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.

How to Combat Viruses With Water Filters

Woman drinking clear water from a glass, promoting the importance of water filtration for health and safety in home water systems.

Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Home

During this time of great apprehension, the public is looking for any possible way to protect themselves against the spread of viruses and bacteria. One such way you can do this is through your water filtration system. A common form of water filtration is microfiltration.

Microfiltration is when water is forced to pass through a membrane designed to stop any contaminated fluid from also passing through. Such systems help eliminate harmful substances and bacteria from your water supply. The microfiltration process is then usually followed by ultrafiltration.

Ultrafiltration also uses a membrane to remove harmful particles, but usually of a smaller size than microfiltration. This article will dive deeper into these methods and help homeowners find the ideal filtration method to protect their home and family.

The Benefits of Ultrafiltration

ultrafiltrationWhile microfiltration is useful, it only eliminates particles that are .1 micrometers in size or larger. While this is great for removing bacteria and harmful materials, viruses are smaller in nature and can still pass through the membrane.

Ultrafiltration uses a membrane that restricts the passage of substances that are .01 micrometers or larger. The smaller restriction size means that ultrafiltration is able to keep viruses as well as bacteria and other substances out of your water.

Ultrafiltration is a better choice if you want to catch all of the possibly harmful substances coming in through your water supply. The process is very helpful to ward off diseases such as Enteric, Hepatitis A, and Norovirus. Such viruses are known to be transmittable by water and usually have a devastating effect on anyone who catches them.

Using the Distillation Process

home bacteria

Along with using microfiltration and ultrafiltration to keep viruses and bacteria out, you can also make use of a distillation process.

Distillation is a process that uses heat and condensation to separate particles in water. The water is brought to a boiling point in order to separate the other compounds from the water as it evaporates.

The vapor is then condensed and collected as the purified water is now separated from impure particles, such as some soil minerals. The distillation process has a high-efficiency rate at separating bacteria, such as E.coli or salmonella from water.

The distillation process is a great method to separate water from other compounds including bacteria. Many of the bacteria that are erased by distillation contribute to serious illnesses. For example, E.coli is a bacteria that is responsible for food poisoning but can also cause pneumonia and urinary tract infections. By using distillation, you are able to better protect against such illnesses.

How Do UV Treatments Work?

uv waterAnother useful water filtration method is UV water treatment. This process uses ultraviolet light to penetrate the water as it passes through the filtration system.

The UV rays attack the DNA of any present bacteria and stop their reproduction. These rays destroy over 99% of infectious bacteria and are an environmentally safe method to eliminate contaminants. UV treatments are chemical-free, taste-free, odor-free, and very effective.

UV treatments also require little energy and are low maintenance. Depending on your existing water quality and the types of impurities you’re looking to prevent, a professional plumber can assist you with the filter selection process.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has plumbing experts that serve the residents of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. Run by those who’ve served the country, B&L Plumbing and Heating offers a range of services to help homeowners protect their homes. You can always contact them to learn more about your water filtration options.

Plumbing Issues That Cause Home Flooding: Here's What to Know

plumbing issues that cause home flooding: here's what to know

Facts About Home Flooding That Homeowners Should Know

Finally, after what feels like forever, spring is here with the upcoming flowers from all the April showers! Temperatures are rising once again and the sun seems to be shining just a little bit brighter. It’s a beautiful time of year because spring symbolizes a time of renewal when everything comes back to life. But there is one harsh reality that often comes as a package deal with spring: heavy rains.

These heavy rains can spoil that delicious backyard BBQ and cause some serious damage to the overall plumbing system. If the plumbing system is not properly maintained prior to the heavy rains of spring, the home can easily flood. Homeowners should take this knowledge as a warning, so they can be prepared for the damage that may be right around the corner.

Crippling Pressure of Heavy Rains

heavy rainsSpring can be such an exciting time! People come out of their winter hibernation stage, the flowers start to bloom, and the parks and beaches start to fill with people. But as mentioned, the springtime can bring some heavy rains, which impacts the plumbing system.

All of that extra rainwater creates a crippling amount of pressure on plumbing pipes due to the extra weight and the extra work that the pipes have to perform. This pressure can cause the pipes to burst or crack, and most homeowners recognize that the “story of a burst pipe” ends in a nightmare!

Burst pipes can result in flooding, which damages the floors, cabinets, furniture, walls, and more. On top of all that, it can also lead to mold growth if the water isn’t cleaned up quickly. Homeowners should always check two things after heavy rainfall to minimize potential damage.

  1. First, walk around the house (yes, every room) to make sure the floors and carpets are still dry. This is the easiest way to spot a flooding problem.
  2. Second, run water down the drains to see if they are draining at a normal pace. If a pipe broke, dirt, rocks, leaves, and other debris could enter into the pipe, cause a clog, and slow the drains.

Watch for Underground Pipe Damage

underground

Heavy rains don’t just put water pressure on pipes that are in the house. They also put pressure on pipes that are under the house and can cause damage to these pipes as well. Just like people try to get outside and soak up as much sun as they can during the spring and summer months, the ground will try to soak up as much rainwater as it possibly can.

When it starts to absorb all of this water, the dirt becomes soft, muddy, and heavy. The slipperiness of the ground can cause the pipes to shift, and if they shift too much, they can crack. If the dirt around the pipes becomes too heavy, the pipes can also crack under the weight. Both of these situations lead to flooding and plumbing damage.

Dangerous Foundation Shifts

homes cracksAdding to the damage that underground pipes can see from heavy rains, saturated soil can also lead to dangerous home foundation shifts. This level of excess moisture increases the hydrostatic pressure of the ground under the foundation, which can then push against the foundation and cause it to shift. To avoid foundation shifts, here are a few things homeowners can try:

  1. Clean out gutters and spouts: Water pours right over the edge of the gutter when it's clogged, causing the ground near the house’s foundation to become saturated.
  2. Add mulch around the house: Mulch can help soak up excess water and prevent it from reaching the soil closest to the foundation.
  3. Gently sloped landscaping only: Any landscaping that homeowners add to their home should be sloped in a way that allows water to run away from the house, not towards it.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a local Colorado Springs plumbing company dedicated to providing top-quality services for their customers including leak detections, and even slab leak repairs. They believe that being a great plumber means more than just having a license and the right tools – it’s also about providing exceptional customer service.

Do You Know Exactly What To Do When the Toilet Won't Flush?

do you know exactly what to do when the toilet won't flush?

Tips for Fixing a Clogged Toilet

When a toilet won’t flush at home, it can cause not only embarrassment for the homeowner but also potential health hazards for everyone living there. Wastewater is full of bacteria and other pollutants that not only damage things like drywall and bathroom furniture but also could put your family at risk. Luckily, there are three common fixes that plumbers would like to share to unclog a toilet. They are all easy steps that homeowners can take when the toilet won’t flush and they need the help of their local plumber.

Toilet Won’t Flush? Try Hydrojetting

Blue water splash graphic representing plumbing issues and hydrojetting services.Often, the cause when a toilet won’t flush is actually a clog further down in the plumbing system. When regular plunging or snaking won’t work, one last option is to hire a plumber to perform hydrojetting service.

Hydrojetting uses highly pressurized water blasted into the pipes to thoroughly clean and scour the inside of the plumbing. It was designed to quickly remove build-up like grease, scale, and other solid debris that may have built up on the pipe walls.

This leads to a full and comprehensive pipe cleaning, which can also flush through any clogs that may be the cause when a toilet won’t flush. This service should always be performed by a licensed plumber, due to the risk of damage to the pipes.

Check The Tank’s Water Level

Another common cause when the home’s toilet won’t flush is that the water level in the toilet tank is too low. Too low of a water level does not let the toilet build up enough water pressure to appropriately flush the toilet.

Toilet tank interior showing water level, float arm, and float cylinder for adjusting water pressure to ensure proper flushing.

To adjust the water level, homeowners can do one of two things: by using the float arm or the float cylinders.

If there is a float arm present, look for the adjustment screw that is located on top of the fill valve. This will let you raise the arm to allow for more water in the tank. Some older float arms do not have the necessary screw needed to raise the arm, and will likely need to be replaced by a newer version.

If the toilet has a float cylinder, the float clip will need to be squeezed and slid up so that more water can fill the tank.

If The Toilet Won’t Flush, Check The Flush Handle

Flush handle on a toilet tank, essential for flushing functionality, highlighted in plumbing maintenance context.One last option for when a toilet won’t flush in the home is to check the flush handle. Sometimes a faulty handle won’t be able to flush the toilet successfully and will need to be either repaired or replaced. This can be done with just an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers.

Start by shutting off the water to the toilet, then flush the toilet two times to get rid of all the water in the tank. Disconnect the chain or wire from the lift arm next.

Using either the wrench or pliers, turn the handle nut clockwise to unscrew it, then remove the lift arm and handle. Homeowners should bring this entire piece with them to the hardware store to ensure an exact match.

Install the new handle by inserting the lift arm through the open hole, then screw the nut back in counterclockwise to attach the handle. Reattach the chain or wire to the lift arm, and flush the toilet a few times to adjust the water height. This will fix most of the flush handle issues when a home’s toilet won’t flush.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Since 1999, B&L Plumbing and Heating has been providing sewer clean-out installation, clogged toilet repair services, water heater repair and replacement, and other plumbing services to the Colorado Springs, CO area. There are no after hour fees and the team offers only the highest quality work and exceptional customer service. The business is family owned and operated.

The Main Reasons Why Homeowners Shouldn't Ignore Dripping Faucets

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.

Plumber repairing kitchen sink faucet under countertop, tools and equipment visible, addressing common plumbing issues.Some 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.

Showerhead leaking water, illustrating common cause of bathroom leaks related to worn-out washers or improper installation.

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

Piggy bank wearing blue swimming goggles against a blue background, symbolizing savings and the financial impact of water bill increases due to leaks.Dripping 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.