The birth of a new year offers us an anticipation of good things to come; kind of like a “new life.” Conscientious people take healthful steps to extend their own lives, and diligent people do what is needed to extend the life of their possessions. If we helped you with a new water heater in [...]
Plumbers don’t repair or service washers. But where there’s water, plumbing problems can surface. You certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on the excitement of washing clothes every week, right? Seriously, your washing machine is one of your most important appliances, so here are some tips to help keep it clean and operating at 100% [...]
Plumber Thomas Crapper did not design the toilet. It was designed by Sir John Harington in 1596, who installed a working prototype in his godmother’s house, which happened to be the palace of Queen Elizabeth I. How many words do we use for “toilet?” If you’re aboard a boat, it’s called the head. In London, [...]
You’ve got a clogged drain. Of all the terrible things that could go wrong with your home’s plumbing, a clogged drain seems simple enough for a DIY (do-it-yourself). “Bypassing the plumber for a bottle of drain cleaner can do more harm than good,” says Chicago plumbing professional Tyler Diciolla. First, Do No Harm Angie’s List [...]
If you’ve noticed water pressure problems, then you need to act before your water goes from a stream to a trickle, an even greater problem. Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of things. Common causes of water pressure problems include: Corrosion inside pipes Leaks Mineral build-up in pipes Municipal water problems What [...]
Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it. -Lao Tzu Water, water, everywhere! Seventy-one percent of our planet Earth is covered by water, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we are only able to use 1%. Our population continues to grow, and there are more people depending on [...]
We take the humble toilet for granted when it works. When it doesn’t work, there is gloom and misery for all concerned. The toilet isn’t a complicated nor complex machine, and its parts are simple and efficient. Toilet Parts The toilet bowl has a siphon that is attached to a pipe with a u-bend. The [...]
Our northern neighbors may have more experience with frozen plumbing pipes than we do, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a problem when we have a big freeze here in Southeast Texas. When your property suffers from frozen pipes, call your plumbing professional before they crack or burst. Once they break, you’ve got [...]
You step out of the shower, and you hear a bubbly, gurgling sound in the drain. Some things around the house make noise; your HVAC unit hums when it kicks on, the coffee maker hisses occasionally. But your plumbing pipes should be quiet. Do you need to call your plumber? Not yet. Why Plumbing Pipes [...]
If you ask homeowners what “plumbing fixtures” are, they’ll most likely say “faucets.” Plumbing fixtures are all of the exchangeable parts of your plumbing system. That means everything, visible and hidden, that comes into contact with water qualifies as a plumbing fixture, including showers stalls and bathtubs. #1 Remodeling Project Bathrooms are renovated more often [...]
If someone is “stuck-up,” he or she has an aloof and superior attitude. No matter how great your plumbing fixtures may be, quality-wise, when your plumbing fixtures are “stuck-up” it’s usually because they are older and used frequently. As they should be. Plumbing contractors know how to “unstick” stuck-up fixtures, and you can too. When [...]
There are many things to consider when looking for trustworthy plumbing services; you want a local company that is experienced and offers up-front pricing with no “surprises” during repair or maintenance. Your local plumbing company is invested in the community and you; everyone from the person who answers the phone to the plumbing specialist who [...]
We all want to protect and preserve our environment. That means we, as homeowners, do what we can to use less energy and water. The fact that saving our ecology also saves us money on our utility bills is icing on the cake! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has several DIY (do-it-yourself) guidelines for property [...]
There are three different types of residential plumbing services: inspection, maintenance, and repair. There are also three basic differences between residential and commercial plumbing services: Size of the plumbing – Commercial properties have more pipes, water intake/outlets, toilets, sinks, and more usage demand. Structural complexity – A commercial property usually has a minimum of [...]
Traits of Good Plumbers You know about investigating a plumbing company to ensure their professionals are licensed, insured, and well-trained. Your plumbing professional should be happy to show you his or her credentials. But there are some Angie’s List additional qualities that good plumbing services have: Arrives prepared – A professional shows up with the [...]
We can tell you every plumbing repair secret we know – but then we’d have to shoot you. We are totally kidding!! Seriously, though, there are some good plumbing repair and maintenance ideas that can save you time and money, but there are also some really effective tips that may be useful to know. Here [...]
You can’t live without a professional plumber in your life. Why do you need plumbing contractors and their services? Community plumbing contractors understand the topical history and weather patterns of their local neighborhoods and the impact floodwaters or droughts may have on your home. More importantly, you need a plumbing contractor who has mapped your [...]
The days of the “handyman” are almost obsolete. In small towns, there was always one guy, usually retired or working at the local hardware store, who could fix just about anything. Basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical wiring were simpler back then. Today’s handymen and women have to know more to work with technologically advanced equipment [...]
When building a new home, you can be your own general contractor. And save a lot! In addition to their fees, many general contractors markup labor and materials’ cost; it’s a common practice and not dishonest – they are, indeed working hard to get the job done right. If you have the time and energy [...]
Today’s homeowners don’t wait until an emergency to hire a professional. We’re returning to a simpler, more connected time, similar to days when your local plumbing contractor was someone you knew and trusted because his or her family was a part of the community. The best time to research area plumbers is when you don’t [...]
