install Archives - B&L Plumbing and Heating

Install a Sump Pump for Reliable Flood Protection

What Is a Sump Pump?

Installing a sump pump is critical for homeowners looking to protect their basements from flooding and water damage. This device plays a vital role in managing excess water by collecting and redirecting it away from the home's foundation. Particularly beneficial for homes in flood-prone areas, a sump pump helps maintain the structural integrity of a house while preventing costly damage and mold growth. This blog explores the importance of sump pumps and how they offer peace of mind through effective flood prevention.

Benefits of Sump Pumps

By design, sump pumps collect water that gathers in a sump pit, typically located in the basement or crawl space, and pump it out away from the home's foundation. Here are the key benefits of a sump pump installation:

Prevents Basement Flooding: The primary function of a sump pump is to remove water that could otherwise flood a basement. This is especially crucial during heavy rains or rapid snowmelt when water levels rise quickly.
Protects the Foundation: Water accumulation around a home's foundation can lead to cracks and structural damage. Sump pumps help divert water away, preventing potential long-term harm and maintaining the integrity of the building.
Reduces Mold and Mildew Growth: High moisture levels create an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can damage property and pose health risks. Sump pumps help control indoor humidity and improve air quality by keeping the basement dry.
Increases Property Value: A home with effective flood prevention measures is more appealing to prospective buyers. An installed sump pump signals proactive maintenance, often viewed as a valuable asset.
Offers Peace of Mind: Knowing that a sump pump is in place provides reassurance during storms or other weather events. Homeowners can rest easy, confident that they have a reliable defense against water intrusion.

Overall, sump pumps are cost-effective to prevent potential flood damage, offering protection and increased peace of mind. By investing in a sump pump, homeowners can safeguard their property, improve indoor conditions, and ultimately protect their investment.

Primary Types of Sump Pumps

When choosing a sump pump for flood protection, it's important to understand the differences between the two main types: submersible and pedestal. Each type has distinct characteristics, along with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Submersible Sump Pumps

Pros:

Powerful Performance: Submersible pumps are designed to handle larger volumes of water, making them particularly effective in homes prone to frequent or severe flooding.
Quiet Operation: Positioned underwater within the sump pit, these pumps operate with minimal noise, which is ideal for maintaining a peaceful home environment.
Space-Saving Design: Located inside the sump pit, submersible pumps take up no additional basement or crawl space.

Cons:

Higher Cost: Submersible pumps are more expensive to purchase and install than pedestal models.
Shorter Lifespan: Constant exposure to water can affect durability, potentially leading to a shorter operational life than pedestal pumps.
Pedestal Sump Pumps

Pros:

Affordability: Generally less expensive to buy and install, pedestal pumps are cost-effective for homeowners on a budget.
Extended Lifespan: With the motor positioned above the sump pit and thus away from water, pedestal pumps typically enjoy a longer lifespan.
Easy Maintenance: The accessible motor makes it easier to perform regular maintenance or repairs when necessary.

Cons:

Less Power: Pedestal pumps typically have lower pumping capacity, making them less suitable for areas with significant water influx.
Noisier Operation: Since the motor is above the pit, pedestal pumps can be louder, potentially causing disturbances in the home.

Selecting the right sump pump involves weighing these pros and cons against specific needs, budget, and the area's flood risk. Both submersible and pedestal sump pumps offer reliable water removal, but understanding their differences can help homeowners choose the best option to protect their property from water damage.

Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps

While primary sump pumps form the first line of defense against basement flooding, secondary or backup sump pumps are crucial for providing additional security. These backup systems are designed to step in when primary pumps fail or when extra support is needed.

Protection During Power Outages:

During heavy storms or extreme weather, power outages can leave electric-powered primary sump pumps inoperative precisely when needed. A battery-operated backup pump can automatically activate during outages, ensuring continuous water removal and preventing flooding when electric power is lost.

Primary Pump Failure:

Mechanical failures can occur in any system, and sump pumps are no exception. Backup pumps are a vital safety net if the primary pump malfunctions or is overwhelmed. This redundancy ensures that water continues to be pumped out even if the main system fails, providing additional peace of mind.

Handling Excessive Water Volume:

In cases of severe flooding, the primary pump may struggle to manage the high volume of water. A secondary pump can assist by sharing the load, ensuring efficient handling of excess water, and preventing the sump pit from overflowing.

Enhanced Home Protection:

Installing a backup system reflects a proactive approach to home maintenance. The added layer of security helps protect against water damage, which can lead to costly repairs and decrease property value.

Alerts and Monitoring:

Many backup sump pumps come equipped with alarms and monitoring features, alerting homeowners to issues with the primary system or when the backup is engaged. These alerts enable quick responses to potential problems, further safeguarding the home.

Whether due to power outages, pump failures, or excessive water conditions, having a reliable backup system significantly enhances the home's defense against water intrusion and damage.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a local plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company dedicated to providing top-quality service in Colorado Springs, CO, for over two decades. They provide 24/7 emergency service and competitive rates after hours. Contact them today for sump pump installation services in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Why Install a Tankless Water Heater?

Three Reasons to Go Tankless This Year

As tankless water heaters become increasingly popular, many homeowners are seeking information on this new style of water heater for their homes. Traditional water heaters with tanks only last between ten and fifteen years. And given the more efficient tankless versions, it only makes sense for homeowners to research whether a tankless heater is right for them. After all, increased efficiency should translate to savings on energy bills. But what exactly are the benefits of installing a tankless water heater? Read on to discover the three major advantages of tankless water heater installation.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters work by heating water as needed. This is why they're often called on-demand water heaters. Their ability to heat water quickly to be delivered is where much of the energy efficiency comes from. Traditional storage water heaters keep the water at a set temperature all day, even if the water won't be used for hours at a time. This makes it convenient for homeowners, but it's a tradeoff because keeping that water at a temperature takes energy.

However, tankless water heaters aren't ideal for every household. One tankless heater can handle about 41 gallons of water a day (or less) while being between 20% and 35% more efficient than storage water heaters. For households that use more than 41 gallons a day — or use hot water at multiple faucets throughout the house simultaneously — it's often better to install more than one tankless heater to handle the simultaneous hot water use. Fortunately, installing more than one tankless heater in the house can provide even more energy savings.

Neverending Hot Water Supply and Space Savings

Since tankless water heaters don't need large storage tanks, they're more space-efficient than their storage counterparts. This can be a huge benefit for those who don't have enough storage space. Similarly, they're ideal for installation in tiny homes, mobile homes, and other small dwellings. While this may not be the biggest selling point for homeowners, it's certainly something to consider.

A major benefit is that tankless water heaters never run out of hot water. Since the water is quickly heated as soon as needed, there's no chance of running out of hot water, which can happen with a storage water heater.

Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

Because traditional water heaters constantly have water in their tanks, they don't last nearly as long as tankless water heaters. When a tank fails on a storage water heater, it's best to replace the entire unit instead of trying to repair the tank. That said, storage water heaters generally last between 10 and 15 years. Conversely, tankless water heaters have a lifespan of 20 years or more.

While the upfront costs of tankless water heater installation are generally higher than those of storage water heaters, they tend to pay for themselves in just a few years. Of course, this depends on the exact hot water habits of the household. This is why it's always good to consult a professional plumber to determine if tankless water heater installation is the best move for the household.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The friendly professional at B&L Plumbing and Heating has been serving Colorado Springs, CO, since 1999. B&L is a veteran-owned company that provides no-mess service at a competitive price. Plus, they never charge after-hours fees. Contact them today for tankless water heater installation in Colorado Springs, CO.

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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

Remember 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

One 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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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!