One of the questions I often get asked is what’s the proper temperature to set a water heater at. The basic answer is that there is no one correct setting for all water heaters.
According to a White Paper recently released by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE,) many people mistakenly believe that a water heater set to 120 degrees (recommended) will not deliver water hotter than 120 degrees. The truth is that water temperature can fluctuate by 10 degrees or more, so while a temperature at the tap of 120 is relatively safe for most people, 130 degree water can scald the skin in 30 seconds.
While most water heater thermostats can be set at 150 degrees, or higher, manufacturers post warnings that settings over 125 degrees can scald the skin.
Some people like to set their water heater on the high side, between 140-150 degrees, and make adjustments at the tap, while others believe that setting the thermostat above 120 can be dangerous, raising the potential for scalding. How you set your thermostat depends on a number of factors, including the size of the heater, usage levels, recovery speed, and who will be using it.
It is very important to be aware of who will use the hot water. If young children live in the home, the potential for scalding someone’s skin increases, as their skin is much more sensitive to the heat than adult skin. You may want to turn the thermostat down 5 degrees or so to keep them safe from harm.
Water heaters heat from the bottom, and, as we learned in Science class, heat rises. That means that the water at the top of the storage tank, where the delivery outlet is located, could actually be hotter than the set temperature.
Additionally, most thermostats are not accurate enough to maintain a steady water temperature; it rises and falls with usage. For example, after we use a lot of hot water to take a shower, the temperature may have dropped 10 degrees or more until the water supply has been reheated, at which point it will be considerably hotter than it would an hour later, after the heat has dispersed throughout.
Setting the thermostat below 135-140 degrees raises certain health concern issues. I won’t go into all the science here, but warm water is prime breeding ground for Legionellae bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease.
So does that mean that we are caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place? No, it does not.
Thanks to advancements in water tempering and limiting technologies, along with simple common sense practices and devices that can be installed, both scald injuries and bacteria growth can be prevented. To find out how, read the ASSE White Paper: Understanding Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards. (PDF opens in new window)
If you have issues with your Noblesville home’s hot water temperature, give 3C Plumbing a call at (317) 850-5114 for prompt, reliable service.
Whether you need to simply replace a thermostat, or a new water heater installed, we can get the job done quickly and efficiently, at a reasonable price. When we install a new water heater, you pay what we pay; we do not mark up the cost of equipment!
Indiana is known to have “hard” water throughout the state, requiring many home owners to install a water softener. But does water quality change from area to area? Is the water in Carmel less hard than in Indianapolis? If so, is it enough to really make a difference? Water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iron salts, is considered “hard water.”
According to the Indianapolis Water Company, Indy’s water hardness averages about 12 to 20 grains per gallon, the measure used to determine water softener settings. (Water hardness of 0 to 3.5 is considered soft, 10 is very hard.) Water hardness can even vary in different parts of the city, depending on the hardness of the source water used to supply different treatment plants, but even so, it’s pretty apparent that a water softener can improve the quality of Indianapolis water.
“Carmel’s water quality is ‘Excellent,'” stated Carmel Mayor Brainard in a 2000 Water Quality Report. While that may be so, according to City of Carmel Utilities, Carmel’s water contains up to 8 grains hardness per gallon, which is considered moderately hard water. For some people, this level of hardness may be acceptable to use without treating it further with a water softener, for others, not so much. Whether the water is soft enough without further treatment is something Carmel home owners must decide for themselves.
Hard water is objectionable for two main reasons:
- The calcium, magnesium and iron salts react with soaps and forms insoluble soap scum that reduces cleaning power, and sticks to fabrics to give a dingy appearance. This scum is also responsible for forming that hard-to-clean ring in the bathtub. Excess soap has to be added to react with all of the calcium, magnesium and iron salts.
- Hard water can build up “scales” inside boilers. At high temperatures the calcium, magnesium and iron salts dissolved in the water form solid mineral matter coating the boiler or heater. Scale is a poor conductor of heat, and energy is wasted to heat the water.
Visit water softeners page to read more about their pros and cons, plus additional information to help you make the decision whether or not to install a water softener in your Indianapolis, Carmel, or Noblesville home. Or give us a call, (317) 850-51144. It can be a complex and confusing issue, and we’ll be glad to answer your questions to help you make the decision.
(Article updated to reflect City of Carmel Utilities 2014 Water Quality Report.)
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In 1992, the Federal government set up regulations that required all new toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, a major reduction from the 5 or 6 gallons many older toilets used. And while most of us understand the need to conserve water, both for the environment and to save money, not too many people ran out and replaced their existing toilet with a low flow model unless they needed to.
Instead, many people used the trick of placing a brick in the tank to take up space and reduce the amount of water used per flush.
One reason that low flow toilets weren’t readily taken to heart was that many people felt that early models, which just reduced the amount of water flow, just didn’t get the job done with 1.6 gallons, and required two, or even three flushes.
Well, we are happy to report that toilet technology has come a long way since 1992. Toilet manufacturers modified designs in some cases, and in other cases changed the traditional method of waste disposal entirely to improve the efficiency of low-flow toilets.
- Dual-action toilets, which let you choose an “A” or “B” flush, are also a popular option.
- New design options, from low silhouette to one-piece to wall-mounted, provide creative freedom not previously available.
- A wide variety of innovative choices are now available from American Standard and Kohler.
If your precious old commode is finally ready to retire, don’t despair. The right toilet for you is out there. Your biggest problem may end up being choosing from all the models you like.
Once you’ve made your choice, 3C Plumbing can provide the expert toilet and bathroom fixture installation needed to ensure trouble-free performance for years to come. If your home is in Noblesville, Fishers/Geist, Westfield, Carmel, or anywhere in the North Indianapolis area, give us a call at (317) 850-5114 to schedule a free in-home inspection and estimate.
3C Plumbing, Noblesville, IN, is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor in the State of Indiana; License #PC10701074
Know what you’ll pay before the work is done.
Call (317) 850-5114
Today is the first day of autumn, which means that it’s time to think about preparing your home for the coming winter. One of the most frequent calls we get during the winter is to repair damage caused by frozen water lines, a particularly frustrating and costly event for home owners.
To help our friends in Noblesville, Fishers, and throughout Central Indiana avoid this nasty problem, we offer these tips to help prevent water lines from freezing during the winter months:
- Insulate all water pipes from cold moving air and keep them dry. While we can certainly do this for you, it is a pretty simple DIY project for the average weekend warrior. eHow.com has a good article with tips on How to Insulate Your Water Lines.
- Use either heater tapes wrapped around the pipes in exposed areas like outdoor water spigots, or a heated reflector lamp in a dry enclosed space like an uninsulated basement.
- Heater tapes work with a built-in thermostat. The tape must be wrapped between the pipe and the insulation to work.
- If you use a lamp, make sure to check it periodically to see that the light bulb is working on cold nights.
- If electricity is unavailable or goes off, let the water run at a slow constant drip; it’s cheaper than repairs.
- First, start a slow drip on the hot side faucet, then a faster drip on the cold side faucet.
- There is no need to run a lot of water.
- Bathrooms can be cold, as long as they aren’t freezing.
- Remember to insulate and heat the drain lines in crawl spaces and cold basements.
- Always unhook your water hose from your outdoor spigot in the winter, or before the weather in your area starts to get below freezing.
- The water inside the hose can freeze, and the freezing continues back into the spigot until it reaches your piping.
- If you have PVC plastic piping leading to this spigot, it will burst.
If this all seems like too much for you to handle on your own, 3C Plumbing is here to help. Give us a call at (317) 850-5114. The cost to have us insulate your home’s water lines and pipes will be a lot less than if we need to come out to repair them.
]]>This action was taken to encourage Hoosiers to continue conservation measures that will help recharge depleted water supplies that haven’t yet reached their full pre-drought levels even though most areas of the state actually had normal or above normal rainfall in August and September.
- U.S. Drought Monitor released October 16, 2012
The National Weather Service reports that while increased precipitation has improved present conditions, many water supply reservoirs and underground aquifers have not yet returned to their normal levels.
The U.S. Drought Monitor released on October 16, 2012 shows that while not currently under any water restrictions, most of Indiana is still rated as “abnormally dry” or facing “moderate drought” conditions.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water’s goal to reduce water usage by 5% at the “watch level” by encouraging residents to follow a variety of voluntary actions set forth in Indiana’s Water Shortage Plan published in July, 2009, which include:
- Find and fix water leaks. A leaking toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. Common sources of leaks include:
- Running toilets
- Steady faucet drips
- Home water treatment units
- Outdoor sprinkler systems
- Install water-efficient plumbing fixtures.
- A major water use inside the home is toilet flushing. A high-efficiency toilet (1.6 gallons or less per flush) can save 14,000 to 25,000 gallons of water per year.
- Install low-flow faucets, aerators and shower heads
- Consider purchasing a high efficiency washing machine, which can save fifty percent in laundry water and energy use.
- Eliminate wasteful water habits, such as running the dishwasher or clothes washer when only half full or allowing unused water to run; use the appropriate load size selection on the washing machine.
- When using water outdoors, control hose flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
- Reuse water for non-drinking purposes. Before pouring water down the drain, consider other uses for it, such as watering plants or garden.
For more information, download the complete report: Indiana’s Water Shortage Plan (PDF opens in new window)
If you need help with your water conservation efforts, give 3C Plumbing a call at (317) 850-5114. We can address any visible issues, repair or replace leaky appliances, fixtures or faucets, and find hidden leaks that may be wasting water and costing you money.
]]>- Farmers’ Markets – Spend some time checking out locally produced meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, breads and cookies, pies, and lots more. Local-area Farmers Markets include:
- Wilson Farm Market, 1720 East 256th Street, Arcadia (US Hwy 31 and 256th Street) – daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Westfield Farmers’ Market, 130 Penn Street, Westfield (one block north of Main Street (Hwy 32) next to City Hall) – every Friday from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Carmel Farmers’ Market at the Palladium, 3 Center Green, Carmel – every Saturday from 8 AM – 11:30 AM
- Theatre and Concerts:
- "Once Upon a Shoe" at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Center Green, Carmel – This Jr. Civic Musical is a fully staged musical presented by kids, for kids. Dates: June 15-20: Fri at 7 PM, Sat at 5 PM, Mon/Tue at 10 AM and 1 PM, and Wed at 1 PM. Tickets: $8 – 10.00. Call 317-843-3800 for more information.
- “Hollywood Arms” at the Belfry Theatre,10690 Greenfield Avenue, Noblesville – A funny and deeply moving story of three generations of women pursuing their dreams, based on Carol Burnett’s best-selling memoir. Dates: June 8-9, 15-17, 22-24: Fri/Sat at 8 PM, Sun at 2 PM; Tickets: $15 ($12 under 13). For more information, call 317-773-1085.
- Songbook Hall of Fame Gala at the Center for the Performing Arts, 3 Center Green, Carmel – With special guests Barry Manilow, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and the family of Cole Porter. Date: Saturday, June 16, 6:00 PM. (Please verify the start time with the venue. Tickets: $500 ($5000 table of 10; $7500 corporate table). Call 317-819-3521 for more information.
- Marsh Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers – Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, with Ryan McAdams, Conductor and Stephen Beus, Piano. Date: Saturday, June 16, 8:00 PM; FREE Admission. Call 317-639-4300 for more information.
- Dave Matthews Band in Concert at Klipsch Music Center, 12880 East 146th Street, Noblesville – Dates: Two shows on June 22-23 at 7 PM. Tickets: Venue Box Office or Ticketmaster. Call 317-776-8181 for information.
- Parsons Dance Live at the Tarkington Theater, The Center for the Performing Arts, 3 Center Green, Carmel – Part of the 2011-2012 Dance Series at the Carmel Palladium. Date: Friday, June 22, 8:00 PM; Tickets: Venue Box Office. Call 317-843-3800.
- Marsh Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers – "Heroes and Victors — Music from Sports Greatest Films," with Alfred Savia, Conductor. Dates: Friday, June 22 & Saturday, June 23 at 8 PM; FREE Admission. Call 317-639-4300 for more information.
- Jennie DeVoe Live at Midwest School of Voice, West Main Street, Carmel – featuring a live music performance by Indy’s own singer-songwriter as she shares her music and her journey in an intimate, salon concert setting. Photo opportunities available with attendees. Date: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 PM; Tickets: $165. For more information, call 317-660-1372.
- Lady Antebellum in Concert at Klipsch Music Center, 12880 East 146th Street, Noblesville – Date: Sunday, June 24 at 7 PM. Tickets: Venue Box Office or Ticketmaster. Call 317-776-8181 for information.
- Phish in Concert at Klipsch Music Center, 12880 East 146th Street, Noblesville – Dates: Thursday, June 28 & Friday, June 29 at 7:30 PM. Tickets: Venue Box Office or Ticketmaster. Call 317-776-8181 for information.
- Marsh Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers – "The Music of Queen," with Brent Havens, Conductor and Brody Dolyniuk, Vocals. Dates: Friday, June 29 & Saturday, June 30 at 8 PM; FREE Admission. Call 317-639-4300 for more information.
- Marsh Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers – Star Spangled Symphony," with Alfred Savia, Conductor and Daniel Narducci, Vocals. Dates: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, July 2 – 4 at 8 PM; FREE Admission. Call 317-639-4300 for more information.
- Forest Park Classics, Forest Park in Noblesville – every Friday evening in June & July, enjoy free classic movies, games, live music and activities for the whole family. Games & music begin at 8:00 PM, and the movie starts at dusk, around 9:30 PM. Next up on June 22: Africa Screams with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. View the complete schedule of Classic Movies at Forest Park.
- Chateau Thomas Wine Bar in Fishers, 8235 East 116th Street, Ste 235, Fishers – Love wine? Love classic movies? Love big screens? Need a break from the kids? Then call the sitter and join the crowd every Thursday at 6PM for the some of your favorites. Popcorn will be available. Next up on June 21: Three Godfathers, starring John Wayne. Download the Fishers Classic Movie Night Schedule PDF
As you can see, Summer 2012 is in full swing throughout Hamilton County. We will post more information about other events coming up later this summer over the next few weeks. ]]>
- Farmers’ Markets – Spend some time checking out locally produced meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, breads and cookies, pies, and lots more. Local-area Farmers Markets include:
- Wilson Farm Market, 1720 East 256th Street, Arcadia (US Hwy 31 and 256th Street) – daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Westfield Farmers’ Market, 130 Penn Street, Westfield (one block north of Main Street (Hwy 32) next to City Hall) – every Friday from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Carmel Farmers’ Market at the Palladium, 3 Center Green, Carmel – every Saturday from 8 AM – 11:30 AM
- My Marsh Golf Classic, The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club, 12255 Club Point, Fishers – Thursday, May 28 to Sunday, June 3; this inaugural event gives you a chance to see professional golf up close as women from all over the world compete hoping to earn their LPGA Tour Card.
- Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers – Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM; experience life in 19th-century Indiana through special exhibits, classes, kids’ activities, special events and more.
- Drake In Concert, Klipsch Music Center, 12880 East 146th Street, Noblesville – Friday, June 1, 7:30 PM
- Jazz on the Square, Main Street, Noblesville – 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM; enjoy the smooth sounds and ambiance of the annual Jazz Squared Concert Series! Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic basket for a cool time on a hot night. First up: Lonnie Lester on June 1.
- Pizza PLUS Express, Indiana Transportation Museum, Forest Park, Noblesville – Saturday, June 2, departing from Noblesville’s Forest Park at 5:00PM. This unique experience makes a great family outing for a summer Saturday night. Enjoy a ride on a beautifully restored antique train and dinner in one of three great restaurants located near the courthouse square in downtown Tipton.
- Classic Movie Nights:
- Forest Park Classics, Forest Park in Noblesville – every Friday evening in June & July, enjoy free classic movies, games, live music and activities for the whole family. Games & music begin at 8:00 PM, and the movie starts at dusk, around 9:30 PM. First up on June 1: Woman of the Year, starring Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. View the complete schedule of Classic Movies at Forest Park.
- Chateau Thomas Wine Bar in Fishers, 8235 East 116th Street, Ste 235, Fishers – Love wine? Love classic movies? Love big screens? Need a break from the kids? Then call the sitter and join the crowd every Thursday at 6PM for the some of your favorites. Popcorn will be available. First up on June 7: Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Download the Fishers Classic Movie Night Schedule PDF
As you can see, Hamilton County does not lack things to do during the summer. We will post information about other events coming up later this summer over the next few weeks.
]]>If you are one of them, you should seriously consider installing a water filtration system in your home, and using refillable, recyclable, BPA-free water bottles. (We buy a two-pack of Rubbermaid 20 oz. water bottles, with openings large enough to add ice cubes, for about $6 at our local grocery or discount store.)
According to Business Insider, U.S. residents drank 9 billion gallons of bottled water in 2008, at an average of 30 gallons per person, more than either milk or beer.
Unfortunately, this is a very bad habit for us, as a culture, to have developed, for a number of solid, virtually inarguable reasons.
First of all, unless a water bottle is clearly labeled as “Mineral Water” or “Spring Water,” most bottled water is simply filtered tap water, just like you get when you turn on your faucet.
According to the Daily Green, a consumer guide from Good Housekeeping, in 2009, 47.8% of all bottled water was plain tap water. In fact, big name brands, like Pepsi’s Aquafina and Nestle Pure Life were forced to change their labels a few years ago to accurately describe where their water came from: public water sources.
Next, let’s look at the cost. This may come as a shock, but bottled water can be more expensive than gasoline!
- A 16 ounce bottle of water can cost as much as $1.00, or more, at your local convenience store.
- At that rate, a gallon of water would cost $8.00, twice the cost of a gallon of gas, even at $4.00 a gallon.
And contrary to popular belief, bottled water is not safer or healthier to drink.
- First, about 70% of all bottled water never crosses state lines for sale, making it exempt from FDA oversight, so we really don’t know if it’s any safer than tap water.On the other hand, municipal water is regularly inspected for bacteria and toxic chemicals, as it falls under the purview of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Second, 22% of bottled water brands tested contained chemical contaminants at levels that were higher than strict state limits
Last, but certainly not least, think about all those plastic water bottles that are going into our trash. A staggering statistic from Daily Green reveals that:
- The production of water bottles uses 17 million barrels of oil a year
- It takes three times the water to make the bottle as it does to fill it.
- Only 15% of the more than 30 billion plastic water bottles produced each year get recycled; the rest end up in the trash, landfilled, littered, or incinerated.
Add the fact that recycled bottle plastic can only be re-used in non-food products, and we can clearly begin to see that, essentially, there is no way for bottled water to be as environmentally, or economically, responsible as tap water.
So, while a new water filter for your home may cost you a bit up front, it will end up saving you money, as it helps save the planet.
In our next post, we will discuss the different types of water filters that are available for home use.
To discuss adding a household water filter to your home, give us a call at (317) 850-5114.
]]>- 5th Annual Geist Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, May 19, 2012, 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – organized to inspire health and wellness in the children surrounding the reservoir, the Geist Half Marathon raises funds to benefit physical fitness programs being jointly implemented within the schools. Last year’s race was sold out with 6,000 registered participants raising money for the Geist area schools. More information: Geist Half Marathon website
- Annual Garage Sale: June 1-2 – This year’s community garage sale for Geist Harbours neighborhoods will be June 1-2, 2012. Check the online version of the Geist Community Newsletter for more information as it becomes available.
- Appliance / Electronic Recycling, June 2, from 9am to 2pm at the Geist Christian Church (south parking lot) – this free community recycling event gives area residents an opportunity to dispose of old appliances or electronics in an environmentally safe manner. (There’s a $5.00 fee for TVs, computer monitors, and mattresses only.) Items accepted include: stoves, ovens, microwaves,washers, dryers,dishwashers,refrigerators,furnaces, a/c units, phones, game systems,laptops,printers, tvs, computers, mattresses, etc. Paint and/or hazardous materials will not be accepted.
- Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation Golf Outing, June 4, 2012 from 12pm to 7pm at the Hawthorns Golf and Country Club – enjoy a complete program of special events, 18 holes of golf including cart, box lunch, and a post event cookout with awards and prizes. Proceeds of this popular area event benefit the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to enhance, improve, and support the educational experience for both teachers and students. Call 317- 594-4100 for more information.
- St.Simon Festival, June 7, 2012, 11am to 11pm at the St. Simon the Apostle School – kick off the summer with St.Simon’s annual Festival, featuring great food, carnival rides and games for the kids, and BINGO, a beer garden, and a Vegas room for the older crowd. Call (317) 903-5130 for more information.
- July 4th Blast on the Bridge – celebrate July 4th at the biggest block party of the summer on the Geist Reservoir bridge. From 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm, the Fall Creek Road bridge closes to car traffic and converts into a family-friendly fireworks pre-show featuring a boat parade, skydivers, music, food vendors, and a KidsZone, all topped by an amazing fireworks show scheduled to start at dark. Visit the Geist Lake Coalition website for more information, including a schedule of events, as it becomes available.
More Hamilton County community event information coming soon.
]]>- The Fishers Summer Concert Series is held on the lawn at Fishers Town Hall Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm in June and July.
- Movies in the Park is a free, outdoor movie series held each year in August and September in various locations each week.
- Fishers Gets Moving is an on-going free program brought to you by the Fishers Parks & Recreation Department. It is designed to encourage and to help you “get moving” and make healthy choices.
- Fishers Parks & Recreation offers a variety of Adult Sports Leagues for ages 18 and up, including:
- Fishers, IN Parks & Recreation Co-Ed Adult Softball Leagues
- Fishers, IN Parks & Recreation Adult Sand Volleyball Leagues
- Fishers, IN Parks & Recreation Co-Ed 6v6 Soccer – Saturdays, April 21 – June 9
- Fishers, IN Parks & Recreation Men’s 7v7 Flag Football – Sundays, April 22-June 10
- Fishers, IN Parks & Recreation Co-Ed 7v7 Ultimate Frisbee – Tuesdays, April 17-May 29
The 2012 Fishers Park & Recreation Fun Guide provides complete information about all the 2012 Fishers Parks & Recreation events and activities, their cost, if any, and how to register for those that require it.
And that’s just events in Fishers; we haven’t even mentioned Geist yet! This bucolic community surrounding Geist Reservoir hosts events with the unique flavor of the community. We’ll take a look at some of them in our next post.
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