Author: Eric

Owning a home can be very expensive. You will often have to cover maintenance costs, pay taxes, and bills. Most homeowners are constantly looking for ways to cut costs. One major thing that you can save on is the water bill. When you aren’t careful about water usage, most of it goes into wastage, and you will be paying for water that you don’t necessarily need. Here are various tips from Kahuna Comfort you can use to minimize water usage, save money, and manage your bills better.

Replace Inefficient Equipment

Buying more efficient equipment can result in lower water bills. When shopping for new washing machines or dishwashers, look for those with a higher ENERGY STAR rating. Although efficient appliances will cost you more upfront, they will result in long-term savings. Such equipment uses less energy and water compared to regular washers. Also, note that a front-loading washing machine uses less water than a top-load model.

Fix Any Leaks Within the Plumbing System

Keep an eye on the pipes, faucets, and sinks, and fix any minor leaks as soon as possible. A single drop each second may translate to several gallons of water lost in a year. You will therefore end up paying for water that you didn’t use.

Constantly check for underground pipe leaks. Some signs include extremely wet soil near the house, less water pressure than usual, and moisture or water accumulation in the basement. If you notice any of these indications, it’s a good idea to call a professional plumber to help with repairs.

Wash Clothes and Dishes Efficiently

Avoid running your washing machine to clean a few clothes. It wastes a lot of water and even strains the appliance. Instead, wait until you accumulate a whole load of clothes and wash them together to reduce the number of times you run the machine. It’s also a good idea to skip the permanent press cycle that uses too much water. Reduce the amount of detergent used to avoid extra rinses.

The same case applies to a dishwasher. Running a fully-loaded machine uses less water than hand washing the dishes. You can also skip the prewash step.

Install Energy-Efficient Showerheads

Replace your showerhead with a low-flow model to save on water bills. Ensure that it has a flow rate of not more than 2.5 gallons per minute. Inefficient models let out up to five gallons each minute. Also, although long showers may feel luxurious at the moment, they result in higher water usage. Hence, opt for shorter showers, and you will most likely see a difference in your water bills.

Don’t Leave The Water Running

Avoid leaving the tap on as you brush your teeth. It might seem like a harmless action, but when repeated, it can drive your water bills higher. Additionally, make it a habit to switch off the shower while lathering up. You can then turn it on when ready to rinse to avoid water wastage. If you need to wash fruits or vegetables, fill the sink with water instead of washing them in running water.

Update Or Modify Your Toilet

The toilet is where most of your household water goes. You can use an average of 13 liters of water per flush. The idea is to try to flush less water. You can choose to install low-flow toilets in your house, which use around 1.3 gallons per flush. Also, you can consider the dual flush toilet that has two flush options for different amounts of water. Always use the half flush, especially for liquid waste.

You can also adjust your current toilet to achieve the same effect. Take a plastic bottle, fill it with water, and then put it into the tank. The bottle takes up space otherwise occupied by water. With every flush, you will save as much water as the one in the bottle. Alternatively, you can add a brick to the toilet cistern to reduce the amount of water flushed.

Be Creative With Your Gardening

You can lower your water bills by watering your plants early in the morning or later in the evening. There are fewer chances of evaporation, and the soil has a better water-holding capacity. When watering, position the sprinkler correctly so that the water goes where it’s needed. Further, you can cut costs by planting native or drought-resistant grass, flowers, trees, or shrubs in your garden.

Additionally, mulch your plants to reduce evaporation and maintain moisture even after the rains. If you are still using a regular garden hose to water your plants, consider replacing it with a soaker hose to control water usage better. Also, save your household water for reuse in the garden. It entails reserving your cooking water, collecting water with a bucket while showering, and redirecting water from the washing machine into the lawn.

Collect Rainwater

Use a large container to collect rainwater. You can attach a rain barrel to capture the water on your rooftop. The amount you save will depend on the amount of water harvested. If there is adequate rainfall in your area, collecting a large amount can help minimize your bills to almost nil. You can then use the water to clean your clothes, house, dishes, or water your garden. If you maintain proper hygiene while collecting the water, you can also use it for drinking or cooking purposes.

Adjust Water Temperature Away From The Sink

When you draw your drinking water directly from the faucet, you might waste a lot of it as you wait for it to cool or heat. For instance, on sunny days, the water from your taps appears somewhat warm. If you want to drink cold water, you might feel tempted to let it run for a while till it gets as cool as you wish. Over time, this will waste a lot of water, which spikes up your bill.

It’s, therefore, a good idea to store a container of drinking water in the fridge, so you have access to cool water when needed. In case you need hot water and your tap produces cold water, heat the water on a stove rather than letting it run.

Repair Broken Water Meter

If you notice a huge water bill and you haven’t changed your usage, check the meter. Turn off the water, and if the meter is still running, then it might be broken. Notify your water providers or call a professional plumber to help you fix it.

Call On Kahuna Comfort!

Although you can’t live without water, there are various things that you can do to minimize wastage or excessive usage, as outlined above. With the ever-rising cost of water treatment and increasing water demands due to the growing population, water has become scarce and expensive. Even if some tips only help save a gallon of water each day, it will add up, and with time, you will make substantial savings on your water bills.

Should you need help with your plumbing system, you can always reach out to Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air. We offer various services, including leak detection and repair, green plumbing, drain, water heater, and treatment services. Our company serves Anaheim, CA, and the surrounding areas. Call us now to book an appointment and enjoy our incredible services.

We all like having a clean and pleasantly smelling bathroom. However, this is not always the case. At times, a sewer smell in your shower room can be so unpleasant that ventilation or air fresheners cannot help. Finding the causes of the sewer smell in your bathroom is a good idea to help you get rid of the bad odor. Below are some of the probable causes of sewer odors in your bathroom and effective ways to eliminate the foul smell.

Dry P-Trap

One of the common causes of sewer odors in your shower room is a dried P-trap. A P-trap refers to a U-shaped pipe that’s designed to hold and trap water. It holds sufficient water to prevent unpleasant sewer odors and gas from creeping up your drains when working properly.

If you don’t use your bathroom often, the water may evaporate from your P-trap with time. However, if you regularly use your shower and are still noticing a sewer odor from the drain, it might indicate more serious problems. For instance, your P-trap could be leaking, preventing it from trapping and holding water.

A dry P-trap may be difficult or pretty easy to fix based on the reasons it is dry. If the water evaporated because you don’t use the shower frequently, turn on the shower and allow water to run for several minutes to refill your P-trap. When the P-trap is full, the sewer gases will stop leaking into your shower. If the unpleasant odor persists, pour a gallon of water into each drain in your house, including the toilets and sinks.

If the bad smell remains after running some water through all your drains, you might be dealing with a leaking or old P-trap. To get better results, call your plumbing contractor to inspect and replace the P-trap.

Missing Cleanout Plug

The other reason for sewer odors in your shower room might be a missing cleanout plug. When it is missing, sewer gas will bypass your water trap and eventually enter your bathroom. You can find this plug inside your floor drain. Remove the opening grate to verify if the plug is inside your drain bowl. If it’s missing, purchase a replacement cleanout plug at your local hardware store to fix this problem.

Bad Bacteria

There are lots of bad bacteria that go into your sewage system. However, if these smelly microorganisms find their way up to the toilets, they might cling to the toilet bowls and begin to multiply. That is especially common during hot and humid climates where bacteria thrive.

The good news is that you can eliminate these microorganisms by utilizing bleach. However, rather than switching the bleach around your toilet bowl, put some of it into the flush valve or the overflow pipe. Using bleach will eliminate all these unwanted guests hidden in your system.

Biofilm Accumulation

We use a wide range of products when we are taking a shower. Shampoos, soaps, shaving cream, and body oils wash down your drains along with other debris like hair and skin cells. With time, all these substances usually build up along the vertical pipes, and the P-trap found underneath your bathroom. This substance buildup is known as a biofilm.

As biofilm accumulates, it starts releasing a sewer smell from the decomposing debris and bacteria. The bacteria produce a sticky matter that enables them to easily cling to your pipes’ sides, making them quite hard to remove without some specialized products. With time, the sewer smell will not only become noticeable in the bathtub or shower but in the whole bathroom.

Eliminating the biofilm and the unpleasant odors it creates in your shower drain is a pretty easy process that doesn’t need a plumbing professional. To eradicate the sewer smell from your shower room, unclog the debris that’s feeding the bad bacteria in your drains.

Leaking Wax Ring Seal

Leaking wax ring seals can also be the main source of sewer smells in your bathrooms. A wax ring might leak with time because of a broken seal. Leaks in the seals allow sewer gases to find their way into your shower room from beneath the toilet. To solve this problem, temporarily remove your toilet and immediately replace your wax ring. You can also utilize some plastic shims between your floor and the toilet stool to prevent your toilet from shaking and damaging the newly-installed wax ring.

Sink’s Overflow Buildup

The other reason why you might experience annoying sewer odors in your bathroom is a buildup in the sink’s overflow. Check your sink to see if it comes with an overflow mechanism. This hole offers some relief if your sink is overfilled. The sink’s overflow can accumulate grime with time, like any other appliance near water, contributing to the foul smell.

Try cleaning the overflow hole utilizing a bottle brush to remove any buildup. A water and chlorine solution can also be an effective way to clear any grime in the overflow.

Cracked Or Broken Sewer Line

If your sewer line is cracked or broken, it can also cause unpleasant smells in your bathroom. Loose connection joints can also create problems that lead to sewerage odors. If you detect a leak in your sewer line, it’s always a good idea to call your plumbing contractor to investigate the issue further and make necessary repairs.

Vent Problems

A P-trap connects to a pipe that extends to the wall and then through the roof. The vent outlet acts as an outlet for unpleasant sewer smells. It also lets in fresh air into your bathroom. If your plumber vents this pipe to the wrong place, you might notice sewerage odors in your shower. Check to see if you can identify where the odor is originating from. If it appears like it’s coming from your wall, it is most likely a problem with your vent pipe.

The pipes may also become clogged from various outside elements, like piles of leaves or birds nesting. They might also have cracks that allow the foul smell to spill out. Unfortunately, you might not be able to find the problem yourself. It would be best to hire a professional plumber to locate and solve the problem.

Kahuna Comfort Is Here For You!

These are the common reasons why you are experiencing sewer smells in your bathroom drain. If none of the mentioned quick solutions eliminates the smell, it’s wise to contact a professional from Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air in Anaheim to thoroughly investigate the problem. Our plumbing experts will not only identify the exact causes of the unpleasant smell, but they also have the professional tools, know-how, and experience to eradicate it for good.

We are committed to understanding the current issue and your demands to help us serve you better. Our firm offers various services, including drain installations, plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, plumbing installations, bathroom plumbing, leak detection, plumbing repairs, and water heater system repairs & installations. The other specialized services we offer are gas line plumbing, slab leaks, green plumbing, and water treatments.

Your bathroom does not have to stink. If you cannot identify what is causing the annoying smell, contact us today, and we will help you enjoy a fresh, clean smell while in your tub or shower.

Whether you’ve just bought a new house or just upgraded your pipes, you should opt for water quality testing. Most water supplies are complex ecosystems with all sorts of impurities. Various microorganisms and substances may be present that can cause harm or illness. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified 90 types of contaminants along with acceptable levels of concentration.

Fortunately, there are many types of water quality testing, including for coliform bacteria, dissolved solids, pH, hardness, nitrates, ions (like chloride and sulfate that can cause bad tastes and odors), excessive fluoride, and groundwater contaminants such as pesticides, arsenic, or even uranium.

Top 5 Reasons to Get Water Quality Testing

Knowing Your Water Is Safe To Drink

Laboratory testing is the only sure way to know if your water is safe to drink. Most harmful contaminants aren’t visible. The water may taste fine, but harbor dangerous bacteria. Numerous chemicals can be present as well. Some may lead to immediate sickness or persistent health problems that don’t appear for several years, including digestive, reproductive, and neurological disorders. Many contaminants are even deadly.

Water quality testing is especially important if your water supply comes from a lake or pond. The presence of nutrient-rich sediment can affect water quality. Groundwater is much more prone to contamination than sources that lie deep underground.

Track Changes In Water Quality

Periodic water sampling helps determine a baseline value for the contaminants being tested for. Nutrient levels, alkalinity, and conductivity can be tracked over time to identify any imbalances that might mean the water source is unhealthy. Routine testing helps decide what treatment products to use and how to apply them, as treatment requirements may change based on water conditions.

Water quality testing can focus on dissolved oxygen; if levels fall, fish kills can occur. This can provide a look into water quality. Testing is therefore an ongoing process rather than a one-off activity.

Identify The Source Of Contamination

Changes in water quality can occur due to sewage runoff, which may fluctuate depending on weather conditions. A heavy rainstorm can lead to water contamination. Human and animal waste, disinfection byproducts, pipe corrosion, and anti-microbial additives can too. Land use practices, such as livestock or fertilizer use, can impact water quality, as can manufacturing processes like the release of heavy metals.

By knowing what impurities are present and the types of facilities and activities in your area, you can identify contamination sources. It’s also possible to identify the types of water treatment needed to make water safe for your home.

Determine Whether You Need Water Treatment

As hinted at earlier, you can’t determine water quality through sight and taste alone. Water quality testing can be highly specific, allowing laboratories to identify exact pollutants and their concentrations. Depending on the results, you can know whether you need a water filtration system, a water conditioner (if you have hard water with high mineral concentrations), or a water treatment solution that improves purity and quality.

Measure The Effectiveness Of A Treatment Method

It’s also important to know the pH of the water source. Some herbicides and algaecides will only work at certain pH levels. This, in addition to the ability of many harmful substances to grow and multiply, makes it important to track how effective a water treatment method is. Water quality can change from one time to another, and from one location to another, affecting the efficacy of any specific treatment. Periodic testing after implementing any remediation strategy can therefore keep families and entire communities safe.

Water Quality Services from Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air

We know that water quality is as important as the condition of your plumbing system. Serving Anaheim and Southern California, our professional plumbers are skilled at checking your water supply and using a variety of methods to improve water quality. To schedule water quality testing and learn more about what we can offer, call 714-924-3746 today or visit our website!

Are you having a bad hair day? Believe it or not, the cause could be low water pressure.

The water pressure in your plumbing system is usually around 40 to 45 pounds per square inch, controlled via a pressure regulator, which can be adjusted from 25 to 75 psi. If your water pressure is lower than it should be, it can cause a variety of issues. Faucets may not run as strongly, showerheads may be weak, and washing machines may take longer to clean your clothes.

Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure

It is important to know why you have these problems. There may be simple ways to correct the water pressure, or your plumbing may need to be repaired. Here are some reasons for low water pressure:

A Valve Is Restricting Water Flow

Two valves regulate water flow into your home. You can find the main shutoff valve near the main city supply pipe inside your house. To ensure normal water flow, you must fully open it. If someone leaves it partially closed after a repair, you may experience a drop in water pressure. Fortunately, you can easily adjust the valve by turning a wheel-like handle counterclockwise or a lever handle into a position parallel to the pipe direction.

The water meter valve is typically next to the water meter outside. Only personnel from the water meter company can use it. This valve is often closed during plumbing repairs, but a technician might forget to fully open it. If the issue persists after a repair, contact your local utility.

Faulty Pressure Regulator

If your plumbing system has a pressure regulator, the device’s failure can result in a decrease in water pressure. Its purpose is to safeguard your pipes by reducing input pressure. When the pressure regulator malfunctions, all fixtures will be affected simultaneously, often abruptly (in some cases, water pressure may surge, potentially causing damage). You can test it by attaching a water pressure gauge to the hose spigot outside your home. While you can replace the unit, it’s advisable to contact a plumber with experience in pressure regulator repair or installation.

Pipe Problems Causing Low Water Pressure

Your entire home water supply runs through pipes. A problem anywhere in the system can interrupt water flow, such as:

Clogged Pipes: A clog can build up anywhere in a pipe, just as it can under the drain. Even a small amount of buildup can reduce water pressure. This can be sediment, grease, hair, or calcium residue caused by hard water.
Corroded Pipes: While copper pipes can last for over 50 years, and brass up to 70, galvanized steel pipes may start corroding after only 20 years of use. Corrosion is most common in older homes. Most of the time, corrosion is on the inside; it is only visible by inspecting pipes with a camera.
Leaking Pipes: A pipe with a hole, crack, or rupture causes water to leak. Much of it might not be reaching faucets and fixtures. The issue manifests as low water pressure, if the water is running at all. Meanwhile, the leaking water can cause a flood, lead to mold, and cause major damage to your plumbing and home.
A Fixture Needs Repair: Sometimes, water pressure may be lower at a particular faucet. The cause can be a clogged aerator, stuck valve, or bad washer. Constant dripping is a sign that the washer needs to be replaced. Leaks at the base of a faucet or a problem with a valve or supply line can also cause changes in water pressure.

The Cause Is Outside Your Home

A low water pressure problem may not even originate inside your house. Instead, the issue could be with the water supply company and its equipment. In such cases, there’s nothing you can do to fix the problem. Most likely, the supplier is diligently working to restore service. On another note, a potential cause could be a change in municipal water regulations. While your water supplier must comply, you have the option to have a water pressure booster system installed to compensate.

Contact Kahuna Comfort To Fix Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure has fallen, our plumbing professionals can quickly find the cause. Our team is equipped with the latest tools and repair methods and can fix any problem, no matter how big or small. For service in Anaheim and the surrounding areas, call 714-924-3746 today!

Plumbers are often perceived as downright messy. If you ask around for a reliable plumbing company, it is easy to get discouraged by all the horror stories about dirty, expensive, rude, sloppy plumbers. Despite the misconceptions, no two plumbers are the same. When seeking reliable plumbing, you’ll find most plumbers are, in fact, very professional and respectful. Many of the myths about bad plumbers turn out to be just stereotypes. We’ll now quickly debunk them for you.

Plumbers Are Dirty

A bad plumber can leave your home in shambles. Dust, dirt, and debris everywhere. It can take months to get your bathroom back in order, and it seems like your home will never be clean again. With a bad plumber, yes; this can be your experience. But a good plumber is clean, honest, and extremely careful out of respect and in regard to providing great customer service.

Kahuna Comfort Plumbers Are Clean: If you’re looking for a clean plumber, you can trust Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, and Air. Our business is BBB-accredited. Whether you have a water or gas leak, need drain cleaning, or a hot water heater, pipe, or other type of plumbing repair, your home will be left clean and tidy.

Plumbers Charge Too Much

When you call a plumber, you are destined to be ripped off. It’s always better to go the DIY route and save money. That’s what anyone with a bad attitude towards plumbers would say.

However, it is a myth that plumbers will overcharge customers. While reliable plumbing comes with a fair price, some may charge for after-hours service. As such, you should always ask for a quote ahead of time (for most companies, this is standard). Many plumbing service providers offer financing options, coupons, and discounts so you can save and get the service you need.

Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating, and Air Is Committed to Professionalism and Affordability: Our plumbers are fully trained, licensed, and certified in their field and have years of experience. With our membership plan, you get a discount plus priority service, and an annual plumbing inspection.

Plumbers Are Rude

People often fall for the myths that plumbers are snotty and loud. The chances of running into a plumber who is a complete jerk are unlikely. Plumbing companies have high standards of customer service, and you’re likely to find their staff to be extremely attentive and courteous. A qualified plumbing contractor will explain every repair or replacement option and answer all your questions.

Kahuna Comfort Plumbers Are Highly Rated: We have a positive rating by the BBB and have been praised in reviews on Angie’s List. And, we’re extremely customer-oriented, so working with us will change your perspective on the plumbing industry.

Plumbers Are Never Prepared

Here’s a scenario no one wants. The plumber arrives but realizes they don’t have the proper tools, or they take apart your toilet but don’t have the replacement part they need. A plumbing visit that includes an “oops!” is unlikely to happen. Plumbers are, in fact, always prepared and stock the necessary parts and tools beforehand. If for some reason they don’t have the part you need, they’ll know the right one and how to get it quickly, and write it into your estimate.

Kahuna Comfort Plumbers Are Always Prepared: Our professionals have over 25 years of experience and are always prepared to help you and your family. We can address any plumbing problem quickly, no matter its size or scope.

Contact Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air

Now that you are aware that myths about plumbers are just myths, if you need a plumber in Anaheim, Garden Grove, Buena Park, and other communities in Southern California, we are ready to help. Our plumbers complete all types of projects with attention to the highest quality service. They are knowledgeable, certified, and trained, so you can expect quick, affordable, and reliable plumbing solutions. Request service online or call 714-924-3746 to schedule a visit.

A water heater expansion tank solves the problem of thermal expansion affecting pipes and fixtures. Heated water increases in volume, stressing pipes and the water heater itself.

Homes often have a closed water supply system with valves to prevent backflow. Thermal expansion raises water pressure as temperature increases.

How it Works:

The expansion tank, connected to the cold-water line before the water heater, handles excess water volume. As water heats up, exceeding plumbing capacity, the tank accommodates the extra volume, maintaining safe water pressure. It’s also useful for fluctuating water supply pressure.

Tank Appearance:

Usually resembling a small off-white or blue propane tank, its size varies based on the water heater’s size. It features an air valve on top and a threaded pipe connection at the bottom.

Requirements:

Many cities mandate thermal expansion tanks for closed plumbing systems. Even without a requirement, installing one is beneficial, preventing potential issues and expenses.

Handling Multiple Heaters:

A 2-gallon tank typically suffices for a 50-gallon water heater. You can install one tank per water heater or a larger tank for multiple units. Ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications and local codes.

Lifespan:

While it can last several years, factors like tank quality and water quality impact its longevity. Leaks, condensation, air blockages, rust, or visible damage indicate replacement is necessary.

How Do I Test The Expansion Tank?

These tanks typically fail either because the internal rubber bladder wears out or the connection between the tank and water pipe corrodes and leaks. Proper installation is the best way to ensure the system continues to work, but you can test the thermal expansion tank. First, shut off the valve, so you can safely monitor water pressure visually, tap it with a metallic object to hear the difference in water and air, or bleed air out of the top valve (if air escapes, then the bladder is intact).

Contact Our Anaheim Plumber

For water heater expansion tank installation or repair, Kahuna Comfort Plumbing, Heating & Air offers expert service. Our technicians are trained in cutting-edge plumbing technology, ensuring exceptional customer service. Get online service now!