A properly installed and maintained water heater will operate efficiently and effectively for years after its purchase. And while most systems are more than suited to keeping your household comfortable, we at Quality Plumbing believe even good things can be made better. That’s why we’ve compiled this quick list of five water heater accessories you can purchase and install to improve the effectiveness and safety of your equipment. 

1. Timers Perfect for the energy-conscious customer, these devices help cut down on the power your heater draws when not in-use.  These devices get wired directly into the unit’s electrical supply and can be set so the water heater only draws electricity at specified times, making sure your water heater is never acting like an energy vampire. 
2. Expansion Tanks These are pretty simple, as they just provide extra tank-space for more water. Ideal for homes that have had additions built and require additional heating, more tank space means more water, which inevitably means more heat. 
3. Water Heater Pan Another fairly standard item, the pan acts as a reservoir to collect excess/overflowing water. The pan has an opening in the side for a drain hose to carry away any overflow water. While seemingly mundane on its own, the pan is especially effective when combined with our next entry…
4. Leak Detectors and Alarms. These little gizmos can be real life-savers. They sit either in the pan beside the water heater. If the heater leaks or overflows, the alarm will sense the liquid coming into the pan and give an audible alarm to alert the homeowner that there’s a problem. Some of these alarms are even equipped with Wi-Fi so you can be alerted on your phone. A leak detector/alarm can be a huge money-saver should your water heater ever spring a leak, giving you an early heads-up on the problem. 
5. Water Heater Stands. These accessories raise gas units off the ground, protecting them (and your home) from fire should flammable liquid spill nearby. When installing one of these devices, note that it will have an impact on your measurements along with your plumbing and venting. Unless you’re a plumbing expert yourself, are absolutely going to want to have a professional on-hand for a stand installation to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Consult With Your Plumber  There are plenty of water heater accessories out there to make your equipment that much more effective at keeping your home comfortable. Give us a call at Quality Plumbing today and ask us about possible water heater accessories and other ways you can increase your equipment’s safety and effectiveness!

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today! We specialize in water heaters and water heater accessories!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom

Homeowners often take their plumbing for granted until something happens that needs immediate attention. A kitchen sink stops running or a toilet overflows and then the plumbing becomes a high priority. With a little preventative maintenance, Warrenville homeowners would never need to deal with plumbing emergencies like a clogged drain in need of cleaning. Here is how you can make sure their drains are always working properly.

The Nightmare of Clogged Drains

By not spending some time to maintain the drainage system in the home, a person opens themselves up to several unfortunate realities. When any problems in the drains occur, a homeowner can experience:

• an increase in utility bills
• plumbing fixtures that wear out sooner
• decreasing levels of sanitation in the house
• unpleasant odors and strange sounds from the drains

All of this increases the stress of being a homeowner. This can be prevented with a little DIY home plumbing maintenance.

Benefits to Proactive Drain Maintenance

For a small investment of time and effort on their drains, the homeowner gains much throughout the year. The benefits include:

• utility bills are lower
• longer lasting plumbing fixtures
• less spent on plumbing fixture repairs
• reduced risk of overflowing toilets and clogged sinks
• more comfortable and sanitary living space

This is especially important in large households where several people may contribute to the drains becoming clogged. The more people living in the house, the higher the risk of a drain problem if regular maintenance is not performed.

Plumbing Maintenance for the Homeowner

There are a number of ways that a homeowner can ensure that their drains are in proper working order. None of these take much time and are easy for any person to do. The first step is maintaining the drains to prevent them from stopping up. Next, one should be ready in case a clog does develop so they can react quickly to clear the drain.

Preventative Maintenance Steps

These actions will help to prevent clogs from happening:

• Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let it set for several minutes and then flush thoroughly with warm tap water.
• Pour boiling water from a pan or tea kettle down the drain to clear out any sticky grease that has adhered to the inside of the plumbing pipes.
• Purchase small strainers that fit in the drains to catch items before they get down into the plumbing.
• Keep a container near the stove to pour used oil and grease into. Never pour these down a drain.

In case a drain blockage happens, the homeowner should have on hand:

• A standard plunger for flat drains, such as in the kitchen sink.
• A flange plunger for curved drains, such as in the toilet.
• A bucket and several old rags for cleanup.

Typical Drain Clogs

If a clog should occur, a homeowner can try to clear it out themselves. Their success depends on the type of clog they encounter. There are two clogs a homeowner is likely to face:

Soft clog – This is made up of hair and skin cells and is usually found in bathroom sinks, tub and shower drains. The clog stays soft and rarely compacts in the drain. These are normally easy to remove.

Hard clog – This is caused by grease and foods sticking to the sides of the drain pipe. Once the clog accumulates enough material to completely block the drain, it will continue to compact itself in the drain and become a hard mass. The longer a hard clog sits, the hard it is to remove.

Removing a Soft Clog

These clogs can often be removed by the homeowner.

• Use a standard plunger to pull the clog up out of the sink or to push it on through the drain pipe.
• Use a long, stiff brush made to fit down into the drain, snag the clog material and pull it back up and out.
• Use a plastic strip with serrated edges, made to remove clogs, by being inserted into the drain and pulling out the material.
• If the homeowner is not intimidated by plumbing work, they can disconnect the P-trap below the bathroom sink and remove the clog lodged there.

Removing a Hard Clog

If here is standing water, use a wet and dry vacuum to remove all of the water before attempting to unclog the drain.

• Try using a standard plunger briefly to release a fresh clog. Do not do this for too long or too forcefully as it can damage the plumbing pipes and make them come apart.
• Pour dish detergent down a clogged toilet to loosen up a blockage there.
• Use a plumbing snake to break up the clog and clear the drain. These should be used carefully as they can puncture a hole in the side of old, rusty plumbing pipes or cause drain pipes to come apart where two are joined.

Drain Cleaning Techniques to Avoid in Warrenville

Chemical drain cleaners – These are very dangerous to work with and can damage a person’s skin and eyes should they splash onto them.

Water balloons – These devices fit onto the end of a garden hose and are slipped down into the drain. When the water is turned on, it expands the balloon, sealing it against the sides of the drain pipe. Water is then forced down into the drain to try to loosen the clog. These devices can easily break plumbing fixtures or cause them to come apart.

Many household drain clogs can be dealt with by the homeowner. If they prove resistant to several attempts, a professional drain cleaning service should be considered. They can remove any clog without damaging the existing plumbing.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today for drain cleaning in Warrenville and the surrounding area!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom

As a homeowner, chances are good that you have already experienced the displeasure of a clogged or overflowing toilet. In addition to the mess, a toilet that clogs or overflows frequently can cause lasting damage to floor coverings, sub-floors, plumbing infrastructure, and even the ceiling below, when the toilet is located in an upper-level bathroom. In addition, any moisture that remains after the clean up can result in unhealthy mildew and mold growth long after the job has been completed. 

The Cost of a Poorly Maintained Toilet

According to census data published by the United States Census Bureau, the numbers of new home constructions with three or more bathrooms each now outnumber new homes built with one to one and one-half bathrooms by a ratio of nearly ten to one, based on the samples taken. With the number of home toilets rapidly growing, the cost of damage from clogged or overflowing toilets also rises exponentially. 

Clogged or overflowing toilets can result in costs to homeowners. This includes:

• replacement / repair costs to flooring, subflooring, walls and trim materials
• replacement / repair costs to plumbing pipes and fixtures
• repairs to drain and sewer lines
• possible mold remediation from frequent or latent water infiltration
• higher water bills when toilets are not operating correctly and must be flushed multiple times to move waste through the system

In addition to monetary costs, families who frequently deal with clogged or slow toilets are being forced to sacrifice much of the enjoyment they should get from living in the home. The good news, however, is that homeowners can avoid this type of damage to their homes with these simple tips designed to help keep home toilets functioning properly.

1. Teach Family Members What Objects & Materials Should Never Be Flushed

Many clogged toilets are caused each year due to improper use. In most of these cases, family members, both children and adults, attempt to flush materials down the toilet that should not be introduced into any type of sewage disposal system. These materials include common household items, such as: 

• Paper products – including cleaning wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, paper towels, facial tissues, diaper liners and excessive amounts of toilet tissue
• Miscellaneous household waste products – including kitty litter, human or pet hair, grease, oils, dental floss, ashes, potting soil and dust and dirt from vacuums or dust pans
• Other objects or materials – including children’s toys, small articles of clothing like socks, medications, pet food, potting soil, sand, gravel or other miscellaneous materials or objects

2. Provide Alternate Disposal to Encourage Proper Toilet Usage

A great way to prevent inappropriate objects and materials from being placed into the toilet is to provide an alternate disposal option for family members and guests who use your bathroom. To do this, place a small trash can near each toilet in the home. Doing this is an economical, effective way of preventing future clogged toilet issues because something was flushed that should not have been flushed. 

3. Keep Surfaces Clear of Small Items That Could Easily Fall Into the Toilet

Many clogged toilets also result from accidents where an object is knocked into the toilet accidentally. This often happens when nearby counters or over-the-toilet shelving is filled with small objects, such as jars, bottles, sponges and cosmetics. When these objects land in the toilet and are flushed accidentally, a clog situation is the likely result. Keeping these areas clear of small items will lessen the chances of this happening.

4. Flush Twice When Necessary

If the toilet has a large amount of waste or toilet paper in it, flushing twice may be necessary to completely empty the bowl. But a toilet that always needs to be flushed multiple times probably already suffers from some type of clog or plumbing problem.

If a toilet in your home is having to be flushed multiple times, the extra water usage is placing an additional burden on both your plumbing system and the family water bill. When this problem occurs homeowners may want to prevent excessive water bills and further damage to their plumbing by having the problem diagnosed and repaired by a professional. 

5. Learn to Plunge & Do So As Needed

Another cause of clogged toilets and the damage that results is ignoring or postponing obvious signs that the toilet is malfunctioning. Even when the toilet does empty by flushing it multiple times, flushing over and over is not healthy for the plumbing system and can cause more serious plumbing problems over time.

Homeowners who experience slow flushing action may be able to relieve the problem by using a plunger to help free the clog and push it through the pipes. To do this effectively, follow these steps: 

• Insert the plunger into the toilet bowl, tipping it to allow any trapped air in the bell of the plunger to escape
• Position the plunger over the drainage hole and plunge vigorously to move the water both directions in the drain to loosen and free the clog
• Be patient and repeat the process until the clog is freed and the toilet bowl empties
• If plunging does not give results and the clog remains firmly in place, calling a professional to clear the clog may be necessary

6. Know When You Need Professional Help

Plumbing problems that go unsolved are one of the most common reasons for water damage and mold issues in homes today. If you are homeowner with toilets that flush slowly, threaten to overflow or require the frequent use of a plunger, calling a professional to fix the problem quickly will help you avoid the costly, inconvenient home repair bills later. 

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today for toilet clog removal service!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom

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!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

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!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

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!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom