Author: infogenix

Items You Should Compost Instead of Putting Down Your Garbage Disposal

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The kitchen garbage disposal is an invaluable piece of equipment in any home kitchen. It makes dinner clean up easier and cleaner with very little effort on your part. Unfortunately, they aren’t miracle machines. There are certain types of foods that can’t go down the garbage disposal without either harming the blades or motor of the garbage disposal or causing clogs further along your pipes.

Luckily, many of these same foodstuffs can be used in an eco-friendly compost pile. We’ll explain what items you may want to consider composting rather than letting them muck up your plumbing!

Banana Peels

Peels in general have a lot of fibrous material, which can get easily caught in the blades of your garbage disposal. It’s going to take a long time for your garbage disposal to cut these up and it will probably end up just getting entangled in the system.

This is where composting comes in. Peels of all sorts have a lot of great nutrients for composting. All of the vitamins and minerals may not be enriching your body but can enrich the soil. At least something will benefit from your leftovers, right? Pro tip: slice up those banana peels before you toss them in the compost pile!

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can be a huge waste. Think about it. Every morning you may be making coffee from those grounds and they go directly into the garbage. You should never put these down your garbage disposal because coffee grounds like to clump together when in water. If it doesn’t cause problems for the garbage disposal itself, it will cause clogs further along the system.

Luckily, just filtering water through your coffee grounds doesn’t completely strip them of the enriching vitamins and minerals which compost piles love.

If you need drain cleaning services or garbage disposal repair, just give us a call at (301) 804-6759 or fill out an online contact form to schedule an appointment. Our pros are trained in cleanliness and will exercise the utmost care and caution while assisting you.

What is Hard Water and Why is it an Issue in Maryland?

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What is Hard Water?

Very simply, hard water is water with high levels of certain minerals. Calcium, and magnesium are a few of the examples of minerals found in hard water. Is this a cause for concern? Yes and no. There is no risk to your health if you drink this water. Most tap water in the country is perfectly safe to drink. However, you could have problems with some of the other uses of your water. Additionally, the taste isn’t great. This is a widespread phenomenon, but one that many individuals are taking the opportunity to address on their own through in-home filtration and water softener systems.

How Do I Know If I Have Hard Water?

You probably already can, but may not realize it. The minerals in hard water create a chalky color to the water as it flows out of the tap. When you pour the water into a glass you may notice the chalky particles before they fully settle down. Beyond that, you may begin to notice the symptoms of hard water if you notice some of the downsides that we’ll mention further along.

Is This Something I Should Be Worried About?

Well, yes and no. Your health is not in danger due to drinking hard water. In fact, while many report worse taste from hard water, some scientists believe that those minerals can help your bone health. However, there are many downsides you may start to notice in the other places you use water.

What Are the Downsides?

You may have seen commercials for dishwasher detergents that can get rid of that annoying cloudy buildup on your dishes and glasses after you clean them in your machine. The reason that buildup even occurs in the first place is because of hard water. All of those grains of magnesium and calcium buildup over time and cause that unsightly buildup on your dishware.

We also see long-term issues from doing the laundry with hard water. The minerals make it harder for soap to create suds that can actually clean your clothes. Additionally, the rough mineral grains can deaden color and rough up your clothes over time. If you’re noticing your t-shirts and sweaters get crinkly and lose their softness you likely have a problem with hard water.

What Can We Do About It?

We can install a sophisticated “water softening” system for your convenience. These units utilize a process called ion exchange. This forces the water to undergo a chemical reaction where the calcium and magnesium molecules lose their ions which essentially prevents them from binding with soap or your dishes. After the process, they are completely inert and your soap will have no problem creating suds.

These systems can service your whole home. Unlike a water filtration system that stays under your kitchen sink, you don’t have to worry about one area of your home being the best for clean water.

We offer competitively priced water softener systems for the community to assist with all your cleaning needs from your dishwasher to your laundry.

Why is Hard Water Common in America?

The U.S. has an advanced water system, but struggles with hard water throughout the country. It may surprise you to learn the reason why. It’s due to the unique geological history of North America. Ancient seabeds once covered the continent leaving behind limescale deposits. This is why there are ancient fossils of sea creatures in the middle of Kansas for example.

The plumbing experts at Mallick Plumbing & Heating have you covered for all of your home plumbing needs. If you’re interested in a water softener system, give us a call at (301) 804-6759 or fill out an online contact form!

Why Backflow Prevention is So Important

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What is Backflow?

Backflow is the simple process of unwanted water flowing in the opposite direction than it should. This is a general term that can apply to many situations in plumbing, but your mind is probably zeroing in on the most obvious one of a toilet tank filling with dirty water.

Why is Preventing Backflow So Important?

It probably goes without saying, but we trust our water to be potable, or drinkable. Backflow is one of the most common ways water can become contaminated and not fit for human consumption. This is so important that nearly every building has some sort of plan or mechanism in place to prevent backflow from poisoning the water supply.

What Causes Backflow?

Unlike many plumbing problems, there are only a few limited causes of the problem. One is backpressure. This is when the pressure pushed water back up the system where it shouldn’t be. This can occur from a variety of reasons, from ventilation issues to improper drainage.

The other main cause is back-siphonage. This occurs when pressure is too low on the supply side. In this case, dirty water can be pulled back and cause contamination.

How Can We Prevent Backflow From Happening in the First Place?

The construction of backflow prevention valves and devices is centered around potential risk. We don’t want to waste time protecting an area of your plumbing that has no real risk of causing problems. So first, there is a risk assessment and then proper precautions are installed.

One of the main ones is using an air gap. You may be surprised to learn that air is used throughout your plumbing system for various reasons and backflow prevention is one of them.

The other is a check valve. While an air gap is required during construction, often it is not adequate to prevent backflow. This is especially the case if there are factors that were unaccounted for during construction.

The plumbing experts at Mallick Plumbing & Heating have you covered for all of your home plumbing needs. If you want to prevent backflow from poisoning your water, give us a call at (301) 804-6759 or fill out an online contact form!

Explained: Three Strange Sounds Your Toilet Makes

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You’re familiar with the sounds your toilet makes — so familiar that anything out of the ordinary may be cause for concern.

Here are three toilet noises to keep an ear out for and what they could mean.

Hissing

The brief hissing that accompanies your tank refilling is perfectly normal. However, persistent hissing is a sign one of these two problems:

Malfunctioning flap: Lift the lid and examine the flap on the bottom of the tank. If it appears cracked or brittle, you likely found your culprit. The deteriorated flapper isn’t creating a seal, allowing water to slip past into the bowl. This causes the tank to refill continuously. It’s an audible nuisance and a waste of water.

Replacing the flapper is an easy DIY job. Just follow the instructions on the package.

Faulty float: The float is the mechanism that raises and lowers with the water level in the tank. If it rises higher than the overflow tube, excess water will spill down into the tube, prompting a continuous refill.

To adjust the fill height, press the clip on the side of the float to move it down the rod. Position the float an inch or two below the top of the overflow tube. Then flush the toilet to see if the float stops below at the adjusted level. If that doesn’t do it, call a plumber.

Gurgling or bubbling

This could indicate negative air pressure within the drain line. When this pressure releases, water in the toilet bowl will bubble.

A clog in the main sewer line, such as a root obstruction, can create this sort of airlock.

In severe cases, dirty water will back up into your sink or bathtub.

Get this fixed by a plumber ASAP!

Foghorn

Older toilets have a float the resembles a small, black balloon. This a ballcock-style fill valve, and you may have a loose washer inside the mechanism. It’s nothing detrimental — just super annoying.

To determine if this is the case, lift the tank lid and flush the toilet while holding up the float. If the sound is gone, you’ve found your problem. If you’re handy, you can disassemble the fill valve to replace the washer inside, or you can replace the entire fill valve.

If you run into any complications, contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating at (301) 804-6759.

Are You Using the Right Plunger?

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If you’ve been struggling to unclog drains and toilets, your plunger may be the problem. The conventional red plunger is the one you most likely keep on standby, but it’s not always the best tool for the job.

There are four different types of plunger, each designed for a specific task:

  • The taze

  • The flange

  • The accordion

  • The flat

Let’s take a look at when each one of these would come in handy.
 

The 4 Different Types of Plungers

One of the most common reasons why people call the plumber is because of clogged drains. If your toilet or sink is backing up, you need to make sure you can unclog it right away. Other than investing in the right plunger, you should also make sure that you never put fats, oils, or grease down your drains.

The Taze Plunger

Taze plungers are considered specialty tools, and plumbing professionals generally use them. You should not use taze plungers for household plumbing issues. These professional-level plungers have a steel rod connected to a small disc. This disc is snaked down the drain in order to remove the clog. Again, they should only be handled by a professional.

The Flange Plunger

Many people refer to the flange plunger as a toilet plunger, but it can actually work with nearly any drain. It is extremely flexible and includes a cup with a soft, rubber flap. This fold-out flap allows it to work in the toilet drain for better suction.

You can use this plunger for toilets, sinks, and tubs. While it works for toilets and sinks, you should have one flange plunger for your toilet exclusively. Then, you can use a different plunger for other drains to avoid cross-contamination.

The Accordion Plunger

Unlike other types of plungers, the accordion plunger is not designed to be very flexible. Instead, it is made out of hard plastic. This allows it to generate more force, but the design also makes the accordion plunger trickier to use. The plunger’s plastic can potentially scratch the surfaces of your toilet. It can also be difficult to create a vacuum seal over your drains because of how hard the plunger is.

The accordion plunger is designed specifically to unclog toilets. Because of how much force it imparts, it should only be used in the case of a severe clog. If you are worried about scratching and damaging your toilet, you may want to leave this plunger to the professionals.

The Flat Plunger

The flat plunger — also called a sink plunger — is probably the one you have sitting next to your toilet. The flat plunger is not ideal for unclogging toilets. Instead, the flat cup is actually better for flat surfaces like bathtubs and sinks. If you use it on the right surface, the flat cup makes a vacuum over the drain in order to dislodge the clog.

Tips for Clearing Clogs

If you are dealing with a clog in your home, the following tips will help you remove it as quickly as possible.

  • Make sure to use the right plunger.

  • You should create suction by slowly pressing down to remove air from the plunger. This helps you make a better seal.

  • Plunge straight down because using an angle will decrease the amount of force you can use.

  • To make the best possible seal in a sink or bathtub, make sure to submerge the plunger in water.

  • If your plunger is torn, it will not be able to achieve a good seal. Keep your plunger in good condition by keeping it clean and dry when you are not using it.

Bottom line: You would use a Phillips screwdriver on a slotted screw. The same principle applies to plungers and clogs. Use the right tool for the right job. If your plunger still fails you, give Mallick Plumbing & Heating at (301) 804-6759.

3 Reasons to Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater

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Storage water heaters are generally reliable, but they have their drawbacks. If you live with other people, you’re likely familiar with the frustration of waiting your turn to take a shower only to find that there’s no more hot water left.

Tankless water heaters solve this and other problems associated with conventional storage water heaters. Here are three reasons to ditch the tank:

1. You Never Run Out of Hot Water

A tankless system supplies hot water as needed. Hot water is never stored, so there’s no danger of depleting it. Instead, a tankless system heats water as it flows through the unit, ensuring water comes out of faucets and showerheads at your desired temperature. A typical gas-fired tankless unit will provide 2 to 5 gallons per minute — enough for the average household.

2. You Save Money in the Long Run

While the upfront cost of a tankless unit is greater than that of a standard tank water heater, the initial investment will pay off. That’s because a tankless water heater is up to 34% more efficient, helping trim your monthly energy bill. What makes it more efficient? Consider how a storage water heater operates. A tank water heater must switch on the burner every time the water inside begins to cool, and this constant turning on and off means more energy consumption. It’s called standby loss, and tankless water heaters never suffer from it.

3. Tankless Water Heaters Are More Durable

A storage-tank water heater lasts between 10 and 15 years. By contrast, a tankless model can last well over 20 years. Most of the parts in a tankless water heater are easily replaced, and as for maintenance, it can be an easy DIY project for many owners.

Bottom line: A tankless water heater provides reliable temperature control of your tap water while using significantly less energy. Interested in upgrading? Contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating at (301) 804-6759.

6 Signs You Need a New Water Heater

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One of the joys of living in the modern age is having hot water on demand. Nothing feels better after a hard day’s work than hopping into a hot shower to emerge clean and refreshed. When your water heater doesn’t operate as it should, your quality of life takes a serious hit. Here are six signs that you need a new water heater.

1. Water Pooling Around the Water Heater Base

Behind the exterior case of your water heater lies a steel tank that’s surrounded by insulation. Even with regular maintenance, the tank will eventually erode. Standing water around the base indicates a possible leak. When this happens, you’ll need to replace your water heater promptly to avoid water damage to your home.

Please note that not all puddles are caused by eroded and leaking water heater tanks. Condensation is one reason why small pools of water collect around your water heater one day and disappear the next day. For peace of mind, call an experienced technician to check out your appliance.

2. Rusty Water in the Sink

Everyone has seen those older homes that have rust stains on their bathroom sinks. These stains are often caused by rusty water heater tanks. Rust and corrosion go hand in hand with leaks. Replacing a rusty water heater is the best way to maintain your home’s water quality and avoid damaging leaks later.

3. Water Has a Metallic Smell and Taste

When your tap water has a metallic smell and taste, it’s likely that your metal water heater tank is starting to corrode. This normally happens to older water heaters. However, certain chemicals or sediment in your tap water can cause premature wear and tear on your home’s water heater.

4. Cold or Tepid Water That Doesn’t Get Hot

One evening you’re able to take a nice hot shower, but the next morning your shower water doesn’t get hot. This is a sign that your water heater has possibly died. It also indicates that your tank’s heating element may have burned out.

5. Older Than 15 Years

According to most water heater manufacturers, the average residential water heater lasts between 10 and 15 years. If you purchased your home new, it’s easy to determine the time to replace your water heater. When you buy an older home, it’s best that you get a licensed plumber to examine the appliance to determine its age and condition.

6. Frequent Repairs

Your home’s water heater has reached mid-life, but it requires frequent repairs. This is a clear indication that it’s time for you to consider replacing your water heater. Premature wear can be caused by several factors such as heavy household use or lack of regular preventative maintenance. In these cases, it’s often more cost-effective to replace your water heater than to keep repairing it.

Bottom line: Some water heater issues are solved by doing skilled repairs, replacing parts, or flushing sediment from your water heater’s tank. However, other problems require a replacement system. Mallick Plumbing is a trusted plumbing contracting company that has over 26 years of experience in diagnosing water heater systems in Gaithersburg and surrounding areas. Upon inspection of your system, Mallick’s technicians can tell you whether a water heater repair or a replacement is the right option for you. Contact Mallick Plumbing at (301) 804-6759 today to schedule a service appointment.
 

The Internet Can’t Make You A Plumber

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The internet is a powerful resource. You can learn how to play the guitar from online tutorials, get the fastest, first-hand coverage of breaking news, and stay in touch with those we love even when we can’t see them in person. While the internet is an amazing asset to our culture, it does have its limitations. If you’re trying to become an expert plumber in just a day’s time because you want to clear a pipe in your home then you’re barking up the wrong tree.

We discourage DIY efforts in almost any context when it comes to your plumbing. That’s because this system is so complex that it needs professional care. If you’re looking for an expert to help you with drain cleaning in Rockville, MD then make sure that you contact our team at Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

Signs You Need a Drain Cleaning

Here are a few big signs that you need drain cleaning in your home:

  • You Can Smell Your Drains: One thing that you never want to be able to do is smell your drains. If you notice a localized drain odor then you probably have drain build-up involving food, organic waste, or just some other smelly material in your home. Drain build-up is a nasty problem that needs the attention of a professional.
  • Low Water Pressure: Notice that your showerhead or faucet doesn’t really work like it used to? Then you’re struggling with low water pressure. Low water pressure is more than likely due to natural build up or hard water. A drain cleaning service can eliminate both issues.
  • Slow Draining: Do you find yourself standing in a puddle in your shower? Or maybe you’re looking down into what could be a small pond of water every time you wash your hands. Drain blockages are a clear sign that you have an obstruction in that drain. Instead of trying to fix the problem on your own, make sure that you hire a professional.

Why You Should Call a Professional

So now you’re probably wondering, “Do I really need to hire a professional for this?” The answer is yes! We know that this may seem a little biased coming from a team of professionals, but trust us, we see the aftermath of a lot of DIY attempts and they’re bad. You can do some real damage to your plumbing system. You might think that you’re saving yourself money by doing this, but in reality, all you’re really doing is making the path to finding relief with your plumbing system much longer than it needs to be.

As a homeowner, you probably have the necessary tools to fix a partial clog, but we can assure you that you don’t have a professional grade hydro-jet to clean your draining system. Our professional plumbers combine their expertise, education, and an extensive number of tools to fix your drain problems in a snap.

When in doubt, call a plumber! Don’t try to DIY your plumbing system. If you’re looking for an affordable plumber in the Rockville area make sure you schedule an appointment with our team here at Mallick Plumbing & Heating today.

Helpful Plumbing Tips for Spring

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Spring is a great time of year. The temperatures are heating up and we’re finally being enveloped in some sunlight after a long winter here in Maryland. So many homeowners make the mistake of not paying any attention to their home until it gets too late. You should always stay on top of the function of your plumbing system.

There’s a common misconception that it’s standard to wait until you have a problem on your hands but there are many things that you can do to prevent a plumbing problem in your home. If you’re looking for a great plumber in Frederick, MD then make sure that you contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

Helpful Measures for Your Plumbing

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your home running well this summer.

  • Invest in a Drain Strainer: If you want to help your drains do their job you can invest in a drain strainer. Drain strainers are a way of keeping your drains from clogging. Things like soap scum, hair, and food out of your pipes.
  • Schedule a Water Heat Tune-Up: Have you had your water heater serviced this year? If you haven’t, now is a great time to do so. You should have your water heater flushed regularly so that you rid it of any sediment and ensure that it always performs efficiently. Just because winter is over doesn’t mean that you don’t need hot water. Make sure that you give this appliance the attention it needs.
  • Clean Your Drains: Clean out your gutters, drains, and downspouts. Making sure that these areas are free and clear of debris that collected during winter will save you a headache in spring.
  • Check Your Faucets: Look for any drips or leaks that might lead to repairs in a home. If one of your sink faucets seems to drain a little sluggishly, schedule an appointment with our team to a drain cleaning. Make sure that everything is in order before spring. Prevention is the key to good plumbing services.
  • Check On Your Sump Pump: Spring is the time of year that you need your heat pump the most. Heavy spring rains can cause a flood in your basement if you’re not careful so make sure that you contact a professional before the season is in full swing.

Contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating Today

There’s so much to know when it comes to your heating system and it’s easy to be overwhelmed. If you need help making sure that your plumbing system is ready for spring then make sure that you contact our team. We provide the full gambit of plumbing service including plumbing, drain and sewer, water heaters, and water treatment systems. We’ve serviced the Greater Washington Metro Area for years and we can give you the service you need too.

There are a lot of plumbing problems that pop up during spring. Watch out for the ones listed above and if you have a plumbing problem then make sure that you contact our team at Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

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