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Author: Kevin

How Cold Weather Affects Air Quality

When the temperatures start to dip, you may wrap yourself in scarves, jackets, gloves, and other warm gear to keep out the frigid chill. In addition to having chillier skin, you might also notice that you’re coughing, sneezing, and experiencing itchy, dry eyes in the winter weather. These uncomfortable situations can lead you to question if the cold weather somehow affects air quality. The short answer is yes, cold weather can reduce the quality of indoor air. Learning about the connection can help you to find ways to ameliorate the issue, create a more comfortable environment at home, and reduce health issues associated with poor air quality.

HVAC Problems

During the winter months, you’re likely using your home’s heating system more frequently. If the system has problems or is older, the unit could be releasing irritants or pollutants into the air. One of our team members can identify any such problems and offer resolutions. Also, you might have a heating system that isn’t energy efficient. The extra energy demands could cause problems with indoor air quality. By getting a more energy-efficient system, you can improve your home’s air quality while cutting down on the monthly bills.

Dry Air

Both inside and outside of the home, the cold weather can lead to dry air. If you’ve noticed that your lips or hands are chapped more regularly in the winter, dry air is likely the culprit. Adding moisture back into the air with a device such as a humidifier is a step that many people have taken to make their homes more comfortable. You could, for example, add a humidifier to each bedroom if the dry air is keeping you up at night. You can put humidifiers in any other rooms where the air quality is poor too.

Time Spent Indoors

If you’re like many people, you simply spend more time inside during the winter months. This extra time indoors can mean that you’re dragging more pollutants around the house. For example, you might be carrying dirt, dust, and other particles around the house on your shoes. Keep in mind that the windows are probably closed for most of the winter season. Therefore, the irritants have nowhere to go. Instead, these substances just stay in your home polluting the air. Also, plenty of people host holidays in their homes during the winter. Not only are your own household members and pets bringing a mess into the house, but so are all of your guests. This situation can contribute to a further decline in air quality.

Use of Fireplaces and Ovens

Some people like to curl up next to the fireplace with a good book on the coldest days of winter, and other individuals like to get the kids together to bake cookies and other treats. In other words, you may be using some of your appliances more regularly during the winter. These appliances can emit fumes or other pollutants into the air. Getting a professional inspection is critical here. These issues can become dangerous or even fatal if not identified and treated properly.

Residual Dirty Air

You can take many steps to address the source of air pollutants in your home. For example, you might choose to get a new, energy-efficient heating unit, or you may decide to make important upgrades to your oven. However, these fixes won’t get rid of the dirty air already circulating in your home. Fortunately, you can purchase devices that are specifically designed to clean the dirty air. Our team of professionals can install devices too.

Our team members at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling improve the air quality in your home. We conduct indoor air quality checks and offer solutions to air quality problems. Our team also provides a wide range of other services in South Charleston and the surrounding areas. We offer repair, installation, and maintenance services for heating and cooling systems. In addition, we provide an array of plumbing services, including faucet repair and installation, drain cleaning, backflow prevention, and toilet repair and replacement. Staff members are available to answer the phone 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Ask about our financing plans, too. To schedule an appointment to get started on the path toward a more comfortable home, contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today.

5 Tell-Tale Signs Your Home Has a Gas Line Leak

According to statistics, more than 73 million commercial, industrial, and residential premises within the United States utilize natural gas. In addition, many homeowners use natural gas to power their furnaces, ovens, water heaters, stoves, and other appliances. When installed and utilized correctly, natural gas is convenient and extremely safe. However, it’s highly flammable, and gas line leaks can increase fire risks and explosions.

Gas leakages can cause physical symptoms and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in animals and humans. If you suspect a gas line leakage in your home, evacuate the residential property immediately, and call your utility company’s emergency number, local fire department, or 911. Below are five warning signs of a gas leak in your residential property and what you should do to contain the situation.

Unusual Smell

Generally, natural gas doesn’t have an odor or color. However, utility companies usually add mercaptan or methanethiol to the gas to give it a unique odor you can easily recognize. The additive creates a pungent odor, like that of rotten eggs or cabbage, but it’s completely harmless. If you notice the smell of mercaptan in your residence, you might be dealing with a gas leakage. Contact your plumbing service for inspection and repairs as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening.

Rust and Corrosion

Your gas pipes may rust and even corrode when exposed to excessive moisture or water. Corroded gas pipes can wear out with time, leading to gas leaks. Many people don’t pay much attention to rusting metal pipes, but rusting can extend and escalate the damage within a short time.

There needs to be more than cleaning rusty metal pipes to solve the problem. The best thing is to have your gas line pipes checked by a professional. Depending on the pipe’s condition, the plumbing expert can recommend minor repairs or a replacement of the entire gas line.

Hissing Sound

The other sign of gas leakage is a hissing sound near one of your gas-powered appliances. Gas can easily escape if your home’s gas line has cracks or holes. Although some openings are too small to see with your naked eye, sometimes you can hear the hissing sound of the gas escaping into the air.

Shut off your gas valve immediately after you hear the hissing noise to prevent the gas from getting saturated in your indoor environment. Also, ensure that there is no fire in the house since electrical sparks or a fire source can easily ignite the natural gas, leading to an explosion.

Don’t try to fix the gas line problem yourself because handling gas can be risky. Instead, leave the house immediately after shutting the gas valve off and call a plumber to investigate and solve the problem.

Discolored Flames

Most gas-powered appliances have a pilot light. And when there’s a gas leakage, this light may burn out. A gas furnace, for example, produces a hot blue flame every time you activate it. Therefore, if the furnace generates an orange or yellow discolored flame, you might be dealing with a ventilation issue within the heating unit or natural gas leak.

An orange flame normally occurs due to oxygen inside your gas pipes, which can only occur if the gas line has openings. Flames with orange flickers also indicate gas leaks. Therefore, you should pay attention when igniting your gas-powered appliances. If you notice a gas appliance’s pilot light producing a discolored flame, contact a plumbing expert to inspect your gas piping for leaks.

Health Problems

High gas concentrations in your home can hinder your body from absorbing sufficient oxygen, causing suffocation. Natural gas is extremely toxic and can lead to inexplicable health issues, including:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Loss of concentration
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Memory problems
  • Fatigue
  • Throat and eye irritation
  • Severe headaches
  • Chest pains
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Breathing difficulties

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and have no underlying condition, you might have been exposed to a gas leak. Remember that exposure to natural gas leakages for a long period can also lead to CO poisoning and even death. Contact a gas line repair expert to fix the problem and seek medical attention to treat your symptoms.

Contact the Plumbing Experts Now!

Gas line leakages can lead to health problems and increase the risk of fires and explosions. Knowing the warning signs of a leaking gas pipe can help you get help before the issue escalates. Are you seeing signs of gas leaks in your residence? Contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling immediately to ensure your property’s gas piping is investigated and fixed to keep you safe.

We also offer ductwork, air quality, water heater, drain cleaning, cooling, heating, sewer line, and backflow prevention services in South Charleston, WV and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What a Furnace Plenum Does and Why It’s Important

Having a functional and high-performing furnace in your South Charleston, WV home is essential. One large part of keeping your heating system in excellent condition is learning about its components and understanding how to maintain them. Although you probably don’t think much about your furnace’s plenum, this component plays a vital role in hot air distribution. More importantly, if your furnace plenum fails, it can permanently damage your heating equipment. Read on to find out what a plenum is, what it does, and how you can take care of it.

What Is a Furnace Plenum?

The plenum is essentially the backbone of your HVAC system’s air distribution process. Also known as a plenum box, this component handles air as it enters the ductwork of your forced-air heating system. Furnace plenums regulate airflow and humidity as they bring air in, distribute it, and remove it. Indoor air enters this chamber when your heating system is on, and it exits via another plenum before it gets pushed throughout the building.

Different Plenum Types

Forced-air heating systems typically have two plenums: a supply plenum and a return plenum. The supply plenum moves fresh, heated or cooled air into the living environment. It also routes exhaust gases out of the building. The supply plenum box is the first place that warm air enters before it’s pushed through your ductwork and out of your heater vents, grilles, or registers.

Supply plenums are typically located at the lowest points of homes such as in their basements or garages. Supply plenum boxes have louvers for servicing various zones or rooms throughout buildings, and they’re usually made from aluminum, cast iron, or steel.

Return plenums do exactly what their name implies. They send air that’s already been heated and filtered back to furnaces via fans. Return plenums usually have their own air filters that keep heating equipment protected from airborne contaminants. Return plenum boxes draw indoor air in through the HVAC air vents and move it to the return outlets in furnaces.

Benefits Provided By the Furnace Plenum

Your furnace’s plenum streamlines the process of moving heated air both throughout the HVAC system and throughout your home. When installed and working correctly, a furnace plenum allows for quieter HVAC operation. Furnace plenums also optimize airflow so that indoor humidity is decreased and furnace stress is minimized.

It’s also important to note that the furnace plenum offers an additional measure of air filtration. Although the plenum filter is largely intended to protect your HVAC equipment, it still limits the number of particulates being circulated throughout your home. Thus, it allows for a higher indoor air quality (IAQ) overall.

Having a properly functioning furnace plenum can lower your home heating and cooling costs by maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC equipment. It can also extend the lifespan of your furnace by minimizing stress, preventing air pressure issues, and reducing exposure to micro-fine debris. Everyone in the building will breathe a bit easier due to your higher IAQ, and they won’t be bothered with loud humming or rattling sounds when your furnace is on.

How to Avoid Plenum Problems

The first step in making sure that your furnace plenum is working like it should is having it professionally installed. This is a job that should always be handled by a licensed HVAC technician. Mistakes that are made during plenum installation can cause the entire HVAC system to fail. HVAC failure can also occur if the plenum ever becomes blocked or excessively dirty.

The functioning and well-being of the plenum is affected by the condition of your HVAC ductwork. If your HVAC ductwork isn’t installed correctly or if it isn’t regularly maintained, this can cause damage to the furnace plenum and to the furnace itself.

Scheduling professional ductwork cleaning approximately once every three to five years and annual HVAC ductwork inspections should be sufficient for keeping duct-related plenum problems at bay. During your annual furnace service, your HVAC technician will inspect both the supply and return plenum boxes to check for blockages, air leaks, and other problems or signs of distress.

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we have a longstanding reputation for providing fast, friendly, and reliable HVAC services. We’ve been serving residents of Southwest Charleston, West Virginia and the surrounding areas since 1979. Residents of the Kanawha Valley can turn to us for plumbing, heating, cooling, and water heater service. To find out more about your furnace’s plenum or to schedule furnace maintenance, give us a call!

Everything You Need To Know About Winterizing Your Plumbing System

Winters are infamous for their harshness and unpredictability. They could bring a slew of unpleasant conditions such as rain, below-freezing temperatures, and snow. It is crucial to ensure your house is winter-ready before the cold weather sets in. Damaged pipes and other expenses could result from falling temperatures in this season.

While preparing the plumbing system for the coming weather might be daunting, seeking professional services from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling could be a great help. But you also need to understand how the plumbing system works, and we have explained the process in the eight steps below.

1. Insulate the Pipes

The pipes in an unheated location, such as a basement, attic, or garage, could freeze during the cold season. Thus, one way to prepare and keep them secure is to insulate them further by placing a heat cable around them. Without heat cables, the insulation can block warm air from reaching the pipes because it is not meant to tolerate prolonged exposure to cold.

2. Service the HVAC Unit and Furnace

In South Charleston, WV, we might have a freezing cold snap. Your pipes can be damaged if your heater or furnace happens to break down during that time. Before the cold weather sets in for the season, contact experts like Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to check that your heating system is functioning correctly. The last thing you want is to be sitting in a flooded, cold house.

3. Open the Cabinet Doors

When the temperature drops for an extended period, you can keep the under-sink cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen open to keep the pipes warm. Closing a door prevents warm air inside your home from protecting the pipes.

4. Close the Outdoor Faucets

Allow standing water to drain from your outside faucets before turning off the water supply. The pipe will still freeze and fracture if you do not let the bleeder cap drain first.

5. Allow the Water to Drip

If you do not want to run into the risk of having frozen pipes, allow a small trickle of water to flow from each faucet and shower. Adjust the toilets so that they always run a little. This is especially important for guest bathrooms that might not get used as often. Your water bill may increase slightly, but that is cheaper than having to repair the pipes.

6. Clean the Gutters

We recommend cleaning the rain gutters properly after every season. You should also check to ensure that rain gutters are clear of debris before the first fall shower hits. Blocking your home’s drainage with a thick layer of leaves and other organic waste can lead to flooding and structural damage, especially when freezing happens over the winter.

7. Inspect the Exterior

After completing the steps above, you could stroll around your property to locate any apparent cracks that need fixing. Your main task will be finding any visible cracks because they might act as entry points for the cold air and cause freezing. Fill any gaps or holes around your pipes with caulking or spray foam.

8. Shut Off the Water if You Will be Away

Prevent the risk of returning home to a burst pipe over the winter by taking precautions before leaving for a trip or work. Specifically, you may need a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, which Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can integrate with your system. The device will allow you to adjust the temperature in your home and keep tabs on it from your mobile device.

Nevertheless, draining the pipes and turning off the water supply before you leave for an extended period are viable options for long-term travelers. Make sure you prevent severe and expensive damage from a pipe bursting when no one is home by taking the necessary precautions we recommend.

Get Professional Help

With the help of a specialized plumber, insulating your pipes against the freezing temperatures of winter will not take you a lot of effort or time. It is always advisable to bring in experts to provide a hand to ensure the perfect execution of the work.

Sometimes your pipes could freeze no matter how much effort you make to perform all the necessary precautions. Please contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling immediately if you have any plumbing issues this season. We provide all plumbing, heating and cooling services. Our professional technicians always put the customer first. Contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today!

Should I Get a New Water Tank for My West Virginia Home?

The water tank in your home is one of its most important appliances. You need it for bathing, cooking, cleaning clothes, washing dishes, and more. How do you know when you need a replacement of this essential appliance in your West Virginia Home?

It’s Old

You can expect a water heater to last about 10 years before it needs to get replaced. While it may last longer than this, it’s after a decade that you need to start saving for a new one. If you’re not sure how old your water heater is, write down its serial number and input it into the manufacturer’s website to find out.

Visible Corrosion on the Tank

If you can see rust on the outside of the tank, it’s likely also rusted on the inside. Rust usually starts on the inner tank and then spreads to the outer tank. Most water heaters have an inner tank that holds water and an outer tank to provide insulation.

When you see rust on the outer tank, it’s usually a sign that the inner tank has been rusting for a long time. You shouldn’t ignore this problem, as the water heater can rupture, spilling water everywhere. It’s better to have it replaced sooner than later so you can avoid water damage to your home and property.

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston, WV, can replace your water heater. We offer gas and electric water heaters as well as tankless ones. Our company has been in business since March 1979.

Water Leaks From the Tank

It doesn’t always mean you need to replace your water heater if you see water leaks around it. There may just be a faulty connection that can be repaired. If you see the water is leaking from the body of the tank itself, you’ll need to replace your water heater as soon as possible.

If the leak is coming from the top of the tank, it might just be a loose valve or one of the water pipes that is leaking water. Hire a plumber to inspect your water heater and tighten connections. If the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank, you may need to have a plumber tighten the drain valve.

Inconsistent Water Temperatures

Older water tanks may not be able to keep the temperature of the water in it consistent. This can result in a hot shower quickly becoming ice cold. The water tank’s output line may have become clogged or partially blocked. When this happens, it can’t produce a constant pressure of water. Replace your water heater if you’re tired of sudden bursts of cold water.

Unusually High Energy Bills

An old water heater may use an unusually high amount of energy to heat water and keep its temperature maintained. If you’ve checked into other reasons your energy bills are unusually high, such as your heating and cooling system, it may be your water heater that’s to blame. This is especially true of electric water heaters where its heating elements are failing.

Reduced Hot Water Capacity

Another sign you need a new water heater is that it can’t produce as much hot water as it once did. Perhaps you only have enough for one or two showers, when it used to provide much more hot water than that. The problem can be a faulty heating element or thermostat.

Odd Sounds

You may hear strange sounds coming from your water heater that indicate that it’s failing. These can be rumbling, bangs, pings and other sounds. This is often caused by mineral sediment building up too much inside the tank. You should have the tank flushed, and if that doesn’t solve the problem you probably need a new water heater.

Cloudy Water

Cloudy water coming out of your taps is another sign there’s mineral sediment building up in your water heater. You’ll know the problem is your water heater if all the taps in your home have cloudy or discolored water when the hot water is turned on. While you can have the tank flushed, that won’t solve any rust problems or remove hardened mineral sediments.

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can solve all of your plumbing problems in South Charleston, WV. This includes drain cleaning, toilet repair, sewer lines, backflow prevention, water lines and more. We also repair, replace and tune-up heaters and air conditioners. You can also turn to us for ductwork and indoor air quality solutions. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Reigniting Your Water Heater Pilot Light

If you turn on your faucet and find only cold water, there’s a good chance the water heater pilot light has gone out. This common issue can be easily fixed by lighting your pilot again. However, it’s essential to know if anything else is going wrong in the system to prevent further water heater issues.

Check Your Water Heater

Before you attempt to reignite your pilot light, ensure you don’t smell any natural gas in or around the tank. Bend down to make sure no fumes are coming out of the tank’s bottom near the pilot. While this gas is naturally odorless and tasteless, mercaptan is added to give it a sulfur or rotten eggs smell. If you detect any natural gas, immediately leave the area and call your gas company. You’ll likely need to rely on a professional to service your water heater and fix the gas leak.

Also, there shouldn’t be any visible damage or odd smells or noises. Rumbling, hissing or clanking may indicate something has gone wrong in your system. Your water heater may also be compromised if you spot any leaking water, rust or corrosion.

Reigniting the Pilot

If nothing seems to be wrong, go to the heater’s temperature controls and set them down to the lowest possible setting. Turn the main gas valve or regulator valve off. This controls the gas flow into your water heater. Wait about 15 minutes for any lingering gas to dissipate.

The pilot lights in older water heaters will need to be manually lit with a match or wand lighter. If you have a newer system, it likely has its own igniter. Turn the gas valve to the pilot setting so the gas can begin flowing to the pilot. If your gas valve doesn’t have this setting, there may be a red control button near the valve that can be held down.

While holding the button/valve down, light the pilot light. It may be helpful to have a second person with you to shine a flashlight into the tank. If you have a newer model, you’ll need to press the igniter switch. This button will make a repetitive clicking noise as it lights the pilot. With older models, you’ll have to reach in and hold a flame to the burner.

Keep holding down the button or valve for about a minute after you light the pilot. If your pilot stays lit, you can then turn the main gas valve back on. Reigniting the main burner will allow the tank to once again produce hot water. Adjust your temperature settings as needed.

When to Rely on Experts

After trying to reignite your water heater pilot light, there’s always a chance that it doesn’t stay on. One of the most common causes behind pilot light issues is the thermocouple. This thick copper wire is responsible for turning off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. However, once the component becomes dirty or damaged, it will actually turn out the pilot light.

While some pilot light issues can be as simple as a draft or ventilation problem, it’s always possible that parts are malfunctioning in your unit. If you’re struggling with frequent pilot light issues, call a professional plumber for repairs. You never want to risk a water heater issue turning into a natural gas leak. Relying on an expert is the best way to keep your water heater efficient and safe.

Your Professional Plumbing Team

Since 1950, Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has offered superior plumbing and HVAC services in South Charleston, WV. Our thoroughly screened staff members always arrive on time and are ready to tackle jobs of all sizes. We’re a locally owned business that strives to be professional, honest and upfront about our prices. Our company is fully licensed and insured, making us your best choice for indoor comfort services in the area.

Count on our technicians to repair, maintain or install your heating or cooling system. Let us boost your indoor air quality or expertly clean your home’s ductwork. Along with HVAC services, we can also install your new faucets, toilets or water lines. Our team is ready to help you with your water heater issues, sewer lines and plumbing repair needs. Save money on your routine HVAC and plumbing services by checking out our thrifty seasonal coupons. Call Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today to schedule your appointment in Kanawha Valley.

Copper Vs. Galvanized Pipes: What You Need to Know

When determining how to install plumbing in homes, builders have a variety of plumbing pipes to choose from. Copper and galvanized pipes are two of the most common types that are utilized in plumbing. They may be similar in certain aspects, but they have distinct differences. We’ll explore these below.

Galvanized Pipe

Galvanized pipes are made by dipping steel pipes in a zinc coating that provides protection. The zinc covering offers a layer of protection from rust and corrosion. Plumbing in houses constructed before 1960 frequently made use of galvanized pipes. Before galvanized pipes were created, lead pipes were the standard for homes and were used for water lines. Unfortunately, lead, which is harmful when ingested, mixes with drinking water and lowers its quality. Therefore, plumbing didn’t suit these pipes. As an alternative to offset for lead pipes, galvanized pipes were created.

Even though modern residential plumbing systems no longer use galvanized pipes, they are still present in many older residences. Galvanized pipe lifespan ranges from 30 to 40 years. Unfortunately, these pipes tend to rust inside, and the water flowing from them tends to erode and change color. Although these pipes are robust, eventually, they become rusty. In addition, old galvanized pipes can break in cold climates when ice-cold water expands and pushes up against the walls of the rusted metal pipes.

Although different pipeline materials are now primarily utilized for this purpose, galvanized pipes were once employed to carry natural gas. Unfortunately, natural gas erodes the zinc coating on galvanized pipes, which results in zinc flakes clogging the pipe, making them unsuitable for conveying natural gas.

Galvanized pipes are often not appropriate for plumbing projects because they cannot tolerate the hardness of water. Calcium, magnesium, iron, and lime are just a few minerals that may make water hard. Galvanized coating gradually disappears due to the steady flow of hard water. Additionally, the zinc coating on the pipe corrodes when hard water interacts with it.

Advantages of galvanized pipe:
  • Durable
  • Great for sewage plumbing
  • The coating prevents rust and corrosion
  • Coated with Zinc
  • Fire resistant
  • Works under freezing temperatures
Disadvantages of galvanized pipe:
  • Ability to rust in smaller sizes
  • Coating can chip
  • Costly

Copper Pipe

Due to their toughness and extended lifespan, copper pipes are favored by homeowners. Galvanized pipes don’t last as long as copper pipes do, which makes copper pipes a better option for residential and commercial uses.

Copper pipes are made in four grades for use in home plumbing installations. ‘Type K’ copper pipe is the heaviest and the most used for home plumbing. For water lines in the home, a narrower ‘Type’ L copper pipe is used. The ‘Type M’ copper pipe is typically used for light plumbing installations since it is even lighter than the Type L. The last type of copper pipe is called a ‘DMW’; it is skinny and is mainly used for drainage and waste.

Copper pipes can withstand heat and are corrosion-resistant. Due to the absence of lead in copper pipes, they are safer than galvanized ones. Because of their lower diameter, you can also use copper pipes in confined spaces. Moreover, copper pipes prevent bacterial development, so it’s safer to use for drinking water pipes. Additionally, copper doesn’t break down in the water. All these reasons can be why copper pipe has been the standard since the 1960s in residential plumbing installations.

Even though copper pipes are fantastic, there are some drawbacks. Copper pipes are also liable to break when the water temperature reaches 180 degrees. Copper pipes may also develop condensation. The water flow stops when moisture within these pipes freezes. Unfortunately, the cost of copper pipes is a significant disadvantage. Galvanized and other types of plumbing pipes are less expensive than copper pipes. In addition, installations using copper pipes are more expensive.

Also, copper pipes can leave a metallic taste in water. Copper pipes also have the drawback of forming more condensation when the water temperature reaches 180 degrees, and if that occurs, the water can freeze and stop the pipe’s water flow.

Advantages of copper pipe:
  • Don’t contain lead
  • Resistant to fires
  • Available in small sizes
  • Biostatic
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Does not contaminate the water
  • Lightweight
  • Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages of copper pipe:
  • Susceptible to freezing temperatures
  • Leaves a metallic taste behind
  • Not good in freezing temperatures
  • More expensive than other pipes
  • Condensation forms quick
  • Not good with water acidity

Let Us Do the Work

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has been offering the highest quality plumbing repair to Charleston, WV, residents and business owners for more than 70 years. Our plumbing services aim to address all of your plumbing difficulties, including those caused by corroded pipes, broken water heaters, and clogged drains, which may be a great pain for a homeowner. Our family-owned business provides quick, dependable plumbing repairs to get your house back in working order. We’re also proud to handle your HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance services. Call the Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling team for all your household heating, cooling, and plumbing needs in South Charleston.

Advantages of Copper Pipes

Copper is a top choice for today’s plumbing systems. There are many benefits to choosing copper for the water pipes in your home. Whether you’re undertaking a new construction project or getting ready to replace your current plumbing, learn about the advantages of choosing copper pipes.

Safe and Healthy

At one time, lead was a common choice for plumbing systems. Today, we know that lead pipes can contaminate water and lead to health issues. With copper pipes, you won’t have to worry about that problem. In almost all cases, copper doesn’t leach into the water supply.

Not only that, but copper is also an impermeable material. That means that it doesn’t let any impurities pass through from the outside environment. There’s no concern that chemicals from the air or soil could travel through the pipe walls.

Copper may even reduce other health hazards in your water. This metal is antimicrobial. In other words, copper pipes are a rather inhospitable place for bacteria and other microorganisms to take up residence.

Durable

Galvanized steel pipes used to be commonplace. Today, plumbing experts know that those pipes can quickly corrode. In some cases, it takes only 20 years for the pipes to fill with rust buildup. Fortunately, copper pipes are much more durable! Especially when the water pH is well balanced, copper won’t corrode nearly as quickly as galvanized steel. In fact, copper plumbing can often last for five decades or more.

The elements won’t readily reduce copper’s lifespan either. This material is often strong enough to be buried underground, even in areas where the soil is prone to yearly freeze-thaw patterns. (Even still, it’s best to consult a plumbing company, such as Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston, about outdoor installations. If the water inside a pipe freezes, that can cause it to burst. A professional plumber can advise you about the best pipes and insulation materials to use outdoors.)

Copper can hold up to sun exposure too; you don’t have to worry that UV rays will degrade and crack your pipes. Plus, mice and other critters won’t have it easy if they try to chew their way through your copper plumbing.

Easy to Work With

Plumbers appreciate the ease of working with copper pipes. This material bends with relative ease, so it can be shaped into specialty configurations. Therefore, plumbers may not have to use as many elbow joints when installing your pipes. That can reduce opportunities for leaks.

Also, connecting copper pipes through soldering or other methods is fairly straightforward. Some older pipes were made of metals requiring more difficult soldering techniques.

Affordable

When you consider copper’s many benefits, its price is reasonable. This metal is more plentiful than many others, so that helps keep costs down. Also, since copper is easy to work with, plumbers can get installation or repair jobs done quickly. That can save on labor costs.

Remember, too, that copper pipes can last for a long time. They are an investment. When you consider the cost over the long lifespan of these pipes, you’ll see that you are getting a pretty good deal on the price per year.

Appealing to Homeowners

There’s nothing special you have to do to take care of your copper pipes. For instance, unlike some older pipe materials, there is no need to paint copper to protect it from damage. That can be quite a relief for busy homeowners.

Plus, property owners will appreciate their copper pipes when it comes time to sell their homes. Copper pipes look nice and may appeal to prospective buyers.

Recyclable

While copper pipes can last for a very long time, the day will eventually come when it’s time to replace them. You can rest assured that your old copper pipes won’t end up in a landfill for countless centuries. Rather, copper holds its value and can be recycled for new purposes. After serving your house for many years, the pipes can be remade into a new copper product.

To learn more about the benefits of copper pipes in plumbing, talk to the pros at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. In addition to caring for water pipes, we also specialize in gas lines, drains and water heaters in South Charleston, WV. You can trust us with your heating and cooling systems — including AC installation and furnace repair — as well. Call today to learn more about how Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can help care for your home.

Is Vomit Capable of Ruining Your Home Plumbing System?

Like most things that get flushed down the commode, vomit isn’t generally something that people like to talk much about. However, if you’ve just heard the widely circulated tale about ruined plumbing in sorority houses due to residents with eating disorders, you might be worried about the integrity of the plumbing in your Kanawha Valley home. After all, stomach acid is strong enough to corrode tooth enamel, create painful ulcers in the stomach, and cause damage to the intestines and esophagus. In fact, it is one of the most corrosive biological materials known to man. The good news is that most major warnings about putting vomit through your pipes are largely based on urban legends.

Facing a blocked sink, shower, or toilet? Contact Mullen’s Plumbing for assistance at: (304) 744-3221 with your plumbing services & repairs in Charleston, WV today!

About the Legend

Stories about damaged plumbing caused by excessive vomiting have been circulating in one form or another since the late 1980s. These tales have been reported as hearsay in magazine editorials and in newspaper articles. In each incarnation of this urban legend, the plumbing in question was installed in buildings that were heavily frequented by large numbers of people with extreme weight loss or weight maintenance in mind.

These tales have included prestigious ballet schools and the dorm rooms of equally prestigious colleges. Two things that they’ve always had in common are incredibly large numbers of bathroom users and the widespread existence of one or more eating disorders. Although this urban legend has yet to be definitively proven either true or false, you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about unless you’re constantly hosting a massive troupe and have numerous people vomiting into your toilets multiple times per day.

What Vomit Really Means for Your Home Plumbing System

This, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that vomit cannot have a negative impact on your plumbing system. How you respond to these upsetting events and how you clean up after them both play important roles in determining how much damage is ultimately sustained. After suffering an especially violent case of reverse peristalsis, most people aren’t in the mood to do rigorous spring cleaning. You may be tempted to stumble off to bed without even flushing the toilet. Corrosive stomach acids can both discolor the interior of your commode and wear away protective coatings or any special features you’ve got installed. Making sure to give the toilet a quick flush after you or someone else in the home has been sick is a worthwhile preventative measure.

Where You Place Your Sick Matters

There’s also the fact that vomit doesn’t always make it to where you’d like it to go. When the urge to clear your stomach hits, you may be far away from a commode. If you throw up in the sink, solid materials can certainly result in a clogged drain. This is especially true if your sinks don’t have drain catches currently installed. Moreover, when throw-up gets into the overflow drains of sinks, it can lead to massive problems with odorous and potentially harmful bacteria.

How to Safely Remove Vomit From a Sink

Flushing full toilets is one way to avoid testing the corrosive limits of stomach acids after someone has thrown up. But what’s the best way to get vomit out of a clogged sink? Flushing the drain with hot water might seem like the best solution, but excessively hot water can cause some plumbing fixtures to crack. It can also force solid debris deeper into the drain, thereby compounding an already unfortunate issue.

It’s far better to don a pair of gloves and manually remove the waste from your sink before attempting to clear the drain. If the drain is already clogged, go ahead and use a drain auger or plunger to loosen and eliminate the blockage. You can then use disinfectants and deodorizers to prevent bacterial growth and lingering odors. Putting baking soda down the offending drain and then chasing it with a cup or two of white vinegar is a safe, easy, and natural way to freshen the drain up. Finally, you can certainly flush the sink with hot water, but you should first make sure that this water isn’t boiling hot.

Excessive Vomit Can Be Much Harder on Septic Tanks

Many plumbing professionals argue that there’s definite merit to the idea that excessive vomit can ruin plumbing systems. For homes with septic systems, too much vomit could prove far too acidic and corrosive over time, given that flushed waste materials remain stored. However, whether true or untrue, in all formerly reported incidences, plumbing damages caused by vomit were reported in buildings that serviced vast numbers of chronically ill people.

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, we’ve been serving residents of South Charleston, WV and the Kanawha Valley since 1996. We’re committed to helping our customers distinguish between unsettling urban myths and genuine plumbing concerns. From Elkview, to Hurricane, and St. Albans, our certified plumbers and HVAC technicians are honored to serve our community.

We also provide top-rated heating, cooling services, and plumbing services. If you’re worried about the age or integrity of your home plumbing system, call us today for a whole-house plumbing inspection.

What Type of Toilet Paper Is the Most Environmentally Friendly?

Studies have shown that the average person uses approximately 20,000 sheets of toilet paper a year or around 100 rolls. This equates to a whopping 50 pounds annually. Unfortunately, much of this toilet paper can be harmful for the environment both in terms of its production and eventual pollution. For this reason, more people are turning to more environmentally friendly toilet paper options. There are now a wide variety of different eco-friendly toilet papers on the market. This article will discuss the available options to help you choose!

Types of Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper

Environmentally friendly toilet paper can be separated into three broad categories. The two primary types are recycled toilet paper and tree-free paper made from bamboo, hemp, etc. There are also biodegradable toilet papers designed for use while camping and hiking or for in RVs and septic systems.

All toilet paper is technically biodegradable. However, paper that is marketed as biodegradable tends to break down far faster and also doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that could pollute or damage the environment. Most biodegradable toilet papers tend to be thin and only one- or two-ply products to ensure that they biodegrade much more quickly. This has the added advantage of lessening the chances of clogged toilets and pipes since the paper will quickly dissolve as soon as it comes into contact with the water in your toilet.

Recycled Versus Tree-Free Toilet Paper

Tree-free toilet papers made from bamboo, hemp or other materials have grown in popularity over the past few years. These types of toilet paper are much better for the environment since the plants they are made from grow much more quickly than trees. As a result, those plants are much more sustainable sources for the manufacturing process than using trees to make paper.

Nonetheless, these options still have a greater environmental impact than using toilet paper made from recycled materials or cellulose paper made from agricultural waste products. Recycled toilet paper is generally the most environmentally friendly and has the smallest carbon footprint.

What to Look for When Choosing Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper

If you want to choose the most environmentally friendly toilet paper, you should look for a product that is made with 100% recycled materials. In addition, the higher the amount of post-consumer recycled materials the product contains, the less of an environmental impact it has. Most eco-friendly toilet papers will list these numbers directly on the packaging.

In addition to the materials the paper is made from, you should also pay close attention to what other chemicals the toilet paper might contain. Specifically, you should try to avoid any toilet papers that are made using chlorine bleach as this causes major environmental harm. In fact, you should really avoid bleached paper altogether, if possible. After all, is there really any reason that your toilet paper needs to be bright white? In addition, you should try to steer clear of any products that contain fragrances, dyes, or any other types of chemicals.

The only problem with recycled toilet paper is that it tends to be somewhat rough. If you’re used to using soft, cushioned two- or three-ply paper, you might find switching to recycled paper quite a shock. To resolve this comfort issue, you could look for products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which allows you to know that the product was produced sustainably. You could also look for products that have been certified as septic-safe, as these will typically break down much quicker and won’t contain harsh chemicals that could damage the environment.

Another option is to consider installing a bidet in your bathroom since this will allow you to drastically cut back on the amount of toilet paper you use. There are also bidet attachments that can be fitted onto your existing toilet. Although bidets do use some water, this increase in water usage is nothing compared to the huge amounts of water required when making toilet paper.

Professional Plumbing Services

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has been serving customers in South Charleston and the Kanawha Valley for more than 70 years. Our team of licensed plumbers is on hand to take care of any plumbing repairs and installations you require. We also have a team of HVAC experts that can install, maintain, and repair your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. We’ll even handle all your ductwork needs. To learn more about our range of services or to schedule an appointment, give the professionals at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling a call today.

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