Author: Kevin

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.

Toilet fill valves are one of the most common issues when your toilet is leaking water. Read on to learn more about what kinds of valve you may have and when to call a professional if you have issues.

What Is a Toilet Fill Valve?

The toilet fill valve opens up the supply line to the toilet when levels go below the desired water level. You will typically find the toilet fill valve on the left side of the toilet tank. Part of the valve is in the tank itself, and a tailpiece extends from the toilet tank to the supply line (that also contains a shutoff valve). A toilet valve usually lasts at least five years.

How a Toilet Fill Valve Works

The toilet fill valve works in conjunction with the other components of your toilet. When you flush your toilet, the flapper opens, opening the flush valve. The water from the tank fills the toilet bowl. Once a certain amount of water goes into the toilet bowl, the flapper closes.

At this point, the tank is virtually empty. A toilet float, connected to the fill valve, falls to the bottom of the tank, opening the fill valve. When the fill valve opens, water from the supply line enters the toilet tank. As the water enters the tank, the float slowly makes its way back to the top of the tank, slowly closing the valve as the float rises.

There’s an overflow tube that prevents water from overflowing the tank in case the valve doesn’t completely close. Though this prevents the tank from spilling on the floor, your water bill can rise when you have a leaky fill valve.

Problems With the Toilet Fill Valve

The two main problems that you will experience with your toilet fill valve are water not entering your tank or too much water entering your tank.

If no water at all enters your tank, the first thing to consider is the shutoff valve. Is your shutoff valve open or closed? If the shutoff valve to your toilet appears to be in the appropriate position, check that you are getting water to the other fixtures in your home. If not, you may want to consider checking your home’s main shutoff valve outside and make sure there’s not a problem with your water source.

The toilet tank may also not fill up due to a leak at the supply line. You should be able to identify the problem rather quickly when you notice water dripping under your toilet. Sometimes, a leak may occur at an earlier point in your plumbing system, making it difficult to detect. In this case, you may notice poor water pressure to all of the different fixtures in your home.

Additionally, your supply line to your toilet may have a blockage for one reason or another. A blockage can occur thanks to excess sediment buildup or a foreign object stuck in the lines.

If the water doesn’t seem to stop entering your toilet, that means that, for some reason, the valve isn’t shutting. While the excess water may escape from the overflow tube, that will still create a high water bill very quickly.

In most cases, the valve won’t close completely due to the seal going bad. A plumber may need to create a better seal or replace the entire valve completely.

Professional Toilet Repair

Is your toilet giving you trouble and do you suspect a problem with the toilet fill valve? Don’t attempt to handle the situation yourself as it may lead to even more damage (and more expensive repairs).

Luckily, in most cases, you can schedule standard toilet repair plumbing services in South Charleston, West Virginia, and use the other toilets in your home until the repairman can fix the problem. You can shut off the water to the toilet in order to prevent constant running.

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling offers plumbing repair, heating services, and air conditioning services in South Charleston. Some of the services we offer include plumbing repair and installation (including faucets and toilets), water heaters, drain cleaning, back flow prevention, heating and cooling repair, heating and cooling installation, indoor air quality, and ductwork. If the water absolutely won’t stop running, or you don’t have any other toilets in the home, you can get emergency plumbing services at any time of the day or night. Call us today.

If you have hard water at home, you should consider treating it by eliminating the minerals that make your water hard. This would go a long way toward preventing a slew of costly problems linked with hard water. Invest in a water softener that turns hard water into soft water, which will provide you with several benefits. Why should you spend the money to have a water softener fitted? Here are some of the advantages you will gain.

1. Save Money

A home water softening system softens water, which helps to minimize mineral accumulation in hard water. This will prevent clogging or damage to your plumbing. Soft water is also gentler on your appliances, which will assist in extending their lifespan. You will use significantly less water and soap when cleaning since soft water lathers easier. This will allow you to save a significant amount of money.

2. Healthier Hair and Skin

Hard water depletes the natural hydration and oils in your hair and skin, leaving them dry. Soft water, on the other hand, has fewer minerals, enabling your skin to soak up and retain moisture more easily. Having a shower with soft water also aids in balancing the acidity of your hair and boosts the effectiveness of shampoos. This will result in shinier, healthier hair and smoother, more radiant skin.

3. Maintain Softer Clothing

Another advantage of having a water softener in your house is that your clothing will be softer. Because soap does not dissolve effectively in hard water, garments emerging out of the dryer may feel stiffer than you recall. Synthetic materials may also create more static. A water softener system can help you retain a healthier mineral balance in your water, making your clothes feel softer and reducing static cling.

4. Better Tasting Water

Some people have battled with hard water that has left a bad taste in their mouth or makes their gums more sensitive due to an excess of minerals. A domestic water softener benefits you by purifying your drinking and cooking water. It also prevents magnesium, sulfur, and iron accumulation, which causes acidic tastes and rusting on fixtures.

5. Cleaner Dishes

Hard water may leave spots and stains on dishes, causing them to never seem clean enough for guests. Your dishes could also seem hazy rather than bright after being washed in hard water caused by a lack of magnesium, which enhances shine. A home water softening system will eliminate unwanted minerals in the water, so stains and spots disappear, leaving your dishes sparkling clean.

6. Reduces the Accumulation of Lime on Plumbing Fixtures

Water with a high mineral content may cause limescale to form on the insides of water heating systems and dishwashing machines. Leaks, rust, and an undesirable flavor in your water supply can all be caused by mineral accumulation. Having a water softener system gives you the advantage of eliminating unwanted minerals from your bathing or washing water, ensuring that no limescale remains behind to cause harm.

7. Allows the Water Heater to Heat Up the Water More Quickly

Because iron in the water heater draws these minerals, it takes much longer for your water to warm up if hard water travels through the tank. A water softening system helps by eliminating unwanted minerals from your water before it flows through the water heater, allowing heat to be maintained more effectively and providing hotter water faster.

8. Increases the Lifespan of Your Plumbing System

Water with high levels of minerals will promote corrosion inside of pipes, resulting in leakage, rusting, and deterioration over time. Softened water will not leave unwanted minerals in your pipes since it will travel through easily. Therefore, your plumbing system will benefit from the elimination of these minerals.

9. Enhances the Effectiveness of Water-Using Appliances

A home water softening system is beneficial to your dishwasher because it lessens the effects of hard water, which causes inner components to deteriorate faster and could even lead to corrosion within the device. The dishwasher’s performance will improve with a home water softening system installed. The advantages of having a home water softening system will also extend to your laundry machine since less detergent is used, resulting in additional savings on your utility costs month after month.

A water softening system installation takes some plumbing skills. You should consider hiring a professional plumber to ensure great work. You can rely on Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling for all of your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs in the Kanawha and Putman County area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Rust stains can be a nuisance because they make your sinks or toilet look bad. The iron reacts with oxygen to form rust, with water acting as a catalyst. If there are traces of water left on your surfaces and if your water is hard, it could make the residue of iron and other minerals react with oxygen to form rust. There are many methods you can use to remove rust and make the rusty items look clean again. Here, we will discuss ways in which you can remove the rust from your sinks, tubs, and toilets.

1. Commercial Rust Remover

There are products you can use to remove rust that oxidize without the need to scrub the rusty spots. After applying the chemicals and the rust comes off, you just have to rinse it away. However, some people refrain from using commercial rust removers because they are not eco-friendly and can potentially cause health issues.

The chemicals produce strong fumes, which can make you dizzy. Some of these chemical products have phosphoric or oxalic acid and can be hazardous to your skin. If you have to apply the chemical several times, you may be overexposing yourself, which is why some people opt for other alternative methods.

2. Distilled White Vinegar

The acetic acid contained in distilled white vinegar can remove rust stains. The vinegar reacts with the rust and then dissolves it. When you are doing your weekly cleaning of sinks, tubs, and toilets, spray the distilled white vinegar on rust stains and leave it for few hours. After the time is over, wipe the area to remove the rust. Alternatively, you can soak a cloth in white vinegar and then wipe the rusty areas. Another way of removing rust is to dip a piece of aluminum foil in the white vinegar and then wipe the rust off.

Regular vinegar can also get the job done, although it will take you more time to do it. Plumbing companies know how to go about most plumbing issues and will help you get your toilet, sink, and tub in good shape. Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has vast experience providing plumbing services in South Charleston, WV.

3. Lemon Rust Removal

Salt and lemon solutions can remove rust from your metal items. All you need to do is to sprinkle some salt over the rusty areas to cover them. After some time, squeeze lemon juice and apply it all over the rusty places. Give it about three to four hours, and then scrub the rust off carefully so as not to damage the metal surface underneath.

4. Dish Soap and a Potato

Another interesting way of removing rust from your sink, tubs, and toilets is by using dish soap and a potato. Cut a potato into two pieces and then apply a small amount of the dish soap to the cut end of the potato. Place the potato on the rusty areas and give it a couple of hours to set. This will precipitate a chemical reaction between the rust and the cut end of the potato. You can repeat the process a number of times until the rust comes off.

5. Pumice

If you have pumice stone in your home, you can use it to remove rust. If you have a porcelain sink or tub, you will find the pumice stone helpful because it doesn’t damage your surface. You simply need to wet the rusty surface and the stone and then run the area gently with the stone to remove the rust.

6. Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is an effective rust remover, and you may want to try it on your sinks and tubs. Sprinkle a little amount of cream of tartar on the stained areas and then scrub gently with a brush-covered by a nylon material to get rid of the rust.

7. Baking Soda

You can mix baking soda with water to create a sort of paste. This paste can remove the rust in your home. Apply the paste on the rusty areas and ensure you have covered the rusty areas well. Give it an hour or so, and then scrub the area with a toothbrush. You can then wash the area thoroughly and rinse it off with water.

Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can take care of all your plumbing needs in South Charleston. Other than plumbing services, we provide heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services. Our staff is waiting to serve you. Call us today to set up an appointment.

Weird sounds coming from your home’s plumbing might make you think you have a ghostly visitor, but they’re likely the result of a plumbing problem. Many people in Kanawha and Putnam Counties experience unusual sounds like banging or hissing coming from their pipes. While these sounds are troubling, not all point to an expensive plumbing repair. However, some are more serious than others. To get to the root of the problem, you need to contact a licensed plumber to troubleshoot the issue.

What Your Pipes Are Trying to Tell You

Whether it’s a loose pipe or water hammer, pipes get noisy from time to time. The faster you get to the root cause of the problem, the sooner these noises will go away, and your pipes restored to like-new condition. The following are some of the sounds you might hear.

Banging Pipes

Banging sounds indicate a water pressure issue caused by trapped air bubbles or water hammers. Water hammer happens when the faucet is turned off suddenly and the water rushes back through the pipe. The water is moving backward at such momentum that when it meets the closed valve it sounds like a loud bang. If there’s air trapped in the waterline, you’ll hear the banging sound when turning on the faucet. The first time you hear this noise it can be startling, but it’s usually not cause for alarm. When the noise persists, take action and call a plumber to make sure there’s nothing wrong with your plumbing system.

Humming Pipes

Pipes that hum means your water pressure is too high. The sound you hear is the pipe vibrating as the water moves through it. You might have heard that high water pressure is more common in households that get their water from a well. This is true, but high water pressure is something that can happen to any household. One way to fix high water pressure is to install a pressure-reducing valve on the main water line. This valve regulates the PSI of the water entering your home from the main water line. Before adding this device, you need to pinpoint the reason for the high pressure. Contact a plumber in Putnam or Kanawha Counties to help you troubleshoot the problem and install a pressure-reducing device.

Gurgling Pipes

Are your pipes gurgling and having problems releasing water? This is a drainage issue. When pipes gurgle, this is a sign that there’s a deep clog. Usually, this clog is located deep in the sewer line. Store-bought drain cleaners, natural drain cleaning solutions, and handheld augers won’t clear these types of clogs. You need professional drain cleaning services to clear a path for water flow and to stop the gurgling.

Rattling Pipes

Residential plumbing systems consist of pipes in the walls, under floors, and ceilings. When a pipe rattles, it’s a safe bet to assume the pipes have come loose from the wall. High water pressure and poor installation can cause fasteners to come loose and no longer support the pipe. The rattling sound you hear is the pipes hitting against wall studs and drywall. You might not think loose pipes are a problem, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Call a plumber to fix loose pipes ASAP to prevent pipe damage and possible water leaks.

Whistling

The most common reason for whistling pipes is damaged parts. These small components wear out over time and need to be replaced. The most common areas where whistling occurs are near the washing machine or dishwasher. After years of use, the washer wears out and what follows are squeaking sounds or squealing that happens when the appliance is turned on. The best thing to do in this situation is to call a plumber and have them inspect the valve components for signs of wear and tear.

Noisy pipes certainly cause a ruckus and can be downright annoying. However, these sounds aren’t something to dismiss. While you can certainly attempt to locate where the sound is coming from, you shouldn’t try to make DIY repairs. You want professional repairs that address the problem quickly and fix it right the first time. The longer plumbing problems are allowed to exist, the more costly the repairs and extensive the damage to your home. Don’t let this happen to you! Contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to learn more about what causes noisy pipes and schedule an appointment for professional plumbing services in the greater Charleston, WV, area.

When the weather warms up and summer arrives, it is time for a great vacation. Now, before you pack your bags and start booking the hotels, take a moment to think about how you want to leave your house. Essentially, this is the point where you ask yourself if you should leave particular components of your house running. These components include the power supply and water supply.

Typically, with the most recent technology, you can protect your home from any power surge accidents that might happen when you are away. However, with water, this becomes a difficulty. Any plumbing emergency that occurs when you are away on vacation might cause extensive flooding and consequential water damage. For this particular reason, you should turn your water off before you hop on a ride to your vacation destination.

Why It Is Vital to Turn the Water Off When Going on a Vacation

If after vacation you come home to a flooded home and destroyed floorboards, your subsequent holidays will never be as enjoyable unless you ensure that the main water supply is turned off. The following are some of the primary reasons why you should turn the water off before leaving.

1. Massive Water Damage

Let us keep this simple and short. Nothing ruins a good home like fire or water. If your main water supply is on, and an accident happens, the next thing that happens is leakage or high levels of water spillage. Now, plumbing emergencies can result from something as simple as a minor leak or as significant as a burst water pipe. When there is constant running of water, the leaks might worsen and cause spillage. Therefore, to ensure that you minimize the risk of water causing havoc in your home, turn off the main water supply before leaving.

2. Expensive Repair Costs

You probably have home insurance somewhere. However, with the kind of damage that water causes, you will still be running low on finances when the whole house dries and gets cleaned up and the components are replaced. In addition to replacing some of the major wooden structures that get damaged, you may also have to do a complete rewiring of your electricity supply system.

Recovering from water damage takes a long time. In addition, your insurer might decide to suddenly go into cost-minimization and leave you with a soaking house for months. Due to the rising cases of this kind of damage, some insurers have added clauses that might render your insurance voidable if you leave your water running for a particular amount of time.

3. Massive Inconvenience

Now, before you can settle your insurance claim, you may need to seek alternative accommodations. In some cases, a claim settlement can take several months before you can get the check. During this time, you may have to find another place to stay, and that will come at extra costs. In addition, water damage can cause emotional stress that comes from lost prized possessions. That said, failing to turn off the water and the consequent damage can lead to you having to adopt a less comfortable life, which is inconvenient.

Other Actions to Take before Going on a Vacation

1. Drain the Water Pipes

If you are the winter vacation type, consider draining your pipes before you go. Water is bound to freeze during winter. This causes the bursting of pipes and can lead to extensive flooding and water damage.

2. Inspect Your Water Supply Lines

Typically, most major water problems can be prevented by evaluating and fixing the minor issues that appear. For example, if you notice a frayed, leaking, or damaged line, you should replace it before leaving your home. This protects you from any leakage that might arise from residual water.

3. Ensure That the Sump Pump Is Operational and Well Plugged In

A house flooded with sewage is even worse than one inundated with water. To avoid such a situation, keep the sump pump fastened to its place. In addition, take a keener look at it before you leave for the vacation to ensure that it’s plugged in properly.

4. Check Your Gutters

Gutters are another source of water. If they fail to drain adequately, the water might end up in your house and give you an experience similar to a broken pipe.

Nothing would feel as bad as coming back from a vacation to a destroyed home. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, turn off the water before you leave. At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we offer plumbing, cooling, heating, and ductwork services in Kanawha Valley. In addition, we offer home remodeling and restructuring. To learn more, call us at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today.