How Can I Tell If I Have A Slab Leak?

What is a repipe?

A repipe is the complete replacement of the incoming water system in a home or business from the water meter or well to all plumbing fixtures. As severe as it sounds it is actually a very common procedure. It is called for in situations where pipes have begun to leak due to deterioration, or when low pressure due to calcification is present.

How can I tell if I have a slab leak?

A slab leak is a term for a leak in one of the water lines running below the concrete floor of your home. To see if you have a slab leak, check your water meter. Without running any water in the house (laundry, toilet, dishwasher, etc.), check the dial face for any movement. Many meters have a "leak detector" which appears as a small black triangle or a small white wheel. If this is spinning or there is any movement on the dial, this indicates a leak in your water pipe system.

I am getting a foul odor from a bathroom in my home that we rarely even use. Why?

Your infrequent use of the bathroom is probably the cause of the problem. Certain plumbing fixtures have a built-in trap in their drains to keep sewer gas from seeping back into the home. Over time they can dry up. Dump a bucket of water into each of the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom. Flush regularly and this should solve the problem.

If you live in Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance in keeping your plumbing in good working order.

Wipes Clog Pipes!

We teach our children while they are potty training to NOT put anything in the toilet other than waste and toilet paper. We teach them this and then we turn around and practice opposite of what we've preached. We do so by flushing wet wipes and baby wipes down the toilet. These items cause damage to entire sewer systems, affecting thousands of homes and businesses.

Most of us know not to flush paper towels down the toilet. They are thick and made for absorbing water, not to dissolve in water. Think about wet wipes and baby wipes. They are often times thicker and more durable than paper towels. They've absorbed water and retained it without disintegrating. That is a pretty good glimpse into how they're sewer life will play out. Wet wipes are wet and strong, even capable of causing iceberg sized masses to form in sewer systems throughout the nation.

If you live in Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance in keeping your plumbing in good working order. Wipes have grown in popularity over the last few years and they are wrecking havoc on our plumbing systems. Remember, wipes clog pipes!

Fall Maintenance Tips For Home Owners

Early fall is the time of year to prepare your house for the cooler weather just around the corner. Most people know to clean their gutters and seal openings around windows that can leak heat, but there are other less obvious measures you'll need to take to keep your home in tip-top shape inside and out.

1. Replace your air filter.

It's extremely important to make sure your heating system is working correctly and safely. It's recommended having a heating and cooling specialist look over your system once a year at this time. If you have a forced hot air system, your heating and cooling systems use the same filters. If they're dirty, filthy air will be circulating around your home. Filter changing is something homeowners can and should do themselves.

2. Prevent trouble down below.

There may be things that need tending to beneath your property. We recommend having underground sprinkler systems flushed before the cold sets in.The process involves blowing air into pipes to displace leftover water. This is important because water lines are typically only 6 to 8 inches below ground -- and prone to freezing. If they freeze and then burst, you could have a costly repair situation on your hands.

Homeowners with septic tanks should also think about pumping them now -- before the ground freezes and snow buries your yard. Septic tanks should be checked once every year and cleaned no less than every three years.

3. Go topside.

Roofs usually have a 20 to 30 year life, but that doesn't mean they don't need attention. Your roof's condition should be checked once a year. While you're up there, look for missing or rotting shingles. Also inspect the gutters to make sure they're free of leaves and debris. This time of year is a good time to repair any broken gutters and downspouts.

Don't forget to trim dead or overgrown tree limbs hanging over your house. All it takes is one storm to bring weak branches down and damage your roof.

If you live in the Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance in keeping your home's plumbing in good working order.

Signs Of A Gas Leak

On its own, natural gas does not have a scent. The rotten egg/sulfur smell is added to gas as a safety precaution so that homeowners are able to detect a leak before it turns deadly. However, some people won't be able to smell gas because they have a diminished sense of smell, or certain conditions could result in the odor of the gas fading. Don't just rely on your nose to tell you there is a leak.

If you suspect that you have a gas leak, leave the building and call your local gas company or 911. Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself. These types of emergencies always require a professional and only a licensed plumber is allowed to work on gas line installation and repair.

There are some signs of a gas leak to watch out for:

• Hissing, whistling, or roaring sound near gas appliance or gas line
• Smelling the rotten egg/sulfur smell 
• Dead or dying vegetation over or near a gas pipeline
• Exposed pipeline after fire, flood, or other disaster
• Physical damage to a gas appliance
• Water or dirt being blown into the air
• A fire or explosion near a pipeline

We also offer gas line installation for any gas appliance. This includes barbecues, hot tubs, pool heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, cook tops, boilers, clothes dryers, and remodeling projects.

If you live in the Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance with gas line installation or repairs. There are many DIY tasks a homeowner can take on, but installing or repairing a gas line is not one of them.

The History Of Plumbing

Plumbing has a very rich and long history that not many are aware of. Ancient civilizations even used a crude form of plumbing that we see variances of today. Below is a list of facts you may or may not know regarding the plumbing industry...

1. "The John" is named for a real man. 
There's a reason why we call toilets "johns." It refers to Sir John Harington, the creator of the first modern flushing toilet. Harington created his model upon request from his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I of England. Allegedly, she refused to use it because it was too noisy.

2.Copper has been used in plumbing since ancient times. 
Today, copper is widely considered the best material for piping, but it wasn't our generation that discovered it. Archaeological digs have unearthed evidence showing that the ancient Egyptians used copper piping for their bathroom plumbing over 3,000 years ago!

3.Flushing uses more than a third of your water. 
Flushing the toilet uses enough water to constitute 38% of the average home's annual water usage. This works out to around 37,000 gallons for a family of four. If this seems too high for you to justify, you should invest in a low-flush toilet, which can save you over 18,000 gallons of water per year.

4.Heating up tap water wastes more than you may realize
! If you run your shower or tap to wait for the water to heat up, you likely waste 9,000 gallons of water per year. This waste accounts for up to 15% of your annual heating expenses.

5.Albert Einstein wanted to be a plumber
. In 1954, Einstein sent a letter to the New York-based magazine The Reporter and said that if he could live life over again, he would rather be a plumber than a scientist. As a result, he was named an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union!

If you live in Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance with any of your plumbing needs.

Why AquaTech Plumbing?

Why AquaTech Plumbing?

Fast 24-7 Emergency Service Price upfront, before we start Prompt, clean licensed plumbers Your problem fixed right the first time

30 years experience Family owned and operated Licensed, bonded and insured Warranty on parts & labor

See our About Us page for more information.

EXCELLENT SERVICE
Our mission is to serve you in a way that makes you a customer for life.
Everything we do is with the customer’s best interest in mind. When you choose AquaTech Plumbing, you can be sure you’ll receive first class service. We are a family-owned and operated business that prides itself on gaining and satisfying repeat customers.

BETTER PLUMBING FOR BETTER PRICING!
In knowledge and experience, AquaTech’s licensed plumbers are a cut above the rest.
This ensures you get solutions, no matter how involved your problem. We are skilled in installation of innovative plumbing products, such as tankless water heaters and our revolutionary new sump pump back-up system. We keep abreast of all the latest technology. And we also excel with typical household plumbing problems and emergencies. No job is too small. Only our customers matter.

It’s this knowledge and skill level, plus the personal service which has made us so successful. Whether it’s being on time, or wearing booties and using tarps so we won’t dirty your floor, AquaTech’s clean and experienced plumbers always give you thoughtful service.

Click here to contact us today!

GUARANTEED UP - FRONT PRICE
Our pricing is by the job not by the hour. Upon arrival, your plumber will give you the guaranteed up-front price to complete the work. You are assured a quick, accurate problem diagnosis and estimate, and with the large inventory of parts on our trucks, you are ensured a prompt solution in one visit. Your plumbing job will be completed right the first time at a competitive price.

WRITTEN WARRANTY
AquaTech Plumbing Corporation provides a written warranty at time of service on all parts and labor. Warranty for products such as water heaters is limited to the manufacturer’s warranty.

WHY CHOOSE US?
To get “Better Plumbing for Better Pricing!” You have a staff of dedicated management, service representatives, and plumbers at your disposal.

Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to serve you in a way that makes you a customer for life.

Our Vision
To be a company which customers can trust to show empathy, come through promptly in a crisis, provide the highest ethical professionalism, and exceed expectations to make them customers for life.

Tips From Our Plumbers and Frequently Asked Questions

· Water Bills Too High? · Faucets · Toilets · Leaks · Gas Water Heaters · Tankless Water Heaters ·

· Sump Pumps and Back-Up Systems · Basement Floods · Disposals · Drains · Hoses · Frozen Pipes·

Water Bills

Are your water bills higher than they should be? Here’s how to check:

Faucets

• Check your faucets for dripping water and under your faucets for moisture. Fix leaky faucets promptly. Even a slow leak can waste as much as 15 or 20 gallons of water a day. And a leak can ruin your faucet or even your cabinets and floors.
• Leaky faucets are usually caused by seals which are dirty or worn and can be cleaned, replaced, or you may want to replace the faucet.

Toilets

• Fix leaky toilets right away. A leaky toilet can waste over 30 gallons of water a day. Check your toilet for leaks by dropping a few drops of food coloring or a little bit of Kool-Aid in the tank. After about half an hour, it the water in the bowl has some color in it, the tank is leaking, and the stopper (flapper) and/or flush valve seat may need to be replaced.
• Clogged toilet and a plunger didn’t work? If the water level is low fill a bucket with warm water and pour it from waist high into the bowl. Repeat if necessary after water is low again.

Other Leaks

• Check for undetected leaks in your home by making sure all water is turned off inside your home, then checking your water meter. If it is still running, you may have an undetected leak.
• When you know you are going to be gone for a few hours, write down the numbers on your water meter when you leave. If you check the meter when you return and the numbers have changed, there may be a leak somewhere inside your house.

Gas Water Heaters

Since heating the water in your water heater consumes energy, you may be spending more on gas than you have to.

• Many people have a water heater that is larger than they need, but more frequently homeowners have one that is too small and allows them to run out of hot water at peak times. If this happens to you, you might want to consider a tankless water heater that heats the water as you need it. (See Tankless Water Heater Section below.)
• The chart below will help you determine the size regular water heater you need to accommodate your maximum demand for hot water at peak times. Remember that this type of consideration is unnecessary if you intend to install a tankless water heater which heats the water on demand. (See Tankless Water Heater Section.)

Shower	10-15 gallons	Preparing a meal	5 gallons
Bath	15-25 gallons	Washing Dishes in Automatic Dishwasher	12-15 gallons
Shaving or Washing Hands/Face	2 gallons	Washing Dishes by Hand	4 gallons
Washing Hair	4 gallons	Washing Clothes with Warm Wash/Cold Rinse	10-12 gallons

• Twice a year, open the drain valve at the bottom of your water heater and drain the sediment that has accumulated in the bottom of the water heater into a bucket. Keep it open until the water runs clear, usually 4-5 gallons.
• If your water heater displays an ASHRAE /EIS rating of 90, it is energy-efficient and you do not need additional insulation.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are small, energy efficient, and deliver unlimited, cleaner hot water. Installing yours is a great way to “Go Green”.

• In short, here are the reasons you would want to install a tankless water heater.
  • Unlimited hot water when you need it
  • Save money on utility bills
  • Smaller so takes up less room
  • No pilot lights, no leaking, no draining
  • More energy efficient, 8% - 34% depending on size
  • Lasts 2-3 times longer so no need to spend $$ on replacements
  • Selling point when selling your home. Adds value and may sway a buyer.
• A tankless water heater can save you money on your gas or electric bill since there is no need to keep your water hot 24/7. The water is heated on demand by running through a heat exchanger and being delivered hot to your faucets . . . for as long as you need it!
• When sized and installed properly, your tankless water heater will give you unlimited hot water so that you will have the ability to run the dishwasher, the washing machine, and take very long showers, all at the same time.
• The cost is two to four times more than conventional heaters. But the money savings from energy efficiency and not replacing a tank-type water heater over and over again will offset the price. Plus, you never have to worry about having hot water again.
• When making the decision to install a tankless water heater, make certain to choose the accurate size for your specific house. A good plumber can determine the size you should choose by asking a few simple questions about your lifestyle and the size of your home.

AquaTech Plumbing is a leader in tankless water heater installations and can help you with one to fit your needs. Visit our web-site at www.aquatechplumbing.com for more information or call us at the numbers listed at the top of this page to set up your appointment for a free estimate.

Sump Pump and Back-Up Systems

Thousands of dollars in valuables and stored memories can be lost if your basement floods. Many people lose their furnace too. And the clean up is a long and expensive process.

• Be sure your sump pump works properly before a spring rainy season. Unplug your pump and pour several buckets of water in the sump pit until it is full. Plug the pump in and if the pump doesn’t turn on, it’s time to replace the pump.
• Is your pump running continuously due to a lot of ground water? This will shorten the life of your pump, because it is continually working or “cycling”. If it wears out, your basement could flood. Adding an additional pump is an extra safeguard against loss.
• A back-up pump is a must. If your first pump fails, the second pump will step in. The back-up pump must be run separately. Many back-up pumps fail because they are tied into the primary pump line.
• Our AquaTech PLUS Dual Alternator System with battery back-up system and alarm will alternate your two sump pumps so that neither of the pumps works too hard. It will also keep your sump pumps running in case of a power outage (a distinct possibility in a storm) and alert you if one your pumps fail, so that you have ample opportunity to change it.
• Pumps in a shallow pit can short cycle. This occurs when a pump turns on, but doesn’t run very long, shutting off and making terrible noises. Short cycle doesn’t allow the pump to fully start before shutting down. This is hard on your pump and will shorten its life. Make sure your pit is deep enough to handle the amount of water.
• Make sure your pump discharges far away from your house. If it is too close, water will seep back into the pit, causing your pump to keep running.
• Be sure your power cord is plugged in to a working electrical outlet. (Sometimes cords get accidentally unplugged.) If the outlet doesn’t work, check the fuse or circuit breaker.
• Be sure your check valve prevents water from coming back into pit after the pump cycles. If water comes back, your check valve may need to be replaced. That’s a simple job for a plumber.

Basement Floods

• DO NOT ENTER a flooded basement or handle anything if your electrical outlets, appliances or furnace are under water. Call the electric company to shut the power off. Then disconnect your house’s power supply. If you must step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, get advice from an electrician first.
• If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately. Call the gas company.
• Pump about 1/3 of the water out per day. If done all at once, the basement walls could collapse.
• If at all possible, cleaning, disinfecting and drying should be done within 24 hours to minimize mold and mildew.
• Use chlorine bleach as a disinfectant due to sewage or contaminated material hazardous to your health. NEVER mix bleach with ammonia. It produces poisonous gas!
• After disconnecting electrical, wash floors and walls with detergent and hot water. (Wear plastic gloves and throw-away clothing.) Then clean and disinfect them, your drains, and pipes.
• If you have wood subflooring, the vinyl, tile floor and carpeting must be removed so that the subfloor can dry. It may take months for it to dry thoroughly. Soaked carpeting should be removed and discarded.
• Have your furnace inspected by a service person. It may need to be cleaned, dried and reconditioned or even replaced.
• Check pilot lights and burners on gas appliances. Have electrical appliances dried out and reconditioned. Electric circuit breakers and fuses can malfunction when exposed to water, so discard them.
• Carefully separate fragile-when-wet documents, books, photographs to let them dry. Clothing and furniture may or may not be salvageable.
• Check your foundation for settles, cracking or undermining. If you hire repair contractors, be sure they are qualified and insured!
• Have a qualified, insured plumber install a reliable sump pump and back up system with alarm so this doesn’t happen again.

Disposals

• Use cold water, not hot, when running your disposal and run the water as long as you run the disposal.
• Fats or cooking oils poured into your sink can solidify in cold drainpipes, trap food, and clog your pipes. Don’t put them, coffee grounds, or high fiber foods like celery down the drain unless you want to clog your disposal. Throw them in the trash instead.
• Notice an odor coming from your disposal? Put lemon peel and ice cubes in and run it for about 30 seconds. Then run the cold water through.
• If you do clog your disposal, turn off the motor and the water. Go under the sink and insert the service wrench that came with your disposal, or a ¼ inch Allen wrench, into the hole on the bottom of the disposal. Turn it back and forth until it can turn freely in complete circles. Then use tongs to remove whatever caused the disposal to jam. Then press the red “reset” button on the bottom of the disposal.

Drains

• Use a strainer over your kitchen and bathroom drains if you don’t want hair, pieces of soap and other items to clog your drain.
• Pour a cup of baking soda then a cup of vinegar down your drain every month to prevent clogging. Pour 2-3 gallons of boiling water down each bathroom drain every month to clear out grease and hair.
• Always unclog a drain mechanically. Don’t use chemicals to unclog a drain, especially if your pipes or traps are brass, steel, or cast-iron as chemicals may corrode metal pipes.
• Remove sink and tub pop-up stoppers and rinse them off every couple of weeks or so.
• Remove the overflow plate on your tub every 3-4 months, pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring or rocker arm to remove the hair and grease and rinse it off.
• Try your plunger first to unplug a shower drain, and if it doesn’t work, either you or a plumber can insert a “snake” down the drain to unclog it.
• Prevent drain clogs by putting a lint trap on your washing machine discharge hose.

Hoses

• Twice a year, put new washers in all your hoses.
• Put a lint trap on your washing machine discharge hose to prevent drain clogs.
• Hoses will last longer if you run cold water through them after using hot water. Don’t leave hot water in kitchen or shower hoses.

Frozen Pipes

• Avoid frozen indoor faucets by insulating water pipes which are exposed to wind or freezing temps. To get ready for winter, drain water pipes which are not being used.
• If you have faucets that frequently freeze, try leaving cabinet doors open to allow more heat to reach the pipes. You may also leave water running just a trickle to keep pipes from freezing.
• Insulate pipes in unheated garages or basements and keep the garage door closed in very cold weather.
• If your pipes freeze, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave the faucets on to relieve pressure as the ice melts to avoid problems when they thaw out. In some cases, using a blow dryer will thaw frozen pipes.
• Avoid frozen outdoor faucets by detaching your garden hoses in the fall before freezing temperatures arrive, and by closing the shut-off valve on the pipe that leads to your outdoor faucets. Then open the outdoor faucets to let any residual water drain out.

If you need fast, reliable, licensed plumbers you can trust to help you with any problem you may have, call us at one of the numbers listed on this page, or e-mail us at info@aquatechplumbing.com.

We look forward to serving you.