Press Releases Archive - Page 7 of 16 - Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Preventing Burst Pipes

Preventing the Common Causes of Burst Pipes

Constantly worrying about something that could happen to ruin a home in the future can be too much to handle. To help ease the stress, homeowners should do everything they can to stop the circumstances contributing to these problems.

A burst pipe is one of the problems that can occur in a home that is unpredictable and devastating. When pipes burst, they can quickly flood most of a home with hundreds of gallons of water or sewage. While burst pipes are unpredictable, homeowners can do certain things to prevent the likelihood of them occurring. Here are a few tips to help prevent burst pipes.

Stopping Clogs Before They Start

One of the more common types of burst pipes, and one of the most upsetting, is a burst sewer line. A burst drain or sewer line can quickly flood bathrooms and basements or dump tons of sewage on the lawn. As sewer lines age, they can fall victim to internal problems that can increase the likelihood of a burst pipe. Luckily, there is an easy way to prevent this problem.

Routine drain cleaning from a qualified professional is the best way to keep drain and sewer lines in good shape. Allowing experts to gently and thoroughly clean sewer lines prevents clogs from forming that cause pressure in the pipe to rise so it bursts. Some of the signs that routine drain cleaning is needed are:

Gurgling drains
Slow-moving drains
Slow-flushing toilets
Minor sewage backups
Foul odors from drain lines

Protect Pipes From Freezing

A frozen pipe is probably the most common cause of burst pipes that comes to an owner's mind. Unfortunately, in the local region, frozen pipes are a common occurrence that devastates homes every winter. The good news is that frozen pipes are easily prevented with a little professional assistance.

Before winter every year, allow a plumber to inspect piping. Exposed piping should be adequately covered with pipe insulation. As the insulation degrades, professionals can put new pipe insulation in place to protect the exposed pipes.

Prevent Decay and Pipe Corrosion

During the normal operation of sewer and drain lines, the piping that makes up the drain system is subject to problems that can contribute to clogs as well as degrade the integrity of the piping. When normal decay and corrosion of plastic and metal piping occurs, it can compromise the pipes' integrity, making them more likely to burst.

Luckily, preventing burst pipes from corrosion can be as easy as changing one simple habit: Stop using chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners are corrosive chemicals that cause pipes to degrade much faster. Instead, opt for professional drain cleaning services to protect pipes.

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service has been the local choice for repairs and burst pipe prevention for over 100 years. Their helpful technicians can handle any problem thrown at them. Call today for hassle-free burst pipe service in Evansville, IN.

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What Homeowners Should Know About Slab Leaks

Slab Leaks Defined

A home’s slab is another word for its foundation. It’s generally about four to six inches thick and may act as part of the home’s drainage system. Homes with basements generally don’t have slabs, which are common in one-story homes.

A slab leak is a leak that’s either under the home’s foundation, or water that has somehow seeped through the slab, directly under the home. Shifting soil, excessive flooding, and other factors can cause these leaks. While slab leaks aren’t immediately dangerous, they need professional attention, or soon, a home could become unsafe.

The Main Slab Leak Signs

A slab leak often doesn’t show outward signs until the problem has become severe. This makes it crucial for homeowners to recognize the signs and act accordingly. Signs of a slab leak include:

High water bills, no visible leaks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the average homeowner spends $100 a month on their water bill. Yet, leaks cost money, and with a slab leak, a homeowner could find their bill increased with no visible leaks or changes in consumption.
Changes in the home’s flooring. Forbes notes that this can include warm spots on the floor, soggy carpets, and uneven walkways.
The sound of running water. A homeowner may hear running water if there’s a slab leak, even when a faucet isn’t on.

Slab leaks are not to be trifled with. If a homeowner suspects this problem, they’re best off consulting a professional immediately.

Are Slab Leaks Dangerous?

Will a slab leak consume an entire household seconds after forming? No. Could a slab leak that’s lasted for months make a home unsafe? Absolutely. That’s because slab leaks cause:

Collapsed flooring. No one wants to get up for a midnight snack only to fall through the floor.
Mold growth. Leaks offer perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Infestation. Leaks can also attract rodents and insects, leading to further problems, such as brittle baseboards.
Weakened support beams. The home’s support beams could weaken if they don’t have support from the foundation. This could lead to a collapsed roof and other disasters.
Water damage. Water damage caused by a slab leak can include rotted floorboards, stained furniture, and mold.

Still want to know about the dangers of slab leaks? Well, don’t wait long enough to find out. Instead, consult a plumber.

What Can a Slab Leak Detection Service Do?

A slab leak detection service can do more than detect a slab leak; it can:

Fix the slab leak itself. Depending on the problem’s severity, this may include breaking the foundation to a pipe or using a less-invasive method.
Learn the reason for the slab leak. Knowing the cause of a slab leak can help prevent another one.
Give homeowners much-needed peace of mind. Nobody wants to stay up all night worrying about a slab leak. Rather than worry about a potential problem, a professional can offer options and reassurance.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Tired of unreliable technicians and stressful appointments? Those aren’t worries with Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service. These professionals are known throughout Evansville, IN, for offering top-notch quality repairs and replacements. They extend upfront pricing, same-day service, and a lot more. Interested homeowners can call today for slab leak services.

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Don't Forget About Plumbing Maintenance!

How Plumbing Maintenance Services Can Benefit Your Home

Plumbing maintenance may be the least enjoyable thing any homeowner could think of doing to occupy their time, but having regular maintenance checks could be a way to save time, money, and resources. While it’s easy to shrug off plumbing system maintenance as a non-urgent matter that can be dealt with as the need arises, there may be more pros than cons to getting the pipes checked regularly. Interested to know what these benefits are? Read on and find out.

Keep Those Pipes in Tip Top Shape

Anything that is properly maintained almost always works as intended without a glitch 90% of the time, and plumbing systems are no exception. When given the benefit of regular plumbing system maintenance, pipes run smoothly and can be kept free from clogs, blockages, and other debris that tends to build up inside them and obstruct water and sewage flow. This is especially helpful when done on a schedule because being proactive about checking for plumbing problems helps nip these in the bud before they become too big or complicated to overcome.

Longer Life Span

Along with preventing most complex problems from occurring, performing routine tasks on a plumbing maintenance checklist also has the benefit of prolonging the life of a home’s plumbing system by keeping pipes in good working condition. On average, a homeowner can expect the plumbing system in their homes to last at least 20 years or more, depending on the kind of material that the pipes are made of. With proper care and maintenance, that life span can be extended, and instead of preparing to undergo a complete overhaul of the piping system, homeowners can enjoy home life without worrying about replacing a major system sooner than expected.

Bonafide Money Saver

By taking care of pipes and keeping them in great condition for an extended period, homeowners also benefit from saving money on things like water bills, energy bills, and repair costs. For one, well-maintained pipes allow operations around the home to work at high-efficiency rates. That means appliances, equipment, and fixtures all work properly without generating a lot of losses in the form of wasted water or energy. Water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers can operate efficiently, using less energy and water. Fixtures and pipes that undergo regular maintenance checks also avoid springing leaks, which helps homeowners avoid high water bills for water they didn’t even use.

Regular maintenance also prevents untimely repairs, which leaves more money in the pocket of homeowners as the cost of emergency repairs does not wreak havoc on a household’s monthly budget.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service is the trusted plumbing services provider in the Tri-state area. With helpful and knowledgeable technicians who provide accurate diagnosis and cost-effective solutions, Bud’s has racked up Best of the Best awards three years in a row - a testament to the peace of mind and satisfaction their services have given the Evansville community. Call them today for plumbing services in Evansville, IN.

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Enjoy Some Refreshing Summer Drinks With a Whole House Water Filter!

The Three Main Benefits of a Whole House Water Filtration System

Most people agree: bottled water just tastes better than tap water. However, constantly buying bottled costs money and wastes plastic. Still, another lukewarm glass of water from the kitchen sink only goes so far. What’s a thirsty homeowner to do?

Instead of returning to the grocery store, they can install a whole-home water filtration system. These compact systems use sophisticated technology to deliver a crisp glass of water every time. Some benefits of getting a built-in water filter include the following.

Better-Tasting Water

The Water Quality Association notes that some chemicals, such as copper, mercury, and lead, can make water taste metallic and undesirable. However, some substances naturally occurring in plumbing systems (such as excess calcium) can also contribute to waste. This is where water filtration systems come into play.

A properly installed unit can filter out the substances and chemicals that can make a glass of water taste “off.” In the long run, this can lead to better tasting:

Lemonade
Coffee and espresso
Tea
Soup and noodles
Eggs
Baked goods
Pancakes

Safer Water

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of clean drinking water. The water could contain hidden germs and contaminants even if it looks crystal clear. However, homeowners don’t have to worry about accidentally drinking dirty water when they have a water filtration system. These units keep homeowners safe by relying on reverse osmosis.

Here’s a step-by-step process of how this works:

The home’s water supply undergoes pre-filtration, removing particles and sediment build-up.
The water gets forced through a semi-penetrable membrane. This filters out salt, minerals, and other debris. The contaminated water gets sent out of the system through a reject stream.
The clean water gets pushed through yet another filter and then stored in a tank for on-demand use.

With water free of impurities, one can avoid the symptoms of unfiltered water, such as headaches and nausea. In the long run, they could also enjoy the benefits of clearer skin and lustrous hair.

Saving Money

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household spends $1,000 yearly on water. If a homeowner relies on bottled water for cooking, cleaning, and other household tasks, they could spend even more on water usage. With inflation on the rise, nobody wants to spend a penny more than they have to.

By getting a whole-home water filtration system, one can save money by:

Relying on water from the tap and not constantly restocking on bottled water
Maximizing their dishwasher and washing machines’ performance
Cooking more meals at home rather than going out

If the water tastes bad, it could suffer from excess calcium, leading to hard water. This can leave a slime on surfaces and make dishes nearly impossible to clean. This could compel homeowners to spend more on soap and cleaning products. However, with a water filter system, they can avoid the complications of hard water and the costs that come with it.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

The professionals at Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service treat customers like family. There’s a reason why homeowners turn to these Evansville, Indiana, experts again and again with their plumbing needs. They offer reliable communication, second opinions, and other benefits. Looking to find out more? Call today for water filter services.

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The Problem With Outdoor Plumbing Blockages

Outdoor Plumbing Clogs 101

An underground plumbing clog can cause problems both inside and outside the home. Although the blockage may be inside the sewer line, outdoor plumbing clogs can cause toilets to overflow. This eventually reroutes dirty water into other parts of the home.

Homeowners May Have a Problem If…

Outdoor plumbing blockages are difficult to detect because they are near the yard. Fortunately, homeowners do not need to dig a trench just to determine if there is a problem.

Bathroom and kitchen sinks will no longer drain properly if the sewer line is damaged. This is not an isolated issue. Backed-up sinks are likely to occur in multiple areas of the house simultaneously. Even though the clog only blocks one pipe, water that cannot flow freely will stream into different branches of the sewer system. This affects toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

Unusual odors are another sign of clogging. Because underground plumbing includes sewage, this smell can permeate throughout the house. It is especially noticeable when faucets are first turned on and may also emanate from the floorboards.

Nutrients from the sewer often cause sudden green patches in the yard. These nutrients create lush spots where plants grow faster and larger than in other lawn areas. If the ground is damp despite the lack of rain, this is likely due to a problem in the main line. A trained professional will have the right diagnostic tools and skillset to locate the blockage as well as eliminate it.

How Does an Underground Plumbing Blockage Form?

Outdoor plumbing clogs can still occur even if a homeowner has never touched the outside drain. This is because the plumbing system is interconnected with indoor piping used daily. The same kind of clogs that end up in bathroom drains can also manifest underground.

Outdoor factors that influence the sewer system include tree roots and broken piping. Old piping that is not insulated may need to be replaced if pipes are beginning to crack. Putting this off can lead to a burst pipe which is much more expensive than maintenance.

Tree roots are one of the most common issues with outdoor blockages. Aggressive roots will naturally gravitate toward the sewer system because of its nutrients. Roots will widen the gap if there is already a small break in the structure. Homeowners should know where their sewer line is located before planting trees so outdoor clogs can be avoided.

To prevent outdoor plumbing issues, certain lifestyle habits can be improved. For instance, flushing feminine hygiene products or baby wipes should be avoided regardless of the brand. Pouring excessive grease down the kitchen sink is also not recommended unless the drains are cleaned regularly. It is possible to prevent underground plumbing clogs if homeowners keep their plumbing system well-maintained.

How To Get Rid of Outdoor Clogs

Clearing tough clogs requires a certain skill set. Because specialized tools are dangerous, homeowners should consider hiring a licensed technician.

Drain snaking is a process designed to break down blockages. The auger is carefully lowered into the drain until the clog is located. By using a drill, electric drain snakes will destroy heavy clogs.

Hydro jetting is often considered a more efficient way to get rid of clogs. This involves using highly pressurized water to blast away tough particles. Hydro jetting will eliminate cooking grease, unlike using a drain snake.

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service has built an impeccable reputation since 1920. To learn more about their plumbing service, upfront pricing, and $25 off coupon, call Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service in Evansville, IN.