Are your pipes running A-Okay?

One of the benefits of calling a plumber for an annual leak detection is that the homeowner can save a great deal of money in the long run. Though some leaks are obvious, like a pipe that bursts beneath the kitchen sink, others are harder to find by a layperson. One example would be a slab leak. This is when the pipes begin to leak in the foundation of the house itself. A homeowner might suspect a slab leak if he or she hears running water when none of the faucets are on, if they have an inexplicable spike in their water bill or there are wet spots or hot spots in the basement or the crawlspace. A plumber, on the other hand, has equipment that can detect a slab leak as well as the equipment and skill to fix it. Granted, repairing a slab leak can be expensive, but it’s always best to fix it early.

Other leaks that might not be detectable by a layperson can be in the walls, floors or ceilings. An annual inspection is best done in the spring in places where the winters are cold. An inspection scheduled then will catch any pipes that have sprung a leak due to the freeze-thaw cycle. It’s a good idea to do the inspections during the Spring even in places where the winters are fairly mild. Pipes have been known to burst even when the temperature only drops to about 50 degrees or so.

A homeowner might want to set up a maintenance agreement with a plumbing contractor. The homeowner will pay a monthly fee and the plumber will come on a yearly or twice yearly schedule to check the plumbing and perform troubleshooting. The homeowner also gets a discount on repairs and is given priority in case of emergencies. The plumber of course, needs to be licensed, insured, professional and be up to date on any building codes in the area.

An annual leak detection service is essential to make sure your plumbing is up to date, call Jim Wagner Plumbing at (630) 577-9241 so that we may help you with all your plumbing needs.

Are You Prepared For A Plumbing Emergency In Naperville?

The plumbing in residential homes needs proper care and maintenance. If the plumbing is not well-maintained, then problems can occur. This can include a backup of the drains and even water leaks. No home is immune to plumbing emergencies and homeowners will need a plan if a plumbing emergency does occur. Fixing plumbing problems is best left to an experienced plumber. They have the knowledge to locate a water leak or source of a plumbing problem. Homeowners who try to fix a problem themselves may be missing a hidden issue that can cause a more serious problem in the future. Experienced plumbers have years of prior work experience and can fix any type of plumbing problem. However, there are a few steps a homeowner can take when a plumbing problem occurs that will help to minimize damage.A homeowner that discovers a water leak or another problem with plumbing pipes will need to turn off the main water supply. The main water supply valve is typically in on the exterior of the home or down in the basement. A pipe wrench may be needed to close valves on the outside of the home. If this valve is in the basement, then it can be closed by hand. Turning off the water supply will stop the water from flowing into the home.

Water lines in a home may burst can shoot water into the air. If there is a shut-off valve located close to the leak, then closing it will alleviate the problem. This also allows homeowners to have water available in other areas in the home. Closing a water shut-off valve allows the homeowner to clean up the area and then call a plumber to fix the problem.

Small leaks from a drain or water pipe can easily be contained by using a bucket. Leaks are common in bathrooms and kitchens where is a sink. A bucket will catch any dripping water. The problem may also require closing the local shut-off valve for the hot or cold water supply. Homeowners may be surprised to learn that plumbing emergencies are common in homes that have old plumbing.

Why you should consider a tankless water heater for your home

Tankless or on-demand Water Heaters have several advantages over old-fashioned tank heaters. One of the biggest advantages is perhaps cost. In the first place, most of these heaters will come with a special federal tax rebate of $300 as part of a initiative for people to go green. In addition, they save money on your gas and heating bills throughout their life span, which is 5 or even 10 years longer than older tank heaters. Heating water can add up to as much as a quarter of your monthly energy bills, and depending on the energy factor you can save up to twenty percent on Gas usage on your energy bills, if you choose a Gas heater.And that in fact is another advantage. Homeowners can choose between Natural Gas, Propane, Electricity, and in some places even Solar power to heat water with a tankless heater. Whichever of these options you choose depends on several factors, including what’s easier to assemble in your home, if you live in an area that has propane service rather than natural gas, and how much each option would cost. In some places for example it’s much cheaper to use Natural Gas than Electricity. Assembly itself is pretty easy, and since they’re much smaller than a large tank, they can be placed on walls or even outdoors if the proper precautions are taken, such as an antifreeze kit for those who live in colder climates.The biggest advantage is simple: You’ll never run out of hot water. Unlike a tank heater, these don’t store a certain amount of water to be heated. They heat water as it travels through the heater, which means as long as you need hot water, the heater will keep heating it for you. Make sure you know how much water you need to heat on a regular basis before choosing what size of heater you’ll need.

Thinking about remodeling your bathroom?

Purely as a practical matter, every homeowner should have a reliable plumber they can turn to on those inevitable occasions when something goes wrong with your plumbing. However, a good plumber can be someone of great value to a homeowner in situations other than a crisis, such as when you are doing remodeling in your home. That is especially true when the room in the house being remodeled is the bathroom.That is because no other room in the typical house has more plumbing fixtures than the bathroom. Therefore it is important to take the plumbing under consideration when devising any plans for bathroom remodeling. While some remodeling projects lend themselves to do it yourself adventures, that is never true in the bathroom, where the reliable functioning of plumbing fixtures is essential to family living. A cabinetry job in the den that doesn’t turn out quite like you hoped is something you can live with, but a malfunctioning toilet that has been amateurishly installed is a recurring nightmare.

Fortunately, with the guidance of a plumbing professional those nightmares can be avoided. Therefore before taking any steps to begin a bathroom remodeling project consult a plumbing professional. Show them what you want to do, and with their expert knowledge based on experience they can determine just how practical your remodeling plans are. They can also alert you to remodeling possibilities that may not have occurred to you. In any case, a plumbing professional can prevent the kind of errors and impracticalities that can cause future problems.

Generally people like bathroom remodeling jobs to go smoothly and be completed as quickly as possible. That is because of the obvious reason that you don’t want the inconvenience of having your bathroom out of commission any longer than necessary. A plumbing professional can guide the remodeling schedule for maximum efficiency and quickest completion. Best of all, a plumbing professional can save you money by preventing expensive mistakes before they happen.

So if you want your bathroom remodeling project to be practical, affordable and problem free, contact a plumbing professional before you begin.

Why you should consider having a garbage disposal

Did you know that installing a garbage disposal can be one of the most worthwhile investments for your kitchen? Most people make mistakes when it comes to cleaning their kitchen. They inundate their refuse bin with all sorts of perishable food products, and it always ends up creating a pungent odor and attracting pests. By installing a garbage disposal, you can eliminate some of the grime building up in your refuse bin and trash can, and maybe even have a little fun while doing it.Imagine a world where the trash can you have to lug to the curb on a weekly basis is up to ten pounds lighter. It may not sound like a lot, but thanks to the repeated use of a garbage disposal, those numbers can add up quickly. By using a garbage disposal, you can reduce your weekly garbage load by half, resulting in fewer arduous trips to the curb.You wouldn’t think so at a cursory glance, but having a garbage disposal actually helps maintain the fluidity of your home’s drainage system. It’s a given fact that a small amount of food waste is going to end up going down your drain, and that amount will gradually compound over time until you’ve got a full blown clog on your hands. Thanks to garbage disposals, this waste is broken down into imperceptibly meager shreds before going down the drain, reducing the odds of your drain clogging.Having a garbage disposal to dispose of food waste into means less perishables in the refuse bin. This translates to a better household odor, and fewer insects such as flies setting up shop in your home. By filling a garbage can with perishable waste, you’re practically inviting a host of raccoons and other hungry critters to come pig out on your garbage.

When all is said and done, installing a garbage disposal could be one of the single greatest investments for your home, due to the added convenience, sanitation, and plumbing efficiency instilled by owning one. Although many garbage disposal antagonists may claim that they are dangerous, there are fewer than ten documented garbage disposal injuries per year. If you’re looking to clean up your kitchen in a safe, convenient manner, consider installing a garbage disposal today, you’ll be glad you did.

Thinking about getting a garbage disposal for your home? Does your garbage disposal need maintenance? Need a Plumbing Contractor in Joliet you can count on? Contact Jim Wagner Plumbing at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859 and set up an appointment today!

Is it time for your water heater to get serviced?

There are a few easy signs that will let you know if you need to service your water heater. The easiest one is age. The years may have crept by and you were not paying close attention. As simple as this may sound, this is one of the main reasons that homeowners have to replace their water heater. Look for your paperwork, or try to remember when you purchased your water heater. The general consensus is that water heaters usually last anywhere from seven to fifteen years. Therefore, if your water heater is on its sixth birthday, then it would be advisable to have it serviced.

Most of us fall victim to the saying of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. No homeowner wants to spend unnecessary money. So if we don’t get an obvious sign that something is not working in our home, it is out of sight and out of mind. However, given the dangers that can occur from an improperly working water heater, it will be to your advantage to know the most frequent signs of wear and tear.

Another sign that is easy to recognize is not getting enough hot water. If your hot water is lasting an unusually short amount of time, then there may be a problem. The pilot light may have gone out. Sometimes this occurs. There may be no specific reason for this occurring. However, if it does occur, this could definitely indicate that something may be wrong. As a rule, the pilot light on the water heater does not go out unless it is turned off.

The real red flag that your water heater may need servicing is rusty water. If you are seeing rusty water from your faucets, your water heater could need servicing. This is questionable because, first, you will need to check with your local utility company to see if they are doing any type of work in your neighborhood that may cause your waterline to pick up rust. If the utility company tells you that they are not doing any work in your neighborhood, then you should to call for service.

When dealing with something as serious as your hot water heater, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is always best to be safe first and not sorry later.

If you need to service your water heater or are looking to upgrade your current water heater in the Lemont area, call the professionals at Jim Wagner Plumbing at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859 and set up an appointment today!

Thinking about a new lawn faucet?

Almost every home features some form of lawn faucet available for individuals to utilize in order to access water outside. While this may be a common feature of most homes, not all lawn faucets are conveniently located or in the best condition. When you are looking to install, replace, or repair these faucets, it would be ideal to take advantage of the opportunities that exist with a plumbing professional. When working with these professionals in having a new lawn faucet installed, consider the opportunities of location, water pressure, and style.

Location: The first thing you should consider when having a new long faucet installed is the location you prefer. Identifying location is important so that you can access these faucets conveniently whenever you are required to utilize a hose or require outdoor water. It is important to contact a plumbing professional in advance of determining location since they will be able to identify the various areas you may have water lines running so you can have a lawn faucet installed.

Water Pressure: Another element to consider when taking advantage of an outdoor lawn faucet is found with the water pressure you will require. If you can identify an existing sprinkler system you are looking to have accessed that already has low water pressure, this may not be an ideal location or water line for you to add a lawn faucet. Plumbing professionals often have tools available to register water pressure so you can determine the best location and the best pressure to support your faucet.

Style: The final opportunity to consider prior to getting your lawn faucet installed is about the style you prefer. The type of faucet have installed often depends upon the style of piping you are having your faucet connected to. In addition to the material for the water lines, you should also identify the angle of your faucet in addition to whether you are looking to have a single faucet installed or a faucet featuring multiple valves.

When looking to take advantage of the opportunities that exist with having a lawn faucet installed, make sure you consider the elements of location, water pressure, and style.

Got a plumbing emergency or need a trustworthy Naperville Plumber you can count on? Contact Jim Wagner Plumbing today at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859!

Experiencing any of these in your home?

As a homeowner, there are certain aspects of your home that you most likely do not think about until there is a problem. One of these aspects is your sump pump. Unfortunately, once your sump pump goes out, then there are major issues you must deal with. Flooding can damage your home and belongings plus put your family at risk for health problems from mold and other contaminants. The best way to prevent the stress and cost of your sump pump going out is to ensure that it is properly maintained. Here are three signs that your pump may need maintenance.

1. Odor. If you smell a foul odor, it may be related to your sump pump. It could be a possible problem with your vents or system seals. Call a plumbing professional to have your system checked out as soon as possible.
2. Noises. Loud noises coming from your pump is a sign that something is amiss. It could be a jam or clog in the system or that the pump itself is having mechanically problems. The only way to be sure is to have the pump looked at and serviced.
3. Flooding. Any excess water that is collecting in your sump pit is a sure sign that you need maintenance. There may be a clog, failure in the mechanical aspect of the pump or it is overworked. The best way to get to the bottom of what is going on is to call an experienced plumber.

Sump pumps just like any other machine need regular maintenance to continue to work properly. The cost of maintenance is much less than the damage that a flood can do to your home, much less the health issues and inconvenience that it can bring. As in most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If you need to install a sump pump or provide your current sump pump with maintenance in the Naperville area, call the professionals at Jim Wagner Plumbing at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859 to set up an appointment today!

Need a sewer repair?

Most homeowners dread the idea of paying for sewer repairs. Unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary to have a sewer repaired for a variety of reasons. Luckily, once a homeowner repairs the sewer, it will function well for a long time. Though every sewer repair is unique, most repair companies follow the same steps to fix the problem.

To get started, a sewer repair company must find the location of the problem. Now, sewer repair companies will use a camera to inspect the damage. With a camera, the repair company can detect the problem and decide what course of action is necessary to fix the issue.

Once a company detects the issue, they will explain to the homeowner the best course of action. Largely, the solution will depend on the severity and location of the problem.

A property owner must start the process by clearing the area. This can involve cutting down trees, removing debris and even moving utility lines. With utility lines and trees, the cost and time to fix a problem will quickly rise.

Once the area is clear, most companies will use one of three options. The first option is to mold a new pipe within the old pipe without making a new trench. This option is perfect for a sewer problem under difficult areas such as a street or under a patio.

The other option is to burst the pipes. This option involves breaking the old pipe while at the same time bringing in a new pipe. When long stretches of pipe are necessary, bursting the pipes is the best option.

Finally, the company may need to use the excavation method. With this method, the company will dig up the old pipe and replace it with a new pipe. This option is necessary when the area to repair is small and easy to fix.

Unfortunately, sewer repairs are a necessity for some people. However, a homeowner can lower their costs by catching the problem early and doing any of the associated labor without help.

Need to replace your underground sewers or underground water main? Need a Naperville Plumbing Contractor you can count on? Contact Jim Wagner Plumbing today at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859!

Back flow is when the normal flow of water in the tap, shower, toilet, etc., is interrupted and reversed, causing the good water to mix with the bad water. This can be a huge pain in the neck. For instance, imagine flushing your toilet and instead of the water flushing out, it starts to rise and begins to overflow onto the floor. That is a messy problem and not a good position to be in, which is why you would want to have a backflow preventer installed. The backflow preventer is basically a system that creates an air gap, which vertically separates the end of a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of the receiving vessel, which provides a barrier to prevent backflow.

The backflow preventer is also good to have where sprinkler systems are used. Without it, you could pose the risk of herbicides and other potentially hazardous chemicals entering the drinking water supply. But, along with that backflow testing device, you will also need a Backflow Testing device.

Most backflow prevention devices require an annual test to ensure that they are working properly. It can also be done every other year depending on what state you live in. Although checking the backflow device visually may suffice, it still needs to be tested with properly calibrated gauged equipment. This is important because just like any other machine, wear and tear can happen over time causing the seals, springs, and other parts of the device to become faulty.

There are different test kits for different series of backflow prevention devices, but the good thing is that most of the test kits can be used for more than one series. Plumbers that test the backflow prevention devices are certified in that area and with the particular testing device that is being used.

Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc will like to remind you that by adding a backflow testing device to your Naperville home you can rest assure that your water flow will not be reversed. Call us today at (630) 577-9241