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 Pipe
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
Since the start of 2020, people have been counting down the days until the end of 2020. It’s been a tough year for many people, but there isn’t much further to go. The holidays are right around the corner and will be a great way to welcome the new year and put 2020 in the past.
The holiday season is filled with fun decorations, great food, and time together with family and friends. The one thing the holidays shouldn’t be filled with is a plumbing disaster. As the holidays get closer, homeowners need to make sure their home and plumbing system are ready for extra guests.
When Is It Time To Replace the Toilet?
As the holiday food and drinks are flowing, people will have to use the bathroom. And if there are more people at the house to celebrate the holidays, the bathroom will be used more frequently and needs to keep up with demand!
Homeowners who want to avoid a toilet emergency over the holidays should pay attention to these signs of a toilet breakdown:
Rocking toilet: If a toilet rocks or wobbles when someone sits on it, that is not a good sign. Some bolts may have started to come loose, or the floor underneath the toilet might be rotting away!
Leaking toilet: A leaking toilet can be hard to spot. If there are no puddles on the floor, homeowners may notice the sound of running water or a spike in the water bill.
Cracks in the tank: If homeowners begin to notice puddles forming around the toilet, there likely is a crack in the tank, causing it to leak.
Constant clogging: Many toilets will clog now and then. However, if the toilets start to clog once a week or even more frequently, the toilet will likely need replacement.
Avoiding Clogged Toilets
Toilet clogs are a hassle to deal with on any day. However, when guests are spending the day at the house, it can be even more of a hassle. Homeowners should be aware of what’s being flushed down the toilet since this is the best way to avoid a clog in the first place. Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed.
Other products like tissues, wipes, feminine products, cotton balls, or Q-tips should not. Homeowners may want to remind their guests of these common toilet rules. If it feels a little awkward to have this conversation directly, consider purchasing a light-hearted toilet humor sign to put up in the bathroom instead. It’s a great decor and an excellent reminder for guests.
Clogged Toilet Solutions
As mentioned, clogged toilets are a common problem and will happen now and then.
If homeowners experience a clog, there are a few things they can try to fix it on their own:
Plunger: Most homeowners have one of these handy tools lying around somewhere. Using a plunger is typically an effective way to get rid of small toilet clogs.
Dish soap and warm water: There are several other home remedies to clear a toilet clog using materials that homeowners have around the house. Pouring a bit of dish soap into the toilet bowl along with a bucket of warm water can help to soften the clog and make it easier to flush.
Drain snakes: This another good option if the clog isn’t too far down. The snake can grab hold of the clog and pull it out.
If homeowners try these solutions with no luck, it’s time to bring in a professional.
About B&L Plumbing and Heating
B&L Plumbing and Heating is a local Colorado Springs, CO plumbing company dedicated to providing top-quality plumbing services for 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 provides both.
Just because the season of frightful fun has arrived doesn't mean homeowners should suffer home nightmares. Halloween comes once a year, but plumbing problems pop up all the time.
Preventing plumbing emergencies should be a homeowner's top priority. Homeowners should follow these spooky tips to keep the home clear of haunting plumbing problems.
Gross Gutters Spell Trouble
When it comes to plumbing problems, homeowners seldom expect them to arise from the gutters. Clogged or leaking gutters are often the hidden, insidious culprits of floods, leaks, and foundation problems. Overburdened, clogged gutters will eventually spill excessive groundwater near a home's foundation. While puddles near the house may not seem like a big deal, they can ultimately lead to expensive repairs.
The pipes used to funnel water out and away from the home are easily overworked by excess groundwater. Homes with sump pumps may find the pump activating more frequently when excess groundwater is around. As water seeps into the ground, a home's foundation may suffer cracks due to the water's growing pressure. Moisture around the foundation can cause dank issues in the basement, contributing to mold and mildew trouble, or worse, cause a flood. Every homeowner fears a surprise flood, and dirtied gutters can certainly open the floodgates.
Shivering Pipes Scream for Insulation
Exposed pipes are more than just a great decoration for haunted houses; they can also pose a major danger to the home. Weather extremes and changing seasons often lead to plumbing troubles. Many homeowners have left their house for vacation only to return to find a burst pipe and surprise flooding after a rainstorm of blizzard waiting for them at home.
As uninsulated pipes become exposed to changing temperatures, the threat of burst pipes increases. Burst pipes are expensive, requiring an emergency call to the plumber, extensive cleaning, and costly repairs. Insulating pipes helps stave off the threat of busted pipes and helps lower energy loss from hot-water pipes and prevents sweating of cold-water pipes during the warm season. While it may seem like an easy DIY project, gaps and incorrect application of insulation still runs the risk of pipe bursts and energy loss. A qualified plumbing expert can help insulate a home's pipes effectively.
Dirty Drains Are a Frightful Situation
Most homeowners consider over-the-counter drain cleaners as good as it gets for drain cleaning, but should beware that train thought! OTC solutions seldom have the power to clear large blockages or the entire pipe system of a home.
Dirty, clogged pipes are a common cause of emergency plumbing situations. Clogged pipes and backflow can release sewage and water-waste into the home, leading to a health hazard for the residents. Poorly flowing pipes can also experience more leaks and damage around water-fixtures. Drain cleaning conducted by a plumbing professional helps prevent clogs, increase drain performance, and prevent scary sewage situations.
About B&L Plumbing and Heating
With over 20 years of experience, B&L Plumbing and Heating has become a household name in the Colorado Springs, CO area. Their team knows the stress plumbing situations can cause, and offer 24/7 reliable service to make their customers' lives easier. Their affordable, friendly service and customer-focused values have not changed since opening in 1999.
There are many reasons to install a water softener in a home or business, and it’s important to grasp the symptoms and effects that hard water has on a plumbing system and appliances. Hard water has lots of hard minerals like calcium and magnesium in it. While water filtration will remove harmful bacteria and disease-causing organisms, calcium and magnesium are not harmful to drink. Still, they can be annoying and even shorten the life of appliances.
Either city water or well water can be hard, although well water tends to have a higher mineral content than city water since it comes straight out of the ground.
In this article, experts share helpful tips for homeowners to find their ideal unit.
The Benefits of Water Softeners
Hard water is full of minerals, and these minerals will build up in pipes, fixtures, appliances, and anywhere else that water is used. The minerals often leave a white scale on the surface of a faucet or in a sink. This can lead to serious build up over time, and if significant enough, can cause washing machines and dishwashers to break sooner than expected. Hard water will also leave spots and residue on dishes. Laundry can become stiff and not feel as clean as it should. Many people even experience dry, itchy skin or hair from hard water.
When any of the hard water symptoms are present, it’s time to consider a water softener! Water softeners can be installed for an entire house, effectively eliminating any issues that hard water causes. There are two main types of water softeners, salt-based and not salt-based.
How Do Salt-Based Water Softeners Work?
The first type of water softener is salt or sodium-based. These filters use sodium to remove excess mineral content. Because they fully remove the mineral build-up, these types of filters are the most effective, but there are still some things to consider. Salt filters exchange the ions holding the minerals and replace them with sodium ions instead. This does add salt to the water, but it does not change the taste or flavor of the water.
There is some concern over the fact that it increases the sodium level, but the amount it raises sodium is quite low and is generally not considered a health concern. Salt-based water softeners are the most common and effective treatment for hard water, but they require regular maintenance to function properly.
Understanding Salt-Free Water Softeners
There are two main types of salt-free softeners: potassium and magnetic. Magnetic softeners are not particularly effective. They remove impurities by passing the water through a magnetic field. This will temporarily remove impurities, but the minerals will work their way back into the system if the water sits for too long.
Potassium water softeners are the more common and effective variety of non-salt based softeners. They work by passing the water through potassium pellets, which crystallizes the minerals. This type of system is more of a conditioner than a softener - the minerals are still in the water; they are just less able to stick to pipes and fixtures.
Potassium-based systems require a bit less upkeep but aren’t as effective, and may allow some scale to build-up (although significantly less than not treating it period). When they do require maintenance, it usually costs more than a salt-based softener.
Ultimately either type of water softener will be a game-changer in the home. Deciding between salt or potassium-based softeners is up to the homeowner, but consulting with a good local plumber will often give better insight into exactly what works best in a given area.
Trust a Local Plumber
B&L Plumbing and Heating has been serving the Colorado Springs area since 1999. This veteran-owned company provides full plumbing services, with 24 hour service across Colorado Springs. They offer competitive rates and do not charge a fee for after-hours service.
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