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Spring Is the Best Time for Drain Cleaning!

No Spring Cleaning Checklist Is Complete Without Drain Cleaning!

Springtime is the perfect season for cleaning. With the longer days and nicer weather, homeowners can open up the windows to let in some sunshine and a nice breeze while they tackle those long-neglected cleaning chores. There’s one area of a home that seldom gets added to the list, however: drains. The kitchen and bathrooms may even get cleaned every week, but many homeowners let their drains go years without a thorough cleaning - and they usually pay the price in clogs, nasty odors, or expensive repairs. Fortunately, this is one spring cleaning task that can (and should) be outsourced to a pro.

Why Routine Drain Cleaning Is So Importantdrain cleaning

Anyone with a clogged drain knows that it’s no fun. Whether it’s a stopped-up sink or a shower that drains too slowly, it makes for a messy and unpleasant experience. And in drains that don’t get cleaned often enough, it’s just a matter of time before a clog forms. Even before the obstruction becomes large enough to affect water flow, it can produce offensive odors as it decays inside the drain. Dirty drains are also more likely to harbor mold and mildew.

Many homeowners turn to store-bought chemical drain cleaners or other DIY methods to battle clogs and odors, but these solutions can damage the plumbing system if used improperly or too often. By hiring a professional, homeowners can be sure their drains are cleaned safely and thoroughly.

Drain Cleaning Methods Used By Professionals

Plumbers and drain cleaning specialists have a few tools and methods at their disposal for clearing clogs and removing nasty buildup from pipes. Flexible metal coils called drain snakes are often used to drill through obstructions and pull them up out of the pipe. However, drain snakes are not very effective when removing mildew or other grime from the pipe walls.

Hydro-jetting is a better method for all-around cleaning and clog removal. With hydro-jetting, the plumber sprays the inside of the pipe with a high-pressure water hose. When using hot water, this is highly effective at clearing blockages and washing nasty residue off the pipe wall - even as far down as the sewer lines.

Keep Drains Clean Between Professional Cleaning Visits

drain visit
Annual spring drain cleanings are the best way to prevent drainage issues and foul smells, but that doesn’t mean the drains should be neglected the rest of the year. There are perfectly safe and easy ways for homeowners to reduce the likelihood of clogs and keep nasty buildup at bay.

Pouring boiling water down the drains will help kill odor-producing germs and flush out oils and other gunk. But it’s even more effective to do this after pouring a generous helping of baking soda followed by vinegar into the drain and letting it sit for several minutes. The fizzy reaction will help break up minor obstructions as well as neutralize odors, so it’s a good idea to do this once a month, at least.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has served Colorado Springs, CO with pride since 1999. Their clean, courteous professionals arrive promptly in full-stocked trucks, ready to answer any question and solve any problem. B&L provides up-front, competitive pricing, tailored options, and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fee. Call now for expert drain cleaning services!

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Don't Delay, Clean Your Drains!

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 ReductionWoman holding her nose, reacting to unpleasant odor, emphasizing the importance of clean drains to prevent foul smells in plumbing.

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. 

Close-up of a drain with water flowing, representing plumbing maintenance and the importance of clean drains to prevent clogs and home damage.

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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Get Familiar With Your Plumbing System In the Style of Speed Dating

get familiar with your plumbing system in the style of speed dating, einvithfltf3zqhrnpmw8vinfyvlgsd1jr3xtwuc

Learn More About Your Home's Plumbing With These 3 Burning Questions

Most homeowners probably don't give much thought to their plumbing systems as long as the water flows, the toilets flush, and the pipes aren't busted. But a home's plumbing is a complex and indispensable part of everyday life and deserves more attention than it is usually given. 

Since most plumbing issues result from general neglect, homeowners who give the cold shoulder to their plumbing systems are asking for trouble. Learning everything there is to know may take some time, but a few fun and easy questions are enough to break the ice and get things started.

Why Is the Toilet Sometimes Called 'the John'?

There is some debate as to why, when, and where toilets originally got the "John" nickname, but the term is most often attributed to Sir John Harrington. One of Queen Elizabeth I's many godsons, Harrington was a poet and a bit of a troublemaker. His invention of a flushable toilet in the 1590s, while not the first flush toilet ever designed, was a great innovation at the time - the Queen even had Harrington build one for her.

Modern white toilet in a bathroom setting, illustrating plumbing innovations related to Sir John Harrington's flushable toilet design.

Harrington's toilet, which he affectionately named Ajax - a play on 'jake' or 'jack,' the slang terms for a latrine - was a clear precursor to the toilets of today. The wooden contraption was large, noisy, and not exactly sanitary, but functional. A leather valve would allow water from a raised cistern to flow down and empty the chamber bowl, washing away waste. His design was never employed for widespread use, but Sir John is still widely considered the modern toilet's originator.

Does Water Spin the Other Way In the Southern Hemisphere?

Despite the popular myth, water does not go down drains in the opposite direction south of the equator - at least not always. A physical phenomenon called Coriolis force affects the rotation and direction of large-scale systems like cyclones and hurricanes, essentially pulling them north or south away from the equator. This pull, combined with the Earth's rotation, causes these systems to spin clockwise if they're in the Southern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise if they're in the Northern. 

Coriolis force may theoretically play a minor role in the water's rotation in the case of a draining bathtub or sink. Still, it will be superseded by more immediate factors like the basin's geometry or any recent interaction with the water. Similarly, the design of a specific toilet will dictate which direction the water flushes - namely, the direction of the jets around the rim of the bowl.

How Much Water Does a Dripping Faucet Waste?Leaky chrome faucet with a single drop of water forming, illustrating water waste and plumbing issues related to faucet repairs.

The constant sound of "drip, drip, drip" from a leaky faucet is enough to drive anyone up the walls. But far worse than this torturous sound is the amount of water lost down the drain. Even a relatively slow drip can waste dozens of gallons each month. An average drip rate for a leaky sink faucet is around 10-12 drips per minute, equating to more than a gallon of water per day, or close to 400 gallons per year. 

A leaky faucet is usually caused by a worn or damaged valve or gasket. Leaks of this nature tend to get worse and worse over time, and can even cause mold growth, so it's best to have them repaired as soon as possible - before even more water flows uselessly down the drain.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been providing friendly expert service to Colorado Springs, CO since 1999. As a veteran-owned local business, their unparalleled customer care, workmanship, and community involvement have earned them consistent 5-star ratings and several awards. B&L provides transparent, competitive pricing, financing, and 24/7 emergency plumbing service with no after-hours fees. 

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Got Someone To Call for Plumbing Help In the Dead of Winter?

got someone to call for plumbing help in the dead of winter?

Why Everyone Needs an Emergency Plumbing Service They Can Count on This Winter

Winters provide austere beauty and the perfect conditions for great skiing, but they are certainly not for the faint of heart. Frigid temperatures, pop-up blizzards, and treacherous ice slicks can make anyone want to curl up by the fire for the duration. But even in the comfort of a warm home, the winter chill can have a negative impact in some unexpected ways. The home’s plumbing system is often hit the hardest, and the results can be disastrous. 

These plumbing emergencies can strike at inopportune times, without much warning, and need to be resolved as quickly as possible. In some cases, the health and safety of everyone in the house depend on it. This is why it’s essential to employ a swift and reliable plumbing company that will show up when they’re needed most.

Preventing Needless Damage From a Burst PipeText "PREVENTION" written in chalk on a dark background, emphasizing the importance of preventing burst pipes during winter plumbing emergencies.

Burst pipes are the most common winter plumbing emergency. This occurs when water in a supply pipe freezes and expands, rupturing the pipe and releasing a geyser of water into the surrounding area.

This is almost entirely preventable through protective measures like insulation and winterization. But should it happen, the damage to the home can be extensive, especially if it goes unnoticed or unresolved for more than a few moments. In the event of a pipe break, the first thing to do is shut off the home’s main water valve, then immediately call a professional.

A Gas Leak Can Be Lethal

There are two types of gas leaks to watch out for, particularly in the winter months. The first is the natural gas used to power appliances. For instance, a gas-powered water heater will be working hard during the winter, and if the burners or pilot light should malfunction, gas may leak into the home, creating a deadly risk of poisoning or explosion.

Warning sign featuring a skull and crossbones, indicating toxic hazards related to gas leaks and sewage issues in plumbing contexts.

The other type is a sewer gas leak. This can occur if a drain trap or sewer pipe has become cracked or clogged, if snow or other obstructions have blocked the home’s rooftop vent pipes, or if a septic system has frozen, to name a few. Besides having an incredibly offensive odor, sewer gas can contain ammonia and methane, among other harmful fumes. It is highly toxic and flammable and should be dealt with immediately.

Hazards of a Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is one of the most horrific plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. Like sewer gas backflow, it can be caused by a ruptured or blocked drainage line (tree roots are one common culprit), septic system issues, or even a problem with the city sewer main. Liquid sewage (known as effluent) entering the home through the drains causes all sorts of problems, not just a terrible mess.

It can lead to the rapid growth of harmful mold and bacteria, stain fixtures, and ruin clothing, flooring, or carpeting. On the more serious side, sewage can carry numerous diseases such as giardia, E. coli, and Hepatitis, and any close contact can prove life-threatening.

Every homeowner should talk to their plumber about options for preventing these types of emergencies, such as pipe insulation, sewer line inspection, and backflow prevention devices. But just in case of some unforeseen plumbing nightmare, it pays to make sure they’ll be there in a pinch.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has served Colorado Springs, CO with pride since 1999. As a highly-rated, award-winning, veteran-owned company, they have a passion for community involvement and customer education. They gladly provide financing, competitive pricing, and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fee.

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Here's How To Find a Reliable Plumbing Company Even During the Holidays

here's how to find a reliable plumbing company even during the holidays

A Good Plumbing Company Will Be There During the Holidays!

During the Holidays, getting a reliable and good plumbing company might come as a herculean task. Since it is the holiday season, the price for plumbing tends to rise, and spending the extravagant fee to fix a plumbing issue won't be a favorite on any homeowner's list. This is especially true during a period meant for relaxation and enjoyment. 

The holidays are a time of relaxation, but they are also a time for an increase in plumbing emergencies like frozen pipes. This is why a good and reliable plumbing company is good to have on hand.

Check for License and Insurance

Family enjoying quality time together indoors, creating a playful atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of home comfort, relevant to reliable plumbing services during holiday emergencies.

Due to the nature of the holiday season, homeowners might be curious to call a handyman or a neighbor with little experience in plumbing matters to fix some of their plumbing emergencies. As easy as it may seem, plumbing is not an easy job, and it requires a seasoned plumber or a reliable plumbing company to do the job safely and efficiently.

The main difference between the general handyman and a trained professional is just that, the training. A professional plumber will have licensing as well as insurance. Insurance is important because it covers all property damage or injuries caused to or by the plumber while on the job. Yes, it is also possible that a handyman can have a lot of experience in plumbing and the use of tools, but the professional certification and insurance will likely be missing.  

Always Check Online Reviews

Online reviews are important yardsticks that can be used to determine how a plumbing company has been performing. These reviews give the homeowners a scope of how a plumbing company operates and how good their customer service is. 

Woman sitting on bed using a laptop, illustrating the importance of checking online reviews for plumbing services.

Negative Reviews: Potential customers are more likely to trust a company's previous customers than the company itself. That is why negative reviews can have such a monumental impact on the overall success of a business. Negative reviews give insight into the customer service and the general success rate of the services. Homeowners must take how many negative reviews are present online into consideration. 

Positive Reviews: Positive reviews help decide between a plumbing company and the prospective competition in the plumbing field. Good reviews show how well they are performing and how much they have improved over the years. Therefore, homeowners should always check online reviews before choosing a plumbing company to attend to their plumbing emergencies.

If Interested in Service Membership, Ask if They Offer One

Service memberships give way to many benefits for homeowners:

  • A discount
  • Guaranteed satisfaction
  • Priority

This helps homeowners have peace of mind and prevents them from falling into debt because of unexpected plumbing emergencies. When choosing a plumbing company for their plumbing emergencies, they should also note service memberships as this only seems to help homeowners in the long run.

Professional Service at B&L Plumbing and Heating

There's nothing worse than when a homeowner has a plumbing emergency and the repair team takes forever to get back to them. B&L Plumbing and Heating understands the importance of reliable service. For years they have been dedicated to providing their customers with fast and accurate repairs around the clock. Call them now for expert plumbing services!

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