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This is the Los Angeles Plumbing Blog of JO-MI Plumbing and Solar! Here we talk about all things plumbing, heating, solar, and more. Thanks for stopping by, and please give us a call for all your plumbing and heating needs!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Installing A Solar Water Heater In Your Home

Thinking of going green? Consider installing a solar water heater in your home today. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), there are currently 1.5 million solar water heaters already in use in U.S. homes and businesses. Solar water heater systems can work in any climate and EESI estimates that 40 percent of all U.S. homes have sufficient access to sunlight. That means that 29 million additional solar water heaters could be installed right now.

According to the EESI, residential solar water heater systems cost between $1,500 and $3,500, compared to $150 to $450 for electric and gas heaters.With savings in electricity or natural gas, solar water heaters pay for themselves. Another benefit of solar water heaters is that they last between 15 and 40 years.

Solar water heaters work by installing thermal panels on an unshaded, south-facing portion of your home's roof. These panels then collect heat from the sun's rays to warm a liquid that moves through pipes connected to the panels. This liquid is either the home's water itself, or a heat-transfer fluid like anti-freeze. If a heat-transfer fluid is used, the fluid flows through a heat exchanger in the water heater, warming the water just like an electric or gas heater would.

Solar water heaters are greener, less costly overall, and far more efficient. Contact Los Angeles area JO-MI Plumbing today at 310-473-8111 for more information on installing a solar water heater in your home.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Information On Hydronic Heating Systems

Fall is upon us and cooler weather is just around the corner, even for Los Angeles. This means that it's time to think about updating your home's heating efficiency through the use of a hydronic heating system.

Hydronic heating systems use water to move heat from where it is produced to where it is needed. The water within the system is neither the source of the heat nor its destination. The water is only its "conveyor belt." Heat is absorbed by the water at a heat source, conveyed by the water through the distribution piping, and finally released into a heated space by a heat emitter.

Hydronic (liquid) systems are the most popular and cost-effective radiant heating systems for heating-dominated climates. Hydronic radiant floor systems pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the floor. The cost of installing a hydronic radiant floor varies by location and depends on the size of the home, the type of installation, the floor covering, remoteness of the site, and the cost of labor.

Contact Los Angeles area JO-MI Plumbing today at 310-473-8111 for more information on saving money through the use of a hydronic heating system.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

What Is High-Pressure Pipe Jetting?

What is fiber-optic pipeline video inspection?

This is a diagnostic process whereby a high-resolution fiber-optic video camera is inserted in a pipeline to view the pipe from the inside. It takes the guesswork out of diagnosing a pipeline problem and can pinpoint exactly where a problem is and exactly how to fix it in the most cost-effective manner.

What is high-pressure pipe jetting?

This is the most effective method of completely cleaning the inside of a pipeline. Water is pumped through a nozzle at up to 4000 psi to scour the inside of a pipe, removing roots, scale, grease, dirt, and other obstructions.

I have an unusually high water bill but I have no apparent leaks. What could cause this?

If you've checked all faucets and tub or shower spouts for leaks and have found none, the next step is to see if your toilet is leaking. This is done by checking the water level to ensure no water is leaking from the tank through the overflow pipe. The fill valve should only fill the tank to within 1" of the top of the overflow pipe or to the "fill lever" stamped on the inside of the tank. You may have to adjust the fill valve if the water level is too high. Next, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the water bowl changes color within 15 minutes of the toilet not being used, the toilet is leaking.

Found a leak or have a clog? Contact Los Angeles area JO-MI Plumbing at 310-473-8111 for assistance with all of your plumbing needs.