Showing posts with label Chicago Plumbing Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Plumbing Blog. Show all posts

Friday, March 14, 2014

Tips For Your Home's Plumbing System To Aid Against Plumbing Problems

With the first day of spring just around the corner, here are some spring cleaning tips for your home's plumbing system to aid against plumbing problems in the future:
  • Do a check of all faucets for drips and leaks. Repairing these can save you money and conserve water. 
  • Double check all toilets to make sure they are free from hidden leaks. A great way to find out is by doing the food coloring test. 
  • Purchase a strainer for each drain to avert clogged drains from hair and other debris. 
  • When checking any toilets for leaks, also check for cracks. 
  • If you are holding down or jiggling your toilet handle to stop the water, you likely need some repairs. 
  • Turn all valves under any sinks and toilets to make sure they work properly and won't stick. 
  • Make sure the temperature on your water heater is not set to more than 120 degrees. This can prevent burns and reduces energy consumption. 
  • If your home has a sump pump, check that it works properly by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, get rid of the water, and then turn off without issues. 
  • Clean out any yard drains, downspouts, and gutters. 
  • If you live in an area where sewers sometimes back up into homes, install a back flow valve in the floor drain. This can prevent backups in the future. 
If you reside in the Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn areas, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for a complete spring inspection.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

A Tankless Water Heater Is Affordable And Eco Friendly

So the old water heater is cutting out again, eh? Is it making a pinging sound? Does it sound like a rusty robot trying to do yoga? Does it sound like it's going to take off into the stratosphere? Well, maybe it's time for a new water heater.

Are you still watching one of those clunky, boxy, tube t.v.'s? Do you check your email using Windows 95? No! So why are you stuck in the past with an old water heater that has behavioral issues and thinks Bill Clinton is still President?

Time for a tankless water heater! They are affordable, eco friendly, and will save you thousands annually.

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 call us for a free estimate on installing your new tankless water heater.

Monday, December 16, 2013

What Are The Steps To Take If My Pipes Freeze?

The following are a few helpful tips from AquaTech Plumbing to keep your home in good working order this winter:
  • As temperatures reach freezing and dip far below it, be sure to close all air vents and other openings in the crawl space under your house. This will prevent heat from escaping as much as possible. 
  • In freezing weather, never set your home's thermostat below 55 degrees. Below that temperature your pipes are at risk of freezing. 
  • Insulate pipes that are prone to freezing, such as those near an outside wall, in unheated areas of your home, or if they are exposed, such as outside spigots. In an emergency, several layers of newspapers or rags can be used for temporary insulation.
  • Keep the cover to your water meter box securely in place to prevent the meter from freezing during cold periods.
  • In extremely cold weather, leave cabinet doors under sinks open to keep warm air circulating.
If Your Pipes Freeze:
  • We warn against using a hair dryer, heat lamp or light bulb to thaw the frozen pipe yourself. Too much heat in one spot can burst the pipe, and it is difficult to evenly distribute the heat over a large area of the pipe. Also, using any electrical appliance to thaw a pipe can be dangerous because the appliance could become wet, increasing your danger of electrocution.
  • DO NOT use a blow torch or any type of flame to thaw a frozen line. In addition to the danger of fire, extreme heat could thaw the pipe too rapidly, causing it to burst and resulting in potential injury and damage to your property. 
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 in tip-top shape this winter season.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Is My Water Heater Ready For The Winter Months?

There is nothing like a hot shower or bath on a cold winter morning. We get in and never want to get out. Unless of course we are forced out by the absence of hot water.

How ready is your water heater for the winter months? In order to avoid those unbearable moments where the hot water runs out, follow these simple steps to ensure that your home's water heater won't leave you out in the cold.

First, improve water heater pipe insulation to combat cold water problems in the winter months. This is especially important for tanks that are near an outside wall, in the garage, or other non-insulated spaces that are more susceptible to the elements. Invest in pipe insulation or heat tape and wrap the pipes well. Consult our experts for professional advise.

Investigate the area surrounding the water heater for drafts, cold spots, or cold walls. Any compromises in the insulation can lead to costly waste. Consider resealing any nearby windows, adding caulk to sills, and adding insulation to the walls surrounding the water heater.

Call us if you cannot get enough hot water for your family's comfort. The sooner you get water heater repair, the better, as units in bad repair are less efficient, more costly to operate, and can cause water damage if it begins to leak.

Do a thorough examination of your home's water heater today. 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 water heater in good working order.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

All About AquaTech Plumbing...

Family owned and operated AquaTech Plumbing offers “Better Plumbing for Better Pricing” 24/7,with priority response given to customers in Chicago’s western suburbs.

We employ only licensed plumbers to ensure you receive expert plumbing and the quality service you deserve.

With more than 30 years of experience, AquaTech Plumbing of Illinois provides precision plumbing repair services to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Our licensed plumbers offer 24-hour emergency plumbing repair because we understand there is never a convenient time for water heater repairs or plumbing problems; therefore, we ensure your peace of mind with immediate responsiveness from our professional plumbers, accurate diagnosis and residential plumbing repairs, and up-front guaranteed pricing. We are available to assist day or night with all types of plumbing repairs, faucet leaks or toilet repairs, clogged drains, sewer backup problems and much more. It’s what you’d expect from experienced, professional, Chicagoland licensed plumbers… and it’s what you’ll get from AquaTech Plumbing.

“Better Plumbing For Better Pricing” is more than just our motto; it defines the business tradition of our professional plumbers in Chicago. Because we serve a broad range of commercial, industrial and residential customers, all of our licensed plumbers are skilled in a variety of plumbing applications, from basic home service for leaky faucet repair, shower drain repair, drain cleaning and garbage disposal installation to the latest industry advances including tankless water heaters for your home or business, and our revolutionary new back-up system for sump pumps. Not only do these items add value to your residential or commercial property , you’ll be protecting one of your largest personal investments – your home or business. Using AquaTech Plumbing puts your residential plumbing or commercial plumbing system in very capable hands.

We offer these innovative residential plumbing services and products to provide peace of mind while saving you money; products like tankless water heaters, which increase hot water availability while decreasing energy bills and maximizing space. In addition, our back-up systems for sump pumps work tirelessly to prevent basement flooding and clogged drains.

Whether you need faucets, bathroom fixtures, sinks, garbage disposals, toilets, bathtubs, shower heads, body sprays, bidets, whirlpools, laundry tubs, ejector pumps, hose bibs, general repairs, water pressure restored, garbage disposal installation, gas piping, fixing broken pipes, thawing frozen pipes, root removal services, sewer rodding, sewer repair, drain cleaning, tankless water heaters, back-up systems for sump pumps, trenchless sewer solutions, or you need us to diagnose your sewer problem with a camera or TV equipment, our licensed plumbers are equipped and ready at a moment’s notice to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. AquaTech Plumbing – “Better Plumbing For Better Pricing” – for residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout Chicago and suburbs.

And if you should need maintenance, count on AquaTech to service everything from toilets and water heaters to sewer rodding and drain clog removal, sump discharge lines and much more.

AquaTech Plumbing also installs RPZ valves and provides RPZ certification, backflow certification to cities in our service area for businesses and homes that have this backflow prevention device to prevent water contamination.

Residential, industrial and commercial – our licensed plumbers cater to every client no matter what the need. Who better to serve you than the company which was trusted to serve subsidiaries of homeland security?With our level of experience and knowledge, there is no commercial or residential installation or repair that is beyond our capabilities. And our mission is to serve you in a way that makes you a customer for life.

We recognize you have choices. Our mission is service that makes you a customer for life, so you’ll never regret choosing AquaTech Plumbing. Call us today!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Does Your Home Or Business Piping Need To Be Repaired?

A gas leak can be the deadliest leak there is. Before an odor was added to it, people didn't know they had a leak until it was too late. Today, the odor is there to detect it. However, that doesn't make it any less deadly.

Every year paramedics and firefighters respond to calls of a gas leak after it's too late. The effects of a gas leak can be as small as a patch of grass dying to as large as a whole neighborhood engulfed in flames. Consider a gas leak to be like a leak on a boat. There are no good leaks. If left untreated, the results will be catastrophic.

Whether your home or business' piping needs to be repaired or new piping installed, call us. We take the time to ensure quality installation. Fall is here and Winter is fast approaching. Check your pipes today to see if they are up to the task of keeping your family warm and safe.

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 gas lines in good working order.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

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.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

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.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

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.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

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.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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.
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.