Company: B&L Plumbing and Heating

Why Should Homeowners Add a Sump Pump To Their Holiday Wishlist?

why should homeowners add a sump pump to their holiday wishlist?

A Sump Pump Installation May Be the Best Gift This Holiday Season!

Plumbing is an essential part of a functioning home! Homeowners should always try to maintain and prevent plumbing issues as they can be messy to clean. Sump pumps are a great gift that homeowners can use in home plumbing systems.

Why Are Sump Pumps Necessary?

Sump pumps are devices that are either fully or partially submerged in water. The device works are typically located in a homeowner's basement. Sump pumps are placed in holes and work by pushing out any water that comes up after rain. Sump pumps are great for homes and only work when they are needed. 

These devices are great for homeowners that live in flood zones. The water trapped in the dirt under the house gets pushed by the sump pumps to drainage areas. There are many benefits to owning a sump pump. For example, sump pumps can prevent flooding in basements. When basements flood, there is a risk of mold and bacteria growth that can make homeowners safe.

What are the Different Types of Sump Pumps?Different types of sump pumps including a submersible pump, a pedestal pump, and a vertical pump, showcasing various designs for basement water management.

There are two main types of sump pumps, but both work nearly the same way.
Homeowners with a Submersible sump pump have the pump submerged in the sump pit, the hole in a basement. The submersible sump pump is a great option for homeowners on a budget. This sump pump type does not last forever, though, and needs frequent maintenance. Since the entire system, including the motor, is submerged, there is still potential for water damage.

The second type of sump pump is the pedestal sump pump. This particular pump is not entirely submerged. The motor is upright and sits outside of the pit. The life expectancy of this device reaches 30 years. It is a great tool for homeowners that live in active flood zones or see extreme weather.

Backup sump pump system with a blue submersible pump and a black storage box, illustrating essential plumbing equipment for homeowners to prevent water damage.What are Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps?

Anything breaks and wears down with time. Water damage harms pumps, especially ones submerged for long periods. Pumps that have not been serviced or maintained may break during winter or thunderstorms. This is why it is important to have a secondary or backup sump pump. Homeowners should call a plumbing technician for a sump pump installation if they don't have one already.

Secondary sump pumps are sump pumps that are activated when the primary system is not working. They work just as well but are only used as a backup. This only works, however, if homeowners have electricity. In severe weather, it may not be possible. Thankfully, many backup sump pumps need batteries. This is life-saving and can be why homeowners save thousands of dollars in damages. If homeowners notice that neither system is working, they should call a technician for a sump pump replacement.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned local company that focuses on plumbing repairs and installations in Colorado Springs, CO. This company offers fair pricing, emergency services, and friendly customer service. Call them today for sump pump installation services!

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Give Thanks for Plumbers This Thanksgiving

give thanks for plumbers this thanksgiving

Essential Plumbing Services To Be Thankful For

As Thanksgiving Day comes around, many homeowners are thinking about things to be thankful for. And there are always certain things that homeowners should be thankful for, like their health, loved ones, and food on the table. But some other things are easily overlooked, such as the impact that plumbers have on everyday life. Without the professional assistance that plumbers provide, homeowners would be forced to deal with the dirty jobs that plumbers usually take on. 

These jobs include clearing clogged toilets, repairing water heaters, and servicing sewer lines. Read on to learn more about these essential services and why to be thankful for them. 

Clearing Clogged ToiletPerson using a plunger to clear a clogged toilet, illustrating essential plumbing services for homeowners.

Everyone has experienced a clogged toilet at some point. A plunger and some elbow grease are all one needs to clear the clog most of the time. But sometimes, the clogged toilet is a little more stubborn. Maybe it’s not just a regular clog, or the problem lies in the toilet vent instead of the toilet itself. 

If the problem is a stubborn clog in the toilet, a plumber may use two methods to clear the clog. The first is using a plumber’s snake to break up the clog. This is an auger that the plumber will twist and feed down the toilet to clear the clog. The other way is hydro-jetting, which uses a high-pressure spray of water that can clear the clog. This is the best option because it is less likely to damage the pipe and the toilet than a plumber’s snake. 

Essential Water Heater RepairPlumber adjusting thermostat on a water heater, emphasizing maintenance and repair services for optimal performance.

Water heating maintenance and repair are two other important services that plumbers provide. Water heaters need yearly service to keep providing hot water to the home. Over time, water heaters experience a buildup of minerals that can affect their performance. Too much buildup can cause the water heater to develop a leak or another issue requiring replacement. 

One of the biggest things included in a professional plumber’s water heater service is flushing the tank to clear all the minerals out. They also check other water heater components to make sure it will run smoothly for a long time to come. These things include testing the pressure release valve, checking the anode rod, and checking for leaks. 

Awesome Sewer Line Services

Another big service that plumbers provide to homeowners is sewer line repair. While clearing a clogged toilet and servicing a water heater can be done by homeowners with a little learning and the right equipment, sewer line services require the help of a professional plumber. These services include fixing broken pipes, pipe restoration, and clearing sewer line clogs. 

Depending on the nature of the problem, the plumber may need to dig up the sewer line to repair it, but this is not always the case. Those homes experiencing sewer line problems should get the issue fixed quickly to avoid even bigger problems affecting the whole home. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been serving Colorado Springs, CO since 1999. They offer competitive pricing and never charge overtime fees. They provide no-mess service and prioritize customer peace of mind. Contact them today for reliable plumbing services. 

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Plumbing Sounds That Can Frighten Anyone!

plumbing sounds that can frighten anyone!

There’s Nothing To Fear! It’s Only Noisy Pipes!

It might almost be Halloween, but there is still nothing to fear when the house starts to make unusual noises. According to professionals in the industry, the culprit is most likely coming from the pipes and could very well be the water pressure causing the issues. Pipe sounds are scary, but the louder they get, the more concerning they seem. Homeowners shouldn’t be frightened by the sounds, though. With a simple call to their local professionals, they can have the problem fixed in no time, regardless of what’s causing it. Even humming and whistling noises have their cause, and it’s most likely plumbing-related, not ghost-related. 

To learn more about the different sounds that scare almost any homeowner when they go bump in the night, continue reading below. 

Why Homeowners Hear Humming SoundsPerson in bed with blue sheets, looking scared and hiding under the covers, alarm clock on bedside table, representing homeowner anxiety over plumbing noises.

Humming coming from the piping system is classically due to high water pressure. When the water pressure is too high, it’s as if there isn’t enough space in the pipes to allow for the rush of water to safely get through. In turn, the piping system will start to shake or vibrate, which causes the humming sound heard throughout the home. 

On its own, this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if and when the pipes have a few clogs in them, that is when things get risky. Clogs in the system, combined with high water pressure, can lead to leaking and burst pipes in no time. 

That is the main reason why homeowners should call a professional when they first start to hear humming in the house. The longer they wait, the higher the chance they start to experience leaks and other plumbing issues. 

Have the Pipes Started Whistling?Pipes and plumbing infrastructure under a house, illustrating potential issues with high water pressure and clogs, relevant to plumbing maintenance concerns.

As mentioned, dirty or clogged pipes and high water pressure don’t mix. Typically, when this happens, the humming will turn to whistling. Homeowners could very well hear both simultaneously. Homeowners should call in a professional to look the moment they start to hear whistling within the walls of their home. 

Professionals will most likely recommend a pipe cleaning, first and foremost. After this, they will fix the high water pressure. High water pressure, on its own, isn’t necessarily bad for the piping system. Still, other elements in play make high water pressure a serious problem that one should fix right away. 

High water pressure causes: 

  • Faster wear and tear of pipes
  • Loose screws and plumbing parts
  • Leaks and burst pipes
  • Damaged fixtures
  • Worn out seals

Water Hammer Is Frightening!

High water pressure is classically linked to what professionals call, water hammer. It is common in systems that utilize valves as a plumbing system does. Essentially, it happens when a surge of water comes through the system and is forced to change direction suddenly—a sudden change in momentum. 

The quickest way to fix this is to have a pressure relief valve installed in the home. This is easily done with professional help. Professionals might also recommend homeowners have their system regularly flushed to help prevent this in the future. 

Older homes with pipes placed at 90-degree angles are more prone to water hammers. Here, professionals might recommend repiping in some areas of the home to reduce the likelihood of this happening again. 

B&L Plumbing and Heating Is There No Matter What

Colorado Springs, CO homeowners trust the experts at B&L Plumbing and Heating with all of their plumbing issues. They are a veteran-owned company that always tries to leave their customers safe and satisfied. They don’t even charge after-hours fees! Call today for plumbing service!

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Blocked Drain Do's and Don'ts!

blocked drain do's and don'ts!

2 Ways To Cure a Drain Block (And 1 Way To Make It Worse!)

Slow, clogged drains dragging down the household routine? It makes sense to want those drains cleaned right away, but there’s a right way to do it! Plumbing experts know how to handle blocked drains without compromising the entire home’s system or making a situation worse. Read on to find out how plumbing professionals clear drains - and the one method they recommend avoiding whenever possible!

Do - Drain SnakingHand in blue glove using a drain snake to unclog a sink, demonstrating effective plumbing technique for clearing blockages.

The first tool in the plumber’s proverbial de-clogging belt is the drain snake. This chemical-free system works great for older homes with fragile plumbing or for smaller clogs. Snakes come in motorized or hand-cranked versions.

Drain snaking utilizes a long, thin cable attached to the auger, which is then snaked or pushed through the pipe to unclog debris in the system. The cable rotates as the auger is turned, helping to displace any clogs.

Benefits of Drain Snaking

As previously mentioned, drain snaking is chemical-free and safe on older and newer pipes alike. Sinks, toilets, and sewer lines can all be snaked for clogs.

Snaking drains reduce odors, reduces the chances of overflows, and helps improve pipe longevity alongside getting rid of pesky clogs and improving drain speed.

Do - Hydro-JettingHydro-jetting nozzle spraying high-pressure water jets for effective plumbing cleaning and clog removal.

For tougher or harder to reach clogs, hydro-jetting is the way to go. Hydro-jetting involves pushing a hose into the clogged pipe and using powerful water jets to clear the entire plumbing system. On average, hydro-jetters use 4000 psi of force to clear clogs.

Benefits of Hydro-Jetting

Hydro-jetting works great for a comprehensive, deep clean of the plumbing in a home. It eliminates everything from dirt to deep clogs, all from one central location in the home. It’s chemical-free, and when done correctly, is perfectly safe for older pipes. 

After a hydro-jetting clean, homes experience faster plumbing, reduced odors, and fewer chances of bacterial build-up in the pipes. Plus, hydro-jetting tends to clean more efficiently than snaking and usually needs to be completed less often than snaking, too.

Don’t - Liquid Drain Cleaners

Everyone has used over-the-counter drain cleaners in their home - but that doesn’t mean they should. The label of liquid drain cleaners usually includes highly corrosive ingredients like bleach, lye, aluminum, and salt. When paired together, these ingredients work wonders on breaking down clogs while posing a severe risk to the home.

Risk of Liquid Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners come with a batch of warnings plastered on their label for a reason: they are dangerous. The highly acidic nature of the cleaners can eat through pipes and pose a hazard to the skin and materials that the liquid comes in contact with. Additionally, prolonged use of liquid cleaners puts plumbers working on the home at risk of experiencing their corrosive effects. In the long run, liquid cleaners are more harmful than good for a home and its occupants.

When it comes to getting slow drains fixed, let the professionals handle it. Methods like drain snaking and hydro jetting can fix blocked drains without putting a home or its occupants at risk and get the pipes flowing in no time.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

For over two decades, B&L Plumbing and Heating has been providing its community with affordable, expert plumbing care. They offer a full range of plumbing solutions, from water heater replacement to pipe installation. So call them today for blocked drain cleaning in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Water Heaters 101

water heaters

Learning About the Different Types of Water Heaters

It's the time of year when summer plans wind down and kids start thinking of going back to school. As a homeowner, there's no excuse to stop learning. As the kids head back to the classroom, take every opportunity to learn that is available. In this article, plumbing contractors want to help homeowners out with quick knowledge about their water heaters. 

Taking the time to learn about options and maintenance of water heaters can save homeowners headaches and lots of dollars by allowing them to make informed decisions. Here's a quick guide to help homeowners brush up on their water heater knowledge. 

How Many Types of Water Heaters Are There?Image depicting two types of water heaters: a tall, cylindrical traditional water heater and a compact, modern tankless water heater, highlighting options for homeowners considering water heater utility types.

The utility type is the first thing a homeowner should look at when shopping for a water heater. These appliances come in two types with different benefits for each one:

  • Gas: Gas water heaters are generally cheaper due to low natural gas prices but not all homes are outfitted for propane or natural gas service. Advances in technology have allowed gas water heaters to be very efficient.  
  • Electric: Electric water heaters are reliable and cheaper to purchase than gas water heaters. Easy installation means that these are usually cheaper upfront. 

In the end, likely the best choice will be whatever utility is already present in the home. Installing gas or electric service to accommodate a new style is usually very expensive. 

Apart from choosing the utility that powers a water heater, two main types of water heaters are generally installed:

  • Conventional Hot Water Tanks: These units are usually cheap to install because they are likely to replace existing water tanks. These units heat a tank full of water where it waits to be distributed around the home. 
  • Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront, but they increase energy efficiency by providing instant and endless hot water on demand. 

Maintenance Tips for Any Water Heater

Water heaters are expensive appliances that one should take care of if they are expected to last long. Regardless of the style of the water heater, there are a few maintenance practices that can help homeowners get the most out of their water heaters:

Most of these steps can be done by the homeowners, but local plumbers offer tune-up packages to take the hassle out of the job for homeowners who don't want to mess with it. 

Signs a Water Heater Needs RepairsPlumber repairing a water heater, focusing on maintenance tasks like inspecting and adjusting components, relevant to water heater repair signs and homeowner care tips.

Homeowners may not be shopping for a new water heater yet, but still, everyone should pay attention to these signs that indicate they may need water heater repairs:

If any of these problems are present, water heater repairs will be necessary. In most cases, one can quickly make repairs, but eventually, a water heater replacement will be the most cost-efficient option. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been solving plumbing problems in Colorado Springs, CO since 1999. Their technicians always take the time to educate their customers and design custom solutions to their problems. With B&L Plumbing and Heating, their emergency service won't break the bank because they never charge extra for overtime hours. Call now for water heater services.

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