The Top Ways To Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal-Naturally

If you're anything like the average person in today's "green" environment, then you're probably trying to avoid handling solutions that have any chemicals in it. When dealing especially with plumbing related matters, this proves the best way to go.

Our article below covers not only some of the things you can use to keep your trash disposal free and definite of obnoxious odors but also how to keep it clean in the first place.

Following are our five top things to do that will keep that trash disposal smelling not only clean but naturally fresh and fragrant as well.

1. Don't Forget To Use Your Vitamin "C."

Well, what we mean is to put your citrus fruit to sustainable use by discarding peels and pieces of fruit in the trash disposal at the end of the day and turning on the switch.

With citrus fruit coming into the season, now is a great time to stock up on oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit and anything else that's citrus in your fridge or pantry. However, don't wait too much time as they can spoil if not used within a short time.

While some trash disposal manufacturers boast of the strength, durability and the efficiency of their product, experienced plumbers recommend not putting in the whole fruit into the disposal at one time.

• It's better to cut up the fruit leftovers in smaller portions and drop into the disposal a few pieces at a time.
• Running water into the drain after you turn on the switch will help the device last longer, and keep it in good running condition. As this is one of this writer's favorite ways to not only disinfect the blades and the disposal walls as well, you'll soon find satisfaction in knowing your money is not being spent on chemical solutions that can be detrimental to your health.

2. Using Ice Cubes and Salt

Aside from citrus fruit, the next best way to help keep your trash disposal smelling clean and free from odors is using ice cubes and salt.

Over time, your trash disposal will naturally accumulate gooey stuff and other residue particles from daily use. Unless a thorough cleaning regularly takes place, gunk tends to settle around and in between the blades and on the walls inside.

• To dislodge the material from the leaves, and keep the blades sharp and disinfected, only drop ice cubes into the trash disposal, and turn on the switch. Once again, doing it little-by-little will maintain the blades from getting dull without actually damaging them. Next, you can let the water run for about one minute.
• Afterward, pour about half a cup of salt into the disposal, and watch a disinfecting action take place. Course salt or rock salt is best for this practice, but you can also use regular table salt as well.
• Let the salt sit for a few minutes, and then run hot water down the disposal drain. The cleansing action is now complete, and your disposal should be free from unpleasant odors.

3. Using Ice, Citrus and White Vinegar

A particular favorite of this writer, and homemakers everywhere is white vinegar--today's panacea for all things environment-oriented. One variation recommended by plumbing contractors is substituting the salt used above with citrus fruit and white vinegar instead.

High acid contents found in the vinegar work wonders on most molds, germs, and bacteria. When you add citrus and freeze everything to make ice cubes, you have one power-packed solution to getting rid of those odors from the disposal.

Another variation yet is freezing the vinegar, citrus peels, and the salt to make ice cubes. Then grinding everything up in a food processor, drop the combination in the trash disposal for an extra sturdy, cleaning action.

4. Using Your Arm & Hammer

Another panacea for keeping things extra clean like the inside of refrigerators, pets, and even carpet stains, is the use of baking soda. A great deodorizer for the disposal, just a little bit down the drain followed by some boiling water will neutralize and help get rid of odors.

5. The Baking Soda/White Vinegar Combo

Here's a traditional standard method for getting rid of those terrible odors:

• Sprinkle one-half cup baking soda down your disposal drain.
• Follow by one cup white vinegar.
• Allow the combination to start foaming and bubbling for about five to ten minutes.
• Flush everything down the drain with hot water.

All this being said, keeping a trash disposal clean to begin with keeps any nasty odors from building up. While some manufacturers advertise their products as being self-cleaning, stink, sludge, and gunk do build up if you are not an automatic custodian.

How To Keep It All Clean

Simply put, just pour a kettle full of boiling water down the drain each evening before going to bed. That'll do it!

If you prefer something more detailed, then place a stopper in the sink, and fill the pan with about a quarter full with boiling water. Add some liquid dish soap, and turn on the disposal. Next, unstop the stopper, and let the water flush on through. Do this about twice a week and viola!

To keep your trash disposal working right and smelling clean, plumbing technicians recommend avoid putting the following things down your disposal:

• Grease
• Sticky, gooey foods like eggs and honey
• Coffee grounds
• Chemical cleaners of any kind

In reality, there are many more things you can do to keep your trash disposal machine free from unpleasant odors; however, these five above mentioned practices will work every time you use them in your kitchen.

Regardless of whether your disposal device is self-cleaning or not, they'll guarantee a cleaner, better-smelling kitchen environment and a healthier one as well.

Call Falcon Plumbing today at (305)-251-7333, to get your garbage disposal fixed today in your Miami, FL home.

Why Saving Water For Summer Is Key

Everyone talks about conserving water, but many don’t do anything about it. Some only wait until their water bill gets high enough to where they have to complain about it before they start realizing that they need to conserve water as much as possible. It’s easy to save water, but the fact is, many people are oblivious as to how to keep water and about the things they are doing that promote water waste.

Those who waste water are not only raising their water bill but also taking away extra water that can be used for important things in their home as well as in other homes that also get the same supply water. Not because you’re paying your water bill doesn’t mean that everyone else won’t suffer from water waste, which is evident when there is a water crisis, and everyone has to conserve.

You Can Lower Your Water Bills By

Although many say they don’t know how they can better conserve water, it’s incredibly simple, and the following is a list of ways on how you can save water in your home.

• Only take a 5-minute shower
• Limit baths or take none at all, take a shower
• Don't ever allow faucets to run unless the water is being collected
• Collect water to wash dishes instead of running water
• Bathe pets on the lawn to water the lawn same time
• Take water drained from the water heater, and water the lawn or plants
• Get new appliances that conserve water
• Add flowers to the home that require very little water
• Use water on the plants and grass when the sun goes down

Use a water bottle instead of several glasses to cut back on washing cupsIf you know, you’ve been guilty of taking very long showers that last 10 or even 20 minutes or more; then you may save more water if you take a bath. Taking a shower is something that should only be done rarely because it uses up to 30-50 gallons of water, depending on how full the tub is when the bath is being taken.

If you choose to take a shower, then take the leftover water and use it to do some cleaning, or water the lawn if possible, especially if the water is not dirty. You may also want to consider bathing several children in the bathtub as opposed to running a different set of bath water for each child, which also can conserve water usage.

Another thing to consider is how you’re using the water when you brush your teeth. Many don’t think about the water they waste when they brush their teeth, but it can easily equal a gallon or more, and brushing your teeth several times a day means you can be wasting several gallons of water daily. It’s also important to realize that a toilet can waste water, especially if it’s not low flow.

Having a low flow toilet in the home may be the best choice because it uses a lot less water each time it flushes. Also, consider your garbage disposal unit because you have to run the water every time you turn the unit on, which means you could be using several gallons of water to run the unit each day. It’s probably best to throw your garbage away as opposed to using the waste disposal unit, especially if you’re looking to conserve water.

Washing dishes is important, but did you know that using a dishwasher takes up less water than washing and rinsing dishes in the sink? If you use your dishwasher, then it can save you a lot of water usage, even though it may use up more energy in your home than washing dishes by hand.

You also need to check your washer, which may take up more water than it needs to wash clothes, so you may need to manually stop the water from filling up the washer, or set it to stop when it reaches the height of the clothing inside. Many things can be done in the home to keep water from being wasted, so look around and see what you can do to save water in the home.

You May Be Wasting Water Because Of Leaks

Another thing to consider is leaks in the home because many leaks may be present that are costing you money and wasting water. If you’re trying to conserve water, especially in the summertime, you want to look out for leaks.

The summertime matters most because water is used more frequently in the summer, especially for those who have pools that need refilling and children that want to go under the sprinklers to cool off.

Look for leaking garden hoses, leaking faucets, leaking toilets and more, and make sure you get them fixed. It’s also possible that there may be leaks from plumbing in the wall or underground, which is also wasting water. When you know there are leaks in your home that you cannot get to or cannot find; then it’s time to get your plumber.

Make Sure Your Plumber Knows What's Wrong

A plumber has several methods to find out if they are leaks in or around the home, and not only can they find the holes but also fix them as well. Once the leaks are fixed, then you will see that water conservation is a lot easier in the home because the leaks may have been wasting many gallons of water compared to what you are using now.

If leaking plumbing has to be repaired, then it may be necessary to replace pipes or fixtures in the home to fix the leaks. Also, don’t forget that if you have an irrigation system that leaks can be present there as well, so have your plumber check the system too.

If you're having trouble on how to save water in your Miami, FL home, call Falcon Plumbing today at (305)-251-7333.

DIY Wet Wipes (Why Flushing Regular Wipes Will Clog Your Drains)

The Demand for Disposable Wipes

Flushable or disposable wipes are in high demand, and this shouldn’t be a surprise, especially since almost every household that has small children or infants will be using them. Demand for these wipes has gone up even higher because of the fact that adults now like to use them on a regular basis.

Adults like to be clean, and since most homes don’t have a bidet, and most people don’t want to jump in the shower after every time they use the bathroom, wet wipes are the closest thing to feeling the cleanest after using the bathroom. Everyone wants to feel clean, but no one thinks to throw the wet wipe into the garbage after they’ve used it.

Adults never think twice about throwing the same wet wipes into the garbage when they use it on their child, but it may be because it’s embarrassing or not wrapped in a diaper why they will not throw the same wet wipes that they use into the trash.

All of this causes a problem because the wet wipes that are flushed down the toilet tend to linger around and get caught in the pipes, which will then snowball out of control when other wipes get stuck to it, as well as everything else that goes down the drain.

Wet wipes are used for a host of things, such as:

Cleaning hands

Wiping a baby's bottom

Cleaning makeup from the face

Cleaning a baby's face

Cleaning an adult's bottom

Cleaning CD's or DVD's

Household cleaning

Applying sunscreen

Don’t Bother Flushing Your Wipes

You may feel it’s perfectly okay to flush your wipes, especially if you read on the label that it can be flushed, but consider this: there are certain cities that are pushing for better labeling that is clearer to the consumers, which particularly affects wet wipe companies.

Many producers of these wipes have labeled them as flushable or disposable, but they do not indicate where they can be disposed of. Since many choose to use the wipes while they are sitting on the toilet, the first thought is to flush the wipes, which then causes a problem because the wipes will not biodegrade as fast as the toilet paper will. When the wipes are thicker, which many of them are, they can easily become a clog in the sewer system, especially if several of them are used at once.

Although some can use only one wipe at a time, those that use several wipes because they don’t feel clean enough are more likely to experience a clog in their sewage system a lot faster. New wipes are being made all the time, so it’s likely that they will finally make one that’s flushable and will not cause damage to the toilets or drainage system.

If you want to avoid needing toilet repair, then it’s probably best to throw the wipes in the garbage instead of flushing them. Be aware that drain cleaning may also be necessary if you’ve been flushing the wipes for a long time, and this may be something you should get before you have a clog that is out of control.

Clogs Caused by Disposable Wipes

If you really want to know what wipes have done when it comes to clogging a sewage system, then simply look it up online because it’s unbelievable the kinds of damage that these wipes have caused in cities in the United States as well as around the world.

With some of the problems that the wipes are causing, lawsuits have sparked, and new bills are being introduced. All of this is the result of the millions of dollars in damage that these wipes are causing when they clog the sewage system.

The problem is, your sewage system is your own personal problem if you live in a home, and this means that you’ll have to pay to fix the problem once the wipes overwhelm your system and clog your toilets to the point where you cannot flush them at all.

You’ll want to avoid this problem, but in some cases, it may already be too late to avoid the clog because you’ve been flushing the wipes for a long time. If you know that you’ve constantly been flushing the wipes but don’t yet have a clog, get your plumber out to your home for drain cleaning, which will give you a chance to start over with clean drains.

If you see that your toilet is clogged, then toilet repair may be necessary, but it’s also possible that the clog is causing other drains in the home to clog as well.

When wet wipes clog the drain, the clog can be far down the drain where no plunger can possibly get to it. It may be necessary for a plumber to get an electric snake that goes far into the drainage system to get the clog, and even then, it still won’t come up.

Hydro jetting is also a possibility, which means the plumber will have to shoot a high pressured stream of water through the pipes to help clear them. Once you know you’re dealing with clogs that are caused by disposable wipes, don’t put off getting the problem rectified, and schedule a visit from your plumber immediately.

Get The Toilet Repair You Need

If you’re sick and tired of standing back every time you flush the toilet because you're certain that it will overflow, then you obviously need repair on your toilets and/or drains.

Your plumber can do some drain cleaning that will not only clean the toilet drains but also the other drains in the home, which means you will no longer have to worry about clogs, especially clogs that are caused by wet wipes. Drain cleaning is required in every home once a year, and this can help to prevent wet wipe clogs as well as other clogs.

Get your drains cleaned or toilet repaired by calling Falcon Plumbing in Miami, FL at (305)-251-7333.

10 Benefits of an Advanced Water Filtration System

An advanced water filtration system can be an excellent investment. Clean drinking water is very important for optimal health, but you should also have clean water for bathing and washing your clothes.

A whole-home water filtration system will purge your home’s water supply of harmful chemicals and prevent you from developing illnesses caused by contaminated tap water. If you’re still on the fence and haven’t decided to pay for our water filter installation, there are 10 incredible reasons to have an advanced water filtration system installed in your Miami home.

Purge Water of Harmful Chemicals

While water is one of the greatest gifts that nature has to offer, many public water sources have become polluted.

When you consider the fact that 70 percent of industrial waste is discarded into the same water bodies that feed public water sources, a water filtration system should seem like an excellent investment. In China, a large percentage of the drinking water comes out of the ground, and it’s severely contaminated with carcinogenic pollutants.

The water in America isn’t too much better, so your tap water could also be filled with several carcinogenic chemicals. An advanced filtration system can purge your home’s water of chlorine, sulfur, arsenic and lead.

Clean Water Throughout Your Home

A water filtration system is connected to your home’s main water inlet, so it purifies water before it enters your home’s plumbing. Although it’s possible to put a filter on every faucet, it’s not practical. Another problem is that most faucet filters don’t purify water as well as a whole-home system.

By having us equip your home with an advanced water filtration system, you’ll be able to get clean water throughout your home. Unlike faucet filters, a whole-home filtration system will remove harmful particles and debris that cheap filters miss.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Tap water can contain a number of harmful chemicals, such as chlorine. When you use unfiltered water inside of your Miami home, the water can release the gas form of chlorine into the air.

Several other chemicals can convert to gas and contaminate the air inside of your home. An advanced water filtration system removes these chemicals, so it’s able to protect your home from unwanted gases. The end result is improved indoor air quality.

The gas form of chlorine can cause a number of respiratory problems, and it’s especially harmful for people who already suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma. By removing harmful chemicals from your home’s water supply, a filtration system gives you cleaner air to breathe.

Protect Your Appliances

You might not realize it, but many of the appliances inside of your home use water. Your freezer uses water to make ice. A dishwasher uses water to clean your dirty dishes, and your washer needs fresh water to clean your clothes.

The problem with unfiltered tap water is that it can carry large amounts of sediment. Public water sources have always been known to carry heavy metals and debris.

Over a long period of time, the sediment in unfiltered water can clog your appliances, which can result in costly repairs or replacements. By having an advanced water filtration system installed, you can remove the sediment that clogs your appliances.

Filter Shower Water

Most people have never showered with filtered water, so they don’t know what it feels like. Since a water filtration system cleanses all of the water flowing into your home, it lets you shower with filtered water.

This can be especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from various skin conditions.

Many of the harmful chemicals found in unfiltered shower water can find their way into the bloodstream, and once inside the body, they’re able to damage internal bodily systems.

With a water filtration system, you can make sure these chemicals are removed and experience what it’s like to shower with filtered water.

No More Deposits on Clothes

If your home doesn’t have an advanced water filtration system, you’re forced to wash your clothes with unclean tap water. Over time, the chemicals in the water can begin to leave deposits on your clothes.

Unclean water can deliver poor washing results and cause your clothes to smell weird. Since a filtration system removes chemicals, it provides clean water for washing your clothes, which can help to reduce the occurrence of allergies and rashes.

No More Soap Scum

Many homeowners are constantly dealing with soap scum. Since the soap scum is unsightly, it must be removed quickly.

In most cases, soap scum is caused by compounds found inside unfiltered tap water.

A water filtration system can remove the contaminants that are known to cause the formation of soap scum, which will leave your home cleaner.

After the water filter installation, your bathrooms, clothes and dishes will be much less vulnerable to soap scum.

Only One Filtration System

If you had to install a filter on every faucet in your home, it could take hours. It’s also not the best way to filter water because faucet filters can only filter certain particles. With an advanced water filtration system, you can benefit from having a single filter.

You don’t need to install multiple faucet filters and maintain them regularly. Maintenance is much easier when you have a single filtration system.

Significantly Reduce Pipe Corrosion

Unfiltered water from the tap can cause your home’s plumbing pipes to corrode. Water from the tap can contain several corrosive chemicals and compounds, which can harm appliances and plumbing pipes. An advanced filtration system can remove these compounds and prevent your pipes from failing.

Long Lasting Protection

When you purchase a water filtration system for your entire home, you can rest assured that it will last much longer than smaller faucet filters.

Since it’s also much more durable, you won’t have to constantly dump money into it to keep it running. These are 10 reasons to make a decision and have an advanced water filtration system installed in your home. Since we’re plumbing professionals, we can do it for you.

For quality services in your Miami, FL home, call Falcon Plumbing at (305)-251-7333.

10 Reasons to Remodel Your Bathroom

Of the many projects a homeowner can complete to improve the look and feel of their home, bathroom remodeling remains one of the most desirable for many. Improving the look and feel of your bathroom changes the entire ambiance of the home. This is just the start of reasons to remodel your bathroom.

Continue reading as we discover 10 of the best reasons to hire a bathroom remodel company without delay and make those bathroom improvements.

1. Outdated Look

If you've owned your home for a while without any improvements made to the bathroom, there's a good chance your look is far outdated and in need of freshening. Sprucing your bathroom up a bit with modern appliances and technology enhances the entire space of the room and instantly brings your home into this century.

2. Mold/ Mildew Stains

Mold and mildew grow in wet or moist areas, thus the bathroom is one of the main locations of their existence. Both look unsightly and add a horrible odor to your Miami home, but worst of all, both may cause an array of health concerns, including trouble breathing for patients with respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies.

It is easier to prevent mold and mildew than it is to treat it. New bathroom enhancements ensure that mold isn't a problem for you to worry about.

3. Family Growth

Typically, homes are built with small bathrooms that might not be very accommodating to a larger family. If your family is continuing to grow or is already large, adding space to the bathroom is an ideal way to keep everyone sane and on time to work, school, etc.

4. Damage to the Bathroom's Fixtures

Whether it is damage to the showerhead or the toilet, the floor or to the lighting, a gloomy, unkempt look is always created when this problem exists. Rather than sacrifice the quality of your home, a bathroom remodeler is there to repair, replace, and create an awesome-looking bathroom once again.

5. Updated Appliances

Appliances are not created like they used to be and most would agree that's a positive step in the right direction. Today it is easy to find energy –efficient appliances that save money on your water and energy usage and improve bathroom functionality. This includes commodes, sinks, and even walk-in showers and tubs.

6. Protect Your Home

Remodeling the bathroom is an excellent way to protect your home. Over time wear and tear can cause a variety of issues with your home, including those inside of the bathroom. If you notice any of the following issues inside of your bathroom, your home is at risk and could use a little bit of TLC with bathroom remodeling:

• Missing tiles
• Holes in floors
•  Mold/ Mildew (as mentioned above)
• Missing hardware
• Hard water pressure or low water pressure

7. Increased Value

Although no plans to relocate and sell your Miami home may be in place right now, you never know what decisions you'll make in the future. A bathroom remodel now may cause an increase in home value later. In fact, reports indicate that bathroom remodeling adds 20% more value to your home.

8. Your Own Space

Unless you built your home from the bottom up, you currently reside in the creation of another person's work. Instead of living in someone else's work, a remodel enables you to custom design the bathroom to your exact specifications. It makes you feel all warm and cozy inside to know this is your bathroom!

9. It is inexpensive.

A variety of remodeling improvements are available for the bathroom, many of which are very inexpensive. Some of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to remodel your bathroom (with big results) include:

• Change the hardware on the cabinets or on the sink
•  Replace the shower head
•  Add a walk-in shower

10. Now is time for a change.

Do you really need a reason to remodel your bathroom? A simple 'because I want to' is really reason enough to begin a home remodeling project without delay. Sometimes you simply desire a change, and a bathroom refresher does the trick wonderfully.

Choosing Your Bathroom Renovation Projects

With so many possibilities, deciding which improvements you want to tackle can be difficult if you aren't in a position for a complete makeover. Make life easier and keep these things in mind when choosing the projects you will complete:

• Budget: It is in your best interest to prepare a budget before the project starts (but do keep in mind that about 85% of projects go over the anticipated budget amount.)
• Musts: If there is damage to the bathroom or anything inside it, these are the obvious points to start remodeling first.
• Wants: Once you've allotted money for the necessities, determine the things that you really want to see changed inside of the bathroom.

A New Bathroom Awaits You

The 10 reasons to remodel listed above are just some of the many. One thing is for certain; if you want an awesomely easy and inexpensive way to update or change your home, for any reason, it is very simple when you start with the bathroom. Where would you like to begin with your project?

For the best remodeling in your Miami, FL home, call Falcon Plumbing at (305)-251-7333.

How to Light Your Water Heater

When your water heating system is working properly, there should be no need to hire a professional to come and light your unit. If you have an older unit that requires you to work with an open flame, you might want to consider getting a professional in the city of Miami to help you out. It's also a good idea to hire a professional if you suspect the pilot light has gone out as the result of damage to the unit.

At any time, if you smell gas, you should open all the windows, keep all the lights off and leave the house. Call the gas company or fire department once you're safely outside the house. When dealing with gas, it's important to always take the necessary precautions to ensure that you don't have an accident. Don't be afraid to call a professional if you simply don't feel comfortable lighting the unit on your own.

Understanding the Pilot Light

The pilot light serves to ignite the gas that is used to heat your water. It's possible to go for months without even realizing there is this tiny flame that is constantly lit in your basement. If you suddenly notice that you no longer have hot water, it's important to rule out all of the possibilities that could be causing your water to turn cold.

While there are systems that automatically relight the pilot light when it goes out, these systems tend to be very expensive and can cost more than three times the cost of a standard gas model. Considering the pilot light rarely has to be lit, this is an expense that is generally not considered worthwhile.

How Thermocouples Work

If you ever wondered why your water heater doesn't emit a steady stream of gas when the pilot light goes off, it's because of a component known as a thermocouple. When the thermocouple senses that the water heating system is lit, a signal is sent to the gas valve. This tells the gas valve to open the flow of gas.

If there is no pilot light sensed, then the thermocouple won't allow gas to pass through the system. If the thermocouple breaks, then your system won't work. While you can get a thermocouple replaced in Miami for less than the cost of a new system, it might be a good idea to replace your water heater instead of getting a water heater repair.

Most commonly, a thermocouple will stop working when the probe has deteriorated or there is a lack of oxygen. The coil on the thermocouple must also be directly in contact with the flame to work properly.

There are a few types of thermocouples on the market:

The standard style, also known as a universal water heater thermocouple, screws into the base of the gas valve. An exact replacement can be found by removing your old one and comparing it to new ones in a store. Many of the older style units and the modern ones with a sealed burner compartment use this type of thermocouple.

Thermal Cut-Off (TCO) style thermocouples have a resettable thermal shutoff switch that is integrated into the thermocouple itself. This type of thermocouple has extra safety features built in. If there is a blow-back or flash fire, the TOC can act to shut down the gas flow. It looks like a watch battery, and it's a good idea to upgrade to one of these newer models if you are looking at an otherwise expensive repair. There are TOC units that can reset after the system cools down and those that don't reset and need to be replaced. The non-resettable style is generally less expensive, but you'll have to pay for a repair each time it goes out.

Lighting the Pilot on Old Heaters

You have an older style unit if you have an access panel at the base of the tank. These pilot lights must be lit with a match and are generally more than eight years old. Start by smelling for gas, if you don't smell gas you can continue to light the pilot. If you're at all uncomfortable completing this process on your own, call a professional to do it for you. They can inspect the unit and make sure there aren't any additional problems.

Begin by turning the on/off control knob to the lowest setting. Then remove both of the inner and outer access panels. From there, you'll want to press and hold the pilot button down. If you don't see a pilot button, it's possible that your model doesn't have one. In some models, the on/off control knob has to be pressed down when it is set to pilot.

Look for a small silver tube coming out of the base of the gas control valve. Light the end of this tube with a match. You'll need to hold the pilot button down for up to 30 seconds after lighting the pilot. Release the button. If the pilot light doesn't stay lit, you need to try lighting it again. The thermocouple has to be warmed up before the pilot will stay lit.

Lighting the Pilot on a New Heater

Newer water heaters make it easy to light the unit. You'll want to start by setting the temperature control setting to its lowest setting. Set the on/off control setting to the pilot position, then depress the hot water unit pilot button and hold it down. Press the spark generator down until you hear a click. You'll see a spark and the pilot light should ignite. Continue to hold the pilot light for 30 seconds after lighting the pilot. Set the on/off knob to the on position. Set the temperature you want and listen for the burner to fire up.

Make sure that the air vents on the unit are clean. If they aren't clean, the unit won't function well. It's a good idea to have a professional check your unit regularly to make sure it is in good working order. The gas control knob may have to be replaced if the unit shuts down due to poor air flow.

A Caution About Turning the Burner On

After lighting your pilot light, you should wait before you turn on the burner. Many people have been burned in the face and eyes due to a blowback from the burner. The first step is to wait for any gas that might have accumulated in the burner chamber to clear out. Flames can roll out of the access opening when the burner is fired up. Always replace the access panels before you fire up your burner. After replacing both the outer and inner access panels, turn the on/off control knob to the on position. Set your temperature, and you should hear the burner light up.

Your pilot light could have gone out due to a draft, fan or air traveling across the burner chamber. It's more likely that this could happen on a windy day. It's also possible that the pilot orifice is clogged or the gas valve has gone bad. Hiring a professional to provide you with a water heater repair can help you get the issue resolved safely.

For superior service in Miami, FL, give Falcon Plumbing a call at (305)-251-7333.

How to Drain Your Water Heater

Water heaters are pretty tough. They can last for decades if well-maintained, however, neglect can cause the heaters to fail prematurely and require replacement.

Draining your Miami home water heater is necessary because it helps you get more years out of it.

Plumbing and HVAC experts recommend that it be drained often to avoid common water heater problems.

What Kind of Problems Happen When the Water Heater Isn’t Drained?

If the water heater isn’t drained, the available water supply is disrupted. Water will have a difficult time reaching its destination because it gets trapped in the valves.

It can begin to make sputtering noises when the sediment is allowed to accumulate to high quantities.

The water supply can also be affected if the sediment accidentally travels through the pipelines up to faucets. The sediment, toxins and bacteria trapped in the water supply can cause potential safety risks.

How Often Should the Water Heater be Drained?

Getting the water heater drained every six months maximizes its performance and guarantees soft water when needed. Draining the system every six months in areas where the water is considered hard is recommended because sediment will build up much more quickly in these conditions.

Is it Time to Drain my Water Heater?

If unsure of when to drain the unit, schedule an appointment to have it serviced. From there, it should be done every six months. Tell-tale signs that the unit is overdue for service is loud noises from the system and restricted water flow. In severe cases, flooding problems can occur when the pressure reaches high levels.

What Are the Steps for Draining Water?

The very first step is to cut off the water supply. After shutting it off, a garden hose should be attached to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.

Make sure that the drain valve and pressure relief valve are both opened so that the water can exit the unit. After the cold water valve has been left open for several minutes, the pressure relief valve can be filled up. Relight the pilot light or turn on the electricity again to restore water.

The sediment will damage the plumbing and the unit, leading to costly repairs. To prevent clogged valves, faucets and toilets, have the system drained every six months. Doing so will protect the plumbing and improve your Miami home water quality.

Give Falcon Plumbing a call today at (305)-251-7333, to get your water heater flushed properly in your Miami, FL home.

Recommended Methods for Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Many homeowners have seen the dreaded faucet leak in their Miami home. The small leak is usually found in kitchen or bathroom faucets. Although the leak may appear to be innocent, only a few drops of water. The amount of water can quickly add up over an extended time period.

A leaky faucet can fill a kitchen or bathroom sink within a few hours. Therefore, it is important to handle a leaky faucet as soon as possible.

This will avoid water waste and keep the water bill from increasing because of additional water usage.

Recommended Methods To Repair A Leaky Faucet

Worn faucet parts cause many faucet leaks. The parts just become worn because of frequent use.

When the worn faucet parts reach a certain point, the faucet will typically start to leak. There are multiple ways that a leaky faucet can be repaired. Some of the recommended methods to repair a leaky faucet include:

1. Replace the seat washer with a new seat washer.

2. Take out the faucet stem and grind smooth the valve seat with a valve-seat dresser.

3. Replace the O-ring with a new O-ring.

Prevent Faucet Leaks

Many people wait until they already have a faucet leak before they attempt to do anything concerning a faucet leak. However, preventative measures can help to reduce the occurrence of a leaky faucet.

People should be proactive concerning faucet leaks. People should pay attention to the age of their faucets and the amount of use the faucets’ endure.

If a faucet is older or is used heavily, people should take the time to check the faucet parts to determine if the parts are worn. If so, the parts should be replaced. This will help prevent leaky faucets.

Professional Plumbers

Regarding the plumbing profession, many people do not realize how skilled and knowledgeable professional plumbers are concerning all plumbing areas.

Professional plumbers are well trained in all areas involving the plumbing industry. In addition, plumbers have to take a state administered test to receive their plumbing license. It is not easy to become a licensed professional plumber.

The wealth of experience and knowledge that professional plumbers have is a great resource that is available to people whenever they have plumbing problems such as a leaky faucet. Professional plumbers can handle the problem quickly and easily.

For superior plumbing services in Miami, FL home, call Falcon Plumbing at (305)-251-7333.

The Latest Toilet Technologies

As with many of the other household elements that we use on a daily basis, the toilet has seen major technological changes in recent years. Designers are incorporating a wide variety of features into the toilet such as:

Hands-Free Flush

Toilets that you do not have to touch are no longer just for high-traffic institutional restrooms. Now you can have one in your Miami home.

Kohler's touch-less toilet technology offers you the ability to flush simply by holding your hand over a sensor installed in the tank lid.

This allows you to avoid contact with germ-laden surfaces. Kohler is offering the feature on a variety of new models. You can also get a kit that will retrofit most older toilets including many from other manufacturers.

High Efficiency

Toto is the leading toilet manufacturer in Japan. Toto's Carlyle II 1G is able to flush using only one gallon of water. This is less water than is used by any of the other ultra-efficient toilets on the market.

Most of those use roughly 1.28 gallons with each flush. The Carlyle II uses Double Cyclone technology to flush with limited water. If your Miami home has older toilets, upgrading to this model could save you as much as $100 per year in water costs.

Roca offers the W+W. The W+W stands for washbasin + water closet. This toilet saves and treats your sink wastewater and recycles it for flushing the toilet. This ensures that you use the same amount of water at the sink but no additional water for your toilet.

Odor Elimination

The Pure-fresh toilet seat is yet another toilet innovation from Kohler and has an integrated carbon filter to neutralize odors. A built-in fan is activated when the user sits down. The filtered air is directed over a scent pack within the toilet.

Easy Cleaning

American Standard's Champion-4 includes the EverClean surface that prevents the buildup of stains inside the toilet bowl that would require an acidic cleaner to remove.

It also stops the growth of the bacteria and molds that commonly grow under toilet seats. It allows you to clean the bowl with every flush thus saving yourself work.

Motion-Activated Lid

This lid opens when someone stands in front of the toilet. Just like the hands-free flush, the motion-activated lid allows the user to avoid contact with potentially unclean surfaces.

To find out more about getting the latest toilet technology for your Miami, FL home, contact Falcon Plumbing by calling (305) 251-7333.

Why is Your Water Discolored?

When you fill up a glass of water in a clear glass, you expect to see through the container without any hint of hue. However, from time to time, some homeowners may have the unfortunate surprise of seeing that their clear water has changed colors.

In fact, there are a number of common colors that water may be, including pink, blue, green or even black in some cases.

While not all are a cause for concern, they all can be damaging in some way and should be treated by a plumber.

Rust in the Water

If your water has turned a tint of red, orange or yellow hues, there is a good chance that you have rust in your system. This may be coming from rust in the hot water heater if it is only when you are using hot water.

It may also be from pipes outside of your house or inside the house. While harmless, it can stain clothes and plumbing features. Therefore, you may want to call a plumber for assistance with treatment.

Issues With Copper or Brass Fittings

If you have an older home with copper or brass plumbing fixtures, you may have noticed that the water has hints of blue or green in it. This is a sign that there is an issue with these fixtures or fittings, and the issue can pose a health problem.

In fact, it can lead to serious kidney issues if not corrected, so call a plumber at the first sign of blue or green water.

Other Possible Causes

There are other possible causes of tinted water as well. For example, a pink hue in the water may indicate microbial growth, and black water may indicate that there is mold growing on the inside of your pipes.

Green water can also indicate algae growth, and blue water may indicate that the water in your toilet bowl is flowing back into the fresh water supply if you use blue toilet bowl cleaning products.

While not every issue with colored water is an emergency situation, these are all issues that you generally want to remedy sooner rather than later.

If you have noticed signs of any colors in your home's drinking water, it is wise to have a plumber diagnose the issue and to repair it. This can improve your health and well-being, and it may be best for your home as well.

If your water is discolored in your Miami, FL home, call Falcon Plumbing at (305) 251-7333 today, and we'll solve the problem for you!