Author: Eric

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!