Articles - Part 10

Why You Should Hire A Plumber To Help With Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

Do you want to improve the appearance of your home and increase its value? Remodeling can make a big difference. Simple kitchen remodels can give a return of investment of up to 82.7%. One room that is often overlooked during remodeling is the bathroom. They get used throughout the day but are often the most ignored room in the house, so don’t get updated when they should. If you are considering remodeling your bathroom, you should think about hiring a plumber. Here is how they can help:

Avoiding The Big Mistakes

Making a big mistake during a do-it-yourself bathroom remodel is when homeowners run into big costs. Drilling into a pipe can cause water damage. Snapping off a pipe can be worse. Even choosing a screw which is too long can lead to disaster. If you hire a plumber you avoid those big mistakes. They can disconnect the water so you avoid water damage. They can move the plumbing if needed. They can make sure you avoid the big mistakes so your project stays on budget.

Getting The Right Materials The First Time

Plumbers know what materials are needed for your bathroom. They will help you get the right pipes, fixtures, and can even assist with mounting your bathroom fixtures. You don’t end up with parts you don’t need, or using parts you don’t really want. They know the right materials for every part of your bathroom remodel, so you can do the job the right way the first time.

Quicker Bathroom Remodels

One of the most stressful rooms to have torn apart in your home is the bathroom. It is a haven of privacy. The essential room for getting cleaned up for work or school. When it is torn apart everyone feels more stress. A plumber helps you get the job done quickly so you can get back to normal life faster. What may take you days or weeks to accomplish can be completed by a professional plumber in a few hours. If you want to have your bathroom up and running fast, hiring a plumber is the way to go.

There are even more benefits to working with a plumber on your bathroom remodeling project, but these few show you how important a plumber is. If you want your project to be easier and faster, contact a local plumber to give you a hand.

Discover How Our Maintenance And Boiler Repair Services Can Help You

Boiler Service boiler maintenance, boiler repair, boiler services

boiler repair technician Among the many cooling and heating services and plumbing repairs we offer Columbus residents and business owners, included is installation, boiler inspection, repair services and others, and these can be specifically designed with your budget and particular needs in mind.

Other services include tune ups, wiring and control repairs, and heat exchanger services. We work with all brands and are experienced with steam traps, water treatment systems, and condensate.

To best serve you and your home our professionals have the experience necessary to make recommendations and to assess the condition of your equipment accurately. We can help you save on utility cost by offering energy efficient boilers that will save you in the long run. If you live in the Columbus area then we are the most experienced company in those locations. Our technicians specialize in boiler installation and they have the most complete training of any other service available.

We are fully accredited and our installations are certified. We can service and repair your boilers. Our friendly technicians are ready to advise you on any specific needs you have. When we install a boiler we provide one with the highest rating in energy efficiency. We are glad to send an expert to your home to discuss all available options. We can inform you about the newest technology available and we can advise you on how to get the best from your boiler.

When we come to your home to discuss your options it’s always free and once you decide which option you want, then we offer a number of financing options to help make it as convenient as possible. It will depend on your requirements as to which system you should choose and our expert technicians will help you in making the right decision.

Once you make the decision on having a boiler installed, we will do it simply and quickly. You won’t need to worry about having your regular activities disrupted as we are able to work discreetly. Any surfaces that are in the area will be covered so that there is no mess when the job is finished. Any materials that will be necessary for the job will be brought to your home in advance which allows the installers to begin immediately when they arrive.

Just as we begin, we will provide you with a brief that covers everything that is important related to handling your boiler. You will be giving all the records and documentation so that if there’s ever any reason for you to get rid of the boiler, you’ll have all the paperwork necessary. We have a choice of guarantees that include three and five years. Once the installation is complete, we will also provide any spare parts needed which helps you to save money and time because you don’t need to source them.

All of our engineers are fully certified and highly experienced. The company regularly provides them with ongoing training so that they are up to date with all the newest technology and procedures related to the installation of your boiler. Feel free to call us now and schedule your free estimate.

Regardless of the brand you have or are interested in, we can service it including Utica, Weil-Mclain, Burnham, Williams, Buderus, Bryant, Boxy, Carrier, American Standard, Navien and more. You’ll find that when you call, you’ll receive courteous and highly experienced technicians that you can trust and that will exceed any expectations you have.

Anyone who is needing boiler repair, plumbing, or have replacement needs that is located in Columbus or the surrounding areas will find that our company is the best choice. We are committed to providing you with outstanding HVAC and plumbing services. We are available for 24-hour emergency services, we can provide warranty work and our services are a hundred percent guaranteed. Our technicians are familiar with all brands of heating systems and air conditioning and this includes boilers and regardless of where you purchase those items.

3 Common Reasons Why You Have A Clogged Drain

Drains clogged drain, drain repair serice

drain cleaning service The notorious clogged drain is among the major annoyances of homeowners, and this problem is one that occurs a lot more often than many people think it does.

Although simple clogs are usually not a big problem if you don’t have your drains cleaned it can lead to additional problems that may cause your plumbing service needs to be more serious than just getting a leaky faucet fixed.

Let’s look at the reasons why you may have a clogged drain.

3 Reasons Drain Get Blocked

1. Hair and soap

These are two of the main culprits of clogged bathroom and shower sink drains. It may not seem like a lot, but the constant buildup of soap and hair creates blockages that water is barely able to trickle through. Soap scum is created by hard water, soap chemicals, and hair, so one way to monitor any build up and catch the problem early is to stay aware of your drain speed.

2. Grease and food

Kitchen sinks tend to take a lot of abuse. Just because they wash down grease, food, and gunk from your dishes, doesn’t mean the kitchen drain is invincible. Food particles and grease collect together and form gelatinous masses over tie that sometimes become so large that a plunger suction is required to unblock them (this happens very commonly in commercial sinks in the beverage and food industry). Before bombarding your kitchen skin try to get as many of the chunky particles into the garbage as possible.

3. Ancient pipes

This problem is rarer, but still is a real thing that can happen. Old pipes that have even tiny cracks can be more vulnerable to many different intruders while buried underground. Some tree roots grow into pipes and end up clogging them and cause a lot of confusion after every type of drain clog remedy is tried with no success. This is now accounted for by plumbing services, but it is good to know what your home’s history is. Older houses with older structures are more likely to have these types of problems, so calculate your risks in advance.

24 Hour Drain Repair Services

Drains usually don’t get much attention, and they continue to faithfully perform their jobs every day. Keeping them clear and staying on top of things is as simple as just occasionally apply hot water and drain clearing chemicals. If you notice a bathtub, shower, or sink is not draining as fast as it normally does, or water is starting to pool, you now know the things that might be causing it. Keep your drains cleared, since faithful maintenance can help to prevent plumbing repair from being necessary for as long as possible.

Boiler Service – What You Can Expect

Boiler Service boiler services

boiler repair service If you are in need of heating and cooling services local Columbus plumbers can help. They routinely work on boilers; they have experience repairing, installing and inspecting them. We value our customers, and as such, we work within the confines of your budget to help you get the service you need.

There are a variety of ways that we can help you. For example, we can service water treatment systems, tune-up boilers, work with heat exchangers and more.

Our team of trained technicians know what they are doing. When they arrive on site, they will take a look at your equipment and let you know what needs to be done. For example, you may benefit from an energy efficient boiler; the money that this piece of equipment can save you over time often outweighs the initial cost to purchase it.

We have been in business for a long time, and we have the knowledge necessary to get the job done right the first time. We take pride in training our technicians, and we make boiler installations a priority. We know that no two installations are the same; as such, we vary our approach depending on the unique situation at your home. We offer certified installations, and we can fix your boiler as well. Our technicians want you to be happy with your service, and they do not mind talking through the process with you, step by step.

We make it a priority to only install energy efficient boilers. The professionals from our team will talk to you about what your options are going forward. We will give you a glimpse at the best technology available, so that your boiler has the longest life possible.

We do not charge anything to come out to your house and speak to you. If you decide to have service performed, you can take advantage of a variety of financing options. Rest assured that our professionals will guide you through every step of the process.

We want the installation process to go off without a hitch. Therefore, we try to minimize the disruption to your life; we work quickly and quietly, so that you can go about your business as usual. We have our materials delivered ahead of time, so that we can get down to business right away. We take care to protect your home and the area that we are working in. We clean up after ourselves as well.

Prior to starting the installation, we talk with you about everything that is going to happen. We also give you all the information that you need, including important paperwork, so that you never have to worry.

Our guarantee varies depending on the situation, but it could be as long as five years. Keep in mind that we can also locate spare parts for you, which is one less thing that you have to worry about. Our staff is highly trained and has the certifications necessary to do the job right. We make sure to keep our employees updated on the latest techniques so that you have the best experience possible.

Get in touch with us as soon as possible for your free consultation! We are able to work with all brands, like Bryant, Carrier, Buderus, HB Smith and many more.

When you get in contact with us, you can expect unparalleled customer service. We are based in the Columbus area, and provide a variety of services, including plumbing, HVAC repair and more.

If you need air conditioning, heating or plumbing service in the Columbus area, we are here for you! We offer twenty four hour emergency service and we guarantee that you will be happy with the work performed.

How To Prevent Frozen Water Pipes During The Winter

Pipe Repair fix frozen pipes, thawing frozen pipes

pipe frozen in winter Frozen water pipes can occur during the winter months when temperatures drop below freezing. They are particularly common during periods of high wind. Homes that are currently unoccupied are also at risk of having their pipes freeze, simply because there is no heat running through the ventilation system next to the pipes to help keep them from getting too cold.

Unfortunately, when water pipes freeze, the damage can be extensive. If you live in the Columbus area, where freezing temperatures are common, it might be difficult to find an available plumber to make any necessary repairs during a cold snap since they may already be helping other customers. Having to wait to restore running water to your home can leave you in a real bind. The best way to avoid this problem is by taking steps to prevent and fix frozen water pipes during the winter.

If the weather forecast is calling for exceptionally low temperatures, you should leave all of your faucets dripping. This is particularly important for any faucets that get their water supply from pipes that are not well-protected from the weather. Water is much less likely to freeze when it is in motion. The slow drip can keep the water in the pipes moving enough that it won’t freeze.

Before winter hits, be sure to turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets. Don’t forget to turn on the faucet after the main water supply has been cut off to remove any excess water from the pipes. The expanding and contracting motion of water that occurs when it freezes can cause the pipe to burst. Neglecting to turn off the water outside is one of the most common issues that people run into when springtime rolls around.

Any plumbing that runs through cabinets that are located on the outer walls of your home can be protected by opening the cabinet doors during periods of extremely cold weather. When the cabinet doors are closed, it is harder for heat to get into the space. As a result, the pipes may freeze. Opening up the cabinet doors can allow heat from your home to penetrate the space, helping to prevent frozen pipes.

Proper insulation is essential. All exposed plumbing should be covered with insulating sleeves or pipe tape. It is best to do this before winter strikes. Otherwise, you may have trouble finding pipe insulation in stock. Usually, when the first freeze happens, stores sell out quickly with everyone rushing to protect their pipes. Insulating your pipes in the fall is the best way to ensure that they will be properly protected.

If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time during the winter, you should plan ahead to avoid any problems. Use a programmable thermostat to maintain the temperature inside your home. Additionally, consider asking a neighbor to check in on your property periodically to make sure that the heating system is still working. The last thing that you want is to come home to frozen pipes.

If your pipes do freeze, there are some steps that you can take on your own while you are waiting for a plumber to get to your property. Start by increasing the amount of heat in the room. If you have a space heater available, you can direct it toward the frozen pipes.

Rather than waiting until there is a problem, however, it is much better to be proactive. Using all of the tips in this article, you should be able to keep your pipes from freezing no matter how cold it gets this winter.

6 Steps That Need To Be Done For A Burst Pipe

Pipe Repair burst pipe, pipe repair

No homeowner in Columbus ever wants to have to deal with burst plumbing pipes. However, unfortunately, it is all too common for pipes to burst, which causes serious damage and flooding.

There are numerous reasons why a pipe might burst like a pipe that freezes and expands and then bursts, a crack in a pipe caused by too much pressure, or a corroded pipe. If you do end up with a burst pipe then it is very important that you know how to prevent even more expense and damage.

The following are tips for what you should do when you have a burst pipe occur:

1. The very first step you should take when you notice you have a burst pipe is make sure to turn your main water supply off. You can either turn the water off a the main water valve in your basement or at your water meter.

2. Your next step is draining the water system to prevent the water from flooding your home to cause even more damage. This can be done through turning all the taps off in your house and flushing the toilet. That will help water drain a lot more quickly from the pipes. If water is coming in from the ceiling and a bulge is being caused, then a hole can be made in the bulge and a bucket can be held underneath it order to catch any excess water.

3. If there is leaked water close to any electrical appliances, then it is critical that the electricity be turned off since that can be dangerous. Remove the right fuse if there is any water close to a light switch or fixture.

4. Turn the water heater and central heating off. After the water heater is off, then turn the hot water taps on in order to reduce pressure inside of the pipes. This will help to drain the water also.

5. After there isn’t any more water leaking into the house, and there isn’t any danger of water getting into the water heating system and appliances, then you can search for what the source of your pipe burst is. This will allow you to give important information to your plumber when you call for emergency services to be done at your home.

6. Call a plumber. Any time you have a burst pipe that is a serious issue and a professional plumber needs to repair it. Plumbers have the tools, experience and knowledge to conduct quality repair jobs correctly.

You shouldn’t use joint compound or Teflon tape to try to repair a burst pipe since it will just end up bursting against. Electrical wiring damage also may be dangerous, so a professional should be called to perform any necessary repairs.

After a pipe bursts, it is critical to efficiently and quickly take the necessary steps to prevent any further damage from occurring. After you have taken the appropriate steps for minimizing threats and damage like leaking water on live wires, it is critical to contact a professional plumber. They understand that emergencies may occur at any time of the night or day, so that is why they offer 24 hour emergency service.

Also, since burst pipes are serious plumbing emergencies, it is critical that the repair be made by a profession to make sure there are not any more problems in the future. A plumber also can inspect the pipes to make sure there isn’t any additional damage that you might not have noticed. They also can ensure the system is operating correctly once the repair work is finished.

Repairing Frozen Pipes Before They Burst

Pipe Repair frozen pipe repair, thawing frozen pipes

Mother Nature can wreak havoc on your plumbing system very quickly. When temperatures plummet in the Columbus area your pipes can become frozen and burst, resulting in serious damage to your home. If your pipes become frozen you must act quickly to thaw them and prevent your pipes from bursting due to rising pressure within your pipes.

If a pipe bursts, many gallons of water can quickly enter your home and cause thousands of dollars of damage. Here are some tips to help you minimize the potential of a burst pipe.

Thawing Frozen Pipes Before They Burst

The first step to thawing a frozen pipe is to determine which pipe is frozen. If the pipe is in an exposed location, it will be easier to defrost than a price that is located behind a wall, in the ceiling or under the floor. If the pipe is located in a hidden area, you may need to cut out a section of a wall or your ceiling. Once you expose the pipe, you will need to inspect the pipe to look for any bulges or cracks. If you see a bulge or crack, the pipe could burst at any time, so you need to act quickly to avoid a disaster.

Shut Off Your Water

You need to immediately locate your water main shut off valve. You may need to shut off the water quickly if the pipe bursts; so, you may want to have someone ready to shut off the water to your home quickly.

Use a Hairdryer On Your Pipes

Most experts recommend using a hair dryer to defrost a frozen pipe. Turn the hair dryer on high and move it along the pipe. Start with the main intake and travel towards the frozen area. Keep the hair dryer continually moving, being careful to avoid concentrating on any one area for too long. If the pipe is located in a wall, place a metal baking sheet behind the pipe. This will reflect the heat from the hair dryer back to the pipe. This will make your job easier and ensure that all sides of the pipe are heated equally.

Wrapping Your Pipes

Another way to help thaw a frozen pipe is to wrap a hot, wet rag around the pipe. Never pour hot water over the pipe as doing so can cause pressure to build up in the pipe and cause it to burst. The hot rag will slowly and equally thaw the pipe and help to prevent a burst.

It may be tempting to heat a frozen pipe using an open flame, a propane heater or a blow torch. This will heat the pipe up too quickly and can lead to a burst pipe. Additionally, using an open flame is dangerous. Many homes have been destroyed by either water damage or fire by homeowners attempting to thaw frozen pipes.

Copper Repipe and Leaky Pipes – Plumbers Are Best to Repair Any Plumbing Problems You May Have

Drains, Pipe Repair drain service, pipe repair

copper pipes Plumbing problems can be stressful, costly and lead to unhappiness. Therefore, it is good to have these problems solved as soon as possible to prevent any further problems.

Whether you live in an apartment, single family home, or you just have some plumbing problems in your office, look for a reliable plumbing company whenever you experience any plumbing related problems.

It is a good idea to look for an honest, reliable and experienced plumbing company that will solve your plumbing problem once and for all. Most of the people have a story about a plumber whose services resulted in more damage instead of solving their plumbing problem or problems.

This usually happens to those who wait until their situation is an emergency rather than carrying out preventative maintenance of their plumbing system on a regular basis.

Do you have a home that is older than 25 years or so? Then it may be a good idea to replace your zinc coated, galvanized pipes with copper repiping. If your water pressure is no longer efficient as it used to be, look for a professional plumbing company to do the installation.

Another plumbing problem that should be dealt with on a regular basis is clogged drains. Those who have a clogged up sink or toilet should have the problem addressed as soon as possible before it worsens. Most of us take our plumbing system for granted, so it is upsetting when something doesn’t work the way it should.

Hair, coffee grounds, grease buildup, and grime are some of the common things that clog drains. Leaky pipes also occur at the worst possible moment. So, it is good that you call an experienced plumber as soon as the problem occurs to prevent more damage to your plumbing system.

Remember to turn off your water at the main water valve before your plumber arrives. This is very important as it prevents water from entering your home hence ensuring that you don’t have to deal with a larger problem.

A reliable plumber will locate the water leak and determine its size before making any repairs. The plumber will wait until the area around the leak is dry and clean as possible. Ensuring that the area is dry is a good idea as it allows the area to air dry rather than absorbing excess water which may make the affected area warp or make the affected area moldy.

It is also a good idea to use some electrical tape to temporarily fix the leak while waiting for a plumber. This will only work for small leaks. Dry the area around the pipe using a towel to better allow for the electrical tape to adhere to the pipe. Start about 2 inches away from the actual leak.

Always remember that any repairs you make are temporary and it is wise to look for professionals. Your home’s or office’s plumbing system is very important than you may realize. So, don’t take it for granted but instead contact a plumber so that your problem is fixed by a professional who knows the ins and outs of plumbing problems and knows how to fix plumbing problems effectively.

Tips For Preventing Your Pipes From Freezing

Pipe Repair prevent pipes freezing

Plumbing leaks are something that many homeowners in the Columbus area face and can be caused by freezing during the winter. These leaks come about when the frozen water starts to expand instead of contract. When this happens the water needs more space than it did before which causes the leaks.

The enclosed space of the pipe will not be able to hold the expanding water. When the pipe reaches its limit, it will burst and cause a plumbing leak. It is possible that this issue with freezing water can cause a number of leaks around the house which is a large problem that you will want to avoid.

This is why you should be aware of the different ways that you can prevent freezing in your pipes.

These prevention methods are particularly important if you are moving into a new house and are unsure about the state of the pipes. Of course, it is recommended that before you buy a house you check the plumbing to ensure that preventative measures have been taken. If they have not been you will need to know what they are how to implement them and how they can help.

Winterizing Your Pipes So They Don’t Freeze, Burst and Leak

Coating The Pipes With Fiberglass

One of the simplest prevention methods is to coat the pipes in fiberglass. It is easy to find the materials for this in the local department store. If you are looking to reduce the costs of this process you should look at only insulating the pipes that are out of the way such as those in the crawl space. These are the pipes that will not be exposed to the heat of the house and are more likely to freeze during the cold winter months.

If you are going to use fiberglass you need to be careful as it can be dangerous particularly if you inhale it. This is why you need to have protective clothing including a mask before you start. If you are nervous about doing this yourself, you can hire a professional plumber to handle the job instead. This provides the additional benefit of ensuring the job is done correctly.

Get A Heat Trace Cable

A heat trace cable is a cable which has been made of metal with a very high heat conductivity rate. These cables are used to spread heat from any part of the house to another. When you run these cables along the pipes in your home you can easily transfer heat from a warm part of your home to the pipes that do not generally feel this.

Most of these cables are actually very easy to install and it is something that you could do yourself. Of course, if you have a lot of pipes or do not have to time to do this yourself, you should consider hiring a plumber. Hiring a plumber to do this will cost more than doing it yourself but it could take less time and be more effective in the long-run.

Make Use Of A Space Heater

Many people do not consider using a space heater to avoid freezing pipes. However, if you have an area of the house where most of your plumbing is located, you can use a space heater to ensure that the area is warm. The key to using this method is to ensure that the room is always at a warm temperature so that the water in the pipes cannot completely freeze and cause any damage.

Open Your Cabinet Doors

In most Columbus area homes the plumbing will run behind the cabinets. The problem with this is that the walls might not be properly insulated and this could allow the pipes to freeze. If this is the case in your home you should open the cabinets to let the heat from the house warm the pipes. It is recommended that you try this method if you are sure that the pipes run through the wall and that the wall is not correctly insulated. If the wall is insulated this method will not help very much.

Reducing the chance of freezing pipes using these methods is only a temporary solution and should not be considered a permanent fix. Many of these solutions will only help stop the freezing of water in the pipes, but will not reduce freezing completely. It is recommended that you use these solutions in the winter, but look at a more permanent solution during the summer months.

It is recommended that you hire a professional plumber to assess your plumbing during the summer. They will then be able to offer suggestions which will help you protect your plumbing in the winter. Getting a permanent solution in place will be cheaper in the long-run than constantly using temporary solutions of having to deal with the aftermath of freezing and bursting pipes. It will also be more convenient as you will not have to worry about anything.

Leaky Pipes? Reasons You Need To Contact A Plumbing Company

Pipe Repair leaky pipes, pipe repair

If you have ever experienced a plumbing issue you know how inconvenient and frustrating it can be. Now, imagine if a pipe freezes and bursts, the toilet overflows or you develop a leak in your wall.

Each of these issues can cause expensive and health hazardous water damage. Plumbing problems are something that everyone wants to avoid, which is why homeowners stock up on chemicals that are used to removes clogs and keep your plumbing working great.

Although you can use these products occasionally, if you find that you are needing these products often or your plumbing issue has become more than you can handle, it is time to call in a professional plumber.

A licensed plumber is specially trained to handle all types of plumbing issues that are causing your problems. You may think that it is easy to fix a plumbing leak under your sink; however, if you attempt to make such repairs without the assistance of a professionally trained plumber, you could find yourself in a very soggy situation and the once simple fix could become a much larger problem.

Believe it or not, there is more to fixing a leaky pipe that you would imagine. That pipe often disappears into your walls, ceiling or floors and travel to other plumbing fixtures in your home, including the kitchen sink, the shower, the bathroom sink, the toilet and the laundry room. There are repair manuals out that can help; however, if you do not know what is broken or have the skills needed to make the repairs, you can wind up in a sticky situation.

Hiring a plumber is your best bet. A plumber will diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs quickly and correctly the first time. Saving you time, headaches and even more costly repairs. Once a professional plumber assesses the situation, you can rest assured that your plumbing issue will be fixed right the first time.

Having the name and number of a quality, licensed plumber on hand can save you time and money should an issue arise. When searching for a plumber, find one that offers 24 hour service. Rather than needing to wait until normal business hours, the plumber will be available when a disaster strikes. Additionally, if you are considering purchasing a new house, you should have the plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumbing company before finalizing the contract.

Plumbing issues can arise at any time, which is why you need a plumber that has the skills and expertise to handle all of your plumbing needs. If you do not do your research first, you may find yourself at the hands of an unscrupulous plumber. By taking the time to research and find a licensed professional, you can protect yourself and your home’s plumbing system from damage.

Although you may be able to handle minor plumbing issues like a clogged toilet, you should leave the large and more difficult jobs to the professionals. If you try to fix a plumbing issue, you can make a small problem become a larger and more expensive plumbing issue.