear it up for you.

2. Washing Machines

The use of washing machines in summer is greater than in other seasons, especially if there are children around. The strain on your washing machine increases greatly.

When you are doing laundry, always stay close to the washing machine so that you can stop the cycle in case of a malfunction. Move your washing machine a little from the wall to prevent the hose from kinking. A plumbing company can fix any leaks in the hosing of your washing machine.

3. Save on Utility Bills

If you are going for a lengthy vacation, consider cutting off your water meter as a safety precaution. In case a water pipe in your home is damaged while you were away, your house could flood. Before you leave, turn off your water heater to save on electricity. If you need to cut off your meter, a plumbing company will do it for you.

4. Sewer Lines

Rainwater from summer showers or thunderstorms can enter sewer pipes through cracks and cause them to clog or back up. The roots of trees may also cause damage to sewer lines. You can prevent backing up of sewers by having the lines regularly inspected by a plumber. If the damage is extensive, the plumber may suggest replacement of the sewer lines.

5. Dealing with Excess Water

Summer rains are common in some areas, especially in the afternoon. Ensure that your compound is well drained to prevent water from stagnating. Standing water harbors disease-bearing insects that can harm you and your family. Have a plumber check all your drains and gutters for blockages that can cause water to stagnate.

Consider the installation of a system to capture rainwater. The water you collect can be used to irrigate your lawn during the scorching months of summer. A good plumber can advise you on the best system to use and install it for you.

If you follow these five tips, plumbing issues in the summer will be a thing of the past.

Avoid the hassle of an untimely repair, call Allores Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 for an inspection in the Stuart area! 

Tips for Dealing with a Plumbing Emergency

Plumbing emergencies can be a stressful period of time, whether they include a burst pipe or leaking toilet the movement of water within a property can cause major problems for the residents.

Any experienced and qualified plumber will explain the few simple steps that can be taken to make sure a plumbing emergency does not become a major problem that affects a home for a prolonged period of time. Following the few simple steps will make it simple and easy to put a stop to any plumbing emergency almost as soon as it begins.

Call out a plumber.

If and when a plumbing emergency happens the best step is to always call out a qualified and experienced plumber to assist with the problems facing the property residents. Plumbers usually know exactly how to halt a flow of water and can fix a problem in a way that will last for a longer period of time than any do it yourself fix. Studies have shown a repair made by a plumber has a better chance of lasting long into the future than any repair completed by a homeowner.

Stop the flow of water.

An appliance, faucet or home will usually be equipped with a shut off valve, which can be turned to halt the flow of water leaking out in a plumbing emergency. Most homeowners know where their shut off valves are located, but those who are unsure can ask the plumbing company they call to guide them through a shut off procedure in a bid to halt the flow of leaking water that often accompanies a plumbing emergency.

Remove standing water whilst waiting for the plumber.

The majority of plumbing companies will be fast and courteous when dealing with a problem a homeowner has with the pipes and appliances in their home. Despite the speed a plumbing company usually arrives in there is often a short waiting period, which the property owner can use to remove any standing water from the area around the plumbing emergency. Towels care often a good bet for making the area around the emergency as dry as possible for the plumber to work in with comfort and ease.

Looking for an emergency plumber in Stuart? Call Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC at (772) 288-0998 for quality service you can trust!

5 Bathroom Remodeling Trends to Look Out for 

When those “in the know” start talking about bathroom trends and remodeling ideas this year, for some homeowners the eyebrows will go north and the hand ringing will begin. Oh my! Decisions, decisions! So the common sense question today is: “Is tossing out the old for the “new” really a smart consideration?

Well, if you listen closely and seek the direction the wind is blowing you may discover the answer but many of the trending comments will vary. This year, you can expect new trends to target not only bathrooms, but most every room in your home. According to the Bath Association style and trends will be the key words. Here is a list of five not necessarily in order of preference:

The First In And Out!

Out with the old rain showers and in with what people enjoyed back when your grandparents were in school: Soaking tubs. Yep, the combination of tub and showers are going to be looking for a new home.

The Second In and Out!

It looks like your going to have to find another space to stash all those toiletries, folks. Hiding your stuff under the sink or cabinet that gets so full you can’t close the door will be gone soon. Also not “in” anymore are those cute bowl-shaped sinks. The trend will be under-mounted leggy sinks’

The Third In and Out!

Remember that old granite vanity you bought from your plumbing company a couple years ago? Well, best you contact them again because granite is next on the “goodbye list” and Quartz will be a huge player in the bathroom game this year.

The Fourth In and Out!

If you recently painted all your bathroom’s white, sorry about that. The color white is now in a different zip code. Oh, sure. It’s still a popular choice for bathroom colors (blue and beige are nice, too) but the people in the know are placing their bets on new shades.

The Fifth In and Out!

Before you make arrangements with your local plumbing company for trends one through four, tell them you’ve decided to make a bold move and delete white subway tiles for some sleek, black tiles. Okay, folks, black may seem to be a scary move at first but the oohs and aahs you’ll get from family members and visitors will be well worth the change. Does the word “cool” ring a bell?

Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998  for top-tier bathroom remodeling services in the Stuart area. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Plumbing System

The plumbing in any home is something that can be difficult to maintain without the assistance of an experienced and professional plumbing company.

Many people mistakenly believe the cost of maintaining their plumbing system with professional help can be too expensive to consider, but a professional plumber can make recommendations and complete tasks that lower the cost of maintaining a plumbing system in the future.

Keeping plumbing costs low can be of great help to any family budget and following the advice of professionals is always the best way of keeping a plumbing system in the best working order.

Avoid Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the main causes of plumbers being called out to homes and businesses around the world. By keeping the drains clear of clogs a plumbing system can be kept clear of problems for a long period of time, particularly if the advice of a plumber is followed.

Advice from plumbers includes using drain covers to catch hair that tends to clog showers and food that can pass into the system through a kitchen sink. Only flushing what will pass into a septic system or main drain is another easy change to make with many plumbers not recommending the flushing of wipes that contains a safe for flushing message on the package.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Throughout any property the owner usually has a look around once in a while to make sure everything is running and working as it should. Plumbing should also include regular inspections from those who are professionals and can spot the signs of problems even hidden behind walls and beneath floors.

A plumber will complete an inspection and make recommendations about small repairs, which could later escalate to larger ones. Snaking or jet unblocking of drains on a regular basis can make the drains are free from problems throughout the year.

Do Not Ignore Small Problems

A cracked and leaking faucet can be a nuisance, but most people simply ignore them and feel they do not pose a serious issue for their plumbing system.

Small leaks and cracks will grow over time and cause more damage and a more expensive repair, which can all be avoided by simply spending a little time employing a professional to conduct repairs that are proven to last longer than those completed on a DIY basis.

Keep your Stuart plumbing system in top shape with a little help from Allore’s Plumbing. Call us at (772) 288-0998 today!

Why Are There Water Stains on Your Tub and Tile?

Keeping the stains from appearing on the tub and tiles in the bathroom can be a real chore, especially if you have no idea what the underlying cause of the problem is.

While your local water treatment facility is hard at work trying to keep the water as clean as possible, microscopic mineral deposits are hard at work in your plumbing to create those ugly stains. Consider the following in your effort to restore the beauty of the bathroom and win the battle against hard water.

What is the Cause of These Stains?

Those microscopic minerals that are in the water are trapped inside your hot water heater for extended periods of time. The minerals begin to collect and gather inside the tank and the plumbing lines. When water sits in the tank waiting to be used, is begins to turn a rusty color from the contaminants within the hot water heater. That water then comes out the bathroom faucets and over time causes those ugly stains to form on the tub and tiles.

Is There a Quick Fix to Stop the Stains?

The quick fix to stop the contaminated water from ever reaching the bathroom is to have your local plumbing repair company first flush out all the debris in the hot water heater tank. Depending when the last time this flushing was performed, most of the mineral deposits will be washed away and removed from the tank.

If you can afford a new water treatment system, inquire with the plumber about installing a whole-home water treatment system. That will help to reduce untreated water from getting inside the home and causing those stains in the bathroom.

How Can You Remove Tub and Tile Stains?

The simple answer for removing the stains in the bathroom is good old elbow grease and some vinegar. Place straight vinegar in a bucket and soak a new soft sponge with the solution. Run the sponge over any of those ugly brown stain, and make certain you avoid using any type of brittle or abrasive cleaning products.

These products will leave permanent scratches throughout the bathroom, making the location look worse than before. For areas with stubborn stains, allow the area to soak in the vinegar before scrubbing clean. Once you have removed the stains, you should see an improvement after the water tank has been flushed of all mineral deposits.

We can prevent water stains in your Stuart home. Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 for help!