Category: Land & Property

Plumbing Sounds That Can Frighten Anyone!

There’s Nothing To Fear! It’s Only Noisy Pipes!

It might almost be Halloween, but there is still nothing to fear when the house starts to make unusual noises. According to professionals in the industry, the culprit is most likely coming from the pipes and could very well be the water pressure causing the issues. Pipe sounds are scary, but the louder they get, the more concerning they seem. Homeowners shouldn’t be frightened by the sounds, though. With a simple call to their local professionals, they can have the problem fixed in no time, regardless of what’s causing it. Even humming and whistling noises have their cause, and it’s most likely plumbing-related, not ghost-related. 

To learn more about the different sounds that scare almost any homeowner when they go bump in the night, continue reading below. 

Why Homeowners Hear Humming Soundshaunting

Humming coming from the piping system is classically due to high water pressure. When the water pressure is too high, it’s as if there isn’t enough space in the pipes to allow for the rush of water to safely get through. In turn, the piping system will start to shake or vibrate, which causes the humming sound heard throughout the home. 

On its own, this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if and when the pipes have a few clogs in them, that is when things get risky. Clogs in the system, combined with high water pressure, can lead to leaking and burst pipes in no time. 

That is the main reason why homeowners should call a professional when they first start to hear humming in the house. The longer they wait, the higher the chance they start to experience leaks and other plumbing issues. 

Have the Pipes Started Whistling?pipes

As mentioned, dirty or clogged pipes and high water pressure don’t mix. Typically, when this happens, the humming will turn to whistling. Homeowners could very well hear both simultaneously. Homeowners should call in a professional to look the moment they start to hear whistling within the walls of their home. 

Professionals will most likely recommend a pipe cleaning, first and foremost. After this, they will fix the high water pressure. High water pressure, on its own, isn’t necessarily bad for the piping system. Still, other elements in play make high water pressure a serious problem that one should fix right away. 

High water pressure causes: 

  • Faster wear and tear of pipes
  • Loose screws and plumbing parts
  • Leaks and burst pipes
  • Damaged fixtures
  • Worn out seals

Water Hammer Is Frightening!

High water pressure is classically linked to what professionals call, water hammer. It is common in systems that utilize valves as a plumbing system does. Essentially, it happens when a surge of water comes through the system and is forced to change direction suddenly—a sudden change in momentum. 

The quickest way to fix this is to have a pressure relief valve installed in the home. This is easily done with professional help. Professionals might also recommend homeowners have their system regularly flushed to help prevent this in the future. 

Older homes with pipes placed at 90-degree angles are more prone to water hammers. Here, professionals might recommend repiping in some areas of the home to reduce the likelihood of this happening again. 

B&L Plumbing and Heating Is There No Matter What

Colorado Springs, CO homeowners trust the experts at B&L Plumbing and Heating with all of their plumbing issues. They are a veteran-owned company that always tries to leave their customers safe and satisfied. They don’t even charge after-hours fees! Call today for plumbing service!

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Blocked Drain Do's and Don'ts!

2 Ways To Cure a Drain Block (And 1 Way To Make It Worse!)

Slow, clogged drains dragging down the household routine? It makes sense to want those drains cleaned right away, but there’s a right way to do it! Plumbing experts know how to handle blocked drains without compromising the entire home’s system or making a situation worse. Read on to find out how plumbing professionals clear drains - and the one method they recommend avoiding whenever possible!

Do - Drain Snakingsnaking

The first tool in the plumber’s proverbial de-clogging belt is the drain snake. This chemical-free system works great for older homes with fragile plumbing or for smaller clogs. Snakes come in motorized or hand-cranked versions.

Drain snaking utilizes a long, thin cable attached to the auger, which is then snaked or pushed through the pipe to unclog debris in the system. The cable rotates as the auger is turned, helping to displace any clogs.

Benefits of Drain Snaking

As previously mentioned, drain snaking is chemical-free and safe on older and newer pipes alike. Sinks, toilets, and sewer lines can all be snaked for clogs.

Snaking drains reduce odors, reduces the chances of overflows, and helps improve pipe longevity alongside getting rid of pesky clogs and improving drain speed.

Do - Hydro-Jettinghydrojetting

For tougher or harder to reach clogs, hydro-jetting is the way to go. Hydro-jetting involves pushing a hose into the clogged pipe and using powerful water jets to clear the entire plumbing system. On average, hydro-jetters use 4000 psi of force to clear clogs.

Benefits of Hydro-Jetting

Hydro-jetting works great for a comprehensive, deep clean of the plumbing in a home. It eliminates everything from dirt to deep clogs, all from one central location in the home. It’s chemical-free, and when done correctly, is perfectly safe for older pipes. 

After a hydro-jetting clean, homes experience faster plumbing, reduced odors, and fewer chances of bacterial build-up in the pipes. Plus, hydro-jetting tends to clean more efficiently than snaking and usually needs to be completed less often than snaking, too.

Don’t - Liquid Drain Cleaners

Everyone has used over-the-counter drain cleaners in their home - but that doesn’t mean they should. The label of liquid drain cleaners usually includes highly corrosive ingredients like bleach, lye, aluminum, and salt. When paired together, these ingredients work wonders on breaking down clogs while posing a severe risk to the home.

Risk of Liquid Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners come with a batch of warnings plastered on their label for a reason: they are dangerous. The highly acidic nature of the cleaners can eat through pipes and pose a hazard to the skin and materials that the liquid comes in contact with. Additionally, prolonged use of liquid cleaners puts plumbers working on the home at risk of experiencing their corrosive effects. In the long run, liquid cleaners are more harmful than good for a home and its occupants.

When it comes to getting slow drains fixed, let the professionals handle it. Methods like drain snaking and hydro jetting can fix blocked drains without putting a home or its occupants at risk and get the pipes flowing in no time.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

For over two decades, B&L Plumbing and Heating has been providing its community with affordable, expert plumbing care. They offer a full range of plumbing solutions, from water heater replacement to pipe installation. So call them today for blocked drain cleaning in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Water Heaters 101

Learning About the Different Types of Water Heaters

It's the time of year when summer plans wind down and kids start thinking of going back to school. As a homeowner, there's no excuse to stop learning. As the kids head back to the classroom, take every opportunity to learn that is available. In this article, plumbing contractors want to help homeowners out with quick knowledge about their water heaters. 

Taking the time to learn about options and maintenance of water heaters can save homeowners headaches and lots of dollars by allowing them to make informed decisions. Here's a quick guide to help homeowners brush up on their water heater knowledge. 

How Many Types of Water Heaters Are There?water heater

The utility type is the first thing a homeowner should look at when shopping for a water heater. These appliances come in two types with different benefits for each one:

  • Gas: Gas water heaters are generally cheaper due to low natural gas prices but not all homes are outfitted for propane or natural gas service. Advances in technology have allowed gas water heaters to be very efficient.  
  • Electric: Electric water heaters are reliable and cheaper to purchase than gas water heaters. Easy installation means that these are usually cheaper upfront. 

In the end, likely the best choice will be whatever utility is already present in the home. Installing gas or electric service to accommodate a new style is usually very expensive. 

Apart from choosing the utility that powers a water heater, two main types of water heaters are generally installed:

  • Conventional Hot Water Tanks: These units are usually cheap to install because they are likely to replace existing water tanks. These units heat a tank full of water where it waits to be distributed around the home. 
  • Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront, but they increase energy efficiency by providing instant and endless hot water on demand. 

Maintenance Tips for Any Water Heater

Water heaters are expensive appliances that one should take care of if they are expected to last long. Regardless of the style of the water heater, there are a few maintenance practices that can help homeowners get the most out of their water heaters:

Most of these steps can be done by the homeowners, but local plumbers offer tune-up packages to take the hassle out of the job for homeowners who don't want to mess with it. 

Signs a Water Heater Needs Repairswater heater

Homeowners may not be shopping for a new water heater yet, but still, everyone should pay attention to these signs that indicate they may need water heater repairs:

If any of these problems are present, water heater repairs will be necessary. In most cases, one can quickly make repairs, but eventually, a water heater replacement will be the most cost-efficient option. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been solving plumbing problems in Colorado Springs, CO since 1999. Their technicians always take the time to educate their customers and design custom solutions to their problems. With B&L Plumbing and Heating, their emergency service won't break the bank because they never charge extra for overtime hours. Call now for water heater services.

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Check Out These Patriotic Plumbing Facts for Independence Day

Be Free From Ignorance About Plumbing!

Civilization as we know it could not have existed without the state-of-the-art municipal plumbing and sewer infrastructure that we enjoy today. Despite being a global public health technology, Americans did have some significant contributions to the development of all things plumbing-related. 

On Independence Day, take a moment and celebrate with these Colorado Springs plumbers as they share fun facts about plumbing in the US. 

Important Plumbing Developments in American Historyhotel

The Tremont Hotel in Boston: The Tremont House was the US’s first modern hotel that touted many hospitality firsts. It was designed specially to house the latest plumbing that included flush toilets and bathtubs. It also included such luxuries as locked rooms, free soap, and bellboys. At the cutting edge of social advancement, it even had a dining room where ladies could eat alone since women dining alone was frowned upon in the early 1800s. 

American Inventor Joseph Gayetty: The first brand of toilet paper sold in the US was manufactured by Joseph Gayetty. It came in 1000 sheet packs and was made of rough fibers of Manila Hemp. The paper was medicated with aloe, which drew criticism from doctors groups that called Gayetty a quack. It was supplanted as a household name by the release of “splinter-free toilet paper” manufactured by the Northern Tissue Company in 1935. 

Presidential Plumbing: The White House has not always been the symbol of luxury that it has come to be known as. As indoor plumbing was starting to be installed in new, luxurious structures in the 1820s, the White House was left behind. Not until nearly three decades after plumbing moved indoors, the White House finally have a fully functioning bathroom. President Millard Fillmore oversaw the installation of a bathing room on the second floor in his quarters, complete with heated water and flushing toilets. Before this, presidents bathed in a nearby river or occasionally in tubs with water heated in kettles.  

toilet

Toilet Facts

Municipal sewer systems went a long way towards improving public health, but the final step was making toilets porcelain. As toilets made their way indoors, most were made of wood that harbored pathogens. Porcelain is non-porous and easy to clean, so it became the material of choice.

It doesn’t matter which hemisphere a toilet is in as to which direction it flushes. The spin of the Earth is too subtle to affect the direction of the flush. Eddy currents are better predictors of the direction a drain will spin. 

Other Fun Plumbing Facts

The word “plumbing” is from the Latin root “plumbum” which was the word for lead. Early pipes were made of lead, and up until recently, lead has been used in plumbing. This is also why lead is abbreviated “Pb” on the periodic table. 

The original toilet paper patent from 1891 shows toilet paper with the loose end on top. This was the first time toilet paper was put on a roll and perforated. So, the original inventor intended for tissue to be dispensed from the top, not the bottom. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been the only plumber Colorado Springs, CO customers have needed for over 20 years. A veteran-owned company, they fix any plumbing problem for residential and commercial customers. Always seeking a competitive edge, they offer their after-hours service with no additional charges. Call now for plumbing services!

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Don't Let a Broken Dishwasher Wreck the Fun of a Summer Cookout!

A Busted Dishwasher Could Keep You From the Backyard Festivities

Dishwashers make everyone’s lives easier. Without them, cooking and cleaning would be much bigger and more time-consuming tasks. It’s so convenient to be able to load up the racks, pop in a bit of detergent, and let the machine take care of the day’s dishes. It means there’s more time to enjoy the summertime activities like relaxing and playing in the backyard. 

But when the dishwasher goes on the fritz, it can be more than an inconvenience. It’s one thing to have to wash the dishes by hand, but it’s another to have dirty water leaking all over the floor. Keep reading to learn about the most common dishwasher problems, how the pros fix them, and how to help prevent them in the first place.

dishwasher

Common Dishwasher Issues To Watch For

A variety of things can go wrong with a dishwasher. Most are relatively minor issues with fairly simple fixes. If the dishes come out covered with water spots or a cloudy film, the rinse aid may have run out. Or the home may have especially hard water that’s leaving mineral deposits on the dishes. Fortunately, there are special detergents made specifically for hard water. 

If the dishes aren’t getting very clean, the upper discharge housing gasket may need replacing, the spray arm may have become clogged with debris, or a wayward dish or utensil could be obstructing its movement. There may also be food particles trapped in the strain screen - an issue usually accompanied by a nasty odor.

More severe issues include a dishwasher that won’t drain, won’t fill, or won’t stop filling. These could be caused by a faulty pump, worn or broken valve, or malfunctioning float switch (a device that tells the dishwasher when it has enough water). A leaky dishwasher may have a faulty pump, loose or damaged drainage hose, or a cracked or worn gasket.

When To Call for Professional Helpplumbers

Homeowners can solve many of the smaller dishwasher problems - cleaning the spray arm or strain screen, freeing a stuck float switch, tightening a loose drain hose, etc. But when it comes to replacing faulty parts or performing more complicated repairs, homeowners are better off enlisting the help of a professional plumber.

Dishwashers are complex machines, and any errors made during repairs can cause further damage. The risk of injury from burns or electrocution is also a factor when working on dishwashers, so a trained and licensed technician should only make some repairs. Pros have the knowledge and the right tools to pinpoint and solve even the trickiest of problems safely.

Avoid Future Mishaps With Proper Maintenance

Homeowners can avoid many dishwasher problems altogether by keeping the unit clean and well-maintained. First, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual for proper loading and operation. This usually includes scraping off excess food waste before putting dishes in the racks, not overfilling the racks or the detergent compartment, and keeping the spray arms free from obstructions. 

Second, a little routine cleaning every few months goes a long way. Wiping down the door gasket with a damp cloth helps ensure a proper seal. Clearing debris from the strain screen and cleaning the filter (if the dishwasher has one) helps reduce clogs and odors. Wiping off the sprayer arm and clearing any obstructions with a toothpick or pipe cleaner helps the sprayer function properly. 

It’s always best to consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions - some manufacturers even include extensive DIY maintenance checklists to help homeowners preserve and protect their dishwashers.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The experts at B&L Plumbing and Heating have been serving Colorado Springs, CO, with pride for over 20 years. As an award-winning, veteran-owned business with countless 5-star reviews, they are all about providing outstanding service and workmanship at an honest, competitive price. B&L offers financing, membership perks, and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees. Call now for plumbing service!

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