Category: Land & Property

Who Are the Women Who Shaped the Plumbing Industry?

Let's Celebrate Women's History Month By Learning About the History of Women in the Plumbing Industry

Women's history month is an important part of the year! These courageous women listed below are the best in the plumbing industry. While the plumbing industry is still male-dominated, swift changes in numbers have been made.

It is not easy to be a female plumber, but also not impossible! Homeowners should feel inspired by these courageous and amazing women leaders making a change in the trades industry! 

Women in the Plumbing Industryplumbing

Currently, women plumbers make up about 3% of all plumbers living in the U.S. Sure, this number is not massive, but it is worthwhile! Homeowners should understand that women could only partake in specific roles and jobs without being ostracized just a few years ago (60-70 years ago).

Going back even further, working as a woman was illegal! There has been an increase in the last few years, though. While the number is low, it was lower! There are fewer women in plumbing than the rest in all of the popular trades. This is likely because of a gender bias from the men that still work in the plumbing industry. But times are changing, and homeowners will likely notice more and more female plumbers.

Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers is an organization and group of courageous and strong female leaders that push for change in the plumbing industry. Funnily enough, this group first started as an all-male plumbers organization.

They were tasked with finding out and brainstorming ideas for their organizations and what to do with their wives. This quickly changed as years went by, and now the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers is a full female force! Instead of a social club with sandwiches, bowling, and events, this group struggled to change the trades industry, fighting for a place to work alongside men! 

lillianThe First Female Master Plumber: Lillian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Ann Baumbach is the first female master plumber! This may not seem like a big deal to homeowners, but moving up to the role of a master plumber is not easy! It takes years of dedication as well as experienced in the plumbing field.

The wonderful woman was the first female master plumber in 1950. Although boys dominated the industry, she did not mind and got her hands and arms clean! She sparked so much inspiration that this young woman received letters from all over the world, excited that she was a woman in the trades, especially plumbing. 

Through these letters, she got the nickname 'pretty plumber.' She first started this career when she was six. Her father was a master plumber and often took Lillian on jobs. By age 12, she was helping and servicing homes as a plumber alongside her father with pride and joy.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

Located in Colorado Springs, B&L Plumbing and Heating is the plumbing expert homeowners rely on. They offer emergency plumbing assistance as well as financing plans to help all. Contact them today for reliable plumbing service. 

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Your Dripping Faucet Won't be a Spoilsport

The Galling Sound of a Leaking Faucet Drip

A leaking faucet can be an annoying occurrence with a steady dripping and irritating sound. It’s a constant reminder that water is wasting and won’t stop until it’s fixed. The dripping can be a pointer to a serious underlying issue, don’t hesitate to deal with it immediately.

The True Cost of Leaking Faucetswater bill

It may seem that a leaky faucet cannot cause any damage. But, putting it off longer than necessary could cause significant damage to a home. Here are some of the dangers to expect from a dripping faucet.

  • Water Waste: The steady drip from a leaky faucet can become problematic with time. It wastes water that would have been useful for drinking, cleaning, washing, etc. For instance, a leaky faucet with 4,000 drips per day wastes approximately a liter of water. Homes with more than one dripping faucet can lose over 3,000 liters of water in one year.
  • Mold: Mold thrives in a damp environment, and the patches look unpleasant. Damp conditions resulting from the water drips can cause mold to grow in the house, endangering the health of the residents. Musty smells from mold and mildew can increase respiratory problems like asthma and sneezing.
  • Expensive Water Bills: A dripping faucet may not seem to be wasting much water; the reality is that it’s raising the water bill. The more the drips, the more water is wasted and the higher the bill. Fixing a leaky faucet can save about 10% of the average annual bill for a homeowner.

Why Do Faucets Leak?

There may be several reasons why faucets leak. Here is a review of a few of them.

  • Loose or Worn-out O Ring: O ring is a small disc attached to the stem screw holding the handle of a faucet in place. It can become loose or worn out with regular use, causing the faucet to drip water around the handle. O-ring is an integral place where dripping can occur, especially in cartridge faucets.
  • Corroded Valve Seat: A valve seat connects the faucet and the spout in the compression mechanism. It can corrode due to the accumulation of water sediments, causing leakage within the spout area.

How to Fix the Leaky Faucetfaucet

Fixing a leaky faucet is as easy as changing a light bulb; it requires minimal tools and effort. Whether it’s a bathroom or Kitchen sink repair, replacing the faucet cartridge is the best option for a leaky faucet repair. Here are the basic steps to follow:

  1. Drain the faucet and plug your sink
  2. Remove the faucet lever handles and take off the bonnet nut
  3. Remove the faulty cartridge
  4. Install the new cartridges
  5. Reassemble the faucet
  6. Test for leaks and check the water flow

However, the process of leaky faucet repair differs slightly depending on the type of sink.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a renowned Colorado Springs firm that offers various plumbing services at reasonable rates. They have been in operation since 1999 and have sets of skilled technicians with excellent customer service. Feel free to call them today to fix any plumbing problems.

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2022 Plumbing Resolution Revolution: 3 Habits to Give Homeowners an Easier Year

Improve Overall Plumbing Performance in the New Year

When it comes to home plumbing, people would rather ignore it and allow it to do its job of bringing in fresh, potable water and ridding the home of waste. It seems easier that way until a real problem crops up. Simple neglect can lead to major repairs and lots of cash spent on plumbing services. One can do several simple and mindful things to help prevent a future plumbing emergency.

What’s Flushing?toilet

Perhaps the simplest way for any homeowner to prevent a plumbing catastrophe is to use their system according to one simple rule: Don’t put anything in the toilet or drain that doesn’t belong there. Toilets are made for flushing waste and toilet paper and nothing else.  

Garbage disposals can take care of some food waste but are not made to make everything from a meal completely disappear. If a customer is mindful about what they flush, they can prevent a host of problems, including emergency toilet repair or sewage backup.

Never Flush:

  • Baby wipes
  • Cotton buds(q-tips) or cotton balls
  • Dental Floss
  • Diapers
  • Facial cleansing pads
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels

All these things can cause clogs that require professional assistance to remove.

Look Out for Leaks

Being mindful also means looking out for warning signs of problems. One of the most damaging but slow to emerge problems with plumbing is the hidden water leak scourge of home structure. The fact that they are not obvious is the most dangerous part. If the leaks go long unnoticed, it may lead to severe water damage along with mold and mildew issues. Be on the lookout for any of the following signs of a hidden water leak:

  • Ceiling or Wall Spots: If a homeowner notices discolored areas on walls or ceiling, this may indicate a dripping pipe in that area. 
  • Puddles: If water is visibly pooling either inside or outside the house, this is a sign of a leak.
  • Low Water Pressure: Has the shower stopped flowing quite as it should, or does it take longer to fill a pot from the sink? This is a clear indicator that a home may need water leak repair. 
  • Higher than Normal Water Bills: If the home’s water bill has dramatically and suddenly increased seemingly without cause, a homeowner needs to have an inspection immediately. 

calendar Make Drain Cleaning Routine

Being mindful comes more easily with a structured schedule. Starting a habit of regular drain cleaning will limit the need for more drastic clog removal. There are a couple of simple ways to do this, the easiest one being to pour boiling water down the drain. 

Baking soda and vinegar are also a good alternative to corrosive chemical drain openers. Considering signing up for a plumbing maintenance plan with a reliable professional will remove the responsibility from the customer to the knowledgeable technicians who perform such tasks regularly.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has served the Colorado Springs area for more than twenty years. They offer 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees. Call them today for information on their plumbing maintenance plans.

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Why Should Homeowners Add a Sump Pump To Their Holiday Wishlist?

A Sump Pump Installation May Be the Best Gift This Holiday Season!

Plumbing is an essential part of a functioning home! Homeowners should always try to maintain and prevent plumbing issues as they can be messy to clean. Sump pumps are a great gift that homeowners can use in home plumbing systems.

Why Are Sump Pumps Necessary?

Sump pumps are devices that are either fully or partially submerged in water. The device works are typically located in a homeowner's basement. Sump pumps are placed in holes and work by pushing out any water that comes up after rain. Sump pumps are great for homes and only work when they are needed. 

These devices are great for homeowners that live in flood zones. The water trapped in the dirt under the house gets pushed by the sump pumps to drainage areas. There are many benefits to owning a sump pump. For example, sump pumps can prevent flooding in basements. When basements flood, there is a risk of mold and bacteria growth that can make homeowners safe.

What are the Different Types of Sump Pumps?pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps, but both work nearly the same way.
Homeowners with a Submersible sump pump have the pump submerged in the sump pit, the hole in a basement. The submersible sump pump is a great option for homeowners on a budget. This sump pump type does not last forever, though, and needs frequent maintenance. Since the entire system, including the motor, is submerged, there is still potential for water damage.

The second type of sump pump is the pedestal sump pump. This particular pump is not entirely submerged. The motor is upright and sits outside of the pit. The life expectancy of this device reaches 30 years. It is a great tool for homeowners that live in active flood zones or see extreme weather.

sumppumpWhat are Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps?

Anything breaks and wears down with time. Water damage harms pumps, especially ones submerged for long periods. Pumps that have not been serviced or maintained may break during winter or thunderstorms. This is why it is important to have a secondary or backup sump pump. Homeowners should call a plumbing technician for a sump pump installation if they don't have one already.

Secondary sump pumps are sump pumps that are activated when the primary system is not working. They work just as well but are only used as a backup. This only works, however, if homeowners have electricity. In severe weather, it may not be possible. Thankfully, many backup sump pumps need batteries. This is life-saving and can be why homeowners save thousands of dollars in damages. If homeowners notice that neither system is working, they should call a technician for a sump pump replacement.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned local company that focuses on plumbing repairs and installations in Colorado Springs, CO. This company offers fair pricing, emergency services, and friendly customer service. Call them today for sump pump installation services!

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Give Thanks for Plumbers This Thanksgiving

Essential Plumbing Services To Be Thankful For

As Thanksgiving Day comes around, many homeowners are thinking about things to be thankful for. And there are always certain things that homeowners should be thankful for, like their health, loved ones, and food on the table. But some other things are easily overlooked, such as the impact that plumbers have on everyday life. Without the professional assistance that plumbers provide, homeowners would be forced to deal with the dirty jobs that plumbers usually take on. 

These jobs include clearing clogged toilets, repairing water heaters, and servicing sewer lines. Read on to learn more about these essential services and why to be thankful for them. 

Clearing Clogged Toilettoilet

Everyone has experienced a clogged toilet at some point. A plunger and some elbow grease are all one needs to clear the clog most of the time. But sometimes, the clogged toilet is a little more stubborn. Maybe it’s not just a regular clog, or the problem lies in the toilet vent instead of the toilet itself. 

If the problem is a stubborn clog in the toilet, a plumber may use two methods to clear the clog. The first is using a plumber’s snake to break up the clog. This is an auger that the plumber will twist and feed down the toilet to clear the clog. The other way is hydro-jetting, which uses a high-pressure spray of water that can clear the clog. This is the best option because it is less likely to damage the pipe and the toilet than a plumber’s snake. 

Essential Water Heater Repairwater heater

Water heating maintenance and repair are two other important services that plumbers provide. Water heaters need yearly service to keep providing hot water to the home. Over time, water heaters experience a buildup of minerals that can affect their performance. Too much buildup can cause the water heater to develop a leak or another issue requiring replacement. 

One of the biggest things included in a professional plumber’s water heater service is flushing the tank to clear all the minerals out. They also check other water heater components to make sure it will run smoothly for a long time to come. These things include testing the pressure release valve, checking the anode rod, and checking for leaks. 

Awesome Sewer Line Services

Another big service that plumbers provide to homeowners is sewer line repair. While clearing a clogged toilet and servicing a water heater can be done by homeowners with a little learning and the right equipment, sewer line services require the help of a professional plumber. These services include fixing broken pipes, pipe restoration, and clearing sewer line clogs. 

Depending on the nature of the problem, the plumber may need to dig up the sewer line to repair it, but this is not always the case. Those homes experiencing sewer line problems should get the issue fixed quickly to avoid even bigger problems affecting the whole home. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been serving Colorado Springs, CO since 1999. They offer competitive pricing and never charge overtime fees. They provide no-mess service and prioritize customer peace of mind. Contact them today for reliable plumbing services. 

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