Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical

See How a Natural Gas Water Heater Works

A natural gas water heater is an efficient solution for home water heating. These storage water heaters use gas supply lines, flue pipes for exhaust, and water supply lines for the water heating cycle. Natural gas enters the heater and is burned to heat the water; during heating, exhaust fumes escape through the flue. Hot water is then ready to be supplied to the homeowners.

This video explores natural gas water heaters in detail. With an external temperature control knob, homeowners can control the setting of their water heaters for a balance of comfort and energy savings. Near the bottom of a water heater is the drain valve, which can be used to periodically drain sediment from the tank.

For more information about maintaining your water heater, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363. Visit us online to explore our selection of high-efficiency water heaters today!

Happy Valentine's Day from Beacon Heating & Plumbing!

Hope you have a sweet day with your loved ones.

What You Need to Know to Avoid a Septic System Nightmare

Septic systems require regular maintenance and key mechanical components in order to operate safely and smoothly. Without the right care, your septic system can cause a whole host of issues, from property damage to health hazards. Having your plumber inspect your system regularly and install a few safety measures can prevent major septic system problems.

  -  Regular system maintenance is necessary for your septic system to function optimally. Over time, sludge, or solid waste, builds up in the bottom of your septic tank and can eventually overcome the tank’s natural enzymes’ ability to break it down. This can result in slow-flowing drains or backflow in more severe cases, which can cause water damage and expose you to potentially dangerous pathogens.

  -  The installation of septic pumps and back-water valves can keep water flowing in only one direction, as the system is designed to do, while improving the regular function of a septic tank. A pump moves water and sewage from your home’s drains to the tank. A pump is especially useful if your plumbing is located below the level of sewer lines or the tank itself.

  -  Ask your plumber to install a tank alarm that monitors the water level inside your septic tank. These alarms alert you to dangerously high water levels and can help you avoid costly repairs.

  -  Drain fields also need to be maintained; they won’t work properly if they are oversaturated with rainwater. Excess water from your home’s gutters should always be directed away from your septic drain field.

  -  Have your septic tank pumped every three to five years, depending on your family size and water consumption.

For additional tips on keeping your septic system in sound condition, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363. We provide emergency septic service, install septic pumps, and much more. Visit us online for details.

Go Green! 5 Environmentally Friendly Plumbing Products

We all know how important going green is, and we do our best to implement those changes into every part of our lives.

Even plumbing has a lot of room for a green impact. And being eco-friendly here will help you with the utility bill, too!

Here are 5 environmentally friendly plumbing products for you home.

Eco-friendly toilets

There are two options here: low gallon per flush (GPF) toilets, or dual-flush toilets. The first use around 20% - 60% less water than higher GPF toilets, while the second offer a choice between long or short flushes.

Water efficient fixtures and appliances

Here, you want to look for products with a “WaterSense” label, which can reduce a sink’s flow rate by 30%. Products include restrictors on faucets, low-flow or adjustable-stream showerheads, and water-efficient model bathtubs.

Water softener

Fortunately, this product needs no alteration to be environmentally friendly. Water softeners treat hard water by replacing, through ion exchange, the minerals that cause it. No harmful chemicals are involved.

Powdered septic tank activator

This product, too, needs no changes to be eco-friendly. It is already comprised of a natural microbe additive, which is put into a septic tank to break down organic waste and stop blockages from forming.

Eco-friendly drain cleaners

Not all drain cleaners are eco-friendly, but many are. They use natural bacteria to safely and effectively break down substances and eliminate clogging. As a bonus, they also help get rid of bad odors.

At Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical, we believe in keeping our company green. We offer residential plumbing services as well as commercial and emergency plumbing. We are also experts in sewer line repair, heating and furnace repair, drain repair, toilet clearing, and sewer replacement. Contact us today to take care of your plumbing needs!

What are Grease Traps and Why it's so Important to Maintain Them

While there are many things you should avoid putting down the drain, perhaps the most damaging items are fats, oils, and greases. Though these substances are initially liquid and fluid, as they cool, they harden and congeal. Greases and oils can severely clog your plumbing by cooling and sticking to the sides of your sewer lines. If disposing of greases, fats, and oils in the trash is not a viable solution for your business, then consider installing a grease trap. Take a closer look at how grease traps work and how to maintain them:

How a grease trap works:

When you pour grease down the drain, it flows into the first compartment of your grease trap. Here, solid waste, water, and grease separate to form three layers of material: solid wastes at the bottom, water in the middle, and oil floating on top. After the three materials separate, a baffle, or screen, in the middle of the tank allows water to flow out of the first compartment into a second one. Here, the water is further cleansed of oils. Water that is completely clean flows out of the second compartment through a final baffle and goes straight into the sewer system.

How grease can affect your sewer system:

What’s left behind in the trap are the leftover grease and solid materials. Cleaning your grease trap regularly helps to ensure proper performance. Too much grease or solid waste buildup can cause your baffles to clog and back up your sewer lines. Having your grease trap maintained by a professional plumbing or waste removal service will ensure the health of your plumbing and sewer lines.

To learn more about the benefits of installing a grease trap at your restaurant, contact the plumbing experts at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. We provide high-quality grease trap installation and maintenance services, as well as emergency plumbing, sewer line repair, heating and furnace services, and much more. Call (206) 452-4363 for 24-hour service.