Category: Land & Property

When Should Homeowners Schedule Water Heater Maintenance?

Technician in blue uniform repairing plumbing equipment and water heater for Bud's Plumbing in Evansville, IN.

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance Now!

Is there anything more bracing than a cold shower? While taking a cold shower is said to be a benefit for everything from sore muscles to the heart, no one wants to be surprised by that icy cold spray in the early morning. Water heaters make life much more pleasant and easy, but if any household appliance is ignored, it may just stop working. Proper upkeep, typically involving a professional inspection and maintenance schedule, can prevent that sudden cold shower. 

What Good Is Maintenance?Plumber inspecting water heater, taking notes on maintenance checklist in residential setting.

Let’s take a moment here for real talk. No one wants to deal with upkeep. It is a sad reality. Humans love to have new things, but they are often neglectful creatures when it comes to maintaining that organization or that new toy. Wear and tear ruin that carefully chosen appliance, and it may be expensive to replace. Here is where maintenance comes in. A little bit of prep can keep things running smoothly for a long time. 

  • Peak Efficiency: Maintenance keeps a water heater working at its most efficient, keeping energy and water bills low.
  • Prolongs Unit’s Life: The water heater will last longer if it is properly taken care of. 
  • Quick Fixes: A maintenance check can mean problems are discovered early or even before they happen. This is much better than having to deal with the aftermath.

What Will Be Checked on the Water Heater

When a plumbing maintenance professional comes to look at a water heater, there are two steps to the process: inspection and repair/upkeep. Below are some of the tasks a plumbing technician might do while performing an annual maintenance check:

Signs of a Troubled Water Heaterwater heater

Even if a homeowner takes the time to get water heater maintenance annually, there are still problems that can come up in between scheduled service appointments that will need the attention of a professional plumbing technician. Most machines give some sort of indicator or indicators that a problem needs to be fixed. It is no different with a water heater.
  • Rusty Water: This can indicate a problem with the pipes or within the water heater itself.
  • Hissing Sounds: This noise usually indicates some sort of leak and can be a problem with the pressure release valve.
  • Water Pooling: This is a sure sign of a leak and can be from the tank itself, one of the connecting pipes, or the PRV.
  • No Hot Water: Heating coils problems or a fuel line issue could be to blame.
  • Hot, but Not Hot Enough: Does the water not last as long as it used to? Perhaps it doesn’t get as hot or goes to either end of the temperature spectrum?

These issues warrant a call to a licensed professional and should be dealt with before a larger scale problem happens.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

For over 100 years, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has been looking out for the needs of their local community. Their award-winning service has earned them a great reputation in Evansville, IN. Call them today for water heater solutions and maintenance.

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Returning To School With Plumbing 101

Teacher in a classroom with engaged students and laptops, related to Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Home Plumbing

Summer is coming to a close, and that means it is almost back to school time! Students and teachers around the country will be readying themselves to return to the classroom, and parents and caretakers will be readying themselves as well. But who says students are the only ones that will be learning this school year?

Now is the perfect time for homeowners to learn a thing or two as well. More specifically, it is a great time for homeowners and their families to learn the ins and outs of home plumbing. Sure, it might not sound like the most interesting thing, but it can be extremely helpful given how much people rely on their home plumbing systems! Continue reading to enroll in Plumbing 101! 

sink water Where Water Comes From

One of the first questions people often ask about home plumbing is: where exactly does the water all come from? After all, plumbing systems rely on water movement into and out of the home, so this is a logical and important question. The simple answer is water comes from outside and then goes into the home, but there's more to it than that.

Water comes specifically from a mainline, after which it reaches the home through a supply line. Typically, the supply line is responsible for this transportation of water and is located very far underground. Once the water from the supply line enters the home, it can go one of two ways: through the hot service line or the cold service line.

Water ultimately reaches the appliances and fixtures through these two service lines with which most homeowners and their families interact. Later on, water exits the home through the drain system.

Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

Concerning the plumbing fixtures and appliances, there are dozens of different ones throughout many home systems. However, there are a handful of common ones that one can often find in most homes. Some of the most common plumbing fixtures include toilets, bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Some of the most common plumbing appliances include water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers.

These appliances and fixtures receive water that has traveled into the home through the hot and cold services lines. So although families may assume these fixtures and appliances are the main components of the plumbing system, it is a much more complex system than that.

Drain Cleaning Is Important!drain

An important thing to know when it comes to home plumbing systems is the importance of drain cleaning. Given that water travels out of the home through the drain system, properly functioning drains are of utmost importance. When there are backups in the drain system, these can lead to nasty clogs. Consistent drain cleaning ensures that water and waste move through properly and efficiently.

How exactly can homeowners clean their drains? Many DIY techniques will help, like mixing baking soda with vinegar or salt. If, however, there are serious backups in the drain system, these may require professional plumbers' help. These experts can employ techniques like hydro jetting or snaking to remove the backup safely.

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service of Evansville, IN has been providing trusted plumbing solutions since 1920. As a family-owned and operated company, they believe in no surprises, no messes, no hassle, and no further problems for every one of their customers. Give them a call for plumbing help today!

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Get the Home Ready for Independence Day Festivities!

Throw the Best Parties on the Block

Throwing parties over the summer is one of the most fun activities someone can plan. Independence Day is the perfect occasion for a backyard party or a cookout. This year, plan an extravagant party, and don't worry about if vital plumbing in the home is ready for the extra traffic. Take this advice from local plumbers and get the house ready for a blowout before the party. 

garbage disposal

Install or Replace the Garbage Disposal

Summer parties are all about cookouts and having friends over. Usually, parties revolve around extravagant meals that can increase the load on kitchen sinks and appliances. When extra food gets dumped into the sink, the chances of getting a clog become much greater. 

To prevent embarrassing clogged sinks over the holidays, check that the garbage disposal is in good working order. For homes that don't have one, professional plumbers can quickly install one. Garbage disposals chop up food scraps so they don't get stuck in pipes. Running the garbage disposal as sink water is drained ensures that sinks won't clog even when food makes it down the drain. 

Check Gas Lines 

Independence Day is all about amazing pyrotechnic displays. As everyone knows, gas and fire don't mix. This 4th of July, don't take chances with gas lines. Inspect lines for leaks before problems can occur. Common places to look for problems are:

  • Near appliances that get moved occasionally, like stoves and dryers
  • Visible joints in piping around water heaters, stoves, dryers, and furnaces
  • Check the yard for dead spots on the lawn
  • Gas valves that control each gas-powered appliance

Gas leaks have several signs that indicate they are present:

  • Hissing sounds
  • Rotten egg smell
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • High gas bills

If leaks are found, have a professional take care of them immediately so everyone can stay safe. 

Make Sure the Bathrooms are Readybathroom

If there is one room in the house that guests care about, it's the bathroom. Sure, the back patio with the grill or that new kitchen is great, but every guest in the home will use the bathroom over the summer. 
Some of the things to check before scheduling a get-together are:

  • Clogged Sinks: Remove anything from sinks that could cause clogs. Make sure sinks drain quickly so no one has to see soiled water backed up in the basin. 
  • Leaks: Make sure faucets and fittings aren't leaking. Leaks waste money that could have otherwise been spent on fancy party stuff. 
  • Toilet Problems: Clogs and sewer backups can ruin any good time. Have pipes hydro jetted to ensure clogs don't form during a party. 
  • Bathtub Problems: If guests are staying overnight, they'll want a nice place to take a shower. Make sure faucets aren't leaking, and comfortable showerheads are installed. Also, make sure the hot water tank can keep up with the demand. 

Keeping an eye on these things in the weeks leading up to having guests over can give homeowners the peace of mind that their homes are ready for all of the action that summer will bring. 

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service has been solving plumbing problems in Evansville, IN, for over a century. They find the best solutions and take the time to educate their customers about their options. Expert technicians are always on call for emergency plumbing visits. 

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Filtered Water Takes Summer Drinks To the Next Level!

Enjoy Summer a Little More With Filtered Water

Summer is the time of year for cookouts and refreshing drinks. Homeowners with a water filtration system in their homes seem to have the upper hand in this department. Food and drinks prepared with filtered water taste better than homes that don’t have filtered water. There is no question there. Drinking filtered water over a prolonged period could even start to affect the family’s overall health as well. There are several benefits that filtered water provides, but the bottom line is filtered water is just the right option all the way around. There’s more information below on some of the amazing benefits that filtered water provides. 

filter

Let’s Talk About the Taste

The debate of filtered vs. unfiltered water isn’t solely about the water. There are many factors involved. One important factor that can be overlooked is the taste of the water. Still, that’s not all. The taste of water affects more than just water. It affects the way coffee tastes, the lemonade on a hot summer day, and even the ice cubes homeowners put into the cups. The taste of water affects the food as well. 

The taste might seem like a minute benefit of having filtered water when homeowners are currently used to their unfiltered water. However, it makes a huge difference in the freshness of the drinks and food that comes from the kitchen. People might wonder what homeowners have done differently to old recipes. In reality, they just changed from filtered to unfiltered water!

Dangerous Chemicals Are Removed

Learning about the facts about unfiltered water can be quite frightening for some. Many aren’t aware that there are chemicals in unfiltered tap water. These chemicals are at a low enough level to be considered safe to drink, and without them, the water wouldn’t be safe to drink at all. Plumbing systems are long, old, and dirty. It’s nearly impossible to know what the water travels through before it makes it into the home. 

The chemicals are meant to clean the water of harmful bacteria to allow for safe drinking. However, humans need a lot of water per day. After a long time, the chemicals in that water build up within the body and can cause health issues. 

Some of these chemicals include: 

  • Zinc
  • Lead
  • Chlorine
  • Copper 
  • Barium 

Helps To Detox the Bodydrinking water

Perhaps one of the best benefits homeowners experience after changing to filtered water is the natural detox their body goes through. After years of drinking chemical-filled water, the body naturally feels lighter and more energized after even a few glasses of filtered water. 
The benefits one experiences from a detoxed body are nearly endless. Some benefits include: 

  • Reduced headaches
  • Better breathing
  • More energy
  • Better sleep
  • Weight loss
  • Improved heart health

It is clear there isn’t a debate at all. It is time to have a water filtration system installed to start reaping some of these amazing benefits. 

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service Is There for Their Customers

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has been the trusted plumbing company in Evansville, IN for over 100 years! When it comes to plumbing systems, there isn’t a problem they can’t fix. They always promise to provide excellent customer service from beginning to end. There’s no one quite like this award-winning company. Call today to schedule water filtration service!

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Surprise Mom with New Plumbing Fixtures This Mother's Day!

The Best Kitchen and Bath Upgrades for Mom

Flower, check. Chocolates, check. Plumbing upgrades…? Planning Mother’s Day comes with plenty of traditional gift ideas. Cards, candy, flowers are the gifts mom expects on her big day. But surprises are welcome, and what better to surprise mom with than a new kitchen sink or spa-like bathtub? Think outside the box this Mother’s Day and consider some of these great upgrades to wow mom at home! 

Wonderful Bathroom Fixture Gifts  

bathroomPeople spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Between brushing teeth, bathing, and getting ready for the day, mom probably spends a good hour or more in the bathroom a day. Why not make every moment in there more relaxing with a new sink or tub?
  • Faucet Upgrades: Handwashing, teeth brushing, hair styling... The sink gets used a ton in the bathroom. Choosing to install a new faucet can breathe new life into the bathroom and make mom’s daily rituals a little easier! Homeowners should consider installing automatic faucets that require no touch - this makes cleaning easier and prevents gross bacteria from building up on the faucet handles. Or, they can consider adding a high-efficiency faucet in a unique design to reduce water waste and save money on water bills, all while creating a new look for the bathroom. 
  • Sink Upgrades: Have a lower budget but want to create a spa-like space for mom at home? Add a new sink basin! Basins come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from pedestal sinks that provide more room to cramped bathrooms to stone or glass basins that create the look of a classy hotel or spa without a simple switch. 
  • Tub Upgrades: If treating mom is the priority this year, homeowners should consider installing a new tub. There is nothing more relaxing than a long soak in bubbles or Epsom salt in a deep bathtub. Go big with a jetted tub, or go classic with a claw-footed porcelain tub. 

 

Fantastic Kitchen Fixture Gifts kitchen

Who doesn’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen? Mom probably spends a good hour or two a day working or cleaning in the kitchen. If nothing else, these gifts will make her time in the kitchen easier and make the kitchen feel newer!

Faucet Upgrades: Automatic faucets are all the rage in kitchens right now. They make washing hands so much easier, without the need to touch the faucet handles with bacteria-covered hands. Plus, automatic faucets can reduce water usage in the home! 

If automatic isn’t up mom’s alley, one should consider installing a faucet with a built-in hose or a stainless steel upgrade that prevents water spotting and makes clean up easier. 

Sink Upgrades: Sinks are one of the best ways to express style in the kitchen. Does mom love farmhouse decor? Install a new farmhouse sink for her. Is she a fan of a chef-style kitchen? Homeowners can install a deep-basined, stainless steel sink to give the kitchen a high-classed professional vibe. 

Why Give Mom a Garbage Disposal for the Kitchen?

Those who want to get mom something more than cosmetic for the kitchen should consider installing a garbage disposal. While they aren’t as classic as chocolates or flowers, their uses make them the best kitchen gift to get mom. Why? They reduce the build-up of garbage and gross food in the sink, reduce odors in the home, and prevent plumbing problems for the kitchen with just a single installed gadget!

A plumbing expert can take the stress out of shopping and installing fixtures for mother’s day. They can install the new gifts quickly and make sure they work correctly, preventing any surprise plumbing headaches down the road.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has provided exceptional plumbing solutions at unbelievable prices to their Evansville, IN neighbors for 100 years. Trust the friendly experts at Bud’s Plumbing and Repair Service for expert plumbing services!

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