Company: B&L Plumbing and Heating

Turn the Bathroom Into a Relaxing Oasis for Mother's Day

Three Ideas for Easy Bathroom Makeovers 

One of the things synonymous with spring is honoring mom for all her hard work. Mother's Day is her day, and it is all about making sure she feels the love. Usually, this entails taking away her day-to-day responsibilities and giving her a chance to relax and decompress. Spa packages are one of the most popular gifts, but what if every day could be a spa day? 

To make every day a spa day, homeowners only have to make a few changes to the bathroom. With the right additions to this sacred space, mom can feel the love at every opportunity. Instead of buying her one day's relaxation, invest in the bathroom and make every day an oasis with these ideas from local bathroom remodeling professionals. 

Upgrade the Showerhead

showers

Updating the bathroom to make it the most relaxing room in the house doesn't have to mean a total gut and remodel. It's always best to start with the small things and work until the bathroom gives the home spa experience. A small upgrade that can have a huge impact is simply installing a new showerhead. 

New showerheads come with tons of options that can enhance the appeal of every bathroom, and they can be easy on the budget as well. For less than $150, mom can have a showerhead that:

  • Contains LEDs to set the mood for a relaxing shower
  • Has Bluetooth capability, so she can play her favorite tunes
  • Mimics a rain shower for the most relaxing shower she's ever had
  • Saves money by reducing water usage
  • Reduces hard water by removing excess minerals
  • Massages away the stress of the day

This simple upgrade is something she can take advantage of immediately and indefinitely. 

Upgrade the Tub for Long Relaxing Soaks

tubFor families looking for a bigger project than replacing the showerhead, a new bathtub installation may be just what is needed to give the spa feel to a bathroom. There are plenty of options that one can select to fit any bathroom remodel and budget. Some common choices are:  

  • Jacuzzi Tub: The ultimate bathtub. These tubs are large tubs complete with relaxing jets and heaters, so baths can last longer and be more relaxing. 
  • Pedestal Tub: A more affordable style of soaking tub, pedestal tubs are the classic choice for a bathtub that can accommodate long baths. 
  • Alcove Tub: Many homes are already outfitted with a nook that will fit a drop-in tub insert. These options are likely the most affordable but can freshen up a drab bathroom without breaking the bank. 

Work on the General Aesthetic with These Ideas 

Apart from showerheads and bathtubs, bathrooms have plenty of opportunities to make updates that can create the perfect environment. A few ideas to complete the spa experience in a bathroom are: 

  • Upgrade the sink or fixtures 
  • Install a new toilet
  • Add mood lighting for chromotherapy
  • Use candles and air fresheners for aromatherapy
  • Change out accents like towel racks and soap dispensers

Whether a project is simple or a complete remodel, it is easy to find the options to fit any budget or design aesthetic. Finding professional bathroom contractors for bathroom design ideas can be a memorable Mother's Day gift that mom can enjoy for years. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is the local choice for bathroom remodels. With tailored solutions and competitive pricing, families can get mom the spa experience she deserves. Call today for fast and personal bathroom remodeling service in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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The Dangers of Outdoor Plumbing Issues

Important Information About Outdoor Plumbing Clogs

Outdoor plumbing clogs can be awful to deal with; instead of simply waiting for them to happen, there are many things that homeowners can do to decrease the chances of a clogged outdoor pipe. Experts in the plumbing industry recommend looking for common signs that a problem is starting. If homeowners catch an underground plumbing clog quickly, there is a higher chance that it is repairable. 

An underground pipe clog can cause severe issues and worsen a yard and the structure of a home, so read on to learn more. 

What Are Common Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures?sprinklers

There are a lot of outdoor plumbing fixtures that could lead to a clogged pipe. Since this is the case, homeowners should take note of all the plumbing fixtures and appliances outside. Anything connected to a water or waste line should be frequently inspected and maintained to ensure no problems.

For example, most homes have built-in sprinkler systems that are convenient and easy to program. However, what happens when a clog finds itself in the water like that connects to the sprinkler system? This eventually could cause the pipe to burst, leading to waste and foul-smelling water to come out.

Fountains are not common in all homes, but they do make a home look beautiful! The pipes should regularly be cleaned and checked for homeowners with these gorgeous and large fountains.

How Do Outdoor Pipes Become Clog?

There are many ways that underground pipes can become clogged. The most common reason is pushing items that do not need to be placed in these pipes. For example, some homeowners accidentally let grease and oil into drains, which can harden and cause a large backup in underground pipes.

Another way outdoor pipes become clogged is if there's a dent, scratch, or break in the pipes. When this occurs, the pipe fills with dirt and other underground matter, causing severe problems and a clogged pipe.

clogsHow To Clean Out Outdoor Clogged Pipes

Before homeowners can start to clear a pipe clog, they need to find the exact cause first. If the cause is not fixed, no matter how much cleaning and procedures are done, it will continue clogging.

There are a few tips that homeowners can try on their own, but there is no guarantee they won't work without a professional plumbing expert's help. For example, snakes can be placed into drains and pull out any blockages. If it is too deep, hydro-jetting is necessary. When hydro-jetting, a lot of pressured water is blasted through the pipes to clean and clear them of debris.

Plumbing companies only do this because finding a hydro-jetting machine and hose is not easy. If not done right, the blast of water can also damage other pipes, homes, and structures.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The technicians in B&L Plumbing and Heating are amazing and have years of experience in the plumbing field. These technicians work long hours to complete 24/7 emergency requests and provide excellent service. Homeowners interested in plumbing services should call B&L in the Colorado Springs, CO area.

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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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