What’s The Importance of Water Filtration

What’s The Importance of Water Filtration We all know how essential water is. After all, humans are 60% water in their bodies, and doctors tell us that we have to drink at least 8 cups of it a day to maintain essential body functions. It is easy to pull water from our taps without considering the quality. Pollutants can ruin the taste, and cause short and long-term health effects! Thankfully, technologies exist to help you improve your water quality. Water filtration systems are not only convenient but also cost-effective. The EPA estimates that up to 40% of Americans utilize water filtration systems in their homes. This blog will explore the benefits of water filtration and why more Americans should have them in their homes! Why You Should Filter There are many benefits to filtering your water at home. After exploring these benefits, maybe you will consider adding filtration to your home sinks and appliances. Better Taste & Smell Water that is filtered typically tastes better than water that is not. Heavy metals contribute to the unpleasant taste of tap water. While most tap water is “safe,” it does not mean that there are no contaminants to be found. Water filtration systems help remove these metals, improving the taste! The same heavy metals also contribute to odd-smelling water. When your water smells bad, you are less likely to drink directly from the tap. There are also volatile organic compounds that contribute to bad smells, which can also cause damage to your body. Save Money & The Environment One reason that people purchase bottled water is to make sure that it is safe to drink. For example, when there are city-wide water contamination issues. However, with a filter at home, you can provide your source of safe drinking water. This will save money in the long run, as bottled water adds up. While costs for water in plastic bottles are high, having your filtration system also benefits the environment. With your filter, you will purchase fewer bottled water products. Practicing this will reduce the amount of plastic you produce daily, subsequently reducing your ecological footprint. Preserving Your Health Some contaminants and viruses can make their way into your home through drinking water. When water is unsafe to drink at this level, it impacts multiple parts of your day. For example, you cannot cook, brush your teeth, or wash food-related items. Furthermore, showering in contaminated water can also pose respiratory problems. If you have children in the home, the quality of water impacts them more severely. As their immune systems are developing, they must have clean water to drink. If they encounter contaminants, they are more likely to fall sick. Avoiding Natural & Manmade Problems If severe floods are in your area, such as from the city piping, contaminants can enter your water system. Floodwaters pick up debris and bring them into your home, which means that you will consume them without filtration. Other problems from areas such as construction sites can also cause contaminants in your water supply. Chemicals used at these sites can seep into the groundwater, eventually making their way into drinking water. For example, if a construction site is dealing with asbestos, it can contaminate your drinking water. Asbestos, in particular, is hazardous, posing severe health risks. Types of Water Filtration The point-of-use and whole-home filtration systems are the two central water filtration systems used in the home. Read more below to find out more about what these systems do for your home. Point-of-use Water Filtration Many people just want access to purified water from their main kitchen sink. This makes sense, as most of your drinking and cooking water should come from here. These filtration systems are relatively easy to install due to their single location use. Whole-home Water Filtration This type of filtration system is slightly more complex to install due to the location. Whole-home water filtration systems must connect to the main water line to filter all the water going into the home. If people have water issues throughout the house, this option might be most suitable. At HPS Plumbing Services, our water filtration experts can help you throughout Bakersfield and San Diego. Visit our website today or give our team of water specialists a call today to learn more about our services and how a water filtration system could benefit you and your family! What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues

10 Common Household Plumbing Problems Every home has plumbing problems every once in a while, no matter how old or new the home’s plumbing system is. There could be a plethora of problems related to your piping, fixtures, septic systems, and more that are more common than you may think. Wear and tear over time is completely normal and small parts connected to your pipes and fixtures can easily wear away sometimes quicker than their suggested lifespan. Other issues related to your home’s plumbing could involve how often your system is maintained. Here are some common problems related to plumbing in households. Dripping Faucets A dripping faucet with even the slowest, smallest drip of water can end up costing you more money on your home’s water bill and wastes gallons of water over time. Low Water Pressure Low water pressure can affect all of the faucets in your home from your bathroom to your kitchen sink. The leading cause of low water pressure is calcium and sediment buildup in pipes that make it hard for water to pass through. Other causes could include pipe corrosion and blocked sewer lines, which a licensed plumber can easily diagnose and fix. Clogged Drains Have you noticed that the water drains from your sinks or tubs at a snail’s pace? That means your drains are clogged. Almost anything that can fit through the opening of your drain can cause a clog like hair, small toys, build-up, and more. You can avoid this by cleaning your drains regularly, or for more complicated problems, contact a plumber to help remove the backup. Leaking Hose Bibb During the summer, you may experience a leaking hose bibb. Hose bibbs often crack during cold months in the winter, which leads to leaks during the summer. You can buy a frost-proof hose bibb to prevent this. Sump Pump Failure A sump pump collects water in a sump basin and is usually found in basements. Sump pump failures usually occur when there are problems with the switch, improper pump installation, water overflow, or if you have had the pump for over 10 years. Broken Water Heater Sometimes water heaters malfunction and your warm, comfortable shower can quickly turn into a cold and uncomfortable nightmare. There are many issues that can cause a water heater to fail like your pilot light going out, sediment buildup in the tank, faulty thermostat, and more. The safest way to fix your water heater is by calling a professional to inspect it and make repairs. Jammed Garbage Disposal Most newer homes have garbage disposal systems that help you grind down solid foods that would otherwise clog your pipes if it was thrown down the drain. However, garbage disposals can jam from certain foods and silverware if you’re not careful. Easily free a jam by using the key that comes with or an Allen wrench to free the motor. Sewage Backup A sewer system backup is a smelly and nasty nightmare of a plumbing problem to have. They can cause your toilets to back up and can lead to a bad odor and buildup of human waste. A plumber can locate the blockage and fix your sewage system if the system is on your property. Running Toilet The sound of a running toilet is hard to miss. You can hear the water running for a long time even after flushing. A common cause of a running toilet could be a faulty flapper valve that controls the flow of water that passes through the tank. You can easily fix this issue by using a toilet repair kit that’s found at most hardware stores. If your toilet still runs after your attempt to fix it, then you should contact an experienced plumber to locate the problem and repair it. Clogged Toilet You can almost immediately notice when your toilet is clogged if you flush and notice the water in the bowl doesn’t drain but overflows. This is usually caused by a blockage of toilet paper and human waste and can be fixed by using a plunger. If you are experiencing troubles with your plumbing, HPS Plumbing Services can help repair, replace, and maintain your home’s plumbing. Call [[INVALID_TOKEN]] or contact us online to resolve your plumbing problems today What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

Benefits of Winterizing Your Sprinkler System In most parts of the U.S., temperatures can drop rather quickly in the winter months, including here in Bakersfield. Your sprinkler system can suffer in the winter, like any other mechanical plumbing system located outside of your home. The components inside of your sprinkler system can freeze, even if the temperature isn’t below freezing outside. Also, if you set your sprinkler on a timer, the water inside can freeze if too much time has passed since its last cycle, which will result in the sprinkler head cracking and bursting. Winterizing your pipes will keep them safe from weather-related destruction and benefit them all year long! Here are some of the benefits of taking extra steps to protect your sprinkler system. Stops Cracks in Their Tracks Even if your sprinkler isn’t being used, water can stay in your irrigation pipes long after you’ve used the sprinkler. As the temperature drops for good and winter makes its way in, excess water can freeze and expand. When the water in your sprinkler expands, it will cause your pipes to eventually crack and burst. Sometimes cracks happen instantly if the temperature is cold enough Other times, as more water builds up as temperatures drop, cracks can form over time. We suggest keeping an eye on your sprinkler and examining it carefully for cracks. When temperatures rise again, the frozen water will melt, and gallons of water a day will be wasted due to leaks. Avoid Violating Your Warranty Sprinkler systems usually include a manufacturer warranty, or when one isn’t included, you can sometimes purchase a warranty for your protection. Depending on the manufacturer of your sprinkler system, if you don’t properly drain your sprinkler, your warranty may not cover the damage from freezing. Some warranties include a recommendation that you drain the water from the sprinkler using air pressure, known as the blowout method. In some cases, manufacturer warranties alert customers to follow these instructions to avoid your warranty being voided if the sprinkler is damaged from expansion. Adds An Extra Layer of Protection Just like if you were to winterize your home’s plumbing system by installing insulation to save your pipes from bursting in the winter, the same thing applies to your outdoor sprinkler system. Winterizing your sprinkler can help it last longer because it provides an extra layer of protection against the elements. Adding an extra layer of protection to your sprinkler system will allow you to use your system in the winter to keep your grass crisp and green. Nothing’s better than a healthy lawn year-round. Extends the Lifespan of the Sprinkler Sprinkler systems can be costly, especially when you have to buy a new one sooner than when you’re ready. Shopping for a new sprinkler system can be removed from your list of things to do if you take the right measures to protect it from cold temperatures. Winterizing your system will also help prevent the pipes from rusting early. Several components in your sprinkler are susceptible to rust like the sprinkler head and valves. Winterizing Is Easy We know what you must be thinking, but contrary to what you may think, winterizing your system isn’t too complicated to do. Once you take the steps to learn how to winterize your system, it can be pretty cut and dry. However, if you decide that it’s not a project you want to do yourself, you can always rely on your local plumbing experts to assist you and do it for you. Keeping Your Sprinkler System Working Winterizing your sprinkler system may not seem like a big deal to you, but we know how damaging it can be to leave your system out to dry in the winter. Our team at HPS Plumbing Services is here to help you keep all aspects of your home’s plumbing in check all year long! We can repair or winterize your sprinkler, inspect your home’s plumbing, and more. We want to hear from you! Contact us today at (661) 426-2166 to schedule your appointment and speak with one of our plumbing professionals What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

Signs Your Home’s Pipes are Wearing Out

Ways to Know If Your Pipes Need to Be Replaced Finding a leak on your own without professional help may not be easy, especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. Signs of broken or damaged pipes may not always be as obvious as you might think. Considering your plumbing system as a whole, thinking about replacing pipes in certain areas of your home like the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room may feel overwhelming. There are a few general rules of thumb to keep in mind when it comes to a plumbing system for any home. Things to Keep In Mind Here is some basic information to keep in mind about replacing pipes in your home. Getting plumbing inspections annually can help prevent unforeseen emergencies. Regular inspections help save money over time on repairing and replacing pipes. Annual inspections are necessary for homes at least 50 years or older. All plumbing naturally goes through wear and tear over time which leads to leaking pipes and bursts. While all of these factors are generally applied to everyone’s plumbing, here are some additional signs that your plumbing needs extra attention. Discolored Water Clear-looking water almost always means that there are no issues with your plumbing. But if you run water from the tap or in a shower or tub and the water appears to be a rusted color, yellow, green, black, or any other color, you should call your local plumber to inspect your pipes. Minerals sometimes get into the water, but older and decaying pipes can cause different colors in your water, so it’s best to get a second opinion. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls Have you looked around your house lately and noticed a strange discoloration on your walls or ceilings? Water stains are brown and bleed through paint, especially lighter colored paint. Water damage on walls and ceilings can also appear as bubbles in wallpaper or peeling paint. If you see these signs for the first time, you should contact a local plumber to inspect and investigate the possibility of a leak or damaged pipe. Cracking Not visible from the outside, but cracks existing in your pipes behind walls, in ceilings, or underneath the floor means you need a replacement. Although cracks can be very difficult to catch, a professional plumber can catch a crack with routine maintenance and inspections. Other cracks in pipes may be visible under the sink or in other areas where there are exposed pipes. You can easily see water flowing from a small hole in the pipe, and if you do, you should immediately address the problem. Decreased Water Pressure After a long day out, you come home to take a shower and notice there’s less water coming out of the showerhead no matter how high you turn the water up; then there is an issue with the pipe that delivers water to your shower. Decreased water pressure could mean there is a water main issue or there is an internal issue with your home’s pipes. If you always have decreased water pressure, you may need new pipes installed. Grinding and Clanging Loose pipes will bang together and create a clanging or banging noise. When pipes are loose, they can cause tension that can lead to pipes bending. Pipe Repair and Replacement in Bakersfield If your pipes are in need of piping and repiping, our expert plumbers at HPS Plumbing Services can get the job done right! We have been servicing homes in the Bakersfield area for many years and are here to help when you need us. Give us a call at (661) 426-2166 to schedule a plumbing inspection. What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

Reasons to Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home

Reasons to Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home It’s finally happened – you’ve found the perfect home. You put in an offer, and to your surprise, it’s accepted! There are just a few things left to take care of before the move: packing, hiring a moving company, and scheduling a plumbing inspection. Wait, what? A plumbing inspection? Yes, that’s right. It may not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but it’s one of the most important. Buying a new home can come with a lot of confusing tasks to add to your to-do list, but our team at HPS Plumbing Services wants to help you get your home’s plumbing started on the right track. Here are a few reasons why you should schedule a plumbing inspection before buying your new home. Hidden Pipe Leaks Not only are hidden leaks a huge inconvenience, but they can also end up costing you a pretty penny if they go a long time without being discovered. A plumbing inspection will help you not only find the leak well ahead of time but give you negotiating power for the original owner to fix it before you sign off on any paperwork. Your plumber will search for leaks in places like underneath cabinets, outdoor pipes, and any exposed pipes in areas like the basement if your new home has one. These are some of the most common areas of pipe leaks. Your plumber will also look for signs of hidden leaks in the walls, flooring, ceiling, tiles, and outdoor spaces like a slab if the home sits on one. A Faulty Water Heater Your home’s water heater is one plumbing appliance you definitely don’t want to go without, so it’s important to have it inspected before signing on the dotted line. Your plumbing inspector will check for things like the size of the tank, how old it is, what type of energy source it uses, and whether there are any leaks around it. If your new home has an electric water heater, your inspector will also check the wiring to make sure it meets current codes and standards. Gas-powered water heaters will be checked for leaks and proper ventilation. Scheduling a plumbing inspection can give you some much-needed peace of mind knowing that you’ll be comfortable in your new home’s shower or bathtub! Expensive Fixture Repairs If you’re moving into an older home, there’s a good chance some of the plumbing fixtures are old. While that vintage clawfoot tub may be gorgeous, it could end up costing you a fortune in repairs down the line. Your plumbing inspection will check all of the home’s plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. Your inspector will look for any signs of leaks or damage and let you know if any of the fixtures need to be repaired or replaced. While some fixture repairs may be minor and inexpensive, others can be quite costly. It’s better to know about them ahead of time so you can factor them into your budget or use them as negotiating power with the seller. Lost Time and Money The last thing you want is to move into your new home only to find out there are plumbing issues that need to be fixed. Not only will this cause a lot of stress and frustration, but it can also end up costing you a lot of time and money. Scheduling a plumbing inspection before you buy your new home can help you avoid all of that by giving you the opportunity to get any necessary repairs or replacements done before you even move in. This way, you can start enjoying your new home from day one without worrying about plumbing problems! Let HPS Plumbing Services Handle Your Plumbing Inspection! If you’re looking for an experienced plumber in Bakersfield, look no further than HPS Plumbing Services. Our team of experts will thoroughly inspect your new home for plumbing problems so that you can rest assured your home’s plumbing is ready to go for your family! Give us a call at (661) 426-2166 to schedule your inspection! What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

Why Water Filters are Important in California

The Advantages of Installing Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems in California As a California resident, you’re probably all too familiar with droughts and water contamination. Did you know that one of the best ways to combat these problems is to install a whole-home water filtration system? Not only will it remove particles from your water, making it safer to drink, but it will also lead to softer skin and may even save you money in the long run. In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of water filtration systems and their functions so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your home. Safer Drinking Water One of the main advantages of having a whole-home water filtration system is that it makes your water safer to drink. This is especially important in California, where there have been multiple water contamination scares in recent years. A filtration system will remove any harmful particles from your water, giving you peace of mind knowing that your family is safe from contaminants. Softer Skin and Hair Another benefit of filtered water is that it can lead to softer skin and hair. This is because filtered water does not contain any of the harsh chemicals that are often found in tap water. As a result, your skin and hair will be less dry and brittle, and you may even notice a difference in your complexion. Save Money on Household Cleaning Products If you’ve ever tried to clean with hard water, then you know how difficult it can be to get things truly spotless. That’s because the minerals in hard water make it difficult for soap and detergent to work properly. As a result, you end up using more cleaning products, costing you a lot of money over time. With a whole-home water filtration system in place, your soap and detergent will be able to work more effectively, saving you money on household cleaning products. Types of Water Filtration Systems Finding the right filtration system to fit your home’s needs is key to having the best water quality. There are three main types of whole-home water filtration systems: carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and ultraviolet (UV) light systems. Carbon Filtration Systems Carbon filters are the most common type of whole-home water filtration system. They work by removing contaminants from your water through a process called adsorption, which is when contaminants are attracted to and then held onto the surface of the carbon filter. Carbon filters are effective at removing a wide variety of contaminants, including chlorine, lead, VOCs, and more. Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis systems work by forcing your water through a semipermeable membrane. The holes in the membrane are small enough that only water molecules can pass through, leaving behind any contaminants that might be present in your water. Reverse osmosis systems are very effective at removing dissolved contaminants like lead, fluoride, and arsenic. Ultraviolet Systems Ultraviolet (UV) light systems use UV light to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that might be present in your water. While UV light systems are not as effective at removing dissolved contaminants as reverse osmosis systems, they are much less expensive to operate and require less maintenance. Let HPS Plumbing Services Install Your Water Filtration System Installing a whole-home water filtration system is a great way to improve the quality of your water while also saving money on bottled water and reducing your environmental impact. If you’re concerned about the safety of your family’s drinking water or you’re looking for ways to get softer skin and hair, then filtered water is definitely the way to go. Give HPS Plumbing Services a call today, and we’ll get started on installing your very own filtration system! What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

HPS Mechanical Funds Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Hospital

HPS Mechanical Funds Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Hospital Donations poured in Thursday to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, which is under construction on the campus of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.When complete, relatives of sick kids receiving care at Memorial may stay overnight or take a breather while little ones receive medical care. Work may be done by late spring.Les DenHerder, owner of plumbing company HPS Mechanical, gave a $100,000 gift. The family-owned business marks its 50th anniversary in 2009. To celebrate, DenHerder said the company and its 240 employees want to give back to the community.And that’s not all: The firm offered to provide the plumbing and labor at the house.The charity also received:$50,000 from the Golden Empire McDonald’s Co-operative.$23,325 from the Bakersfield Condors.$16,000 from the Volkslauf Committee of the Marine Corps League.The 1,200-square-foot building donated by Bakersfield Memorial Bakersfield, is the sixth Ronald McDonald House in the Southern California region, and the 285th in the world.It will feature a kitchen, laundry facilities and computer stations. Kern’s McDonald’s owner-operators helped make the house a reality.“McDonald’s is the best friend that any charity could possibly have,” said Vince Bryson, executive director of the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House. Of Bakersfield, he said: “I have never quite seen a community like this — so caring, so giving and with no expectations in return.”Relatives would pay $15 per night to stay at the house, and local Rotary Clubs would cover those costs if a family could not. Bakersfield Fire Capt. Quincy Sloan knows firsthand the comfort a Ronald McDonald House offers. He and his family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles when his son Evann needed care.“When it’s your child, it can be devastating,” he said. “Families are going to come through here and they will all have the same feeling. They will say what I’m to say to you: thank you.” What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

HPS Walks for Kids for Ronald McDonald House

HPS Walks for Kids for Ronald McDonald House (June 2013) HPS has been a longtime supporter of local charities. Over the years HPS has stayed involved in donating financial resources and numerous volunteer hours to such worthy local causes as Habitat for Humanity, ACS Relay for Life and Memorial Hospital’s Ronald McDonald House, which opened on June 4, 2009 to serve local families with severely ill children.With the help of our employees and vendor partners, HPS was able to raise over $1000 for the 2013 Walk for Kids event held on June 1st at the CALM facility.The event was a great success in helping Ronald McDonald House to raise close to $200,000 for ongoing operations in the Kern County community. To learn more about how you can help the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House please visit:www.bakersfieldrmh.orgThanks again to the following HPS vendor partners for their very generous support!MD Concrete Cutting & DemolitionWholesale FuelsArrache & PotterHawthorne CAT of San DiegoCode Precast Products What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

HPS helps Habitat for Humanity in Home Builder Blitz

Giving Back to the Community through Partnerships HPS has partnered with McCarthy Builders and other San Diego Contractors to help Habitat for Humanity build affordable housing for deserving families in El Cajon, CA. These families must qualify in advance by showing need for better housing, financial ability, and commitment through volunteer hours to help Habitat for Humanity with other ongoing and future projects. Habitat has set a lofty goal for the contractors involved, asking them to build four homes in only five days. Supporting affordable housing has been a long time goal for HPS and its employees and we are proud to be part of helping the El Cajon community better the lives of some of its finest citizens. If you would like to contribute to the efforts or know of any friends or neighbors that might benefit from working with Habitat for Humanity, please visit their website for more details at www.habitat.org. What’s The Importance of Water Filtration Common and Preventable Plumbing Issues Keep your sprinkler working this winter.

HPS Safety Barbecue

Home Blog Blog HPS Safety Barbecue HPS Mechanical has always prided itself on its closeness to our employees. That’s why we have quarterly safety barbecues where all employees without a safety violation in the prior year are eligible to be rewarded with gift cards and cash prizes up to $500. We understand that the job site is a dangerous place and that our team should be rewarded for staying safe. We also recognize that our people are what make us successful and we will continue with our goal to make sure each and every employee gets home safe to their families. Our Safety Committee meets regularly to discuss new ideas on ways to improve our safety culture. If you have any ideas you would like to share, please email them to us at safety@hpsmechanical.com.  HPS Safety Barbecue HPS Plumbing Partners with Wounded Heroes Fund Tips to Keep Your Drains Healthy During the Holidays!