Have A List Of Plumbing That Needs To Be Fixed Before The Plumber Arrives

If you are expecting a visit from one or more of our friendly professionals, a great way to save time and money is to inventory the state of your plumbing and think ahead about work that will need to be done. Our plumbers will be able to work more effectively with you. Check faucets, drains, and fixtures throughout the house and compile a list. Present this list to our professional upon arrival so they can prioritize the various tasks and work simultaneously, if possible. This way, you won't have to call us again for another minor repair in a few weeks.

Our home's plumbing is a lot like our body's vascular system. Maintenance and vigilance along with love and care keep them both running problem-free. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 or online at www.morningnoonandnightplumbing.com for assistance with any of your plumbing needs in 2014. Happy New Year!

What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you find that you've turned on the water and no water is coming out, it's possible that your pipes are frozen. What you may be thinking next is, "If my pipes are frozen then I will just thaw them..." Stop right there. If thawed incorrectly you run the risk of your pipes bursting, along with damage to your home and injury to yourself.

Here are a few things that you should NOT do if your pipes are frozen:

DO NOT use a blowtorch. When the water heats up too quickly the expansion can break the pipe. There is also danger of burns and not to mention the fire hazard associated when working with an open flame.

DO NOT use a hair dryer or a space heater. There is risk of electrocution and a chance your pipes could burst.

DO NOT simply ignore the issue. The lines will continue to freeze and possibly burst, or stay frozen until the temperature outside is above freezing.

There are lots of Internet sites that will tell you to use some crazy techniques to thaw your pipes. Don't do it! However, you should shut off your home's water at the main valve immediately, remove all of the items from the area surrounding the frozen pipe, then call us. We will safely thaw your pipes in a controlled setting. The faster the issue is rectified, the better -- this avoids further complications down the road.

Be sure to contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 or online at www.morningnoonandnightplumbing.com for assistance with any of your plumbing needs.

Fix Your Plumbing Issues Before The Holidays

If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, here are some tips to avoid a visit from one of our friendly plumbers by following some of these clog prevention tips:

• Never, ever pour fats and cooking oils down the drain. These items eventually solidify in your pipes. Once fats and oils are cool, wipe it away with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.
• Steer clear of putting fibrous, starchy, or stringy food waste down the garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal is no match for foods like potato peels, asparagus, fruit rinds, and poultry skins and may result in a clog. 
• Be sure to run the disposal while you're putting food into it. Never wait until it's bubbling over with water to turn it on.
• If you're hosting overnight guests this holiday season, it's a good rule of thumb to wait at least 15 minutes between showers so slow drains have time to do their job.
• At no time should cotton balls, swabs, or hair be flushed down the toilet. They don't dissolve and will cause eventually lead to a clog.
• If you know your kitchen sink is acting up, or if you have a tub that takes forever to drain, try to address any plumbing problems before the holiday and before guests arrive. This can prevent a plumbing catastrophe. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and be sure to contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 or online at www.morningnoonandnightplumbing.com for assistance with any of your plumbing needs.

How Often Should Catch Basins Be Pumped Out?

A catch basin is a drain located on your property, either in the front yard, backyard, or the gangway. Its sole purpose is to trap grease and debris before it enters the sewer pipe. Periodically, the catch basin will need to be pumped before debris and pollutants can clog the catch basin completely.

With the help of the state of the art features on our high powered pumper truck we're able to remove the grease and debris before or after you experience a clog. Eliminating grease and debris can prevent costly flood damage to properties. It also prevents pollution. As a rule of thumb, catch basins should be pumped once a year to keep everything flowing properly.

Prevent an emergency and call for catch basin pumping before it's a problem. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 or online at www.morningnoonandnightplumbing.com.

What Is Mini/Hyrdo Jetting?

The holidays are fast approaching and that's usually the time when we ask a lot of our kitchens. On Thanksgiving alone we probably give our kitchen a workout equivalent to a months worth of cooking.

When cooking a meal for one or many, we leave behind grease and debris that can lodge itself into hard to see places. After time, grease, food particles, and grime can cling to the walls of your pipes, carrying harmful bacteria and inhibiting water flow.

To best prepare for the holiday season and make sure you don't run into a kitchen plumbing disaster, consider having your lines "mini-jetted" or "hydro-jetted" before you begin your Thanksgiving cooking. Mini/Hydro Jetting is a technique that employs the use of water at a high pressure up to 3800 psi at 15-18 gallons per minute to blast away fats, oils, and blockages.

Whether your needs are commercial or residential, we will send our experts out to de-grime and unclog every last particle that hides in your drains. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 or online at www.morningnoonandnightplumbing.com for assistance in getting your kitchen back in tip-top shape for the holidays.

When Should I Replace My Plumbing?

As the saying goes, "nothing lasts forever." This includes the pipes inside your house. Over the decades, the tubing gradually corrodes, rusts, and decays. Unless you replace plumbing, you're eventually going to get leaks and possibly a flood of water or sewage into your home. This can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your property and belongings. To help prevent that type of plumbing disaster, below are a few tips on when to replace your home's plumbing and fittings.

Watch For Signs Of Trouble

If your house is more than 60 years old, make it an annual ritual to look at any exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and utility rooms for telltale signs of trouble. Check the tubing for discoloration, stains, dimpling, bumps, or flaking, which are all indications of corrosion. If you find irregularities, call us to do an inspection.

You'll want to keep a watch for leaks too, of course. Even small ones that are easily repaired may be indicators that the time for whole-house replacement is approaching. After all, the rest of the pipes in your home are the same vintage, they're made of the same material, and they've been subjected to the same water supply and usage patterns.

Fixture Updates

It is recommended that faucets should be replaced at least every 30 years, as a majority of the time, the finish will have worn off and the interior ring that allows the water to be forced up will have worn. Replacing the faucet handles is an easy and relatively inexpensive project that can completely change the look of the entire room. Consider switching from brass to pewter or brushed nickel, or changing from clear, round handles to sleek, modern styles. Our plumbers can recommend brands that will save you money while still achieving the style you want.

Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for assistance in deciding when to update your home's pipes and fixtures.

Plumbing Tips For Fall

Chilly fall temperatures serve as a polite reminder that winter is on its way. There are steps homeowners can take to prepare for the plumbing troubles associated with Illinois' coldest months.

• Make sure outside faucets aren't dripping or leaking. If you do have a leak, call us before temperatures teeter around freezing. Be aware that when pipes freeze, water pressure builds, resulting in cracks - no matter if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day.
• Disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected, water in the hoses can freeze and expand causing faucets and connecting pipes inside your home to freeze and break.
• If your home is equipped with an interior shut-off valve leading to outside faucets, close them and drain water from lines.
• Cover outside faucets using a faucet insulation kit.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat controlled heat cables around pipes that are exposed and prone to freezing.
• Your water heater works harder during winter months. Flush it out and remove sediment buildup which causes corrosion, shortens its life span, and reduces heating efficiency. Drain several gallons from the faucet near the bottom of the tank. Connect a hose to the faucet and direct water into a nearby drain.
• Carefully test the water heater's pressure relief valve (Danger: water is very hot) by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. If not, call us to have a new valve installed.

If you need any assistance winterizing your pipes, contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 today.

On Any Of These Social Media Sites? Find Us For Helpful Tips And News!

Like us on Facebook

Add us to your Google+ circles

Follow us on Twitter

Are Wet Wipes Safe For My Plumbing?

There is a common misunderstanding today surrounding "flushable" wipes. The fact that these wipes are even called "flushable" is misleading. More than ever, these products have become a major headache for wastewater collection systems, home owners, plumbers, and entire cities.

You may be thinking, "If the product is labeled "flushable" that means it's safe for my plumbing, right?" Not so. The word "flushable" is only in regards to its ability to travel through pipes, not what happens after it's in your plumbing system.

When toilet paper enters our plumbing system, it's designed to dissolve when mixed with water. "Flushable" wipes happen to stay in one piece, getting lodged in pipes and sticking to equipment.

Wipes can eventually cause obstructions which results in them having to be cut away BY HAND to prevent further damage. These blockages can also result in backups that flood buildings and sends sewage into the environment.

There are two ways to extend the life of your wastewater collection system: stop using wipes or if you must use them, throw them in the trash.

Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for assistance with your plumbing needs.

Replacing Galvanized Piping With Copper Piping

Most older homes were built with galvanized piping, which rusts and deteriorates over time. As this problem gets worse, it builds up inside the pipes. It is this accumulation of corroded material throughout the water lines that restricts the flow of water.

The main lines from the street may be unimpeded, but as water moves through lines in the house, the clogged pipes reduce the volume of water that can get through to the fixtures. It's this blockage that causes the low water pressure in the shower, the washer, and sinks. This also is the reason that you're being scalded or frozen in the shower when someone flushes the toilet or uses the water in another part of the house.

As the situation worsens, the water can become dirty and unfit to drink. Rust spots may even turn up on freshly washed clothes and linens. There is also the risk of leaks developing inside the walls, in the attic, and under the house, which can cause major damage to the home.

COPPER REPIPING:

Your old, galvanized pipes need to be replaced with copper piping, installed by one of our specialists who regularly does this type of work. Unlike galvanized piping, copper piping will not rust. It will be the end of this type of problem and the value of your home will be greatly enhanced.

Don't wait until you're stuck suffering from any of these problems. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for more information on upgrading your home's piping.

Toddlers And Toilets Don't Mix

Plumbers have an endless array of war stories concerning foreign objects they've retrieved from pipes. Here are a few tips to help ensure that your children don't cause a plumbing disaster...

Toilet Seat Lock

There are child safety locks available which can be purchased and installed on any toilet seat. This prevents small children from lifting the lid and falling in. It also prevents kids from throwing items into the toilet that don't belong there.
The child can still flush the toilet, which will waste water, but they won't be able to throw anything in the bowl. Without the excitement of watching the toilet flush, they are much less likely to pull the lever. Another option instead of installing a safety lock on the toilet lid, you could choose to install one on the bathroom door, but you will need to make sure you keep the bathroom door closed at all times.

Turning Off the Valve

There is a valve behind the toilet, which can be closed to prevent water from running to the toilet. You may choose to keep this valve off except when you actually need to use the toilet. This way, as many times as the child may flush the toilet, the water will only exit the bowl once, and the tank won't refill until the valve is switched back on.

Teaching Rules

Once the child is getting old enough to be potty trained, you should be able to teach them to operate the toilet correctly. Teach them when it is appropriate to flush the toilet, and when it is not. Walk the child through the entire process of a regular bathroom visit. Once the child understands the purpose of the toilet and begins to use it as intended, their interest in it will decrease. Eventually, a child will naturally exit this phase of mischief, but by using one or more of these prevention tips, you can make sure you can get safely through the phase without having to call a plumber once a week for costly repairs.

However, if you are in need of G.I. Joe, Barbie, cellphone, remote, or car key retrieval, contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072.

Never Treat Your Pipes With Harmful Chemicals

Our sewer system is connected to our intricately woven plumbing system below and throughout our home. The pipes in our home are not unlike the circulatory system in our bodies. In order for blood and water to flow properly it needs to be unimpeded by any foreign objects that don't belong in the system.

Unlike our bodies, the quick fix for clogs in most households is Drano, Liquid Fire, or some similar product. While it may clear the blockage in your pipe, it can also eat right through your pipes, walls, ceilings, and a plumber's protective gear, in addition to contaminating ground water. Never treat your pipes with harmful chemicals.

If you have low blood pressure you might be inclined to visit a doctor. You should do the same for your pipes. Don't live with low water pressure. Let our competent professionals come out and evaluate your home's plumbing system. DIY fixes that you see online may seem quick and easy, but you really could be doing more harm than good to the lifeblood of your home. 

Treat your home to a check up today with one of our knowledgeable and affordable plumbers. We will evaluate the quality of your current system and do everything to make it as efficient as possible. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for assistance.

Clogged and Broken Main Line

Main Line After Repair

Commonly Made Plumbing Mistakes

• Misuse of vent pipes. Vent pipes are for venting. They are not for running cables, or any other purpose. These pipes are intended to give air to drains in your house, so that the plumbing can flow and the sewer gases do not enter your home. If you cut into these vents to run cables, you will notice a definite sewage smell in your home.
• Removing the drain from a sink. In an effort to make their homes more green, some homeowners are taking out parts of their sink drains so they can collect waste water to water their plants. This creates a similar problem as cutting into vents. Again, it allows sewer gas into your home.
• Hitting plumbing pipes with a nail. When you are going to nail something into the wall, make sure you know what is behind it. Trying to do a job too hastily can result in a surprise in the form of a pipe.
• The use of drain cleaner. Drain cleaners are highly corrosive chemicals. They have been known to eat through plumbing tools, gloves, and pipes! When they start to corrode the drain itself, they can make the clog worse while compromising the walls of your pipes. 
• Flushing away your garbage. Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed. That magical black hole actually leads to a three-inch drain pipe, and it can only handle so much. Flushing everything will back up the plumbing, causing costly repairs.
• Adding chemicals to the septic system. If you have a septic system, you should take the time to learn what you should not send down the drain. Chemicals, like drain cleaner, chlorine bleach can mess up the bacteria in the system. 
• Sending grease down the kitchen drain. Grease will clog your kitchen drain. Let your grease cool and then throw it in the garbage. Your pipes will thank you for it. 

If you need help undoing any of these commonly made plumbing mistakes, contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for assistance.

Why Is There A Water Stain On My Ceiling?

There are several reasons for water to come through a ceiling and not all of them are connected with your plumbing system:

• If water is pouring through your ceiling during a heavy rain storm the problem is generally with either your roof or a blocked gutter.
• Ice dams (water freezing and getting under the roof) during winter can cause water spotting and leaks once the ice starts to melt.
• Snow can blow in through a ridge vent during a heavy blowing snow storm. Once the snow melts it will cause water spots and leaks.
• Water coming through the ceiling after a shower can be the result of a plumbing leak, or the result of missing caulking - either in the tile or in the area where the tile meets the shower. However, the majority of service calls we receive about water stains on the ceiling are a result of a leaking toilet.

It's always a good idea to have a professional explore a ceiling water stain in order to prevent other costly repairs in the future. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 to investigate the culprit of your water stain and for all of your plumbing needs.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

1. Be sure to insert garbage loosely and slowly into the garbage disposal. If you pack in too much at once, you can jam the disposal.

2. To flush food particles through the garbage disposal and down the drain line, use a strong flow of cold water while running the disposal for at least 30 seconds after noise of grinding has stopped.

3. Always use cold water when operating the disposal in order to solidify fatty, greasy waste so it is chopped up and flushed down the drain. This will also prevent waste from liquefying and coating your pipes.

4. After a period of time the teeth in your disposal will begin to dull. If your disposal jams often, fill your disposal up with ice to help keep the blades sharp. 


5. Don't dump fat, grease, and oils down your garbage disposal. The best way to get rid of liquid fats is to let them cool, pour or scrape them into a can or jar, and dispose of it in the trash once it's solidified. 


6. Water, water, water! Your garbage disposal's motor WILL burn out eventually if water is not running before, during, and after usage. 


7. Never let food sit inside your disposal and be sure to run the disposer each time you put food waste in it. Disposals are subject to corrosion from the acids formed by food waste left for an extended period of time.



8. Sometimes your garbage disposal will throw in the towel if you haven't been playing nicely. If you find your disposal without power, reset it. 


9. Keep your disposal clean by pouring a bit of dish soap and cold water down it, then let it run for 30 seconds to a minute. You can also add citrus peels with the water and soap for added freshness.

10.Your garbage disposal is NOT a trash can. It's not meant for stringy vegetables, expandable food, bones, plastic, glass, and metal. When in doubt, throw it out!

Be nice to your disposal and it will be nice to you for years to come. Having problems or need a new unit? Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for additional tips and service for all of your garbage disposal needs.

Why Are My Pipes Sweating?

"Sweating" pipes and plumbing fixtures in summer time or during seasonal changes do not always point to a plumbing issue. Due to the condensation of water vapor in the air, beads of moisture will form in warm weather on any exposed pipes and fixtures containing cold water. However, when a toilet tank continues to "sweat" for hours after it has been used, it is a sign that cold water is continuing to flow through the toilet. This could be a sign of a leak.

Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for all of your plumbing needs.

What Is A Grease Trap?

Grease Traps are a part of the kitchen system that captures fat, oil and grease (FOG) from the waste water flow. The FOG is stored in the trap, which is actually a tank, ranging from 10 gallons to 1,000 gallons or more depending on local plumbing code requirements. Small inside traps are usually located in the kitchen floor preparation areas or near dishwashers. This type of grease trap requires frequent maintenance and is typically ineffective. Larger outside grease traps are usually located a few feet from the building exterior in parking, driveway, or delivery areas. While outside grease traps are more effective, they also require periodic maintenance. Prevention is the key.

The grease trap works by slowing down the FOG and allowing it to cool. As the hot water cools, the FOG separates and floats to the top of the grease trap. The cooler water continues to flow down the pipe to the sewer. The FOG is actually trapped by "baffles." There are several designs preventing grease flowing out of the trap and into the municipal sewer system.

Chicago area Morning Noon and Night's expert service personnel will thoroughly clean and inspect your system. Grease traps need to be serviced regularly to significantly reduce the suspended solids that can flow into the sewer. If these solids build up beyond the allowed specifications, there maybe a surcharge from your local sewer district.

Remember, preventative maintenance goes a long way! Call us today for your residential and business plumbing needs.

Plumbing Tips For Kitchens And Bathrooms

"April showers bring May flowers"-- and the onset of spring. This means it's time for "spring cleaning." Don't limit spring cleaning to what can only be seen, your home's plumbing needs some TLC too!

Kitchen and Bathrooms

1.Check faucets for drips or leaks. Make repairs to save water. A drippy faucet can be costly and cause pungent odors and can turn in to deadly toxins.

2.Ensure that all drains have strainers to prevent hair, soap and debris from clogging the drain lines. This simple preventative maintenance can save thousands in the long run.

3.Check toilets for hidden leaks. Add six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking; color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. If it is in fact leaking, call us!

4.Inspect tank and bowl for cracks or leaks. Porcelain is durable, but when it is compromised, the structure is drastically weakened.

5.Exercise water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking. Corrosion can render them useless if you let it go.

6.Make sure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running you may need to replace worn tank parts. They're inexpensive and you'll notice a lower water bill. Jiggling the handle is never a fix.

7.Clean mineral deposits from shower head. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar or fill a plastic baggie with vinegar; place it over the shower head and hold in place with a rubber band. Soak overnight then remove and gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove deposits. Again, preventative maintenance goes a long way!

For additional tips and assistance in keeping your home's plumbing system running in tip-top shape, contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072.

Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Tips

When it comes to plumbing, preventative maintenance goes a long way. It is much easier and less costly to learn preventative maintenance rather than emergency plumbing. These seven steps below are featured to help you get the best and safest use from your water reliant appliances.

1. Check the temperature setting on your water heater. It should be set no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding and reduce energy use. A temperature hotter than 120 degrees can lead to scalding burns in an instant.

2. Carefully drain several gallons of water from your water heater's tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment. Sediment reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Check your water heater manufacturer‘s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.

3. Replace hoses on your water heater showing signs of weakness or any hoses that are older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses wherever possible. They are more reliable and less prone to bursting than other types.

4. Consider replacing a water heater more than 15 years old. (The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made.) Newer water heaters are more energy efficient. Consider a tankless water heater which saves on water and energy costs.

5. Check your dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker's supply hoses for bulges or leaks.

6. Clean out dryer lint trap after every use and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer.

7. Never store flammables around your water heater. Federal safety officials estimate that thousands of fires and explosions result from flammable liquids being stored near the water heater each year. The vapors can accumulate and become ignited by the pilot light.

Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for additional plumbing tips and service for any of your plumbing issues.

Water and Energy Conservation Tips From Morning Noon And Night Plumbing

• Does your shower head need to be replaced? Here are a few steps that you should take to see if your in need of a more efficient replacement. You will need a bucket and a clock. 

1. Put the bucket under your showerhead.
2. Turn the shower on to the same pressure you would typically use during your shower.
3. Time how long it takes for the water to reach the one-gallon mark. If it takes fewer than 30 seconds then a more efficient showerhead would be beneficial. You could save 7.5 gallons of water per minute by replacing your showerhead!

• Consider replacing your current water heater with a tankless version. Rather than running constantly to store hot water like a traditional water heater, tankless water heaters produce 2 to 5 gallons of hot water per minute on demand. 

• Rather than running the tap until it gets cold, store water in your fridge. This cuts down on water waste. 

• A leaky faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 8 gallons a day. That's 3,000 gallons per year! Be sure to have all leaky faucets looked at by a professional. 

• Water pressure above 60 pounds per square inch in your home is harmful to your plumbing system and causes excessive water usage. Contact your local water company to find out what the water pressure is on your street. If it exceeds 60 pounds, consider installing a pressure reducing valve that limits the water pressure within your home.

• When shopping for a new washing machine or dishwasher, compare ratings among Energy Star models, especially those with adjustable load size and cycle settings. These can save up to 20 gallons of water per load, and energy, too. 

Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for a thorough inspection, repair, or installation of your energy efficient appliance.

Is Your Sump Pump In Working Order To Handle A Flood?

Flood preparedness is important this time of year. Especially because late winter and early spring showers can pose the threat of water-filled basements, leaving homes in ruin.

What is a sump pump? Should my basement be equipped with a sump pump? If it is, is your sump pump in working order to handle a flood?

A sump pump, contained in a sump pit, pumps out water from the lowest section of the basement before the water level reaches the basement floor level. Yes, your basement should have a sump pump and if you're not sure if your pump works, now is the time to find out -- whether you inspect the pump yourself or call a plumber, say industry experts. Water from a sudden thaw or rainstorm seeping into basements can cause thousands of dollars in damage, according to consumer reports citing information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A flood of just 1 inch of water in a 1,000-square-foot home can cause $10,600 in damage. If an inspection finds that you need a new sump pump, don't procrastinate. If you do, the damage can sink your home physically and financially.

Usually, a house in a low-lying area is equipped with a sump pump when the home is built, so it's a matter of maintaining the pump and replacing it when necessary. If you live in a home without a sump pump and the basement floods, chances are a pump needs to be installed to carry water away from the home. Basement flooding is mostly caused by water buildup in the soil that makes its way into the basement.

You know that spring is coming, even though some days it feels like it won't. So, be prepared. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for a thorough inspection, repair, or installation of your sump pump.

A Water Heater Is One Of The Most Important Household Appliances

Homeownership means not only understanding the different systems in your home but also knowing what regular maintenance is necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation of these systems. One of the most important systems in your home is your plumbing. Understanding your plumbing and what maintenance is necessary will save you a lot of time, money and effort in the long run. You won't regret reading the following...

Below are some tips that can help you avoid major repairs, help extend life expectancy, and in some cases even reduce energy consumption.

• Most people are astounded at the impact of even the tiniest of leaks in faucets or toilets. Leaks that are barely perceptible to the naked eye can waste thousands of gallons of fresh water a year, costing you hundreds of dollars in excess water bills. (If the leak is hot water, you'll lose energy dollars as well!) If you have a leak that you know of, get it fixed before all that money goes down the drain. It's a good idea to have a professional plumber do a complete household check-up to find leaks that escape casual notice.
 
• Your water heater is one of the most important household appliances. Over time, sediment builds at the bottom of the heater, which can hamper performance. This sediment if left unchecked, will cause corrosion in the tank that will eventually lead to premature failure of your water heater. You should have a professional plumber check this on an annual basis. During this check the tank should be drained and refilled in order to get rid of this sediment. Your technician can also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion.
 
• Also important is a water heater burner inspection. A good way of telling is to check the flame under the water heater. It should appear blue with yellow tips. If it's mostly yellow or if you see a layer of soot and carbon, the flue ways may be clogged. DO NOT try anything yourself at this point. CALL A PROFESSIONAL to investigate the situation.
 
• Once a water heater springs a leak in its housing, it is beyond repair and must be replaced. Many units will last 15-20 years or even longer before this happens. (And it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when the family is coming over for the holidays!) If you have an ancient water heater, it may pay off for you to get it replaced even before it breaks down. Units made in the last 10-15 years have much higher operating efficiencies than older models. Savings in fuel costs often will pay for the new installation in just a few years.
 
• Lawn sprinklers often spring leaks over the winter. If puddles form on your lawn, you probably have seepage in some of the lines.

• Check your sump pump to make sure it's in working order before the heavy spring and summer rains fall. Watch for build-up of sand or other debris in the sump pit. This can jam the pump and burn out its motor. Also, make sure the pump's discharge pipe is not clogged.
 
• Consider getting a battery-operated back-up sump pump if your pump has been overloaded in the past from heavy rains.
 
• Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris. Water overflowing from blocked gutters collects around your home's foundation and seeps into your basement.
 
• If your home is equipped with a flood control device such as an ejector pump, have it checked by your plumbing contractor to make sure it is working properly before the heavy rains hit.

For additional tips and assistance in keeping your home's plumbing system running in tip-top shape, contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072.