Just the Tip

What the Customer Needed 

This homeowner from Riverwoods, Illinois spends a lot of time away from home. In order to have confidence that his home was protected while he was not there, he decided to get a plumbing leak detection system installed for extra peace of mind.

Solution 

The homeowner hired Ravinia Plumbing in Lincolnshire, Illinois, to install The Leak Defense System^®. Once it was in place, the system’s control panel showed that significant water was running constantly within the house.

The homeowner and the system installer walked the entire house inside and out looking for a leak, checking each toilet and all other potential leak sources. Three toilet flappers, which seal the opening between the water storage tank and the toilet bowl, were found to be leaking and needed to be replaced.

In addition, they found that a whole house humidifier had a bad solenoid valve (which controls the water flow from the reservoir to the evaporator system). Normally, the valve is closed until humidity drops below a set level. However, due to the faulty valve, water was constantly running through it. “We were NOT aware where or why [the leaks were occurring],” the homeowner said.

Installing Leak Defense 

Following a third incident when a hot water tank line sprung a leak in a pantry, the building maintenance engineer suggested several leak detection solutions to the Building Governance Committee. Among the suggestions was The Leak Defense System^®, which the committee, chaired by Pusateri, ended up choosing.

The system contains several components. The first is a Leak Defense System^® Valve, which is installed on the incoming waterline to each condo unit. Once installed, the automatic water shut-off control valve monitors water flow 24/7/365.

The second is a wireless touchscreen Control Panel in each unit, which allows residents to set the system to fit their family’s lifestyle needs. For example, if high-volume overnight water usage would be unusual, the Control Panel can send an audible alert if significant water is flowing in the middle of the night, and it can shut off the water intake. The Control Panel can also be connected to a third-party monitoring company to make sure an alert gets attention, even if the condo owners are away.

Results 

The toilet flappers were replaced, and a new humidifier solenoid valve was installed. Since the Leak Defense System^® installation, the control panel has picked up no further leaks. Had these issues not been fixed, “each could have led to serious issues in the house,” the homeowner said and has reduced needless water waste at the home. The system has provided this homeowner the extra peace of mind his home is safe from plumbing leaks while he is away.

To learn more, visit LeakDefense.com.

In many coastal regions, the corrosive effects of saltwater can deteriorate the plumbing systems over time. To combat the massive damage, contractors, plumbers, and other relevant construction professionals often build plumbing systems in these areas with specialized materials and components that can withstand harsh conditions.   

One of the most significant components that play a critical role in the durability and functionality of a coastal plumbing system is the exterior access door. In this blog post, you’ll discover the importance of exterior doors in coastal areas and how to properly maintain and repair it to keep or boost the value of your client’s water pipe facilities.  

What is an exterior access door?  

Exterior access doors can grant access to the interior of a building from outside. In the context of plumbing systems, exterior access doors are typically installed outside the establishment to provide easy access to the plumbing system.   

You can often locate these doors near the main water shut-off valve, pipes, or other plumbing system components. Exterior access doors like Babcock-Davis coastal zone exterior access door may come in various sizes and materials, depending on the particular prerequisites of the plumbing system and the property itself.   

Moreover, experts designed them to be durable and weather-resistant to stand firm against the intense weather conditions in coastal areas, where the doors are vulnerable to saltwater, wind, and other environmental factors.  

Four crucial benefits of exterior access doors to coastal plumbing systems are:   

• Inspection and maintenance: Exterior access doors authorize plumbers and maintenance personnel to inspect and perform plumbing system maintenance without entering the client’s structure. Regular upkeeping is especially vital in coastal areas where the saltwater can cause damage to the plumbing system in the long run, requiring periodic maintenance and inspection.  
• Emergency access: In a plumbing emergency, like a pipe bursting or any significant leakage, exterior access doors give emergency responders quick access to your client’s central water system, allowing them to shut off the water supply and control further damage.  
• Corrosion prevention: Exterior access doors can also help deter corrosion by furnishing a barrier between the plumbing system and the corrosive saltwater environment.  
• Compliance with building codes: Installing exterior access doors for your plumbing system can help you comply with building codes. Part of these is the commercial establishments built around the coastal areas to ensure safety and maintenance standards compliance. 

How to properly maintain or repair the exterior access doors in coastal plumbing areas?  

Appropriate maintenance and repair of exterior access doors in coastal plumbing systems are crucial to guarantee the functionality and longevity of the coastal building’s plumbing system. Here are some tips to correctly maintain and repair the exterior access doors for your plumbing project:  

• Tip #1 Regular Inspection: Advice your clients to make it a habit to inspect the exterior access doors, so they can secure that essential facilities are always in good performance condition. When checking, look for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion, or damage to the door or surrounding area. Ensure the door closes and seals adequately to prevent water from penetrating the plumbing system.
• Tip #2 Cleaning: Routine cleaning of exterior access doors is critical in coastal areas. The door isn’t safe from accumulating salt water and other debris, which can eventually lead to corrosion or further deterioration. Clean the door regularly with mild detergent and water to remove residue or buildup.

• Tip #3 Lubrication: Lubricate the hinges and locks of the exterior access door frequently to guarantee smooth operation. You must use a silicone-based lubricant to discourage corrosion and rust from building up.  
• Tip #4 Repair or Replace Damaged Doors: If any wear, tear, leakage, or other damages are found during the inspection, repair or replace the damaged door immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to more severe impairments and expensive restorations. 
• Tip #5 Upgrade to Corrosion-Resistant Doors: Consider increasing the quality of your project’s door to corrosion-resistant exterior access doors. These doors are made to defy extreme conditions in coastal areas and are less likely to corrode or rust in long-term use.  

Take better of your exterior access doors and coastal plumbing system.  

Regularly inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating exterior access doors, repairing or replacing damaged doors, and upgrading to corrosion-resistant doors can significantly contribute to always keeping the components performance of coastal plumbing systems intact. Remember to follow the tips we shared, so you can ensure that the exterior access doors in the plumbing system of your coastal projects are well-maintained and operating as intended. 

Providing accurate, detailed bids is important to homeowners. According to proprietary research from Lowe’s, 65% of homeowners cited lack of clarity on project costs as a top challenge in working with Pros. Consider taking advantage of online tools, like Lowe’s Online Order Quoting, to efficiently build and receive quotes for orders purchased via the Lowe’s app/website. Pricing for Lowe’s online quotes is guaranteed for seven days, so you can share with clients in advance and help eliminate uncertainty. Learn more here.

Trade professionals understand that the plumbing system requires monthly routine checks to keep them highly functional, especially the removable flush valve panel which plays a vital role in regulating water flow into the toilet bowl. Due to frequent use, they become prone to wear and tear or total damage. Here are four often overlooked methods to extend your removable flush valve panel’s lifespan. 

1. Check for Wear, and Tear

The valve panel that connects to the toilet tank has a rubber gasket that easily gets worn out. You need to regularly check it and ensure there are no cracks, warps, and Wear and tear, which may cause water to leak. If it shows any signs of a damaged rubber gasket, call your plumber immediately to have it fixed or replaced to avoid further damage. 

2. Use the Right Tools 

Your plumbing system may be durable enough to handle pressure, but the entire system comprises complex and sturdy materials. They are tool-sensitive, which makes them delicate enough for breakage or any form of damage. Thus, it is advisable that you must invest in the right plumbing tools and have them ready in case of emergency, especially if your area does not have an on-call plumber who can help you fix the removable flush valve panel. 

3. Book a Maintenance and Repair Team

Your plumbing system requires the best and most skilled professionals who can thoroughly clean the removable flush valve panel, which may have debris and mineral deposits that may cause it to malfunction. 

There are numerous ways to safely and efficiently remove the valve panel. However, it is not advisable to follow any do-it-yourself method as it may cause problems to the system, and you might end up paying more to fix it. Thus, it is essential that you need to consider hiring a reliable service team to have them checked and cleaned. 

4. Consider Upgrading Your Flush Valve

Usually, your removable flush valve panel may malfunction sometimes. However, suppose it is an old model or frequently fails or breaks. You may need to consider getting a newer model with reliable materials and designs to last longer and promotes efficient functionalities, which helps you save money from routine checks. 

Contact your plumber immediately when you consider upgrading it. Ask them which model best fits your toilet and plumbing system. In addition, they can assess your toilet’s situation, recommend necessary upgrades or processes, and, most importantly, they can give you advice on how to extend your provable flush panel’s lifespan based on your plumbing system and your toilet’s status.  

Why Do You Need to Extend Your Removable Flush Valve Panel’s Lifespan? 

A well-taken care removable flush valve panel is crucial to maintain its optimal functionality and avoid inconvenience and costly repairs. By following the four methods, you can guarantee that its lifespan will extend for years allowing you to save money from frequent repairs and replacements. 

Additionally, consulting with a professional plumber will help you decide how and when to maintain and replace it to extend your removable flush valve panel’s lifespan. Thus, take action before your removable valve fails. Flush away your plumbing worries by taking care of your removable flush valve panel today!