As a professional plumbing company with years of experience under our belt, we’re routinely asked many questions by our clients and customers. Sometimes the questions are about the latest plumbing equipment or models of water heaters, while in other cases, individuals are curious about solving a plumbing problem bothering them at home.

Regardless of how complicated or simple the problem is, our professionals have a solution for it. From our experience, homeowners generally face similar plumbing problems at home. Given the similarity of plumbing problems and repair questions, we’ve designed a guide to address them. There are three critical questions that our professionals are asked quite often. The answers to these questions will help you prepare for such a situation and give you tips on dealing with a plumbing problem in case you face it.

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions. Generally, this is caused by the absence of a regular seal beside the flush valve, preventing the flapper from closing. Jiggling the handle usually solves the issue, but if the flapper is worn out and not sealed properly, you’ll have to replace it. Either way, not sealing the flapper will cause water to leak into the toilet.

What Should I Do About Clogged Drains?

Material build-up along the sides of your drain narrows the actual opening and prevents the smooth flow of water. Slow water drainage is invariably an indicator of a clogged drain. A clogged drain hampers your daily routine as you notice water build-up around your drain.

Pushing the wrong material inside the drain can also clog them. Lots of hair strands or children’s toys flushed down the toilet quite often result in clogged drains. In all cases, the solution should be to open the drain and allow smooth water flow.

A professional plumbing team has a solution to this problem. The team will determine the source of the underlying problem and take the necessary action for fixing it.

How Do I Clean My Drain?

There are different techniques to clean the drain. Softening the clog by running extremely hot water and following it up with grease-dissolving dish soap are some actions that you can take to clean the drain.

While cleaning the drain at home is easy, you should leave the more complicated problems for a professional. We’ve seen many DIY drain cleaning jobs fall flat on their face because homeowners are unaware of the technicalities involved.

Expert plumbers have answers to almost all your plumbing inquiries. Plumbing professionals such as those at Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer use their experience to find a solution to your residential or commercial plumbing issues. Residents of Morton Grove can share all their plumbing service problems with us, and our experienced professionals will use the latest equipment to get an immediate fix for the problem. Click here now to get a free quote for our services.

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Drinking tap water is a norm in the U.S. The majority of U.S. residents drink tap water every day and are accustomed to the idea that “tap water is safe to drink.” They do not even pause to think about whether the water they are consuming is actually healthy and really safe to drink. If you have grown up in such a cultural paradigm, then perhaps this blog post will be a shocking revelation for you!

According to a recent report released by the Chicago Tribune last month, more than 8 out of 10 Illinois residents live in areas where brain-damaging levels of lead have been found in the tap water. It is reported that during the past six years, multiple households traced exposure to lead in the water coming from the service lines that connect homes to municipal water supplies. The analysis showed hundreds and even thousands of parts per billion of lead in tap water – an alarming ratio, especially threatening to young children, pregnant women, and seniors.

The U.S. EPA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conclude that consuming even a tiny concentration of lead can cause permanent damage to the brain and contribute to high blood pressure, kidney failure, heart diseases, and other health problems later in life. If we consider the yearly number of deaths due to toxic metal exposure in the U.S., the bar goes as high as up to 400,000 deaths per year due to lead exposure.

Therefore, the health directors and environmental protection enthusiasts are continually stressing over pulling out every lead-contaminated service line to give residents access to clean water. President Joe Biden is actively fighting for ecological justice and taking measures to overhaul the nation’s infrastructure, making efforts to make the service lines replacement process smoother over time.

Del Toral, the retired EPA scientist, urges the government to spread awareness about the dangers of lead-in-water and suggest alternative ways to the residents of Illinois to purify water and protect themselves from elevated lead levels in their drinking water.

As an Illinoisan, you should get your tap water diagnosed for elevated lead levels or take measures to replace the lead pipelines. The latter is more beneficial and recommended by experts as it eliminates all the possibilities of consuming lead-contaminated water.

At Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc., we provide professional lead water line replacement services to all residents in Morton Grove, IL, and nearby areas. Our team performs a complete replacement of your water service lines to ensure your tap water is lead-free and healthy to drink. We are licensed, insured, and bonded to carry out such work – guaranteeing premium quality services at reasonable rates. Please connect with us to get a free quote for our services today!

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Domestic water pumps are used to draw water for domestic purposes and supply water to households at a lower force. However, despite how vital domestic water pumps are, most homeowners do not know much about them. Thus, to give homeowners a better idea of the different types of domestic water pumps, we have compiled some useful facts about them. 

Shallow well pumps

• Shallow well pumps are easy to install and maintain.
• These pumps are used in rural areas to draw water from shallow wells.
• They have a suction height of up to 8 meters, which enables high suction performance.

Self-priming regenerative pumps

• Self-filling regenerative pumps have blades rotating inside the pump, so the water recirculates back to the impeller base instead of draining.
• Re-priming helps the pump remove air from the pipes, which makes it ideal for use in pipelines.
• They do not need an additional foot valve, thanks to their recirculation mechanism.

Submersible pumps

• Submersible pumps have a hidden motor and are submerged underwater or pumped liquid.
• These pumps are very efficient and are primarily used in wells.
• After they are immersed in water, these pumps do not need priming.
• Since they are quiet, these pumps do not require cavitation.
• Water pressure prevents the engine from overheating and reduces energy consumption.
• There are two types of submersible pumps – submersible pumps with tubes that are suitable for wells and submersible pumps with open wells.

Centrifugal pumps

• Centrifugal pumps offer high efficiency.
• They use centrifugal force to transport water and are operated by an electric motor.
• These pumps use one or more rotors.
• They have high discharge rates and can easily handle a substantial amount of liquid flow.
• They can efficiently pump low viscosity liquids. The thicker the viscosity of the fluid being pumped, the lower the pump’s utility and higher the energy consumption.
• They can be used to store clean water that is free of chemicals and solid contaminants.
• They are ideal for supplying water to homes and lawn sprinklers, filling swimming pools, irrigating small areas, emptying wells and tanks, etc.
• The pump needs to be supported by a foot valve and the correct impeller type.

Borewell compressor pumps

• Borewell pumps are durable and consume little energy.

• These pumps are designed to pump water from wells that are as deep as 600 feet.
• Air pressure is used to pump up the water, which is supplied periodically.
• They do not need to be supported by a foot valve.
• These pumps are divided into two categories: monoblock and belt-driven.

Pressure booster pumps

• Hydrophore pumps are primarily used in homes to increase the pressure of the water supply.
• Different pumps use different pressure levels, so choose the right one as too much pressure can damage the hydraulic system.
• Although easy to install, they are comprehensive devices made up of a pump, motor, valves, and sensor for maximum comfort.
• These pumps are installed in areas of very low water pressure.
• They should be stored in places where they are not exposed to freezing temperatures.
• A pressure tank equipped with this pump can maintain a constant water pressure through all the pipes.

If you still do not understand where, how, or why these pumps are installed, do not fret. Let the professionals identify if you require them or not. Get your free estimate for pump installation in Winnetka, IL, or contact us for more information about the services we offer at Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc.

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A water heater is a necessary addition to your home. It can save you from cold, hypothermia, and a lot worse. While you cannot stop showering, washing your hands, doing the dishes, or simply going to the bathroom in the cold months, the water heater guarantees warm water at all times. If you already have one installed in your home, make sure to get it checked before the cold season begins!

Watch out for the following signs to determine if it is time to get a new water heater.

1. Service Life is Near Its End

Try to recall the exact date or year that your current water heater was installed. If you do not remember, check the water heater label to see the manufacturing date printed. If your water heater is over a decade old, it is time for a replacement. 

2. Presence of Rust

If rusty colored water comes out of your tap every time you are using the water heater, but the water is clear when you use cold water, then your water heater has rusted.

3. Sediment Build-up in the Tank

Water with a strange smell or taste, or mud or sand mixed in it, especially when water is about to run out of the tank, is a clear indicator that sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. Drain the tank and get it cleaned to solve this issue. However, if the sediments are the flakes and grit of the inner tank, the hot water will have a metallic taste and smell.

4. Fluctuating Water Temperatures

If there are constant water temperature changes despite it being on a fixed setting, then your water heater is at the end of its service life.

5. A Rise in Energy Costs

An aging water heater burns through a lot of extra energy. If your energy bills are higher than usual and you cannot figure out why, your water heater may be the cause. Old burners use more gas than usual to heat water. The same thing happens with an electric water heater; a dying heating element struggles to burn more energy trying to heat water.

6. Reduced Hot Water Capacity

If you are running out of water much quicker than usual, the cause is your old water heater. Reduced capacity may be due to sediment build-up, extensive wear and tear, or a dying thermostat or heating element, or both.

7. Odd Noises

If your water heater is making cracks, pops, and other noises, this is an indication that there is a mineral build-up inside the heater and heating elements.

8. Frequent Need for Repairs

If there is a frequent and increased need for repairs, it is probably time for a water heater replacement. While water heater repair is a cheaper alternative to replacement, if problems with your heater start piling up, then a repair might end up costing you more.

9. Emergence of Leaks

Leaks are an indicator that the inner tank is at the end of its service life. Therefore, before small leaks and drips escalate to the entire tank breaking, get a new water heater!

Get your free estimate for water heater replacement in Wilmette or contact us for more information about the services we offer at Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc.

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The concept and importance of kitchens in any household have come a long way since it was only considered a means of preparing food or washing dishes. Nowadays, kitchens are a means of fulfilling one’s culinary dreams and a place to unwind with your beloved family members after a long and tiring day of work. Technological and design advancements have enabled us to make necessary enhancements in the kitchen plumbing to ensure that it plays its part in fulfilling aspiring home chefs’ culinary dreams.

Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer in Glenview, IL, provides the essential plumbing services, including kitchen sink installation and kitchen sink plumbing for an uninterrupted water supply to your kitchen. 

Today’s blog post will discuss the modern and technological advancements in kitchen plumbing that people are opting for these days.

Modern plumbing fixtures are sleek and simple in design, yet they serve their purpose more than the old-fashioned faucets. The following are some of the trendy and functional plumbing fixtures found in modern kitchens. 

Modern Faucets

Unlike traditional faucets, which had different handles for varying water temperatures, modern faucets offer ease and efficiency by providing cold and hot water temperatures under one handle. These faucets are usually available in stainless steel to prevent rusting or color fading. 

Pot Fillers

Another plumbing advancement is pot filler fixtures that can be taken out of their wall folding when required and then put back in place to avoid cluttering the space. Such fixtures that are interoperable are very efficient in saving up space in the kitchen. 

Bar Sink Faucets

Modern kitchens are often split into two areas, where the smaller area is used for cooking and the larger for dining. Bar sink faucets are usually installed in the larger space and come in handy when the small kitchen’s faucets are being used. Bar sink faucets often supply cold water as they are not preferred for washing dishes, so people don’t mind the absence of hot water. 

Additional Necessary Fixtures

Kitchen plumbing is not just restricted to fixtures and faucets. Other necessary items include water filters and soap dispensers, which should be installed in such a way that they blend in with other decors rather than stand out, looking unappealing. 

An aesthetically appealing but non-functional kitchen due to lack of proper plumbing and kitchen fixtures can be a major downer for the residents. It is essential to design and install similar color tones and premium quality plumbing fixtures to serve their purpose for a long time.

Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer in Glenview, IL, offers modern kitchens by installing the latest plumbing fixtures that maximize output and minimize the use of space. We provide a complete kitchen remodeling service.

Get a Free Estimate for your required services today.

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Investing in an HVAC is a major expense for any property owner. However, all that money and effort you put in to installing the HVAC system will go down the drain if the system stops functioning due to an avoidable error on your end.

HVAC systems aren’t a one-time investment. As experts of the industry, we’ve seen many homeowners neglect their HVAC needs, only to regret their actions when it’s time to pay for hefty repairs.

The best way to get your money’s worth from your HVAC investment is by taking proper care of the system. You may need to change some habits to protect your HVAC system from unintentional damage.

We’ve made a list of some common mistakes that property owners make which damage their HVAC system.

Closing Vents

The belief that closing the HVAC vents helps conserve energy and maintain efficiency is an untrue urban myth that, quite surprisingly, many people lend an ear to. Closing the vents restricts the airflow, causing extensive pressure to build in the ductwork. This often leads to leaks and problems of efficiency, which need immediate professional attention.

Cutting off the airflow also results in humidity issues that spread to each corner of your living space. So, don’t be afraid to leave the HVAC vents open as it won’t cause any harm.

Not Changing the Filter

Ideally, you should change the HVAC filter every month. The frequency should increase if you’ve got furry pets at home. An unchanged filter eventually becomes clogged with dust and contaminants, making it difficult for the air to pass through. This makes it difficult for the HVAC to warm or cool the space and it takes much longer for it to do so. The extra effort the HVAC requires to cool or heat your property’s interior results in increased energy costs, and you end up paying much more in energy bills without understanding why.

Inadequate Maintenance Procedures

Preventive maintenance is the best way to deal with the problems of your HVAC. HVAC maintenance is the first line of defense against most malfunctions that can plague the system. A minor problem can escalate into something more problematic if you don’t address it immediately or schedule a maintenance session. It is considerably cheaper to resolve HVAC issues immediately; delaying the repair only increases the repair costs.

If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC repair and maintenance partner, then Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. has your back! Our years of industry experience and knowledge of the latest technological trends makes us the Skokie, IL HVAC experts. Book a slot for repair and maintenance services today!

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The kitchen may be the most popular location in the home for most Americans. It is a place where families gather not just for preparing meals but for making fond memories. When thinking about renovating or remodeling your kitchen, you would want the results to enhance the quality time you spend with your family and friends, especially if you are spending a lot of money in the process.

An updated kitchen can give a homier vibe and increase the value of your property. However, your primary concern should not be the change of cabinets, countertops, or appliances; rather, you need to think about the new plumbing installation to ensure the sink and appliances have a proper water outlet.

Therefore, the following plumbing preparations are essential for a kitchen remodeling process.

Modify Your Plumbing Locations

The first and most important thing you should do is to plan modifications to the tiniest detail. Jot down fixtures that have to be relocated. If you are making significant location changes to your sink, fridge, or dishwasher, you require professional help. It is also a good idea to figure out beforehand what changes are necessary and which aren’t.

Change the Route of Plumbing

After you have decided on the new locations for plumbing fixtures, you would need to get the plumbing rerouted. Here, going through all your remodeling plans with your plumber might help you get a clear idea of the required plumbing modifications.

Add Shutoffs

You must get shutoffs for your sink and appliances if you don’t already have them. A water shutoff can protect other appliances in your kitchen. Also, you get to control the supply of water to your dishwasher and fridge so that you can act instantly during an impending leak.

Prioritize Sink Purchase Over Cabinets

The most common mistake property owners make is to pick cabinets first. You need to choose a sink before anything else! If your sink is chosen first, the hired plumbing contractor can utilize sink dimensions to install cabinets so that the piping system has as much room as required. You can save extra time, money, and effort by following this simple tip.

Upgrade to PVC

Upgrading to modern plumbing in your kitchen like PVC is a smart investment. This will not only make your home look better, but will provide you the convenience of rerouting if you ever decide to change the locations of your appliances and sink in the near future. Kitchen renovation can be an expensive project. Therefore, to avoid unexpected expenses, remember to call a reliable and experienced plumber for consultation. To cover all your bases, you should start with the plumbing. Leave enough room behind your appliances and sink for the piping, and you’ll be good to go.

If you live in Deerfield, and are considering remodeling your kitchen and/or bathroom, get in touch with Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. We’ll do a job you’ll be proud of and at a reasonable rate. Connect with us to get a free quote today!

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Nowadays, there is a significant decline in the use of lead due to health reasons. The most significant exposure most people have to lead is in drinking water. Water contaminated by lead can result in health hazards that many people are completely unaware of.

The primary channel where the lead enters waterlines is through plumbing repairs or fixtures that have a relatively high concentration of lead corrosion. Homes in America that were built before 1986 are susceptible to developing lead corrosion in their water lines. However, even more recently developed homes can have a toxic concentration of lead in their water lines.

Lead can never naturally occur in water; however, through contaminants such as line plumbing, lead particles can enter the water. Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. offers lead water line replacement in Winnetka. We ensure effective replacement of corroded waterlines to allow a safe, lead-free supply of water! Get a free quote today!  

Health Impacts of Lead in Water Lines

Human exposure to lead usually occurs via inhalation or dermal contact. People usually ingest lead through exposure to lead paint. Paint on surfaces ages with time and starts to wear off. Particles of paint can enter the body through water consumption.  

Apart from domestic examples, lead exposure can also occur in the industrial sector. Waterlines can get contaminated by lead due to various industries including recycling, construction, plumbing, manufacturing, chemicals, etc.

Why replace water lines?

Waterlines affected by lead corrosion need to be replaced immediately because they pose a severe health risk. Children below the age of six are most susceptible to lead poisoning. Lead exposure can result in the following health hazards:

1. Severe brain damage, poisoning of the blood, and kidney damage.

2. A healthy adult may become infertile or sustain damage to their reproductive system due to long-term lead exposure.

3. Pregnant women are also in danger from lead because it can be harmful to the fetus and hinder natural growth. Premature births and miscarriages can also result from lead exposure during pregnancy.

4. Hyperactivity and cognitive impairments in children may also occur due to lead exposure.

Unfortunately, in the USA, replacing corroded lines is a long-term prospect as it is estimated that there are currently more than six million corroded service lines (LSLs) – making up around 30% of water systems in the country.

However, water supply companies across the country have taken measures towards removing LSLs, and the efforts have accounted for 40% success. Homeowners in Winnetka can gain access to lead-free water by availing water line replacement services of Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. Connect with us to get a free quote today!

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Often, we tend to think that renovating a bathroom has to be an effort, involving lots of plumbing problems or expensive bathtub designs, but it is the opposite. Redesigning the bathroom doesn’t require much cash, nor does it require a decade of experience in remodeling work; what is needed is the right inspiration.

How you design the bathroom will have an incredible effect on how you perceive and use this facility. However, before starting the design, you must properly plan and a budget to satisfy all your renovating and plumbing needs.

Plumbing tasks can entail complicated steps, and a labor-intensive process, which is why to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability, Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. recruits the right experts in Glenview, IL. Reach out to us to get an estimate for plumbing services today!

Following are the top five plumbing considerations you must adapt before renovating your bathroom.

1. Replacing Accessories

Because bathrooms tend to be tight spots, making small changes can make a big difference. For instance, replacing the bathtub or sink is expensive, but changing necessary hardware or accessories such as handles and doorknobs on cabinets and repainting can give it a new look. Another idea is the installation of a new low-flow bathroom faucet that not only reduces water consumption but also reduces utility bills.

2. Painting Plumbing Pipes

It is essential to consider the plumbing pipes’ paint that will accompany the walls where tiles, mosaics, or ceramics are used. It’s no secret that painting is one of the cheapest ways to change the bathroom’s look entirely.

However, you must consider the color of your tiles, ceramics, or mosaics before you start painting the pipes. Otherwise, the walls and the pipes will be of a different color.

3. Designing the Style and Functionality

If the shower curtain covers a relatively large area of ​​your bathroom space, replace it with a well-priced shower screen. Moreover, you can try mixing different textures in the space to give it depth and versatility.

However, this doesn’t mean that you need to buy matching rugs, toilet seat covers, and towels. The critical point is to find fabrics and materials that are diverse but work well together.

4. Evaluating the Lighting

Even if the bathroom doesn’t have any windows or outlets, it should be well-lit. You can install high-quality lights to highlight the components of the bathroom while focusing on the corners of the space.

5. Considering Minor Plumbing Issues

When budgeting for a bathroom renovation, ensure including the damages caused by water and its repair cost. Besides, major plumbing problems include inadequate pipe ventilation, old corroded pipes, broken showers, non-waterproof tile tubs in the vicinity, etc.

Bottom line: these steps must be taken out under the supervision of professionals to prevent any mishap. Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc. in Glenview, IL, make sure you avail the best in class plumbing maintenance and installation service. For free consultation and advice on plumbing services in Northbrook, IL, call us today.

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Water heaters may seem like a straightforward choice on the outside. A little research, however, of the market may reveal otherwise. There are many things you need to consider before making a decision.

Modern homeowners prefer using tankless water heaters, thanks to their durability and efficiency. As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t come with a tank; in these machines, cold water is heated as soon as it flows through the heat exchanger. The water heater uses the combustion process to convert the cold water into warm water.

Tankless water heaters have become extremely popular in Niles, IL. At Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer Inc., we provide our customers with all kinds of plumbing solutions. If you seek water heater replacement in Niles, IL, click here to get an estimate today!

Tankless water heaters are further divided into two categories: condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters. Don’t know the difference between the two? Read on to find out more.

Condensing Water Heaters

Condensing water heaters are equipped with an electric fan, a burner, and a heat exchanger. Moreover, the presence of a small chamber allows water vapor to pass and steam to release.

Condensing tankless water heaters don’t release gases at a high temperature. This means you are exempted from spending on expensive piping. It also helps you in saving costs as you can use standard PVC pipes in the air exhaust. The use of condensing water heaters is much more efficient than their counterparts.

You can also externally seal a condensing water heater as it is straightforward to do so. Mount it in any room such as the basement, kitchen, or laundry room and seal it with caulk and foam’s help.

Non-Condensing Water Heaters

Although the design of a non-condensing and condensing water heater is very similar, they are not equipped with a chamber through which steam and water vapor pass. On the contrary, non-condensing water heaters come with a pipe built at the combustion chamber’s top. All gases are released through the chamber.

Non-condensing water heaters work on a tried and tested technology pattern. They come with limited attachments, allowing them to be reliable and efficient. Additionally, they are not expensive either. The pipes located externally remove all the fear of condensation from the mind of the owner.

The one disadvantage of using these water heaters is that you require a stainless steel piping method for them as the gases have a temperature of around 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

All in all, while condensing and non-condensing water heaters both come with their own set of properties, their unique characteristics are what separate them from each other.

If you are looking to learn more about the difference between the two and need an expert’s advice regarding which one is suitable, then get in touch with the professionals at Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer Inc. in Niles, IL. Click here to get an estimate for your plumbing needs today!

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