Beat the Heat and Enjoy Your Yard With a Patio Mister System

misting fan

It’s hard to sit in the yard with family and friends when record-breaking temperatures push you back inside. However, before you give up on all your outdoor activities, consider installing misters to help cool down your patio area. A professionally installed misting system can provide the relief you need so you can stay outside and enjoy your backyard patio.

The Benefits

Don’t worry. You won’t get drenched with water every few minutes. Misting systems are designed to spray small amounts of water into the air, which results in cooler temperatures in the areas around them. Also, if you have plants nearby, they will enjoy the increased humidity that misters provide. Whether your patio is big or small, at Second Opinion Plumbing, we can design a misting system that fits your space and your needs.

The Process  

Misters cool your patio area by spraying pressurized water in the form of tiny droplets that evaporate when they hit the air. As they do this, the air begins to cool, and you will feel a difference as the temperature on your patio begins to drop. This results in a temperature decrease of 20-30 degrees. Then you can reclaim your patio and get back to entertaining, relaxing and having fun!

Contact us today to schedule a free in-home estimate.  Our skilled technicians and expert installers are ready to custom design the patio misting system that’s best for you.

The Importance of Professional Mister Installation

restaurant mister

When Mother Nature turns up the heat, your patio can feel like an oven instead of an oasis. Misting systems are growing in popularity as a means of keeping patios cool, but you may be wondering if you could just rig up something similar on your own. The arguments for relying on the pros are pretty straightforward, and we think they’re pretty convincing as well.

The Expertise to Make Your Misters Work Right

The primary way misters work is through evaporation, removing heat energy from your surroundings to make you feel more comfortable. The key to this evaporative cooling is a consistent mist. The correct pressurization, plus the right choice and installation of the nozzles, ensure that your system delivers a fine mist, not a heavy sprinkle! With the professional installation of patio misters by Second Opinion Plumbing, you can expect your system to keep cooling you and your family summer after summer.

The Experience to Make Your Misters Look Right

An ugly, sputtering do-it-yourself mister “project” can’t compare to a properly selected and fitted professional installation. Your outdoor space can remain attractive as well as comfortable when your new misters are fitted by qualified professionals. Pros like Second Opinion Plumbing employ a thoughtful approach to make your mister system as unobtrusive as it is functional. Hands-on experience means that your home and patio’s structure will be protected from mistakes that could mar their appearance.

Contact us today to learn how residential misting systems can help you make the most of your patio.

Keep Your Cool This Summer With an Outdoor Mister System

Misting System Nozzles

During a long hot summer, air conditioning will keep you and your family cool while you’re inside, but what about when you’re outside? Everyone loves the sunshine, but when temperatures shoot up, the heat can make hanging out in the backyard unbearable.

The Benefits of an Outdoor Mister System

An outdoor mister system can cool off your outdoor areas significantly and they’re great for your foliage. Take a look at some of the many benefits of installing a mister system in your yard:

  • Drop the temperature in the misting area by as much as 30 degrees
  • Increase the humidity
  • Clean the air of common contaminants and allergens
  • Provide effective moisture for plants in the area
  • Relieve dry mucous membranes

The Efficiency of an Outdoor Mister System

Mister systems are designed to be virtually invisible and they are highly efficient in multiple ways:

Cost-Efficient

Misting systems are extremely cost-efficient running as little as $30 for the smallest, low-pressure system. Even larger, high-pressure systems rarely exceed the $3,500 range.

Energy Efficient

Low-pressure misting systems attach directly to a faucet and do not require any kind of a pump. They have no negative effect on your electric bill. Moderate-pressure systems will require a pump and electricity. However, as they need only about 60 watts of electricity, they are still more cost-effective to run than a large swamp cooler, and considerably more attractive.

Water Efficient

A misting system can give plants in the area the humidity level they need to thrive and they’ll only use about 30 percent of the water that an irrigation system typically uses. Even should you need to continue utilizing an irrigation system, your plants will require less watering than before.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Never let extreme temperatures keep you from enjoying your backyard. Contact the expert plumbing team at Second Opinion Plumbing to discuss having an outdoor mister system installed in your outdoor spaces.

When To Repair a Water Heater vs. When To Replace One

water heater repair

There is nothing quite as alarming as hearing running water when no faucet is on. If your hot water heater springs a leak, or if it’s simply not getting hot anymore, you’ll need to decide whether you want to hire someone to do water heater repair or to replace the entire tank. The right choice depends on several factors.

The Age of the Unit

How old is your water heater? If you haven’t had it for very long, consider whether it is still under warranty. If it is, the manufacturer should pay for the repairs, which means more money in your pocket. Keep the average lifespan of a water heater in mind, though. Gas water heaters usually last about 10 years while tankless ones typically last 20 or more. If yours is nearing or past its lifespan, it’s a good idea to replace it regardless of whether repairing would work.

The Cost of the Repair Job

If your water heater isn’t under warranty anymore but still has some years left in its lifespan, then you’ll need to consider the cost of the repair. If the repairs will cost less than 50% of the cost of a new water heater, then it is a good idea to have it repaired instead of replacing it. Of course, the frequency of the repairs matter as well. If you’re repairing your water heater every year, then it’s time to replace it. The new water heater will pay for itself in a matter of a year or two of no repairs.

The Efficiency of the Water Heater

Older hot water heaters were not created with efficiency in mind and you’ll likely find that you need to turn the hot water knob higher and higher to get the temperature that you want. If this is commonplace in your home, then it’s time to swap your old water heater out for a new, energy-efficient model.

Don’t find yourself standing in a cold shower. Get the hot water heater that your home needs and the hot shower that you deserve. Talk to the team at Second Opinion Plumbing to see how we can help.

What to Do About a Sewer System Backup

plumbing repair

Sewer backup in your commercial property can cause significant damage to your business or delays in serving clients. The first signs of a sewer backup are usually slow draining sinks or gurgling toilets. The sewage can then come back up through your plumbing and into the commercial property. If not treated quickly and correctly this can cause significant damage.

Sewer backup occurs during heavy rainfall when an excess amount of water flows into the city’s main sewer. Backups can also be caused by blockages in your main sewer line. This is the main line that connects to the city sewer and disposes all of the wastewater from your business into the sewer.

Tree roots can also break into the main sewer line and cause blockages. Chemical treatment can be used to help resolve root issues. Our team of experts can diagnose what the problem is quickly and provide service to resolve the issue. We can locate and televise sewer lines to correctly see the problem, or to detect future problems.

Preventative care includes sewer and drain rodding to open blocked lines and restore water flow to your business. Sewer rodding is a procedure used by professional plumbers to remove stubborn clogs and other water flow issues. Sewer rodding works by guiding flexible rods through pipes to force out drain blockage. This is more effective than a drain snake and is the proper solution for main drain blockages.

If all else fails, we can certainly provide dig ups and repair services. Sometimes sewer issues require digging up the existing sewer line and repairing or replacing it. Sewer backups can be a major headache, but we are here to help you quickly and easily take care of the issue.

Signs You Need a Water Softener

Plumbing Supplies

Here in the Phoenix valley, we have extremely hard water. Hard water means that there is a high concentration of minerals in the tap water. Hard water contains large amounts of calcium, magnesium, and chlorine. Not only does this affect the water you drink, but it also affects your plumbing and appliances. If you notice mineral deposits on your faucets and showerheads, then we suggest you have a professional water softener installed. This simple solution filters all the water used in your home.

Other signs to look for are stains on your showers, sinks, toilets, or bathtubs. Since hard water can contain metals, these stains can appear rust in color. Hard water can leave a film on everyday kitchen dinnerware. Drinking glasses, cutlery, coffee pots, and more can have a chalky white film left behind by hard water. Mineral deposits can also appear on appliances that use water such as washing machines and dishwashers. If you can see the mineral deposits, imagine what you can’t see in your pipes. Hard water, or scale build-up, over time can result in the need for expensive plumbing repairs. The build-up can also result in higher water bills because your heating system must work harder to push water through. If you have noticed an increase in your utility bills, it is best to have your home’s plumbing checked for scale build-up.

A water softener will not only improve your skin, but also the appearance and feel of laundry. Hard water used on clothing can result in gray or faded laundry. Hard water also leaves behind soap and detergent as a film on the laundry. This can affect the smell, feel, wear and tear, as well as the appearance of any laundered item.

Water softeners are an effective way to improve a variety of needs in your home. Softer water results in better skin and hair, less strenuous cleaning, and better functioning appliances. Overall, a water softener is a quick and easy solution to your hard water problems.

What to Do When Your Toilet is Clogged

sewer line repair

Most of us probably don’t think too much about how nice it is to have a working toilet in our home, until that toilet is broken. Then, there is probably little else you can think about. When your toilet won’t flush, there could be a number of different things going on – some more significant than others. If your toilet won’t flush, there are a few things it may be and having a plumber inspect the issue is always ideal to ensure your toilet runs properly and you don’t end up with some very expensive and frankly, gross, issues down the line.

One of the most common reasons your toilet won’t flush is a clog. Whether its from too much toilet paper or flushing something that shouldn’t go in the toilet like feminine hygiene products, prophylactics, paper towels, wipes that aren’t rated as ‘flushable,’ or many other items – these things can quickly lead to clog that stops your toilet from flushing. In this case, a toilet plunger may be all you need to rectify the situation.

If it is a difficult or large clog, calling a professional plumber may be necessary to correctly fix the clog. A plumber has tools like an auger that can help break up particularly difficult clogs and restore proper flushing ability.  Dealing with a hard to fix clogged toilet? Let a professional do the dirty work so you don’t have to!

How to prevent toilet clogs?

Toilets are a fundamental part of every home. Only a very few people may attention to toilet problems. As a result, they suffer from disastrous problems in later stages. One most common toilet issue is clogging. There are several reasons for this problem to occur and the solutions are available as well.

Low power flow

Low flush toilets are an excellent way to reduce water consumption. This also helps to keep the utility bills as low as possible. However, low flow toilets cause problems by causing low water pressure. One way of preventing is lowering the flushing of toilet paper during flush. It will also greatly improve the efficiency of toilets as well.

Damaged drain line

The age of drain lines might affect its function. Regular disposal of waste products down the flush may also cause frequent clogs. Moreover, foreign objects like hair and debris also affect drain lines. It is essential to call a plumber as quickly as possible to repair sewer and drain lines.

Insufficient water

Water pressure is essential to flush wastes down the toilet. When the tanks are not filled with water, it may affect the flushing function, since there is no pressure to clear the bowl. Homeowners should make sure to check their supply values. The leaks in water lines may also cause this problem.

Hard water

Hard water calcifies and accumulates around the lines. It will become difficult to remove with time. The white substance narrows the gap between water and flushing lines. The mineral accumulation will also cause toilet clogs. An effective fix is to have a plumber check the lines and remove mineral sediments.

 S-traps

The s-shaped pipe in toilet bowels helps to remove sewer gases from entering the drains. The damaged S-traps may become susceptible to clogs. Homeowners should use plungers to clear minor clogs. Cleaning the drain lines may prevent expensive repairs as well.

 Blockages

Washing machine blockages and other water lines cause drains to clogs. For instance, the issue could affect the entire plumbing system, including faucets. It is essential to call plumbers and inspect drain lines when there is a blockage. They also pinpoint the blockage and use specialized techniques to remove sediments.

Foreign objects

When foreign objects are flushed down the bowel, it may get clogged in drain lines. People may flush down hair, toilet paper, and other objects. Some large items could impact the function of toilets. People should make sure not to flush any trash or other large objects. Households with children additional precaution, since they could accidentally flush toys and trash down the toilet. It could clog the entire system and lead to more extensive repairs.

Slow systems

Slow moving septic systems may stall, as they cannot move drains as faster as usual. When a home toilet is clogged, it is essential to pump septic tanks. Depending on the size of systems, the pumping may be required at every one or three years.

What to Consider When Choosing a New Water Heater

Whether from age, lack of proper maintenance, or just something breaking – every homeowner will experience having to replace a water heater at some point. When that time comes, you want to know exactly what type of water heater you want to replace your old one with so that you minimize how much time you spend without a working water heater.  Today, there is a large selection of water heaters from which to choose, with a wide range of features and price points. The right water heater for your home will depend on a variety of factors but the team at Second Opinion Plumbing can help guide you to the optimal water heater for your home.

One of the most common mistakes made when choosing a water heater is choosing the wrong size water heater.  The size of water heater that you choose should be capable of providing enough hot water for everyone in the house because nothing is worse than getting in the shower and running out of hot water. Depending on how many people live in your home and the frequency with which you need hot water, you will want to make sure that if you choose a traditional water heater that the tank is large enough to produce an adequate supply of hot water.

If you choose a tankless water heater you will need to carefully examine the “GPM” which stands for “gallons per minute.” Different models have different GPMs so it’s important to choose a model with the appropriate GPM to meet your needs. When considering cost, tankless water heaters do tend to be more expensive. But, they are smaller and more energy efficient which means they take up less space. Speak to an experienced plumber to get assistance choosing a great new water heater for your home.

 

Types of heaters

Conventional

The most popular type of appliances is conventional single-family storage heaters. They can hold between 20 to 80 gallons of water. It releases hot water from its tank and replaces it with cold water from tanks. Therefore, family members can have a reservoir of heated water readily available at all times.

Tankless

These are better known as instantaneous devices because they provide supply on a needed basis. It has a gas burner or electric coil to heat water to prevent any standby loss of energy. As of storage capacity, the tank holds up to 2 to 5 gallons.

Solar heaters

Domestic solar heaters use solar panels to heat water. Then, the heated supply is delivered to a tank. Homeowners can choose between active or passive solar systems based on their needs. Active systems circulate water through collectors and deliver it to a home. Conversely, passive systems work by preheating water in batches. They store warmer water at the top of a tank and sink cold water to the bottom.

 

Tips to consider

Tank vs. tankless

When trying to choose water heaters, homeowners have two main options: tank and tankless. The former type includes an insulated chamber with a thermostat to control temperature. Tankless appliances, on the other hand, cannot store water and only heat it when required.

Efficiency

People need energy-efficient heaters to save money on electricity bills. It is essential to check the energy rating of an appliance by thoroughly researching the market. If needed, consult with professionals to make an informed decision.

Storage capacity

The size of water heater is to be selected based on the members of a family. This factor also dictates a device’s storage capacity. It ensures steady water flow for all persons without any interruption. Choosing smaller sizes would lead to inconvenient situations where one might even run out of hot water.

Design

The market is filled with water heaters with different styles and color options. Homeowners should consider the layout of their bathroom to find a well-suited appliance. Another design factor to keep in mind is the color.

Warranty

Manufacturers offer one to three years of warranty for their product. This period extends to five years if they are any manufacturing defect. It helps to avoid spending on frequent repairs or part replacements. However, pre-applied warranty may not prove valid for DIY repairs, so it is essential to hire authorized professionals. People can also check with their local stores for added warranty on an appliance. Most importantly, set an initial budget for better cost savings.

Drain Inspection & Cleaning Benefits

When it comes to home upkeep, homeowners have a lot to keep up with! Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid significant problems down the line, but even the most meticulous homeowner will have clogged drains at some point.  While there are many ways to clog a drain, the most common cause of plumbing clogs is everyday use.  When things like hair, oils shampoo/conditioner, and more go down the drain, they may get caught on things or build up.  This takes some time, so if you are consistent with routine drain cleaning, you can often avoid the majority of drain clogs.

There are various DIY ways to clean you drains but they are not always effects against tough clogs and some can even damage your plumbing.  Some common signs of a clogged drain is a slow flow of water out of your faucet, a strange odor coming from your plumbing, or water draining slowly.  The exact source of the problem is hard to determine which is why it is best to have your plumbing professionally inspected and cleaned by a licensed plumber.  A truly experienced and effective plumber will use video inspection to more precisely determine the source and location of your plumbing problems.

Professional drain inspection and cleaning provides homeowners and business owners a number of benefits including reduced blockages overt e, reduced or eliminated odors coming from your drains, reduced plumbing repair expenses, faster water drainage, faster clog or problem detection that will ultimately improve plumbing lifespan, and much more. Further, drain video inspection helps you avoid damaging your walls, plumbing fixtures, and surrounding areas.

Common drain problems

Cooking and dishwashing causes grease to build in the gullies and inspection chambers. Excessive sediments of grease would result in regular blockages. Therefore, homeowners should follow preventive methods by pouring fat into a suitable container and dispose it accordingly once dried. Another excellent way of clearing grease is using higher pressure jets. It helps to break down deposits and prevent any further problems.

Tree roots often enter drain and cause subsequent blockages. It is problem common with systems placed near vegetation. Roots infiltrate chambers through cracks or defective pipe joints. When professionals are hired, they use CCTV surgery to identify issues and employ clearance measures. They also effectively remove protruding tree roots and replace the damaged pipeline.

Most gullys prevent slits from entering the drain. People should periodically inspect their drains and empty silt deposits before it reaches underground drains. Most commonly slit deposits lead to surface floods under heavy rainfall. This, in turn, results in expensive replacement costs because of the damage sustained from heavy rains. Professionals will use high pressure jetting to clear silted drains. However, recovery might get complicated for excessive siltation. Prompt actions are essential to prevent any expensive replacements.

Accidental flushing of toys or sanitary wastes down the drain could damage the chamber. This issues most common around households with children or pets. Fortunately, these blockages are easier to remove with elector-mechanical rodding. It helps to remove the items from the system rather than moving them to upper shafts. Similarly, accidental damages are also caused by installation of gas, water, or cable trenches. Hence, frequent services are essential to prevent any problems.

Structure defects, such as fractured pipes or displaced joints present an immediate threat to the overall structural integrity. Such an issue causes repeated blockages because they obstruct solids and debris. In such circumstances, homeowners need emergency remedial services to resolve the damage. They should also get in touch with their insurance company to avoid any financial burden.

Benefits of professional services

Frequent clogging of pipework can prove to be frustrating and distressing. Professional services provide prompt solutions to tack the problem and they provide a long-term solution. Their experience is vital to expertly assess the situation and take on a clog in the right manner.

Another advantage of hiring professional services is that they offer better quality. They use top-notch equipment and tools to conduct thorough inspections and repairs. They even clean chambers by clearing items that are stuck in the gaps. It is essential to prevent any problems in the near future.

Lastly, professional services are essential to deal with emergency situations. Homeowners need the assistance of experienced technicians to deal with overflowing toilets or sudden floods. They could fix the situation as quickly as possible and prevent any disastrous outcome. Their service is crucial to save money on repairs in the long run.

Have You Had Your A/C Tune Up Service Lately?

As we enter into the warmest season of the year in Arizona, we also enter into the season of having our A/C units truly put to the test.  The last thing you want is to have your A/C suddenly stop working on a hot summer day.  Everything needs routine maintenance in order to run properly and efficiently and you A/C unit is no exception. Air conditioners are expensive necessities which is why it is so important to conduct preventive maintenance which will help you avoid problems and emend the life of your home’s A/C unit.

Your comprehensive A/C tuneup should be through and include diagnostics which will help improve the performance of your HVAC system.  An ideal A/C tuneup should include a visual inspection of all A/C system components, replacing filters, inspection of indoor ducts, inspection of fuses and circuits, inspection of electrical connections, lubrication of all moving parts, inspection of drain lines, a check of your outdoor system components (fan blade, coils, motor, compressor, blower wheel, wiring, and more), and a test of both the heat exchange and thermostat to ensure proper functionality.  Hire a trustworthy and experienced professional to complete your routine A/C tune up service and keep your A/C running smoothly all year long.