Finding A Plumber That Works 24 Hours A Day In Chicago

Does Your Plumber Keep Banker's Hours? Not Us!

It's 3 in the morning and you are rudely awoken to a geyser of water bursting from the wall. You think you're having a nightmare until you realize you're awake and you just had a pipe burst. You are in the midst of an emergency. Sounds melodramatic, but think about what kind of damage can be done if we were only available from nine to five.

If you had to wait until 9 am for us to arrive, your home would be practically submerged by the time we got there. That's why we offer 24 hour emergency service to both residential and commercial customers. Plumbing problems aren't just a daytime thing. We have you covered. While other Plumbers at other companies may punch out and close up shop, we'll be standing by waiting for your call.

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

The Dangers Of Pouring Drano Down The Toilet Bowl

Drano down the toilet bowl??? No!!!!!!!

Most Plumbers preach against the use of Drano and other harmful chemicals that claim to unclog anything. In some cases, it can be very effective. But to what extent?

In the case of toilets, any chemical you put in the toilet is going to stay there for some time, since the bowl fills with water and is slow to drain without flushing, the chemicals can settle onto the porcelain. Plumbers will tell you this is a bad thing because the chemicals in Liquid Plumr and Drano can heat up while standing in the bowl. This can result in a few expensive scenarios. The harsh chemicals could possibly crack the bowl, meaning you will have to replace the entire commode. It is even possible for the concoction to explode, leading to replacement of fixtures, furniture, and perhaps walls in your bathroom. Both are much more expensive than calling a us to manually repair the clog.

If you have non-galvanized pipes from yesteryear, Drano will eat through them like a hungry shark. Your best bet when facing a clog is a plunger. Yep. Simple, but effective. If that doesn't work? Call Us! We will quickly identify the culprit and remove it while preserving your pipes and porcelain.

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

How Can I Maintain My Garbage Disposal?

Minimize the Use of Your Garbage Disposal

If you’re able to compost vegetable waste at home, you can dispose of material like vegetable peels, cuttings, stems, seeds and coffee grounds by composting. Composting allows you to convert these waste items into a valuable soil amendment that you can use in your garden. Find out more about composting and compost bins. Save your disposal for the necessary stuff.

Dispose of Liquid Materials in the Garbage Disposal - If they’re not hazardous or made up primarily of fats or oils, liquids are safe to put in the garbage disposal.

A common garbage disposal complaint is bad odors. This is often due to a failure to run enough water through and ensure everything is adequately flushed out. To keep your disposal fresh and clean, consider the following tips:

Grind Thoroughly - Make sure you allow adequate time for everything to get ground and flushed with water. Leftover particles cause odors.

Clean Regularly - At least once a week, take a bottle brush and scrub inside the disposal. This small maintenance step will go a long way in keeping your disposal fresh.

Grab Citrus - Fresh orange, lemon, or limes can help cut grease and eliminate odors. Simply grind pieces in the disposal.

Vinegar is Good - Freeze some vinegar in ice cube trays and blend in the disposal. This helps to eliminate bacteria which can cause odor.

If you are careful with what you put through your disposal, and keep it clean, it should provide you with many years of carefree service. Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 or online at morningnoonandnightplumbing.com for assistance with any of your plumbing needs.

How Do I Keep My Appliances In Good Condition For Years To Come?

It's pretty safe to say that most people aren't complaining that the water pressure in their home is too high. Typically, people can't get enough! So why would anyone want to install a pressure reducing valve in their home? Well, there are several pretty good reasons...

We all know appliances aren't cheap to replace. When spending that kind of money on an appliance you'll want to protect your investment and ensure it lasts for years to come. When the water pressure is too high it places stress on your appliances, dramatically reducing its lifespan. This applies to any appliance connected to a water line.

The same also applies to your home's fixtures. Finding a comfortable balance between what your fixtures can handle and how much water pressure it takes to get all of the conditioner out of your hair is important. Installing a pressure reducing valve could also save you money in the long run since you won't be using as much water.

The water pressure in most Chicagoland homes is around 40-45 psi and should not exceed 60 psi. If you find that your home does exceed that number you could risk a plumbing catastrophe. One of the most devastating things that can happen to your home is a flood, and a common catalyst is a burst washing machine hose. Think of how flimsy that rubber washing machine hose is, pair that with high pressured water gushing through your washing machine and you have a disaster waiting to happen.

Have your water pressure checked to preserve the life of your home and the appliances in it. 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.

What Are The Steps To Take When You Have A Faulty Sewer Line?

Our sewer lines are one of those things that we don't give much thought to until something goes wrong. You may start to notice a problem when you hear gurgling noises from the toilet, or when water drains more slowly than usual, or when a smelly sinkhole appears in your yard. A foul odor may become apparent, starting in your basement. This is a strong sign that the sewage from your house is not reaching the city sewer line.

What To Do If You Have a Faulty Sewer Line:

Call Morning Noon and Night Plumbing to investigate the issue, which will most likely start with rodding the sewer line to clear it of any obstructions. If we encounter an obstruction where we cannot pass it is usually a strong sign of a cracked or broken sewer pipe.

Once we've evaluated the obstruction or damage, we then determine the solution that is best for you. Whether it is a repair or a replacement, we do it all.

It is very common and understandable that property owners may not want to deal with potential sewer line issues as it can seem stressful. However, when it comes to sewer lines issues, the problem will not remedy itself and will get worst over time. It is best to call a professional when experiencing any sign of a problem with your sewer as it is very possible that you can prevent a further cost and damage when taking precautionary measures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When is it Time to Replace Those Pipes?

It can be difficult to tell when the pipes in your home need to be replaced but there are some tell tale signs. In time your pipes will corrode, rust and decay. Unless you eventually replace the plumbing, you could be facing a flood of water or raw sewage in your home that can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your property and belongings.

Old pipes do not have to become a plumbing disaster. Here are a few ways to assess your plumbing needs and when it’s time for a replacement.

Be conscientious of the types of pipes you have. The type of plumbing in your home determines how long you can hope for them to last. Reviewing the home inspection report you received when you purchased the house will help reveal your type of plumbing --or you can have one of our trusted plumbers inspect your home for you.

Brass and galvanized steel pipes that are used as supply pipes can have a typical lifespan of 80 to 100 years. Copper slightly less time at just 70 to 80 years. A cast iron drain line could be expected to last anywhere between 80 and 100 years where has a PVC drain line has the estimated lifespan of 25-40 years.

Even if your pipes are older than these estimated lifespans, it doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be replaced. A well maintained pipe could last longer and a poorly maintained ones or homes in areas with hard water could have to replace their plumbing sooner. No matter what types of plumbing you have, you need to keep an eye on it.

If you have either of these types of pipes in your home, they need to be removed right away --no matter how old they are. Used in the early 1900’s, lead pipes have an life expectancy of 100 years but the lead can seep into your drinking water causing serious health risks. The other type of plumbing that should be removed promptly are polybutylene pipes. Used from the 1970’s to the 1990’s these pipes are extremely prone to breakage.

If your house is 60 years old or older make sure you do an annual inspection of your plumbing. Look at any exposed pipe for telltale signs of trouble. Any discoloration, stains, dimpling, or flaking are all signs of corrosion. If you find any of these abnormalities contact a plumber to do an inspection because it may be time to replace those pipes soon.

Have You Rodded Your Line Today?

Many of us enjoy cooking at home. And when we begin the frenzied whirlwind of cooking for our families and guests; we ask a lot of our kitchens. We regard the hole in the sink as sort of an abyss that carries our rotted, spoiled, wilted waste to another realm where we don’t have to see it anymore... Or smell it for that matter.

But, beneath that sink lies an intricately woven series of pipes that carrie that unwanted waste to our sewers. And; should that network become impeded by that “forgotten” waste? Then you will experience a back up, and that unwanted waste just made you remember.

In this instance you will want to call a professional. “Rodding” is when a plumber uses a heavy duty cable line that has teeth on the end of it to break through any clog within the deepest reaches of your home. This can save you a fortune. Especially when performed annually. Much like the veins in the human body, a constant unimpeded flow must be allowed in order for the body, or in this case the house, to live.