The last thing any homeowner wants is a backflow of contaminated water, whether into the home or the home's water source. An innocent-looking garden hose can turn into a source of contamination.

A drop in water pressure in the home or municipal water system can allow water from the hose to flow backward into the system. This can be caused by a leak, by a system pump failure, or by a sudden heavy demand elsewhere in the system. Even the expansion of sun-heated water in a hose can cause backflow.

This might not seem problematic, but garden hoses are often connected to devices to disburse soap, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers, or are left with the open end inserted in contaminated water. The hoses themselves might be made of material that can break down and contaminate the water.

A hose bibb vacuum breaker is a simple spring-loaded valve that allows water to flow out normally, but vents into the atmosphere in the event of a pressure reversal. Many can be purchased at home improvement stores and screwed on externally between the bibb and the hose.

Any homeowner with concerns about the possibility of backflow can contact a qualified home plumbing specialist such as All About the Pipes Plumbing Inc. for a consultation and help with installing, inspecting, or changing a vacuum breaker.

Going on vacation this summer? Want some quick tips to safeguard your home so you don’t come home to an underwater house?

Turn the water off at the main whole house shut off valve. If you can't find your valve or don't have a whole house emergency shut off valve give us a call at 704-559-5288. With the water off open a faucet for a few seconds to relieve pressure then turn back off. This will relieve any pressure and may prevent potential flooding while you are away. Turn  your water heater to away mode or turn off all together. http://www.ehow.com/how_4906355_turn-off-hot-water-heater.html

A common source of flooding is from your ice maker supply line and laundry supply hoses. This is a great time to visually inspect your laundry hot/cold hoses, they tend to get stress cracks over a long period of time.

While you are at it, consider turning off any other non essential devices like your television, computers, HVAC etc. Just know that things like your refrigerator are obviously going to need to stay on.

These are just some helpful hints to prevent costly and catastrophic leaks while you are away on vacation. Bon Voyage!

All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc. is extremely honored to accept the 2010 Angie's List Super Service Award for two separate categories:  Plumbing and Water Heaters.  This accomplishment is not easily obtained; in each service category the award is only given to the top 5% of companies.

Angie's List Super Service Award winners must meet strict eligibility requirements such as:  earning a minimum number of reports; maintaining an exemplary rating from customers; and abiding by Angie's List operational guidelines.  Quality, dedication, and hard work are the key ingredients in obtaining this award.

We are proud of our Super Service Awards and we recognize that our customers play a critical role in obtaining them.  As a growing organization, it is important for All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc. to continue to receive accolades and awards.  Our organization is determined to continue providing outstanding customer service to area homeowners and contractors.  We pledge to provide professional and quality work at a fair price so that we can have a positive impact on our customers, employees, and community.

Thank you to all of our valued customers, contractors, and employees!  We appreciate your loyalty!

Sincerely,

Christopher R. Vigna

President/Owner

All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc.

It is beginning to feel like spring. Along with that comes the urge to spring clean. One item that is often overlooked in the cleaning spree is  your water heater. When was the last time you had your water heater flushed. One of the main sources of water heater failure is the build up of sediment in the tank. This not only causes the tank to fail but also diminishes the efficiency of your water heater. Ever see the rust marks on your clothes and wonder where they come from.

Your water heater is one of the main culprits. While we are on the subject of the water heater have you ever wished you could just turn on your shower and it be hot and not have to wait several minutes for the hot water? Don't even mention the amount of water wasted down the drain waiting for said water to get warm. Don't know about you but  my water bill is not a pretty sight. All About the Pipes Plumbing can help you with both! We can flush your water heater to keep it at it's maximum efficiency which will ultimately save you money. We can also install a recirculation pump that will put hot water at your finger tips not to mention the fact it saves the average family of four 12000 gallons of water a year!

For more information call the professionals at All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc. to see how we can improve the efficiency of your home and save you money!