Company: B&L Plumbing and Heating

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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Advantages of Hiring a Pro Plumber

advantages of hiring a pro plumber

3 Reasons Why It’s Time To Call a Professional Plumber

Every homeowner will have to deal with a plumbing mishap, whether it’s a leaky pipe, a dripping faucet, or a clogged toilet. One can tackle some plumbing issues easily with a few thrusts of a plunger or a few twists of a wrench, but some problems require more complex - and difficult - solutions. Many homeowners will be tempted to roll up their sleeves and attempt to conquer these tasks independently, but more often than not, they end up wishing they’d called a plumber. Keep reading to learn three big reasons why it’s better to leave the tough plumbing repairs to the professionals!

Avoid Expensive ErrorsMan struggling with a leaking kitchen faucet, water spraying, while a woman talks on the phone, illustrating the challenges of DIY plumbing repairs.

Perhaps the most common motivation for attempting DIY plumbing work is to save money. The irony is that the DIY route often costs more than it would have to hire a plumber. Professional plumbers come to the job site with all the tools they might need, some of which are specialized and quite expensive. Depending on the job, the cost of acquiring the necessary tools can eclipse the cost of labor.

But where the expenses can skyrocket is if the DIYer makes a mistake that causes further damage to the home or the plumbing system. Professionals can avoid such mistakes thanks to their training, experience, and in-depth knowledge of plumbing systems. 

Get the Job Done Faster - and With Less Hassle

The expertise and experience that professionals bring to the table don’t just allow them to avoid costly mistakes but also to work quickly and efficiently. The DIYer might be learning how to perform plumbing repair for the first time, while a professional has likely done it hundreds - if not thousands - of times. So a project that might take a whole weekend for the average homeowner may only take a few hours for a pro.

Pro plumbers also have insights that only come from training and experience. This means they can identify the root cause of the issue and offer advice on how to avoid similar problems in the future. This alone can save homeowners plenty of headaches down the road!

Hand holding a white alarm clock, symbolizing time-saving benefits of hiring professional plumbers for efficient plumbing repairs.Greater Peace of Mind

One more thing professional plumbers have that even the most experienced DIY handyman doesn’t - credentials. Any reputable Colorado Springs plumber will be licensed and insured, which indicates that they’re up to date on the latest codes and standards, are legally allowed to work on plumbing systems in the state of Colorado, and have the insurance to protect themselves and the homeowners if something goes wrong on the job.

This is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional, as it takes the burden of stress and worry off the homeowners’ shoulders. Knowing that one will do the job safely and according to code is reason enough to call the trusted local plumber the next time a plumbing issue arises!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been proud to serve the Colorado Springs community since 1999. Their trustworthy licensed and insured technicians always arrive on time, ready to provide award-winning service, competitive pricing, tailored solutions, and unbeatable workmanship. They offer membership maintenance plans and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees, so call B&L anytime for plumbing repair in Colorado Springs, CO!

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An Ounce of Prevention: Maintenance Tips for Plumbing Issues

an ounce of prevention: maintenance tips for plumbing issues

3 Ways to Get Ahead of Plumbing Disasters

Summer is a very busy time full of family events, camps, and vacations, and no one wants to take time to deal with a plumbing problem unless it is trying to find a faster method of filling up a pool. That’s why smart homeowners will do their best to prevent problems before they begin. This article will provide a few essential tips for plumbing peace of mind.

Evidence of Leaks

Person using a pipe wrench to fix a leaking white PVC pipe under a sink, illustrating evidence of plumbing problems and the need for timely repairs.One of the first signs of plumbing problems is a small leak. Weakened and aging pipes can form cracks from water pressure, corrosion, or other general wear and tear. Rubber and silicone seals and washers may break down or tear, causing a slow leak around faucets or showerheads.  

A homeowner should not ignore evidence of a pipe leak, no matter how small, because small leaks can quickly lead to more significant leaks. Listed below are a few of the signs that indicate a persistent leak:

  • Mold or mildew
  • Sounds of running water
  • Dripping
  • Soggy spots on the floor
  • Water pooling outside where it shouldn’t be

Put Grease in the Trash, Not the Sink

Pouring cooking oil into a kitchen sink drain, highlighting improper disposal practices that can lead to plumbing clogs.One of the great things about the summer weather is grilling outside and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. Food prep and disposal can be hard on a kitchen, though. A nasty clog can ruin an evening of summer fun. That’s why people should consider what they put down the drain. 

Even the kitchen drain with top-of-the-line garbage disposal cannot accommodate all forms of food debris. Cooking oil and grease are perhaps the worst perpetrators of clogs because, in their liquid forms, they would seem to be easily disposed of by sending them down the drain pipes, but they cannot be dissolved by water as most things can. However, oils and fats can bind up other food and waste particles and create a hard, insoluble ball of a pipe clog that the water cannot break up. Homeowners and their guests should always dispose of grease by pouring it into a sealed container and then putting it in the trash.

Keep the Drains Clean

Another easy bit of pipe clog prevention maintenance is regularly flushing home drains. Just as other parts of the house need regular cleaning, drains can benefit from a bit of a clear-out. This does not have to be intensive, and several easy ways exist to perform this task. Below are two easy methods to use and one to avoid entirely.

  • The Hot Water Flush: This method is done by boiling water and pouring it slowly down the drain. This can help remove anything water-soluble that may be stuck in the pipes.
  • The Baking Soda/Vinegar Combo: Almost everyone did the grade school science experiment of the baking soda and vinegar volcano. This eruptive but harmless chemical reaction can help flush dirty pipes. The baking soda should be poured into the drain and followed by vinegar. 
  • NO Chemical Drain Openers: Those handy plastic bottles on the grocery store shelf may seem like a convenient choice for drain cleaning, but the chemicals are not selective about what they break down and can cause or worsen existing corrosion on the drain pipes.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has served Colorado Springs, CO, for over two decades. Offering 24-hour emergency service and no after-hours charge, they can bring high-quality workmanship and individualized options for all their clients. Call today for peace of mind and quality plumbing service.

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