Tag: installation

Does the Home Need a Water Softener Installation?

What’s Hard Water?

Hard water has a high concentration of minerals in it, namely calcium and magnesium. While hard water isn’t technically dangerous to drink or bathe in, it does have negative effects that can be prevented by installing a water softener. So, read on to learn about hard water and how a water softener could help. 

What Does a Water Softener Do?

water softenerWater softeners are appliances that turn hard water into soft water, often through a process known as ion exchange. During this process, the water softener pulls minerals like magnesium and calcium out of the water. It does this by using negatively charged water-softener resin beads. 

Since these beads are negatively charged, they attract the positively charged minerals in the water, pulling them out of the liquid as the water passes through the tank with the beads. Once this process is done, the softened water flows into the home’s plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances.  

Indications of Hard Water

There are a number of negative effects of hard water, the first of which is what the minerals in it do to hair and skin. Hard water can dry out the skin and take the luster out of hair, making it appear dull and lifeless. It does this by preventing the water from thoroughly rinsing soap or shampoo out of hair and off the body, leaving a filmy residue in place. 

Since hard water has more difficulty rinsing away soap, the same can happen on dishes. This means homes with hard water often have spots on their dishes even after being washed in the dishwasher. Likewise, clothes washed in hard water can come away with residue, making the bright colors dull and making the clothes wear out prematurely. 

Hard water also leaves behind hard water stains. This is why it’s common to see whitish rings on sinks and bathtubs and a mineral scale on fixtures. Lastly, the minerals in hard water can affect appliances that use water, like the water heater, causing premature wear and tear, thereby shortening the appliance's life. 

Why Install a Whole House Water Softener?

save money Homes with hard water can benefit from a whole-home water softener installation in several ways. Soft water, soap, shampoo, and detergent can be rinsed away fully, allowing skin to flourish and hair to retain its luster. Soft water also helps ensure that dishes come out of the dishwasher looking clean and that clothes come out of the washer without soap scum or a dull sheen to them.

Soft water will also allow appliances like the water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine to last longer. Without hard water, these appliances operate more efficiently, helping homeowners save money on energy bills. Fewer minerals in the water can also help keep the plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances healthy for longer. These are some of the reasons whole-home water softeners are beneficial for homes with hard water.

About JR Putman Plumbing

JR Putman Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business serving Sacramento and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, financing, and a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Call them today for water softener installation and repairs in Sacramento, CA.  

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Sump Pump Installation May Be the Best Gift This Holiday Season!

A Sump Pump: The Gift That Keeps Giving

Sump pumps give people the protection they need against water damage and moisture buildup in their basements or crawl spaces. Without a sump pump, the lowest floor of a house can fill with floodwater or groundwater. Sump pumps provide Rancho Cordova homeowners with an important line of defense against floodwaters and other damaging effects of excessive moisture.

What Are Sump Pumps?pump

A sump pump can detect rising water levels in the sump pit, typically located at the lowest point of a home. Once the rising water level activates the switch, the sump pump will redirect the groundwater or floodwater into the plumbing system to deposit the water outside. This helps protect homes from structural damage due to excessive water exposure over time. Additionally, sump pumps provide homeowners peace of mind knowing that their homes will be protected during heavy rains and flooding. 

In addition to helping prevent damage caused by floodwaters, sump pumps are also helpful in preventing mold and mildew from forming in a home. Since mold and mildew thrive in damp, moist environments, the action of a sump pump can help dry out these areas to discourage fungal growth. This helps improve air quality and ensures families are safe from potential health hazards. 

Finally, installing a sump pump can also reduce energy costs by keeping moisture out of basements and crawl spaces (where insulation can become ineffective when it becomes wet). Some sump pumps even come with energy-saving features such as timer controls or recirculating pumps that use less electricity while still getting the job done. Depending on the type of sump pump installed, they can run off battery, electricity, or even water.

The Main Types of Sump Pumps

pumpsThe most commonly used sump pumps are submersible, pedestal, and battery-operated. Although they work differently, all pumps are used for the same reason. Once the water has been successfully drained, it can be dumped in a well, creek, or street drain. Depending on the type of sump pump, additional attachments may be necessary. 

A pedestal sump pump uses a separate motor and additional equipment to clear water. It can directly send water to the drainage spot by connecting a hose to the basin. Since the motor rests higher than the sump pit where water collects, pedestal pumps usually last longer than submersible ones. The only real downsides to a pedestal pump are that they can’t handle the same large quantity of water that submersible sump pumps can, and they are louder. Since it is not submerged in water, the motor can be heard more. 

Submersible sump pumps and their motor are located inside the sump pit, unlike the pedestal pump. Many homeowners prefer this type of sump pump because it can handle larger quantities of water and is quieter than pedestal sump pumps. However, they are typically more expensive than a pedestal pump and don’t last as long. 

Secondary or Backup Options

When the power is out due to a storm or other weather event, sump pumps powered by electricity won’t work, and a secondary or backup sump pump is needed. A battery-operated backup can still funnel water away from the home to the outdoors regardless of electricity. This is ideal when powerful winds accompany big storms. A battery-operated sump pump starts working when the switch is turned on by rising water, just like the types that run on electricity. 

A water-powered sump pump backup can also be used. A water-powered backup does use a substantial amount of water to run and will increase the water bill. Although this is not always an ideal solution, it’s effective for removing floodwater in an emergency when there’s no power. 

Combination sump pumps are another type of pump that combines two different types of pumping technology into one unit. They feature both an automatic primary pump and a secondary, battery-operated backup that kicks in when the primary pump fails. This type of sump pump is ideal for homeowners who want the convenience of knowing their home will stay dry even if a power outage occurs.

About JR Putman Plumbing

JR Putman Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company serving Rancho Cordova, CA, and the surrounding areas since 1981. They provide same-day service, 24-hour live answer, and a beneficial membership plan. Call them today for sump pump services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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