Company: Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

3 Tips to Keep the Water Bill Affordable This Summer

Best Ways to Spend Less On Water for More Summer Fun

Homeowners feel the pinch as prices skyrocket, including their water bills. With increasing fuel costs, many choose to forego the beach and stay home. Being homebound means more gardening, yard work, and washing cars at home, which could mean a higher water bill. For homeowners hoping to save wherever they can, these tips can help cut the cost of water this summer.

Lower Use with Water-Saving Devices

showerOne sure way to spend less on the water is to use less water. Several devices can help reduce water usage. Washing machines over 5 years old are likely to use more water than updated high-efficiency models. In the shower, homeowners can install a low-flow showerhead, automatic shut-off nozzle, and a shower timer that automatically shuts off the water when the set time expires.

Also, the toilet can use vast amounts of clean, precious water to flush away waste in the bathroom. Displacing the amount of water in the tank with a brick, water-filled bottle, or tank bag reduces each flush's amount. 

Useful on the toilet and in the garden, a gray water diverter recycles used water and uses it for toilet flushing and watering garden plants. If the park is on a sprinkler system set on a timer, a rainfall shut-off device not only saves water, it shuts the system off when rain has fallen, so plants don't end up overwatered and soggy.

Updated faucets and dual-flush toilets are additional devices homeowners can install to reduce water use and lessen the water bill sticker shock.

Strategic Lawn Watering Tactics

lawnMany townships and villages now restrict when outside water can be used. There are varying opinions on morning watering vs. evening. Most gardening advocates favor morning as any water falling on leaves has time to be absorbed by the plant, eliminating potential mildew problems. As far as water conservation goes, with cooler morning temperatures, this time also works to keep more water in the plants and ground and less evaporating into the air.

In humid regions and some coastal areas, homeowners can further reduce water bill strain by taking advantage of rainy weather patterns and allowing Mother Nature to water the lawn. The aforementioned rainfall shut-off device can keep automated sprinkler systems from kicking in. If allowed in the area, rainwater collection systems can be an alternate water source for tending gardens and lawns.

A Splash of Advice on Limiting Water Usage

Regular everyday tasks can use a significant amount of water. Simple awareness can cut back water usage and costs without installing a single device. For example, filling a bowl with soapy water to wash pots and pans or produce and only turning on the faucet to rinse can keep gallons from going down the drain. Additional measures include only running the dishwasher when the load is full and making sure to only run full laundry loads, along with selecting the correct load size. Homeowners can also shut off the water while shaving and brushing teeth, only using it to rinse as needed. 

Taking shorter showers, installing water-conserving devices, and letting Mother Nature water the lawn are just a few ways homeowners can reduce water usage and lessen the water bill's impact on their wallets.

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

In Evansville, IN, Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service provides honest, upfront pricing and full-service solutions to even the most challenging plumbing needs. Trusted since 1920, their customer's safety and comfort are their top priority. Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service professionals offer fast service and complete customer satisfaction and will never leave a mess behind. Call them today for all plumbing service and repair needs in Evansville, IN.

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Best Company for Sewer Line Repair Service in Evansville, IN

Who to Call for Sewer Line Repair 

The sewer line connects the home's plumbing to the main sewer line to dispose of wastewater from the drains. Most of the sewer line is found underground beneath the lawn or the home's foundation. Common sewer line problems include clogged, leaking, or broken pipes. 

Sewer line repair is a complicated job that requires the skill set of a professional plumber. Unqualified individuals could seriously injure themselves when attempting "DIY" sewer line repair. When a sewer line pipe bursts or gets clogged, it is best to call a trusted local plumber right away for sewer pipe repair. 

Not every plumbing company is qualified to quickly and safely resolve sewer line problems. This article gives an overview of homeowners' factors before hiring a professional plumber for sewer line repair.

Licensed & Insured Sewer Line Repair Company

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One of the most important factors for homeowners to focus on when researching is licensing and insurance. The company's insurance will protect the liability of the homeowner and the company in the case of accidental injury or property damage. Without the right training, someone could become seriously injured while working on the sewer line. 

Professional plumbers go through years of training to work on complicated plumbing systems. The underground location of the sewer line can make repairs particularly challenging. The proper license ensures that the plumber is trained to clear sewer pipe clogs or repair burst pipes. 

Because the sewer line is underground, disrupting the home's lawn or its foundation may require reaching the damaged pipe. Professional plumbers have specialized tools at their disposal, such as leak detectors that help them locate the source of the problem without ripping up the lawn. A skilled plumber can sometimes repipe the plumbing to avoid an overly disruptive repair. 

The Best Sewer Repair Company Evansville Has to Offer

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  • Latest plumbing technology 
  • Experienced plumbers 
  • Friendly customer service 
  • Timeliness 
  • Up-front pricing 
  • Fair and affordable 

    • These are six factors for homeowners to look for comparing companies. Homeowners can ask around their neighborhood to find out which plumbing companies the community trusts. Internet reviews are another great resource for homeowners searching for the best sewer line repair nearby. 

    By reading online reviews, homeowners can get an unbiased view of the experiences others have had with the company. It can be expected for there to be one or two disgruntled reviews for most companies, but if the number of negative reviews outweighs the positive, this is a bad sign. 

    Reach Out With Questions Regarding Sewer Repair Service

    Homeowners are recommended to reach out to their chosen sewer line leak repair company with any questions they have regarding pricing or service options. Talking to the plumber on the phone can quickly clear up questions that the homeowner may have and give insight into the quality of customer service they can expect. 

    Most trustworthy plumbing companies are happy to schedule homeowners with a free consultation with a plumber. Up-front pricing is an important factor because this allows the homeowner to compare the value offered by different companies. 

    About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

    Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service is proud to serve the Evansville, IN community with high-quality plumbing services with fair and up-front pricing. They are a plumbing company that homeowners can count on for integrity, professionalism, and timeliness. Give Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service a call today to schedule an appointment for professional sewer line repair! 

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    Everything You Need To Know About Detecting Hidden Water Leaks

    Watch Out for These Three Signs of a Hidden Water Leak!

    Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face - and they can also be one of the most damaging to the home. But they aren't always as easy to spot as a dripping faucet or a geyser coming out of the front lawn. In some cases, a leaking water pipe can go weeks, months, or even years without being detected. And in the meantime, all that leaking water could be costing the homeowners a fortune and causing all sorts of problems, from mold growth to wood rot to foundation damage. So in this article, homeowners will find all they need to know to spot signs of a hidden leak!

    water

    The Sound of Running Water

    The first to keep an eye out for - or rather, an ear - is the sound of running water coming from the walls, floors, or ceiling. This is normal when a fixture is used somewhere in the house, be it a shower, sink, washing machine, or anything else. But if no person or appliance is using water, that hissing or rushing sound may be water escaping through a broken water line, loose pipe fitting, or even a pinhole leak.

    During a quiet part of the day, homeowners can make sure no appliances or fixtures use water, including outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems, then listen carefully for that telltale sound. If a running water sound only appears periodically, it could also be a leaky toilet whose tank keeps refilling as water slowly drains out. However, if the sound is continuous, it may be time to call a plumber for water line leak repair.

    Soggy Spots In the Yardyard

    Another possible sign of a leaking water line is if a certain spot in the yard is perpetually soggy, muddy, or swampy. This is often due to an underground pipe leak releasing a constant water flow, saturating the surrounding area. This can be caused by several things, including tree roots, shifting soil, corrosion, or aging pipes.

    This could also manifest as a patch of grass that tends to grow thicker, greener, or more rapidly than the grass in other parts of the yard. A particularly swampy or flooded patch likely indicates a serious leak that could be wasting hundreds of gallons per week, so it's best to address this as quickly as possible.

    High Water Bills and Low Water Pressure

    Other markers of a hidden leak are if the home's water pressure seems lower than before and if the monthly water bill is higher than usual. These symptoms often go hand in hand. Since a home's water lines are pressurized to deliver water quickly, even a slow leak can detract from the normal pressure as water escapes. And as all that water spills out, the water meter will continue to turn, driving up utility costs. 

    Depending on the leak's location, a reduction in water pressure could affect the entire home or only certain rooms and fixtures. Several other factors could also cause this, but if a suspiciously high water bill accompanies it, a hidden leak is the likely culprit. A simple way to test this is to take note of the number on the home's water meter dial, wait an hour or two (making sure no water is used for any reason), and check the number again. If it has changed, it's a sure bet there's a leak!

    About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

    The award-winning Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service has been proudly serving the Evansville community since 1920. They offer up-front pricing, budget-friendly solutions, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every call. Their clean, courteous, licensed, and insured experts are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don't hesitate to call Bud's for water leak repair in Evansville, IN!

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    What's Luck Got To Do with It? Three Ways To Go Green This St. Patrick's Day

    Going Green Has Never Been Easier 

    Now that the snow is thawing and St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, many people turn in their winter clothes for springtime attire. But that’s not the only thing many homeowners are thinking about; many wonder how they can switch to eco-friendly plumbing systems now that winter’s over. 

    Going green has never been easier. Not only do many states offer financial incentives for homeowners to upgrade to “green” appliances, but there are countless things homeowners can do to conserve both water and money. Here are just three considerations: 

    Homeowners Can Invest in Water-Saving Appliances 

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stands firmly behind WaterSense and EnergyStar appliances. Why? Well: 

    • These eco-friendly appliances are designed to save water, making sure homeowners get the most out of showering, dishwashing, and more. 
    • Many states provide tax incentives for homeowners to switch to these products. Some of those incentives could pay for the cost of the appliance or installation costs. It all depends on where one lives. 
    • One can power many EnergyStar and WaterSense appliances with renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. 
    • These appliances break down less than appliances on the market ten years ago. This isn’t only convenient, but it limits how many services a call a home needs. 

    Furthermore, eco-friendly appliances can increase a home’s value. This can increase how much homeowners can get for their residences if and when they sell. 

    Adapt Eco-Friendly Habits save money

    There’s no need to put off saving water any longer; homeowners can take action right now to reduce how much energy their homes use. The EPA recommends: 
    • Turning off the faucet when brushing one’s teeth or shaving. 
    • Using the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand. 
    • Taking showers instead of baths. 
    • Using a compost bin instead of a home’s garbage disposal. 
    • Installing low-flow showerheads and toilets.
    • Only running the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full. 

    The best thing homeowners can do to save water is to be mindful. Being eco-friendly isn’t a passive, once-in-a-while practice; it involves consciously being aware of one’s water consumption habits. This isn’t just taking short showers. It also involves: 

    • Promptly addressing any leaks 
    • Installing new appliances once they’ve reached their life expectancy 
    • Monitoring the home’s water meter for any unexpected increases 

    Homeowners can talk to home improvement professionals to learn more about reducing their home’s water consumption. 

    Avoid Flushing Certain Items Down the Toilet flush

    An eco-friendly campaign unfolding in New York City: “Don’t flush it. Trash it.” If one wonders whether an item is flushable, they should err on the side of caution and trash it. The campaign encourages people to: 

    • Throw away sanitation wipes – even if they claim to be flushable. 
    • Do not pour hot grease down the drain; wait until it cools and pour it into the garbage can. 
    • Avoid flushing condoms, menstrual products, paper towels, and diapers down the toilet. 

    NYC says that, in doubt about whether to flush something, they should only flush the four P’s: poop, pee, puke, and toilet paper. Only flushing these items is just one way one can maintain a healthy plumbing system. 

    About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

    Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service is a firm supporter of green plumbing. These professionals offer homeowners in Evansville an array of home improvement services and can help with green plumbing solutions.

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    The First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber

    Adrienne Bennett: The First Black Woman Master Plumber

    As the first female licensed master plumber in North America, Adrienne Bennett is a pioneer. Now a CEO of her own company, she can hire other hard-working and career-focused individuals. Although it hasn’t always been easy, Adrienne Bennett has broken the glass ceiling for women plumbers in America.

    A Brief History of Adrienne Bennett

    Adrienne Bennett grew up with seven other siblings in an environment where discipline and work ethic were top priorities. Her upbringing has shaped how she runs her company and her life.

    From a young age, she was interested in how to piece projects together. She has always been fascinated with growth, from building aircraft models to studying mechanical engineering.

    In 1976 Adrienne Bennett met with a recruiter from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit. After her five-year apprenticeship with the Plumbers Union, Local 98, she began a career and a pathway for other black master plumbers.

    The Professional Journey for Working as a Contractorcontractor

    The Professional Trades career pays over 40% higher than many other occupations. With a median salary of $51,000, this is not only a stable career choice but a great way to earn money. By working in several parts of the industry, Adrienne Bennett could advance her career throughout the decades.

    Before becoming the code enforcement officer for the City of Detroit, Ms. Bennett started as an apprentice. The industry was entirely male-dominated, and it wasn’t always easy working on projects. Before becoming a master plumber, she describes wearing a heavy tool belt around her waist to protect her from sexual harassment. After 4,000 hours of experience, she was able to take her state licensing exam and begin her career. 

    Adrienne Bennett started as a journeyman plumber. With this type of license, many plumbers can work independently. Like military or government institutions, the plumbing industry has a clear ranking system for career advancement. As a journeyman plumber, Ms. Bennett would go on to train apprentices.

    Over the years, Adrienne Bennett worked her way up to master plumber, project manager, and plumbing inspector. Although state requirements often vary, a master plumber allows for additional leadership opportunities in Michigan. Master plumbers can plan water systems and work with permit offices. 

    As a plumbing inspector, she would gain more experience with code violations and federal requirements. As a code enforcement officer, Adrienne Bennett would apply this knowledge to protect the community from public health issues. 

    contractorThe Plumbing Industry

    Adrienne Bennett has faced adversity throughout her career but continues to work in the industry. After climbing her way through the ranks of the plumbing industry, Adrienne Bennett is now an official plumbing contractor. 

    She now handles construction, renovation, and remodeling with the new responsibilities required. By learning strong management skills and understanding the business legalities in Detroit, Ms. Bennett has helped the community and plumbing trade.

    Bud’s Plumbing and Repair Service

    Bud’s Plumbing and Repair Service focuses on safety regulations in addition to leaky faucets. Based in Evansville, IN, local plumbing codes are used for every job. Call today for same-day plumbing service. 

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