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.

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.

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.