Category: Land & Property

Get the Sump Pump Ready for the Spring

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

Most owners know that it takes a lot to protect a home or property from the ravages of nature. Whether it is the harsh winter precipitation or a summer storm, the weather always cooks something to cause damage. Reliable roofing and strong siding can do a lot to protect the structure from rain damage, but in many cases, it simply isn’t enough. 

When unfavorable grades or poorly draining soils combine, the results can be disastrous for a home or building. Allowing water to pool on a property or near the foundation can result in anything from landscaping problems to significant structural damage. That’s where sump pumps come in. 

“Sump pump” is a trade term for submersible pumps. These pumps are part of a larger system installed to help handle floodwater on a plot. A sump pump system drains water to a central location and quickly pumps it away so that it won’t pool or damage a foundation or landscape. 

How Do Sump Pumps Work? 

A sump pump works by having part of its assembly submerged in water. Whether that part is the entire assembly or just the pump, the sump pump draws from a sump pump basin, where water is collected as part of a drainage system. A float switch tells the pump when to turn on when the basin is full and when to turn off when it is empty. When the switch turns the pump on, a powerful centrifugal pump quickly evacuates the water. 

In most cases, properties vulnerable to flooding will already have a drainage system and sump pump in service. In that case, it is simply the owner’s responsibility to ensure they are always working. In other cases, such as when water pools in a landscape or near the foundation of a structure, a new system will need to be engineered. 

Options for Sump Pumps

sump pumpsSump pumps come in two main varieties, each with pros and cons. The two main choices are: 

  • Submersible Sump Pumps: Submersible sump pumps are reliable and effective. Since they sit directly in the basin, they are challenging to work on, making them quieter. 
  • Pedestal Sump Pumps: Pedestal sump pumps have the motor out of the water, driving a shaft to turn the pump in the sump pump basin. This makes them louder but also easier to inspect and maintain. Often, these are the most cost-effective options. 

Testing the Sump Pump

sump pumpSump pumps are vital to a property's safety and longevity, so owners must know how to deal with them. Inspecting sump pumps for proper operation should be done at least annually. This can be done manually by filling the basin with a hose and observing operation, but often, the best bet is professional maintenance. When plumbers are allowed to test sump pumps, owners can be assured the system is working and the pump won’t unexpectedly fail any time soon. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating performs residential and commercial plumbing repairs and installations. It custom-tailors options for every client and never charges after-hours fees. Call today for sump pump service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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A Homeowner's Guide to Duct Cleaning

a homeowner's guide to duct cleaning

What Homeowners Should Know About Air Duct Cleaning Services 

A majority of the homes in the US are equipped with ductwork as a part of the central heating and cooling system installed in the home. HVAC technicians do such a good job installing ductwork that most homeowners never even think about it. While the craftsmanship is appreciated, it can lead to neglect that can have negative consequences around the home. 

One of the things that most homeowners don't even realize is an important part of maintaining the air conditioning system in the home is air duct cleaning. All the air in the home passes through air ducts multiple times daily. When air ducts are dirty, they can distribute the grime that has clung to the inside of ductwork into the home's air. Air duct cleaning can help remove this grime and keep the home healthy. Here is a professional's guide to air duct cleaning for homeowners. 

Why Is Duct Cleaning Necessary?

Woman relaxing on a couch, breathing deeply and enjoying clean indoor air, emphasizing the importance of air duct cleaning for a healthy home environment.It's no secret that the home can get dirty quickly. With people coming in and out constantly, plus the dirt accompanying daily life, it can be easy to let things get out of hand. As air circulates the home, it picks up the dust and grime that gets tracked into the home and the things that get vaporized while cooking or performing beauty routines. Air vents in the floor accumulate trash as stuff falls into them. 

These things will eventually find their way into the entire air duct system, where they will encourage the growth of mold and bacteria and harbor allergens. Duct cleaning helps to give the ductwork a much-needed reset. The process uses powerful vacuums and brushes that scrub the inside of the ducts to remove all of the build-up that occurs over the years. 

Signs That Duct Cleaning Services Could Help

Duct cleaning is a service that is recommended for every home. Cleaner air can help support good health and give people in the home peace of mind that they are maximizing their wellness. Ductwork cleaning is recommended every three to five years, but there are simple signs that can be noticed that tip the owners off that it is time to schedule service. Those signs include:

  • Musty, stubborn odors 
  • Visible grime on or in air vents
  • Mold problems
  • Humidity problems 
  • Inefficient operation of the AC system
  • Poor health of those in the home 

Tips to Keep the Air Ducts Clean 

Woman changing air filter in home air duct, promoting cleaner air and HVAC maintenance tips for better indoor health.A professional ductwork cleaning crew can quickly set things right when these signs are noticed. But how can homeowners stretch their ductwork service so they need it less often and enjoy better health between visits? The simple answer is to keep the home cleaner. Changing some housekeeping habits can make air duct cleaning service last and support better health in the home. Some habits to adopt to clean up the air inside the home are: 

  • Change air filters on time
  • Dust weekly
  • Vacuum weekly
  • Sweep daily
  • Keep pets and plants outside or keep them clean
  • Reduce clutter to make housekeeping easier
  • Launder clothing and linens more often 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating handles plumbing services and a full slate of HVAC services. Their crews excel at keeping the air in the home safe and clean with AC repairs and a membership package. Call today for HVAC service in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Why Install a Tankless Water Heater?

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Three Reasons to Go Tankless This Year

As tankless water heaters become increasingly popular, many homeowners are seeking information on this new style of water heater for their homes. Traditional water heaters with tanks only last between ten and fifteen years. And given the more efficient tankless versions, it only makes sense for homeowners to research whether a tankless heater is right for them. After all, increased efficiency should translate to savings on energy bills. But what exactly are the benefits of installing a tankless water heater? Read on to discover the three major advantages of tankless water heater installation. 

Increased Energy Efficiency

Piggy bank held by two people, symbolizing savings and financial efficiency related to tankless water heater energy savings.Tankless water heaters work by heating water as needed. This is why they're often called on-demand water heaters. Their ability to heat water quickly to be delivered is where much of the energy efficiency comes from. Traditional storage water heaters keep the water at a set temperature all day, even if the water won't be used for hours at a time. This makes it convenient for homeowners, but it's a tradeoff because keeping that water at a temperature takes energy. 

However, tankless water heaters aren't ideal for every household. One tankless heater can handle about 41 gallons of water a day (or less) while being between 20% and 35% more efficient than storage water heaters. For households that use more than 41 gallons a day — or use hot water at multiple faucets throughout the house simultaneously — it's often better to install more than one tankless heater to handle the simultaneous hot water use. Fortunately, installing more than one tankless heater in the house can provide even more energy savings. 

Neverending Hot Water Supply and Space Savings

Tankless water heater mounted on a wall in a modern, minimalist space, showcasing efficient hot water supply and space-saving design, with a shelf displaying various items including a brass instrument.Since tankless water heaters don't need large storage tanks, they're more space-efficient than their storage counterparts. This can be a huge benefit for those who don't have enough storage space. Similarly, they're ideal for installation in tiny homes, mobile homes, and other small dwellings. While this may not be the biggest selling point for homeowners, it's certainly something to consider. 

A major benefit is that tankless water heaters never run out of hot water. Since the water is quickly heated as soon as needed, there's no chance of running out of hot water, which can happen with a storage water heater. 

Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

Because traditional water heaters constantly have water in their tanks, they don't last nearly as long as tankless water heaters. When a tank fails on a storage water heater, it's best to replace the entire unit instead of trying to repair the tank. That said, storage water heaters generally last between 10 and 15 years. Conversely, tankless water heaters have a lifespan of 20 years or more. 

While the upfront costs of tankless water heater installation are generally higher than those of storage water heaters, they tend to pay for themselves in just a few years. Of course, this depends on the exact hot water habits of the household. This is why it's always good to consult a professional plumber to determine if tankless water heater installation is the best move for the household. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The friendly professional at B&L Plumbing and Heating has been serving Colorado Springs, CO, since 1999. B&L is a veteran-owned company that provides no-mess service at a competitive price. Plus, they never charge after-hours fees. Contact them today for tankless water heater installation in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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The Dangers and Warning Signs of a Faulty Heater

the dangers and warning signs of a faulty heater

Common Heating Hazards and How To Spot Them

Winter is here, and Colorado homeowners are now relying on their heating systems every day to keep their homes warm and cozy while the snow falls and the icy wind howls outside. And with all that usage, this is the prime time for heating problems to rear their ugly heads. 

Some heating issues can increase the heating bills, leave the house feeling chilly, or even take the heater out of commission for a day or two. But as scary as those scenarios are, other heating problems can be even scarier – and more dangerous. This article will explain the biggest dangers of a faulty heater and how homeowners can identify them.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Perhaps the most terrifying of all heater problems is a carbon monoxide leak. In gas or oil-burning furnaces, any carbon monoxide produced by the fuel combustion is vented through the flue or exhaust vent. But if the flue or exhaust pipe leaks (due to corrosion, damage, etc.), it can cause carbon monoxide to enter the home. CO leaks can also occur due to a faulty pilot light or cracked heat exchanger.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious health risk, as it can cause unconsciousness, damage to internal organs, and even death. To protect against a carbon monoxide leak, homeowners should install CO detectors throughout the home (particularly near the furnace or other gas appliances) and have their heater serviced by a professional every year. If they notice any symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or confusion, they should exit the home and call their local emergency services at once.

Mold Growth Inside the Heater or Air Ducts

Woman in a green sweater covering her nose, reacting to unpleasant odor, highlighting potential mold issues in home air ducts or heating systems.Another dangerous issue to watch out for is mold development inside the home’s air ducts or the heater. Mold growth is most common in heat pump systems, which function as heaters and air conditioners. In cooling mode, the unit helps remove moisture from the home’s air, condensing it from vapor into liquid. If this liquid doesn’t drain away immediately, it can facilitate mold growth very quickly, and that mold can survive inside the unit all year round. The mold spores can then spread to the home’s air ducts and throughout the home as air flows through the system.

Mold in the heating system or ductwork can have negative health outcomes. It can cause respiratory irritation or infections, exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms, and significantly reduce indoor air quality. If homeowners develop any of these symptoms, notice a musty smell, or can see mold growth in their air ducts or in and around their heater, they should call a professional for a heater cleaning or air duct cleaning as soon as possible.

Overheating

Person replacing a dirty furnace filter to prevent overheating and ensure proper airflow in heating systems.Lastly, overheating a heater or furnace can be extremely dangerous and surprisingly common. Overheating can occur for various reasons, such as restricted airflow (usually due to a dirty furnace filter), short cycling (the unit frequently turns on and off), faulty internal components, or old age. 

Overheating can cause the heat exchanger to crack (as mentioned above, lead to a carbon monoxide leak), damage the blower motor or other key components, and even cause a furnace fire. Some signs of an overheating furnace include burning smells, a loud humming noise from the heater, or shutting down before the thermostat reaches the correct temperature.

If homeowners notice these signs, they should immediately turn the system off and call a professional for heater repair. To help prevent overheating in the first place, homeowners can replace their HVAC air filter(s) every 1-3 months and schedule regular heating maintenance (ideally once every autumn) with a professional to help catch and resolve any issues that may lead to overheating – as well as the other issues mentioned above!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been handling Colorado Springs homeowners' and business owners' plumbing and HVAC needs since 1999. Their commitment to quality workmanship, outstanding customer service, and impeccable reliability has earned them numerous 5-star reviews and awards – they were even named the “Best Emergency Plumbers in Colorado Springs” by Expertise.com. They offer competitive up-front pricing, a money-saving maintenance plan, and 24/7 emergency response with no after-hours fees, so call B&L anytime for heating repair in Colorado Springs, CO!

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Professional Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes Over the Winter

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Preventing Frozen Pipes During the Winter

Winter is coming, and temperatures have already dropped. It’s time for homeowners to prepare everything for the winter so that their home is ready to weather the season. One of the main aspects of winterizing the home in the fall is preparing the plumbing to withstand the cold. 

During the winter, the pipes in the home can take a lot of abuse. When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes that aren’t properly protected can freeze. Frozen pipes have a lot of potential to cause damage around the home, so owners must take steps to prevent them. Here is a quick guide to help owners prepare their plumbing for winter. 

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes 

Frozen copper pipe with a visible crack and ice buildup, illustrating the dangers of frozen pipes during winter.The water inside the piping is susceptible to freezing. Once the temperatures dip below 32 degrees, water will slowly freeze. The further the temperature drops, the faster this process will be. 

A frozen pipe by itself is a hassle. Losing access to water at a sink or outdoor spigot may be an inconvenience, but the real danger of frozen pipes lies in the damage they can do when a pipe bursts. As water inside the piping freezes, it expands with shocking force. Freezing water is capable of causing plastic and metal pipes to burst. Once the pipe starts to thaw, the water pressure in the plumbing system will push the ice plug out, and flooding can happen within seconds. The amount of work that goes into fixing the damage from the flood far outweighs the cost of taking precautions. 

Can Pipe Insulation Help? 

Pipe insulation sleeves covering copper pipes, demonstrating a solution to prevent frozen pipes and plumbing damage during winter.The first tool to help prevent frozen pipes and the resulting burst pipes is a product called pipe insulation. Indeed, pipe insulation is so good at its job that it is often the only tool homeowners need to completely protect their plumbing during the winter. 

Insulation for pipes works by wrapping all exposed piping in a cozy layer of fiberglass or foam. Pipe insulation comes in long sections split longitudinally so they can be slipped over stretches of pipes. The split is taped shut using duct tape or reflective tape so no cold air can slip into the joint. This slows down the heat exchange with cold air to keep pipes warmer for longer. 

More Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes 

While pipe insulation can go a long way towards protecting pipes during the winter, it isn’t the best option in some cases. The best advice is to have a plumbing contractor inspect the plumbing before the winter comes so they can come up with the best option for every situation. Some of the alternatives they may suggest for pipes that may be subject to freezing are: 

  • Rerouting pipes that are in poorly insulated exterior-facing walls
  • Insulating or rerouting pipes that are in attics
  • Leaving faucets dripping so warmer water is always moving through pipes
  • Installing heat tape for large pipes to protect them in extreme cold snaps
  • Upgrading exposed pipes to PEX or other materials that are more burst-resistant 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Commercial and residential owners can protect their piping in the winter with help from B&L Plumbing and Heating. Their experts quickly deal with burst pipes and insulate pipes to prevent winter problems. Call today for professional plumbing services in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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