Winter Plumbing Tips for Chicagoland.

Old man winter…here he comes.  If he is as rough and tough as he was last year then Chicagoland is in for potential plumbing problems again.  The first order of business is to avoid frozen pipes.  Watch your water pressure and at the first sign of restricted water flow call a professional immediately.  Also let cold water trickle from your faucets at about a pencil’s width.

Disconnect garden hoses and drain all of your outdoor pipes to battle winter damage due to a hard freeze.  The next step is to install an insulated faucet jacket.  Also, be sure to utilize the shut off valves inside of your home to drain the water from pipes that lead outdoors.  Another thing, keep the temperature in your home high enough so that you are circulating warm air to help your pipes stay warm.

Even precautionary efforts may not be enough to completely protect you from plumbing problems this winter.  If and when those occur, Call AquaTech Plumbing any time 24/7, serving Naperville, Lisle, Plainfield, Aurora, Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, Wheaton, Winfield, Warrenville, or Glen Ellyn, at 630-416-3555, 630-898-3444, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555.

Preventing Plumbing Problems Before an Emergency.

Now that spring has sprung here are some tips, courtesy of AquaTech plumbing to possibly prevent a more serious situation:

When was the last time you checked all of the faucets inside and outside your home for drips and leaks?

Place a half dozen or so drops of food coloring in your toilet tanks. Leave the toilets alone for a half hour or more. Come back and check to see if the water in the bowl of any of the toilets has become tinted with the food-coloring dye from the tank. If it has, you've got a leak between the tank and the bowl.

Turn on all valves under any sinks and toilets to make sure they work with ease and won't stick. 

Make sure the temperature on your water heater is not set to more than 120 degrees. This will not only prevent burns but also reduce energy consumption.

This one seems obvious, but many people are too lazy or incapable to clean out any yard drains, downspouts, and gutters.  If you can’t do it yourself see if you can find a more able body to do it for you.

Above all trust the plumbing experts at AquaTech Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs.  If you live in the Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, or Wheaton, Winfield, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn area AquaTech IS your neighborhood plumber…and that is all you need to know.  Call them any time at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance for all of your plumbing needs.  

How to Get Your Plumbing in Order for Spring.

It may still be freezing and no one will soon forget the ravages of the winter of 2015.  The wonderful news is spring and Cubs baseball is just around the corner!  There is no better time than now to make sure that your plumbing is ready for the spring thaw.  There may be breaks and leaks caused by the harsh weather that won’t show up until the water is flowing freely.

Follow this spring inspection checklist to get a handle on what services you may be requiring from a professional.

- Faucet leak check

- Under-sink leak check

- Toilet leak check

- Water heater check-out

- Water pressure test

- Main water shut-off check

- Comprehensive leak check

Best of all, 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 all of your plumbing needs…including a thorough spring inspection.  Being safe now will prevent you from having a “sorry spring”.

Let’s Think Spring in Chicagoland with Regard to Our Plumbing.

I know, right now it is hard to think about warmer weather.  The truth is winter is taking its toll on your plumbing system.  It is freezing now, but in a couple of months there will be a thaw.  Instead of waiting until the last minute, AquaTech plumbing in the Naperville-Aurora area urges you to think ahead.

This cold weather may be causing freeze-related breaks and leaks that won’t show up until you turn on the water.  Wait to turn on your outside faucets and lawn sprinklers until after nighttime low temperatures are consistently above freezing (32° F) and once you do, remember to carefully check for leaks inside and outside your home.

You can also CALL US and we’ll perform a complete Spring Inspection to make sure your home is ready for warm weather. Though there is a storm on its way and a few more to come, it's never too early to prepare.

In another month or so contact AquaTech plumbing serving the Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area at  630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for a complete Spring inspection which may include…

- Faucet leak check

- Under-sink leak check

- Toilet leak check

- Water heater check-out

- Water Pressure test

- Main Water Shut-off check

- Comprehensive leak check

Take heart.  This season’s end to cabin fever is just around the corner!

Freezing Pipes…The Scourge of a Chicagoland Winter.

AquaTech Plumbing tips to keep your home in good working order this winter, and if something goes wrong we are here to help you through the winter of 2014-2015.

•  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.

•  Here is a tip that most people do not consider.  In extremely cold weather, leave cabinet doors under sinks open to keep warm air circulating.

If Your Pipes Freeze:

•  It is ill-advised to use 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. We also recommend against using any electrical appliance to thaw a pipe which 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.

Tankless Effort

Aqua Tech Plumbing is a leading tankless water heater installer. We have vast experience determining the model best suited to your needs and water usage. Our professionals can get you started on a path of saving money and resources.

Tankless Water Heaters continuously supply unlimited hot water provided by heating the water as needed rather than storing it. You'll save money on gas bills, save space because it's small, and save yourself the draining, leaking, and lighting of pilot lights with regular water heaters. No stagnant water means cleaner showers, laundry, and dishes. Tankless water heaters last for 20 - 30 years, eliminating your need to replace water heaters every 6 - 10 years.

It also is an environmentally sound decision to make. When you aren't wasting, you are saving . . . not just money, but the environment!

Give us a call today to find out how you can save! 

Aqua Tech Is Always Open

Aqua Tech Plumbing is your neighborhood plumber who is there to lend a hand--anytime of day or night. You won't get a "call us back in the morning" message from us. We are 'round the clock because we know plumbing is round the clock. 

Disasters and emergencies don't schedule themselves, they rarely even warn us. So, what good is it to have a plumber that keeps banker's hours? No good.




That's why when people ask us what our hours are, we say: 'All of them".




Aqua Tech Plumbing. Your trusted neighborhood plumber.

Prepare Your Home's Plumbing For Summer

Summer is in the air. The weather is warming and the birds are chirping. It seems like a great time to relax and kick your feet up, doesn’t it?

Well, there’s work to be done to transition your home from the winter and spring months to the summer months. During the winter and spring, leaves, debris, mud and gunk get caked on your home's exterior, rain gutters, pipes and more.

So, what can you do to ready your home for summer? You can start by calling us! We will do a thorough examination to make sure that all of your plumbing needs inside and out are working efficiently and are ready for the change of season.

You probably just got back to watering your lawn. Notice the pressure is a little low? Yep, Old Man Winter played havoc with your sprinkler system--and his partner in crime, Autumn, saw to it that not a drop of rain will make it out of those gutters. Dead foliage has found it’s way into your water system and intends on building a dam that would impress a beaver. All of that sediment and debris need to be removed in order for your home’s plumbing to run properly. Evidence of a clog in the trap is when all of your toilets make a gurgling noise. When the pressure is low and when water returns to the tub even after you’ve drained it; like a house guest that overstayed it’s welcome.

Give us a call today. Aqua Tech Plumbing. For all of your plumbing needs both residential and commercial. Got a clog? Got a flood? Get us! We’ve got all of the proper solutions for your plumbing needs. Clogs and overflows are no match for us.

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.

How Can I Get My Home Ready For Spring?

When Winter Leaves, It Leaves Damage Behind

Though it's still freezing in many parts of the country, spring is right around the corner. There is no better time it’s time to make sure your plumbing and air conditioning systems are ready for Spring and Summer. Last year’s cold weather may have caused freezing-related breaks and leaks that won’t show up until you turn on the water. Or, this year's winter doesn't leave and this particular blog won't be needed for another couple of months. Let's hope not.

Wait to turn on your outside faucets and lawn sprinklers until after nighttime low temperatures are consistently above freezing (32° F) and once you do, remember to carefully check for leaks inside and outside your home. Or, you can CALL US and we’ll perform a complete Spring Inspection to make sure your home is ready for warm weather. Though there is a storm on it's way and a few more to come, it's never to early to prepare.

Spring Inspection:

- Faucet leak check

- Under-sink leak check

- Toilet leak check

- Water heater check-out

- Water Pressure test

- Main Water Shut-off check

- Comprehensive leak check

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 a complete spring inspection.

What Should You Do If You Have A Gas Leak In Chicagoland

Our houses are like a living creatures made up of components that keep them running safely and efficiently--much like our bodies. With an intricate system of veins (or in this case pipes and lines) running through, under, around our domiciles. When one of these lines becomes incapacitated, like the human body it can be something trivial like a drippy faucet (runny nose) or something gravely serious like a gas leak (internal bleeding) that can not only compromise the safety of you and your family but could potentially annihilate an entire cul-de-sac.

Don't worry, we're here to help. Carbon monoxide detectors are a must in EVERY home so we will assume you've done the right thing and had them installed. Gas, by nature, is odorless. It is a silent killer. Luckily there is an additive that smells like sulfur to let people know there is gas leaking from somewhere.

What should you do if you have a gas leak?
ACT IMMEDIATELY. TURN OFF THE GAS. CALL US. GET OUT OF THE HOME OR BUSINESS AND WAIT FOR THE CAVALRY TO COME. (That's us!)

A gas leak should be treated with the utmost seriousness. 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 if your home or business has a gas leak.

Keep Your Garbage Disposal In Working Order

Your garbage disposal will be asked to perform at maximum capacity every holiday season. A few things to keep in mind when using your disposer will ensure maximum use.

• Don't overload the disposal. If you're cutting up a bunch of veggies like celery and potatoes, be sure to put the waste into the trash. When using the disposal, insert items in small amounts. Overloading such fibrous materials into the disposer can clog and overwhelm it. 
• Keep it clean. To rid your disposer of odors, take a bowl and fill it with ice, then, sprinkle an ample amount of baking soda onto the ice. Next, turn the disposal on and dump the ice with the baking soda into the sink. It will clean the teeth and remove smells. It's like brushing and rinsing your disposal's teeth.
• Purchase a quality disposal. If it's time to replace your old one, don't get the cheapest solution. Go for efficiency. Spending more will save you the hassle of replacing it early on. 
• Teach kids that the disposal is very dangerous. Mark the disposal switch with red to prevent accidents. Make sure they know what not to put in it.

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 garbage disposal and kitchen lines in good working order.

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.

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.

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.

How To Avoid Plumbing Disasters

Plumbing disasters can be unexpected and costly. The good thing is there are ways to prevent plumbing disasters from happening in the first place with a little bit of preventive maintenance. This could save you hundreds -- if not thousands of dollars.

The following are a few tips that will hopefully help you avoid plumbing mishaps in the future:

Familiarize yourself with your main house shut off valve, where it is located and how to turn it off in case of an emergency. It may be a ball-valve or a gate-valve. These can be tricky to locate sometimes. It could be in the basement, a crawl space, or buried somewhere in your front yard so it's great to know where it is before you're in a dire situation.

If you have older plumbing look for rust and corroded areas on the pipe. If you think you have a problem, our plumbers are only a call away. They can come out, inspect your plumbing, and give you an estimate on repairing or replacing lines.

Be sure to inspect your water heater periodically. This is one of the most common causes of interior water damage. Again, you'll want to look for rusty pipes going into the water heater and check for leaking or rust spots on the tank itself. Also, if your water heater is located inside your house you should have a drain pan installed under it. This way, if it does leak the water will drain all over your floor. Call us if you think you have a problem. Remember, preventive maintenance can save you in the long run.

If you're going away for just the weekend or on a long vacation, let a neighbor know where your main shut off is in case of an emergency. If you're not comfortable involving a neighbor, you can shut off your water at the main valve before you go out of town. This way you won't come home to a flooded house!

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 preventing or fixing plumbing disasters.