The right water filtration system for the right home

Are you searching for a new water filtration system? You’ve probably noticed that there are many options available, and different water filters are used for different contamination problems. In this article, we’ll discuss several filter types, outline the pros and cons, review different types of water contamination, and give our professional advice on how to choose the best water filter for your home.

Filter Types

• Sediment filtration system. One of the most common types of home water filters, it works by removing pieces of sediment from your water, including dust, rust, sand, and other large pieces of debris.
  
• Activated Carbon Block (ACB) filtration system. These filters remove the taste and smell of chlorine from your water, as well as other chemicals and contaminants. 
• Reverse Osmosis filtration system. This filter works by removing inorganic contaminants from the water, resulting in clean water safe for drinking and bathing.
• Activated Alumina filter. AA filters are frequently used to treat fluoridated tap water, and they remove fluoride, thallium, selenium, and arsenic from your water supply.
  

Filter Pros And Cons

Sediment filtration system

• Pros: Affordable to install and maintain, effective at removing large particles from water, easy to replace when necessary
• Cons: Must often be combined with additional filters for best result, ineffective at removing particles and contaminants smaller than 1 micron

ACB filtration system

• Pros: Affordable and good value for performance, long filter life, doesn’t contain any chemical additives, discourages bacterial growth, effectively removes the taste and smell of chlorine
• Cons: Must be used in conjunction with another filter since it cannot dissolve solids or remove excess minerals from water

Reverse Osmosis filtration system

• Pros: The strongest filtration against most water contaminants, produces very safe and very tasty drinking water, lasts on average 2-3 years
• Cons: Doesn’t remove chlorine or pesticides, requires a water tank to work properly, a bit more expensive than other water filters 

AA filters

• Pros: Removes nearly all fluoride from your water, and can also remove arsenic and thallium
• Cons: Must be used in conjunction with other filters to provide safe water

What Type Of Water Contamination Are You Dealing With? 

Different types of water contamination include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological. If you aren’t sure which contaminants affect your water supply, contact your city’s water department and ask for more information. You could also hire a professional company to conduct a water test for the most accurate results. It’s important to know what types of contamination you’re dealing with before choosing your filtration system. 

Choosing the best water filtration system 

If you’re unsure which water filter is right for you, we recommend calling your local plumber who can explain what types of filtration systems are common in your area, and who can recommend the best water filters that’ll provide you and your family with clean, fresh water for years to come.

For more information about water filtration systems, or if you have any questions about which water filters we have in stock, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today. Discover why so many industry professionals choose us as their trusted plumbing supply company in NJ.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-right-water-filtration-system-for-the-right-home/

Don’t Forget to Add Plumbing to Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

 

It’s time for spring cleaning! The weather is getting warmer and there’s this undeniable sense to refresh, so many people take this opportunity to deep clean their homes. While you’ll undoubtedly clean your closets, your floors, and your kitchen, it’s important to also include your plumbing system on your spring cleaning checklist. The plumbing in your home needs regular cleaning just like everything else, and taking proper care of your plumbing system is one way to keep it healthy and functioning for many years to come. 

Here are several spring cleaning tips for your home’s plumbing systems:

• Put strainers and hair catchers in all of your drains to prevent clogs. We generally rinse a lot of hair down our bathroom drains, and a lot of food waste down our kitchen drains. This debris can easily cause clogs and affect the health of your pipes, so mitigate the problem by using strainers and hair catchers. They are very affordable, simple solutions that go a long way in keeping your drains clog-free.
• Check your sinks for any leaks or drips. Even the smallest leak can be indicative of a larger problem, so take care of it now before it gets worse.
• Get rid of any limescale build up on your showerhead and sinks. Mineral deposits are common, and depending on the quality of your water, you may have a little or a lot of limescale present. If the build up gets bad it can prevent your appliances from working properly. 
• Flush out every drain. If you have drains in your home that you don’t use frequently, flush them out with water to prevent odors and ensure there are no clogs. 
• Thoroughly clean your garbage disposal. It’s easy to simply dump food waste into the disposal and forget about it, but your disposal requires regular cleaning.
• Clean out the lint traps in your washing machine and dryer. If you have a laundry sink, empty the trap underneath that as well. 

Advice from a NJ plumbing company you can trust 

In addition to annual spring cleaning, we recommend having your plumbing inspected regularly by professionals. Proper maintenance is beneficial for the health and longevity of your plumbing, and it also helps detect small issues before they become big, expensive problems that disrupt your life. 

To learn more about how Crosstown Plumbing can help you with your plumbing spring cleaning checklist, or if you have any other plumbing questions, please contact us today. Discover why so many industry professionals in New Jersey choose us as their preferred plumbing supply company. 

Originally Posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/dont-forget-to-add-plumbing-to-your-spring-cleaning-checklist/

5 Tips for Installing Eco-Friendly Water Heaters

 

Did you know that your water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in your home? Think about all the times throughout the day you use warm or hot water for laundry, washing dishes, cooking, cleaning, taking showers, and washing your hands, and you’ll realize how hard your water heater works every day. 

For large families especially, their hot water usage can contribute significantly to their monthly energy costs, prompting many people to seek more budget-friendly, eco-friendly options. Older water heaters are often not the most energy-efficient appliances, and if you think your home water heater needs to be upgraded, you have several options.

If you’re thinking about installing an eco-friendly water heater, here are some tips:

• If you don’t have access to natural gas, but still want to save energy and money each month, a hybrid electric heat pump might be the best option for you. This water heater works by absorbing heat from the air surrounding your home then transferring it into the water. 
• If you’re looking for the most energy-efficient water heater on the market, consider an electric tankless water heater. These water heaters only heat the exact amount of water you need, meaning no energy is wasted heating a full tank when you’re only using a small amount of water. 
• Gas tankless water heaters are also an energy-efficient option, and some newer models can really help you cut down on monthly bills.
• Solar water heaters, similar to solar panels, can often provide a full day’s worth of hot water for your household (sometimes even more). You’ll need to pair a solar water heater with an additional system like a tankless water heater, and if there’s ever a time when the solar system isn’t producing enough hot water, the additional system will take over and heat your water. 

Eco-friendly water heaters save energy and money 

With all the advancements in water heater technology today, homeowners have more options than ever before. While also saving energy and money each month. For those in the plumbing industry, you’ve probably experienced increased demand for energy efficient water heaters over the last few years, both for residential and commercial water heating. At Crosstown Plumbing, we’re proud to stock some of the best eco-friendly water heaters on the market. 

If you have any questions about water heaters, including tankless water heaters and other energy efficient options, please contact Crosstown Plumbing today. Discover why we are the preferred plumbing wholesalers for so many industry professionals in New Jersey. 

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/5-tips-for-installing-eco-friendly-water-heaters/

How Much Energy Does My Water Heater Use?

Although most hot water heaters are hidden away, they are one of the most frequently-used appliances in our homes. Think about how many times throughout the day we use warm and hot water: for cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry, washing our hands, showering, and cleaning, just to name a few. If you have several people living in your home then chances are your water heater is working constantly throughout the day.

According to the Department of Energy, a water heater in an average home accounts for around 17% of the total monthly energy bill. Of course this varies depending on the type of water heater you have, how many people live in your home, and how often you use hot water throughout the day. Also, newer model water heaters are usually more energy efficient than older models, and water heater tanks work slightly differently than tankless water heaters. 

So, how can you tell how much energy your water heater uses each month? You can use this calculator to determine how much electricity your water heater uses, and as a general rule, water heaters run for three to four hours each day while more energy efficient models run for around half that time. Calculate your monthly estimated cost using this formula: the number of watts your heater uses multiplied by the price you pay per kWh multiplied by the number of hours your water heater is active during a single day. 

Energy savings with water heaters 

You may have noticed that there’s an increased demand from customers for tankless water heaters and other more energy efficient options. Many people are trying to make their homes more eco-friendly while cutting their monthly costs, and tankless water heaters are one way to achieve this. At Crosstown Plumbing we stock a range of water heaters that can increase energy efficiency and cost savings, and can ensure your home has a steady supply of hot water around the clock. 

There’s no reason to be spending hundreds of dollars each month on your energy bill. While your water heater is one of the most frequently-used appliances in your home, that doesn’t mean it needs to cost you a lot of money. We’ll be happy to discuss the various options on the market and make recommendations according to what you need. 

If you have any questions about hot water heaters, including tankless water heaters and other energy efficient options, please contact Crosstown Plumbing today. Find out why so many industry professionals partner with us for water heaters, plumbing supplies, and much more.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-much-energy-does-my-water-heater-use/

The Important Role of HVAC Systems During COVID-19

 We know that COVID-19 is transmitted via particles in the air, and given the highly contagious nature of the virus, having proper air circulation is more important now than ever before. Industry specialists have been working to understand how HVAC systems can be updated or modified to make the air cleaner and improve the overall air quality. From their research, they’ve identified the most important components necessary for air purification: ventilation, air filtration, and humidity levels.

So what are some important changes you can make to existing HVAC systems?

• Install a high-performance air purification filter that will catch contaminated air particles and prevent them from flowing back into the space. Filters like the HEPA air filter are effective at capturing around 99% of particles. Not all HVAC systems are compatible with HEPA filters, but there are other air filters on the market that work to purify the air supply.
• If your HVAC system has fixed-speed fan motors, you may be able to replace them with variable-speed fan motors to better control the airflow. 
• Integrate a more advanced airflow-control system that gives you greater control of different airflow levels

In addition to the above steps, we recommend fully “flushing” indoor spaces with outside air as often as possible. For commercial spaces this means flushing them with fresh air after closing time, and again right before opening time, to allow for as much outside air as possible to come inside. 

We understand this isn’t always a practical solution, especially in residential spaces during the colder months. With that said, it’s necessary to install high-quality air filtration systems, like the HEPA filters mentioned above in these spaces. This is especially important during winter since we’re all spending more time indoors and aren’t likely to leave our windows open. 

Upgrade your HVAC systems today 

While we all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, consider how important it is to improve your air quality, for both you and anyone else who shares your space. While older HVAC systems may not be fully compatible with the most recent air purification and ventilation technologies, there are other ways to increase air circulation, improve air quality, and enhance ventilation while in an enclosed space. 

If you have any questions about modifying your HVAC systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19, or to learn more about making your air conditioning systems safer, please contact CrossTown Plumbing today. 

New Year’s Checklist: Essential Items to Have in Your Plumbing Toolkit

 It’s a new year, and that means it’s time to take stock of your plumbing supplies. When was the last time you did a full review of your plumbing toolkit? Or checked that you have a substantial supply of the most up-to-date tools and essential items? There are certain tools every industry professional should have as standard, and these tools can help you get almost any job done.

Here are the essentials:

• Four types of plungers. All plumbers know the importance of having each type of plunger: a toilet plunger, a flanged plunger, a standard cup plunger, and an accordion plunger. Different clogs require specific plungers and you’ll definitely be using all four while on the job.
• A good set of pipe wrenches. These handy tools come in a range of different sizes and are used for different types of jobs, like fixing a corroded shower head and stubborn faucets, or squeezing into hard-to-reach spaces with awkward angles.
• A good set of Allan keys. An Allan key is an L-shaped metal tool that is used to loosen screws on faucets, shower heads, and other plumbing fixtures. Like pipe wrenches, Allen keys come in a range of sizes and they’re one of the most commonly-used tools in a plumber’s toolkit.
• A drain snake. For tough clogs that plungers can’t fix, the next step is using a drain snake to break up the clog. There are specific snakes for sinks, toilets, showers, and other piping systems, so ensure you’ve got all of them in your kit.
• Protective equipment: safety gloves and protective eyewear. As a plumber you know how often you’re exposed to harsh chemicals, different types of bacteria, and other contaminants. It’s always recommended to wear protective glasses and gloves while on the job, and it’s good to keep a few extra pairs of each in your plumbing toolkit.

Stock up on must-have plumbing supplies

We see an increase in plumbing issues right after the holiday season since people are home with family and friends and using bathrooms, showers, and sinks more often. In preparation for the plumbing calls you’re likely to get soon, we recommend checking your plumbing toolkit now and stocking up before the busy season hits. 

If you have any questions about the essential items we recommend having in your plumbing toolkit, or if you have any other plumbing questions, please contact Cross Town Plumbing today. 

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/new-years-checklist-essential-items-to-have-in-your-plumbing-toolkit/

Tips To Make Plumbing Last Into The New Year

 The holidays are a time full of family, food, and making memories, but they can be very tough on your plumbing. Everyone is home from work and school, you’re cooking more and eating more at home, and your bathrooms get much more use than normal when you have friends and family over to celebrate. In order to avoid disruptive and expensive plumbing problems over the Christmas period, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips for you to keep your plumbing systems as efficient as possible well into 2021. 

1. Check all of your sinks and toilets for any drips, any running water, or any slow drainage. Some plumbing problems are hard to notice at first, like a sink drain that gradually drains more and more slowly, and by the time you notice it, it requires a professional to fix it. Take stock of any issues now and speak with a plumber if you have any concerns. 
2. Use drain screens in all your sinks and showers. Even if you diligently scrape your plates into the garbage can before rinsing them off, you’ll be surprised how many food scraps a drain screen can catch, saving you from a clogged kitchen sink. Shower drain screens catch hair that would otherwise make your shower drain more slowly. It’s a quick, easy fix that keeps your drains healthy.
3. Check your hot water heater before the Christmas break. You use your hot water heater everyday, but when is the last time you actually took a look at it? As we deal with cold winter temperatures across New Jersey, the last thing you want is for your hot water heater to malfunction, so check the pressure relief valve and prevent sediment build-up by draining it at least once a year. 

Don’t abuse your garbage disposal 

We know it can be tempting to empty your holiday plates down the drain and let your garbage disposal do all the work, but putting too much strain on your disposal can lead to a serious clog. Plumbing professionals will all agree it’s best to scrape your plates clean as much as possible before rinsing any excess food down the drain, especially during the holiday season when your drains are working harder than usual. You don’t want your Christmas celebration to be interrupted by a broken down sink, or a clog that you can’t fix, so use your garbage disposal sparingly. 

If you have any questions, please contact Crosstown Plumbing today. Discover why so many industry professionals in New Jersey choose us as their trusted plumbing supply company. We look forward to hearing from you.

 Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/tips-to-make-plumbing-last-into-the-new-year/