Category: Land & Property

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

water heaters

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?Image depicting two types of water heaters: a tall, cylindrical traditional water heater and a compact, modern tankless water heater, highlighting options for homeowners considering water heater utility types.

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 RepairsPlumber repairing a water heater, focusing on maintenance tasks like inspecting and adjusting components, relevant to water heater repair signs and homeowner care tips.

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

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 HistoryThe Tremont House hotel exterior in Boston featuring elegant architecture, American and French flags, and a black car at the entrance, symbolizing historical significance in hospitality and plumbing advancements.

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.  

Modern porcelain toilet, symbolizing advancements in indoor plumbing and public health, relevant to historical context of White House plumbing installations.

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!

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.

Man sitting on kitchen floor with head in hand, frustrated by leaking dishwasher, highlighting common appliance issues.

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 HelpProfessional plumber repairing a dishwasher, demonstrating expertise in appliance maintenance and troubleshooting.

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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April Showers Sometimes Bring May Septic Struggles

april showers sometimes bring may septic struggles

The Relationship Between Heavy Rains and Septic Tanks

The sweet smell of rain and the flowers of May are just a few benefits that spring showers bring. But, most people don’t think of the problems those showers bring along with them. The truth is, despite all the greenery and color that April showers feed, the deluge of rain from spring weather can lead to major plumbing headaches for a home’s septic tank. Homeowners should keep an eye out for any sign that spring rain may compromise their septic tank. Not sure what to look for? Keep reading to find out.

Puddles forming on a wet surface during heavy rainfall, illustrating potential flooding issues affecting septic tanks.

Signs of Trouble From Flooded Ground

A home’s septic tank system is designed to treat wastewater using various methods. However, nearly all septic systems require being underground, handling water treatment over a slow, lengthened period. Thus, when the ground becomes saturated with excess external water, trouble ensues.

Most septic systems are buried 2-4 feet below the top of ground soil. When the soil area above the septic tank becomes flooded, the system can no longer clean water. Sewage may back up into the home. Note that water underneath the septic tank isn’t the problem; it’s floodwater sitting on top that causes trouble. 

When floodwaters have risen above the normal water table, it’s essential to reduce the water home pumps through the septic tank. Homeowners can take shorter showers, prepare no-cook meals, use paper dishes, and flush water only when necessary to reduce the pressures on the system. A septic system will not be safe to use until the ground has dried out and a professional septic service has flushed the system properly post-flooding. 

Identifying a Clogged Drainfield

Septic drain fields will give several signs of clogs or damage when trouble comes up in the system.

  • Standing Water & Smells: If stinky puddles are developing around the septic tank area, there’s a high likelihood of a clog somewhere along the line. As water continues to rise and develop, sewage may start backing up in the home.
  • Extreme Plant Growth: If the septic field has a garden growing and the rest of the yard looks brown, well, there’s probably excessive water in the drainage field from a clog producing the plantlife. 
  • Slow Indoor Drains: Slow drains in a home that runs on a septic tank signal drainage issues in the system itself, and a clog may be the cause of the slowness. 
  • Backflow: Whenever sewage is backflowing into a home, there’s likely a problem with the septic tank. This is indicative of water not getting pumped away from the septic tank properly. 

Usually, septic tank clogs are solved with a high-pressure jet of water or pipe replacement as needed.

How To Protect Septic Tanks From the Threats of Spring RainsSeptic tank installation site with a concrete tank in a dug-out area surrounded by grass, relevant to septic system maintenance and drainage issues.

There are several steps for homeowners to take to prevent spring rains from damaging their septic system.

  • Regular Pumping and Maintenance: Septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years, minimum, and always after any flooding. A plumber should clean effluent screens during the maintenance as well. 
  • Install a Backflow Preventer: All homes with a septic tank should have a backflow preventer installed. The device will stop sewage from backing up into the home during a flood.
  • Have a Minimal Water Plan: Homeowners should create a plan for minimizing water usage whenever they are at risk for flooding. They can write out how the household will reduce water by flushing less, shortening showers, scheduling laundry, cooking less, etc., and keep a stash of clean clothes, paper plates, and bottled water on hand. 
  • Protect the Drain Field: Homeowners should be mindful of what goes on around the drain field. Sump pumps and gutters should never drain near the drain field. Vehicles should not be parked on the drain field. Additionally, plants and trees should not be grown near enough to the drain field for roots to damage the system.

Knowing the risks of spring rains on a home’s septic system is the first step to protecting it from flooding. A qualified septic maintenance provider can help homeowners create the right plan for protecting their system from any spring flooding. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

For over 20 years, B&L Plumbing and Heating has been solving their Colorado Springs, CO community’s plumbing problems quickly and affordably. Their team builds personalized solutions to fit your project, budget, and style. From basic sink installation to a septic tank repair, the experts at B&L Plumbing and Heating are ready to help. Give them a call for plumbing service today!

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