Bad Shower Habits that Can Ruin Your Plumbing

Taking a shower is part of most people’s daily routine. A good shower can do wonders for your mind and body. Cold showers can increase alertness, help muscles to recover and even improve immunity, while hot showers can detox your body, repair cells and ease anxiety.

Showering may be beneficial for your well-being, but if you fall into a couple of common bad habits, it can take its toll on your plumbing. If you’re not careful, you may find that a relaxing shower quickly turns into a stressful morning where you have to deal with some rather serious plumbing problems!

Here are six bad shower habits you should try to avoid in order to keep your bathroom looking great and your plumbing in Chicagoland working properly:

Habit One: Leaving Puddles on the Floor

If you’re in a rush in the morning, then cleaning up the little puddle of water on your bathroom floor from your shower may be the last thing on your mind, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. You wouldn’t ignore a water leak, and you certainly shouldn’t ignore water spillage from the shower!

Leaving water on the floor of your bathroom is a recipe for disaster. That water could cause mold growth, ruin your floor and potentially cause much more widespread problems. Investing in a bath mat and cleaning up water spills after a shower will help to prevent serious water damage.

If you’re used to seeing a puddle of water next to your shower, then you may not notice immediately if you have a leak – which could result in a flooded bathroom, or worse!

Habit Two: Not Removing Calcium Deposits

Did you know that just turning the water on in your shower could be damaging to your plumbing? Hard water, like the water in Chicago, is often rich in certain minerals that can clog your showerhead.

When hard water dries, it leaves deposits. Over time, these deposits will block the showerhead nozzle and reduce water flow. Thankfully, this common problem has a very easy solution!

Just a little white vinegar is normally all that’s needed to remove calcium deposits, improving the appearance and function of your shower head in minutes.

Habit Three: Staying in the Shower Too Long

If you’re partial to taking long showers, then there’s a good reason to curb the habit – mold! All the steam that builds up in your bathroom during long showers can result in the development of mold, which is not good for your family’s health.

Mold will quickly spread to all the nooks and crannies in your bathroom if you don’t have good ventilation. Shower curtains and loofahs are also breeding grounds for mold and bacteria and may need regular cleaning if you’ve noticed signs of mold.

One way to prevent mold growth is by reducing the temperature and length of your shower. You can also increase ventilation and reduce mold by opening a window or installing an exhaust fan.

Habit Four: Letting Hair Clog the Drain

One of the worst shower habits for your plumbing is letting hair get into the drain. Over time, a few hairs can become a lot of hair and suddenly the drain is blocked and you’re making the call to an emergency plumber in Chicagoland to fix the problem.

Like most bad shower habits that can ruin your plumbing, this one has a simple solution – a drain stopper. Drain stoppers are an affordable and effective way to stop hair and other debris from clogging the drain.

Habit Five: Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you’ve noticed a clog in your drain – whether from hair or other debris – then one of the worst things you can do is reach for a chemical cleaner. Chemical cleaners may get rid of the clog, but they could potentially leave you with a more serious problem.

Not only are chemical cleaners bad for the environment, they’re also bad for your plumbing. Those harsh chemicals will corrode your pipes, which isn’t as easy or affordable to fix as a simple clog.

Plungers and plumber’s snakes are safer tools to remove blockages that won’t cause damage to your pipes in the process. If ever in doubt about how to unclog a drain, it’s always best to call a trained plumber in Chicagoland who’ll be able to assess and solve the problem quickly.

Habit Six: Ignoring Small Plumbing Problems

Many plumbing problems come with plenty of warning signs before true disaster strikes. This is especially the case in the bathroom, where your shower is likely to give you a fair bit of advanced warning if all is not well!

Constant dripping may not seem like a major problem, but it could be a sign that you need to adjust water pressure before you ruin the plumbing. Similarly, hot water not lasting as long as you hoped is not only annoying, but it may also be a sign of a serious problem with your water heater.

Faster running water, slower running water, oddly colored water, poor drainage and any other alterations to the way your shower works or how the water looks need addressing quickly. It’s always better to call a plumber as soon as you notice small problems than to ignore the problems and risk them escalating.

The Best Habit to Improve Your Plumbing in Chicagoland

Not all habits are bad habits. If you can get into the routine of booking regular plumbing inspections and start paying attention to warning signs, then you can enjoy healthier plumbing and a reduced risk of disasters occurring!

For advice and guidance in a plumbing emergency or for the answer to any questions you may have about your bathroom plumbing, simply get in touch with Arco Plumbing. Arco Plumbing is one of the most well-established and trusted plumbing services in the Chicagoland region, and the only experts you need to call for plumbing advice in Westmont and the surrounding areas. 

Plumbing Disaster Prevention Tips

There are many wonderful surprises to look forward to over the holiday season, from gifts you’ve been dreaming of all year to an abundance of festive family events. However, one surprise that you certainly don’t want to experience as a holiday guest visiting family or friends, is a plumbing disaster!

Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing problem during the holiday season, but it can be particularly bad having to handle a disaster when you’re a guest in someone else’s home. Thankfully, it’s easy to avoid the nightmare of burst pipes, overflowing toilets, clogged drains and all manner of other plumbing issues with a few simple prevention tips.

Our top plumbing disaster prevention tips for holiday guests will also come in handy when your holiday comes to an end and you return home – so it’s worth taking note! Without further ado, here are seven top tips and one bonus tip for avoiding plumbing disasters:

Tip One: Locate the Shutoff Valve Upon Arrival

Not every plumbing problem is serious enough to warrant calling it a disaster, but most problems can escalate into disasters if you don’t shut them down quickly. The way to do this is to locate the shutoff valve and make sure you know how to turn off the water supply. If a pipe does burst unexpectedly or a hose comes loose, switching off the water quickly will turn an almost-disaster into just a quick call to a local plumber.

Tip Two: Use the Drain Strainer

Taking care of the dishes after dinner is a great way to thank your host for inviting you into their home… unless you end up clogging the drain! If there’s a drain strainer to hand, make sure to use it and keep things like coffee grounds and oil/grease out of the drain. Pouring fats down the drain is one of the fastest ways to clog the pipes.

Tip Three: Keep Your Room Toasty Warm

If you’re lucky enough to have control over the heating in your room during your holiday, then it’s better for the plumbing to keep the house warm than to try and save your hosts some money on their heating bills. A cold house means cold pipes, which can quickly escalate to burst pipes if the temperature drops too low.

Tip Four: Don’t Overwhelm the Garbage Disposal

If you find yourself having to use a garbage disposal during your holiday, then bear in mind that it can’t handle everything you try to throw down it. Most garbage disposals can’t cope with bones, celery, fruit pits, potato peels, egg shells, coffee grounds and many other items. If it’s starchy, stringy or hard, then the safest bet is to pop it in the bin.

Tip Five: Be Careful What You Flush

Just as there are certain items to keep well away from the drain and garbage disposal, there are also many things that shouldn’t be flushed down your host’s toilet. Hair, diapers, cotton balls, wet wipes, swabs and feminine hygiene products should be disposed of in a bin, not the toilet. Too many of these items could cause the toilet to become clogged.

Tip Six: Create a Shower Schedule

The more people there are staying under the same roof, the more demand they’ll be to use the shower. Creating a shower schedule is a great idea to prevent potential plumbing disasters like clogged pipes and make sure that everyone gets time in the bathroom. Extra people will mean that more hair and water pass through the shower drains, so it’s best to leave around 10 minutes between each use.

Tip Seven: Don’t Dry Clothes on Pipes

If you need to dry any clothes while you’re away from home, it’s better to ask to use the dryer than to take a shortcut and try to dry your clothes on an exposed pipe. Exposed pipes may seem like the perfect place to hang your clothes for quick drying, but if you add too much weight to the pipes, your clothes may end up even damper because there’s a chance the pipe will burst!

Bonus Tip: Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Guests

If you’re planning to switch roles from holiday guest to holiday host, then you’ll need a whole new set of tips to keep your home free of plumbing disasters during the holiday season – and hopefully much longer!

Along with sharing some of the tips we’ve already covered with your guests, here are five more easy ways to prevent a plumbing disaster when entertaining guests:

• Inspect your toilet for signs of leaks, make sure there’s a bin nearby for items that shouldn’t be flushed and have a plunger to hand, just in case.

• Give your drains a thorough clean and remove clogs with a mixture of baking soda (1/2 cup), salt (1/2 cup) and white wine vinegar (1/4 cup).

• Call in a professional HVAC inspector to check your heater for clogs, broken parts and ventilation issues; schedule a tune-up before your guests arrive.

• Get your water heater professionally inspected for signs of sediment buildup, leaks, debris and damage.

• Check the hoses on your washing machine for signs of wear and tear or leaks. You should also check the faucets outside your house for leaks.

Just a few simple checks will help to keep your plumbing in excellent condition over the holidays and long into the new year.

Arco Plumbing – The Westmont Plumbing Experts

If the worst does happen and you experience a plumbing disaster, then Arco Plumbing are who you need to call for a fast response in Westmont, Illinois and the surrounding areas.

We’re always reliable in an emergency, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for advice and expert solutions, whether you have a water leak, broken fixtures, cracked pipe or flooding disaster. We can also take care of plumbing inspections, tune-ups and drain cleaning, to reduce the risk of plumbing problems ruining your holidays!

Replacing a Toilet Seat & Lid

Whether your existing toilet seat is old or broken and in need of replacement or you’ve just installed a new toilet, fitting a toilet seat & lid should only take a few minutes when you know what you’re doing. This quick and simple DIY project is an easy way to brighten up your bathroom without much effort or any professional tools.

Here are seven tips for replacing a toilet seat & lid and one ultimate trick to bear in mind to keep your bathroom plumbing in tip top condition:

Tip One: Check Whether You Need a New Toilet Seat

If you’re considering installing a new seat & lid on your toilet because your existing seat isn’t working properly, then you may not need a new seat at all! An unsteady or sliding toilet seat can often be fixed with just a simple hinge or bolt adjustment.

Tightening a loose hinge or bolt or replacing a broken bolt may be all that’s needed to make the seat steady. Adjustments to the hinge position will also prevent problems like the toilet seat falling down or the seat not covering the bowl properly.

Just replacing some or all of the fittings could save you some money and mean that you don’t need to spend time trying to find another toilet seat & lid that matches your bathroom design.

Tip Two: Take Accurate Measurements of Your Toilet Seat

One of the most important tips to bear in mind when replacing a toilet seat & lid is to take measurements. You’ll need to measure the existing toilet seat and take note of the shape to make sure that you buy a replacement that fits properly.

If your toilet doesn’t have a seat, then measure the width of the toilet bowl, the space between the holes, and the length of the bowl from the middle. The likelihood is you’ll either need a round or oval seat, as these are two of the most common toilet seat shapes.

Tip Three: Shop Around for Toilet Seats

While you’ll need to match your existing toilet seat for shape and size to get the correct fit, it doesn’t mean that you can’t upgrade your toilet seat in another way.

One thing to consider when replacing a toilet seat & lid is the option of a soft-close toilet seat. These can cost more than a traditional seat, but they close smoothly and quietly by themselves. Some soft-close seats also come with other advanced features like built-in night lights.

If you’re replacing your toilet seat anyway, it’s worth shopping around for an upgrade if you’re budget can stretch to it.

Tip Four: Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

As with any project, it’s best to start with the tools you need ready. Thankfully, replacing a toilet lid & seat doesn’t require much equipment, but you will need a:

• Tape measure

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench or pliers

• New toilet seat

You may also want to wear gloves while working on the toilet or clean it thoroughly first with an anti-bacterial spray. As you’ll likely need to kneel down when removing and replacing the seat, it may be easier to use knee pads or place a towel or soft rug on the floor.

Tip Five: Have Some WD-40 To Hand

On most toilets, there’s a bolt on either side that needs to be removed to take off the seat. You’ll need to remove the bolt caps and hold the nuts in place while you unscrew the bolts, or alternatively remove the nuts first and then the bolts.

For older toilet seats where the bolts don’t come off easily, you may need to spray them with WD-40. WD-40 will loosen the bolts and make it much easier to remove them.

If WD-40 doesn’t do the trick, then the other option is to cut the bolts using a hacksaw. Simply protect the toilet bowl with tape and saw off the bolts beneath the hinge.

Tip Six: Read the Instructions Carefully

Installing your new toilet seat & lid may be as simple as following the same process for removing the seat but in reverse. However, it’s always best to read the instructions carefully before attaching the new seat & lid.

Much like removing the toilet seat, the installation process will vary depending on the type of toilet seat you’re installing; different types and brands of toilet seat will also come with different hardware. The installation process will go much simpler when you know what you’re doing before you begin!

Tip Seven: Keep the Nuts Loose During Installation

To get the perfect fit for your new toilet seat & lid, make sure that you leave the nuts loose during the installation. Tightening the nuts too much while you’re still fitting the seat will limit the adjustments you can make. Only tighten the nuts fully when you’re 100% happy with the final position.

If you’re using plastic nuts, then you may not want to tighten them all the way. Plastic nuts that are too tight may break sooner and mean that you’ll need to replace the fittings again. Over-tightening metal nuts may also prove problematic at a later date if you need to remove or adjust your toilet seat.

The Ultimate Trick: Call in the Experts for a Home Plumbing Inspection

Much more can go wrong with your bathroom fixtures than an old or broken toilet seat. There are many problems that can affect your toilet, such as issues with the flush, constantly running water in the tank and moisture around the toilet fixtures.

For peace of mind over the health of your plumbing, booking a home plumbing inspection is a great idea. The inspection will cover everything from the pipes and lines in your home to toilets and sinks to give you the ultimate reassurance that your plumbing is in excellent condition.

Contact Arco Plumbing in Westmont IL for bathroom plumbing maintenance, installations and replacements as well as repairs, or give us a call for advice about any aspect of your plumbing.

Plumbing Camera Inspections

Hidden inside your walls and under your garden, is a maze of piping that’s responsible for carrying water and waste into and away from your home. When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it’s a race against time to get to the bottom of the issue and find a solution.

However, finding a solution to a problem you can’t see the cause of can be as difficult as it sounds. Much of what goes on inside your pipes is a complete and utter mystery and will remain so until you take a look.

A hose-mounted camera is the ultimate solution to unraveling the mystery of your plumbing and discovering what’s lurking inside the pipes that’s causing problems. Here are the five key benefits of hiring a professional plumbing contractor in Chicagoland to perform a plumbing camera inspection:

Fast Diagnosis

Sometimes it’s as clear as day what the problem with your plumbing is, and sometimes it’s not. There are an extraordinary number of things that can go wrong with plumbing, a large number of which have the same or very similar outward results.

Without using a plumbing camera inspection, plumbers have to rely almost solely on experience and expertise as their primary tools to diagnose a problem. This could mean that a lot of guesswork is involved in the diagnosis, possibly leading to a misdiagnosis and greater expense and disruption.

Plumbing camera inspections take all the guesswork out of diagnosing problems. Inserting the camera is easy and the plumber will have a live view of what’s going on in seconds. The plumber may be able to discover the cause of a problem in minutes, where without the camera it could have taken a lot of trial and error and a significant amount of time.

When you opt for a plumbing camera inspection, the accurate diagnosis will eliminate common mistakes and costly errors.

Condition Overview

Can you say for certain what condition your pipes are in? Much of a property’s plumbing is not visible, which means that it can be very difficult to identify problems, let alone monitor them. A massive water leak may be on the horizon, without any evidence that something is wrong.

After a camera inspection, you’ll be able to say for sure what condition your plumbing is in. Everything could be looking great or there may be a stray tree root starting to grow through cracks in a sewage line, but at least you’ll know about it.

Plumbing camera inspections are a particularly beneficial service when purchasing a new house. Just as you’d check a new property for damp, structural problems, and insulation quality, it’s important to check the condition of the plumbing. Nobody wants to discover pipe deterioration after they purchase a property and then have to pay a fortune for repairs on top of other moving costs – it pays to know what you’re buying!

No Disruptions

Plumbing camera inspections are normally a much better choice than the alternative. Why choose to have your garden upturned or holes cut into your walls, when you could have a small camera inserted into your drain instead!

Even if you choose the alternative, there’s no guarantee that the new hole in your garden or wall is going to be in the right spot. You may end up with a dozen more holes or an enormous hole before the plumber finds the source of the problem.

A camera inspection is faster, more accurate, and much less disruptive than digging a hole! The whole process is safe and non-invasive, so it’s going to cause less disruption to your home and your day – plumbing problems can be disruptive enough without your home being taken apart to solve them.

Disaster Prevention

Prevention is perhaps the greatest benefit of plumbing camera inspections. During the inspection, the camera may reveal a number of small problems that have the potential to escalate into much bigger issues. This way, problems like clogs and corrosion can be fixed early before they have chance to become a disaster. After identifying problems, the plumber will formulate a plan for the best and most cost-effective solution – saving you time, money and stress!

The added prevention benefit of a plumbing camera inspection is highlighting things that you might be doing that are causing problems. Sometimes, the simplest of plumbing tips – like not putting grease down the sink or using a drain grate – can prevent massive problems from occurring. Your plumber can give you advice on what habits to change, so you can prevent plumbing problems in the future.

Great Savings

A plumbing camera inspection could end up saving you a considerable amount of money, firstly by preventing problems. If you have a pipe that’s at the end of its lifespan, then an inspection will highlight the problem before it starts leaking and your water bills skyrocket.

Speed and accuracy are two further ways that plumbing camera inspections can save you money. Not only will the inspection reduce the time it takes to diagnose a problem and eliminate the need for multiple inspections, but it prevents a misdiagnosis costing you a significant sum on unneeded work.

You’ll also get the reassurance that the problems you’re paying to fix actually exist. You’ll be able to view the live video feed of the camera in action and get an insurance report after the inspection if required.

Contact Arco Plumbing for Camera Inspection Services in Chicagoland

If you want to know with absolute certainty want’s going on inside your plumbing, then Arco Plumbing are the local contractors to call. We can give you peace of mind about the condition of your pipes, get to the bottom of problems quickly to save you time and money, and provide you with plumbing tips based on any problems we discover.

Don’t let the inside of your pipes remain a mystery, Contact Arco Plumbing today, and see what a camera inspection can reveal about your plumbing!

Prevent Sump Pump Disasters

In areas where basements are at risk of flooding or serious damp problems, sump pump installation can be essential. A sump pump is designed to reduce the chances of flooding, water damage, and problems with mold, mildew, damp, and musty odors caused by excess water getting into basements. Sump pumps are installed in sump pits, which are holes dug into the lowest part of a property. The pumps are only small but are often responsible for moving large volumes of groundwater or rain.

You may have a larger pump installed if your home is at serious risk of flooding, or a smaller one if the risk is lower. The pump may be a pedestal sump pump, where the motor is located above the water level, or a submersible sump pump, which is submerged under water.

Knowing how to identify and prevent problems with your sump pump is crucial. By understanding what can go wrong with the pump, you can ensure that it continues to function properly, and your basement doesn’t experience the problems that the pump is in place to prevent!

 Here are eight common sump pump disasters and how to prevent them: 

Disaster One: Power Lost to Sump Pump

When a sump pump loses power, flooding can be quick to follow, especially if the power outage occurs during a storm. Thankfully, this potential disaster is quite easy to prevent!

If you have a home backup generator, then the sump pump should continue working normally once the generator kicks in. If you don’t have a home backup generator and don’t want to install one, then you could install a battery backup sump pump or a water-powered backup sump pump.

Battery backup pumps are the most versatile of the two options, but if your home has the right plumbing system, water-powered backup pumps can last much longer, and you won’t need to monitor the battery.

Disaster Two: Electrical Sump Pump Failure

Power surges caused by problems like lightning storms and damage to utility poles, may result in your sump pump experiencing an electrical failure. If this occurs, then having a backup power source isn’t going to be enough to get the pump working again.

To prevent electrical failures caused by power surges, you can contact your local plumber and ask them to install a service entrance surge protection device.

Disaster Three: Sump Pump Runs Continuously

A sump pump running continuously may not sound like a disaster, but there’s a chance that pump will overheat and eventually burn out if there isn’t any water to cool the system down.

This problem is often the result of the float switch on the pump becoming jammed in the ‘on’ position, instead of lowering as the water does and turning the system off. To fix the problem and help to stop it happening again, simply free the switch and replace it if damaged. You can then attach it to the pump, making sure there are no obstructions.

If the float switch isn’t jammed, then the pump may have a defective check valve, the pump could be the incorrect size or in the wrong location, there could be a sewer leak beneath your basement, or your home could be higher than the water table line. If you’re unsure of the exact problem, it’s best to contact a plumber, who’ll be able to inspect the check valve and assess the pump.

Disaster Four: Drain Pipe Clogging

If your sump pump is no longer removing water effectively, then dirt or debris may be blocking the drain pipe. The blockage should be fairly easy to remove using a plumber’s snake and a high-powered hose pipe. Once the drain pipe is clear, you can reduce the chances of clogging by installing a grate.

Disaster Five: Sump Pump Overwhelmed & Requires Replacement

An overwhelmed sump pump is a serious flood risk! To prevent flooding in your basement, you may require a replacement pump that has enough power to keep up with the volume of water coming in. If you’re concerned that your sump pump is overwhelmed, a plumber will be able to design a suitable system for your home that can handle typical water volumes for your area.

Disaster Six: Improper Sump Pump Maintenance

The best way to prevent the many disasters that can arise from a poorly maintained sump pump is to stay on top of pump maintenance or call in an expert to inspect the system every year.

Inspecting the pump for signs of abnormalities, damage, and debris, and testing the system regularly to make sure that everything is working, are simple ways to prevent maintenance problems. Installing a backup pump and a high water alarm will also help to keep you informed of problems.

Disaster Seven: Too Much Water in Sump Pump, Causing Basement Flooding

If your basement is being flooded because there’s too much water in the sump pump, then the chances are, you either live in an area with a high water table or your home is on top of a spring. In these instances, there are two common solutions: call a plumber to install a second pump or raise the existing sump pit.

Disaster Eight: No Water in Sump Pit

The common cause of a lack of water in a sump pit is a fault with the drain tile. The drainage system channels water into the sump pit, so if no water is in the pit, there may be a clog in the system, or it may not have been installed properly. An effective way to fix and prevent this problem is to make sure the system is installed correctly and is in good working order.

Arco Plumbing Solves Sump Pump Problems

If you’re ever in doubt about the health of your sump pump and whether it’s working properly, it’s important to contact Arco Plumbing as soon as possible. Problems with sump pumps can spell disaster for your basement and the rest of your home, so never delay in calling for help if you think that there’s a problem or a way to improve the system!

Main Sewer Clogs

When you run the faucet, take a shower or flush the toilet you probably don’t consider where all the plumbing in your home is hooked up to. All of your pipes and drains hook up the main sewer line which is located outside your house.

The main sewer takes a pounding from daily use and there are many things which can gradually start to impair how effectively it operates. You may not realize this, but the sewer line that runs from your home to the main sewer in the street is your responsibility. This means that if things go wrong, it’s important to find an experienced plumber to provide plumbing solutions, especially when it comes to main sewer clogging.

Clogged Sewer Warning Signs

 If your sewer becomes completely blocked, it will be very obvious to everyone and you’ll need our emergency plumbing service. However, if you’re vigilant you could spot the warning signs and call us out before things escalate.

 These are some of the most common warning signs that you could have a fault developing with your main line sewer: 

Drains that regularly back up – a backed-up drain should always be seen as a warning, particularly when it occurs in the lower levels in your home. Don’t simply pour drain unblocking fluids down the plughole and hope for the best; you could cause more damage especially if the substance is too abrasive. Call Arco Plumbing out and we can get your drains running properly once more.

Multiple drain clogs – if multiple plumbing appliances are affected all around your home, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with the main sewer rather than an individual pipe.

Gurgling toilets and other plumbing malfunctions – if your plumbing fixtures are acting strangely, it could be a sign that your main sewer is developing a problem. Along with unusual noises coming from your toilet after flushing, look out for bubbling or water rising back out of the drain.

Changes in your lawn surface – main sewer lines typically run from your house and under your lawn before joining the street. If you take a close look at your lawn you may be able to spot a depression where a pipe has broken or ruptured. Providing the weather has been dry, you should also see soggy patches where the sewage is flowing out from the pipe under the ground. Not seeing either of these signs doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.

What Usually Causes a Clogged Sewer Line?

 Although the effect is the same, there are many different things which can lead to a clogged sewer line. Some of the most usual culprits include: 

• Broken pipes – if pipes become broken, they will become misaligned and allow dirt to enter. This quickly causes a total blockage.
• Debris – over time, it’s possible for debris to start building up within the main sewer. This can be made up of many things including toilet paper, soap scum and foreign objects which accumulate and block the main line.
• Grease and fat– grease is a frequent problem for main line sewers and quickly cause a clog. Running hot water from a faucet won’t swill the grease away; it will line your pipe and as it cools it will solidify and harden.
• Tree roots –you don’t need to have a tree planted close to your main line sewer to have a problem with roots. Tree roots can grow to become many meters in length and seek out moisture and water. This can lead to them infiltrating cracked main line sewers, creating a total blockage.
• Sagging sewer lines – sewer lines can gradually begin to sag due to age, shifting soil or sinkholes leaving wastewater collecting in pools in the lower parts. This prevents the water from draining away, leaving the pipe backed up.

 Any of the above problems will be sufficient to cause problems throughout the entire sewer system serving your home. 

Sewer Line Clog Solutions

Whether your main line is just starting to develop problems or if it’s a full-blown emergency, we have the solutions you need. The action we take depends on the cause of the clog and how severe the problem is.  Some of the options include: 

• Diagnostics via cameras fed down into the sewer lines
• Sewer rodding
• Main line cleaning
• Main line repair (if necessary)
• Outdoor sewer repair without digging up the ground (where possible)
• Complete sewer line replacement (as a last resort)

At Arco Plumbing, our aim is always to return your main sewer to full functionality in the quickest possible time and for the lowest cost. We’ll give you a quote before carrying out the work and consult you at every step of the job.

Drain Problem Prevention Tips

You can’t eliminate every single clog but by following good drain hygiene rules you can dramatically cut your chances of a blockage from occurring.

 Here are a few tips which can help keep your main line sewer in the best possible condition: 

• Never throw any grease, fats or coffee
• grounds down the sink, or anything else that could harden and clump. Instead, pour it into a can while still warm, wait for it to solidify and then dispose of it via alternative means.
• Make sure you clean pop-up stoppers and strainers frequently
• Make sure anything you put down the toilet is flushable. Avoid flushing heavy paper products even if they are labeled as flushable.
• Always use plenty of cold water to flush food remnants away when using a disposal.

Contact Arco Plumbing for Main Sewer Clogs

Sewer plumbing repair isn’t a fun job to undertake without the proper equipment and expertise, as it can be extremely messy and dirty. This is especially the case where the pipes aren’t just clogged but also damaged If you suspect there might be a problem developing with your sewer, give the friendly team at Arco Plumbing a call.

It’s better if we come out sooner rather than later as we could help to prevent expensive repairs from being carried out. Ignore a main sewer problem and you could end up with a total collapse and an emergency situation, which is a situation that no-one wants to be in. If your home is in the west suburbs of Chicagoland and you’ve got clogged drains, give Arco Plumbing in Westmont, IL a call for a swift, competitively priced service you can trust.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional Plumber in Chicagoland

There comes a time for many homeowners when the services of a professional plumber are essential. You may need a sink unclogging, a leak repaired, or a full basement rough-in – no matter the reason you need a plumber, it’s always handy in these situations to have a good relationship with a local service!

So, how can you tell whether a plumber is the best fit for a job? Just like when you hire any contractor, there are some important questions to ask before you make a decision over which plumbing company is right for your needs.

Here are eight tips and questions to ask, before you hire a plumber in Chicago for your plumbing job:

1. Do They Provide Services for Commercial and/or Residential Plumbing in Chicagoland?

The first thing that you need to know is whether the company offers the services you need. There’s no point in hiring a commercial plumber in Chicago, if you need a residential plumber, or vice versa. Some plumbing companies will offer both commercial and residential plumbing services, but others may only offer one service or the other, so it’s worth asking in advance to make sure that you hire the right type of plumbing company!

2. Make Sure You’re Protected! What Guarantees and Warranties Do They Provide?

You’ll find that not every plumber offers the same guarantees or warranties on their work. If something goes wrong after the work is completed, some plumbers will agree to return and fix the problem within a set timeframe, while others may have more exacting conditions on what they will/won’t replace or repair. Before you hire a plumber, you should ask them what guarantees and warranties they provide and make sure that you get them in writing before work begins.

3. What’s the Cost of the Job – Do They Offer Free Home Estimates?

Does the company provide free estimates? Will you get a quote over the phone? Are estimates provided after a home inspection? It’s important to have a clear understanding of the cost of a project before work gets underway – and when payment will be due after work is completed! In most situations, your plumber should be able to give you a clear estimate of the cost of the project after having a look at the work that needs doing.

4. Check How the Payments Work! Do They Offer Fixed/Flat Rates or Hourly Rates?

Another essential payment-related question is whether the plumber offers fixed rates or hourly rates. If the payment is a fixed rate, then you know that the price won’t change, but an hourly rate can be very unpredictable, especially if the job doesn’t go to plan. Knowing whether you’ll be paying a set fee or are going to be charged by the hour for work will help you to plan ahead for expenses. If you don’t want to pay an hourly rate, then check the contract to make sure there are no clauses stating that you’ll need to pay reasonable costs.

5. Are They A Reputable Company? Check Plumbing Service Reviews!

A great way to get a better understanding of a plumbing company and their reputability, is to check online reviews and ratings. There are many review sources online, including BBB reviews (Better Business Bureau), which help to build trust between businesses and customers. Through BBB, you can search for businesses in your local area, check what rating they have (F to A+), see whether they’re a BBB accredited business, and even look at reviews and complaints.

6. Know Your Local Plumber! Who Will Be Doing the Work?

It’s always better to know in advance who’ll be completing your plumbing job: will it be the person who gave you your estimate, or will it be someone else? Some plumbing companies have multiple plumbers on staff or hire subcontractors; some plumbing companies have just a single plumber. Ask who’ll be completing the job, and about their qualifications, training, and experience – the company should be happy to share the skills of their plumbers!

7. Are They Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Making sure that the company you choose is licensed, bonded, and insured is one of the most important things to do before you hire a plumber in Chicagoland. Plumbers in Illinois require a license to work, so it’s essential to make sure that they have one! Insurance and bonding is protection for both you and the company: insurance means the company is covered in the event of an accident, and bonding means that there’s money available to cover the cost of any claim filed by a customer – protecting you against unsuitable business practices and poor workmanship.

8. Plumbing Experience Matters! How Long Have They Been in Business?

No matter the type of contractor that you need to hire, experience should always be an important factor in the decision-making process. An experienced plumbing company should be able to identify and repair most common problems very quickly and they’ll have a better understanding of how to manage situations that are out of the ordinary. Most businesses share their experience on their websites, and you’ll also be able to find how long they’ve been in business on BBB, or simply by asking them directly!

Contact Arco Plumbing

If you’re looking to hire a plumber in Chicagoland, then the team at Arco Plumbing are happy to answer your questions!

Arco Plumbing is a residential and commercial plumbing service that’s based in Westmont, IL and serves the Chicagoland area. Our company was founded more than four decades ago, in 1978, and since 1985, we’ve been proud to be an A+ BBB rated business.

We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, and offer fixed rate payments on all our plumbing services in Chicagoland. You can get in touch with us today for a free home estimate on your plumbing job in Chicagoland or advice on your plumbing problem or project. Whether you need general plumbing services or emergency services, we have you covered!

Plumbing Emergencies in Chicagoland

Do you worry about what would happen in the event of a plumbing emergency in your home? Or perhaps you’ve encountered a plumbing emergency in Chicagoland before, but didn’t know how to stop the problem in time to prevent damage?

Plumbing emergencies can quickly cause you to panic, but if you know what to do in advance, then it’s much easier to stay calm and tackle the problem head on. We’re going to walk you through what to do immediately, when to call a plumber, how to identify and react to common problems, and how to prevent problems, so you always know what to do in an emergency!

The Chicagoland Plumbing Emergency Checklist

The second you realize that a problem has arisen with your plumbing, you need to act quickly. If you’re not 100% sure of the source of the plumbing problem, here’s a simple checklist that’ll help you to prevent as much damage as possible:

• Switch Off the Water – It’s vital that you turn the water off as quickly as possible. Do this by either turning off the main water valve or turning off the closest valve to the source of the problem.
• Switch Off Your Water Heater – Failure to turn off your water heater could result in it getting damaged. Make sure you switch off the water supply and power supply.
• Open Outdoor Spigots – Opening the spigots outside your property will get rid of any water left in the pipes.

Call an Emergency Plumber in Chicagoland – 630-960-5950

Unless you have any prior plumbing knowledge, then most plumbing emergencies will result in a call to the professionals. Plumbing problems can quickly progress into large problems, so the sooner you call a plumber in Chicagoland, the better!

Once you’ve checked the essentials off the list, if there’s nothing more you feel that you can do, then make the call to Arco Plumbing. It’s a smart move to save our number in your phone in case of a plumbing emergency – 630-960-5950.

By calling a plumber quickly, you’ll be able to get expert advice on what to do next as you wait for back up to arrive, potentially saving you a lot of money on repairs!

In some emergencies, you may be able to do more to reduce the risk of further damage or even solve the emergency altogether – the more you know, the easier it is to react quickly in the event of a plumbing emergency in Chicagoland.

Common Plumbing Emergencies and What to Do

Not all plumbing emergencies are immediately dangerous, but some are. Here are six common plumbing emergencies, what to do if they arise, and when you’ll need to call for back up:

Gas Leaks

Few plumbing emergencies are more serious than gas leaks. The second you suspect a gas leak, and only if it’s safe to do so, turn off the main valve. Extinguish any flames, don’t adjust any electrical switches, open the windows, and leave the premises. As soon as you’re safe, call the experts!

Burst and Leaking Pipes

There’s very little that you can do in the event of a burst or leaking pipe, other than turning off the main water valve. As soon as the valve is off, you’ll need to call a Chicagoland plumber. If the pipes have frozen, inspect them for damage and follow the same protocol for a burst or leaking pipe if you notice any problem areas.

Backed Up Sewers

If you notice a nasty smell coming from your drains or when you run water from a faucet, then it definitely constitutes an emergency! Fouls smells often indicate a sewage problem, or a serious issue with your sump pump or septic system. You should always call a plumber in the event of sewage-type smells in your home, as DIY fixes can make the problem worse.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a very common plumbing problem that you can often solve yourself. All you’ll need to remedy most cases of a blocked drain is a plunger. Without using any chemicals, try and remove the clog yourself with the plunger, aiming to remove enough of the block in the system to get the water draining again.

If using a plunger doesn’t fix the problem or if the water is still draining very slowly, you’ll need to call a plumber.

Broken Toilets

A broken toilet can be a nuisance, but it’s not the end of the world! Just like with a clogged sink, a plunger is the best tool in your arsenal for toilet blockages. If the toilet is running, check the overflow valve, flapper seal, flapper chain, and fill valve to see if there are any problems.

It’s best to contact a plumber if you can’t identify the problem yourself, if the toilet is leaking seriously, or if you can’t remove the clog.

Water Heater Leaks

If your water heater is leaking, then it can quickly start to damage the surrounding area. Turn off water and power supply to the heater, along with the main water valve as an additional precaution. Once power to the heater and gas supply (if you have a gas heater) have been shut off, you can start to drain the heater. If you aren’t comfortable draining the heater, you’ll need to call a plumber.

How to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

You can avoid many plumbing emergencies in Chicagoland with the right know-how. Here are ten top tips to prevent common plumbing problems:

1. Keep fat out of your drains
2. Get small problems fixed quickly
3. Check regularly for signs of leaks
4. Schedule professional water heater maintenance
5. Insulate water pipes
6. Replace damaged fixtures and faucets
7. Clean drains regularly
8. Replace old pipes
9. Keep your home warm to prevent pipes freezing
10. Know where the valves are in your home

Knowing what to do when faced with a plumbing emergency in Chicagoland can make the whole ordeal a lot easier! If you ever need an emergency plumbing response in the event of a plumbing problem or if you’d like to book an inspection for your plumbing, get in touch to with Arco Plumbing in Westmont, Illinois immedeiately at 630-960-5950 !

Arco Plumbing Services Proudly Carries Kohler Parts & Products

Have you ever taken a moment to imagine your dream bathroom? Would you choose a large freestanding bath in the center of the room, or would you forgo the bath altogether in favor of a state-of-the-art shower with all the fixtures? How about your idea of the ultimate kitchen; would you have a sleek, under-mount sink that fits seamlessly into the worktop, or would you choose a bold, top-mount sink in a dramatic color?

Everyone has an image of what their perfect bathroom & kitchen would look like, perhaps not down to the finest details, but a broad idea of how they would make these spaces elegant, beautiful and unique. When you choose the best products and the right installers, an image can very quickly become a reality…

Here at Arco Plumbing, we strive to provide the best plumbing service in the Westmont area, but that doesn’t just mean a dependable repair service or local experts that you can trust to inspect your plumbing. We strive to help the residents of Westmont, IL realize their dreams of the perfect space, and turn inspiration and passion into real-life results.

This is why the Arco Plumbing team are incredibly proud to be your local Kohler dealer in Westmont, IL…

A Brief History of Kohler

Kohler is a manufacturing company that specializes in the creation and supply of an incredible range of innovative plumbing products & parts for the kitchen and bathroom. From beautiful bathroom fixtures and practical kitchen additions, to smart home technology that can enhance your space in some remarkable ways, Kohler products open the door to truly unbelievable possibilities for your home.

Today, Kohler is one of the most well-known names in plumbing products, but that wasn’t always the case. The company’s history spans almost a century and a half of evolution and development to reach a point where today, you can realize your dream kitchen and bathroom environment with Kohler products.

The story of Kohler starts way back in 1873…

• 1873: John Michael Kohler founded the company on the 3^rdof December, at which time the main products were farm equipment.
• 1883: Kohler sells their first plumbing product, a water trough bathtub.
• 1911: The industry is forever changed with Kohler’s introduction of the first built-in bathtub, complete with an integral apron.
• 1920: Kohler produce the first ever electric generator powered by an engine.
• 1926: The company creates an electric sink – an ancestor of the dishwasher.
• 1927: Kohler brings color to people’s homes with pastel plumbing products.
• 1964: The introduction of the self-rimming lavatory.
• 1977: Kohler launch a range of whirlpool baths.
• 1984-1995: Sterling Faucet Co., Hytec Manufacturing Ltd., Ann Stacks Tile and Stone Inc, Kallista, and Robern join Kohler.
• 2001: Kohler introduce their award-winning overflowing bath.
• 2016: The company develops a filtration system to help people living in remote areas get access to safe water.
• 2017: Kohler launches a new showering system capable of mimicking rainfall.

Over the last 150 years, Kohler has broken into many new markets, improved access to safe water around the world, and launched an incredible range of products. The company has also found the time to acquire and open multiple golf courses, and launch a range of chocolates, to name just some of Kohler’s varied projects and achievements!

Arco Plumbing Proudly Carries Kohler Products & Parts

Kohler have broken a lot of new ground in their long history, and today the company helps you to break new ground in your kitchen and bathroom with products that can really make a difference to your living environment.

Here are just some of the many reasons why Arco Plumbing has chosen to be your go-to Kohler dealer in Westmont, IL:

Peace of Mind from a Trusted & Respected Brand

Whether you’re considering redesigning your bathroom from the bottom to the top, or you just want to modernize your kitchen with new faucets or accessories, you deserve to know that you’re getting a quality product from a trusted brand. Not only has the long history of Kohler established the company as a trusted manufacturer, but the exceptional quality of their products has earned them a lot of respect.

Inspiration for the Ultimate Home Makeover

Everyone’s image of the perfect kitchen and bathroom is a little bit different, so why should you be limited to only a small range of products when renovating these very important rooms in your home? Kohler products span an incredible number of collections, each with unique styles, functions, and designs, so you’ll never be stuck for inspiration when browsing their kitchen and bathroom products.

Modern Technology for Your Home

The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can achieve when you choose Kohler products for your home. The extensive product range doesn’t just stop at the traditional options, it extends to smart home additions that integrate color, sound, and light, for a home environment that you’re truly in control of. Whether you want traditional products or modern additions, you’ll find the perfect fit among Kohler’s range of products.

From the simplest of maintenance parts to revolutionary plumbing products, we believe in the quality of Kohler, and we want to share that with you as well!

Arco Plumbing, Your Local Kohler Plumbing Products Dealer

If you want to start looking at new ways to transform your bathroom or kitchen spaces, then the team at Arco Plumbing is on hand to help. We combine our plumbing repair and installation expertise with the remarkable products available at Kohler, to deliver a service that you can rely on to transform your home.

For more information about the Kohler products that we carry at Arco Plumbing, or to learn about the range of plumbing services that we have available, please don’t hesitate to get into contact with our team today – your local, professional Kohler dealer in Westmont, IL.

Ways to Check for Plumbing Problems When Buying a House

Purchasing a new house is an incredibly exciting process, whether the property is a first-time home, a dream home, a holiday home, or an investment opportunity. With such an important decision, there are a number of essential checks that must be made before the sale goes ahead, and plumbing is one of them.

Knowing how to check the plumbing of a property in Chicagoland is crucial during the buying process. Not only will thorough plumbing checks bring to light problems that may dissuade you from buying the house, but if you still decide to go ahead with the sale in light of the problems, you’ll know exactly what needs to be addressed going forwards.

Tackling plumbing problems head on will potentially save you a fortune on serious repairs and make sure your new home is perfectly habitable and safe for you, your family, or future tenants. Before you dive into buying a house, here are five ways to check for plumbing issues, and one essential tip to bear in mind when inspecting a Chicagoland property.

1. Check the Water & Drain Lines

The first things that you should check are the water lines and drain lines in the property. These are two fairly simple tests but can reveal a lot about the plumbing. First, check down the drain for signs of corrosion, as whilst rare, this can cause problems. Second, check the visible water lines, such as those underneath the sink in the kitchen, and make sure there are no leaks or discoloration. It’s also worth checking the drainage, simply turn on the faucets, and check to make sure the drainage speed is suitable.

2. Inquire About the Age of the Water Heater

Water heaters generally have a lifespan of about a decade. Inquiring after the age of the heater will tell you how soon it’ll need replacing, and whether you’ll need to budget for the replacement if it’s nearing the 10-year mark. It’s also worthwhile assessing the water heater location, and how much damage potential leaks could cause.

3. Test the Water Pressure

Water pressure may not be the first thing that you look for in a new home, but poor pressure can be a nightmare to deal with. Testing the water pressure in the property with a pressure gauge will give you a pressure reading, that if poor, may reveal that the plumbing pipes need to be unclogged. If the water pressure is too high, it could start to damage the water heater and other appliances around the house.

4. Assess the Property for Signs of Water Damage

There are many obvious signs of water damage that may be present when you’re shown around a property. If there has been a leak, either from pipes or the roof, then you may notice brown marks on the ceiling. Equally, there may be signs of water damage in the crawlspace or basement, so it’s important to stay vigilant and check for stains, obvious leaks, and any faulty repair work. Check the toilet for leaks or warping, particularly around the base, and ensure it flushes properly.

5. Ask About the Water Supply

The last thing you’ll want to do when moving into a new home is to unexpectedly pay out for brand-new water supply pipes, so it’s certainly worth inquiring about them! It can be helpful to ask the age of the pipes and material, to determine either how long it’ll be until replacement is required, or whether the material is suitable for modern plumbing. If the pipes are constructed from galvanized steel or polybutylene, as an example, they’ll probably need replacing.

The Essential Top Tip for Peace of Mind When Buying a House

Asking questions and performing visual checks will reveal a lot of information about the state of the plumbing in your Chicagoland property investment. Yet, there are some assurances of plumbing adequacy that only a local plumbing service will be able to provide. For the ultimate peace of mind when buying a house, asking a plumber to take a look at the plumbing is a beneficial investment.

With a thorough check of the water supply, drainage, and water pressure, you’ll be able to get a clear indication of the state of the plumbing, and discuss the costs involved in resolving any problems. A skilled plumber will also be able to perform additional checks, such as performing video camera inspections on sewer lines, which may reveal problems that cannot be brought to light by visual checks or questions – unearthing clogs or deterioration in a sewer line after purchasing a property could come with a massive repair bill!