Pipe Works Services, Inc. Q&A

Cellulose is "eco-friendly" and manufactured with 80% post-consumer recycled newsprint. It's treated with non-toxic borate compounds that are fire, insect and mold resistant. If animals or insects consume cellulose, it prompts a speedy exit from your residence. The Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association states that insulating a 1500 sq. ft house with cellulose will recycle 40 plus years of an individuals daily newspaper subscription. If we installed cellulose in all new homes, it would remove more than 3.2 million tons of newsprint from landfills and recycling centers every year. Less than 10% of the new homes built today use cellulose. This is lost opportunity for "green" points, as it requires less energy than manufacturing fiberglass. Cellulose insulation is fire resistant and safe for your family. There's been propaganda generated by the fiberglass industry warning that cellulose could burn. Third party independent testing proves it's safe and cellulose meets all building codes. Many industry professionals validate this fact and consider cellulose to be more fire-safe than fiberglass. The cellulose fibers are packed tightly which restricts air flow in the walls, preventing the spread of fire. Fiberglass requires trapped air for effectiveness, because cellulose is made from wood fiber and is more resistant to conducting heat.

Conventional hot water heaters usually last between 8 and 10 years. It should be noted that the lowest-priced storage water heater can be more expensive to operate and maintain over the long term. An over-sized unit might seem, more impressive, but it's higher in price and increases your energy costs. A single-family storage water heater offers a reservoir of 20 to 80 gallons of hot water. The hot water is released from the top of the tank when you turn on the tap. Cold water replaces that hot water, by entering the bottom of the tank until it's full. Conventional storage water heater fuel sources include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity. Learn more about fuel types available when selecting a new water heater. Since water is constantly heated in the tank, energy can be wasted even when a hot water tap isn't running. Some storage water heater models have heavily insulated tank, which significantly reduce heat losses and lower annual costs. Before buying a new water heater, consider the following: * Size and first hour rating * Fuel type and availability * Energy efficiency and costs After your water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additional energy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills. Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater.

There are different reasons for a clogged toilet. If a toilet backs up and no other fixtures seem to be involved, the blockage is most likely just in or near the toilet. If it's a soft clog like paper or a hard clog, like a child's toy. Having a plumber clear a toilet-only clog can cost $109-$273 or more. Sometimes the obstruction needs to be extracted with a toilet auger, a short cable-like device inside a long pole or if the toilet needs to be removed and re-installed back with a new wax ring. During special promotion times unclogging a toilet can cost as little as $99. If your situation is extreme and there is back flow, costs can escalate during an emergency situation, incurring additional fees.

If your room is over a crawl space then you will need to insulate the walls as well. Floor insulation can be a valuable improvement for many reasons. If you have significant heat loss, TerraBlock™ is a crucial because it eliminates energy loss. If you have a dirt floor, our TerraBlock™ insulation can be installed with a drainage liner to prevent moisture issues.

Pipe Works Services has 18 years of experience and 3 Master Plumbers, owner Paul Giglio, Mark Mazzeo, and Mike Tapia.