Employee Spotlight: Getting to Know Doug

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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This week's employee spotlight is on Doug, one of our technicians at Pipe Wrench Plumbing!  Learn more about Doug and what makes him such a valuable member of our team!

1. Name & Occupation/ Title?

Doug / Technician

2. Where are you originally from? 

Jacksonville FL

3. From where did you receive your training?

I went college for Business Management. I Co-op for heating and air while in school. I loved the service field then decided to move into plumbing.

4. When did you first decide you wanted to be in this field?

I first decided while in college and when I did my first plumbing repairs.

5. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

All I wanted to do was play sports (:

6. How long have you been working with Pipe Wrench Plumbing?  

8 years. 

7. What is your most memorable experience on the job?

We did free jobs for people in need in the community and it was such a blessing to be able to help people in need and see how thankful they were.  

8. What do you do for fun? 

Play with my kids, snapchat, going to the lake with my family, and snowboarding.

If you are having problems with any of your plumbing needs, contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  Our experienced Knoxville plumbing technicians can answer any questions that you may have about your plumbing system.  Call 865-583-3957 for service today!

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Check Your Sprinkler Valves for the Summer

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Will you be using a sprinkler system to keep your lawn green this summer?  Make sure your backflow valve is in good shape!  These valves help protect your drinking water by preventing backflow. 

While some anti-siphon valves have built-in backflow prevention, others need to be installed alongside a backflow preventer.  Here are a few backflow preventers that will help you prevent back-siphonage and/or back-pressure backflow.

Types of Backflow Preventers:

• Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker – This breaker opens a vent to allow air into the system.  This is an economical choice for many homeowners.
• Double Check Backflow Preventer – This prevents backflow if water pressure temporarily drops.  This can happen if pressure drops in your main city water line.
• Pressure Vacuum Breaker – This is installed on the pressure side of an emergency shutoff valve to prevent back siphonage.
• Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer – Although this requires a larger up-front investment, it features two check valves and a pressure differential relief valve that operate automatically.

Backflow prevention devices are often damaged from freezing winter temperatures.  Learn more about irrigation sprinkler valves here or here. 

If you are having problems with any of your plumbing needs, contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  Our experienced Knoxville plumbers can answer any questions that you may have about your plumbing system.  Call 865-583-3957 for service today!

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photo credit: mikemol via photopin cc

Why Are My Pipe Banging?

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Photo Source: Flickr / Les Chatfield

Do your pipes make banging or knocking sounds when you turn on the water?  This is a common plumbing problem!  Here are a few ways to help you identify the problem with your plumbing system and why your pipes might be making so much noise.

Noisy Pipe Problems:

• High Water Pressure – This is the most common cause of noisy pipes.  The noise, also known as a water hammer, occurs when the water pressure is too high.  Any home with a water pressure of 80 psi or higher needs a pressure reducer valve installed on the water main.
• Loose Pipes – Pipes that dangle from the ceilings are walls might cause a banging noise.  This can be easily fixed with insulated pipe clips that anchor the pipes without stressing the lines.
• Forced Hot Water – Forced hot water pipes are typically filled with water.  However, sometimes air will create gurgling and banging noises in the pipes.  A technician can remove the air from the system.  You can also reduce the noise by adjusting your water temperature.  This can cut down on expansion noises.
• Steam Heating – Too much water in your steam boiler can flood the pipes and cause loud banging.  A licensed technician can drain the pipes, set the radiators, and help you determine the proper water level for your system.
• Broken Values & Faucets – A washer may have broken off and become stuck in the faucet or valve opening.  To fix this plumbing problem, you need to open and clean out the faucet or valve.

Learn more about the plumbing services that we offer on our website.  We offer 24/7 emergency services for all of your plumbing needs.  Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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Save Money and Energy with Tankless Water Heaters

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Photo Source: Wikipedia

Thinking of replacing your water heater?  Consider choosing a tankless or “booster” water heating unit.  Tankless systems can save you money every time you use hot water!  Here are a  few of the benefits of this water heating alternative.

Tankless Water Heater Benefits:

• Conserve Energy – Traditional water heaters constantly work to keep the water in the tank at a certain temperature.  Tankless units heat water only when the unit is turned on.  This control conserves energy by only heating the water that is needed at that moment.
• Instant Hot Water – If your running water is far away from your water heater, you might find that the water cools as it passes through the pipes.  A tankless heater provides instant hot water.
• Unlimited Hot Water – You are not limited to the amount of water that the storage tank can hold.  Whether you are washing dishes or taking a bath, you can have an endless supply of hot water.
• Longevity – Tankless water heaters tend to have a longer life expectancy.  They can last up to 20 years.  This is twice as long as many tank style units.
• Space Saving – This water heater is just about the size of a carry-on suitcase and it can be installed on virtually any wall.  It is a great way to save space in your basement or garage!

Learn more about tankless water heater installation on our website.  Whether your are replacing an old water heater or you are looking into remodeling your home, tankless water heating is a great alternative.  Call 865-583-3957 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers or complete an online request form.

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What is a Gas-Fired Swimming Pool Heater?

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Photo Source: pixabay.com / PublicDomainPictures

Still waiting for your pool to be warm enough to swim in?  Gas-fired pool heaters are a great way to quickly heat up your pool and keep it at a comfortable temperature. 

Gas-fired heaters are the most popular swimming pool heating option.  These heaters use either natural gas or propane to circulate the pool water and filter it through the heater.  In many cases, newer models can be energy efficient too.  Gas-fired heaters are most efficient when heating pools for short periods of time.  This makes them a great choice for homeowners who don’t necessarily use their pool every day.  By turning on your heater the night before you plan on using your pool, it can be nice and warm by the time you want to use it!  Gas heaters can also maintain any desired temperature regardless of the weather or climate.

We offer gas line installation services for pool heaters at Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  Our professional plumbers can provide you with upfront pricing so that you know what to expect.  Based on the desired swimming pool temperature and pool surface area, we can help you decide on the perfect sized heater for your pool.  All of our Knoxville plumbing services are back with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Call 865-583-3957 to learn more about water heaters and our gas line installation services.

Summer Grilling Prep Tips

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Image Source: Wikipedia

The long-awaited BBQ season is finally here!  Now that the weather is warm, here are a few tips to help you prep for all of your outdoor BBQs. 

BBQ Prep Tips:

• Safety – It’s likely that your grill has been sitting for many months without being used.  Check your hose and propane tank to make sure that they are intact and clean before turning the grill on for the first time.  If the hose has any holes or signs of being torn, it’s important to purchase a replacement.
• Cleaning – Use a wire brush and damp cloth to clean your grill. 
• Grease Trap – Don’t forget about your grease trap!  Properly dispose of any leftover grease from last year (not down the drain).  You can also line the grease trap with sturdy aluminum foil to make clean ups easier.
• Test Run – Before grilling your first meal, let the grill burn for a few minutes to make sure that there are no leaks.

For more tips on how to get your grill up and running for the season, check out this article.  You can also contact our office for all of your plumbing, gas, and appliance installation needs.  Pipe Wrench Plumbing offers gas line repair, gas line replacement, gas tank repair, and even BBQ grill installation services.  Our experts will help you assess any plumbing or gas line issues and provide you with upfront pricing.  Pipe Wrench Plumbing is the right choice for all of your gas piping needs.  Call 865-583-3957 this BBQ season!

How Much Do You Know About Plumbing?

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Most of us take our plumbing for granted – until there is a problem.  As long as everything is working, it can be easy to forget about.  However, it’s a good idea to learn about how the plumbing in your home works.  Here are a few things you might not know about your plumbing system.

• The Importance of a Sink Trap – The purpose of a sink trap is not to catch your expensive jewelry.  Instead, sink drains actually collect and hold water that seals gasses form your sewer from creeping up into your home.
• That Water Seals Can Evaporate – If you have a bathroom that you don’t use frequently, the water seal in the trap can evaporate.  This will allow sewer gasses into your home.  A plumber can help install a primer that will automatically refill the water seal.
• Water Heaters Require Maintenance – Many homeowners delay maintaining their water heaters.  However, they need regular service.  Tanks can fill with sediment, the anode rods can corrode, and the TPRV might not be functional.  A yearly inspection and cleaning can keep your water heater up and running more efficiently.
• White Roof Pipes are Plumbing Vents – Have you ever seen white pipes sticking out of the roof?  These vents allow air into your plumbing system so that water can flow into the sewer pipes.  Without them, water and waste would drain very slowly.

For more little known plumbing facts, check out this Angieslist article.  You can also visit our website for more information on all of your plumbing needs.  Pipe Wrench Plumbing offers complete emergency plumbing, installation, and repair services.  Call 865-583-3957 for service today.

Improve Your Septic System with Efficient Water Use

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

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Regular septic tank maintenance is an important step in improving your home waste water treatment.  By reducing stress on the system, you can keep your septic system running smoothly for a long time.  One of the best ways to do this is making your home more water-efficient.  The EPA offers a few tips on how you can improve water use in your home to keep your septic system running smoothly.

Water Use Tips:

• Upgrade to Efficient Toilets – Toilets account for up to 30% of the water use in the average home.  Newer toilets use less water per flush.  Using less water will keep your septic system from being flooded with household water.
• Install Faucet Aerators & Efficient Showerheads – These additions can help reduce the volume of water entering your septic system. 
• Check for Leaks – Small drips can add up over time, adding gallons of unnecessary water to your system every day.
• Watch Waste Disposal – Do not flush objects down your toilet that may clog your system.  Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cat litter, paper towels, and other bulky objects can clog and potentially damage the septic system.  Household chemicals can also hurt the biological treatment taking place in your septic system and even contaminate local groundwater.
• Washing Machine Use – Doing several loads of laundry in a row may save you time, but it can also flood your septic system.  Try to spread water use throughout the course of the week.

Conservative water use can improve the efficiency of your septic system and reduce the risk of failure.  For more tips on how to care for your septic system, check out this homeowner’s guide.  You can also contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing with any of your installation, repair, or plumbing service needs.  Call 865-583-3957 to contact our office for service today!

Garden Wisely This Summer

Pipe Wrench Plumbing

865-583-3957
Same Day Service Guaranteed! 

As the weather heats up, you’ll need to keep your grass and plants hydrated.   Here are a few tips to help you water your plants without breaking the bank.

Watering Tips:

• Use a Soaker Hose – A standard garden hose is actually the least efficient way to water your plants.  A soaker hose or sprinkler wand will help prevent water lost as mist, runoff, and evaporation.
• Avoid Overwatering – Overwatering is just as bad as under watering.  It can lead to root rot and end up killing your plant.  Lawn’s need about 1 inch of water a week.  You should also read the tags on your plants to determine how much water they need.
• Mulch – Mulch is a great way to hold in moisture and keep your plants hydrated and cool.  If the mulch is toot hick, it can prevent water from soaking in.  Break up any crusted mulch with a rake to let the water through.
• Timing – The best time to water your plants is in the morning, when it is still cool outside.  This also helps your plant take up water during the day.

Read more about how you can conserve water when gardening this summer here.  You can also learn more about water use by contacting Pipe Wrench Plumbing.  Our Knoxville plumbers are happy to help you with any leaks or installations that will help you keep your water bill low!  Call 865-583-3957 to contact our office.