Things You Didn't Know about Plumbing

Q: What is plumbing?

A: Plumbing serves two main Functions: getting water to you, and more importantly taking used water away. It does this by delivering pressurized water through a piping system to your fixtures, and then lets gravity carry it through a drainage system that is located below ground.

Poor sewer drainage systems have cost countless lives by spreading various diseases.  For example, in 1832, 1.75% of the population of the city of New York was killed in six weeks by a cholera outbreak. Cholera is mainly spread through sewage contaminating the drinking water supply.  Luckily, our plumbing systems in America have improved in the last one hundred or so years, but the World Health Organization estimates that there are still more than 25,000 people in the world who die every year from waterborne diseases. 

Q: Why is a plumber called a plumber?

A:  The secret lies in lead. The Periodic Table of Elements symbol for lead is Pb, which was taken from the Latin word plumbum. In ancient times plumbing pipes were made of lead, and people who worked with lead were called a plumbarius which was shortened to plumber.  So now you know how the “b” got in the word plumber, and it is not simply plummer or plumer, but give it a few thousand years.

Luckily plumbers don’t use lead plumbing pipes anymore. Lead plumbing pipes have helped play a role in the downfall of great nations by causing lead poisoning of the masses. Scientists have been able to determine that before the fall of some civilizations people were over two times what would be considered severe lead poisoning today. 

If you live in a house that is over 50 years old, and have copper pipes, you may have lead in your water.  Check out this information from the CDC and this information from the EPA. Your water authority should inform you if there has been a suspected problem with lead in your water, so never ignore those flyers that come in the mail from the water authority. 

Q: Why can’t I just do my own plumbing?

A: There are some things that a do-it-yourselfer can handle.  It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of how your plumbing, heating and cooling work in your home, and having some knowledge can save you a lot of money.  But it’s important to only tackle projects which you feel 100% confident that you can complete.  A simple mistake can lead to hundreds of dollars added to your bill when you ultimately do have to call the plumber. 

Depending on the laws in your state, most plumbers have to have several years of school and/or on the job training followed by demanding testing to get their license.  A plumber is more than a handy-man; he (or she) is well qualified to do the work.  A good plumber also takes proper disposal precautions when they handle things like asbestos, lead, mercury and refrigerants.    

Q: How can I find a good plumber?

A: First and foremost, never use a plumber that is not licensed.  Not only should the company be licensed, but the individual person doing the work should have a license, or there should be a supervisor on site with a license.  Never be shy about asking to see the plumber’s license.  If they can’t show you one, fire them.

You also need to make sure the company has liability insurance. This is to protect you, in case something goes wrong.  A lot of people don’t realize that even small plumbing problems can have a lot of liability. Again, do not be shy about asking to see a proof of insurance from any potential plumber. 

A lot of plumbing companies have really great websites that explain what services they offer and what their qualifications are.  Some companies have social media like Facebook, and it’s a good idea to check out a potential plumber online if you can.  You might be able to find a coupon or a deal online.  Websites are a great way to learn more, but word of mouth is reliable as well.   

If you have a job that you think will be a quick repair and would like a free estimate, always check to make sure that the company you are using has free estimates for small jobs.  Many plumbing companies advertise free estimates, but the offer only applies to large jobs.  There are companies that will provide free over the phone ball-park price ranges for small jobs.  Always be certain that you are aware of any charges that might come up when you have someone coming out to give you an estimate.

If you have a big job, don’t feel bad about getting several estimates.  But be cautious about estimates that are a lot lower than the competitors – they could be cutting corners.    

It may seem like a big company is the way to go, but that’s not always the case.  Each employee at a large company has varying levels of experience and expertise, so quality can change from one job to the next.  Most smaller companies are focused on high quality because they’re building a reputation.  With a small company you can easily build a relationship of trust with your plumber.

Visit our website to learn about Wilson Waterworks Professional Plumbers

Exploding Water Heaters

If you need a water heater installed, it's important to make sure that the plumber doing the work is fully licensed.  Most states, including New Mexico, require a Journeyman Plumbing and Gas license for all water heater repairs and installations.  Always ask your plumber to see their license before they repair or install any gas or electric water heaters, or for that matter, any plumbing in your home at all. Licensed plumbers have a plastic license, similar to a drivers' license with their name and qualifications issued by the State.  If they don't have this on their person, they might not be qualified to do the work.  Be aware that some businesses do send unlicensed apprentices to do this type of work - it saves businesses money, but it puts you at risk and it's illegal.  

A professional water heater installation may seem expensive, but resist the cheap options such as trying to install one yourself or paying an unlicensed handyman.  Keep in mind that when you pay for a licensed plumber, you are getting a professional who will ensure all aspects of the job are up to code for your safety.  Not to mention that professionals have access to higher quality water heater tanks than you can find in "big box" stores, and they usually offer a warranty or guarantee of some type on the work they do. It's worth the cost of paying someone who knows what they're doing when you consider what an improperly installed water heater can do. 

In fact, here is a local Albuquerque story from 1951.  A boy was killed in the KiMo theater and seven people were injured when a water heater exploded.  Local Albuquerque legend has it that the unfortunate boy actually haunts the theater to this day.

For an even more jarring look at what sort of damage a water heater can do, check out this MythBusters Video!

MythBusters is a fun show, but in reality, exploding water heaters are a real danger to be aware of.  In fact, here's a story of one exploding in Phoenix just a couple of years ago.  It was really lucky that nobody got hurt.

If you have an improperly installed water heater in your home, you are literally sitting on a ticking time bomb.  If you're in the greater Albuquerque area, Wilson Waterworks will gladly send a licensed plumber to give you a free safety inspection on your water heater, plumbing, heating and cooling systems.

Visit our website to learn more about Wilson Waterworks Professional Plumbers

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Visit our Water Heater page 

Spring & Summer Plumbing Tips

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Spring or summer is the ideal time to perform certain plumbing, HVAC or general improvements you’ve been hoping to make to your home.  Now is the best time to install a new furnace, work on plumbing in the exterior walls, make improvements to your sprinkler system, replace your yard line or do a remodel.  It’s best to avoid doing these projects in the freezing months that could expose your plumbing system to the elements while the project is in progress. 

    

Spring and summer is also the perfect time to make improvements that may be able to bring relief to your seasonal allergies.  Converting to a closed air system with HEPA filtration can not only reduce the temperature, but can also reduce the allergens in your home.  If you have severe allergies, one change you might consider is to remove your carpet and replace it with tile.   

Due to new swamp cooler designs, getting cooler air can be more affordable.  The cooling ability of the new designs can be four times that of a more traditional unit.  If you’re not happy with the comfort level in your home, ask your HVAC technician about different models of swamp coolers.  Upgrading your swamp cooler might be a more practical and cost efficient solution than an entire conversion to refrigerated air. 

Another springtime improvement you can make is setting your sprinklers to come on before the sun comes up. This can cut your water use significantly (not to mention it makes you feel like you already finished a chore before you even got up).  Also, remember that you don’t actually have to water your lawn every day in most locations. Many communities have watering restrictions and guidelines that you should follow.  Speaking of your lawn, don’t ignore an unexplainable overly green spot in the grass.  This could mean you have a leak in your plumbing or sprinkler system.

Spring and summer always end up being some of the busiest times of the year, but if you make some time to make improvements to your home now, you won’t regret it (and neither will your pocketbook). If you’re in the Albuquerque area and interested in making any of these improvements to your home, feel free to learn about Wilson Waterworks Courteous Plumbers or give us a call.