5 Tips To Keep Your Bathroom Pipes From Freezing
The best way to prevent frozen pipes is by making sure your home stays at or above freezing point. If this doesn’t happen, then there are five steps you can take that will help you avoid costly repairs. At Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer, serving Glenview, IL, we offer many services including fixing clogged pipes and leaky faucets.
Take it from us.
Keeping the Heat On
The heat should never exceed 50°F, but a low enough setting to prevent pipes from freezing. If you and your tenant are at home for longer periods, you need to make sure the heat is kept adequately on. But if the tenants pay their own bill, it might be difficult to ask this of them. An always-on heat costs you. However, frozen pipes are an issue to be dealt with by you both.
Tell them how it will help prevent property damage, and they should play along.
Let the Faucet Drip Water
If you are afraid a pipe will freeze, don’t open it to relieve pressure – instead, let the drips from that faucet flow freely. If anything is blocking its way (i.e., ice), then opening up the tap just slightly might be enough for now. This should keep your pipes safe. To prevent bursting when faced with such emergencies in future times of need, always make sure both cold and hot water sources come through well-maintained taps.
Keep Interior Doors Open for Flow of Heat
Keeping your home’s pipes warm when temperatures dip by keeping cabinet doors and interior doorways open is important. Ensure that there are no blocked vents or broken fan coils for the heat to flow throughout the house. Pipe insulation keeps homes cozy during the winter months. Using natural gas becomes quite common because of space heating needs; however, you don’t want to block any ventilation systems.
Seal Any Cracks and Holes
When it’s winter and your house is drafty, there are a few things you can do to make sure the cool air doesn’t flow out with every gust of wind. Seal up any gaps around holes in pipes running through walls or floors so that cold air from below when rising back up does not deter the temperature. Use caulk (or spray foam insulation) for this task if possible because it will prevent any air from entering. However, be careful with this. We recommend professional help. Call us in, we’ll do it for you.
Make Use of Heating Tape
Heating tape works like an electric blanket for pipes, supplying heat directly to keep it warm during cold spells. This can be a good solution for short sections of pipe at high risk for freezing and are easily accessible, so you can install the tape and monitor it for problems.
We hope you are all set to keep your pipes from freezing this winter. But should anything unseemly come to pass at your residence in Glenview, IL, you know where to find us.
The cold weather can be particularly unforgiving in the northern states below the Great Lakes. Illinois is known for its scenic winter landscapes and windy Chicago, but that’s hardly the tip of the iceberg with the surprises that winters bring; frozen plumbing!
Glenview experiences a lot of inclement weather, which means frozen pipes & plumbing are just as common as clogging and sewage backup. As your trusted plumbing contractor, Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer know it’s a bit early, but you need to prepare your plumbing for the coming winters.
Potential Hazards of Frozen Pipes
1. No Running Water
The most apparent inconvenience is the lack of water accompanied by weird groaning sounds when you turn on the shower. If you’re a property manager with top dollar tenants, that’s your top dollar frozen by the appeal. No water is like a domino effect; it affects the way a person’s day will go.
2. Pipes Bursting
Frozen pipes can go beyond a mere inconvenience to unreasonable forces of nature. If you’ve seen enough burst beer bottles left forgotten in the freezer, you know that water expands on freezing. When winters freeze the water in your feed pipes, be ready to hear some horrendous sounds coming from your crawlspace as the pipes burst.
3. Clogged Drains
Forget your landscaping for the season and think about your drains. If they’re French, they’re just frozen. Even with no water present to flow about, your drains need to be clean for any deiced melts.
4. Overworked Sump Pumps
Oh, this one won’t start bothering you until it’s time for the spring melt, but still. Winter is sump pump maintenance time, so clean out that sump pit of organic debris and grime before it freezes around the contraption and clogs it by the time of the melt.
5. Icy Sewage & Septic Tanks
Sorry to be the bearer of such malodorous news, but if your septic tanks are not insulated properly, then that hell shall indeed freeze over and cause you much grief with waste disposal. Sewage and septic lines are heavily reliant on sufficient soil insulation to protect against frigid temperatures.
How To Deal with Frozen Plumbing?
Don’t wait for the freeze to progress. Take reactive measures to thaw your frozen pipes. Pour hot salty water down your house’s drains. Deicer solutions work best for basic frozen clogs. But if your feedwater lines and septic tanks have solidified, then it’s time you called Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer to conduct a thorough inspection and get started with the thawing process.
Every frozen situation is unique. You can thaw a frozen kitchen sink with a hairdryer, or you can switch up to sewer pipe repair to get your pipes unblocked. Feedwater lines require more sensitive care so as not to contaminate water fit for human consumption, and we are also equipped to deal with that.
It’s best if you schedule an inspection with us in Glenview to proactively clear & insulate your plumbing before winters arrive in full effect. You are welcome to request free estimates on our services, so don’t hesitate!
The winter season is upon us, and it’s time to prepare for the cold. One of the most important things you need to ensure is that your home has a working water heater. Multiple options are available in the market today, each with its benefits and some drawbacks. There are several types of water heaters available in the market these days; you should research the options so that you can decide which type is best for your needs while shopping around!
This blog post shares some basic details about the most common types of water heaters!
1) Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater
Conventional storage tanks are a typical water heater type that has been around for decades. It’s relatively inexpensive, making it more popular, but they tend to run out of hot water quickly during peak hours. These tanks have limited storage capacity, and they get damaged easily. The good news is that you can install a larger capacity heater if needed, and it’s also reasonably easy to replace the old tank with a new, better option when it does break down. Regardless of the type of heater you are having installed, it is essential to hire a professional plumbing company like Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer.
2) Tankless or On-Demand Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters feature modern technology, which ensures you get an uninterrupted water supply. This type heats the water as you use it, which means that they are energy-efficient. Their main drawback is the price tag since tankless models can be expensive; other than that, there’s no denying that these devices have a lot of benefits to offer over traditional storage tanks. When choosing a tankless water heater, some people struggle with installing them, so bear this in mind.
3) Solar Powered Water Heaters
If you’re looking for energy efficiency, then a solar-powered water heater is the way to go. Solar powered water heaters don’t just save you money, but they also help reduce harmful greenhouse gasses. The price of solar-powered devices varies depending on the model you get, so do your research beforehand and decide how much you want to spend if this option interests you.
4) Heat Pump Water Heater
This unique water heater uses heat in the ground and air to heat the water. This water heater is energy efficient, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run if you use it for your entire household.
The water heater uses electricity to move heat from the ground and air to the water to heat it. These water heaters use 60% less electricity than the other water heaters as they do not use electricity to generate heat. Since the pump is placed on the top, you need quite a bit of room to install this water heater; sometimes, homeowners need eight feet of vertical clearance.
Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer can help you prepare for the winter ahead by installing or repairing your water heater or plumbing. Our advanced residential and commercial plumbing services in Evanston, IL, ensure your water heaters are up and running before the winter strikes. Get your free estimate now!
Winter is almost here! The time of year when the common cold is rampant, and many people are sick. It is also a perfect time to talk about common problems with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems during the winter months. For example, if your heating system seems to have stopped working altogether, it could be because the thermostat is set incorrectly. Or maybe you’re experiencing drafts in your home when you shouldn’t be? All of these issues are common problems with HVAC systems during winter, which will need to be addressed by professionals!
There are many unfortunate issues you may encounter with your HVAC system during this season. Let’s see what they are.
Defective Heat Pump
When your heat pump breaks down, it could cause several problems. The first thing you will notice is no heat coming from the vents in your house. This means that either the fan motor is broken or there’s a coil blockage. Another problem is when heat pumps don’t defrost during winter. There must be no frost on the coils or fan. If there is frost, then you will need to defrost your heat pump.
Stained Heater Filters
Your heating system’s filter is responsible for preventing dust, dirt particles, and other impurities from entering the heater. If these are not removed or filtered out properly, they can cause various problems with your HVAC during the winter months. A dirty filter means that it cannot work effectively. This causes overheating, which leads to common problems like clogged coils.
If your filter is dirty, it means that the heater cannot adequately heat up and cool down. This leads to common problems like slow defrosting or an unusual noise during operation. It is essential to ensure that your filter is clean and in good condition.
Smashed Thermostat
One common reason for having a smashed thermostat is putting something too heavy on top of it or dropping anything on it. If your home has more than one level, you should consider investing in a programmable thermostat to avoid common mistakes like this.
Programmable thermostats can be pre-set to only turn the heating system on at certain times during the day. This is common sense for people who are at work all day and don’t need their home to be heated with no one there, but it can also help save money.
When the problem of a smashed thermostat occurs, it is essential to get help from an experienced technician. You face the following issues when this problem occurs:
- High energy bills due to nonstop heating and cooling in your home
- Broken and inefficient air conditioner and heater
- Lack of proper ventilation in the home that causes mold to grow
These problems can be dealt with by calling an experienced professional!
Here, at Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer in Northbrook, we know that many of our customers experience problems with their heating during the winter months. We also understand how difficult it is to find a reliable technician for your HVAC repair and maintenance needs. That’s why we want you to know about these common issues and what you can do address them. If you’re experiencing any of these issues at your home or business, get in touch with us. Get a free estimate from our experts here!
Winter is quickly approaching, and the cooler weather means your home or office’s heating system will be working overtime to keep the building warm. As we come to winter, you may expect an increased risk for freezing pipes, leading to burst pipes if left unattended. You should have your HVAC system prepared for the road ahead and ensure that you look after all maintenance and repair needs. Many homeowners take their heating and AC systems for granted; however, seasonal variations and changing demands expose the system to significant issues.
Professional companies like Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer can help you get your HVAC system ready for the winter.
In this blog post, we share three critical tips to get your HVAC system ready for the winter.
Replace the Air Filter
In the summer, your air conditioner runs non-stop to keep the building cool; this excessive use wears out the system, especially its air filter. The air filter should be changed at least every 30 days and no longer than 90 days after you start winterizing. The dirt that enters the HVAC system plays a significant role in causing HVAC systems to break down. A dirty air filter also makes your system less efficient.
Check the Furnace Before It Gets Cold Outside
When it is still mild outside, make sure you turn your heating system on at least three times in order for it to work correctly. You don’t want to switch on the furnace on a cold day only to discover that it doesn’t work anymore. There may be a variety of issues with your heating system during the off-season.
The furnace is one of the essential parts of the system. It has a variety of moving components that need to be maintained and repaired periodically. Most importantly, you should take care of regular servicing and maintenance so you can prolong the life of your heating unit and keep it running for years.
Annual Maintenance
A furnace is equipped with a combustion chamber that uses natural gas to produce heat and emits carbon monoxide. Both of these are dangerous components, so homeowners shouldn’t experiment with them. Have an HVAC expert check the system at least once every year to verify that it’s burning safely and effectively. Your HVAC technician will clean the whole ventilation system; this improves the indoor air quality and extends the life of the system.
If your HVAC unit displays any signs of trouble, then it means there is something sinister building up. You should not wait for things to go haywire to consult professional plumbers and HVAC technicians; instead, call them after every season to ensure smooth and efficient running.
Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer, the premier plumbing contractor in Morton Grove, is here to care for your cooling unit. We offer complete HVAC repair and maintenance services in addition to our diverse plumbing offerings. Get an estimate now and fix your system!
Why is your air conditioner no longer cooling like it used to? Why are you paying more for electricity all of a sudden? Well, there could be many reasons why you’re spending more this year; maybe you have an older model air conditioner, or the thermostat is set too high. Whatever the reason may be, here are three signs that your air conditioner unit is losing its energy efficiency:
Pay attention to these three signs and fix your cooling unit immediately to get efficient results!
1) The AC Makes Noise When Operating
The knocking and grinding sound from your AC is never a good sign. The sound usually indicates that some parts within the unit are broken and need immediate repair. If you hear a squealing sound, there is a problem with the lubricating belt, which is more serious.
A squealing sound could also indicate that some parts are out of alignment, but the solution is simple: call an air conditioning service to fix it for you.
It’s important to remember not all noises mean there’s a problem with your AC unit, so don’t panic right away if you hear something unusual. If the noise continues and starts bothering everyone inside your home, then it may be time to have someone look at it.
2) The Unit is Blowing Lukewarm Air
The primary purpose of an AC is to provide cool air so that the temperature at home is cool even during the hottest time of the air. If you observe your unit not cooling appropriately, then you need to check it immediately.
Low coolant levels or damage to the compressor are some reasons why your AC will start blowing lukewarm air. This may be because the coolant level in the machine has fallen too low, and if this continues for long, it can cause severe damage to your system, which will cost you more money than having it fixed earlier on by a pro.
3) Rising Electricity Bills
If you notice your energy bills are higher than usual, even on routine consumption, then it is time to check your air conditioning unit. The efficiency of the AC may be deteriorating because its compressor and other parts need a good cleaning or replacement.
Other issues with the heating system, such as leaks in the ducts or an inefficient furnace blower, can also cause a rise in energy bills. The unit’s age also plays a significant role in its performance as years of wear and tear make it less efficient over time.
Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer is a professional company that offers quality HVAC repair and maintenance services to the residents of Morten Grove, IL. Our plumbing service includes fixing clogged drains and leaky faucets to ensure that your routine life is not affected by water or gas leaks. We can also repair your AC unit, get a free estimate now and sign up for our service.
We have all heard the saying that if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it. This proverb is true when it comes to your HVAC system. While many homeowners are tempted to try their hand at maintaining the systems in their homes, this could cause more harm than good.
HVAC technicians take each installation, repair, and maintenance job like the inductions at construction work-sites. Full gear & steel-toes; be it a residential spot or a commercial unit, the technician knows which hazards to assess to ensure their safety and yours.
Here are a few things in HVAC maintenance that should respectfully be left in well-honed hands.
1. Chemical Exposure:
The cleaning liquids, refrigerants, gases, and solvents are designed to be environmentally friendly, but they can wreak havoc if catalyzed by heat, air, and bared onto human skin. This is why protective gear & safety training forms a considerable chunk of HVAC maintenance specialists.
2. Improper Tools:
Amateurs will make mistakes and leave out screws, filters, or loose gaskets around. Even with professional equipment like R-410A refrigerant cylinders in your garage, you might leave the tank in the sun too long or bump it to the ground, turning it into a rouge rocket. We stress you leave the tool work to the HVAC technician.
3. Respiratory Hazards:
You think you survived Covid wearing a mask and getting vaccinated, so what’s a little bit of AC mold going to do? This is precisely the kind of attitude that gets you to the ER with a petri-dish brimming with mold culture for lungs! Please wear industrial-grade facemasks to protect yourself from airborne debris if you intend to dissect an HVAC unit.
4. Unfavorable Weather:
HVAC techs fare harsh weather conditions when repairing and maintaining units. They can suffer heatstroke, dehydration, or frostbite in Illinois’s severe winters. Techs know their limits and gear up accordingly, which is why the specialized job is their domain rather than DIY amateurs.
5. Ladder Liability:
The CDC reported back in 2014 that 80% of construction accidents stemmed from improper use of ladders or faulty designs. HVAC units are often mounted, which raises risks in reaching them for maintenance. Please get a three-point ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the support point, and ensure the locks are engaged on extension ladders.
At the end of the day, trying to maintain your HVAC unit via DIY can result in some dangers that are not worth taking. If you are looking for an affordable yet effective solution for any heating or cooling problem in Northbrook, IL, there is no better option than calling on professional help from a company like Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer!
Please drop by for our free quotes on services. We do more than just HVACs; you’d be surprised!
A bidet spray can be a great addition to your bathroom remodel, and we’re here to tell you why. Before we get into the benefits of bidets, let’s talk about what they are for those who don’t know much about them.
A bidet is simply a small nozzle that sprays water up from underneath to cleanse your bottom after using the toilet. This can help with many issues such as hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation, and even UTIs.
Bidets have been around for quite some time now, but it seems like they never made their way over to America until recently. Today bidets are becoming more popular in residential homes because there are so many benefits associated with them (more on that below).
If you plan on remodeling your bathroom in the near future, a bidet should be one of your top priorities! A bidet spray is an excellent addition to any home, no matter where you live. No bidet spray is inherently better than the other, and most bidets use a simple knob to adjust water pressure, temperature, and oscillation.
Improved Health with Hemorrhoids and UTIs
A bidet spray can help treat and relieve hemorrhoids and UTIs, while also preventing them from occurring in the first place. A bidet spray will wash away the bacteria that causes UTIs after urinating and prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Cleaner Feeling without Toilet Paper
A bidet spray works by spraying water to clean the private parts instead of toilet paper. A bidet has different settings for washing, rinsing, or drying your bottom with warm air. Using a bidet spray can eliminate up to 99% of fecal bacteria compared to only 50% when using toilet paper alone.
People who have bidets in their bathrooms report fewer instances of post toileting cleanup than those who do not. Bidet sprays are installed in bathrooms for health reasons, but they can also be great at helping to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria during cold and flu season.
Environmentally Friendly
Bidets are also more environmentally friendly since they reduce the need for toilet paper. Thus, less trees need to be cut down for manufacturing or transporting toilet paper which takes up a lot of landfill space and water resources when recycled (or even worse – flushed down the toilet and ending up in a water treatment plant).
Great For Older Adults
The bidet spray is also an excellent hygiene tool for older adults, people with disabilities, or those with injuries who may have trouble using traditional cleaning methods.
The bidet spray is an excellent bathroom addition for those who wish to maintain their hygiene and cleanliness. Consider adding one to your bathroom remodel today. If you want help with your bidet project or any other plumbing service, get in touch with Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer in Niles. Schedule an appointment today that fits into your busy schedule. We’ll provide expert advice on designing the proper layout for your new bathroom while staying within your budget constraints.
People often think that water pumps are sturdy machines, and they don’t require much care at all. The truth is that they do require maintenance; otherwise, you will start experiencing problems such as higher power consumption or premature failure. This blog post shares three tips for keeping your water pump running smoothly and reducing the need for costly repairs in the future.
1) Inspect the Pump Regularly
The first thing that you should do is inspect the pump regularly. By doing this, you will be able to identify if there are any leaks or other problems before they get bad enough for a repair. Checking your water pumps can help prevent minor issues from becoming larger ones and more expensive service calls in the future.
If you notice cracks or holes forming anywhere on the water pump or the supply line during an inspection, you should address them immediately. Even if the water pump seems to be working fine, those cracks or holes can become more extensive and cause your entire supply line to break at any moment! It may also be a good idea to have a professional plumbing company like Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer in Morton Grove inspect your water pump periodically to identify the problems early.
A common problem with pool pumps is that they constantly run even when there’s no one swimming in the pool. This can cause motor burn out very quickly because of the wear and tear on them. To prevent this, make sure to turn off your pool pump between uses and only use it when people are swimming so that your motor has time to cool down before you use it again.
2) Test the Water Running Through the Pump
While you’re testing the pump, make sure to check your water temperature because this will tell you how hard your motor is working. If it’s too cold, there may be air in the system, which could cause a dangerous situation for anyone using your pool or spa. You should test the water every six months to detect the presence of bacteria and other harmful substances.
3) Pay Attention to Funny Noises from the Pump
If you hear odd noises, like a high-pitched whine or strange clicking sounds, then it’s time to call an expert because this is not normal. Such problems often indicate that something has gone wrong with the pump motor and needs immediate repair by an expert technician who knows how to work on pumps.
The proper maintenance of your water pump can do wonders for your water supply at home. However, if you’re looking for more insight into pump installation and maintenance in Morton Grove, IL, then the folks at Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer are here to help you. We use the latest pump installation techniques to prevent common water pump problems down the line. We also offer a range of commercial plumbing services that you can count on for all your maintenance needs. Get a free estimate on our services now!
We bet you’re a MasterChef USA fan, and there are times you imagine Gordon Ramsey blasting you for your deplorable kitchen plumbing! Maybe it’s time to upgrade and get that Donal Skehan’s ‘Meals in Minutes’ contemporary style, or perhaps a more Martha Stewart type to make it homely. Or you can settle for Guy Savoy’s functional steel style that adorns commercial kitchens. It’s really up to the theme of your establishment.
All these kitchen remodels don’t come easy; you need to balance the installed systems’ quality, beauty, performance, budget, plumbing integration, and long life. We have a few trendy ideas in mind that are easily procurable by Bill’s Plumbing and Sewers, just waiting for you to drop by for a free quote if you’re convinced by the end of this blog!
1. The Warm Waterhole –
Kitchens in all American Illinois are friendly, warm, and busy family spaces. Most families spend more time in the kitchens than in the living room to relax and discuss over dinners. What better way to liven up the kitchen than with an upgrade! Apart from the redone kitchen furniture and walls, have us over to install waste disposal units, water heaters (oooh, winters are coming!), and add a Kraus flexible faucet!
2. Install a Water Workstation –
If you love going all ‘Hannibal’ cooking in your kitchen, a KWC Waterstation is a done deal. Sporting a sleek and sensual stainless-steel sink and exterior with mahogany cutting boards and ADA compliance adjustments, you can but gawk at this innovation. They feature sliding attachments like colanders and trays to hold dishes and sponges while prepping your meals. Nantucket and Kohler have other sink designs that provide modern touch-free faucets and ergonomic sink/countertops installations that we are equipped to install the plumbing for.
3. Indulge in an Island:
Kitchen Islands have been around for quite some time, but now there are prefab designs in ceramic and wood that can easily fit in small kitchens or studio apartments with still ample space to move around. Installing sinks or waterstations in these islands adds a more upbeat wow factor and gives you more space on the main countertops. Install an island with matching chairs and stools, and as a plus point, you have a countertop that also works as a dining table. Pretty savvy, right?
4. Get In the Sun!
Are you the person neighbors love for holding the best BBQ get-togethers? Want to up your game? Install an outdoor kitchen with a theme to moot. If not a waterstation, you will still need some eye-catching plumbing hardware to show off so; rustic, tropical, or good old Pfister to complete the look.
5. Sultry Sinks –
Stainless steel, ceramic, and fireclay are popular choices for sinks these days. Bowls and tubs too. You either have a waterstation, or you can have the station seamlessly integrated into your countertops. Trending these days are apron sinks and integrated tops. When choosing faucets, how about going for a Pfister and adding a Delta pot filler (Kohler’s is the top choice but looks too mid-century) atop the stove space? Pot fillers are great for big and busy kitchens.
Are you tempted yet? Yes, we know our faucets and water stations well. Get in touch for more ideas that we can help with. We are actively serving residents in Evanston, IL, so if you live nearby, this is your lucky day!
Happy Plumbing!
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