7 Common Signs That You Need a Holiday Drain Cleaning

Dec 20, 2021

7 Common Signs That You Need a Holiday Drain Cleaning

  • Plumbing Services
drain cleaning

Drain cleaning can be a frustrating nuisance, but having a dirty drain during the holidays could mean bursting pipes in your home. The winter season already puts enough strain on your plumbing, freezing your pipes and wearing down your water heater. No homeowner wants a home flooded from a burst pipe, which is why it’s important to keep your drains clear this holiday season.

When You Should Get a Drain Cleaning

Plumbing problems can be frustrating, and a dirty drain can disrupt your daily activities. It might be tempting to overlook one clogged drain, but a clog left untreated can result in costly damages. Your plumbing is complicated, but you can avoid most plumbing catastrophes by thoroughly cleaning your drains and routine maintenance. The more you clean your drains, the better, as it never hurts to be proactive with your plumbing. Clogs however, can happen despite how often you clean your drains, which is why it’s important to know the warning signs of a dirty drain. To prepare your drains this holiday season, here’s what to watch for.

  • Water starts to back up. When using the faucet, bathtub, or shower, the water should always drain. Water should never go up your drains, but if you notice after flushing a toilet or running the faucet that water starts to back up versus drain down, it could be a clogged drain.
  • Foul odors. One of the most unpleasant warning signs of a clogged drain is the foul odor of sewage. A drain that’s clogged accumulates all the waste that’s flushed down the drains until the odors come back out the drains. Kitchens with garbage disposal can also be notorious for foul sewage odors, especially when enough food particles build up inside your drains.
  • Odd sounds. Listen carefully to your drains. When a drain is blocked, water is then forced through small spaces or to change course which can result in bubbling or gurgling sounds. If you start to hear odd gurgling sounds from your drain, it’s time to clean your drains. 
  • Frequent clogs. Clogs can be a common plumbing problem, but if they happen often enough, it could be caused from a clogged drain. Some clogs can be resolved with a plunger or drain cleaner, but if you notice the same fixture keeps clogging regardless, you’ll need a plumber to professionally clean your drains.
  • Multiple clogs at the same time. Not all clogs require calling in a plumber, but multiple clogs at once is problematic. If you notice multiple different fixtures have clogged all at once, it means there is a clog deeper inside your sewer line and requires a professional drain cleaning.
  • Slow drains. A slow drain is one of the most common signs of a clogged drain, as no water fixture should have a slow drain. Watch your sinks and water appliances. If you notice it takes more time than usual to drain the sink or your washer or dishwasher is still full after the cycle, it’s time to clean your drains.
  • Fruit or drain flies. Any buildup of food or waste inside your drains will attract flies. Tiny fruit flies are more than just an annoying pest; they can become a health risk, and are usually attracted to the scent of a clogged drain. Drain flies are another pest to watch out for, as they like to breed in drains and sewer lines. If your home has some clogged drains, you might start to notice drain flies buzzing in your bathroom.

How to Clean Your Drains and Keep Them Clogged Free

Knowing when to get a drain cleaning is a good place to start, but it’s best to start habits that keep your drains clean and prevent future clogs. A clogged drain left untreated can result in costly plumbing problems, but luckily they can be avoided with proper care and cleaning practices. Here’s what you can do to keep your drains clean this holiday season.

  • Avoid chemical drain cleaners. Although chemical drain cleaners can be an easy and instant fix for some clogs, they’re incredibly toxic and eat at your pipes over time. There are several non-toxic drain cleaners available such as vinegar and baking soda, which work naturally well to eliminate odors and flush down any stuck waste.
  • Avoid flushing down food waste. Garbage disposals are great if you have them, but contrary to what you might think, you only want a minimum amount of food waste going down there. Most foods will clog your drains and break down the blades. Kitchen sinks without a garbage disposal are even less equipped to handle any food waste that goes down the drain. Do your best to avoid flushing food down by scraping and rinsing your plates. Avoid flushing down fats, greases, oils, and starchy foods.
  • Use drain strainers. It’s not just food waste that clogs your drains, but hair, soap scum, and other random debris. This is why it helps to place drain strainers on top of your drains. Make sure to periodically clean out your drain strainers so that your drains can drain properly.

Keep Your Holidays Fun and Festive with Clean Drains

A clog can be a frustrating plumbing problem, but the winter season adds the additional threat of your pipes freezing. No homeowner wants a flooded home in the dead of winter; that’s why it’s important to keep your drains clean and clear this holiday season. Not all clogs, however, can be cleaned yourself, and that’s where the professionals come in. A licensed plumber can treat your drains and guarantee your holidays stay dry and happy. Don’t wait until you smell sewage, call a plumber today.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom

Benefits of Installing a Water Filtration System in Your Chicago Home

Nov 29, 2021

Benefits of Installing a Water Filtration System in Your Chicago Home

  • Plumbing Services
water filtration in Chicago

In this day and age, it is becoming more and more common to have a water filter for your drinking water. Clean water is vital to your home for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. 

Unfortunately, there are still potential contaminants found within water that is untreated through one. If your home does not own one at the moment, it would be wise to invest in a water filtration system in your Chicago home. 

Why Install a Filtration System?

Installing a system can bring a whole series of benefits to your home. These benefits include the following:

  • When a home is equipped with whole-house water filtration, the owner can rest assured that every drop of water that comes into the house is clean and safe. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the backyard sprinkler, the water will always be safe enough to drink.
  • Hard water, which is water with an excessive amount of minerals in it, can be a pain for anyone who experiences it. It can leave buildup deposits on your showerheads, reducing the water flow. If you have ever had a problem with your water trickling out even though you know the pressure is fine, you may have hard water buildup. It can also cause unsightly stains in your sink and toilet bowl. Lastly, it can make washing a chore because hard water reduces the ability of soap to foam up.

Benefits of Filtering Water

Primarily, having filtered water is a significant boost to health around your home. There are a number of dangerous elements that are removed if water is filtered. These include:

  • Arsenic: Tap water can contain dangerous levels of arsenic, a powerful carcinogenic, that has been linked to an increased risk of the development of several types of cancer
  • Aluminum: Municipal water that is unfiltered can lead to an increased consumption of aluminum, a metal that has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, hyperactivity, learning disabilities in children, skin problems, liver disease and more.
  • Fluoride: While fluoride is commonly associated with improving oral health, it can actually cause a wide range of health problems such as a weakened immune system and cellular damage that accelerates aging.

Benefits of Filtered Water

In comparison to bottle or tap water, filtered water can improve a vast series of areas.

  1. Primarily, water filters provide better tasting and better smelling drinking water by removing chlorine and bacterial contaminants. Drinking clean and filtered water can protect yourself from diseases as well as improving your health. 
  2. A water filter can provide healthy water for cooking as well as drinking and bathing. 
  3. Point-of-use water filters remove lead from drinking water immediately prior to consumption, thus preventing this harmful substance from entering the body.
  4. Water filters greatly reduce the risk of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from drinking water.
  5. You can economically benefit from installing a unit. For instance, if you purchase bottled water for a small family, you would typically only have enough water for a week or so. A water filter, however, is guaranteed to last for months on end. 

Types of Water Filtration Systems to Look into in Chicago 

There are a couple of differing types of water filters available for purchase and installation. Some of these include the following.

  • Activated Carbon: It is a fairly common type of water filter installed under the kitchen sink. Carbon filters are used to remove parasites, chemicals and heavy metals that are present in water. 
  • Reverse Osmosis: This type of filter is incredibly popular. This is mainly because it has the ability to remove all sorts of contaminants that can be a danger to your health, as well as making sure the end result is clear and odor free.
  • UV Filters: Takes water purification to a high level, by use of an ultraviolet lamp to kill germs within the water. Typically, it will destroy about 99.9% of germs found within the water.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom

A Guide to Detecting Leaks in Your Home

Nov 28, 2021

A Guide to Detecting Leaks in Your Home

  • Plumbing Services
detecting leaks

As a homeowner, the investment you’ve made in your home is probably the biggest financial commitment of your life. More importantly, you want a clean, safe, and secure living space for everyone under your roof. Because we know what your home means to you, here are some tips to help you in detecting leaks before the damage goes too far.

9 Warning Signs of Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are a problem that every homeowner will experience given enough time, and while there are plenty of warning signs to watch out for, they will sometimes mean damage to your home and belongings. Most of these signs are only an annoyance, but some of the consequences of leaky pipes can be expensive and labor intensive to repair. What’s more, the worst of these signs can even pose serious health risks and endanger the structural integrity of your home.

  1. Utility Bill Spikes

Spikes in your water/utility bill are one of the first signs of a leak that you should be able to spot. You should be able to notice even a small difference in the size of your water bill, and unless you’ve had company for a few weeks, these spikes almost invariably mean a hidden leak. If your water consumption has remained at normal levels, the size of the spike in your bill will serve as a clue to the severity of the leak.

  1. Low Water Pressure

Another early sign of trouble, loss of water pressure should coincide with a larger bill. There are a number of conditions that can cause low water pressure, and all of them have to do with your plumbing- with the exception of your water pump. Check your PRV valves, water pump, and if that doesn’t fix it, start inspecting pipes

  1. Water Damage

Water damaged walls, floors, and belongings: Hopefully higher bills and loss of pressure will alert you to your leaking pipe problem before this develops. The smell of wet material or mildew may be your first indicator of this serious threat to your home. The one bright side to this trouble indicator is that you will have a better idea of where the leak is located. Wet walls and floors are a serious warning sign, and should be attended to immediately as it will quickly lead to much bigger problems.

  1. Structural Damage

Water damage can weaken structural elements, and make your home more attractive to termites and other pests that cause structural problems. Rodents, wood bees, and many other types of pests that can damage load bearing structures in your home will be attracted to standing or accumulated water and the conditions it creates.

  1. Collapsed Pipes

This problem is likely to alert you by knocking sounds and audible running water coming from inside your walls. Many people mistake these sounds for ordinary house sounds. The sound of a building settling usually sounds like a creaky boat- knocking or flushing sounds, on the other hand, should be investigated.

  1. Flooded Basement

One of the clearest signs of leaky or broken pipes, a flooded basement can mean serious trouble, especially if the water threatens to damage your furnace or electrical boxes. The most important thing to remember is to not touch or step in the water, as it could be electrified. Have a professional tend to it immediately.

  1. Damage to the Yard

Flooded spots around the perimeter of your home are usually a clear sign of leaky pipes. Damage to your yard can be annoying, but it can also help you to pinpoint the leak. Moist soil is especially attractive to pests and should be dealt with quickly.

  1. Mold and Mildew

Arguably the most dangerous sign of a water leak. By the time you notice mold and mildew, it’s probably widespread within your walls. Mold can also pose a serious threat to your respiratory health, and indicates that immediate and serious repairs are in order.

  1. Termite Activity

Termites can live in your walls dormant for long periods of time. If a dormant colony comes into contact with water, it will become active. They may burrow down out of a ceiling or the sawdust-like debris they produce may start trickling out of vents and gaps.

It may be difficult to see the bright side of these issues, there is at least some reason to appreciate these early warning signs. These precursors to serious damage can help you to avoid major repair work and even dangerous mold and structural damage. Whatever the trouble sign is, you can be sure that professional attention is required. When you spot a sign that a pipe is leaking, that’s your chance to nip it in the bud and have the leak repaired before more expensive and potentially dangerous damage has a chance to develop.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom

Things Every Chicago Homeowner Can Do to Avoid Winter Plumbing Disasters

Oct 14, 2021

Things Every Chicago Homeowner Can Do to Avoid Winter Plumbing Disasters

  • Plumbing Services
winter plumbing

Most homeowners do everything that they can to maintain the integrity of their homes. As they prepare for the winter months, many will trim trees that are either on or hanging over their roofs, clean out the gutters of their homes and have their chimneys swept. Routine maintenance and upkeep also requires many homeowners to have a technician come out to check their heating and air conditioning units. Most people tend to ignore the pipes and plumbing fixtures in their homes when they are checking off their list of things to evaluate when preparing for the winter months. Here are some things every homeowner needs to consider as they prepare their home for the cold.

What Could Happen If the Plumbing in a Home is Not Properly Maintained?

One of the things that people need to be cognizant of is that they have pipes and plumbing fixtures that are on the outside of their homes, and in spaces like basements and garages that have temperatures that at times could be colder than the temperature outside. Frigid temperatures could cause pipes to freeze and then rupture, leaving the homeowner with running water all over their carpets and floors, which could cause water damage to not only the flooring in the home, but also to furniture, appliances, and other items. In addition, homeowners may also find themselves faced with the following issues when their plumbing is not properly maintained.

  • An excessively high water bill
  • Drains that are frequently clogged
  • Sinks and bathtubs that drain slowly
  • The inconvenience of not having hot water inside of the home
  • The risk of water contamination

How Maintaining the Plumbing in the Home Benefits Homeowners:

When the plumbing in a home is properly maintained, the occupants of the structure have little worries about stepping into a cold shower because the hot water heater has stopped working, or the duct work underneath the home has been damaged or is leaking. Ensuring that the plumbing in a home is properly functioning, reduces the risk of overflowing toilets and illnesses related to contact with raw sewage like Salmonellosis, Hepatitis A, and Hookworm Infection just to name a few. Other benefits afforded to homeowners who do routine maintenance on their plumbing include:

  • Being able to avoid costly repairs related to improper maintenance resulting in plumbing emergencies
  • Avoiding the costs associated with having to replace carpeting, hardwood and laminate flooring, and appliances
  • Extending the longevity of pipes and fixtures
  • Having the peace of mind in knowing that hot water is available to take care of their needs
  • Avoiding the risk of an electrical fire or electrocution
  • Maintaining a safe water supply for drinking, and to take care of other needs
  • Lower electric bills

What Homeowners Can Do:

Homeowners who take the time to weigh the pros and the cons of properly maintaining the pipes and plumbing fixtures in their homes should easily come to the conclusion that it is far better to maintain the integrity of their plumbing systems than it is ignore it. Plumbing emergencies can lead to much larger problems than water damage. Standing water inside of basements, garages and underneath houses threaten and ultimately weaken the foundation of structures. Here are some tips that every homeowner should follow to prepare their home for the winter months.

  • Locate the shut off valve – Every homeowner and the occupants of their home should know where the shut off valve is located. If there is an emergency like the bursting of a pipe, the valve should be shut off to cut off the water flow. If there is a special tool that is needed to open and close the valve, it should be located in a central place that is easily accessible.
  • Increase water heater temperature – As temperatures drop so do the temperatures of water heaters in homes. Increasing the temperature of water heaters by a few degrees will keep water hot during the coldest of days.
  • Insulate pipes – Insulating pipes that are exposed to the outside or in areas like basements and garages will safeguard them from the elements and help prevent freezing.
  • Run water – In cases of extreme cold run water from every valve to avoid frozen pipes.
  • Stop the flow of outside air – Check for incoming air in attics and crawl spaces and seal them with heat tape.
  • Clear the snow – Remove any snow that collects in areas around water drains
  • Disconnect hoses and drains – Disconnect garden hoses before the winter months begin.
  • Keep numbers handy – Keep numbers to utility companies in a place that is easily accessible in case of an emergency that requires them to have to disconnect water from the main water line.

Pipes and fixtures should be examined by a professional plumbing service at least once a year to check for leaks, and to ensure that valves are intact. Other common sense measures that homeowners can take to ensure that they stay free and clear of plumbing disasters include keeping drains clear of hair grease, and other debris by using an enzyme drain maintenance cleaner at least once a month.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom

“Why Don’t I Have Hot Water?”

“Why Don’t I Have Hot Water?”

  • Plumbing Services
hot water

A dreaded question that few consider the answer to until they find themselves high and dry; literally. There are a few common reasons why people find themselves without hot water, and if you are sure you’re up to date on your bills, most of them have to do with your water heater. Here are some common reasons your water heater isn’t working and some quick ways to help resolve your issue. 

No Hot Water 

If you have no hot water whatsoever, that’s cause for some alarm. After all, your water heater’s one and only function is to provide you with heated water. Before you call up a professional, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the pilot light. You can typically locate the light at the base of the water heater. If the light is out, your next move should be to call up a professional plumber to get you back on track. 

You Don’t Have Enough Hot Water

Maybe you have some hot water but not enough to suit your needs. We’ve all taken those nice warm showers that turn into frigid nightmares because the hot water fails on you. In cases like these, there are one of two culprits, the first of which is a broken thermometer. This is a very easy fix for any water heater professional can patch up. The other possibility is that your current heater is unable to match your hot water needs. This can be because your household has grown in size, your hot water usage has increased, or the equipment’s effectiveness has been curbed in old age. In this instance, increasing your tank size may be the optimal solution to getting more hot water.

Your Heater is Leaking 

Of all the issues you could have with your heater, this is probably the worst. A leak is a sure fire sign that your water heater is on its way out and you’re due for a replacement, and heaters can be some expensive pieces of equipment. Sadly there’s not much to be done about a heater that’s so far gone that it sprung a serious leak, and you need to act quickly before the leak turns into a burst that floods your home with gallons of water. The team at Quality Plumbing can walk you through the process of finding a new heater to last you for years to come.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom

10 Signs That Your Sump Pump is in Need of Repairs

Sep 15, 2021

10 Signs That Your Sump Pump is in Need of Repairs

  • Plumbing Services
sump pumps

The winter season is just about here and that means snow, ice, and sleet. The upcoming weather already put enough stress on your plumbing, that it’s easy to forget about one very important appliance in the basement: sump pumps. Your sump pump works to relocate excess water away and out of your basement, preventing flooding and other structural water damage. While battling to stay warm and keep your house intact, it’s easy to overlook one appliance, but a damaged sump pump could mean a literal ice rink in your basement.

How to Catch the Problem Early

Catching the problem early, especially when it comes to your home’s plumbing, can be tricky. The good news is that there are plenty of warning signs from a sump pump in need of repair. A little excess water in your basement might be tempting to overlook, but even the smallest of problems eventually become large and expensive repairs. A flooded basement is easy to avoid, and you can do so by watching for the following warning signs.

  • Strange noises. Normally the only sound sump pumps make is a low continuous hum, but if it starts making loud and unusual noises, then it’s time for a repair. A rattling or grinding noise can indicate something wrong with the impeller or fan.
  • Failure to turn on. If your sump pump won’t turn on, it could be a number of things. Make sure you first check to see if the float switch is stuck, as it may have simply got itself tangled in the sump basin. Some sump pumps have brackets that hold the float switch, that can break and be the culprit. If neither seems to solve the problem, then it’s time for a replacement.
  • Pump runs continuously. If you start to notice your sump pump is cycling constantly, it could indicate a number of problems. It might simply not be powerful enough to handle all the water that’s accumulated, or there could be a faulty switch. A switch problem is usually the common culprit for a sump pump that runs continuously and can be solved with a simple sump pump repair. If your sump pump is too small however, then you’ll need to replace it.
  • Constant vibrating. The impeller, which is what draws water into the sump pump, can also draw in debris. A sump pump that vibrates excessively could be a sign of a damaged impeller. A bent impeller unfortunately can’t be repaired. If your sump pump impeller is bent, it will need to be replaced.
  • Infrequent usage. While limited use of a sump pump is usually a good thing, it can also drastically shorten the pump’s shelf life. Frequently testing your sump pump between heavy rains is a good way to detect any potential problems.
  • Visible rust. Your sump pump works with water and naturally that means it can deal with some rust. If you find rust on your sump pump, it could be caused by a corroded battery or bacteria, which in some cases if left untreated can eventually clog your plumbing. If you see rust, your sump pump needs a repair immediately.
  • Old age. Unlike other major appliances like your furnace or water heater, your sump pump isn’t built to last long. No matter how well maintained your sump pump is, it will break down over time. If your sump pump is over seven years old, it’s time to replace it.
  • Motor problems. If the sump pump stops working entirely, it could be an issue with the motor. A motor that doesn’t work can be an issue with damaged wiring, the device somehow got itself unplugged, or it tripped the circuit breaker. A failed motor could also be a sign of a damaged filter or an extension hose that can’t properly drain the water.
  • No water in the sump pump pit. If your sump pump appears to be working normally, but you notice there is no water in the pit, you’re in need of a sump pump repair. A running sump pump with a dry pit usually means there was improper installation or the sump pump isn’t hooked up to the drainage system.
  • Tripped circuits. Your sump pump runs on electricity, but it should never trip your circuit breaker unless there was a problem. A sump pump that constantly trips the circuit breaker could be caused by a damaged switch, damaged wiring, or an insufficient power source. Only a licensed plumber, however, can determine the exact cause of the problem.

Don’t Forget Your Sump Pumps this Winter

It’s easy to forget about the super handy and important appliance in your basement when you’re concerned about your plumbing freezing or your roof leaking, but proper sump pump maintenance is crucial for a warm and happy winter. If your sump pump is in need of repair, you’ll need professional help. A licensed plumber can’t not only detect the problem but ensure your sump pump works as it should. Keep your home dry this winter and schedule a sump pumps inspection today.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today!

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By zachadmachinescom