Category: Land & Property

Reasons to Install a Water Softener This Spring

How Do Water Softeners Work? 

A water softener is a device that is engineered specifically to treat hard water. How can water be hard? Water becomes hard when it dissolves certain minerals in its journey through the water cycle. These minerals become part of the water and are hard to remove on a municipal scale. They can, however, be removed on a smaller scale, like in a home, for a low cost. This is good news for the 85% of Americans with hard water in their homes.  

Why is having soft water a good thing? Water is the basis for so much of modern society. While hard water is fine to drink, with the possible exception of having a bad taste, it can interfere with every other use for water. Water carrying a high mineral load can interfere with cleaning, ruin plumbing, and cause negative health effects. Here are three ways that installing a water softener can help every home. 

Makes Cleaning Practices More Effective 

cleaningRemember the adage, “Oil and water don’t mix.” This is a true statement that is easily illustrated in a grade-school classroom. The secret to getting oil and water to mix is chemicals known as soaps and detergents. These chemicals are special because they can interact with water, oils, and even dirt. 

When minerals are present in water in the form of hardness, the ions interfere with water’s ability to interact with soaps and detergents. This leads to several problems: 

  • Faded clothing
  • Deposited stains and soil on clothing
  • Spotted dishes with no luster 
  • The dull sheen on cleaned surfaces
  • Soap scum buildup on bathtubs and sinks 

Using soft water in the home can be more effective in sweeping away dirt. Consider installing a water softener for brighter clothing, cleaner dishes, and a cleaner home in general. 

Keeps the Plumbing Safe 

A second problem associated with hard water is higher plumbing bills. When water carries extra minerals around, the minerals tend to deposit themselves into piping and plumbing fixtures. This leads to unsightly scale as well as problems with water pressure. This scale can be particularly harmful in water heaters, lowering efficacy and volume. Installing a water heater can protect plumbing and restore the water heater to proper operation. 

Improves the Health of Hair and Skin 

healthOne of the more annoying consequences of hard water’s diminished capacity to remove soils is its effect on health. When water can’t effectively wash away soaps and soil, the grime stays on the hair and skin, leaving a dull film that adversely affects its health and appearance. This is most evident in dry hair and skin. 

Instead of letting hard water take a toll on the health and appearance of the family, why not look into water softener installation? Installing a water softener can allow the water in the home to completely wash away soap residues and grime, leaving the home healthier and cleaner. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has the plumbing solutions every home needs. With residential and commercial water softener services, they can help every home or business get the most from their water. Call today for a plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Common Problems That Cause Leaky Faucets

common problems that cause leaky faucets

Pay Attention to Leaky Faucets 

A leaky faucet may not seem like a huge problem compared to everything that could go wrong with the plumbing. However, the EPA estimates that over a trillion gallons of water are wasted annually in the US from leaks alone. This means that, on average, every household in the US has at least one plumbing leak that wastes many gallons of water a day. Many of these leaks are dripping faucets. 

With all of that wasted water, leaky faucets are a big liability. Instead of paying for wastewater, homeowners should take the initiative to repair leaks when they become apparent. Compared to the severity of the problem, leaky faucet repairs are cheap and easy. Here are some tips to help homeowners repair their faucets or, at the very least, understand how a plumber will perform repairs. 

Symptoms of a Damaged O-Ring 

O-ring and faucet components, including a chrome faucet body, rubber seal, and retaining ring, illustrating parts essential for repairing leaky faucets.The inside of a faucet is a mystery to most people and an overwhelmingly complex device to others. But the principles of what makes a water faucet work are fairly simple. Since each valve is the same, one only has to understand one valve to properly troubleshoot faucet leaks. 

One of the most perplexing faucet leaks is when water leaks around the handles of the faucet. This problem is solved by replacing the o-ring in the faucet. The O-ring is a small rubber seal around the faucet's stem. Its purpose is to keep water from flowing up the valve stem when the sink handle turns and water flows from the spigot. When friction causes it to wear out, water will dribble out around the valve handle. 

To diagnose this problem, turn off the water at the shut-off valves and remove the valve cartridge. The O-ring will be around the cartridge above the washers and the handle seat. 

What Causes Worn-Out Washers?

Washers are half of the mechanism that cuts off flow from a faucet. These rubber or neoprene washers press down into the valve seat to stop the water flow or pull away from the valve seat as the handle is turned for water. With every turn of the faucet handle, these devices wear down. After a few years of constant use, washers will wear out and allow water to seep past them and leak from the faucet. 

In most sinks, the washer is located at the lowest part of the valve cartridge. To replace them, remove the cartridge and the screw holding the washer. Replace with a washer of identical dimensions and reinstall.

Damaged Valve Seats 

Corroded valve seat showing signs of wear and pitting, relevant to faucet leak repairs and maintenance.Valve seats are the other half of the equation for fixing faucet leaks. After years of rubber and neoprene washers pressing into valve seats, these structures can build up corrosion or suffer from pitting. When the valve seat is compromised, the symptoms will be identical to a bad washer. Replacing the o-rings and washers in a faucet helps to replace the valve seats as well. By replacing all three simultaneously, the faucet will be as good as new. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned business offering tailored plumbing solutions. They serve residential and commercial customers and never charge after-hours fees. Call today for superior plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Reasons to Hire a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

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Put Drain Cleaning at the Top of the To-Do List

Having seasonal maintenance tasks is a great practice to ensure that all those little things that must be done periodically are remembered. Drain cleaning, for example, is a great habit to get into once a year, and there is no better time than now to stop drain clogs before they wreak havoc in a home. 

When a drain starts to clog, it will start by making gurgling noises and draining slowly. Before long, the drain will stop draining, and homeowners will face the prospect of cleaning up a nasty mess. Instead of dealing with this situation or even having problems with more severe consequences, why not look into professional drain cleaning? Here are some of the benefits of drain cleaning before problems become noticeable. 

Stop Clogs and Buildup 

Plumber using a red plumbing snake to clear a clogged sink, emphasizing professional drain cleaning services to prevent buildup and clogs.Drains are expected to handle some of the nastiest messes a collection of humans can make. Whether that includes balls of hair and soap scum in a bathtub drain or a grease-caked drain line in a restaurant sewer main, drains must handle anything. When drains are neglected for too long, they can build up a greasy scale on the pipe walls. This greasy mess slows down the wastewater flow and begins to build faster. Eventually, the flow in the pipe will stop altogether in the form of a nasty clog. 

Routine drain cleaning and hydro jetting are the best ways to prevent this buildup from closing off the pipe and leading to a clog. During routine drain cleaning and hydro jetting, the buildup is removed from pipe walls, restoring flow and drastically reducing the likelihood of a clog. 

Reduce the Chance of Flooding 

Plumber using a pipe wrench to fix a leaking drain, demonstrating routine plumbing maintenance to prevent clogs and flooding.While a clogged drain is a pain to deal with, it is trivial compared to the damage a clogged drain can do. When drains are completely clogged, wastewater has nowhere to go. If basins keep filling up with water, the water will eventually spill out and cause a flood. Floods from clogged drains often take the form of a toilet spilling waste onto a bathroom floor or a sewage backup into bathtubs. The resulting flood can cost far more to clean up, and repair than routine drain cleaning would have cost to prevent the problem in the first place. 

Save on Repair Bills and Cleanup 

How can a service that costs money save money instead? Easy. Hiring a plumbing service for preventative drain cleaning comes at a fixed cost dictated by the local market. When comparing this cost to the cost of hiring an emergency plumber and paying for repairs and cleanup for the resulting flood, it's easy to see why hiring a professional before things go bad is the cheaper option. Why not prevent a clogged drain's surprise costs and hassle and schedule drain cleaning this spring? 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned, full-service plumber serving residential and commercial customers. With complete drain cleaning options and tailored plumbing solutions, they are always ready to help. Call today for a plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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3 Self Care Tips To Help You Relax This Valentine's Day

self care tips to help you relax this valentine's day

Treat Yourself This Valentine's Day By Turning the Bathroom Into a Luxury Spa

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, whether going out to an expensive restaurant, staying in and cooking up a gourmet meal, or just keeping it simple with some flowers and chocolates. But no matter how couples (or singles) choose to celebrate, the main thing is to relax and have a good time. And what better way to do that than by getting in the tub or shower and letting the hot water melt away the stress?

Of course, many people may not view their bathroom as relaxing or luxurious. But with a few upgrades and simple touches, any bathroom can feel like a 5-star spa. Homeowners can keep reading to learn how to transform their bathroom into a den of self-care and relaxation!

Benefits of Bathtime

Woman relaxing in a luxurious bathtub filled with rose petals, surrounded by candles, embodying self-care and relaxation benefits of bath time.Virtually everyone knows that taking a long soak in the tub can be a great way to relax and blow off steam. But recent research has shown that hot baths may also have powerful health benefits beyond stress reduction.

Soaking in hot water raises the body's temperature, which can help dilate the veins and get the heart pumping faster. This has the effect of temporarily lowering blood pressure and aiding circulation. The hot water can also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in muscles and joints - particularly when combined with Epsom salts. 

Warm baths before bed have also been shown to improve sleep since they aid in the body's ability to regulate temperature at bedtime, helping to release melatonin. Adding certain essential oils to the bath can also help hydrate the skin, promote deeper relaxation, and improve breathing through aromatherapy.

Add a Splash of Color

Homeowners may also consider installing colored LED lights in their bathrooms to promote self-care. Colored lighting can help stimulate certain moods and impact the nervous system - this is often called chromotherapy or color therapy. This has been used for centuries in many cultures worldwide, but it has gained more popularity and widespread use in recent years. 

Many bathtub and hot tube manufacturers even design tubs with LED lighting built in - but there are plenty of cheaper options that can be placed inside the home's existing tub or shower. This can be a great way to relax, energize the mind, invoke a particular mood, or simply enjoy a unique experience. Cooler colors like blue and green promote calm and balance, while warmer colors, such as orange and red, are often associated with cheerfulness, comfort, and romance.

Relax Under a Rainfall Showerhead

Rainfall showerhead with cascading water, enhancing relaxation and comfort in bathing experiences.Another great way to enhance the bathing experience is to install a rain shower head. A hot shower can be a powerful stress reliever in its own right, but rain showerheads can take every shower to the next level. As the name suggests, these showerheads simulate rainfall - albeit in a concentrated form. Depending on the user's preference, the pressure can be adjusted to create a gentle downpour or an intense deluge.

Rainfall showerheads tend to be bigger in diameter than typical showerheads, which allows them to cover more surface area. This means homeowners can enjoy the warmth of the water over their entire body rather than having to shift around in the stream. These showerheads can be incredibly relaxing and soothing - and make bathing so much easier, to boot! Many even have LED lighting or Bluetooth speakers built in for a complete experience.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been the go-to plumber in Colorado Springs since 1999. As a Veteran-owned and operated company, they have won multiple awards from HomeAdvisor and Expertise.com for their outstanding service, workmanship, and reliability. They offer competitive pricing, a cost-effective maintenance plan, and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees - so don't hesitate to call B&L for bathroom remodeling in Colorado Springs, CO!

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Face the New Year with a New Water Heater!

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The Benefits of Water Heater Replacement or Installation 

Homeowners no longer have to deal with cold showers or lukewarm water. Plenty of water heaters on today’s market offer cost-effective methods of using and heating water. However, not all homeowners know what these heaters offer or even how to connect with plumbers in their areas. 

Here, one can learn everything they need to know about getting a new water heater. Of course, if one has questions specific to their circumstances, one should call a professional to learn more. 

Homeowners Can Save Energy and Money with a New Water Heater 

Woman enjoying a warm shower under a modern showerhead, illustrating the comfort and efficiency of new water heater installations.The U.S. Department of Energy notes that, on average, a tank-reliant water heater can last about ten to 15 years. The older an appliance gets, the less effective it becomes. While homeowners can endlessly opt for repairs, nothing saves more money than a water heater straight off the assembly line. 

Here’s what to know about saving money on energy bills with a new water heater: 

  • Gas-powered tankless water heaters are today's market's most effective water heaters. They emit more water and save more money when compared to an electric water heater.
  • Tankless water heaters (or on-demand water heaters) don’t waste energy by continuously warming water. It heats water on demand, only using energy at a homeowner’s request.
  • EnergyStar produces water heaters that can save homeowners more than $3,500 over the unit’s lifetime. 

As noted, tank-reliant water heaters usually have a lifespan of about 15 years. That’s not the case for tankless water heaters, which can last over 20 years without problems. 

Newer Water Heaters Heat More Water Over Shorter Periods 

Some water heaters do work better than others. Standard water heaters take about 30 to 40 minutes to heat up the water in their tanks. How long it takes to use that water depends on the home’s energy consumption, among other factors. 

Tankless water heaters offer the most “bang” for homeowners’ buck. Here are some things to know about how these systems: 

  • For homes that use less than 40 gallons a day, tankless water heaters can cut costs up to 34 percent.
  • Having multiple water heaters could save even more money. This is ideal for larger properties with multiple tenants.
  • Tankless water heaters are great at retaining heat. This maximizes each dollar homeowners spend to keep these systems running. 

Newer Water Heaters Use Less Space 

Tankless water heater mounted on a wall in a compact space, showcasing efficient design for modern homes, with a shelf containing a trumpet and a black storage box.Water heaters are much smaller than they were 20 years ago. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that tankless water heaters (surprise, surprise) make the most of their space. They can fit into compact areas because they don’t rely on unwieldy tanks. They also don’t require as much energy as tank-reliant water heaters, so homeowners have more options for replacement. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

B&L Plumbing and Heating has a lot to be proud of. This veteran-owned company has enjoyed serving Colorado Springs residents since 1999. That’s more than 20 years of top-notch service. In addition to offering exclusive membership plans, they offer discounted services, online scheduling, and more. They also don’t charge after-hours fees for emergencies. Call today for water heating service!

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