Category: Land & Property

Preventing Frozen and Burst Pipes

3 Reasons Pipes Can Burst And How to Keep the Water Flowing Where It Should

As the winter draws ever nearer and the temperatures drop, homeowners may naturally be concerned about the frigid temperatures doing significant damage to a home's pipes. Many things become brittle when the thermometer drops below zero, including many of the metal and plastic products used in a plumbing system. While one may expect natural anxiety, it should lead the homeowner to action to prevent burst pipes. That is what this article is going to cover.

Pipes Burst Due to Freezingfreezing

One of the most basic scientific facts is that water expands when it goes from liquid to solid form; that is when it freezes. Thus, water freezing within pipes puts pressure on them from the inside. This can cause the pipes to crack or burst, creating an interruption in water supply or drainage as well as collateral damage. There are several ways to prevent or at least mitigate this problem, pipe insulation being the primary method. Below are detailed two types of pipe insulation:

  • Foam Pipe Insulation: This is a very common and inexpensive type of insulation that consists of a split foam tube that wraps around the pipe like a bun around a hot dog. It is held in place by tape that is similar to duct tape. It is flexible and easy to install.
  • Fiberglass Pipe Insulation: This is much more like traditional wall insulation and is perfect for making hot water pipes more efficient. This often comes in a tape-like roll wrapped around pipes, although it can come in tubes or sheets with an outer reflective coating for extra protection.

Besides insulating pipes, other ways to help prevent frozen pipes include letting the faucet drip, opening cabinet doors, or aiming a space heater at affected pipes.

Pipes Burst Due to Corrosioncorrosion

Pipe corrosion and decay occur when a pipe is weakened by chemical or physical environmental interactions that cause material loss. As the walls of the pipes grow thinner and thinner, they grow weaker and weaker and may eventually burst. The culprit may be anything from chemical drain cleaners, which eat away at the pipes' surface while removing clogs, or loose pipes that vibrate and wear themselves thin on their supports. Here are a few ways to keep pipe corrosion or pipe decay to a minimum:

  • Avoid using chemical drain openers
  • Make sure all pipe connections and supports are tightened as they should be
  • Install a water softener

Pipes Burst Due to Clogs

People normally think of a clog being the main problem, not a cause for such a big problem as a burst pipe. This can happen, especially when colder temperatures and pipe age can exacerbate the issue. A clogged pipe can be brittle from cold and put under pressure that causes it to burst. One of the best ways to prevent this is by having regular professional drain cleaning. A plumbing professional can not only clean a home's drainage pipes quickly and efficiently, they can also assess whether or not there is a developing problem in the system.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Available 24/7 in Colorado Springs, CO with no after-hours charges, B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned and family-operated business. For more than 20 years, they have offered expert plumbing services and individualized solutions for the people of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. Call today for assistance with any plumbing problem.

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Plumbing Disasters Shouldn't Ruin a Thanksgiving Gathering

plumbing disasters shouldn't ruin a thanksgiving gathering

Prevent Clogged Toilets and Sewer Back Up With Simple Maintenance

Large gatherings of family and friends tend to put a lot of extra strain on a home’s plumbing; that’s why it is important to have preventative measures in place. Someone may not be able to predict what story or offensive joke a certain uncle may decide to tell after dinner, but they can predict that more people will be using the restroom than usually have access to a home privy. This article will discuss the best ways to keep the whole gathering running smoothly, at least in the sewer pipes.

How to Prevent a Clogged ToiletPerson using a plunger on a white toilet, wearing orange gloves, demonstrating a common method to prevent clogged toilets during family gatherings and maintain plumbing.

A clogged toilet may be the most common and one of the most inconvenient plumbing problems in a household. It is not that the toilet will never clog; it is more about making it easier to unclog the toilet. Normal clogs can usually be dealt with with a plunger, the double flush, or waiting it out, but some things cause more serious clogs because they do not dissolve or break up in the water. If people avoid putting these things in their toilets, the clog is less likely to cause a problem that needs professional assistance. Some of this list may seem counterintuitive, but one should never put these items in the toilet:

  • Baby Wipes (even “flushable” ones)
  • Cleaning Wipes(ie Clorox or Lysol wipes)
  • Cotton Balls
  • Cotton Rounds
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Paper Towels
  • Sanitary Napkins
  • Tampons

Even if these items are flushed out of the toilet, they may cause a problem farther down the line, leading to the next area of concern: the sewer pipes.

Keeping Sewer Lines CleanBlocked sewer pipe with rust and roots, illustrating the importance of maintaining clean sewer lines to prevent plumbing issues.

If the sewer is backed up, then no drain in the house will do the job it is supposed to do of removing liquid waste from the home. Most forms of prevention do come in the form of avoidance, but some methods of keeping drains clean are proactive. Here is a list of dos and don’ts:

  • Avoid Grease: Grease may seem like it should slide down the drain just like water; however, grease tends to congeal and cling to the sides of pipes, creating a natural sticky trap for any particles that pass. This can create a hard-to-remove clog of food particles, hair, and other waste.
  • Avoid Chemical Drain Openers: While chemical drain cleaners break up clogs, their corrosiveness can also cause damage to pipes. They can eat into the pipes' material and cause weakening, pitting, and even breakage. Even if the worst is avoided, pitting can make the pipes more likely to clog due to the roughness created by corrosion.
  • Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: A quick and safe method of chemical drain cleaning uses the basic ingredients for the science fair volcano: baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda can be poured into a drain and allowed to settle. Then vinegar is poured after it, creating hydrogen bubbles that can help break up detritus in the pipes.
  • Call the Professionals: Professional sewer line cleaning methods like hydro-jetting can be used as a preventative measure against a clogged sewer line and slow-moving drains.

Homeowners Can Be Thankful for Plumbing Maintenance

Regular professional maintenance can prevent most plumbing issues, especially the major ones. Problems such as water and structural damage, mold and mildew, water heater outage, and slab leaks can be prevented by regular checkups by plumbing technicians. Every homeowner should be thankful for their local plumbing expert.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating of Colorado Springs, CO provides exceptional service 24/7. They charge no after-hours fees and have worked in residential and commercial plumbing for over 20 years. Call them today for fast, reliable plumbing service.

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Is Water Hammer Turning a Cozy Home into a Haunted House?

is water hammer turning a cozy home into a haunted house?, rwn7kwldszhmsxjbupm1ocbeabu0cobzmsqipwn0

What To Do About the Scary Banging Sound Coming From the Walls

Most everyone likes a good scare during the Halloween season. A little fun fright to get the blood pumping is a good trick — as long as a delicious treat follows it. But what if that frightening banging sound from behind the walls has become more concerning? Most often, this is caused by a plumbing problem known as water hammer. Luckily, it’s pretty simple to diagnose and even easier to fix with the help of a plumbing professional. Read on to learn what to do about water hammer!

What Causes Water Hammer?

Leaking copper pipe with a visible crack, illustrating plumbing issues related to water hammer and potential damage in home plumbing systems.Water hammer is a term for noise caused by water in a plumbing system. Water flows in the pipes, which lead to valves that allow those in the home to access the water. Valves include those at the toilet, shower, sinks, outdoor spigots, or water fixtures in the laundry room. Any of these can cause water hammer when the valve is closed. If the water suddenly has no place to go, it can cause banging sounds in the wall by slamming against the side of the pipe, even causing the pipe to move. 

Water Hammer Side Effects

Besides being an annoyance, water hammer can lead to some serious side effects. It can cause wear-and-tear to valves, joints, and fixtures. And since most of the damage happens to plumbing components that are out of sight, it can be hard to tell when or if the components need repair. Unfortunately, if water hammer is allowed to persist, it can cause leaks and associated damage, which can be expensive to fix. 

Water hammer can also indicate other problems with the system, such as overly high water pressure or loose pipes. It’s important to determine what’s causing water hammer, as many variables could contribute to the noisy pipes. Luckily, a professional plumber can help. 

How a Professional Can Fix Water Hammer

Professional plumber holding a wrench and giving a thumbs-up in a kitchen, ready to address plumbing issues like water hammer and high-pressure problems.With the help of a qualified professional, homeowners can easily fix banging pipes. Most homes actually have air chambers in the walls to help prevent water hammer. However, if the air chambers get water in them, they won’t be able to provide the “cushion” to stop the noise any longer. A plumber can not only identify if the home has air chambers; they can also drain the water from them so they work again. 

If the home doesn’t have air chambers, a professional plumber can install water hammer arrestors to eliminate the issue. But sometimes, the problem isn’t with the pipes at all. Rather, it’s with the pressure in the system. Overly high water pressure can cause water hammer. Likewise, loose pipes can cause banging, even if the pressure isn’t high. Another option is to add cushioning around pipes to protect them and prevent the banging noise that is water hammer. No matter the cause, a qualified professional can provide the right tools and expertise for fixing water hammer. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been proudly serving Colorado Springs, CO, since 1999. They provide peace of mind, never considering the job done until the customer is completely satisfied. They also offer tailored options and never charge after-hours fees for emergency service. For help fixing water hammer in Colorado Springs, CO, contact B&L Plumbing and Heating today. 

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Why Install a Home Water Filtration System?

why install a home water filtration system?

Understanding the Benefits of Water Filtration

Water is arguably the most precious resource in the world - without it, life wouldn't exist. Fortunately, most parts of the developed world have abundant potable water. Even in places like Colorado that experience long periods of drought, virtually every home has a steady water supply.

The trouble is that the tap's water isn't always pristine. Whether from a municipal water supply or a private well, a home's water can contain a wide range of contaminants, even after passing through water treatment facilities or the earth's natural filtration processes. Installing a water filtration system in the home is a great way to protect against these contaminants - but it can also have some other advantages. This article will explain three ways homeowners can benefit from a water filtration system!

Safer & Better-Tasting Water

Person drinking a glass of clear water, emphasizing the benefits of safe and better-tasting drinking water from a filtration system.The most important benefit of a water filtration system is that it makes water safe for use. A quality reverse osmosis water filter can remove heavy metals (lead, arsenic, chromium, etc.), bacteria, and other contaminants that negatively affect health.

Removing harmful pollutants doesn't just make water safer - it can also make it taste better. Some pollutants may not be harmful but can affect the taste and smell of the water. For instance, chlorine is often used to treat water and is considered safe to ingest in small amounts, but it can give water a noticeable chemical flavor. On the other hand, water that has passed through a reverse osmosis system will be free from such pollutants and taste pure and clean, as water should. 

Helps Save Money

Person placing a coin into a pink piggy bank, symbolizing savings and financial benefits of installing a water filtration system.Another advantage of filtered water that often gets overlooked is that it can help homeowners cut costs. The expenses can add up quickly if the household relies primarily on bottled water for its drinking water needs. The initial cost of installing a reverse osmosis filtration system is less than some households spend on bottled water every year, so it's an investment that can pay for itself relatively quickly.

Many homeowners install a single point-of-use filtration system under their kitchen sink to provide clean drinking water. This alone can lead to significant savings, but the rest of the house will still get unfiltered water. This is why some homeowners prefer to install a whole-home water filter, generally located where the main water supply enters the home.

Whole-home systems can also help save money - just in less obvious ways. Unfiltered water often contains heavy metals and minerals that can cause corrosion or leave mineral deposits inside the pipes, fixtures, and appliances. This can lead to costly repairs and reduce the lifespan of appliances. Having only pure, filtered water running through the home helps homeowners save their money and their plumbing system as a whole!

More Environmentally Friendly

Not having to rely on bottled water also means a more eco-friendly home. Even with the widespread recycling programs throughout the nation, most plastic bottles wind up in landfills or the ocean. Since plastic doesn't readily biodegrade, this can take a major toll on the environment.

Installing a home water filtration system helps the environment by reducing the number of disposable consumer plastics used. Though it may seem like a drop in the bucket (no pun intended), every little bit helps!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has been pridefully serving the Colorado Springs community since 1999. Their trustworthy licensed experts always arrive on time in fully-stocked trucks, ready to provide tailored options, up-front pricing, and award-winning service. They offer a rewarding membership maintenance plan and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees. Call B&L today for water filter installation in Colorado Springs, CO!

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Take A Class in Septic System Basics

take a class in septic system basics

Basic Function and Maintenance of the Home Septic System

Every home with indoor plumbing has a way of flushing away the waste products of the household; whether that is a local sewer system or a septic system usually depends on the house's location and its internal plumbing system. Septic tanks are usually in place for homes far away from the city center in rural areas. They have their own set of maintenance needs and drawbacks, but if they are given the proper attention, they keep the inhabitants healthy and the surrounding area free of the contaminants of raw sewage.

Parts of a Septic System

When people think of the word septic, they tend to think of it as a negative thing. By definition, septic means something is infected with bacteria, which is usually harmful. In the case of the septic system and the microorganisms involved in the wastewater cleansing process, septic is actually a good thing. The thriving bacteria of a septic system clean the water and make it safe to return the water to the surrounding soil. While bacteria are a major component, this article will discuss the inorganic components that comprise the actual structure of a septic system. The septic system has two main parts: the septic tank and the drain field.

The Septic Tank: This is the first wastewater stop as it comes from the main drainage pipe. It is a watertight container made of several materials, including concrete, fiberglass, and polyethylene. The tank allows the effluent (another name for wastewater in the tank) to settle and separate, creating three layers within the tank:

  • Scum: This is the layer of floating waste in the tank, usually cooking oils and the like
  • Effluent: This wastewater will eventually flow into the soil absorption field
  • Sludge: This is the bottom layer composed of solids and inorganic matter that the bacteria cannot break down

The Drain Field: This area, also called the soil absorption field, is where the bacteria do most of the work. The effluent flows into the perforated pipes that make up the drain field, allowing the bacteria to neutralize other harmful microbes. The water then slowly drains out of the pipes, often through a loose layer of gravel, and returns to the soil.

Warnings of Septic System Malfunction

Puddles forming in green grass indicating potential yard flooding, a warning sign of septic system malfunction.Septic systems normally do their work without complaint or hiccup, but a few indicators indicate that a home requires septic systems repair. Septic tank repair or replacement can be especially onerous and expensive as it can involve digging up the old tank. Hopefully, one can catch the problem through these early warning signs:

  • Extremely green and spongy grass growing in the drain field
  • Foul smells in the area of the tank or drain field
  • Sewer backups into the house
  • Slow draining throughout the home
  • Yard flooding

If these signs are present, a homeowner should immediately contact a reputable septic service provider.

Maintenance and the Septic System

Septic system maintenance with technician using vacuum hose to pump septic tank in residential yard.Regular, professional maintenance is key to maintaining any household system. The septic system is no different. Septic system maintenance is primarily septic tank maintenance, although there are sometimes clogs in the drain field that need clearing. Pumping the septic tank is vital for a properly functioning septic system. A homeowner should have this done regularly and consult a professional on how often one should empty their tank.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

For more than 2 decades, B&L Plumbing and Heating has served the inhabitants of Colorado Springs, CO, and the surrounding areas. They are veteran-owned and offer 24-hour emergency service with no after-hours charge. Call them today for personalized solutions and expert plumbing service!

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