Why Should Homeowners Add a Sump Pump To Their Holiday Wishlist?

A Sump Pump Installation May Be the Best Gift This Holiday Season!

Plumbing is an essential part of a functioning home! Homeowners should always try to maintain and prevent plumbing issues as they can be messy to clean. Sump pumps are a great gift that homeowners can use in home plumbing systems.

Why Are Sump Pumps Necessary?

Sump pumps are devices that are either fully or partially submerged in water. The device works are typically located in a homeowner's basement. Sump pumps are placed in holes and work by pushing out any water that comes up after rain. Sump pumps are great for homes and only work when they are needed. 

These devices are great for homeowners that live in flood zones. The water trapped in the dirt under the house gets pushed by the sump pumps to drainage areas. There are many benefits to owning a sump pump. For example, sump pumps can prevent flooding in basements. When basements flood, there is a risk of mold and bacteria growth that can make homeowners safe.

What are the Different Types of Sump Pumps?pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps, but both work nearly the same way.
Homeowners with a Submersible sump pump have the pump submerged in the sump pit, the hole in a basement. The submersible sump pump is a great option for homeowners on a budget. This sump pump type does not last forever, though, and needs frequent maintenance. Since the entire system, including the motor, is submerged, there is still potential for water damage.

The second type of sump pump is the pedestal sump pump. This particular pump is not entirely submerged. The motor is upright and sits outside of the pit. The life expectancy of this device reaches 30 years. It is a great tool for homeowners that live in active flood zones or see extreme weather.

sumppumpWhat are Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps?

Anything breaks and wears down with time. Water damage harms pumps, especially ones submerged for long periods. Pumps that have not been serviced or maintained may break during winter or thunderstorms. This is why it is important to have a secondary or backup sump pump. Homeowners should call a plumbing technician for a sump pump installation if they don't have one already.

Secondary sump pumps are sump pumps that are activated when the primary system is not working. They work just as well but are only used as a backup. This only works, however, if homeowners have electricity. In severe weather, it may not be possible. Thankfully, many backup sump pumps need batteries. This is life-saving and can be why homeowners save thousands of dollars in damages. If homeowners notice that neither system is working, they should call a technician for a sump pump replacement.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned local company that focuses on plumbing repairs and installations in Colorado Springs, CO. This company offers fair pricing, emergency services, and friendly customer service. Call them today for sump pump installation services!

Why Homeowners Search for 24-Hour Plumbing Services

How 24-Hour Plumbing Services Support Homeowners

Ever have a plumbing emergency? It’s not such a pretty sight. They happen without warning, cause a ton of panic, and result in a ton of damage. Someone could walk into the room and quickly notice water pouring down the walls from a burst pipe. The water wiggles its way behind cabinets, furniture, and underneath the floorboards. Staples in your home may have to be ripped out and replaced due to water damage, pipes might need to be replaced, and the walls will need to be repainted so they don’t have water stains.

In times like these, it’s essential to have a 24-hour emergency plumbing service available. In this article, homeowners can learn about the services and benefits of 24-hour plumbers. It will also discuss the importance of having an emergency plumber nearby and ready to call; there’s no time to waste!

What Is a 24-Hour Plumber?

24 hour servicesA 24-hour plumber is essentially what it sounds like. A plumbing professional or company that is available around the clock in case an emergency happens. Plumbing emergencies are bound to happen at some point in every homeowner’s life.

For instance, if there is a burst pipe in the wall, a plumber will be able to identify exactly where the broken pipe is located and replace that exact spot to minimize the damage to the rest of the home.

The main focus should always be on limiting damage to your home and finding a long-term fix for your plumbing needs. And these are solutions that a 24-hour plumber will give to you at any time!

How Much Time Do Plumbers Take?

In the middle of a plumbing emergency, most homeowners don’t have much time to wait around and think. Action needs to be taken fast! Depending on how busy a plumbing company is it could take days for someone to come out, especially if the company is located out of town.

plumber near me

This is why it’s so important to have an emergency plumbing company nearby that can come out to assess and resolve the problem within 24 hours. Homeowners should take the time to research plumbers near them before an emergency happens. This way, when the inevitable occurs, they have a number to call right away.

Common Emergency Plumbing Services

The fix to a plumbing emergency depends on how severe the emergency is; there isn’t usually a standard solution. If a toilet is clogged, that’s one thing. But if a toilet is clogged and overflowing, more extreme measures need to be taken.

Professional plumbers will have all of the right tools, technology, and knowledge to assess the situation and implement a solution. Here are a few of the most common plumbing emergencies that home’s experience:

  • pro plumbersBurst Pipes
  • Sump Pump Failure
  • Broken Water Lines
  • Clogged Sinks or Toilets
  • Leaky Washing Machine Hoses
  • Faulty Water Heater

All of these emergencies can cause a lot of damage to a home. If pipes are leaking or broken, water can get into places that it shouldn’t be, can cause mold growth, and can rack up the water bill for the month.

If there are clogged drains or no hot water coming out of the shower, it makes for an unpleasant experience in the home and slows down daily activities. If any of these emergencies occur, it’s critical that homeowners get them fixed immediately. However, plumbing maintenance has many benefits when it comes to preventing emergency situations. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a local Colorado Springs, CO plumbing company dedicated to providing top-quality services to its customers for over two decades. They believe that being a great plumber means more than just having a license and the right tools – it’s also about providing exceptional service, and B&L Plumbing and Heating provides both.

The Main Reasons Why Homeowners Shouldn't Ignore Dripping Faucets

Dripping Faucets Are a Big Problem

Dripping faucets can occur anywhere in the home, from the kitchen sink to outdoor kitchens, to bathroom leaks. Not only are they annoying, but they can also cause serious damage to the home and plumbing if left unfixed.

Water from dripping faucets will also show up on homeowners’ water bills. Read on to learn more about the causes of dripping faucets, how to prevent them, and why ignoring dripping faucets isn’t a great idea for homeowners trying to save money.

Causes of Kitchen Sink Faucet Leaks

Kitchen sink faucets are larger than those found in bathrooms, as they are designed to not only wash hands, but also dishes, and be used in cooking, etc. They can have a number of different features and components, all of which can contribute to a dripping faucet.

kitchen sinkSome common causes of leaks in the kitchen sink faucet are:
  • Problem with the O ring: O rings are small discs located in stem screws, which are used to hold the faucet handles in place. When these become broken or worn, leaks can occur.
  • Corroded valve seat: A valve seat is what connects the handle to the spout, and water sediment can build up there and corrode the valve seat over time. To prevent this from happening, homeowners should periodically contact a professional plumber to clean the valve seat and avoid corrosion.
  • Problem with washer(s): This could be a worn-out washer or a washer that wasn’t installed correctly.

A dripping faucet in a working sink should be fixed quickly to avoid additional damage and incur extra costs for homeowners.

Causes of Bathroom Leaks

Anything that can cause a leak in the kitchen sink can also cause leaks in the bathroom sink faucet. If the leak is in the bathtub, it is most likely caused by a worn-out washer. This happens frequently because the washers in these faucets are made from plastic or rubber, which degrades over time as it comes into contact with water. The washer may have also been installed incorrectly.

bathroom leaks

In addition to these common causes, a number of other things might cause bathroom leaks or leaks in kitchen sinks, like worn-out cartridges or seals, loose parts, or even water pressure. Professional installation and maintenance is the best way to avoid the hassle of a leaking faucet.

The Big Issue: An Increased Water Bill

increased water billDripping faucets may seem like a minor annoyance, but they waste gallons upon gallons of water each month. Per the EPA, “The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.”

Those wasted gallons will show up on the homeowner’s water bill--by some estimations, it can increase the water bill by up to 10%, wasting enough water to fill up a swimming pool. Thus, ignoring the issue is not free, and is not the best route for homeowners wanting to save money. Repairing dripping faucets is the easiest way to avoid an increased water bill, and save money in the long run.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is always ready to help homeowners with an emergency. Their friendly dispatchers and licensed plumbers are always available to diagnose and assess any plumbing system issues, including dripping faucets. They have been providing 24/7 service to Colorado Springs and surrounding areas since 1999.