Tag Archives: plumbers

Property Management Plumber Services in Chicago

property management plumbers in chicago.

Top Property Management Plumbing Services in Chicago

Chicago is one of the most popular cities in the United States and is home to a booming property management industry. It is no surprise, then, that there is an ever-increasing number of plumbing services in Chicago to meet the demands of the industry.

Property managers in the city find plumbing services in the “Windy City” to be both fast and efficient. This is because Chicago is home to some of the best plumbing companies in the United States. Specializing in residential and commercial plumbing, these contractors provide services ranging from simple repairs to complex installations.

The good news is that no matter the size of the business or residence, there are plumbing services available to meet the needs of property managers in the city of Chicago. The most common services that these contractors offer are installation, repair and maintenance of characteristics such as water tanks, boilers, bathroom fixtures, pipes, garbage disposals, and sinks. However, the list does not stop here. Plumbers also provide their expert advice on projects like replacements, refitting pipes and fixtures, replacement of water heater systems, sewer system installations, and professional drain cleaning services.

Chicago Property Management Plumber

Property managers in Chicago face a lot of pressure when it comes to plumbing services. As such, proper and professional management is critical for the success of any residential or commercial establishment. To ensure that plumbing services are planned and implemented correctly, property managers need to ensure that they have the services of a reliable plumber.

Fortunately, Chicago is home to no shortage of licensed property management plumbers. Property managers can rely on their plumbing services to achieve an efficient and effective property maintenance. Coupled with the best maintenance and inspection regimen, the right plumbing services will help property managers save money on costly repairs and maintenance. A good plumber should also provide a guarantee on his work as well as helpful advice and recommendations on how to maximize efficiency while also cutting costs.

Property Plumbing Services in Chicago

For property managers, there are a wide variety of plumbing services to be found in Chicago. These range from service and installation of plumbing fixtures to rectification and maintenance of water systems. Additionally, monthly maintenance programs with guarantees can be used to ensure the residence does not have to deal with unexpected plumbing issues.

For property owners that have problems with plumbing appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, or garbage disposals, special contracts can be assigned to ensure plumbing services are just a phone call away at 773-599-9181. All these services are designed with the property manager in mind to ensure that the building or residence is in top condition at all times.

Whatever the plumbing needs for any property, property managers in Chicago have no shortage of experienced and reliable plumbing services. Whatever the issue, a qualified plumber from Chicago Plumbing Experts can be found to serve the particular needs of any property. From monthly maintenance to installation and repair, our plumbing services in Chicago are second to none.

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Looking for a plumbing company in Chicago to team up with for your property management company? Contact us below!

Top Reasons to Hire a Local Plumber Over a Chain Company

plumber near me in chicago illinois.

When it comes time to hire a local plumber, many homeowners often feel overwhelmed by their choices. With so many different companies claiming to offer first-class service, it can be hard to know who to pick. With this in mind, many people opt for larger national chains in the hope of getting reliable work. However, often it’s the local plumbers that provide the best quality service and value for money. Here’s why you should consider choosing a local business when looking for a plumber:

Better Quality Plumbing Services

One of the main reasons why it makes sense to hire a local plumber is because they can provide top-notch plumbing services. It is well known that locally-owned firms take great pride in their work and they are even more motivated to make sure that they get the job done correctly the first time. This is because they have their own reputation to uphold and they don’t want to risk their business’s reputation by performing shoddy work.

Local plumbers also have the experience and skills needed to solve most problems with ease, meaning no job is too big nor too small. Many local plumbers have built up a loyal customer base over the years, which is why they continue to remain popular in their local communities.

Actual Professional Plumbers

Another great benefit of hiring a local plumber is that you can be sure that the individual you hire is a professional. Chain plumbers may not take the same care in their work as they do not have their own local businesses to protect. This means that they may use shortcuts and rush through the job, leaving you with a half-finished or shoddy repair job. On the other hand, local plumbers undertake their work with a great deal of attention and care so that your plumbing is back up and running in no time.

Local plumbers also understand the local area better and recognize any unique problems unique to that region that would otherwise be missed by other firms.

local plumbers in chicago illinois.

When it comes to hiring a local plumber, homeowners should be aware of the many benefits they can offer.

Local Plumbers are Licensed

Finally, a major advantage of hiring a local plumber near you is the cost. Although the initial cost may seem more expensive than opting for a chain, you should consider that the local plumber may complete the job in a much shorter timeframe. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and may even result in a far better quality job.

Considering the plumber will also be familiar with the standards required by the local government and other local regulations, this also means that it is more likely you will have a job done to the highest possible standard. Because these businesses are locally owned and rely on repeat customers, they take pride in delivering quality results.

When it comes to hiring a local plumber, homeowners should be aware of the many benefits they can offer. Whether it’s quality workmanship or the fact that they are more in tune with the local area, there is no doubt choosing a local business can be the right decision. With this in mind, it’s worth taking the time to look around and do your research to find the best plumber to suit your needs.

How to Choose the Right Chicago Plumbing Expert for Your Home

a chicago plumbing expert.

Qualified Plumbers

When looking for a plumbing expert in Chicago, it is important to make sure that you are selecting a plumber who is qualified to do the job. The best way to ensure this is to find a plumber who is licensed and insured. Licensing is important as it shows that the plumber is trained to do the job and has the necessary knowledge and experience. The insurance is important in case something goes wrong, you will be covered.

When you are looking for a qualified local plumber, be sure to ask them for references from past customers. This will give you the opportunity to speak with those people and ask questions about the quality of work, customer service and overall experience. You should also ask for proof of insurance and licensing to make sure that the plumber is qualified to do the job.

Emergency Plumbers Chicago

When selecting an emergency plumber in Chicago, it is important to make sure that you are choosing a plumber who is available for emergency services. Plumbing problems can occur at any time and you want to make sure that you can get the help you need when you need it. Ask the plumber if they offer emergency services and if they do, ask what the fees are and the time frame they guarantee.

It is also important to make sure that the plumber can come to your home quickly. Ask them what the typical response time is and if there is any way to get a faster response. If you have an emergency, you don’t want to wait around for a plumber to arrive.

Chicago Plumbing Services

When selecting a residential plumber in Chicago, you want to make sure that they offer a wide range of services. Plumbing problems can range from simple repairs to complex full home re-piping services. Be sure to ask the plumber what services they offer and if they have the experience and knowledge to handle the job.

You should also ask about warranties and guarantees. A good plumber should stand behind their work and offer some sort of guarantee. This will give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, the plumber will be there to fix it.

Finally, you want to make sure that the plumber is someone you can trust. Be sure to ask for references and also ask about their reputation. You want to make sure that the plumber is someone you can trust to do a good job and be reliable.

Finding the right Chicago plumbing expert for your home doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right research and questions, you can find a qualified, experienced plumber who offers emergency services and a wide range of services. Make sure to ask questions, get references and check their reputation to make sure you are getting the best possible service. With the help of a qualified plumbing expert, you can trust that your plumbing needs will be taken care of quickly and efficiently.

Prepare Your Home Plumbing for Spring

Worker checking the power

As a homeowner, expectations are on you to take care of your house; otherwise, the potential damages can be costly. Plumbing is one of the tasks you should take care of regularly if you want to avoid costly problems. Plumping problems can be very inconvenient and expensive, so trying to prevent them in the first place is your best strategy. Even if learning plumbing might seem daunting at first, it’s an essential part of home maintenance that every homeowner should take into account. Checking home plumbing for Spring should be a thought-out process, and it’s best to do it before your big spring cleanup. That’s why we at Chicago Plumbing Experts would like to share our expert knowledge on home plumbing so Spring cleanup can be a much easier experience.

Checking everything before Spring clean up is a must

Homeowners should always be aware of the state of their house; negligence can be a costly mistake. To avoid a major headache in terms of large repair bills, you should know how to ensure everything in your house runs smoothly. This is especially true for your home plumbing, so you should check everything. One of the most important things to check are:

  • Test your sump pump-you need to avoid your basement flooding, and testing your sump pump is crucial for it,
  • Check your basement-you will need to thoroughly check the basement of your house for any leaks from damaged pipes,
  • Everything needs to be correctly sealed-this includes your floor, walls, windows, and doors,
  • Check your water valves-you want them to be functional during home plumbing for Spring
Steal pipes in the basement

The basement is a crucial place to check when preparing home plumbing for Spring

New homeowners should be aware of the things we listed before moving to their new house, as it’s a good indicator of the house’s state. According to experts, inspecting plumbing is a must-do and needs to be among the things you should check first before any home acquisition. So, check the home plumbing if you want to be smart about your move.

You should check sprinklers and outdoor faucets

Spring is more than just a problem for plumbing because of the cleanup. Spring is the time of the year when your garden comes back to life. If you want the perfect front yard for this spring season, check your sprinklers and outdoor faucets for any malfunctions, which can quickly happen. This is because during winter, many outside pipes tend to freeze, and during unfreezing, many problems can arise, and pipes can even break completely. To test this, run the whole system and check each sprinkler head and faucet individually for water leaks. By testing it, you can react on time for any malfunction and get to repair it.

One more area that would need checking is a house bib, as it’s a common area to malfunction. If you forgot to unhook your garden hose over winter, this part of the plumbing could have sprung a leak, so you should check that out too.

an outdoor water spigot

When preparing for plumbing, don’t forget pipes that are outside

A water softener is going to solve a lot of your problems

If your pipes are in good condition, you would want them to stay that way for a long time. However, minerals in the water that flow through the pipes can be a significant problem in the long run. Hard water has many dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can build up in your pipes and plug them over time. That’s why a water softener will keep your pipes unplugged by balancing hard minerals in water that runs through them and improve your home plumbing for Spring cleanup.

You should consider one if you come from places known to have hard water, which is 85% of our country. However, if you are coming from Utah, New Mexico, or the western side of Texas, a water softener is a must-have due to its incredibly mineral-dense water that is a plumbing hazard. Installing a salt-based softener has other benefits as well, like reducing hard water stains, improving your skin and hair, reducing the amount of soap needed to clean dishes and clothes, etc.

Preparing home plumbing is a constant search for leaks.

To properly prepare your home plumbing for the spring season, you should check the areas that leak the most. A toilet is one of the most important places to check for leaks, as it can cause costly problems like damaged floors and high water bills. One helpful tip is to use food coloring to spot leaks around your toilet. Simply put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet, and leaking water will be easy to spot.

Another area you should check when preparing your home plumbing is the kitchen. Again, you should check if any faucet is dripping, and if they do, fix it. Drain lines should be cleaned appropriately of food blockage, and the sink should be checked for damages. A garbage disposal can also be troublesome, so troubleshoot for any problems. Any of these issues can cause problems for your home plumbing for spring cleanup, so it would be smart to check it all out.

Habits that can make home plumbing a lot easier

Home plumbing problems often occur because of our bad habits, and a few changes here can make a big difference. First, you should never pour cooking oils and grease into your drain; they can stay there and solidify, causing clogging. One beneficial thing for your drain is to run hot water after washing dishes, as it helps remove grease. Using drain covers in your shower and kitchen sink prevents unwanted objects from entering pipes. Finally, we recommend using a body wash rather than a soup bar, as it is much healthier for your home’s plumbing. Bar soap produces too much soap scum that coats the walls of your pipes, which can result in clogs. 

Kitchen sink and knives

A kitchen is a place where leaks can cause a lot of trouble

Making sure that your home plumbing for Spring is proper is an important job that homeowners should pay attention to. During Spring clean up, your home plumbing will be under much stress from the increased water use, and any imperfections could lead to trouble. But don’t worry, if you put effort into it and follow our advice, it’s nothing that you can’t overcome.

How to Choose the Right Plumber Near Me?

Choosing the Right Plumber Near Me

How to Choose the Right Plumber Near Me? – As far as your home’s plumbing is concerned, finding the right plumber may be the most critical factor in the performance of the plumbing. The competence of your plumber plays a role in the number of plumbing emergencies you will have and the severity of those emergencies.

Your plumber influences the quality of the plumbing fixtures in your house and the overall cost of maintaining the plumbing, explains Limehouse Management. An honest and competent plumber will give you advice that lets you make the most of your plumbing. They will guide you away from making costly mistakes.

The question is, how do you find that plumber? Everywhere you look in your city, you will find plumbers advertising. They all have excellent websites with shiny claims about the quality of their services. How do you know when you have found a good plumber?

How to choose the right plumber

When hiring a plumber, you must arm yourself with a few attitudes or strategies to find the best one. You must understand the three things listed below before you even start the process of looking for a plumber:

It’s on you

Finding the correct plumber is your job here; your money and peace of mind are at stake. This is why you must take full responsibility for this process. Do the necessary checks thoroughly; test a plumber before you trust them.

Start early

Your chances of finding a good plumber are lower when you have a plumbing emergency in the home. This is partly because good plumbers are often very busy and may only be available on short notice. It is also because you will be too desperate to vet a plumber when dealing with an emergency.

Build long-term

You want the relationship with your plumber to be a long one. Having different plumbers work on your home’s plumbing is terrible for the system. You want to find that one good plumbing company and stick with them.

Steps for finding the right plumber near you

Here are the criteria to use when trying to hire a plumber.

Look for local plumbing companies

Working with a local company offers advantages over working with a national chain. A local company can structure its entire operations to meet the specific needs of the city where they are. As a result, the local company becomes an expert at dealing with local issues. A national company cannot do that.

Check licensing, certifications, and memberships

Make sure the company is licensed to work in your city. Also, check the credentials of the people who own or lead the company. Membership in the local chapter of their professional body is important because it gives you a glimpse of how others in the profession view the plumber.

Prioritize experience

Training is important, but a plumber who is well-trained and has lots of experience is better. Experience plays a huge role in things like understanding the peculiar soil or water issues in a city and the dominant design of the plumbing in that area, as well as when pulling job permits. Experience also means that this is not a company that is about to disappear by tomorrow morning.

Who are their employees?

How many employees does the company have, what are their qualifications, and how long have they been with the company? Are these part-time employees, or are they permanently on the company’s payroll? Good companies attract great workers who are willing to stay for a long time.

Think about their specialization

What kind of plumbing are they specialized in? Do not hire a commercial plumbing company to solve residential plumbing issues or vice versa. Have they had prior experience with the plumbing systems in buildings like yours?

Check references and reviews

Are they willing to provide a list of past or current customers who live in your locality, and are they happy to let you talk to those customers? What do people say about them in online reviews? How does the company deal with negative thoughts, and what is their Yelp, Google, or BBB rating?

Ask about insurance and warranties

Is the company adequately insured? What kind of insurance do they have? The plumber should have insurance coverage for workers who get injured on the job and coverage in case of damage to your property. Do they offer any warranties for their work and the parts they use on that job?

Request a copy of the contract

How does the company price its work? It is always better to get upfront pricing for any work a plumber wants to do for you. Moreover, the prices of items should be clearly stated and verifiable. You also need to know how they will get paid for their work; how do they calculate their fees?

Using this data, you should be able to locate a plumber near me who can resolve your plumbing issues efficiently and effectively. Selecting the right company is essential, so take your time and select a reliable provider.

Local Plumbers to Avoid

Local Plumbers to Avoid

You will only know the importance of finding a competent local plumber once you have had an unqualified plumber mess up the plumbing in your home. Plumbing emergencies are one of the worst problems to have in the house. Issues like water heater malfunctions, burst or frozen pipe emergencies, or an overflowing toilet can grind your entire household to a halt.

When you have a plumbing emergency in your home, Advantage Properties advises you want to be sure the person you hire to fix it knows what they are doing. However, in most cities in the USA, there is a surplus of plumbers, but finding the right one can be very difficult. It does not make it easier as incompetent plumbers often charge less than capable ones.

A dishonest plumber can do this because they will use substandard materials and methods. Additionally, they spend fewer hours on a job, so homeowners’ labor costs are lower. But the allure of that cheap patch-up job fades when the home’s plumbing fails, and the cost of fixing it is several times more than the money saved.

How can you identify an incompetent plumber and avoid the harm that person can do to your home’s plumbing and finances? Before you hire a plumber to work in your home, check for the following seven things. An honest and competent plumber will not have any difficulties satisfying the opposite of the listed conditions.

New plumbing companies

If a plumber is inexperienced, you don’t want them messing with your home’s plumbing. Avoid newly established plumbing companies. That new company may be a fly-by-night operation that just rolled into town. If a company doesn’t have roots in the area, it can easily pack up and leave. Unless the principal of the new plumbing company can show a track record of having worked with another reputable plumber, don’t hire them.

Plumbers without an up-to-date license

A plumber needs to be licensed to work in the municipality. But more than having a license is required; the license must be up to date. You should be able to verify their registration status with the local government and the local chapter of their professional body. Also, you want the plumber to have expertise working with homes like yours. Even if they are legit, hire someone other than a plumber who specializes in commercial plumbing systems for your residential plumbing repair issues.

A plumber who does not have enough reviews or references

A local plumber should be able to furnish you with sufficient references. If the plumber has experience working in the area and is as good as they claim, it should be easy to give you a list of past or current customers. Only hire a plumber if they provide out-of-town references or if the references are good. Do not hire a plumber if they don’t have an online footprint or if all the online reviews are positive.

Plumbers who don’t have enough insurance

Even good plumbers make mistakes, but the best plumbers always prepare for that possibility. Avoid a plumber if they do not have sufficient insurance. At a minimum, the plumber should have enough insurance to cover employees injured on the job, protect you from liability and cover your losses if your property is damaged. Avoid a plumber who will not let you verify the extent of their coverage with their insurer.

A plumber who doesn’t employ licensed tradesmen

Avoid a plumbing company if they don’t have licensed tradesmen on their payroll. Plumbing systems are delicate; the massive damage that can result from a minor error by an incompetent worker is something you want to avoid. Even if the owner is qualified, the lack of experienced hands could lead to long wait times. You want to know that the company can deploy a trained plumber to your home in an emergency.

Plumbers who don’t offer guarantees and warranties

If the plumber can’t give clear-cut answers about what they will do if there is a problem with a job they did for you, avoid that plumbing company. You want a plumber who offers guarantees on the parts they used in your system, plus on the labor. If the plumber does not guarantee that something goes wrong with the job within a specific timeframe and that they will fix it at no cost to you; you don’t want to hire them.

Plumbers who will not put it into writing

If a plumber wants the contract to be verbal and hesitates to put it on paper, they cannot be trusted. Your arrangement with a plumber should not be over the phone. That is subject to change and there is no way to prove what you agreed with the company. All agreements should be documented and both parties should agree on the meaning of every aspect of the contract. If anything, please do not work with that plumber.

These seven simple tips should save you the inconvenience of hiring a less than adequate plumber and will save you a ton of money in the long run.

Important Questions to Ask a Chicago Plumber Before Hiring

a plumber in chicago

Finding the right plumber when you have plumbing issues in your home is more than half the effort of solving the problem. A good plumber looks holistically at your plumbing systems, instead of simply focusing on the single issue you reported, as amateurs do. That plumber not only solves the plumbing problem but also helps you prevent future problems.

How do you find that kind of plumber?

Most homeowners wait until there is a pressing problem with their plumbing before they look for a plumber, says Envy Property Management. When you do this, chances are you won’t care much about the qualifications of the person you hire. You just want them to make the problem go away. This is one reason why plumbing problems in your home are never completely solved.

To find a qualified Chicago plumber, you should start the process long before there are issues with your home’s plumbing. This will help you avoid the anxieties that lead to hiring the wrong person. 

So, what criteria should you use when trying to find a plumber for your home? If you live in the Chicago area, the list below will answer that question for you.

Are they local or national?

A national chain may have all the right people but the two things they lack are flexibility and a personal touch. These are important when looking for a plumber. You want a local company that you can build a long-term relationship with. That plumber should come to know your home’s plumbing intimately so that they can diagnose and solve problems quickly and economically.

What kind of plumbing services do they provide?

When looking for a local plumber for your home, you do not want to hire a commercial plumber in Chicago. Commercial and residential plumbing systems are very different, and a commercial plumber may not give you the kind of service you need in your home. Only hire a commercial plumber if they also provide residential plumbing services.

Ask about licensing, qualifications, and memberships

Plumbers in Chicago are required to have up-to-date licenses to practice in the city. Check that the plumber is properly licensed by the city. You will also want to know if they are members of the local chapter of their professional organization. The training of the employees who will be doing the work matters, so make sure to ask about that.

How long have they been in business?

Experience counts: not everything is learned in training. The longer a plumber has been in business, the more time they have had to gain the needed expertise to solve the most difficult plumbing issues. The other reason to hire an experienced plumber is you can use them as your sounding board; they become a trusted adviser on all plumbing issues.

Are they bonded and insured?

What kind of insurance do they have? How much insurance do they carry? The plumber’s insurance policy should include worker compensation for any worker who is injured while on your property, liability insurance to protect you from lawsuits, and property insurance if your property is damaged by their workers.

What do others say about them?

The company should have an online footprint that you can follow. Check online review sources to see what people are saying about them. Look out for negative reviews and pay particular attention to how the company responds to those. Some online sources where you can look for reviews are BBB (Better Business Bureau) and Yelp.

Can they provide references?

Ask the plumber for a verifiable list of people who have used their services in the last year. These should be people who live in Chicago. Ask the plumber’s permission to contact these references. Make sure to call some of the people on the list to find out what their experience of working with the plumber was like.

Do they offer a warranty on their work?

What happens if there are issues with a job the company did for you? Will they fix the problems at no cost to you? Will there be a warranty on the parts they supply? If there are warranties, you will want to know the terms and conditions attached to them. Warranties should be gotten in writing.

How will they estimate the cost of the job?

Will they provide a free estimate? How do they arrive at that estimate? Will you get a quote over the phone, or should you expect them to do a home inspection? You want your plumber to have the right information about a problem before quoting on the job. Do not work with plumbers who attempt to give you a quote over the phone.

How do they charge?

Do they use hourly rates or flat rates? With flat rates, you know what you are paying for a job, but hourly rates can be unpredictable. You also want to see the contract and payment terms. Do they expect you to pay upfront, halfway through the job, or after the work is completed?

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In need of the best plumbing services in Chicago? Contact us below!

10 Ways to Find a Dependable Plumber in Chicago

Find a Dependable Plumber in Chicago

The plumbing system is a huge part of what makes your home such a nice place to live in. Although you don’t see this system at work most of the time, it is toiling away every single hour to keep you and your family supplied with clean water. It also carries away all the wastewater generated in your home without any fuss.

What would happen if your home’s plumbing system suddenly stopped working? That’s not something you like to think about, but it is a very real possibility. There are two ways to keep this from happening. You can avoid damage to your home’s plumbing by using it in the right way, says Ocean Blue Management. Secondly, you can protect your plumbing by only hiring a qualified plumber to work on it.

If you live in Chicago, you know that finding someone to fix problems with your plumbing is not hard at all. However, whether that person has the training and experience to do a good job is another matter altogether. The cost of letting unqualified persons handle your home’s plumbing system goes beyond the money you pay the person and your wasted time.

Badly done plumbing repairs and amateur plumbers subject your home to a slew of issues. Long after the joy of paying a small fee to a non-professional is forgotten, the unrelenting pains of that bad decision will still haunt you. What are the steps you can take to make sure that the plumber you hire to work on your Chicago home is trustworthy?

10 steps for finding a dependable plumber in Chicago

Experience matters

There are things you can only learn from years of practice; that’s why experience often coincides with competence. Also, a plumber who has been practicing in an area for a long time would have built a reputation. That reputation is easier to verify. A new company, on the other hand, might be a bad plumber who has recently moved to your area.

Are they local?

Give preference to local Chicago plumbers over national chains. Nationwide companies may have all the sophisticated equipment, but they lack one key thing: the personal touch. Local companies are more responsive, they can adapt to your specific needs, and you can build a long-term personal relationship with the plumber.

Verify credentials and licensing

Most tradesmen are happy to display proof of their competence via their various certifications and the training they have done. However, you should not take the plumber at their word. Take the extra step to verify all claims. Also, ensure the plumber you are working with is licensed by the municipality and that the license is still valid.

Ask about memberships

In addition to certifications, training, and licensing, the plumber should be a member of the local chapter of their professional body. Professional bodies have a code of conduct they expect their members to follow. The plumber knows that he can lose his standing, or license if he fails to uphold those standards.

Insurance and warranty

What kind of insurance do they offer? What happens if one of their workers is injured on your premises while working on your plumbing? What about if they damage your home or belongings while doing their work? Do they have enough insurance to cover these and is there a warranty on their work?

Look at their team

How many people do they have on their payroll? Are they permanent or temporary employees? What are the qualifications of the people who work for them? Permanent employees are more committed to their work than temporary staff, since, unlike temps, they may have to work for that same customer again in the future.

Check their online reputation

Follow the company’s online footsteps by checking the comments and reviews left by past and current customers. How does the company interact with people on its social media pages? Pay particular attention to its response to negative comments and reviews. What are its Yelp, Google, and BBB ratings?

Ask for referrals

Can the plumber furnish you with a list of people they have worked for in the last 6-12 months? These should be people who live close to your location. Ask the plumber’s permission to contact the people on the list. Make the effort to speak with some of them about their experience working with that plumber.

Ask for recommendations

Skilled workers and technicians who have worked within a specific location for a reasonable length of time often know one another. Your plumber, HVAC technician, and the local hardware store know the best workmen in the area and the ones who are no good. You can ask them for recommendations.

Are they willing to put things in writing?

Ask the plumber for a copy of the contract they give to their customers? Let them also provide the estimates in writing, rather than over the phone. A plumber who is unwilling or unable to do these cannot be trusted. Having things in writing helps you avoid unnecessary disputes in the future.

a plumbing contract

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How Clogged Drains Affect Your Home Plumbing System

How Clogged Drains Affect Your Home Plumbing System

How Clogged Drains Affect Your Home Plumbing System – Clogged drains are not just a mild inconvenience as some people might consider. They can cause serious harm to the property, warns Whole Property Management. If you start to notice a clogged drain in your home, you need to respond urgently. But how do you identify a clogged drain? 

Signs of clogged drains

Slow-moving drains

Pipes and drains do not block altogether at once. The blockage builds up gradually over time. As the debris keeps accumulating inside the drain, it slows down the movement of wastewater. So, if you notice that your drain is slowing down, it means a clog is developing in the drain. 

However, if all your drains are slowing simultaneously, you may be dealing with a clogged sewer line. On careful observation, toilet drains are the first to slow down if the sewer line develops a clog. Water may hang on for a while before it gradually sinks as you flush the toilet following this occurrence.

Gurgling sounds 

When clogs develop in your drain, they hinder the free flow of wastewater. Pipes conduct sound, and as a result, you may notice weird noises when wastewater drains through your plumbing fixtures. People commonly describe these noises as gurgling sounds when using the drain. Sometimes, you may observe it as bubbling, trickling, or hissing sounds. Cases that affect the main sewer line may experience these weird noises for a long time after you stop using the drain.

Clogged plumbing fixtures

A clogged plumbing fixture is a late sign. In this case, there is already a severe or complete blockage of the pipe. As a result, almost no water can flow through the drainpipe. You may notice this if your tub fills up as you are trying a shower or the sink overflows as you are using it.

The consequences of having a clogged drain

a woman smelling bad sewer odors from her drain.

Remember that you pour or flush items into the drains. Such things may include waste, food, gunk, hair, etc. These items will accumulate within the pipe and lead to clogging.

Unpleasant odors

Why do you experience unpleasant odors when you have a clogged drain? Remember that you pour or flush items into the drains. Such things may include waste, food, gunk, hair, etc. These items will accumulate within the pipe and lead to clogging. 

As a result, bacteria will have a suitable environment to grow and cause decay. The decay will present itself as terrible odors emanating from your drain. In addition, these odors will not stay within the pipes alone. They will also spread to other areas of the home. Imagine perceiving an unpleasant odor throughout your property. It can be upsetting to guests and neighbors.

Pest infestations

Several types of pests may infest a property that is experiencing clogged drains. The reasons are that unpleasant odors from the drain will attract pests, and the stagnant water will provide a suitable environment for them to thrive. Mosquitos and other insects multiply by laying their eggs in stagnant water. If food particles clog the drain, they will serve as a food for the pest.

Clogged drains will attract the following insects:

  • Drain flies (moth flies)
  • Phorid flies
  • Cockroaches
  • Fruit flies

Health hazards

Clogged drains provide an unhealthy environment in the home. Remember that the pipes harbor bacteria and produce unpleasant odors. These bacteria can contaminate your drinking water and cause harmful infections. 

Symptoms of such illnesses may present as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Common bacteria that may spread because of clogged drains include salmonella, campylobacter, helicobacter, etc. Unpleasant odors from clogged drains can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, mood swings, and irritations to the throat, eyes, and nose.

Pest infestation during clogged drains also helps in spreading germs. After nesting inside clogged pipes, these pests may perch on your food, plates, or drinking water.

Molds also grow because of clogged drains. The effects of mold growths in your home may present as allergies or respiratory diseases.

plumbing leak

Plumbing leaks

Water will always find a way to escape. When drains clog, the wastewater will back up within the pipes. After pooling for some time, water will start leaking through the pipe joints, seals, and caulking. Depending on the size of the leakage, some homeowners may not notice it immediately.

Structural damage

Gradual leakage of plumbing fixtures into the soil and surrounding structure can affect the property. If it happens close to the foundation, the structural integrity will weaken. 

Severe drain clogs will cause wastewater to back up into your home. As a result, your home may experience flooding. Depending on the type of flooring, floods in the home may damage the floors. When this happens, the repairs are usually expensive.

The bottom line 

It is advisable to treat a clogged drain as an emergency. When you notice that you are experiencing clogged drains, turn off the water supply to your home and call a professional local plumber. Plumbers have the appropriate tools, training, and skills to locate the problem inside the drain or offer professional drain cleaning solutions.

Home Plumbing Solutions

kitchen faucet

Every household will face plumbing problems at some point in time. However, you can avoid most major plumbing problems by regularly maintaining your home. You can probably resolve some of the issues on your own, but you will most likely need to hire professional home plumbing services for the more serious ones. Today, we will break down the essential home plumbing solutions and what you can do to keep up with the maintenance.

Remodel your home with your health in mind

Most people don’t pay enough attention to their health and how their home’s plumbing can affect them. Thankfully, the water in the Chicago area is generally decent; however, there is still lead in the tap water. This can cause problems, especially after prolonged exposure, and no level of lead is safe for children. Additionally, as your pipes corrode over time, the water quality may drop. You can consider renovating your home and updating your plumbing to improve your health, safety, and quality of life. 

Be aware that a major house remodel, which includes your home’s plumbing system, can make it hard to live on the property while the work is ongoing. So, you might want to schedule the remodel when you have some vacation days to spare. Furthermore, you will also need to make room so that the plumbers can reach the pipes. Since the pipes are sometimes hidden in hard-to-reach places behind your furniture, Strong-Ass Movers recommend temporarily packing and moving your furniture out of the home and into a storage unit. And, if you vacate your home, the work will be done faster, and you won’t have to live among the debris during the remodel.

Home plumbing solutions for each part of your house

Focus most of your attention on the bathroom

You use the most considerable amount of water in the bathroom, and that’s precisely where most of the plumbing problems in your home can occur. You should check the faucets and the showerhead to see if there are any leaks. Another common bathroom plumbing problem can be caused by toilets that aren’t flushing correctly. From our experience, backed-up toilets usually occur when people try to flush things that should actually go in the trash. So, sit down with your family members or housemates, and explain what goes down the toilet and what goes in the trash.

Showerhead with running water

Water-saving shower heads can reduce your utility bills

In case you run into any issues with bathroom plumbing, we suggest that you contact plumbing repair experts from Chicago since bathroom plumbing can be challenging to deal with on your own. If you want to be environmentally friendly, you can consider installing a water-saving shower and a toilet that uses less water. Not only are those solutions good for the environment, but they will also reduce your water bill.

Inspect your water heater

A large number of homes in Chicago rely on tank water heaters that pre-heat the water in your home. Most water heaters will last somewhere between 6 to 8 years; however, you can extend their duration with regular water heater repair and maintenance. When it comes to your water heater, there are a few home plumbing solutions you can try yourself:

  • Uneven low water pressure. The pressure for hot water is directly tied to your water heater, and if there are fluctuations in the pressure, you might need to replace the pump.
  • The temperature of the water fluctuates. All of the faucets in your home should have equally hot water.
  • Hot water has a strange color or smell. This could point to a buildup in your tank, which could probably be solved by cleaning it.
Home plumbing solutions to recognize hot water problems

Problems with hot water are probably coming from your water heater

Check your kitchen 

Kitchen drains can often get backed up due to food buildups. This is especially common for households that have garbage disposal units. Even if you are very careful about what you put down the garbage disposal, there could still be small buildups of leftover food that can accumulate over time, thus causing the drain to get blocked. The garbage disposal isn’t something that you should try to repair by yourself, and we recommend hiring local plumbers to deal with that for you. If you are looking for DIY home plumbing solutions, you can try to use a chemical-free solution to unclog your drains. Choose a product that won’t corrode your pipes and drains. Alternatively, you can use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to break down the buildup.

Kitchen chemicals

Be careful which chemicals you use to unclog backed-up pipes

Get the pipes ready for winter

Most people stick to the motto “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Unfortunately, if you wait until your pipes start leaking, you are in for a lot of trouble. It would be best to inspect your pipes for leaks regularly, and the best time to fix any damage to your pipes is during the summer. Chicago winters can be freezing, and leaky pipes can freeze and burst from the low temperatures. Your best course of action would be to take care of those issues before any significant damage occurs. 

Even in a warmer climate, leaky pipes will lead to unnecessarily large water bills. Most importantly, unchecked leaks can cause water damage to your home, which can be expensive and challenging to deal with. When checking your home for leaks, you should work from the bottom up since water flows downwards. If your home has a basement, look for any sources of water that shouldn’t be there. Leaks in the basement could cause damage to the foundation of your home and should be treated very seriously.

To summarize

We have covered the four most crucial home plumbing solutions and explained which signs you should look for. When you run into any issues, carefully consider whether you can deal with them yourself. If you feel uncomfortable dealing with plumbing problems, you can contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.