Land & Property Archives - Page 9 of 17 - B&L Plumbing and Heating

3 Self Care Tips To Help You Relax This Valentine's Day

Treat Yourself This Valentine's Day By Turning the Bathroom Into a Luxury Spa

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, whether going out to an expensive restaurant, staying in and cooking up a gourmet meal, or just keeping it simple with some flowers and chocolates. But no matter how couples (or singles) choose to celebrate, the main thing is to relax and have a good time. And what better way to do that than by getting in the tub or shower and letting the hot water melt away the stress?

Of course, many people may not view their bathroom as relaxing or luxurious. But with a few upgrades and simple touches, any bathroom can feel like a 5-star spa. Homeowners can keep reading to learn how to transform their bathroom into a den of self-care and relaxation!

Benefits of Bathtime

Virtually everyone knows that taking a long soak in the tub can be a great way to relax and blow off steam. But recent research has shown that hot baths may also have powerful health benefits beyond stress reduction.

Soaking in hot water raises the body's temperature, which can help dilate the veins and get the heart pumping faster. This has the effect of temporarily lowering blood pressure and aiding circulation. The hot water can also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in muscles and joints - particularly when combined with Epsom salts.

Warm baths before bed have also been shown to improve sleep since they aid in the body's ability to regulate temperature at bedtime, helping to release melatonin. Adding certain essential oils to the bath can also help hydrate the skin, promote deeper relaxation, and improve breathing through aromatherapy.

Add a Splash of Color

Homeowners may also consider installing colored LED lights in their bathrooms to promote self-care. Colored lighting can help stimulate certain moods and impact the nervous system - this is often called chromotherapy or color therapy. This has been used for centuries in many cultures worldwide, but it has gained more popularity and widespread use in recent years.

Many bathtub and hot tube manufacturers even design tubs with LED lighting built in - but there are plenty of cheaper options that can be placed inside the home's existing tub or shower. This can be a great way to relax, energize the mind, invoke a particular mood, or simply enjoy a unique experience. Cooler colors like blue and green promote calm and balance, while warmer colors, such as orange and red, are often associated with cheerfulness, comfort, and romance.

Relax Under a Rainfall Showerhead

Another great way to enhance the bathing experience is to install a rain shower head. A hot shower can be a powerful stress reliever in its own right, but rain showerheads can take every shower to the next level. As the name suggests, these showerheads simulate rainfall - albeit in a concentrated form. Depending on the user's preference, the pressure can be adjusted to create a gentle downpour or an intense deluge.

Rainfall showerheads tend to be bigger in diameter than typical showerheads, which allows them to cover more surface area. This means homeowners can enjoy the warmth of the water over their entire body rather than having to shift around in the stream. These showerheads can be incredibly relaxing and soothing - and make bathing so much easier, to boot! Many even have LED lighting or Bluetooth speakers built in for a complete experience.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been the go-to plumber in Colorado Springs since 1999. As a Veteran-owned and operated company, they have won multiple awards from HomeAdvisor and Expertise.com for their outstanding service, workmanship, and reliability. They offer competitive pricing, a cost-effective maintenance plan, and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees - so don't hesitate to call B&L for bathroom remodeling in Colorado Springs, CO!

Distribution Links +

Face the New Year with a New Water Heater!

The Benefits of Water Heater Replacement or Installation

Homeowners no longer have to deal with cold showers or lukewarm water. Plenty of water heaters on today’s market offer cost-effective methods of using and heating water. However, not all homeowners know what these heaters offer or even how to connect with plumbers in their areas.

Here, one can learn everything they need to know about getting a new water heater. Of course, if one has questions specific to their circumstances, one should call a professional to learn more.

Homeowners Can Save Energy and Money with a New Water Heater

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that, on average, a tank-reliant water heater can last about ten to 15 years. The older an appliance gets, the less effective it becomes. While homeowners can endlessly opt for repairs, nothing saves more money than a water heater straight off the assembly line.

Here’s what to know about saving money on energy bills with a new water heater:

Gas-powered tankless water heaters are today's market's most effective water heaters. They emit more water and save more money when compared to an electric water heater.
Tankless water heaters (or on-demand water heaters) don’t waste energy by continuously warming water. It heats water on demand, only using energy at a homeowner’s request.
EnergyStar produces water heaters that can save homeowners more than $3,500 over the unit’s lifetime.

As noted, tank-reliant water heaters usually have a lifespan of about 15 years. That’s not the case for tankless water heaters, which can last over 20 years without problems.

Newer Water Heaters Heat More Water Over Shorter Periods

Some water heaters do work better than others. Standard water heaters take about 30 to 40 minutes to heat up the water in their tanks. How long it takes to use that water depends on the home’s energy consumption, among other factors.

Tankless water heaters offer the most “bang” for homeowners’ buck. Here are some things to know about how these systems:

For homes that use less than 40 gallons a day, tankless water heaters can cut costs up to 34 percent.
Having multiple water heaters could save even more money. This is ideal for larger properties with multiple tenants.
Tankless water heaters are great at retaining heat. This maximizes each dollar homeowners spend to keep these systems running.

Newer Water Heaters Use Less Space

Water heaters are much smaller than they were 20 years ago. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that tankless water heaters (surprise, surprise) make the most of their space. They can fit into compact areas because they don’t rely on unwieldy tanks. They also don’t require as much energy as tank-reliant water heaters, so homeowners have more options for replacement.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has a lot to be proud of. This veteran-owned company has enjoyed serving Colorado Springs residents since 1999. That’s more than 20 years of top-notch service. In addition to offering exclusive membership plans, they offer discounted services, online scheduling, and more. They also don’t charge after-hours fees for emergencies. Call today for water heating service!

Distribution Links +

Preventing Frozen and Burst Pipes

3 Reasons Pipes Can Burst And How to Keep the Water Flowing Where It Should

As the winter draws ever nearer and the temperatures drop, homeowners may naturally be concerned about the frigid temperatures doing significant damage to a home's pipes. Many things become brittle when the thermometer drops below zero, including many of the metal and plastic products used in a plumbing system. While one may expect natural anxiety, it should lead the homeowner to action to prevent burst pipes. That is what this article is going to cover.

Pipes Burst Due to Freezing

One of the most basic scientific facts is that water expands when it goes from liquid to solid form; that is when it freezes. Thus, water freezing within pipes puts pressure on them from the inside. This can cause the pipes to crack or burst, creating an interruption in water supply or drainage as well as collateral damage. There are several ways to prevent or at least mitigate this problem, pipe insulation being the primary method. Below are detailed two types of pipe insulation:

Foam Pipe Insulation: This is a very common and inexpensive type of insulation that consists of a split foam tube that wraps around the pipe like a bun around a hot dog. It is held in place by tape that is similar to duct tape. It is flexible and easy to install.
Fiberglass Pipe Insulation: This is much more like traditional wall insulation and is perfect for making hot water pipes more efficient. This often comes in a tape-like roll wrapped around pipes, although it can come in tubes or sheets with an outer reflective coating for extra protection.

Besides insulating pipes, other ways to help prevent frozen pipes include letting the faucet drip, opening cabinet doors, or aiming a space heater at affected pipes.

Pipes Burst Due to Corrosion

Pipe corrosion and decay occur when a pipe is weakened by chemical or physical environmental interactions that cause material loss. As the walls of the pipes grow thinner and thinner, they grow weaker and weaker and may eventually burst. The culprit may be anything from chemical drain cleaners, which eat away at the pipes' surface while removing clogs, or loose pipes that vibrate and wear themselves thin on their supports. Here are a few ways to keep pipe corrosion or pipe decay to a minimum:

Avoid using chemical drain openers
Make sure all pipe connections and supports are tightened as they should be
Install a water softener

Pipes Burst Due to Clogs

People normally think of a clog being the main problem, not a cause for such a big problem as a burst pipe. This can happen, especially when colder temperatures and pipe age can exacerbate the issue. A clogged pipe can be brittle from cold and put under pressure that causes it to burst. One of the best ways to prevent this is by having regular professional drain cleaning. A plumbing professional can not only clean a home's drainage pipes quickly and efficiently, they can also assess whether or not there is a developing problem in the system.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Available 24/7 in Colorado Springs, CO with no after-hours charges, B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned and family-operated business. For more than 20 years, they have offered expert plumbing services and individualized solutions for the people of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. Call today for assistance with any plumbing problem.

Distribution Links +

Plumbing Disasters Shouldn't Ruin a Thanksgiving Gathering

Prevent Clogged Toilets and Sewer Back Up With Simple Maintenance

Large gatherings of family and friends tend to put a lot of extra strain on a home’s plumbing; that’s why it is important to have preventative measures in place. Someone may not be able to predict what story or offensive joke a certain uncle may decide to tell after dinner, but they can predict that more people will be using the restroom than usually have access to a home privy. This article will discuss the best ways to keep the whole gathering running smoothly, at least in the sewer pipes.

How to Prevent a Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet may be the most common and one of the most inconvenient plumbing problems in a household. It is not that the toilet will never clog; it is more about making it easier to unclog the toilet. Normal clogs can usually be dealt with with a plunger, the double flush, or waiting it out, but some things cause more serious clogs because they do not dissolve or break up in the water. If people avoid putting these things in their toilets, the clog is less likely to cause a problem that needs professional assistance. Some of this list may seem counterintuitive, but one should never put these items in the toilet:

Baby Wipes (even “flushable” ones)
Cleaning Wipes(ie Clorox or Lysol wipes)
Cotton Balls
Cotton Rounds
Cotton Swabs
Paper Towels
Sanitary Napkins
Tampons

Even if these items are flushed out of the toilet, they may cause a problem farther down the line, leading to the next area of concern: the sewer pipes.

Keeping Sewer Lines Clean

If the sewer is backed up, then no drain in the house will do the job it is supposed to do of removing liquid waste from the home. Most forms of prevention do come in the form of avoidance, but some methods of keeping drains clean are proactive. Here is a list of dos and don’ts:

Avoid Grease: Grease may seem like it should slide down the drain just like water; however, grease tends to congeal and cling to the sides of pipes, creating a natural sticky trap for any particles that pass. This can create a hard-to-remove clog of food particles, hair, and other waste.
Avoid Chemical Drain Openers: While chemical drain cleaners break up clogs, their corrosiveness can also cause damage to pipes. They can eat into the pipes' material and cause weakening, pitting, and even breakage. Even if the worst is avoided, pitting can make the pipes more likely to clog due to the roughness created by corrosion.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: A quick and safe method of chemical drain cleaning uses the basic ingredients for the science fair volcano: baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda can be poured into a drain and allowed to settle. Then vinegar is poured after it, creating hydrogen bubbles that can help break up detritus in the pipes.
Call the Professionals: Professional sewer line cleaning methods like hydro-jetting can be used as a preventative measure against a clogged sewer line and slow-moving drains.

Homeowners Can Be Thankful for Plumbing Maintenance

Regular professional maintenance can prevent most plumbing issues, especially the major ones. Problems such as water and structural damage, mold and mildew, water heater outage, and slab leaks can be prevented by regular checkups by plumbing technicians. Every homeowner should be thankful for their local plumbing expert.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating of Colorado Springs, CO provides exceptional service 24/7. They charge no after-hours fees and have worked in residential and commercial plumbing for over 20 years. Call them today for fast, reliable plumbing service.

Distribution Links +

Is Water Hammer Turning a Cozy Home into a Haunted House?

What To Do About the Scary Banging Sound Coming From the Walls

Most everyone likes a good scare during the Halloween season. A little fun fright to get the blood pumping is a good trick — as long as a delicious treat follows it. But what if that frightening banging sound from behind the walls has become more concerning? Most often, this is caused by a plumbing problem known as water hammer. Luckily, it’s pretty simple to diagnose and even easier to fix with the help of a plumbing professional. Read on to learn what to do about water hammer!

What Causes Water Hammer?

Water hammer is a term for noise caused by water in a plumbing system. Water flows in the pipes, which lead to valves that allow those in the home to access the water. Valves include those at the toilet, shower, sinks, outdoor spigots, or water fixtures in the laundry room. Any of these can cause water hammer when the valve is closed. If the water suddenly has no place to go, it can cause banging sounds in the wall by slamming against the side of the pipe, even causing the pipe to move.

Water Hammer Side Effects

Besides being an annoyance, water hammer can lead to some serious side effects. It can cause wear-and-tear to valves, joints, and fixtures. And since most of the damage happens to plumbing components that are out of sight, it can be hard to tell when or if the components need repair. Unfortunately, if water hammer is allowed to persist, it can cause leaks and associated damage, which can be expensive to fix.

Water hammer can also indicate other problems with the system, such as overly high water pressure or loose pipes. It’s important to determine what’s causing water hammer, as many variables could contribute to the noisy pipes. Luckily, a professional plumber can help.

How a Professional Can Fix Water Hammer

With the help of a qualified professional, homeowners can easily fix banging pipes. Most homes actually have air chambers in the walls to help prevent water hammer. However, if the air chambers get water in them, they won’t be able to provide the “cushion” to stop the noise any longer. A plumber can not only identify if the home has air chambers; they can also drain the water from them so they work again.

If the home doesn’t have air chambers, a professional plumber can install water hammer arrestors to eliminate the issue. But sometimes, the problem isn’t with the pipes at all. Rather, it’s with the pressure in the system. Overly high water pressure can cause water hammer. Likewise, loose pipes can cause banging, even if the pressure isn’t high. Another option is to add cushioning around pipes to protect them and prevent the banging noise that is water hammer. No matter the cause, a qualified professional can provide the right tools and expertise for fixing water hammer.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been proudly serving Colorado Springs, CO, since 1999. They provide peace of mind, never considering the job done until the customer is completely satisfied. They also offer tailored options and never charge after-hours fees for emergency service. For help fixing water hammer in Colorado Springs, CO, contact B&L Plumbing and Heating today.