How Summer Heat Affects Your Plumbing

Posted on July 17, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Summers in New England are hot and humid. Many homeowners in Central & Eastern MA don’t realize how heat can damage your home’s plumbing system. Our plumbers at Landry Mechanical have put together a guide on how summer heat affects your plumbing

Low Water Pressure

One of the most common issues we see during summertime is low water pressure. Water usage goes up during the summer and increased demand may lead to lower water pressure. Also, hotter temperatures lead to increased evaporation contributing to reduced water pressure.

Low water pressure may also be caused by leaks within your pipes.

Low Water Pressure In Bathroom Faucet — Low Water Pressure is Common During the Summer Months

Worried about low water pressure? “Just Call Landry” our local plumbing experts can inspect your pipes and determine the cause of your low water pressure.

Tree Roots

Summertime is growth season for trees in your yard. Because trees naturally grow towards water your pipes may end up damaged from these roots.

If tree roots penetrate your pipes, backups and clogged drains are sure to follow.

Tree Roots in Underground Plumbing — Tree Roots Inside Pipes are Terrible for your Plumbing System!

The best way to deal with this issue is to “Just Call Landry” Our licensed plumbers can investigate and replace broken pipes with tree roots in them.

UV Rays & Your Plumbing

Did you know that ultraviolet rays (UV’s) can damage your home’s plumbing? When our sun’s rays touch exposed pipes, they can weaken the pipe’s structure. The best way to protect them is to insulate the pipes.

If you’re interested in protecting your pipes, it’s best to “Just Call Landry” Our plumbers can insulate your exposed pipes from the sun’s harmful rays

Check Your Toilet

Summertime means more time spent at home especially for children on summer break. Summer parties and BBQ’s can also put increased strain on your plumbing system.

Toilet clogs are common during the summertime.

The best way to prevent them is by having your drains inspected and cleaned by Landry Mechanical!

Also, don’t put grease or un-flushable wipes down the drain!

Expanding Pipes

Pipe expansion is one of the most common summer plumbing problems.

When temperatures rise, pipes often expand leading to leaks or pipe failure.

Leaking Pipe From Summer Heat — Summer Temperatures Can Cause Leaks and Expansion in Plumbing!

If you notice that your ‘cold water’ comes out hot or a sudden increase in your water bill, expanding pipes may be the culprit.

Most pipes are situated underground and may be impossible to check without professional help.

In most cases, it’s best to “Just Call Landry” Our plumbers can perform a plumbing inspection to keep your pipes safe from hot weather this summer!

Conclusion

Extreme heat and summer sun can cause major problems for your plumbing system. Let Landry Mechanical handle your plumbing woes so you can enjoy the summer in comfort!

Landry Mechanical We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!

How To Flood-Proof Your Plumbing

Posted on July 10, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Flooding is common in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. This is especially true during the rainy seasons.

Flood waters can damage your property and belongings inside costing you thousands of dollars. Landry Mechanical is here to help with tips on how to flood-proof your plumbing system.

Your home’s sump pump removes flood water from your basement or other crawl spaces. Sump pumps work by collecting flood water in a put and pumping it away. This protects your homes foundation from water damage.

To test your sump pump, fill the sump pit with water so that the float is able to rise. If the pump activates your pump is ready for flooding.

If the sump pump doesn’t turn on, it’s time to“Just Call Landry”. Our Drain & Sewer experts at Landry Mechanical can repair and replace broken sump pumps. We’ll make sure your sump pump is ready for floods.

Sump Pump Pit with water inside — Sump Pumps Like These Remove water from your home and away from your foundation!

Install A Backflow Prevention Valve

Backflow occurs when the normal flow of water reverses, potentially contaminating your home’s water supply. Backflow prevention valves stop reverse flow keeping your water supply clean during flooding.

Don’t have a backflow prevention system? “Just Call Landry”. Our plumbing experts offer a range of backflow prevention services to keep your water clean and safe.

Backflow Prevention Valve On Home — Backflow Prevention Valves Like This Keep Sewage Out of Your Home’s Water Supply!

Deep Clean Your Drains

Clogged drains are a huge problem, especially during rainstorms. If your home cannot drain properly it can increase flood water in the home. Check gutters and downspouts for clogs and remove any you find. Also, ensure interior drains function properly to prevent blockages.

Run into any clogs? “Just Call Landry” Our plumbing experts can perform camera inspections and drain cleaning services.

Locate Your Main Water Shut Off Valve

During flooding, the last thing you need is more water in your home. When flood waters enter your home locate the shut off valve and turn it off. Make sure you know where it is beforehand because it is difficult to navigate a flooded basement.

Main Water Valve — During flooding, always turn off your main line valve!

Don’t know where your shut off valve is? “Just Call Landry” our plumbing experts can help. Landry Mechanical offers whole home plumbing inspections. We can help you locate your home’s shut off valve in case of emergencies.

Protect Exterior Plumbing Fixtures

Flooding doesn’t just damage the interior of your home. It can also damage exterior fixtures like spigots for hoses. Landry recommends covering exposed fixtures with water proof covers to minimize damage. You can also wrap the spigot in old rags or towels and secure it with tape.

Spigot Cover to Prevent Freeze ups and flooding damage — Spigot Covers Like This Prevent Freezing Pipes & Flood Damage!

Replace Rusty or Damaged Pipes

The 2nd largest cause of flooding in homes is leaking pipes. Most old pipes are made out of copper and iron which rust over time.

This rust leads to leaks that can flood your home if not replaced ahead of time.

If your home has lead pipes it’s best to replace them anyways as lead is a known neurotoxin.

In need of pipe repair or replacement? “Just Call Landry” our plumbing experts offer pipe repair and replacement as part of our services.

Rusty Metal Pipe — Rusty metal pipes like these can leak leading to flooding in your home!

Conclusion

Flooding can cause expensive and widespread damage to your home and belongings. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared beforehand to mitigate the damage. If you are worried about your home’s plumbing system call the experts. “Just Call Landry”

We Take COMFORT in YOUR COMFORT!

Why Summer is The Season For Water Quality

Posted on June 13, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Why Summer is The Season For Water Quality

Summer is right around the corner. For homeowners in central and eastern mass summer is a time of BBQ’s, beach trips and reduced water quality. At Landry Mechanical, proper water treatment and filtration is one of the ways we bring comfort to Massachusetts homeowners. We put together a guide on why summer is the season for water quality.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB’s)

What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?

According to NOAA.gov, “Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae — simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal”

Every costal and great lakes state experiences HAB’s including Massachusetts.

How To Remove Harmful Algal Blooms?

Unfortunately, recreational water filters like BRITA filters won’t remove HAB’s from your home’s water supply.

At Landry Mechanical, we recommend a water filtration system that included carbon filtration and UV treatment. A system like this from Landry can keep your home’s water free from harmful algal blooms.

Need a Water Filtration System for your home? “Just Call Landry” We’ll set you up with a brand-new filtration system.

Low Well Water

Dirty Well Water Flowing Out of A Faucet — If your well water looks like this, it’s time to “Just Call Landry”

Hot summer temperatures can cause increased evaporation of well water. Also, water usage tends to increase during the summer season.

This can lead to sediment or other contaminants from the well ending up in your drinking water at home.

How To Prevent Low Well Water

Conservation is the best approach to keeping well water levels high. Consider watering lawns during cooler times, take shorter showers, or consider installing water saving plumbing fixtures.

Interested in water saving plumbing fixtures? “Just Call Landry” our plumbers can install and repair plumbing devices to protect your well water.

Old Metal Pipes

During hot new England summers, metal pipes can expand leading to cracks and leaks.

Weak pipes are more prone to leeching dangerous heavy metals like copper and lead into your water supply.

Hot temperatures can also speed up the corrosion process in pipes. This also leeches metals into your water.

What To Do About Old Metal Pipes?

Old metal pipes are common in Massachusetts’ homes. The best way to prevent leeching pipes is to “Just Call Landry”. Our plumbing experts can perform a plumbing safety inspection to look for old, leaching pipes.

We can also install a water filtration system to remove metals like copper and iron from your water.

Maintain Outdoor Water Fixtures

Most homeowners don’t think about their spigots and faucets until it’s too late. Outdoor water fixtures like these can harbor bacteria if neglected. I’s best practice to flush these fixtures regularly and replace old hose filters.

Need a new spigot for your home? “Just Call Landry” our plumbing experts can repair and replace spigots to keep your water supply bacteria free this summer.

Conclusion

Summer poses unique challenges for homeowners in central and eastern mass. Good water quality is essential for safe drinking and bathing water in your home. If you’re unsure if your water is safe “Just Call Landry” We’re your local water treatment experts, ready to bring comfort to you this summer!

Water Heater Summer: What You Need To Know

Posted on June 10, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Water Heater Summer: What You Need To Know

Water heaters are important for many reasons, At Landry Mechanical, we understand that your water heater provides hot water for baths, showers, dishwashing, laundry, and more! During the summer, water heater usage goes up putting stress on your system. Landry’s Plumbers are here to prepare you for Water Heater Summer: What You Need To Know.

Setting Your Water Heater Temperature

Proper water heater temperature can increase efficiency and keep you safe. Although preferences vary most water heater companies recommend setting your heater to 120 F (48.8 C). Setting your water heater temperature correctly saves you money and prevents overheating during the summer.

Water Heater Temperature Gauge — Adjusting your water heater to the proper temperature can prevent overloads and save you money!

Use Water Efficiently

Don’t waste water during the summertime. Consider taking shorter showers or installing low-flow fixtures. Avoid keeping faucets or spigots running as this increases your water usage.

Interested in a low-flow faucet for your bathroom or kitchen? “Just Call Landry” Landry’s Plumbers can install and repair bathroom and kitchen fixtures like low-flow faucets!

Low-Flow Faucets can reduce water waste and your water bill!

Check For Leaks

Water heater leaks are a common issue especially on tank-type varieties. Small leaks can lead to reduced efficiency and water damage in your basement.

Run into any leaks? “Just Call Landry” Our Landry Plumbing experts can repair your water heater and get it running properly again.

Water Leaking From a Water Heater — Notice a leak like this one? Time to “Just Call Landry”

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Water Heaters need regular maintenance in order to run properly. During maintenance visits, Landry Plumbers can check for leaks, damage, rust, and other issues. Landry also offers water heater flushes that remove sediment build up extending the lifespan of your system.

Conclusion

Summer puts stress on your water heater. Landry is here to keep you comfortable this summer. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Worcester or Framingham, Landry’s got you covered.

With these tips you can reduce your energy bill and keep your water heater running smoothly.

Landry Mechanical We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!

Keep Your Plumbing Safe on Summer Break!

Posted on June 3, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Keep Your Plumbing Safe on Summer Break!

Ready for a vacation this summer? You’re not alone. According to Hoteldive.com “travelers plan to take an average of 3.1 summer trips this year, up from 2.3 in 2024”

Many homeowners don’t consider preparing their plumbing system for vacation. Landry Mechanical has tips to keep your plumbing safe on summer break!

Inspect Your Gutters

Clogged Gutter With Debris — If you find debris like this in your gutters it’s time to clean them

Powerful thunderstorms are common during New England summers. If your gutters are clogged with debris water may flow outside of the gutters. This water may damage your foundation and leak into your basement.

Therefore, it’s best to inspect and clean your gutters before going on vacation.

Test Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your basement, Landry Mechanical recommends testing it before you leave for vacation. Make sure your sump pump turns on properly.

If you experience flooding of any kind in your basement, the sump pump should kick on and limit water damage.

Run into any issues with your sump pump? “Just Call Landry” Our expert plumbers can repair and replace sump pumps that keep your home dry and safe.

Have Landry Install an Automatic Water Shut-off

Automatic Water Shut Off Valve Installed — Consider Installing an Automatic Water Shut Off Valve to Keep Your Home Safe!

Automatic Water Shut-Off valves are devices that closes to stop the flow of water when it detects unusual water flow.

Also, these valves can detect a prolonged flow of water like a faucet that you forgot to shut off.

These valves can be installed for a specific appliance or for your whole home.

Interested in an Automatic Water Shut Off? “Just Call Landry” Our Plumbing experts can install, repair, and replace this equipment.

Run Your Garbage Disposal

Clogged Garbage Disposal — Don’t Leave Your Garbage Disposal Like This! It Will Stink Up Your Kitchen While You’re Away!

Garbage Disposals are common in kitchens throughout central and eastern Massachusetts. Before leaving for vacation, make sure to run your garbage disposal.

This will clean out any remaining food and keep your kitchen smelling nice when you return.

Run into issues with your sump pump? “Just Call Landry” Our kitchen plumbing experts are here to help. We repair and replace garbage disposals.

Conclusion:

Going on vacation can be fun. However, running into flooding or plumbing problems after vacation isn’t fun.

Keep your home safe and comfortable this summer with Landry Mechanical. We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!

How Summer Heat Affects Your Plumbing System

Posted on May 14, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

“How Summer Heat Affects Your Plumbing System”

As summer temperatures rise, so does the strain that is put on your plumbing system that may lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. While winter plumbing issues like frozen pipes get a lot of attention, the intense heat, humidity, and increased water usage during summer can be just as problematic. Here’s how summer heat affects your plumbing—and tips to keep things running smoothly.

Pipe Expansion and Increased Leak Risk

Heat causes pipes to expand, and when temperatures fluctuate, this expansion and contraction can weaken joints and create small leaks. This is especially common in older plumbing systems or pipes made from materials that aren’t highly heat-resistant.

Solution:

“Just Call Landry” and we’ll inspectyour pipes for signs of leaks or cracks.
If your home has metal pipes, consider upgrading to PEX piping, which is more flexible and heat-resistant.

Water Pressure Fluctuations

During summer, high demand for water—whether for sprinklers, pools, or increased household use—can cause fluctuations in pressure. If your home’s plumbing is already old, sudden pressure changes can weaken pipes or even cause bursts.

Low Water Pressure Faucet — Low Water Pressure Could Indicate Plumbing Problems!

Solution:

If you notice sudden drops in water pressure, check for hidden leaks or clogged pipes.
Do you need to upgrade your pipes? “Just Call Landry”

Sewer Line Strain and Backups

Warmer temperatures lead to increased bacterial growth, which can lead to clogs in your sewer system. Additionally, summer storms can oversaturate the ground, putting pressure on underground sewer pipes and leading to slow drains or backups.

Solution:

Avoid flushing grease, wipes, or excess food scraps, which can worsen blockages.
“Just Call Landry” to schedule your inspection before the peak summer months

Outdoor Hose and Sprinkler Wear

If you rely on hoses, sprinklers, and outdoor faucets, constant exposure to UV rays and high temperatures can degrade rubber materials, leading to leaks or cracks.

Old Spigot Washer in Need of Replacement — Does Your Spigot Washer Look Like This? Time For A Replacement!

Solution:

Store hoses in the shade or invest in UV-resistant hoses.
Regularly check sprinkler connections and replace worn-out washers.

Water Heater Overload

Believe it or not, summer can stress your water heater—especially if you’re hosting guests or frequently using hot water for outdoor showers. Increased demand may reduce efficiency, leading to lukewarm water or even breakdowns.

Solution:

Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup.
Need a new water heater? “Just Call Landry”

Stay Ahead of Summer Plumbing Issues

The best way to avoid summer plumbing headaches is through proactive maintenance. By keeping an eye on leaks, pressure changes, and outdoor fixtures, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your system stays in top shape all season long.

April Showers: Is Your Water Filtration System Ready For Spring?

Posted on March 18, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

April Showers are right around the corner! The flood season brings unique challenges to homeowners with water filtration systems. If you want to keep your water safe, maintenance is required.

Landry Mechanical has tips on how to maintain your water filtration system.

Is your water filtration system ready for spring?

Another Water Filtration System Installed By Landry!

Do Water Filters Need Maintenance?

A well maintained water filtration system removes impurities from your drinking and bathing water.

However, without proper maintenance, your water filtration system can let in chemicals like arsenic, lead, iron, and other contaminants.

Over time, the quality of your water can decline, exposing you to toxic pollutants.

Regular Maintenance can extend the lifespan of your system saving you money and protecting your investment.

Inspecting Your Water Filtration System

Inspecting your water filtration system is simple. Here’s a guide on what to look for.

Activated Carbon Filters

Check for Clogs: If you have reduced water pressure, this may indicate a clog.
Replace Water Filter Cartridges every 6 months if they are made with activated carbon.
Sanitize: Periodically use a sanitizing solution to kill bacteria growth. Make sure its a solution recommended by the manufacturer of your system.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

Check Pre-Filters: Reverse Osmosis membranes are delicate and can become easily clogged. Make sure to check sediment filters, water polishers, and pre-filters for clogs.
System Flush: Run a system flush periodically to clear out build up
Water Storage Tank: Clean out your water storage tank every 2-3 weeks to prevent bacterial growth
Replace Filters: Replace your Reverse Osmosis Filters every 2 years or as often as the manufacturer recommends

Ultraviolet (UV) Water Sterilizer For Filtration

Ultraviolet Light Filters

Keep the quartz sleeve clean. This contains the light that purifies your water.
Check Electrical Connections: Make sure all electrical components are dry and connected properly
Change the Lamp Once Per Year for optimum disinfection and purity

Whole Home Water Filtration

System Check: Inspect the entire system, including meters and gauges that could indicate issues. Check all connections for leaks
Check For Clogs: If you notice a reduction in water flow, check cartridges or filter media for clogs

When To Consider a Professional Inspection?

Water Filtration Systems can be complicated. It’s best practice to have a professional inspect your system to detect possible issues and resolve them properly.

Landry Mechanical Inc. offers a wide range of water treatment services including system installations, repairs, replacements, and routine maintenance.

Worried about your water filtration system? “Just Call Landry”

We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!

Why Is My Water Pressure Low In The Winter?

Posted on January 7, 2025 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Low Water Pressure is a common issue in homes. You’ll probably notice it when using faucets, showers, or other appliances

Homeowners in New England know how brutal our winters can be. Snow, ice and high winds are common during the winter months.

This time of year many homeowners wonder why their water pressure is low. Low water pressure hurts the functionality of your appliances. Failure to fix low water pressure could cause damage and expensive repairs later on.

Here are some common reasons why your water pressure is low during the winter.

Frozen Pipes

A common issue for homeowners is frozen pipes. Pipes that don’t have proper insulation can freeze during cold weather. Frozen pipes can also be caused by power outages or a broken heating system.

Frozen pipes can limit water flow and could cause them to rupture.

Frozen Pipe During Winter Freeze — Frozen Pipes are a Common Issue in New England Homes

How to Fix Frozen Pipes?

First, you must identify the frozen pipe and shut off the water supply. Then, use a hair dryer or warm towels to thaw the pipe.

NOTE: This method may not be effective in all cases. It’s always best to have a plumber on call to assist you in case of pipe rupture.

Not sure which pipe is frozen? “Just Call Landry” Our experienced plumbers are here to help you fix frozen pipes. We also offer emergency service in case of sudden pipe rupture.

Leaks

Leaking pipes are one of the most common causes of low water pressure during winter time. Leaks can be obvious if they are more severe. However, minor leaks are harder to spot.

How To Fix Leaks?

It’s always best practice to have an licensed plumber conduct a robust plumbing inspection to find any leaks.

Our expert plumbers here at Landry Mechanical can conduct a whole home plumbing inspection to identify leaks and other plumbing problems.

Then, we can offer our plumbing repair services to get your plumbing system running properly.

Frozen Pipes Often Cause Leaks — Leaking Pipes are a common cause of low water pressure in homes. Leaks are often, but not always caused by pipes freezing.

Check for Clogged Pipes & Fixtures

Frozen pipes are a common cause of low water pressure during winter. However, it’s not the only thing that can restrict water flow.

Sediment and mineral build-up can clog shower-heads and faucets leading to low water pressure.

How to Check for Clogged Pipes & Fixtures?

Turn on all of the fixtures in your home to see which ones are effected by the clogged pipes.

If the clogged pipes only effect some of the faucets you may be able to narrow down the issue to a clogged aerator or shower head.

You can clean these if possible to fix the problem.

However, if you aren’t able to narrow down the cause, Landry Mechanical is here to help!

Our plumbers can help install water softeners to prevent mineral buildup in pipes. We can also install new fixtures to replace the broken ones.

We also offer Camera Inspections to identify and fix clogged pipes.

Shower Head Clogged By Mineral Deposits in Water System — Mineral Deposits can clog shower heads and may be the cause of low water pressure

Check the Pressure Switch

Checking the pressure switch is a great starting point for dealing with low water pressure. Sometimes you may need to adjust this pressure switch to fix low water pressure.

On average, your home’s water pressure should be between 40 and 60psi.

Can’t Find Your Pressure Switch?

Can’t find your water pressure switch? “Just Call Landry” Our experienced plumbers can help you find it, inspect it, and adjust the pressure if necessary.

Check Plumbing Valves

Bad plumbing valves may be the culprit for low water pressure. Main shut-off valves and water heater valves are common causes.

Inspect your water heater if the low pressure is ONLY associated when you turn on the hot water. Failing shut off valves are commonly associated with low hot water pressure.

Rusty Water Heater Valves may be to blame for low water pressure

Can’t Find The Plumbing Valves?

If you can’t find the plumbing valves in your home “Just Call Landry” Our expert plumbers will identify the issue and offer repair or replacement options.

Conclusion

Frozen pipes are a common problem during New England winters. Without proper repair, frozen pipes can damage your home’s plumbing system and make appliances ineffective. With proper plumbing repair from Landry Mechanical we can get the water flowing again.

Landry Mechanical, We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!

Do Flushable Wipes Damage Plumbing Systems?

Posted on July 20, 2022 | by Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric

Although flushable wipes are labeled and marketed as being safe for toilets, they easily rank among the worst things that you can send down your commodes. If you or anyone else in your Sutton, Massachusetts home has been using flushable wipes, now is the time to stop. Even if you haven’t had any problems with these products moving through your plumbing system before, you may be on track for major plumbing issues in the future.

Why Are Flushable Wipes Marketed as Being Flushable if They Really Aren’t?

Just as their manufacturers suggest, flushable wipes can indeed be flushed. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they should. Although these products will successfully go down your commodes more often than not, they aren’t guaranteed to pass through the entire length of your plumbing system without causing issues. Moreover, when flushable wipes do pass through residential plumbing systems unimpeded, they can still cause trouble once they enter the sewer. The cumulative effects of ongoing and widespread use of flushable wipes have been incredibly detrimental in this respect. Currently, they are the only flushable product on the market that doesn’t decompose. That’s because unlike toilet paper, these wipes aren’t actually made from just paper.

What Flushable Wipes Are Really Made Of

Like toilet paper, wood pulp serves as the basis of moist wipes. This, however, is where the similarity ends. To ensure that these products stand up to heavy use without breaking down, they’re reinforced with synthetic, petroleum-based products. Many flushable wipes are reinforced with polyethylene, polyester, and other like plastics. Moreover, they’re also coated in micro-plastics. These micro-plastics add additional reinforcement, and some even come in the form of cleaning agents.

When you flush toilet paper, moving water breaks it into small-sized pieces in virtually no time. When you send flushable wipes down the commode, these products maintain their integrity indefinitely. This means that they have a higher likelihood of getting caught up on snags on their way out of your plumbing system. Over time, these wipes and the solid wastes that adhere to them can create major blockages.

How Flushable Wipes Affect the Environment

If you’re thinking about using flushable wipes in your home or have been already, it’s also important to note how these products affect the environment. Not only are they marketed as being flushable when they really shouldn’t be sent down into plumbing systems, but they’re also labeled as “biodegradable.” This places consumers under the mistaken assumption that flushable wipes really do break down over time. However, there’s a big difference between being biodegradable and being able to decompose.

Natural products that aren’t reinforced with synthetic, petroleum-based materials break down completely. Flushable wipes simply shed small fibers over time. These polyethylene and polyester fibers remain intact for decades. More importantly, the micro-plastics that coat them continue to contaminate public water supplies long after they’ve been sent into plumbing systems. As such, not using flushable wipes as part of your personal care is better for both your plumbing and the environment.

What Plumbing Problems Can Flushable Wipes Cause?

There’s really no limit to the amount of problems that flushable wipes can cause. These products can cause issues even before they’ve successfully cleared the toilet. For instance, if you send them down with lots of human waste, toilet paper, or other flushable wipes, you could be dealing with a messy overflow in no time. Flushable wipes can also:

Create blockages in plumbing systems that lead to burst pipes
Cause whole-house back-ups that flood the home with black water
Create problems at residential plumbing-to-sewer connections

They’re also capable of creating something known as fatbergs. Once wipes are introduced into plumbing systems, any fats that are present in the surrounding waste will adhere to them. These fats attract more fat and more flushable wipes until a large, solid mass is formed. This process is expedited in the alkaline environment of sewer systems, but if you’ve got dirty, grease-covered drains, you run the likelihood of developing fatbergs directly inside of your plumbing system.

Are Flushable Wipes Safe for Septic Tanks?

Flushable wipes are just as bad for septic tanks as they are for residential plumbing systems that connect to municipal sewer systems. In fact, they may be even more so. Just as fatbergs are prone to forming in sewers, septic tanks offer the ideal environment for fatberg formation, too.

Are There Easy Alternatives to Flushable Wipes?

Flushable wipes are easy to use and they help people feel fresh. However, the drawbacks of using and flushing these products far outweigh their benefits. One easy way to get the same clean feeling that flushable wipes provide is by investing in low-cost toilet paper sprays. These are gentle cleansing products that turn standard toilet paper into a comfortable, cleansing cloth. They don’t contain any plastics or micro-plastics, and they don’t affect toilet paper’s ability to break down. You can find options that include soothing aloe and other non-irritating, skin-supporting ingredients. When you think about it, this is far preferable to cleaning up with solutions made from micro-plastics.

There are also low-cost bidets that can be installed directly in standard toilets. You don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a luxury toilet in order to get the functionality of a bidet. These products are offered at home and hardware stores at a fairly nominal cost. Best of all, installing them is simple enough that many homeowners can do it themselves. If you want to install bidets in your home toilets, you can also outsource this job to a trusted plumber.

Finally, if you’re looking for a way to both treat yourself and enhance the value and marketability of your home, you can always opt for a toilet upgrade. A reputable plumber can help you learn more about the best options at your targeted price point. Many products offer bidet functionality, music, heated seats, and lights.

Why It’s Important to Get Everyone in the Home on Board

Flushable wipes may be lurking in more areas of your home than you think. Given that these products are handy, people tend to use them all the time. Moreover, nearly all of them are clearly labeled as being “flushable” and thus, people who aren’t in the know will continue sending them down your commodes. You may have people in your home who are using these or similar products as makeup removal cloths or household cleaning tools.

The best way to avoid backups is to let everyone in your home know the truth about flushable wipes. Sure, they can be flushed, but they probably shouldn’t be. Unless wet, flushable wipes are used to clean bottoms and human waste, it is both safe and sanitary to dispose of them in the trash. Rather than using flushable wipes for personal care after visiting the commode, purchase toilet paper spray or a bidet. You don’t have to subject your plumbing system to extra wear and tear just to feel good about yourself after leaving the bathroom.

At Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric, we’re committed to helping residents of Sutton, MA and the surrounding area keep their residential plumbing in top condition. We’ve been providing reliable HVAC,plumbing, and electrical services since 2008. If you’ve got plumbing problems, we’ve got solutions. Call us today to schedule an appointment for service.

Understanding What Plumbing Backflow Is and Why It Happens

Posted on July 15, 2022 | by Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric

Backflow is one of the most dangerous plumbing issues you can face. In addition to damaging your pipes, backflow can also contaminate drinking water and make you sick. To keep backflow from occurring, it is necessary to understand why it happens and how you can stop it.

What Is Backflow?

Backflow is a type of plumbing problem that occurs when your wastewater does not flow in the right direction. Instead of flowing down into your sewer system, the wastewater instead travels into your fresh water supply. There is a variety of different situations that can count as backflow. In some cases, backflow can cause dramatic gushes of discolored water from your faucets. In other situations, backflow can be so subtle that your water supply’s color, smell, or taste might not change noticeably.

There are several different ways that backflow can happen. It is usually divided into back-siphonage backflow and back-pressure backflow. Back siphonage occurs when a vacuum inside of your pipes physically sucks wastewater backward. Meanwhile, back pressure happens when excessive wastewater pressure causes wastewater to flow in the opposite direction.

Both types of backflow have the same basic result. You end up with wastewater from your toilets and drains coming out of your faucets. The contaminated water supply can cause a huge, disgusting mess throughout your home. Even smaller levels of backflow are still problematic. You might not notice a difference, but you can still get sick from the toxic chemicals and dangerous microbes in wastewater. Backflow is also dangerous for your pipes. When your plumbing system has backflow, your pipes are more likely to corrode, warp, or develop leaks.

How to Tell if You Have Backflow

Since backflow can happen so gradually, you might not realize you’re dealing with this plumbing issue. Backflow can usually only be confirmed by testing your water quality.

Here are a few signs that it might be time to test your home for backflow.

Strange odors around your faucet
Slow moving drains
Water that is brown, yellow, pink, or otherwise discolored
Strong sulfur smells from your water
Odd tastes in your water
Small particles floating around in your water

Causes of Back-Pressure Backflow

The water pipes throughout your home are all part of a carefully balanced system. A combination of pipe size and pipe placement is supposed to ensure that upstream water supply pressure is always higher than downstream water removal pressure. Water flows in the direction of least resistance, so this allows the clean water to “push” wastewater away from any water supply pipes. However, some plumbing mixups can cause pressure in water removal pipes to become higher than the water supply pressure. When this happens, the wastewater flows back upstream, causing a back pressure backflow to develop.

Back-pressure backflow often happens when your plumbing system was installed incorrectly. There are a lot of little mistakes that can add up to cause water pressure differentials. This is especially true if your plumbing system includes pressure-producing fixtures like elevated water tanks, boilers, or water heating systems. These can dump a lot of water into your drains at once, resulting in backflow. Even small things like the heat expansion from a boiler can increase pressure in the wrong part of your pipes. These disruptions may change water pressure levels enough to cause back pressure backflow to happen.

Back pressure backflow is also sometimes caused by a plumbing problem. If you have a leaky pipe, water supply pressure can drop just enough to let other plumbing issues make your wastewater pressure higher than your water supply pressure. Problems with your wastewater removal lines may also increase downstream pressure. If you have a clog in a drain line, water can back up behind the clog, increasing pressure enough to result in backflow.

Causes of Back-Siphonage Backflow

Back-siphonage backflow is also linked to uneven water pressure levels, but it’s more drastic. Instead of water just accidentally flowing in the wrong direction, back-siphonage happens when a vacuum occurs. The negative pressure can pull wastewater up into your supply lines very suddenly and sharply. Back siphonage is less common than back pressure, but it can result in more clearly contaminated water.

Back siphonage tends to happen when a lot of water is suddenly removed from your water supply system. It is most commonly associated with firefighting efforts. When firefighters are using a hydrant, the extreme drop in water pressure can end up forcing wastewater up into your water supply. Back siphonage can also occur when a water main break lets all your potable water spray out of your system. This tends to create a vacuum in water supply pipes that lets back-siphonage develop.

How to Prevent Backflow From Affecting Your Home

As you can see, there are multiple ways for backflow to occur inside your home. Some of these causes are preventable. Keeping your plumbing system up to code is one of the best things you can do. Local building laws regulate pipe sizes, placements, and angles to help minimize the risk of backflow.

You also need to remember that your entire plumbing system is designed to work together. Doing something like adding a new boiler can disrupt water pressure levels everywhere. To prevent these sorts of plumbing mistakes, you should consult with professionals any time you want to change part of your plumbing system or install a new fixture. They can help you figure out if your wastewater and water supply lines are up to the task.

Even if your plumbing system was perfectly designed, outside forces can still cause backflow to happen. To protect your home, it is a good idea to try some backflow prevention measures. There are a variety of plumbing add-ons that force water to flow in a single direction. These are very useful for halting backflow in case of a water line break or another issue. To protect a single faucet, you can install a hose bib backflow preventer. This compact, affordable device uses a spring-controlled seal to keep water from flowing backward. Another similar option is a pressure-type vacuum breaker. This device continuously monitors water pressure for a specific part of your system and closes a valve if it detects an imminent backflow.

Other backflow prevention measures can be installed within your plumbing system to provide more widespread protection. Barometric loops and air gaps are two styles of pipe placement that help regulate water flow and prevent siphoning. You can also use options like a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. These more complex systems use multiple valves to control water pressure, and they can protect your whole home from any backflows.

If you are concerned about backflow, it is essential to get professional input. At Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric, our highly trained technicians can help you get your plumbing up to code and stop backflow in its tracks. We serve the central Massachusetts area around Brookfield and Grafton, and we provide a wide variety of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical installs and repairs. To learn more about the services we offer, give us a call today.