Are you considering installing an auto water leak detector and shutoff system? Discover the benefits, costs, and considerations in this informative article.

Tips to Prevent Pipe Freezing This Winter

Delve into the mysterious origins of Halloween, unearthing its ancient Celtic traditions, Christian influences, and the cultural impact that turned it into a global celebration. Discover the enigmatic history behind this beloved holiday

Here's how you can protect yourself when it comes to home repairs: • Check if the contractor is licensed and/or a member of a recognized association that requires certain education and professional standards. We don't mind you asking to see our Plumbers licenses, in fact we are proud to have them and would take it as a compliment that you are concerned on who you have working on your property • Get multiple opinions and estimates. The dispatch fee that is offered to quote prices is good for 2 weeks if you decide not to have the work performed that day or wish to get other prices. If you decide to have us do the work within 2 weeks then the dispatch fee would be credited back. • Ask about any service fees prior to scheduling an appointment. We have a dispatch fee that gets the plumber to your door to quote prices and perform the work. The fee waived if you approve the price for any work quoted. • Make sure they accept credit card or check. Don’t accept cash-only deals. Payment maybe made by check, credit card and of course cash. We never have cash only prices on any service we perform. • Get everything in writing. You will have the option to approve prices before any work has begun. • Avoid contractors who pressure you to make a quick decision. Our flat rate manual is reprinted on a scheduled basis. So if you make the decision now or 2 months from now the price will most likely still be the same. • Avoid door-to-door repairmen or those who solicit you. We do not solicit door to door. • Look into their online reviews. You can't satisfy everyone no matter how hard you try. Read any replies the company has made or ask. • Remember - you get what you pay for. Coupon deals that seem too good to be true usually are. Time to time we do offer coupons, but none we would consider too good to be true. • Avoid companies with unmarked vehicles. Make sure the contractor you contact is able to tell you the official name of their business. Our business name is all company service vehicles along with our Arkansas Master Plumbing License number • Discuss the work you’re looking for before the contractor begins the job. Make sure they know not to proceed with any repairs before discussing the price with you. We quote prices for your approval. • Don’t leave valuables out in plain sight. That should be a given. See below • Make sure someone is home during any work that’s being done We prefer to have someone home that can make any decisions that may develop during our time on the property. We will not enter a home if no one over the age of 18 is there.

What I'm about to tell you might surprise you. Are you ready to get personal? You should never flush toilet wipes down the toilet. If you do, it's likely you'll end up with major plumbing problems. It's not really very surprising that consumers are under the impression that this is perfectly fine and normal. I mean, it says right there on the box, that the product is flushable. The information below should convince you otherwise... The nasty truth that few people actually discuss is that, even though it's out of sight, that seemingly harmless little toilet wipe you just flushed down the drain will not disappear or disintegrate. The point is, yes, toilet wipes will flush, but no, they will not break down easily, and yes, they will clog your drain. Flushing a toilet wipe down your toilet has the potential to cause serious damage. So when you flush just one and it doesn't clog your pipes immediately, imagine everything you flush in the future snagging on it, expanding, and gathering together in your pipes. It's not going to be pretty, and it's not really going to be cheap or easy to fix, either. Aside from all of this, everything you flush down the toilet that doesn't dissolve ends up at wastewater treatment facilities. Workers end up sifting through what's left in the water. This includes tampons, condoms, wipes, and more. The trash in the water ends up where trash always does: the landfill. The tampons (along with condoms, floss, chewing gum, baby wipes, and everything else) you're flushing down the toilet are damaging to your drain. They're going to end up in the landfill anyway. Save yourself the future headache and only flush the 3 P's down the toilet. Put toilet wipes where they're going to end up anyway: in the trash. When you experience a clog, you may never know exactly what’s clogging your system, but if you know that you use wipes every day and flush them, then you can bet that it’s very likely that the wipes will eventually clog up your drains. Getting an Associated Plumbers plumber out to do toilet repair and drain cleaning may be necessary, especially if you can’t flush the toilets because of the clog. The only thing you can hope for is that the clog is not too bad to where you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars to fix the problem, but it’s very likely to cost you hundreds of dollars when the problem has become bad enough to where there is a clog that’s caused by wet wipes. Call us at 501-666-9483 with any questions or concerns

Lightning: Myths and Facts Survival Enthusiast, Surviving in a thunder storm can be an interesting challenge, more so than many think. While not that many people are necessarily killed each year in a lightning strike, it does happen and it is a dangerous situation. Needless to say it is no small ordeal being struck by thousands of volts of electricity, but even more dangerous is the lack of knowledge people have on good lightning survival. Today we will separate a few common facts from fiction. MYTH 1: Always Seek Low Ground It has often been said that if you are trapped in a thunderstorm you should immediately seek to bring your body to the lowest point, theoretically so the strike can safely pass over you. Unfortunately this is not always true. This is based on the assumption that lightning always strikes the highest point, but that's not always the case! The lightning strikes where it will, and has even been known to strike flat ground, thus your crawling is no guarantee of safety. MYTH 2: Cars Are Safe Because Of The Rubber Tires While it is true that your car is often a sufficient shelter this is not because of the tires. It is believed that because the rubber is an anti-conductor of sorts that the tires offer you protection from the electric current. The unlikely opposite is actually true, however. Your car is safe because most of the current will flow through the car's metal flame, and over all structure of the car, which grounds it. This is important because it tells you it's a bad idea to lean on doors while nature is taking its course. MYTH 3: Lightning Never Strikes The Same Place Twice While most people tend to believe this it is actually flamboyantly false. Not only can lightning strike the same place twice, but it's likely to do so many times. In most cases lightning will flow into the nearest conduct so watch out for tall structures, especially if they contain metal. Keep in mind the Empire State Building was once used as a laboratory of lightning of sorts because it so often struck the building. Lightning can and will strike several times in the same place if it so chooses. MYTH 4: Hide under a Tree This is probably one of the more widely dispelled myths of the modern era. By now most people have a head knowledge that it is unwise to hide under a tree during a thunderstorm. It bears repeating because there still exists the temptation in the moment to take shelter under mother nature's generously provided shelter. It still comes with a tremendous risk. Just ask yourself, is it worth staying dry to bear that risk? MYTH 5: No Storm, No Problem Just because it isn't raining and the clouds aren't heavy and low doesn't mean you are in the clear. Lightning has been known to strike in unlikely places. Always be on the lookout in areas known for their frequent lightning strikes (such as southern Florida during spring and summer). MYTH 6: Never Touch a Strike Victim When someone is struck safety is important. It's also important to get the individual the care they need. They may require first aid and CPR. The truth is, the body does not store and conduct electricity. You are not going to be shocked if you touch the victim to apply first aid. MYTH 7: If you're inside You're Safe It is important to take shelter during a storm, but it is no guarantee that you're safe just because you're indoors. Many people have been struck in the safety of their own homes. It's important to be in a room that is free of too much metal or other conductors (such as in the shower) and that doesn't have a lot of electronics plugged in. You should make sure there aren't a lot of windows or other entry points where lightning can tear right through. Above all, just be safe, and stay informed! Courtesy of Survive@CavemanSurvivor.com

The health benefits of copper include proper growth of the body, efficient utilization of iron, proper enzymatic reactions, as well as improved health of connective tissues, hair, and eyes. It is also integral for preventing premature aging and increasing energy production. Apart from these, regulated heart rhythm, balanced thyroid glands, reduced symptoms of arthritis, quick wound healing, increased red blood cell formation, and reduced cholesterol are other health benefits of copper. The health benefits of copper are crucial for an overall healthy existence, as this mineral enables normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins. It cannot be produced within the body and therefore needs to be added from external food sources. It is the third most prevalent mineral in the body and it is mostly carried by the blood plasma protein, Ceruloplasmin. In order to enjoy the health benefits it must be included in the daily diet, as it is used up in daily bodily processes. Symptoms Of Copper Deficiency A deficiency of copper can have the following symptoms in human beings: Anemia Low body temperature Brittle bones Osteoporosis Dilated veins Low white blood cell count Uneven heartbeat Elevated cholesterol levels Low resistance to infections Birth defects Low skin pigmentation Thyroid disorders Some of the other symptoms include lethargy, paleness, sores, edema, stunted growth, hair loss, anorexia, diarrhea, bleeding under the skin and dermatitis. In infant boys, inherited copper deficiency of the rare Menkes’ syndrome can happen, where natural absorption of copper becomes impossible. Early medical intervention is essential in such cases. Important Sources Of Copper It is present in various food sources including liver, meat, seafood, beans, whole grains, soy flour, wheat bran, almonds, avocados, barley, garlic, nuts, oats, blackstrap molasses, beets and lentils. It also enters the human body through drinking water in copper pipes and by using copper cookware. Oysters are the richest sources. Copper content is lost because of prolonged storage in tin cans and in foods that are high in acid content. Health Benefits Of Copper Copper plays many important roles in maintaining a healthy body and some of its benefits include: Arthritis: The health benefits of copper relate to its anti-inflammatory actions that assist in reducing the symptoms of arthritis. The consumer market is also flooded with copper bracelets as well as other accessories for curing this condition. It can also work as a home remedy for arthritis; store water in a copper container overnight to accumulates copper traces. These are beneficial in strengthening the muscular system, so drink the water when you wake in the morning. You will feel energized and active for the day, because your metabolism will have a good source of this element for its daily processes. Proper Growth: Copper is essential for normal growth and health. Thus, it is very important to include this mineral in balanced levels in your regular diets. It is also helpful in the protection of the skeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. If you suffer from its deficiency, the normal and healthy growth of organs and tissues, as well as their proper oxygenation from an ample red blood cell concentration, would be impossible. Copper deficiencies are seen in many third world countries, and is reflected in the number of birth and growth defects in children of those nations. Pigmentation of Hair and Eyes: Copper is a vital component of the natural dark pigment, melanin, which imparts coloration to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin can be produced by melanocytes only in the presence of the cuproenzyme called tyrosinase, which is derived from it. Intake of its supplements also helps in protecting against graying of the hair, so while it is often overlooked as an antioxidant mineral, it does protect the integrity of those cells and keeps you looking young! It also maintains the color of your eyes, and is essential, along with zinc, to keep your eyes beautifully colored into your old age. Beef Connective Tissues: Copper is an important nutrient that plays a significant role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, myelin, body pigment melanin and collagen. It helps to protect the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves, and it is also actively involved in the production of elastin, an element of connective tissue that keeps the skin flexible. This also keeps your skin from looking older, by keeping it flexible and less prone to sagging and wrinkles. Brain Stimulation: Copper is widely known as a brain stimulant, which is why foods rich in this element are often classified as “Brain Food”. However, copper content in the diet has to be in correct proportions, because too much of it is also not healthy for the brain. It has a control function to play in the brain, so the amount of copper supplementation has to be balanced. It has been associated directly with higher thought processes, particularly in relation to the impact of its transporter protein, Atp7a. Studies have shown a direct link between its content within the brain and creative or out of the box thinking, showing that it enables neural pathways to develop in unique ways. Enzymatic Reactions: Copper is either an element or a cofactor in as many as 50 different enzymes that take part in various biological reactions within the body. These enzymes can function properly only in the presence of it. Without the enzymatic reactions in our various organ systems, our entire metabolism would slow down and the intricate network of reactions and metabolic pathways would cease to function in harmony. This is specifically important in certain brain pathways, particularly those involving dopamine and galactose. Utilization of Iron and Sugar: Copper helps in the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract and in the release from its primary storage sites like the liver. It also helps in the utilization of sugar in the body. By helping in the absorption of iron from food and other supplemental sources, copper guarantees a healthy red blood cell count and proper oxygenation of different organ systems. Without a proper supply of iron, people suffer from anemia, also known as iron deficiency, which can be a very dangerous condition resulting in fatigue, muscle ache, digestive problems, and general weakness. Helps Prevent Premature Aging: Copper is a strong antioxidant, which works in the presence of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase to safeguard the cell membranes from free radicals. Superoxide dismutase is one of the strongest antioxidants that work within the body in the fight against free radicals. Free radicals attack many different organ systems, but are specifically well-studied in terms of their effect on aging, including wrinkles, age spots, susceptibility to various types of cancer, macular degeneration, and kidney malfunctions. Having enough copper in your daily diet can keep you looking younger for longer! Increases Energy Production: Copper is essential for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, which is an energy storehouse of the human body. The cuproenzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, affects intracellular energy production. It acts as a catalyst in the reduction of molecular oxygen to water, during which the enzyme produces an electrical gradient used by the mitochondria to synthesize the vital energy-storing molecule, ATP. Therefore, when we have enough of this element in our bodies, we will have enough functional and accessible energy to get through the day without feeling lethargic or tired. Bactericidal Properties: Studies have shown that copper can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacterial strains such as E Coli. It also boosts the immune system and prevents excess energy from being expended fighting off the infections. Thyroid Glands: Copper plays an important role in ensuring the proper function of the thyroid gland. However, excess amount is also a major cause of thyroid malfunction, so you need a very balanced level of copper in the blood, or else hormonal activity will be imbalanced, and you can develop symptoms of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Red Blood Cell Formation: Copper is essential in the production of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and bone matter. This is because it is partially responsible for the efficient uptake of iron from food sources. Immunity: Copper is a vital part of the healing process and ensures better wound healing. It acts as an extremely good immunity builder, and it also works as a cure for anemia, which will allow your body to both defend itself better and heal itself faster. It is a co-factor in various enzymatic processes that result in endothelial growth, or the healing process of tissue. Reduces Cholesterol: Research studies have shown that copper can reduce the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and help to increase beneficial cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). This lowers the chances of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. References Located at Organic Facts

GREAT NEW FEATURES FOR TUBS AND SHOWERS With all of today's great benefits and features available, you can turn the ordinary tub or shower into a mini paradise that accurately reflects your personal taste and style. With a little creativity and little planning, transforming that old bathroom into the room of your dreams is easier than ever. Below are some great ideas that can help you get started and launch your new bathroom renovation today. First Things First Before you move forward it's important to do your homework. What this means in the world of bathroom remodeling is making sure that your current plumbing setup can accomodate your grand ideas. The first step you can take is hire a plumbing specialist to come out and do some specs and take measurements. A technician will inspect your pipes and make any adjustments need to be made. You may need to prepare for anything from small small repairs all the way up to a full system replacement. All of this will depend on the age and condition of your plumbing. Something else to think about is the current dimension and size of your pipes including the fixtures, drains and even the pipes themselves. Other considerations will include redesigning the shower area or replacing the tub itself. Although paradise is just a construction project away, having all the facts and knowing what you're actually getting into will mean the difference between a successful renovation and a complete disaster. The Right Tub For You Choosing the right tub ultimately depends on what look you're going for and how you want to feel when you get in. It will also depend on how much room you have for the new installation. Ask yourself the following questions: How often will you be using your tub and for what reasons? What design or style perfectly matches the overall room environment? What colors, tones, or patterns do your prefer? With that in mind, here are some great options: Acrylic: Acrylic is one of the most affordable options on the market today. It's extremely lightweight and reinforced with a tough fiberglass surface then custom-formed into a mold for the desired area. It is chip and crack resistant, and is easy to maintain and keep up. Cast iron: Enamel-coated cast iron gives you a class, traditional appeal that homeowners love. Cast iron may be the most durable material in the industry. The need for any maintenance is very minimal. The only downside to a cast iron tub is that it's extremely heavy and additional support on the floor may be needed. Cultured marble: A moderately affordable choice, cultured marble is made from condensed limestone and polyester then given a gel-coat finish that gives it an attractive edge over other types of tubs. But be careful in choosing these types of tubs, because they will scratch. It's not an ideal choice for children and pets. But despite their delicacy, marble tubs are very popular. Gel-coated fiberglass: Gel coated fiberglass is extremely lightweight, very affordable, and easy to mold. They can work in any environment regardless of your style. Although they are also susceptible to scratching, they surprisingly hold up rather well. If you are looking for a professional plumber in the Little Rock area, then please call 501-666-9483 or complete our online request form .

Replacing a few fixtures in the bathroom of your Little Rock home can go a long way to sprucing things up. Does your bathroom need to be updated? Are the faucets and other small fixtures outdated? Are you tired of looking at and using the same old standard faucet? Do your bathroom fixtures do anything for the style of the bathroom? There are many changes which can be made to a bathroom. The tub can be replaced, the shower replaced, the toilet replaced, the sink replaced, and all the faucets and small fixtures updated. As Little Rock Plumbers , Associated Plumbers often helps homeowners with bathroom fixture replacement . Some projects are small while others are more extensive. Here are some ideas to improve your bathroom and spruce up your home. Replacing Large Bathroom Fixtures In plumbing, a fixture is any object in the home that ties into the plumbing system. This includes bathtubs, showers, and sinks. These are the larger bathroom fixtures that can be replaced to spruce up your Little Rock bathroom. If you have an old retro-style matching colored sink, tub, and shower, it's time to replace them with something new. Colors like baby blue, mustard, and clam-peach or pink are outdated. They are hard to decorate around unless you're decorating your home true to the era when they were popular. This is the time to dream a little. Want to replace that old tub with a new whirlpool or Jacuzzi tub? Now is the time. Want a walk-in tub instead of a shower/tub combo? Or do you want a toilet with an oval or oblong seat instead of round? Replacing Small Bathroom Fixtures & Hardware The small bathroom fixtures such as faucets, spigots, and shower heads can easily be replaced by your professional plumber. New styles are popping up every day. Currently, the trend is toward mixing metals. The gold colored metals are mixed with the white metals in today's design trends. You may love a certain type of metal. Why not replace the bathroom fixtures with something that is more functional and beautiful? Some popular small fixture metals are: Copper Brass Gold-plated Chrome Nickel Aluminum Matte or shiny finish Satin sheen If you would like more ideas or are interested in Bathroom Fixture Replacement Service for your Little Rock home, please call 501-666-9483 or complete our online request form .