Pipetechs Plumbing Technologies Earns 2016 PHCC Safety Award

Owatonna, Minnesota - The tenth annual Safety First! Contractor of the Year Award was presented to Pipetechs Plumbing Technologies, a Raleigh, North Carolina business.Federated Insurance presented the award on October 21 at the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors-National Association Connect 2016 national convention held in San Antonio, Texas.

The Annual Safety First! Award recognizes a PHCC contractor who utilizes Federated’s resources to effectively implement sound risk management practices. Hundreds of clients are eligible each year to receive this prestigious honor, but Pipetechs Plumbing Technologies vigilant approach to employee safety distinguished them from their peers.

Pipetechs conducts an employee safety meeting each week, and uses the Seven Minute Safety Trainer app available from Federated Insurance to address specific topics. The company also follows formal hiring Practices, including motor vehicle records checks, and provides their employees with a drug-free workplace.

Owner Dale Nichols, who recently attended the Federated Insurance Rick Management AcademySM, states “Federated Insurance helps me manage risks to protect my contracting business and employee.”

Congratulations to Pipetechs Plumbing Technologies for earning the 2016 Contractor of the Year award through their diligent attention to Safety First!

Picked as Top 10 Plumbers in Raleigh

Pipetechs Plumbing has been selected as being one of Raleigh's Top 10 Plumbers by Expertise.com

Why These Plumbers?
Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored Plumbers on more than 25 variables across five categories and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best Plumbers in Raleigh, NC.

Our Selection Criteria:
1. Reputation
A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.

2. Credibility
Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.

3. Experience
Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.

4. Availability
Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.

5. Professionalism
Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.

Article: https://www.expertise.com/nc/raleigh/plumbing
Award: https://www.expertise.com/nc/raleigh/plumbing/award


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Happy Earth Day From Pipetech Plumbing

Here are some plumbing tips on how to help save mother earth and keep your pocket full of more green.

Faucets

Eco-friendly faucets are a simple way to reduce everyday water consumption. New models offer the water pressure you want with less water wasted. Today there are even motion sensor faucets available to save water (and money) starting in the bathroom sink. Motion sensor faucets are perfect for saving water when brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Plus, when our technicians install a motion sensor faucet, it will prevent unsightly gunk from building up around your faucet handles.

Toilets

Did you know that toilets use nearly 30% of the water consumed in an average home? That’s way more water than a shower, dishwasher, or washing machine. Replacing an outdating toilet with a low-flow model is a cost-effective way to reduce your water bill. More modern toilets use 20% to 60% less energy compared to their original counterparts (which often use 7 gallons of water per flush) without losing any of the functionality.

If your home already has low-flow toilets, you can choose to reduce your water usage even more by installing a dual-flusher. A dual-flusher allows you to choose how to flush with the touch of a button. One option is specifically for liquid waste, and the other for solid. Griffin’s Pismo plumbers can install a dual-flusher for you. Most models cost less than $25.

Showerheads

Water-efficient showerheads will considerably reduce water flow up to 1.75 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) compared to the standard flow of water at 2.5 GPM. For folks who tend to take longer showers, a water-efficient showerhead is perfect for you. Instead of using 5 to 8 gallons of water with a traditional showerhead, a low-flow showerhead uses only 2.5 gallons or less without sacrificing water pressure.

When you choose a water-efficient showerhead you’re actually saving money in multiple ways – you’re saving on the amount of water you use to shower, and you’re saving on the amount of energy it takes to heat your water!

Water Heaters

Our plumbing experts recommend tankless water heaters are a great way to go green. As water heaters age, they lose their efficiency. When you’re ready to replace your water heater, go tankless. Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient (Over 20% more than a traditional water heater) and save space. In fact, by going tankless many homeowners save $80 to $100 annually – and the technology is only improving every year.

Don’t let your dollars go down the drain. Eco-friendly plumbing fixes can help save the planet and your wallet! To learn more, give us a call at (919) 293-1221 or schedule an appointment online with our Pipetechs Plumbing.

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PIPETECHS PLUMBING FEATURED ON MAKING YOUR HOME GREAT

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Making Your Home Great Featuring Pipetechs Plumbing

Making Your Home Great is a show that airs on WPTF AM 680 on Saturdays from 2pm - 3pm.

The show is here to allow you to get advice on a wide range of topics from the Triangle leaders in home improvement.

Pipetechs Plumbing Dale Nichols, talking about leaks, mold, and the fun stuff that plumbers get into during their workday.

Clogged Sewer line - part II

In our last blog we wrote about owner Dale Nichols going to unclog a sewer line on Christmas Eve. During his service call Dale suggested that the pipe have a video inspection performed since this issue has been recurring. A technicians went out and ran a video inspection and found roots in the line. Dale had made an excellent recommendation to get this issue resolved quickly and professionally. Below are the pictures from the video footage.

Clogged Sewer Line

Pipetechs Plumbing to the rescue on Christmas Eve. Owner Dale Nichols heads out to a service call for a clogged sewer line. In this video, he demonstrates how to clear out the line and explains how roots can get in the line and cause serious issues. He suggests video inspection since the issue has been recurring, and not at the best times as this call was on Christmas Eve.

Pipetech Plumbing Technicians Get Level 3 Repair Training by Rinnai

Pipetechs Plumbing Technologies is glad to have 7 technicians finishing the level 3 Repair training class that was sponsored by Rinaii. The Level 3 Repair Training covers common issues seen in the field, Identifying issues related to environment and building envelope causing errors, troubleshooting, and repair techniques, and more! Pipetechs Plumbing Technologies takes pride in being the leader in tankless water heaters.

To learn more about the 2019 Product Training go to https://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/virtual-tour  

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A Reason For The Freezin', It's Enclosure Season!

It is that time of year again! Temperatures drop and everything starts freezing. During the low temperatures you want to keep your home or business safe from freezing pipes, pipe burst, and backflow freeze over. When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

Backflow devices are found throughout the United States to protect our drinking water from contamination. The way that backflow devices work do not change in varying climates but there are differences of backflow prevention protection in warm and cold climates, how they are managed and what time of year.

Call Pipetechs Plumbing to learn more about how we can help protect your home of business. One of our trained technicians will gladly check the backflow on site. We will advise you if you are WEATHER READY. You do not want to be in the cold and no water during the holiday season. Pipetechs Plumbing Technologies is a Duke FIND IT, contractor.

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What Does Your Uniform Say About You?

Courtesy of Supplyhouse.com

When working with the public, making a first impression is highly important. Arriving at the job-site with the proper attire to work, looking clean and professional gains the customers trust. No matter the years of experience or the skill-set you’ve acquired, if you don’t dress appropriate for the job-site, you will not be successful.

Opening a business and having trouble picking the attire your team will be sporting to the job-site? Not sure what to wear to work? Use this helpful guide to learn what your uniform will say to your customers and anyone who sees you!

Jet Power II

Duke’s partners with cities to ensure sewer pipes not only stay free of roots, but also grease. Effective for grease removal in wet wells, manholes, lift stations and sewer lines, Jet Power II® is a grease liquefier that is non-corrosive, biodegradable, non-acidic and non-caustic and will not damage sewage treatment plants, pump stations or sewer jet trucks. Containing powerful surfactants that leave the sewer virtually grease free after just one pass, Jet Power II® is jet-sprayed upstream from the affected pipe. Watch this brief video to learn more.

Introducing Neuron

THE PERFECT DROP-IN SOLUTION

Tankless Water Heaters

When space and cost are important deciding factors, you can count on our Neuron Series units for superior performance and reliability.  Ideal for commercial applications, our tankless water heaters provide 94% thermal efficiency and are constructed for maximum durability – even in the most demanding commercial applications.

Key Features

  • Compact Drop-In ReplacementNeuron Series units are over 8” slimmer than a typical tank and feature similarly located water in and out for easy hook up without the need to re-pipe. Replace typical tank units in a flash.

  • Built-In Redundancy – All Neuron Series models come with two separate heat engines, independently controlled thus eliminating additional expense and space for a redundant backup water heater.

  • Direct Cell-LTE Connectivity – Remotely access and monitor Neuron Series units via LTE cell connectivity feature. No need to connect to your building’s Wi-Fi.

  • Mobile App, telliCare® – Use Intellihot’s mobile app and start monitoring your unit. Check water inlet/outlet temperatures, flow rates, flue gas temperatures and life of key parts, available on your mobile device of choice.

  • Low Gas Pressure Operation – System operates on low gas pressure, down to 2.5” WC, without reduction of capacity.

  • Mitigate Legionella Risk – With no storage tanks there’s less risk for Legionella growth. Eliminate the need for mixing valves and their associated unreliability and costs.

Scale Free Heat Exchanger

Our heat exchanger floats freely to accommodate all thermal shocks and stresses. Made of 316L stainless steel it offers superior corrosion and erosion resistance. It has a patented self-descaling design that prevents lime scale buildup. It has no welds on the water side to ensure robustness to chlorides. Our heat exchangers create energy reduction of up to 40%+ when compared to tank-type water heaters and 15%+ over other non-condensing water heaters.

CHOOSING Between TANK & TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

Tank water heaters are the most common, with a reserve of hot water that is maintained 24 hours a day.
Tankless or on-demand water heaters produce hot water as it is needed without the use of a storage tank.

Conventional storage tank water heaters keep water heated constantly which can provide hot water for heavy demands, but can also waste energy. When selecting a tank size, consider the peak hour water demand. If you only use one shower in a given hour, your tank will probably be able to handle the load. However, if there are times where multiple fixtures and appliances are running simultaneously for extended periods, an undersized tank may not contain enough hot water to support your activities and will take some time to heat back up again. Tank heaters work best in a situation where a household might use multiple showers at the same time every morning. They run on natural gas, propane, oil or electric. Gas and oil tank water heaters use chimney, power or direct venting and electric units do not need to be vented.

In tankless systems, water enters the heater and heats up instantly. As long as max per-minute flow rate is not exceeded there is no end to your supply of hot water. Since the water is heated on demand, the size is important and you will need to purchase a unit that can handle your water needs at any given time. They are sized based on maximum usage per minute. For example if you run two showers simultaneously in the morning, you will need to account for the combined water usage. Your geographical location can also impact tankless sizing because the temperature of your supply water can affect how much water can be heated at any given time. Tankless heaters work best in a household where multiple showers are taken one right after the other. They are available in natural gas, propane or electric. Gas tankless water heaters use power or direct venting and electric units do not need to be vented.

Call Pipetechs at 919-293-1221 to find out more about which option is best for you.


EZ SMOKE Leak Detection System

Pipetechs specializes in sewer leak detection and has the latest technology to get the job done right. With EZsmoke visible vapor technology we now have one tool that offers three ways to locate leaks. EZsmoke locates leaks behind walls, under cabinets and in hard to reach places of all kinds. EZsmoke's patented non-toxic visible vapor - or smoke - technology offers one of the simplest, most reliable methods for tracking down and locating leaks ever created. With EZsmoke you find leaks with smoke, dye or citrus scent.

The wireless remote control makes it easier than ever to operate. Whether in a home, business, multi-story commercial building, restaurant, school or shopping mall, EZsmoke makes finding cuts, cracks, fractures, punctures, porosity or unsealed fitting leaks fast, safe and easy. Call us at 919-293-1221 to find out more about our new EZ Smoke Technology.

Expansion tanks

Expansion tanks are critical components to your Plumbing and Hydronic Heating systems because they prevent your pumps, pipes and other components from bursting.

Expansion tanks are needed by hydronic heating systems and most plumbing systems to contain the water as it expands when it starts to heat up.

When the system is first filled with cold water from your supply line, the pre-charge pressure of the expansion tank is equal to the supply line fill pressure, this pressure keeps the diaphragm flush against the tank. However, as the temperature of the water in the system increases it expands and the expansion tank diaphragm flexes against the air cushion to absorb the added pressure, the Pre-Charge tank pressure is usually 12 DPI for Hydronic Heating and 44DPI for a plumbing system. Call us at 919-293-1221 to find out more about expansion tanks.

Courtesy of Suplyhouse.com

Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention protects potable water systems from potential hazards. There are over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year. Backflow devices are required by law and must be installed in accordance with plumbing or building codes. There are many different types of backflow preventers used in various applications.

During normal operation, the pressure between the two check valves, referred to as the zone of reduced pressure, is maintained at a lower pressure than the supply pressure. If either check valve should leak, the relief valve is designed to open and discharge water to the outside. An RPZ will periodically discharge small amounts of water due to fluctuation in line pressure up or downstream of the assembly. For this reason, the RPZ should be installed in areas that are not subject to water damage and allow adequate drainage.

Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies, or RPZs for short, are the most complex, but safest type of backflow preventer available today. Installed between the city's water supply and the plumbing system of large residential and commercial structures, RPZs protect the water supply from any backflow contamination. They achieve this through a variety of safety measures. Call us at 919-293-1221 to find out more about your backflow prevention.

Courtesy of Supplyhouse.com