Company: Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

You Can Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Professional Tips for Preparing Plumbing for Winter Weather

Frozen pipes can substantially threaten home plumbing systems during the cold winter months of the year. Homeowners can take steps to insulate and protect their plumbing from freezing pipes in the fall. In this blog post, read tips from plumbing professionals on how to get home plumbing ready for winter.

Home plumbing systems are a network of pipes that connect plumbing fixtures to the main water line. Much of the home's plumbing is located under the foundation of the home, under the lawn, in the basement, or under the driveway. When frost, snow, and below-freezing temperatures hit in the winter, it can cause the water in underground pipes to freeze over.  

Why Is Pipes Freezing Bad?pipes

Frozen pipes are dangerous to homeowners and their property. Water expands when it freezes, which is why frozen pipes can cause plumbing issues. Water can rupture a pipe when it expands inside the plumbing system. 

Bursting pipes can flood the home and cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Water damage from a burst pipe can be expensive and time-consuming to repair. It could require invasive repairs that disrupt the home's foundation to repair hidden pipe leaks under the house. 

A burst pipe that is located underground can go unnoticed for months. The leaky or burst pipe moisture can cause toxic mold and mildew to thrive inside the home. When homeowners notice a hidden leak from a burst pipe, significant property damage may have already occurred.

Ice can also reduce water pressure by narrowing the passageway of the water in the pipes, making it more difficult to complete daily tasks like cleaning and bathing. Reduced efficiency of the plumbing system due to frozen pipes can also cost homeowners by causing a spike in utility bills. 

insulation

How Pipe Insulation Prevents Burst Pipes

One of the best ways homeowners can ensure that their pipes do not freeze this winter is to invest in pipe insulation. There are a variety of different types of pipe insulation that homeowners can choose from. A local professional plumber can help recommend personalized solutions for which type of pipe covering is best for the home. 

Insulation adds additional layers of protection to maintain a safe and consistent temperature. Insulating the outside of the pipes can be beneficial for preventing frozen pipes in the winter. It is usually only necessary to insulate the pipes at the highest risk for freezing, such as exposed pipes in the basement. 

A popular way to prepare home plumbing for winter is to apply foam pipe insulation to the outside of any pipes that are at risk of freezing. Foam pipe insulation is easy to use and can save homeowners a ton of money by preventing frozen pipes and improving efficiency. Insulated pipes help keep hot water warm as it travels through the pipes, so homeowners spend less money on their water heater bills. 

Other Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The pipes most susceptible to freezing over in the winter are located outdoors. Outdoor plumbing fixtures like garden hoses, fountains, and pools are exposed to outdoor conditions and are more likely to freeze over than indoor plumbing. Shutting off the water supply for outdoor plumbing fixtures like sprinklers and pools can help to prevent frozen pipes.

In addition to insulating the pipes with foam and other pipe coverings, homeowners can keep their plumbing safe by following these tips from professional plumbers. One should drain outdoor plumbing fixtures such as pools and sprinkler systems of water before freezing weather hits. If there is a water line in the garage, the door should be closed to prevent the temperature from dropping. 

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service is proud to serve its community with outstanding plumbing services at affordable prices. Homeowners can count on Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service to help in a winter plumbing emergency. Call them today to schedule an appointment for plumbing maintenance, installation, or repair!

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Bathroom Remodeling Doesn't Have to Be a Nightmare!

Modern bathroom vanity with dark cabinetry and glass shower, showcasing plumbing aesthetics by Bud's Plumbing.

Qualified Professionals Deliver Quality Home Improvements 

Thousands of YouTube videos, do-it-yourself manuals, and apps all claim to share easy home improvements. But, unless one has experience making certain renovations, they could find themselves getting more than they bargained for. When renovating the bathroom, one could easily spend hundreds on tools while completing subpar work on the plumbing system. 

Rather than put themselves through the physical, emotional, and financial stress of DIY measures, homeowners should consider the following benefits of partnering with a professional. 

Home Renovation Specialists Completely Projects Safely 

Many unseen dangers go hand-in-hand with inexperienced home renovations. One could suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and lacerations if they aren’t careful. 

Some causes of home improvement-related injuries include: 

  • Electrocutions. Many pipes run near electrical wires inside homes’ walls. Working with water near an electrical source increases the risk of electrocutions, which can cause nerve damage and other life-threatening conditions. 
  • Mold inhalation. Bathrooms aren’t particularly well-ventilated, and mold thrives in damp places. If one inhales black mold, one risks suffering respiratory complications. 
  • Pests. Spiders, centipedes, and other pests can inflict nasty bites on unsuspecting homeowners when making improvements. A plumber knows to use gloves, eyewear, and other protective gear to keep safe from these critters. 
  • Damage to the home. DIY home renovations go beyond endangering homeowners during installations; mishaps can also damage the structure itself. Blindly drilling a hole can lead to burst pipes, destroyed drywall, and even flooding. 

Nobody wants to suffer injuries while completing a bathroom makeover. A professional will know how to safely complete projects to homeowners’ satisfaction. 

Save Money by Partnering with Bathroom Renovator Contractors 

saveInexperienced do-it-yourselfers risk causing more harm than good when making bathroom improvements. As noted, just one misstep can cause hundreds of dollars in damage. Over time, the cost of fixing self-made problems can quickly overshadow the cost of working with a professional. 

Working with a professional can save money on: 

  • Purchasing tools to complete certain projects 
  • Taking time from work to get tasks done 
  • Having to take special courses to learn certain skills 
  • Applying for permits to make certain changes 

Many plumbers carry liability insurance. That means if they make a mistake while completing a project, insurance will pay to fix any damage. If a homeowner makes a mistake while completing a project, they might have to pay for repairs out of pocket. 

Save Time by Getting it Right the First Time 

timeImagine setting out to install a new bathroom vanity. One goes to the hardware store–only to come home and find they got the wrong tool. They return to the hardware store and get the “right” tool to encounter the same outcome. Before long, they’ve wasted hours on a usually easy task. 

A professional plumber can get a job right the first time. They come to a home with all the tools they need to install certain fixtures and remedy time-sensitive problems. They also know how to avoid problems that could drag projects out. 

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service offers honest second opinions, same-day service, and cost-effective solutions in Evansville, Indiana. These professionals provide more than bathroom remodeling help; they also offer toilet repair service, drain cleaning assistance, and more. Interested parties can call today to make an appointment. They can also request a visit online. 

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Tips to Prevent Pipe Corrosion

Corroded metal pipes showing rust and decay, highlighting plumbing challenges for Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

3 Tips to Successfully Avoid Pipe Corrosion 

Corrosion is a dangerous occurrence of metals beginning to oxidize. Dangers develop from corrosion when it isn’t treated properly and will eventually lead to rust, leaks, and clogged pipes. These issues can grow into bigger problems like damage to heaters and cause water to be unsafe to drink. This article will outline tips given by professional plumbers to avoid pipe corrosion. 

Tip 1: Use Coatings and Protective Linings coating

Coatings and protective linings are useful when looking to prevent pipe corrosion. One of the most effective ways to hinder pipe corrosion is to apply protective coatings or linings to the surface area of the pipe. This prevents corrosion by providing additional barrier protection and blocking the entry of harmful chemicals.

Different types of coatings and linings can be used when it comes to preventing pipe corrosion. The standard variants of coatings and linings are paints, plastics, rubber linings, conversion coatings, cement, ceramics, and glass are all sufficient for protecting pipes against corrosive materials. Another option for homeowners is epoxy pipe lining. 

Research has shown that epoxy lining lasts just as long as a pipe replacement, at a fraction of the cost. Homeowners should research the different coatings and protective linings before making a decision. Consulting a professional plumber before making a proper decision is strongly advised. 

softener

Tip 2: Use a Water Softener

A water softener is designed to filter out chemicals that are harmful in high concentrations, such as magnesium and calcium. These chemicals generally come from hard water and get pushed through pipes, eventually leading to corroded water pipes. Hard water can lead to many issues besides corrosion, so installing a water softener filtration system is important. By installing a water softener filtration system to remove harmful chemicals from a water supply, homeowners can feel safe and confident that their water is safe to use and consume. 

 

Tip 3: Schedule Plumbing Maintenance 

Professionals suggest that plumbing maintenance be scheduled at least once a year to avoid pipe corrosion. Experienced plumbers know that any home is vulnerable to pipe corrosion, so it’s important to schedule yearly plumbing maintenance. This is especially relevant to homes built around 50 years ago because of the aging pipes. This plumber can also check the water softener filtration system to ensure that the harmful chemicals are being filtered properly. 

A professional plumber can look for signs of corrosion before any damage occurs. The plumber looks for signs of water discoloration, smell, taste, and leaking pipes. The unusual color and taste of water is a huge sign that the corroded pipe metal is transferring into the water passing through the pipe. Once this is caught, the plumber is aware of the issue and will be able to take the steps necessary to treat the corrosion. 

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Services 

Since 1920, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Services has provided safety and comfort to their customers. Honest recommendations, no mess to clean up, and fast service are some of the quality benefits the company’s master plumbers offer. Call them today for plumbing and repair services in Evansville, Indiana!

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National Wellness Month Focus: Gas Safety

Rusted metallic pipe with steam, showing corrosion; related to plumbing by Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Identifying Dangerous Gas Leaks

National Wellness Month is a time to focus on a lot of things. Maybe it's shedding a few inches off the waist, or maybe it's about trying to eat more veggies. But, National Wellness Month is a great time to look at home safety as well. Whether that means changing the batteries in the smoke detector or learning about gas safety, it's all time well spent.

Gas safety doesn't happen by accident. To keep homes safe from problems with natural gas or propane takes education and effort. This year, take a moment and brush up on gas safety with a few tips from local gas leak repair plumbers. This article will teach homeowners the signs gas leaks give off and how to safely respond to them.

Signs of Gas Leaks

gas leak signsGas leaks are dangerous situations where flammable and explosive gas leaks from piping or appliances. Gas leaks are the starting fuel for many home fires every year but they also pose hazards like suffocation. Some of the signs that gas leaks are present in a home are:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • High gas bills
  • Foul smells, like rotten eggs
  • Hissing noises

Natural gas is lighter than air and easily evaporates, given clear ventilation. On the other hand, propane is heavier than air, meaning it will settle in the lowest spot. This means that propane can displace oxygen and cause suffocation. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to propane leaks for this reason. Coincidentally, these symptoms are similar to carbon monoxide poisoning, another common gas safety concern.

Responding to Gas Leaks

No gas leak is safe, so if signs of gas leaks are apparent, the answer is always to get out of the area. If there is time, open windows or leave the door propped open to ventilate the area. Don't turn the lights on or do anything that may produce a spark. Take a moment to locate the main gas valve for the home and turn gas service off if possible. In many cases, the fire department should be contacted to treat gas exposure and to evaluate the danger before anyone is allowed back inside the home.

Professional Gas Leak Repair

gas leak detectorOnce the immediate situation is safe after a gas line leak, contact a professional gas line leak repair plumber. While most plumbers are qualified to work on gas lines, not every plumber chooses to. For any plumbing repairs, always select a plumbing company that handles all plumbing repairs, including gas line repairs.

Professional gas leak detectors have special equipment and training to pinpoint gas leaks. Once located, the technician will fix the problem by replacing a section of the gas line or repairing a pipe joint. Never, under any circumstances, should homeowners attempt their own gas leak repairs. This can void warranties and insurance and greatly increase the risk of gas line accidents.

To protect homes from gas leaks, special gas leak detectors are available. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors will NOT detect natural gas or propane unless specially designed to do so.

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service has custom-tailored plumbing repairs for residential and commercial customers for over 100 years. Their caring technicians always take the time to understand their customers' needs and never leave a mess behind on their jobs. Call today for fast gas leak service in Evansville, IL.

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Warning Signs of a Broken Water Heater

Gray water heater and white expansion tank with copper piping for plumbing by Bud's Plumbing.

Signs of a Faulty Water Heater 

  • Noisy water heater
  • The water heater is 10+ years old
  • Spike in utility bills 
  • Inconsistent water temperature
  • Rusty brown water
  • Smelly hot water 

The water heater is one of the most important pieces of plumbing hardware in the home. A faulty water heater can make it difficult to complete daily tasks like bathing and cleaning. No water heater can last forever. After around 10 to 15 years, they usually show signs of needing repair or replacement. 

A new water heater can save homeowners money on frequent repairs and skyrocketing utility bills. New water heaters provide more efficient performance, larger water capacity, and are longer-lasting. 

Homeowners who are tired of never having enough hot water or are experiencing the signs of a faulty water heater should contact a professional for help. A faulty water heater can be a hazard to homeowners. The high temperatures and gallons of water contained within the water heater tank could cause extensive home damage or personal injury if it breaks. 

Noisy Water Heatersounds

One of the first signs homeowners may notice of a hot water heater needing repair is strange noises coming from the water tank. A hissing or screeching sound could indicate a leak or a broken valve. The most common noise homeowners report to their local plumbers is a rumbling sound inside the tank. 

A rumbling water heater tank usually means a buildup of sediment in the tank. Sediment in water tanks comes from the natural minerals found in water. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are found in drinking water and are safe for consumption. During the heating process, these minerals separate into solid sediment. 

During professional water heater maintenance, the plumber empties the water heater tank and flushes out the sediment. This needs to be done once or twice a year to keep the water heater running in optimal condition. Too much sediment in the tank can eventually lead to corrosion, leaks, and system failure. 

waterBrown and Stinky Water

As the slurry of mineral sediments wears against the inside of the tank, the metal gives way to corrosion. Combined with water, the damaged metal begins to form rust. Flushing the tank helps to prevent problems with corrosion from occurring. 

The rust from a corroded metal water tank is why hot water turns reddish-brown. Water from a faulty water heater may also have a foul smell from minerals in the water. Brown and stinky water are signs of a serious problem with the water heater. 

Rust on the inside of the water tank can lead to further corrosion of the important parts of the water heater. Eventually, rust and corrosion will lead to a complete system breakdown. An anode rod is an important part of the water heater designed to prevent corrosion effects. 

The anode rod attracts corrosive materials to keep them from damaging the water heater. The anode rod needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. An old or faulty anode rod could lead to rust and corrosion in the water tank. 

Leaking Water Heater Tank

A leaking water heater tank is a serious problem that needs immediate attention from a professional water heater technician. Once a water heater tank starts leaking, the corrosion is usually beyond repair. It can be hazardous to leave a leaky water heater in a state of disrepair because it could cause extensive water damage or start an electrical fire. 

A leak is not always a death sentence for water heaters. Some leaks can be simple to repair for a professional. However, getting to the leak early on is important before it becomes a bigger issue. Catching the problem early on can help homeowners complete repairs before a water heater failure occurs.

Replacing the water heater can be a good thing for the home value. It provides the home with more hot water, faster. The efficiency of new water heaters also makes them better for the environment, with fewer carbon emissions and lower utility bills. New tankless water heaters only heat the amount of water needed for each task.

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service is a local plumbing company that homeowners can count on for all their water heater repair, maintenance, and installation needs. Homeowners can depend on Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service team for award-winning customer service and up-front pricing. Give them a call today for water heater replacement in Evansville, IN!

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