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Don't Let a Plumbing Emergency Scare You This Halloween

Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Haunt Your Home

Halloween may put everyone in a haunting mood, but that doesn’t mean homeowners should be allowed to get spooked by a potential plumbing emergency - not when there are plenty of simple and easy ways to avoid this. Below are the three most effective ways to keep a home’s plumbing system healthy, flowing, and clog-free.

How To Avoid A Sewer Line Clog

To prevent a plumbing emergency, preventing clogs should be a priority. Not only is a clogged sewer line one of the primary reasons behind sewage backups, but it is also among the causes behind some of the most common plumbing problems experienced at home, such as burst pipes and flooding.

Fortunately, preventing a clog from forming within a home’s plumbing system isn’t particularly difficult. This can be done simply by practicing correct waste disposal habits at home. Something as straightforward as keeping grease and other oily food from making its way down the kitchen drain is a good start. This is because oil and grease may go down in liquid form at disposal but tend to solidify once they cool inside the pipes, creating a stubborn clog. Similarly, food scraps should also be disposed of in the trash, not in the kitchen drain, even with a garbage disposal, which should be used only for small food scraps.

Bathroom drains and toilets should also be well cared for. Homeowners would install drain protectors to keep hair and other debris out of the shower drain and be mindful of the things that get flushed down the toilet. Small quantities of toilet paper are okay; cigarette butts, wipes, copious amounts of toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and other large, non-biodegradable materials are not.

Maintain the Plumbing System

Prevention is the key to avoiding a plumbing emergency, which means investing in regular plumbing maintenance. Having a licensed, professional plumber come in at least once a year to inspect the pipes, check for leaks, and examine the overall health of the plumbing system helps homeowners nip minor problems in the bud before they become big issues that may end up creating a world of inconvenience or costing a lot of money to fix.

As part of yearly maintenance efforts, plumbers can also prevent a sewage backup by cleaning drainage, which helps clear any accumulation within the pipes. Hydro jet drain cleaning can address more stubborn blockages, which employing a jet of highly pressurized water that is effective at removing even the most persistent clogs.

Don’t Forget To Maintain the Water Heater Too

While drainages and pipes are understandably the priority for plumbing maintenance, water heaters shouldn’t be neglected either since they are also connected to the plumbing system. Water that courses throughout a home’s plumbing system often goes through the water heater, so this very important household appliance - be it a traditional storage tank heater or a tankless one - deserves just as much care as plumbing.

Taking time to have a professional conduct water heater maintenance by checking the water heater for leaks, loose connections, or other damage, as well as regularly flushing the system to get rid of minerals and sediment that may affect its performance, will go a long way in helping prevent plumbing disasters at home.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is the trusted plumbing solutions provider in the Colorado Springs area. With a full menu of plumbing services that range from sewer repair and drain cleaning to kitchen plumbing and water softener repair and installation, B&L offers fast and reliable service available 24/7. Not only do they provide quality products and services, but they also make sure their pricing is competitive and that their plumbers leave homes clean and mess-free, giving customers peace of mind and the right education to keep the same problems from happening again. Call them today for plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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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.

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 Help

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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Don't Delay, Clean Your Drains!

What’s the Importance of Drain Cleaning?

Homeowners tend to look over the little things when it comes to home repairs. One thing they think is minor is actually quite major: their drain system. Most people don’t think to clean it until it’s too late and the water won’t go down.

Cleaning the drains when needed helps improve the life of the drain and prevents leaks. When chemical deposits build up in the drains, it can cause corrosion, leading to cracked pipes and eventually leaking. Additionally, cleaning the drains can prevent foul odors. Drains can have a buildup of mold and bacteria if they aren’t taken care of, producing those awful smells coming from the drain.

Lack of Clogs & Speedy Drains

It’s a no-brainer that clean drains will result in speedy drainage and reduced clogs. One of the most noticeable benefits of drain cleaning is quick drainage. The water won’t remain in the drain or slowly gurgle as it flows down the pipe if it’s free from blockages. When a homeowner hears the dreaded gurgle, that means the drain could be partially obstructed.

When it comes to kitchen drains or other fixtures, there’s less chance of overflow or freestanding water appearing. This is especially important for toilet drains. Keeping those clean will prevent backflow, which is when the sewer backs up into the toilet.

Odor & Repair Reduction

Not only do clean drains make water disposal quicker and prevent clogs, but it also prevents odors and possible repairs. When drains aren’t cleaned, they tend to build up with bacteria. The bacteria can live on the hair in the drain, soap film, toothpaste, and other remnants living in the drain. This causes a vile odor that’s rather unpleasant. Even worse, homeowners might get used to it.

In addition to reducing odors, cleaning drains can lead to a reduction in repairs. An unfortunate side effect of not cleaning drains is damage to the home. This can happen as a result of burst pipes and overflowing toilets and sinks from clogs. The damage can leak wastewater throughout the home, causing a mess and a health hazard. It can lead to discoloration of floors and walls, and it’s costly to repair.

Can You Use Liquid Drain Cleaner?

If a homeowner is in a pinch and can’t get a plumber, they can use a liquid drain cleaner, but not too often. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the pipes and cause more harm than good. If there’s a visible clog that homeowners can’t undo or there’s an odor coming from the drains, it’s best to get in touch with a local professional plumber.

When a plumber is called in, they’ll use a drain snake to remove a clog if a plunger won’t do the job. They may also utilize a camera system to see exactly how far into the drain the clog is and determine the necessary solution.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is based out of Colorado Springs, CO. They are a veteran family-owned & operated company that offers fast & reliable 24/7 service. They don’t charge after-hour fees and have a variety of coupons available on their website. Contact them to schedule expert drain cleaning today!

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Don't Let Frozen Pipes Ruin Your Winter Time This Year

Tips for Avoiding Frozen Pipe Disasters

Nobody ever wants to be stuck in a situation where pipes fail on the coldest night of the year. Frozen pipes not only leave the house freezing but can get very costly. With temperatures dropping, it is very easy to forget how fragile pipes can be. Frozen pipes can rupture and lead to a whole world of problems. Here are some tips that will help to keep pipes from becoming victim to the cold this winter.

Heat Tape to the Rescue

One trick that homeowners can use to ensure that pipes don’t freeze is to apply heat tape. Heat tape supplies heat directly to the pipe when there is a chance that the temperatures will be cold enough to freeze your pipes. The tape is most effective in smaller sections of pipes that are at a higher risk of freezing. Tape should be applied in areas that can be easily accessed to monitor the situation.

Heat tape coil for preventing frozen pipes, essential for winter plumbing maintenance and insulation.

Two different kinds of heat tape can be applied to certain parts of the piping system. One type of heat tape will automatically turn on or off depending on how cold the temperature is outside. The other type of heat tape needs to be plugged in when you want to apply heat. Similar to a space heater, homeowners should keep an eye on the pipes when heat tape is turned on.

Add Additional Insulation

Foam insulation sleeves for pipes, emphasizing protection against freezing temperatures, relevant to plumbing maintenance and pipe insulation solutions.

Homeowners can try to insulate pipes in colder parts of the house to avoid a frozen pipe repair. It would be best to insulate pipes that are in the open. It can be a bit more challenging to insulate pipes that are located behind walls, in ceilings, or under the floor.

However, this could be an additional way to try to protect the pipes in the home. Another trick is to fit pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves. This can be a rather inexpensive solution for those pipes out in the open.

It is important to remember, however, that insulation does not prevent pipes from freezing. Its main purpose is to try to keep the pipes at the same temperature as the water inside of them. If the pipes are exposed to freezing conditions for an extended period of time, there is a good chance the pipes may still freeze.

Dripping Faucets Are an Easy Defense

A final tip for homeowners is to allow faucets to slowly drip into the plumbing water cycle during frigid temperatures. There only needs to be a slight drip to be effective. When a pipe does freeze, it is because of the pressure that builds up between the blockage and the faucet.

Brass faucet with a slow drip, illustrating a method to prevent frozen pipes during cold weather.

When the faucet is open, the pressure is reduced and will help to protect the pipe from bursting. Even if the faucet has both a hot and cold knob, it is important to turn both on far enough to drip. This helps to keep the balance between both temperatures.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is dedicated to providing the best service possible to its customers through workmanship, top-notch products, and best in class service that can always be expected from its employees. B&L Plumbing and Heating offers 24/7 services because plumbing problems can happen at any time!