Plumbing Tips

Bathrooms play an essential role in your home’s functionality, and renewing old and worn down parts is extremely important. Replacing a shower faucet by yourself may seem like one of those impossible tasks to finish without professional help, but it doesn’t need to.

With the right team behind you, giving you all of the tools you need to accomplish a successful swap, you can easily replace old, damaged, and out of style shower faucets. Keep reading to discover all of the easy steps to take before taking on your next project.

“At Arco Plumbing, we are always looking for new and better ways to help our customers when it comes to plumbing issues and inquiries from the comfort of their home.”

What Are You Going to Need?

First things first, you need to go out and get everything you need. When it comes to your shower faucet, you want to look for functionality but also one that will blend well with the style of your bathroom to give it a distinct look. Here is what you are going to need:

• Hand and reciprocating saw
• Cleaning cloths
• Tube cutting
• Plier set
• Solder(or solderless connectors)
• Gas fittings and connectors
• New bathtub/shower faucets

Turn off the Water

We recommend that you make sure to get a shower in before the new installation because the first step is always to turn off the water. Trust us, the last thing you want is the minute you start to get soaked with a bunch of water. If you don’t have a separate valve to cut off the water to just the bathroom, you will need to cut the entire house’s water.

Get Rid of The Old Faucets

Now it’s time to start, so remove your old faucets. Depending on the specific faucets you currently have, some faucets can be removed by simply twisting them or unscrewing them. The process is unique to your faucet and the manufacturer, so if you are unsure, don’t just yank at it, look for the old manual or call the experts at Arco Plumbing.

Remove and Install the New Valve

Removing the valve for the old faucet is a bit trickier. During this step, you will need to cut a small piece of the drywall of the wall behind your bathroom to have room and comfortably install the new valve. You will need to drill a small hole in the wall of the bathroom. When removing the valve, there will also be a stringer mounted to it that you will need to remove.

Before installing the new valve, make sure that it is the right one for your specific bathroom set up. This step depends on whether you have two faucets, one for water and one for water, or one general faucet. You will then add the stringer and the new valve together, ensuring that the valve(s) are hanging outside of the bathroom wall at the right distance. Remember to always read and follow the new valve’s instructions as all are unique to specific manufacturers.

Make Sure There Are No Leaks

This step requires the use of a torch and lead-free solder. If you don’t have experience using a torch, always ask a friend who does to assist you. This step is simply called “sweating the pipes.” Apply a light coat of the solder to the ends of the pipes and inside of the valve fittings. Sometimes people opt out of using solder, so you can use simple push and lock solderless connectors.”

After adding the solder, you will need to heat the pipes’ middle to strengthen the connection. When that is done, add a small coat of solder to the joint.

The last thing you want is to put everything together and then find a leak. So take the extra time to confirm, cap the open valves and turn on the water. Take a close look at the pipes; if there is no leak, you are good to go!

Install the Faucets

Following your specific faucets’ instructions, now is the time to add that new look to your bathroom, the moment you have been waiting for. After installing the faucets securely, turn on the shower, check the pressure, and ensure no leaks are coming out of the areas around the faucets. IF everything is running smoothly, you have done it, and now you are ready to take a shower and try out your accomplishment.

Easier Alternatives

1. It’s no secret that everything mentioned above can be challenging to do if you have no experience doing it, but there are easier alternatives. If you do not want to go through the hassle of replacing the valves and cutting up your wall, you can take the option of just changing the faucets directly. All you have to do is do some research on the manufacturer of the valve you currently have and choose a new faucet that is compatible with your bathroom’s valve.
2. Your second alternative is calling the experts at Arco Plumbing. Yes, that is right, save yourself time and effort and contact us today! Our team’s years of experience servicing the Chicagoland area defines the incredible services we offer at an affordable price. Making changes to your home that include plumbing can be complicated, and if the job isn’t done perfectly, it can lead to potential damages to your home. If you want a professional team to come and install your new faucets, do not hesitate to contact Arco Plumbing.

Arco Plumbing is always looking for new and innovative ways to help our clients with any plumbing issues and questions that you may have. So make sure to keep checking back to learn more about common plumbing services and information that we have. If you are interested in learning about a specific plumbing topic, we guarantee that you aren’t alone. Contact Arco Plumbing today!

Practical Garbage Disposal Tips

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you know that it’s a great appliance that makes kitchen duties less demanding. If not operated or maintained properly, a garbage disposal can easily break down, block and clog the drains and cause a long list of expensive plumbing and drain nightmares. Good garbage disposal practices made today may prevent drainage & plumbing problems!

Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposal repair can be a costly proposition. Fortunately, most garbage disposal issues are completely unnecessary and garbage disposal care and maintenance is extremely easy. Treat your garbage disposal well with proper maintenance and in return, your garbage disposal system will treat you well.

Here are some mistakes you should avoid, actions to take for your garbage disposal functioning efficiently for many years, and also tips to minimize the likelihood of having to replace your garbage disposal system.

Proper Maintenance Extends the Life of your Garbage Disposal System

Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposal repair can be a costly proposition. Fortunately, most garbage disposal troubles are completely unnecessary, and garbage disposal care and maintenance is extremely easy. Treat your garbage disposal well, and it will treat you well, in return. Below, we describe the mistakes you should avoid and the actions you should take in order to keep your garbage disposal working smoothly for many years and minimize the likelihood that you’ll need to call for plumbing or drain cleaning services. Proper maintenance and operation will extend the life of your garbage disposal and prevent plumbing and drain mishaps.

Disposal Regular Usage

Conventional wisdom suggests that electrical appliances are best used sparingly so as not to be worn out, but this is not the case with your garbage disposal. Even if you have no intention of using the device, turn it on at least every few days and let the blades spin, running a little cold water over them for around thirty seconds.

This will prevent your garbage disposal from seizing up (think of it as a warm-up for the main usage that will follow in time), and will prevent the blades from experiencing any rust or corrosion. What’s more, regular running of your appliance will ensure that any food remnants that may be lingering out of sight will be flushed away and avoid solidifying and causing an unwelcome blockage.

Clean with Ice, Water & Citrus Fruits

Cleaning your garbage disposal is essential. It will not only prevent any unwelcome foul smells from filling your kitchen, but it will also sharpen the chopping blades and ensure that you enjoy a long and beneficial relationship with your appliance.

Bleach is certainly effective, but you’ll want to avoid constantly pouring harsh chemicals into your garbage disposal. Instead, simply use cold water, run at regular intervals, and toss in some ice cubes. Couple these with salt and baking soda and you have the makings of a very potent DIY method of cleaning the blades and pipes of your tool, or freeze a little vinegar within the ice cubes. This will sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal too – or you could also include some eggshells for the same purpose, provided they have not been hard-boiled.

Another hugely effective way of cleaning your garbage disposal is to chop up a citrus fruit, such as lemon, and feed this through. Make sure that you include the peel, as this contains the most acid, and you’ll find that your appliance retains optimum performance as well as smelling great.

To finish up the cleaning process, take an old toothbrush and clean around the rim. Use a little soap if necessary, or work with the domestic products that we have just discussed – vinegar, salt and baking soda are all very powerful weapons in the battle against a dirty garbage disposal.

Flush After Use – Avoid Using Hot Water

Once you have finished chopping your leftovers, don’t switch off the disposal immediately afterward – leave the water running for an extra fifteen to twenty seconds once you’ve finished. This will help flush away any stubborn food remnants that are clinging to the pipes of your garbage disposal system, just out of your sight. You may be used to washing up with warm or hot water, but cold water is the way to go with a garbage disposal. Hot water will melt down and soften up food remnants, which will help this waste cling to – and clog up – the pipes of your disposal system.

Chop Up Your Waste

It sounds obvious, but so many of us fall into the trap of expecting too much of our garbage disposal. Don’t just pour an entire plate of waste into the sink and switch on the device, expecting it to do all of the work for you – the blades are only so large and powerful, after all. Instead, sift through what you’re planning on using your garbage disposal for, and use a kitchen knife to chop these leftovers into the smallest possible pieces.

Have you ever tried to cram too many sheets of paper into a shredder at once, and found that they jam the blades of the device? The same will happen if you attempt to squeeze too much food into your garbage disposal – with the main differences being that paper will not begin to smell terrible after a day or two, and attempting to yank a rogue carrot from a garbage disposal is more likely to cost you a finger than wrestling paper from a shredder.

Don’t take any chances. Spend an extra minute or two getting your food waste as small as possible for a fast and efficient service from your appliance.

Keep All Utensils Away from the Grinder

When you have a sink filled with dishes following dinner, it’s easy for things to get mixed up and non-food items can land in the garbage disposal. This is potentially damaging if it’s a piece of silverware such as a fork or spoon, which will potentially blunt the blades as the continually clash with the utensil, or it could be increasingly dangerous if a glass or porcelain mug or cup ends up in there. Obviously you should also avoid grinding any non-food related item such as paper!

If you are concerned about the possibility of non-food related items ending up in your garbage disposal, consider leaving it switched off until you have cleared the kitchen sink.

Garbage Disposal System Don’ts

Utilize your garbage disposal system only for biodegradable food. Your garbage disposal may seem like an easy way to get rid of some things, but if you put any non-biodegradable item in your garbage disposal system, is a clog just waiting to happen.

Here are some of the items, materials, and foods – that you should never put within your garbage disposal system:

Never Attempt to Grind Up Non-Perishable Food

Don’t be tempted to throw the carcass or bones of your main course into the garbage disposal, though; they will lead to the blades of your appliance becoming dull, and potentially slide straight down the pipe and cause a blockage. Throw such remnants straight into the trashcan, along with tough pits or seeds from fruits. Your garbage disposal is tough but it’s not invincible, and it won’t be able to slice through anything too small to be captured.

No Fibrous or Starchy Foods!

Foods such as pasta or rice will expand once they get wet, so anything that is not sliced and diced by the garbage disposal will later end up blocking pipes. High fiber foods, such as lettuce, the skins of onions or potato peelings, are also to be avoided. These items can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal, slowing it down in its work and eventually jamming the blades entirely. Picking them out by hand can be a dangerous business, so don’t put yourself in such a position where that becomes necessary.

Avoid Disposing of Oils or Fats

When cooking it may seem like an easy option to get rid of that extra grease, oil, and fat in your garbage disposal, but it will stick and make things that are supposed to go into your garbage disposal harder to pass through resulting in more clogs. Nobody enjoys disposing of hot oils and fats, and the idea of just tossing them into a traditional trash bag is hideous to many. For a start, there’s the smell to deal with, as well as the risk of younger family members burning tiny fingers on the liquid, or family pets being attracted by the strong scent and tearing the bag open.

All the same, throwing oil or fat down the drain is a surefire way of clogging up your garbage disposal. These liquids will solidify and congeal further down the pipes, and it’s likely that no amount of cleaning will deal with that. Wipe down the contents of your pots and pans with some kitchen towel before giving them a good hand wash, or invest in some airtight disposable Tupperware and throw away your grease and fat wastes this way. It’s the safest method in the longer term.

If you follow these steps, you should enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with your garbage disposal – and will understand just how useful these tools can be. Treat yours with the appropriate respect, and it will save you all kinds of effort and expense in the longer term.

Garbage Disposal Repair Services in Westmont, IL

For every positive step, however, there is an equally essential negative action that must be avoided at all costs. If you find yourself acting against these instructions, you could find yourself in all kinds of trouble with the maintenance of your garbage disposal. Regular maintenance and repairs on your garbage disposal system are common and often need fixing right away. If not, they can actually begin to damage your pipes and possibly affect your water system. For everyday repairs, you can rely on Arco Plumbing!

Contact Arco Plumbing in Westmont IL for Garbage Disposal Services in Chicagoland

If your current garbage disposal system can’t be saved or is not doing it’s job and needs a replacement, call Arco Plumbing today, we have you covered. We will analyze your old system wherever it is located and adapt to you provide an array of various options and make sure you are set with the perfect system. All you have to do is pick the garbage disposal you want, and we will handle the removal and installation of your new one. Get fast and efficient results with a company that you can trust. For all garbage disposal plumbing services, you can trust in Arco Plumbing. Contact us here today!

Best Plumbing Reviews in Chicagoland

We have served the community of Westmont, Illinois for many years, and after every customer, we keep improving our services. But don’t take our word for it; see here all of the things that people are saying about our services here.

Due to current global events, people across the globe find themselves staying at home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Still, unfortunately, common issues within houses and businesses do not take a break because of the pandemic, especially plumbing emergencies.

Emergency Plumbing Services in Westmont, IL – Serving Chicagoland

During this time, you should have someone in your corner that is able to attend to your needs when you need it. Those in Westmont, IL, and the greater Chicago area deserve to receive plumbing services when problems arise. It is essential, now more than ever, that wherever you are, whether it be in your business or home, you are in a safe, live-able, and comfortable environment.

If there is a time to stand together, it is now. Our team of plumbing service experts is assessing the current situation and being sensitive while delivering all services to our clients. That includes proper hygiene, advanced health protocols, and appropriate social distancing. We will stop at nothing to attend to any of your plumbing needs; you can put your trust in our hands.

Plumbing emergencies in Chicagoland can arise when you least expect them, and knowing the right plumbers to call is extremely important. At Arco Plumbing, we are an unbeatable option to those who need quick and easy installs, or repairs in  Westmont, IL and the greater Chicago area.

He are just a few reasons why we are a top option to choose if you are in need of emergency plumbing:

Quick response – PLUMBING SERVICES

One of the worst things that can happen while being faced with a plumbing issue is having to wait an extended period of time to get the help you need. Plumbing emergencies need to be addressed right away, and you shouldn’t have to wait hours or days to get a response. We pride ourselves in always putting our clients first, and you can expect nothing less than plumbing services in no time.

EFFICIENT & Affordable PLUMBING SERVICES

Especially now, any last-minute and unexpected expenses can be an unsettling thought. Not only are our emergency plumbing services affordable, but we also offer free plumbing estimates and online coupons to make your experience better and cheaper. Check out all of the coupons you are eligible to use here.

Free and easy quotes, consultations, and advice

Do you think you know what the problem may be? By calling Arco Plumbing, we can help you directly from the phone by giving you advice and quoting services. We want nothing more than what is best for you. While social distancing is something of great importance right now, we can troubleshoot plumbing problems you may be having with professional expertise and advice over the phone for free.

Reliable – Top Online Plumbing Reviews in WESTMONT IL

Serving the Westmont, IL and surrounding Chicagoland area since 1978, by developing an incredible reputation through every personalized plumbing experience of our past clients, it is easy to see why you should reach out to our team in the case of a plumbing emergency. See what our past clients are saying about us: https://www.arcoplumbing.com/reviews/

What to do if Faced with a Plumbing Emergency

If you suspect that you may have a plumbing emergency in your business or your home, first reach out to the experts at Arco Plumbing. Remember, if you are unsure, it can be extremely unsafe if you try to tackle the problem on your own.

During your first call with us, we will talk with you about all of your concerns and why you believe you may be having plumbing problems. Then we will give you expert advice based on any possible security and or health threats. We will provide you with a free quote on the services you may need, and then can come to your home or business to have a firsthand consultation, directly identify the problem, and attack it.

Some common homeowner plumbing emergencies consist of:

➢ No Hot Water

➢ Frozen Pipes

➢ Leaking Pipes

➢ Plugs and Clogs

➢ Toilet Troubles

➢ Gas Leak

Avoiding Plumbing Emergencies 

A lot of different plumbing emergencies can actually be prevented. Though these disasters arise without warning, there are a lot of steps that you can take to stop many problems from actually happening. When you spend a lot of time in places like your bathroom or kitchen, it can be easy to develop bad habits that don’t have immediate effects, but the long-term will come back to haunt you. Here are just a few things that you can do to stop plumbing emergencies in their tracks.

Learn your plumbing

If you think about it, you are the first one to notice a leak of any sort in your home; if you know where things like your main water and gas valve  and how to turn them off, this can prevent serious problems while you get the expert advice you need before the problem turns into one you can’t control.

Drains and toilets are not garbage cans.

Toilets and garbage disposals are meant for specific items and waste, but forcing any other objects, food, or liquids down them can cause a big disaster. If it isn’t designed to handle certain things, do not put them in.Though there are many more things you can do to help protect your home or businesses plumbing, nothing can be fully guaranteed or prevented. That is why if you have any severe problems don’t hesitate and contact our team of plumbing experts.

Contact Arco Plumbing Services

Through these difficult times, you can rely on us to help you when you need it the most. For us here at Arco Plumbing, no plumbing emergency is too big or too small, for all of your plumbing needs contact us here. We hope that each and every member of our community are, and continue to be, healthy and safe.

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. 

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!

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!