Tag: plumbing

The Dangers of Outdoor Plumbing Issues

the dangers of outdoor plumbing issues

Important Information About Outdoor Plumbing Clogs

Outdoor plumbing clogs can be awful to deal with; instead of simply waiting for them to happen, there are many things that homeowners can do to decrease the chances of a clogged outdoor pipe. Experts in the plumbing industry recommend looking for common signs that a problem is starting. If homeowners catch an underground plumbing clog quickly, there is a higher chance that it is repairable. 

An underground pipe clog can cause severe issues and worsen a yard and the structure of a home, so read on to learn more. 

What Are Common Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures?Sprinkler system spraying water on lush green grass, illustrating outdoor plumbing fixtures related to potential clogs and maintenance.

There are a lot of outdoor plumbing fixtures that could lead to a clogged pipe. Since this is the case, homeowners should take note of all the plumbing fixtures and appliances outside. Anything connected to a water or waste line should be frequently inspected and maintained to ensure no problems.

For example, most homes have built-in sprinkler systems that are convenient and easy to program. However, what happens when a clog finds itself in the water like that connects to the sprinkler system? This eventually could cause the pipe to burst, leading to waste and foul-smelling water to come out.

Fountains are not common in all homes, but they do make a home look beautiful! The pipes should regularly be cleaned and checked for homeowners with these gorgeous and large fountains.

How Do Outdoor Pipes Become Clog?

There are many ways that underground pipes can become clogged. The most common reason is pushing items that do not need to be placed in these pipes. For example, some homeowners accidentally let grease and oil into drains, which can harden and cause a large backup in underground pipes.

Another way outdoor pipes become clogged is if there's a dent, scratch, or break in the pipes. When this occurs, the pipe fills with dirt and other underground matter, causing severe problems and a clogged pipe.

Plumber using hydro-jetting equipment to clear outdoor clogged pipes, emphasizing professional plumbing services and maintenance.How To Clean Out Outdoor Clogged Pipes

Before homeowners can start to clear a pipe clog, they need to find the exact cause first. If the cause is not fixed, no matter how much cleaning and procedures are done, it will continue clogging.

There are a few tips that homeowners can try on their own, but there is no guarantee they won't work without a professional plumbing expert's help. For example, snakes can be placed into drains and pull out any blockages. If it is too deep, hydro-jetting is necessary. When hydro-jetting, a lot of pressured water is blasted through the pipes to clean and clear them of debris.

Plumbing companies only do this because finding a hydro-jetting machine and hose is not easy. If not done right, the blast of water can also damage other pipes, homes, and structures.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The technicians in B&L Plumbing and Heating are amazing and have years of experience in the plumbing field. These technicians work long hours to complete 24/7 emergency requests and provide excellent service. Homeowners interested in plumbing services should call B&L in the Colorado Springs, CO area.

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Who Are the Women Who Shaped the Plumbing Industry?

who are the women who shaped the plumbing industry?

Let's Celebrate Women's History Month By Learning About the History of Women in the Plumbing Industry

Women's history month is an important part of the year! These courageous women listed below are the best in the plumbing industry. While the plumbing industry is still male-dominated, swift changes in numbers have been made.

It is not easy to be a female plumber, but also not impossible! Homeowners should feel inspired by these courageous and amazing women leaders making a change in the trades industry! 

Women in the Plumbing IndustryWoman plumber repairing kitchen faucet, showcasing female representation in the plumbing industry during Women's History Month.

Currently, women plumbers make up about 3% of all plumbers living in the U.S. Sure, this number is not massive, but it is worthwhile! Homeowners should understand that women could only partake in specific roles and jobs without being ostracized just a few years ago (60-70 years ago).

Going back even further, working as a woman was illegal! There has been an increase in the last few years, though. While the number is low, it was lower! There are fewer women in plumbing than the rest in all of the popular trades. This is likely because of a gender bias from the men that still work in the plumbing industry. But times are changing, and homeowners will likely notice more and more female plumbers.

Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers is an organization and group of courageous and strong female leaders that push for change in the plumbing industry. Funnily enough, this group first started as an all-male plumbers organization.

They were tasked with finding out and brainstorming ideas for their organizations and what to do with their wives. This quickly changed as years went by, and now the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers is a full female force! Instead of a social club with sandwiches, bowling, and events, this group struggled to change the trades industry, fighting for a place to work alongside men! 

Lillian Ann Baumbach, first female master plumber, holding a large pipe wrench, showcasing her role in the plumbing industry against a vintage truck backdrop.The First Female Master Plumber: Lillian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Ann Baumbach is the first female master plumber! This may not seem like a big deal to homeowners, but moving up to the role of a master plumber is not easy! It takes years of dedication as well as experienced in the plumbing field.

The wonderful woman was the first female master plumber in 1950. Although boys dominated the industry, she did not mind and got her hands and arms clean! She sparked so much inspiration that this young woman received letters from all over the world, excited that she was a woman in the trades, especially plumbing. 

Through these letters, she got the nickname 'pretty plumber.' She first started this career when she was six. Her father was a master plumber and often took Lillian on jobs. By age 12, she was helping and servicing homes as a plumber alongside her father with pride and joy.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

Located in Colorado Springs, B&L Plumbing and Heating is the plumbing expert homeowners rely on. They offer emergency plumbing assistance as well as financing plans to help all. Contact them today for reliable plumbing service. 

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2022 Plumbing Resolution Revolution: 3 Habits to Give Homeowners an Easier Year

plumbing resolution revolution: habits to give homeowners an easier year

Improve Overall Plumbing Performance in the New Year

When it comes to home plumbing, people would rather ignore it and allow it to do its job of bringing in fresh, potable water and ridding the home of waste. It seems easier that way until a real problem crops up. Simple neglect can lead to major repairs and lots of cash spent on plumbing services. One can do several simple and mindful things to help prevent a future plumbing emergency.

What’s Flushing?Toilet flushing water demonstrating proper plumbing usage and maintenance tips for homeowners.

Perhaps the simplest way for any homeowner to prevent a plumbing catastrophe is to use their system according to one simple rule: Don’t put anything in the toilet or drain that doesn’t belong there. Toilets are made for flushing waste and toilet paper and nothing else.  

Garbage disposals can take care of some food waste but are not made to make everything from a meal completely disappear. If a customer is mindful about what they flush, they can prevent a host of problems, including emergency toilet repair or sewage backup.

Never Flush:

  • Baby wipes
  • Cotton buds(q-tips) or cotton balls
  • Dental Floss
  • Diapers
  • Facial cleansing pads
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels

All these things can cause clogs that require professional assistance to remove.

Look Out for Leaks

Being mindful also means looking out for warning signs of problems. One of the most damaging but slow to emerge problems with plumbing is the hidden water leak scourge of home structure. The fact that they are not obvious is the most dangerous part. If the leaks go long unnoticed, it may lead to severe water damage along with mold and mildew issues. Be on the lookout for any of the following signs of a hidden water leak:

  • Ceiling or Wall Spots: If a homeowner notices discolored areas on walls or ceiling, this may indicate a dripping pipe in that area. 
  • Puddles: If water is visibly pooling either inside or outside the house, this is a sign of a leak.
  • Low Water Pressure: Has the shower stopped flowing quite as it should, or does it take longer to fill a pot from the sink? This is a clear indicator that a home may need water leak repair. 
  • Higher than Normal Water Bills: If the home’s water bill has dramatically and suddenly increased seemingly without cause, a homeowner needs to have an inspection immediately. 

Person marking a date on a calendar, emphasizing the importance of scheduling regular drain cleaning for effective plumbing maintenance.Make Drain Cleaning Routine

Being mindful comes more easily with a structured schedule. Starting a habit of regular drain cleaning will limit the need for more drastic clog removal. There are a couple of simple ways to do this, the easiest one being to pour boiling water down the drain. 

Baking soda and vinegar are also a good alternative to corrosive chemical drain openers. Considering signing up for a plumbing maintenance plan with a reliable professional will remove the responsibility from the customer to the knowledgeable technicians who perform such tasks regularly.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has served the Colorado Springs area for more than twenty years. They offer 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees. Call them today for information on their plumbing maintenance plans.

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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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Check Out These Patriotic Plumbing Facts for Independence Day

check out these patriotic plumbing facts for independence day

Be Free From Ignorance About Plumbing!

Civilization as we know it could not have existed without the state-of-the-art municipal plumbing and sewer infrastructure that we enjoy today. Despite being a global public health technology, Americans did have some significant contributions to the development of all things plumbing-related. 

On Independence Day, take a moment and celebrate with these Colorado Springs plumbers as they share fun facts about plumbing in the US. 

Important Plumbing Developments in American HistoryThe Tremont House hotel exterior in Boston featuring elegant architecture, American and French flags, and a black car at the entrance, symbolizing historical significance in hospitality and plumbing advancements.

The Tremont Hotel in Boston: The Tremont House was the US’s first modern hotel that touted many hospitality firsts. It was designed specially to house the latest plumbing that included flush toilets and bathtubs. It also included such luxuries as locked rooms, free soap, and bellboys. At the cutting edge of social advancement, it even had a dining room where ladies could eat alone since women dining alone was frowned upon in the early 1800s. 

American Inventor Joseph Gayetty: The first brand of toilet paper sold in the US was manufactured by Joseph Gayetty. It came in 1000 sheet packs and was made of rough fibers of Manila Hemp. The paper was medicated with aloe, which drew criticism from doctors groups that called Gayetty a quack. It was supplanted as a household name by the release of “splinter-free toilet paper” manufactured by the Northern Tissue Company in 1935. 

Presidential Plumbing: The White House has not always been the symbol of luxury that it has come to be known as. As indoor plumbing was starting to be installed in new, luxurious structures in the 1820s, the White House was left behind. Not until nearly three decades after plumbing moved indoors, the White House finally have a fully functioning bathroom. President Millard Fillmore oversaw the installation of a bathing room on the second floor in his quarters, complete with heated water and flushing toilets. Before this, presidents bathed in a nearby river or occasionally in tubs with water heated in kettles.  

Modern porcelain toilet, symbolizing advancements in indoor plumbing and public health, relevant to historical context of White House plumbing installations.

Toilet Facts

Municipal sewer systems went a long way towards improving public health, but the final step was making toilets porcelain. As toilets made their way indoors, most were made of wood that harbored pathogens. Porcelain is non-porous and easy to clean, so it became the material of choice.

It doesn’t matter which hemisphere a toilet is in as to which direction it flushes. The spin of the Earth is too subtle to affect the direction of the flush. Eddy currents are better predictors of the direction a drain will spin. 

Other Fun Plumbing Facts

The word “plumbing” is from the Latin root “plumbum” which was the word for lead. Early pipes were made of lead, and up until recently, lead has been used in plumbing. This is also why lead is abbreviated “Pb” on the periodic table. 

The original toilet paper patent from 1891 shows toilet paper with the loose end on top. This was the first time toilet paper was put on a roll and perforated. So, the original inventor intended for tissue to be dispensed from the top, not the bottom. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been the only plumber Colorado Springs, CO customers have needed for over 20 years. A veteran-owned company, they fix any plumbing problem for residential and commercial customers. Always seeking a competitive edge, they offer their after-hours service with no additional charges. Call now for plumbing services!

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