Categories Superior Plumbing & Drain

Water Conservation

Water Conservation - Lake Mead

Water conservation is more important than ever in Las Vegas. As of August of 2021, Lake Mead was only filled to 35% of its capacity and with lower than normal snow falls in the Rocky Mountains, there I no end in sight for the drought conditions.

The Summer of 1999 was the last time the lake was at or near capacity. As noted by https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ the article states: “For the 2022 water year, which begins October 1, Mexico will receive 80,000 fewer acre-feet, approximately 5 percent of the country’s annual allotment and Nevada’s take will be cut by: 21,000 acre-feet (about 7 percent of the state’s annual apportionment). The biggest cuts will come to Arizona, which will receive 512,000 fewer acre-feet, approximately 18 percent of the state’s annual apportionment and 8 percent of the state’s total water use (for agriculture and human consumption). An acre-foot is enough water to supply one to two households a year.”

For the full article, click here

Superior Plumbing & Drain

As a family owned and operated company, we’re members of the community too. That’s why we treat every customer just like family. Call us at (702) 478-9643 for a free plumbing estimate.

Please consider water conservation by following local and state guidelines.

Categories Superior Plumbing & Drain

Running Toilets Waste Water

Running toilets waste water

Running toilets waste water. The fact is, running toilets are a common issue for our residential customers. However, with Southern Nevada in unprecedented drought conditions, the wasted water needs to be reduced. It’s crucial now, more than ever that we come together as a community and conserve as much water as possible.

Toilet Is Running Only at Night

It’s possible your toilet only leaks at night; that’s because we use much less water during these hours and in many municipal water systems, the water pressure rises considerably during this time. It is not uncommon for system water pressure to rise by 15 to 20 pounds per square inch (psi), and by as much as 30 psi in some situations.

Parts of a Toilet

Above the ground, our toilets only have a few parts that residents interact with. These are: the bowl, tank, float, flapper and supply line. When dealing with leaking toilets, we often see the float and flapper as the culprit. We’re going to focus on the flapper for the rest of this article.

The Flapper

This is the flush valve seal and serves to control the volume of water passing from the tank to the bowl during the flush cycle. It mates with the seat on the flush valve to complete the seal and prevent water leaking from the tank into the bowl. Almost all flappers are shaped, in part, like a “flying saucer,” that is, slight “dome” on top, flat like a “pancake” in the center and then (not like a flying saucer) a “funnel” or “bulb” shape on the bottom.

To stop a leaking toilet, start with the flapper as it usually solves the problem. While you have to get -your hands a little dirty, replacing the flap will help conserve water and save money in the long run.

If you need any additional help, please call Superior Plumbing & Drain at (702) 478-9643.

Categories Superior Plumbing & Drain

Garbage Disposal Lifespan

Garbage Disposal Lifespan

The garbage disposal lifespan might not be what think. As a small but powerful piece of your home plumbing system, the garbage disposal is popular. It shreds food and waste that goes down your drain to make it small enough to pass through the pipes without causing clogs. In addition, they help prevent expensive and messy plumbing repairs.

How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?

Depending on the brand, installation, and use, the lifespan of a garbage disposal varies. Usually, they last between five and seven years with usual wear and tear. When used properly, we’ve seen some garbage disposals last up to 20 years! However, when neglected or overused, your garbage disposal may need to be replaced much earlier.

Professional Maintenance

To prolong the life of your garbage disposal the most important thing you can do is conduct regular preventative maintenance. The best way to ensure that your disposal is working well and has a long life is to have a professional inspect it yearly. It’s also important to have a professional plumber inspect related pipes and drains every 3 or 4 years. They check for clogs or minor problems that, if gone unchecked, could turn into expensive repairs.

Homeowner Maintenance

Refer to the owner’s manual to learn how to properly clean and care for your system. If you choose not to consult a professional plumber, you can at least try to keep the pipes clear of major debris that would cause an expensive plumbing issue down the line.

Signs You May Need A New Garbage Disposal

When a garbage disposal isn’t working properly, you should check the reset button. If depressing the button doesn’t work, call a licensed plumber right away.

If the garbage disposal doesn’t run, makes a grinding louder than usual sound or leaks below the sink, a professional evaluation will confirm the need.

If you notice any of these signs that your garbage disposal is not working properly, call Superior Plumbing & Drain today.

Categories Superior Plumbing & Drain

Cleaning A Shower Head

Cleaning A Shower Head

Cleaning a shower head doesn’t take much time if you have the proper items. If you are seeing your shower head getting discolored or having water flow issues, it’s be time for a good cleaning. Using harsh chemicals damages fixtures and harmful to humans and pets. When deciding on a substitute, think about vinegar.

As an effective cleaner, vinegar is safe for you and your family. When used properly it’s a powerful tool in your cleaning arsenal. An additional benefit, vinegar is very inexpensive when compared to those harsh household cleaners. You can buy vinegar by the gallon at the local store for a fraction of the price of chemical cleaners.

NOTE: The type of finish on your shower head and connections will determine if vinegar can be used. Please know the materials before using vinegar to clean. Test a small, inconspicuous area with a cotton swab and let sit for 30 minutes before using on larger areas. You can find out more info on vinegar cleaning products here: Vinegar Cleaning Products

Cleaning a Shower Head

After confirming your shower fixtures and shower head can withstand the vinegar cleaning, it’s time to get started. Here are a few things you may want to use:

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Bucket or solid base container
  • Cleaning rags
  • Old toothbrush
  • Paperclip
  • Pliers or wrench

When removing the shower head, place a protective cover, like a rag, over the connected showers surface. Then use the wrench to turn the fixture and remove the shower head.

Once removed, place the shower head into the bucket to catch any debris that falls off during the process. Use the vinegar and the toothbrush to remove mineral deposits. Rinse the fixture under running water until clean.

When clean, replace the shower head and test to ensure the connection is tight and there are no water leaks. Pro Tip: use plumber’s tape when replacing the fixture to get a tight connection.

When undertaking any DIY project, conduct proper research prior to starting. If you have any questions, call Superior Plumbing & Drain at (702) 478-9643.

Categories Superior Plumbing & Drain

Las Vegas Water Heaters

Las Vegas Water Heaters

Las Vegas water heaters must be monitored regularly due to the minerals causing hard water. The hard water causes a build up on the water heater and plumbing systems usually causing a failure. When a plumbing failure is detected, it’s usually after water has been leaking. This article walks you through how a water heater works and what to look for before it fails.

Las Vegas Water Heaters

The main job of the water heater is to warm up water for use on dishes, in the bathtub and in the sink or shower. The water we use travels through a series of pipes before entering the home. Once it reaches our walls, water is diverted to the water heater for proper warming before use. The water heater, usually located in a close or the garage, is the large cylinder with pipes coming from the wall.

The water heater has many components including the tank, shut-off valve, thermostat, drain valve and anode rod. While every component is important, these are the main areas to focus your attention.

Most water heaters fail when the inside of the tank rusts and the tank leaks. For this type of failure, the entire heater must be replaced. This is the most expensive because the pipes and the heater itself should also be replaced.

Regular maintenance of the water heater helps prolong the life of the unit. Draining the unit once per year is a great first step. This is easy to do as long as the drain has a hose bib connection. Consult the manual for more details.

A second maintenance tip is a check of the anode rod. This rod is suspended at the top of the unit and into the water tank. The rod attracts minerals in the water to help remove minerals and keep the tank from rusting.

For maintenance on your water heater, call Superior Plumbing & Drain today at (702) 478-9643.

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