Company: B&L Plumbing and Heating

Reasons to Hire a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

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 

clogsDrains 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 

fixWhile 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

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

bathVirtually 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

showerAnother 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!

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 

waterThe 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 

savingsWater 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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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

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 Toilettoilet

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 Cleansewer lines

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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