Maintaining your plumbing in Chicago can be hard work, especially when it comes to stubborn clogs. While some clogs are an easy fix thanks to a plunger or drain cleaner, other clogs are hidden deep in your home’s plumbing or main sewer line. Unfortunately, not every clog can be fixed on your own. For the more intense clogs, you’ll need professional help. While a plumber may suggest a few different tricks, water jetting by Quality Plumbing Services is your best bet for a quick and painless solution to your drainage clog. 

Why Water Jetting Benefits Your Plumbing

Clogs are a common plumbing problem and, if left untreated, they can cause severe damage to your system. Debris can still accumulate inside your pipes, no matter how well-maintained and accidents will happen from time to time. That’s why you want to use the best method when it comes to cleaning and clearing your drains and plumbing. While it may be tempting to use other methods such as a snake or drain cleaner, they’re not as safe or effective as water jetting. Clean plumbing that’s clear of clogs is a priority all homeowners should strive for. Here’s how water jetting can help:

• It’s effective at cleaning and clearing pipes. Water jetting uses a high-pressure hose to blast water through your plumbing lines. The combination of high-pressure and water makes for a very effective method at cleaning and clearing any obstructions inside your pipes without causing damages. While other methods such as snaking, may remove the obstruction, water jetting fully removes everything out of the line.
• It saves you money. While it may cost more money to water jet your plumbing versus other methods, it saves you costs further down the road. Clean and clear plumbing can help prevent other plumbing issues as well such as a cracked pipe or leak, which can be costly to repair.
• It’s a clean plumbing method. Your plumbing and sewer line are full of toxic contaminants and the more time your plumber spends on your plumbing, the more there’s a chance of coming into contact with them. Water jetting is fast and effective, which means less time the plumber has contact with the sewage inside your plumbing. Water jetting also spares you and your plumber the trouble of digging underground or cutting your walls to access your home’s plumbing.
• It’s good for the environment. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which can be an easy fix but are very toxic, water jetting is just highly pressurized water. When using a water jet to remove any clogs, the only things that gets flushed down the pipes are water and whatever is clogging the pipe.
• It can prevent future problems. Since water jetting thoroughly cleans and clears your plumbing, it can prevent future clogs and other plumbing problems for a longer period of time than other methods. Since plumbers usually do a camera inspection before they water jet your plumbing, they can detect and treat other potential problems before they get worse.

How You Can Prevent Stubborn Clogs

While water jetting is wonderful for your plumbing, the best you can do for your plumbing is to prevent having to resort to water jetting in the first place. While clogs can be a common and frustrating problem, there’s a lot you can do to prevent clogs from happening in the first place. Actively preventing clogs not only spares you or your plumber from removing them, it helps your plumbing last longer and function better. To spare yourself the trouble of another pesky clog, here’s what you can do to keep your pipes clear and clean:

• Don’t overwhelm the garbage disposal. While the garbage disposal is a wonderful, handy kitchen appliance, it can only handle so much food waste. The truth is that most food waste should never go down the disposal in the first place. Avoid flushing down any fats, oils, and greases as they cool and solidify inside your drain. Starchy foods such as rice and pastas will expand and create a clog-inducing mush inside your plumbing. Eggshells and coffee grounds are also problematic, creating a sand-like consistency inside your drain which can make for a nasty clog.
• Avoid flushing non-waste materials. The only things that should go down your drain are waste and toilet paper, but there are a few items that try to market themselves as flushable. While they may be labelled as flushable, avoid flushing down any wipes and feminine products, as they can seriously backup your plumbing.
• Use drain strainers. One easy way to prevent clogs is to start using drain strainers. A drain strainer helps to catch what can easily slip down the drain and cause a clog over time, such as food waste, soap scum, and hair.

Don’t Let a Stubborn Clog Spoil Your Day

Clogs can be a pain, but with the right unclogging methods, they don’t have to be. Water jetting your plumbing is not only an effective way to remove any clogs, it’s safe, clean, and thorough. Your drains deserve to stay clean. If you’re stuck with a stubborn clog, it’s time to call in the professionals. Don’t wait until your home’s backed up with sewage, have a plumber water jet your plumbing today.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today for sump pumps service!

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By zachadmachinescom

Rain or snow, there’s one appliance that needs constant maintenance, and that’s your sump pump. Hidden in your basement, it’s easy to forget about the appliance that keeps your basement dry and flood free. A poorly maintained sump pump, however, could mean thousands of dollars in water damage. No homeowner wants to deal with a soggy basement, and luckily you don’t have to.

Knowing the Warning Signs

A good place to start is to know when something is wrong with your sump pump. Your home’s plumbing equipment is complicated, and your sump pump has many parts that are susceptible to damage. There are several reasons as to why your sump pump isn’t working the way it should be, if at all. The good news is that there are plenty of warning signs as well. If you suspect something is wrong with your sump pump, here are a few signs to watch for.

• Strange noises. A low hum is a normal sound, but if you start hearing any screeching, squealing, or grinding, there could be a mechanical problem with the sump pump. Loud rattling or grinding usually indicates a jammed or damaged impeller. If you think the loud noises are coming from your sump pump, a plumber can help determine what the problem is.
• It won’t turn on. If the sump pump doesn’t seem to be turning on, it could be an issue with the float switch. If it’s a tethered switch, it could simply be stuck, preventing the sump pump from sensing when it’s full of water. If repairing or replacing the float switch doesn’t solve the problem, it could be time to replace your sump pump.
• The pump runs constantly. If it seems like your sump pump is cycling constantly, it could be a problem of size. The wrong sized sump pump means it’s constantly overwhelmed with water, and not fit to keep your basement dry. Depending on how much rain you receive throughout the year, you may need to upgrade your current sump pump. Battery backup sump pumps are also available in case of a power outage, and in some rare instances, you might want to install an additional sump pump.
• Foul odors. One of the clearest signs of a damaged sump pump is if you start to smell foul odors coming out of your basement. Funky smells in your basement usually indicate that there’s stagnant water inside the tank, and the sump pump isn’t functioning properly.
• Excessive vibrating. Occasionally your sump pump will suck in hard debris which can dent the impeller fan. The impeller works like a propeller, sucking in any excess water. A damaged impeller causes the entire sump pump to vibrate and will need to be replaced entirely.
• Visible rust. Naturally, rust can happen when an appliance is working with running water, but it’s problematic if you start seeing visible rust on your sump pump. Rust can either be from a corroded battery or bacteria that can be harmful to your health and clog your plumbing.

How to Maintain Your Sump Pump

Properly maintaining your sump pump involves more than fixing a problem whenever one comes up. In fact, most sump pump problems can be easily avoided with some simple maintenance. No homeowner wants to deal with a busted sump pump, and luckily you don’t have to. Here are a few easy tasks you can do to keep your sump pump working properly.

• Clean your sump pumps. It’s important to clean your sump pump at least every 3-4 months, to keep it clear of obstructive debris that can clog your plumbing or damage the pump. A vinegar solution can be run through the sump pump to clear out any dirt or debris.
• Check the float switch. The float switch is an important component of your sump pump as it senses when the tank is full and needs to empty the tank. Check the float switch and make sure it’s not restricted in any way.
• Check the discharge line. Another important component is the discharge line, which relocates water away from the basement and foundation of your home. Make sure to keep your discharge line clear and covered, as it can get clogged with debris or freeze in the winter season. 
• Test the sump pump. An easy way to ensure your sump pump is functional is to periodically test it. Simply dump a bucket of water into the sump until the float switch rises, and wait for it to turn on.
• Check the power cord. Your sump pump relies on electricity to function, so it’s important to make sure it’s plugged in properly. If the power cord looks damaged, replace it immediately.

Nobody Wants a Flooded Basement

Flooding is any homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially when it’s usually an avoidable problem. Maintaining your sump pump keeps your basement dry, and foundation free from water damage. Sump pumps aren’t built to last forever, however, and can wear down over time. Whether you’re due for inspection or need a replacement, you’ll need the help of a licensed plumber. Keep your home dry, by calling a plumber today.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today for sump pumps service!

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By zachadmachinescom

Have you had clogged kitchen drains in the last couple of years? Does your garbage smell like old food waste? The solution to both of these problems, as well as many others, is getting a garbage disposal installed in your home. If you’ve been debating about getting a garbage disposal, let the plumbers at Quality Plumbing show you the benefits of this small but mighty appliance. 

Four Benefits of a Garbage Disposal in your Addison Home:

• Keep your drains clear. The biggest advantage of having a garbage disposal is its ability to prevent drain clogs. When large food scraps enter the drain, they can bind together and block pipes. When you have a garbage disposal, the blades break down this food waste into small pieces that easily pass through.

• Reduce bad odors in your kitchen. If your garbage cans have been emitting foul odors and causing your kitchen to smell, then garbage disposal installation is your savior. Instead of food waste sitting in the garbage for days, decomposing and rotting, it will be immediately transported out of your kitchen. So long to bad smelling trash cans!

• An environmentally friendly choice. When you eliminate food waste by the garbage disposal, you are also reducing the carbon footprint of your home. Instead of food waste sitting in a landfill, it will be sent through the sewage system and filtered quickly. Garbage disposals also reduce the amount of waste that needs to be transported by truck to landfills. This further reduces the emissions needed to process the waste. 
• Cleanup is a breeze. Gone will be the days of scraping food scraps into the garbage and meticulously preventing any food particles from entering your drain. Small food scraps that you’d normally spend extra time cleaning off can now be sent into the disposal and broken down. There are some foods to avoid such as grease, eggshells, banana peels, and animal bones, but most other waste can be processed by the disposal. 

A garbage disposal is an affordable appliance that can make your life easier in Addison. They are installed by a professional plumber and are reliable kitchen appliance when treated properly. Let Quality Plumbing  help you enjoy the benefits of a new garbage disposal by scheduling an appointment with us today! 

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom

There’s a lot that goes into home maintenance, especially in Wood Dale homes. And in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s very easy to overlook the common water heater as an important asset to your home. An improperly functioning water heater can seriously damage your home’s comfort and even its structural integrity. The easiest way to keep something to the forefront of your mind is to remind yourself why they’re important in the first place. 

Comfort:

You need hot water. Just a simple fact of modern living. Temperature controlled water is an expected comfort of a modern Wood Dale home. From hot showers to warm soap to washing your hands, to even physically heating your home in some aspects, hot water does it all. So when you’re out of hot water, you need a professional there to fix it as soon as possible to get your home on track. And at Wood Dale, we have professionals in spades. 

Water Quality:

High school science class taught us all that heat kills dangerous microscopic organisms living in water. You can understand why hot water is important to not just your comfort, but your health as well. “But we already have a heater,” you may claim, which is itself a good thing. But is it current? 

The average lifespan for a water heater is around ten years, with some room for variance based on use, make and model, and maintenance. When a water heater goes, it affects your overall water quality. If you ever notice orange or otherwise rust-shaded water coming from the tap or showerhead, it may not be the city feeding you dirty water. Old and outdated water heaters often are responsible for impure water being filtered into the home. 

Ecologically Friendly:

Keeping the earth clean and free from pollution is something we can all agree is a good idea. That’s why most modern water heaters are designed with Mother Nature in mind. Designed with replaceable and totally recyclable components, these high-productivity heaters cause less air pollution, produce fewer greenhouse gasses, and are generally better for the environment than older models. Replacing your older heater with a new, eco-friendly model can help you do your part in keeping our world clean and sustainable for years to come. 

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom

There are several benefits of having an energy-efficient home; for the environment and your health and safety, but for your wallet, too. When it comes to energy efficient fixtures, most people don’t think about their plumbing. But old and outdated plumbing fixtures don’t only waste water and energy, they can end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over time.

The Pains of a Low-efficiency Plumbing System

The pains of a low-efficiency plumbing system can be many. And while they may all seem small, together they can create a giant headache for homeowners.

Higher utility bills, a larger carbon footprint, and health and safety risks are some of the main issues associated with low-efficient plumbing systems. Older appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, are not only less efficient but are made from outdated technology that can put your and your family’s health at risk.

Older toilets use much more water than newer models to do the same job and this not only wastes water, it can increase your water bill by hundreds of dollars over the life of the toilet. Likewise, new shower heads not only offer more pressure than older models, they use much less water.

Here are eight energy efficient plumbing features that will not only save you money, but reduce your carbon footprint and offer added health and safety benefits:

1. Fix and upgrade leaky pipes and fixtures: A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day. That’s thousands of gallons and possibly hundreds of dollars literally down the drain every year. Leaky pipes and faucets are also a breeding ground for mold spores, which can have serious health implications. Plus, the water damage caused by leaky fixtures can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars to fix when left untreated.
2. Low-flow shower heads: Low-flow shower heads have come a long way since they were first introduced more than two decades ago. Twenty years of technological advancements mean more pressure and less water. The shower heads of yesteryear used five to eight gallons of water per minute (gpm). Current standards for today’s units are 2.5 gallons per minute and low-flow shower heads use as little as 2 gallons per minute.
3. Insulate pipes: When carrying hot water to plumbing fixtures, heat can get lost along the way. Pipe insulation helps to lower the heat loss. By doing so, you can reduce your water heater temperature to 120-degrees or lower. While paying someone to insulate the pipes in your home may not make economic sense, it’s a great option to consider during new construction or a major remodel.
4. Low-flow faucets: Replacing your current sink faucets with low-flow faucets can save water without reducing water pressure. In fact, these new fixtures can drop water usage from 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute, saving up to 13,000 gallons of water a year for a typical household. This translates to hundreds of dollars a year in savings. Some kitchen faucets also offer built-in filtered water features that can help you cut down on your bottled water consumption.
5. High-efficiency toilets (HET): More than 40% of U.S. households use older toilets that use more than 3.5 gallons per flush. Newer toilets use as little as one gallon per flush and even offer dual flushing capabilities, one of the most energy efficient options for homeowners. Look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s “water sense” label, which shows that the toilet has been tested for maximum flushing power all while saving thousands of gallons of water a tear.
6. Tankless water heaters: Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, only heat water when needed. While these units can be expensive, their energy-saving capabilities outweigh the upfront cost. A typical water heater keeps 40 to 50 gallons of water hot at all times. As you can imagine, this is incredibly wasteful and inefficient.
7. Update washer and dryer: Older washing machines have a top-loading feature in which water fills up from the bottom. Newer, front-loading machines use up to 50 percent less water. Modern dryers have more efficient heating units that can dry clothes faster, saving energy. It is also important to note that only washing full loads of laundry can save a lot of money.
8. Regular maintenance: If you’re concerned about wasting money or energy, proper maintenance on your plumbing fixtures is important. Regular maintenance and plumbing check-ups can help you detect any small problems before they become major, and can help save money down the road.

A well-functioning plumbing system is something most homeowners take for granted. Unfortunately, since you don’t truly realize the value until something goes wrong, it can be hard to prioritize fixes. If saving money is top of your list, focus first on the smaller, less expensive fixes that can make a huge difference.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom