Water conditioner resolves scale buildup issue
Problem: Mixing valves are a common source of problems due to scale buildup. Even when a water softener treats the hot water system, the untreated cold water entering a mixing valve can still deposit scale when it combines with hot water. As a result, frequent maintenance is often required. This issue became particularly significant in a multifamily building in Denver. The property used 50-gallon electric water heaters operating at 140 degrees F, with mixing valves installed downstream to increase the available volume of hot water. However, higher temperatures significantly accelerate scaling, and this was clearly evident in the mixing valves.
Solution: The installation of an Aqua-Rex WK5 unit on the 6-inch boosted cold water supply resolved the problem. Initially, the system began descaling the water heaters, breaking down existing scale into small debris particles. Most of this debris passed through the strainers protecting the mixing valves. After a couple of months of periodic cleaning, the debris cleared completely and no further buildup was observed.
Result: The onsite maintenance team found they no longer needed to respond to frequent emergency callouts caused by hot water shortages. Instead, they were able to focus on planned maintenance across the property. Tenants also benefited from reduced scale on showerheads and faucets, and many noticed that the water felt softer, allowing them to use less shampoo and personal care products. 702-304-2170; www.aqua-rex.com
Magnetic filtration incorporated into boilers
Problem: Pompetti Heating & Air Conditioning, a family-owned company serving Delaware and Chester County since 1982, identified heavy system contamination in a multiunit building in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, with dirt and debris increasing the risk of inefficiency and premature boiler failure. With new boilers needed, protecting the system became a priority.
Solution: After being introduced to BoilerMag through Betz Plumbing Supply, Pompetti chose to incorporate magnetic filtration into the system. They installed two BM/R filters on two Lochinvar KHB 155 boilers. The system also included a buffer tank, baseboard heaters and an indirect hot water maker, making comprehensive system protection essential.
Result: By installing filters, Pompetti significantly improved system protection by eliminating sludge buildup, which is the leading cause of boiler failure. This resulted in increased boiler efficiency, reduced operating costs and extended system lifespan. “We want to protect the new boilers and our supplier recommended BoilerMag,” says company owner Nick Pompetti. The system is now set to operate reliably and efficiently for years to come. 800-260-2124; www.boilermag.com
Biological formula eliminates kitchen drain grease and odor
Problem: A Midwestern homeowner began experiencing slow drainage and persistent foul odors coming from the kitchen sink. Over time, FOG had built up along the interior walls of the household drainline. This buildup restricted water flow and created a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Traditional solutions such as hot water flushing and chemical drain cleaners only provided temporary relief because they did not remove the grease coating inside the pipes.
Solution: To address the root of the problem, the homeowner began using Drainmaster, a biological drain treatment from Cape Cod Biochemical formulated with specialized bacteria that digest FOG. The product was applied directly into the kitchen drain during the evening when water use was low, allowing the bacteria time to attach to the grease buildup. Once activated, the bacteria begin producing enzymes that break down fats, oils and grease into smaller molecules. The bacteria then consume these molecules as a food source, converting them into harmless byproducts such as water and carbon dioxide. As the bacteria continue feeding, the grease layer lining the pipes is gradually reduced.
Result: Within the first week, the homeowner noticed a significant reduction in odors. As the bacteria digested the grease deposits, the drainline opened up and water began flowing more freely. After several weeks of consistent use, the kitchen drain was fully restored. Odors disappeared and the sink drained normally again. By continuing a monthly maintenance dose of Drainmaster, the homeowner now prevents grease buildup before it becomes a problem. 800-343-8007; www.septiconline.com
Multipurpose System chosen for home of occupant with mobility challenges
Problem: Jesse Faust, a former firefighter and EMT, sustained partial paralysis after a severe car accident. When it came time for the design of his new home, he needed ease of access along with safety features to keep him and his family protected in the event of a fire.
Solution: After seeing how commercial buildings benefit from fire sprinkler systems, Faust wanted a residential solution that would work in his home. He learned about Uponor AquaSAFE — a multipurpose PEX piping system that combined with his home’s AquaPEX plumbing. Louie Van Den Bergh, owner of Van Den Bergh Plumbing, went through online training to prepare for the install. “You just follow along and take a test at the end of each training section,” he explains. “It was pretty easy.”
Result: By choosing Uponor AquaSAFE, the Faust family gained both peace of mind and enhanced safety. Faust emphasized the importance of this system, saying, “Being that I’m handicapped, and I don’t get around that well, fire sprinklers make a huge difference. They’re almost a lifesaver for me.” The system’s integration with the home’s Uponor AquaPEX plumbing lines offered a seamless and reliable solution, providing installation ease for the contractor and reliable safety for the family. 800-854-4090; www.gfpiping.com
Plumber uses air admittance valves to solve drainage issues
Problem: Kimbel Donayre, owner of Kimbel Donayre Plumbing since February 2022, is a skilled expert with a Red Seal plumbing license and extensive experience in the Niagara Region. Recently, he tackled a repair in a newly constructed bathroom where the previous plumber had installed a toilet, sink and shower, but the shower was not draining properly. “It would drain very slowly, so that every time they used the shower, water would build up and overflow to the floor,” says Donayre, adding that his first step was to “put my camera down the P-trap to see what was going on.” Donayre decided to jackhammer the floor, cut the pipe and add a temporary vent to investigate a potential venting issue. Improper venting can create an airlock, leading to slow drains by causing a pressure imbalance that hinders airflow in the plumbing system.
Solution: After determining the issue was, in fact, venting, Donayre placed an Oatey Sure-Vent Air Admittance Valve inside the linen closet, the most convenient place to install it. The valve is a venting solution for island sinks and remote bathrooms, designed to block sewer gases by reacting to pressure changes. It eliminates the need for conventional stack vents and is available with PVC or ABS adapters, fitting pipes from 2 to 3 inches in diameter. They can handle a drainage fixture unit load of up to 160 (branch) or 72 (stack). Since the shower was in the basement, traditional venting would be too costly for the client. That is why the Sure-Vent was a great alternative solution.
Result: Donayre diagnosed the problem in a week, but installing the Sure-Vent took just a few hours, making the shower usable again without drainage issues. He found the two-in-one product easy to install for any pipe size and readily available from local suppliers. Since installation, client feedback has been positive. 800-321-9532; www.oatey.com
Sewer system helps replace failed septics
Problem: Devola, Ohio, is an unincorporated community in Washington County. It has about 2,700 residents and 561 failing septic systems. County leaders and their project engineer planned to replace the tanks with grinder pumps, but capital costs, operating costs and logistical issues resulted in decades-long project delays — and many gallons of untreated waste released into the groundwater.
Solution: An effluent-pumping sewer system, the Orenco Prelos Sewer with an expandable design and simple controls system, won over county leaders after they saw it in action in nearby Dupont. It had lower operational costs while allowing the community to expand the number of connections as it grew. Small-diameter service lines that follow the contour of the land were installed using directional boring. These lines carry primary treated effluent from the Prelos Processor being installed at each home to an existing gravity sewer. The processor comes standard with an S-Series simplex control panel — an electromechanical panel used to control single pump and alarm functions in onsite septic systems. The panel includes a motor contactor, which increases system life by reducing the load requirements on the float switches.
Result: Washington County Commissioners were pleased with the results as the system immediately saved money on upfront costs, with savings also expected on operation and maintenance over the long term. 800-348-9843;
www.orenco.com
High-efficiency boilers replace failing water heating system
Problem: Two 75-gallon gas tank water heaters failed with a small leak in a single-family home built in 2007 just outside of Athens, Georgia. Knowing the tank was 18 years old, Mark Brannon of C&C Plumbing and Well Services realized the threat of a flooded basement required a quick replacement strategy.
Solution: Brannon recommended replacing the tanks with two Rheem Maximus with LeakSense 50-gallon super-high-efficiency gas tanks. ENERGY STAR certified and boasting a fast recovery — up to 156 gph recovery at a 90-degree rise. The existing tanks were B-vent and required new vent lines installed in the home. Maximus can be vented via concentric venting, requiring minimal terminations on the side of the house. Brannon and his team ran four 2-inch PVC pipes across the ceiling, then connected them to the two concentric vents.
Result: The homeowner is thrilled with his Maximus install, and with up to 312 gph and built-in LeakSense protection, plenty of hot water is never an issue. 800-621-5622; www.rheem.com
Installation supports accessible living in compact build
Problem: A fully accessible garden suite was being constructed in Toronto for a young man who sustained a spinal cord injury in a bicycle accident. The home was designed to support daily independence while accommodating mobility equipment and an accessible vehicle. Mechanical space presented a key constraint. The utility area had to be located beneath a staircase leading to the apartment above and preserve full garage clearance for a wheelchair accessible van and ramp system. The tight footprint eliminated the possibility of a traditional tank water heater.
Solution: The team selected the Rinnai SENSEI RX199iN to meet both spatial and performance demands. The wall-mounted unit weighs just 55 pounds and fits within compact installations, making it well suited for the understair location. The condensing tankless system delivers up to 0.98 UEF and provides continuous domestic hot water. With output up to 5.7 gpm at a 70 degrees F rise, the system supports simultaneous use across multiple fixtures without temperature fluctuation. Enhanced heat exchanger design improves efficiency and long-term durability.
Result: The installation maximized usable space while delivering reliable hot water performance for daily routines. The consistent access to hot water supports comfort and independence throughout the home. 800-621-9419; www.rinnai.us
Contractor replaces failed macerating pump with upgrade for basement half-bath
Problem: Guardencio Lopez, owner and operator of Ricky Home Improvement in Flemington, New Jersey, was hired to complete a basement half-bath addition for a homeowner who had already purchased a macerating pump from Amazon. Unfortunately, it failed to perform as needed, lacking sufficient power to pump wastewater even 5 feet vertically. The result was poor functionality, mounting frustration and an expensive misstep.
Solution: Lopez contacted SFA Saniflo directly to diagnose the issue. A company representative recommended the Saniaccess 2 macerating pump as a replacement. Designed for basement and above-floor bathroom installations, it features a powerful motor capable of pumping wastewater vertically and horizontally, along with a compact design and quiet operation. Lopez installed the system, benefiting from straightforward installation and responsive customer support, ensuring a smooth transition from the faulty unit to a reliable alternative. “I was most impressed with how intuitive the system was,” says Lopez, “I was able to install the unit in under two hours.”
Result: The new system delivered immediate improvements in both performance and noise levels. The Saniaccess 2 provided efficient waste removal and quiet operation, fully meeting the homeowner’s expectations. The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the product’s reliability, while Lopez was impressed by its ease of installation and overall performance. 800-571-8191; www.saniflo.com
Thermostatic balancing simplifies hot-water recirculation in multifamily project
Problem: Luke Paschal, owner of Aquious, a family-owned plumbing company in Reno, Nevada, recently tackled a common new project challenge: balancing a domestic hot-water recirculation system without time-intensive manual adjustments or callbacks. The newly constructed Canyon’s Edge Apartments, with two three-story buildings with 48 total units, required consistent hot water delivery across all fixtures. Like many large residential projects, improper balancing could lead to temperature fluctuations, long wait times and ongoing service visits.
Solution: Matt Reilly, director of residential trade at Zurier, recommended CircuitSolver thermostatic balancing valves from ThermOmegaTech for the application. Each building was equipped with eight 1/2-inch thermostatic balancing valves to achieve optimal balance throughout the system. Installation was completed during the project’s first phase in May 2024. Paschal remarked that the installation process was incredibly straightforward. “I turned on the hot water, waited a bit and everything was automatically balanced,” he says. “I walked away happy! I would tell [contractors] to install and walk away; no training or special equipment is needed.” Paschal noted that the thermostatic valves eliminated the need for manual adjustments, which had been a challenge with previous projects.
Result: Six months after the installation, Canyon’s Edge Apartments have been fully leased, and residents have not complained about hot water availability. The system has performed flawlessly. “It has become our go-to solution for balancing hot-water recirculation systems,” Paschall says. 215-261-5659; www.circuitsolver.com
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