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Barrington, Illinois – Is your water bill increasing?

Are you wondering why your water bill has been increasing over the past few months?

At the end of the year when you pay your taxes and you glance at your expanses, you’re not looking for any surprises. If you look at your water bill and compare them to last years, you will probably wonder why are they increasing.

There are a lot of reasons as to why your water bill is rising that are not so evident. The good news is once you can identify these reasons, getting your water bill back were you like it. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons water bills increase under the nose of the homeowner:

1. Your Toilets Won’t Shut Off
Some “classic” toilets use as much as five to seven gallons of water per flush. Commodes use more water than any other fixture in a home. When they’re not working like they are supposed to, the water usage could rise.

When your water bill surprisingly jumps north, check your toilets. Toilets that are not working properly will run forever. Running toilets are the most common source of high water bills. It could be because of a seal issue, if that’s the case it’s going to keep running to refill itself. This uses a lot of extra gallons of H20.

2. Unseen Leaks
Unseen leaks are another culprit that can cause a increase in your water bill. An Unseen leak, by definition, is usually a leak not visible to the naked eye. If you cant see it, you don’t know to fix it. Even worse, an unseen leak can damage your home.

Unseen leaks can lead to mold growth, water stains, rot, and flooding. If you suspect a hidden leak you might consider hiring a Barrington Illinois plumber who can check your water pressure and then know where to look.

Call Us Today (847) 624-3872

3. Dripping Faucets
They don’t seem like much at first, but over time a ghost drip adds up. One dripping faucet left unrepaired for a month can end up expelling hundreds of gallons of wasted water. Drips are not just annoying–they can cost!

If you are unable to remedy the drip yourself, hire a professional plumber to help you out. Plumbers are good at sniffing out problems like locating and fixing a leaky faucet, solving the pesky problem of no hot water in the shower, and dishwasher leaks, just to name a few.

4. Not WaterSense Approved
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) created the WasterSense Program to help promote water conservation efforts. If your appliance comes with a WaterSense label, it means it is 20% more efficient than comparable products.

The efficiency is achieved through ecologically-friendly technology. Measurable results are available, so you can compare appliances yourself. If you’ve changed out an appliance with one that is not WaterSense approved that could be the culprit for your rising water bill.

5. Situational Factors
A rising water bill can also be the result of other factors like hosting a guest or family member for an extended period of time. According to the USGS Water Science School , one person uses about 80-100 gallons of water per day in the U.S.

You can easily see how additions to the family can spike your water bill. Ultimately, if you’re not sure why your bill is rising contact a trusted plumber and chances are they’ll be able point you in the right direction.

If you need help, call Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow.

We offer 24 hour emergency plumbing services; even if it’s a holiday weekend, or late at night, we will help you..

Call Us Today (847) 624-3872
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Barrington, Illinois – Plumber Shares Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Plumber share’s all the water heater maintenance tips you need.

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Elgin, Il – Plumber Uses A Drain Camera To Find Your Lost Valuables

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Watch This Before You Hire A Plumber To Find Your Valuables

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

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Barrington IL – Sump Pump System Prevention

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When it comes to your sump pump system, a little bit of prevention can be worth thousands.

So does it makes sense (and dollars) to replace your sump pump system every few years?

The function of your sum pump system is to remove water that my builds up around the foundation of your home during heavy water flow. If you have a toilet in your basement, you may have a sump pump system as part of your plumbing system to eject water out of your basement.

The way a sump pump operates is that it has a float attached to a switch. When the float rises with the level of the water, it tells the pump when it’s time to get to work according to the level of the water. Due to wear and tear the off & on switch might wear out.

Once the microswitch switch wears out, a couple of things might happen:
1) The worn-out switch can fail to tell your pump motor to turn on, which results in flooding in your home.
2) When the microswitch fails, it can fail in the open position causing your sump pump to run without shutting off, and as a result burning out the sump pump’s motor, which once again results in water overflowing.

Call Us Today (847) 624-3872

The problem with your sump pump is that you’ll never know when the microswitch is going to conk out until it’s too late and you have a flood on your hands in your home.

It’s therefore recommended that you replace your sump pump motor every 5 to 6 years even if it appears that your sump pump is running fine, because you never know when your switch is going to fail. And although it seems like an unnecessary expense, the cost of replacing your sump pump is small compared to the high cost of damage caused by home flooding.

The other thing to consider with your sump pump, is having some sort of backup system. When you have the highest water levels around the outside of your home during major periods of rainfall, these storms can cause a power failure. The combination of high water levels and a power failure can lead to flooding in your home.

Therefore it’s a good idea to install a backup power source for your sump pump. This can be a battery type backup system, or you might want to consider a hydraulic backup system which uses the water supply from your home to run a backup pump that can run for as long as the power is out, whereas a backup battery will run out of power eventually.

Call Us Today (847) 624-3872
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Barrington, Illinois – Does Your Home Have A Good Sump Pump System?

The April rains are our friends but the flooding, leaks, mold, and other plumbing hazards they can cause will put a poop on your party. The good news is with a little preparation you can avoid all the mess that goes along with a flooding home…

Beat The Storm

Be Sure Your Home Has A Good Sump Pump System: Does your area get hit with tons of water? If you live in Illinois, the answer is yes. It’s time to ponder a sump pump system. Sump pumps redirect water from your home to the outside. If your basement sits below the water table and is a continual flood hazard it would be a good idea to get a backup support sump pump system during a big storm. Large volumes of water will rush into your basement if you do not have the correct system in place.

Remove Clutter: Make sure storm gutters and drains cleared of all debris. It’s a good practice to routinely inspect your water flow stays free. This will ensure your pipes remain free of debris to prevent blocked pipes.

Call Us Today (847) 624-3872

After A Bad Storm

Watch for Mildew: Mildew is caused when moisture accumulates in dark places where not a lot of air flows. Not only can it destroy things, but it can seriously cause issues with your health (and possibly could affect the resale value of your home).

Mildew Can Be Recognized by:

  • Visible mold (generally, black texture)
  • Stinky smell
  • Peeling drywall
  • Breathing issues

 

Mildew isn’t just limited to basements. Check for moisture or smells in your floors and walls. Slow pipe leaks as well as steady leaks can go without being noticed for a long time. This is what leads to treacherous Mildew growth. Also over time it can cause critical issues to your home’s foundation.

Run the Tap Water: Run your shower & sink faucets. If you notice a slow down in the water pressure, it might mean that you have a busted pipe or leak of some kind caused by heavy rains. Be sure you keep an eye out for dirt, debris, or generally funny colored water. This could signify damaged or corroded pipes.

Watch for Blocks: Pipes can become backed up after rainstorms due to debris deposited into storm drains and downpipes during storms. This type of clog is best left to the pros — not corrosive cleaners.

Call a Pro: If you’re unsure how to detect or repair plumbing damage caused by storms, it’s best to call the pros. Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow’s professional plumbers have the expertise and tools needed to replace sensitive plumbing components like sump pump sensors, pipes, and fittings.

At the first sign of storm damage, call Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow to keep your plumbing flowing…

Call Us Today (847) 624-3872
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Safe & Proven Drain Cleaning‎ – Schaumburg, Illinios

Is your tub or sink draining slower than usual, or won’t drain at all?

Need Drain Cleaning Services You Can Trust? Call (847) 624-3872
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Plumbing Service in Elgin, Illinois | Fast, Affordable 24/7 Service‎

Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow provide fast and effective plumbing solutions.

Looking For Quality Plumbing In Elgin, Illinois? Call (847) 624-3872
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Schaumburg, Illinois – What To Do When A Water Main Breaks

water main break in Schaumburg, Illinois

What To Do When A Water Main Breaks

A few months back, thanks to some sub par work completed by a “contractor”, some City folks were privileged to an surprising site: a city main blasting H20 five stories into the air.

Water main leaks & breaks are certainly nothing new in the older neighborhoods. In newer areas these things are a little less likely.

After A water mason breaks sludge, silt, rust and debris start to show up in a homeowner’s water lines.

After this happens, homeowners are often clueless on what to do, especially when they can’t find outward signs of plumbing damage in their homes.

#1 Flood out the pipes Immediately After a water main break

The easiest way to flood a home’s plumbing lines is to open a large faucet or tap while all other taps remain closed. The bathroom usually has the largest faucets. These are ideal for this task.

Turn on the cold water valve in the tub. Pay attention for a hissing and spitting sound. This a sign that air is still in the line.

Flush the water until it is clear, and no additional air bubbles are released.

The restroom’s tap provides the ideal situation for tackling water main problems. The tub’s faucet is bigger than those that serve the sinks. It can discharge debris particles in the water line without getting backed up.

Trash and other mess stops up the lines in smaller faucets and can cause problems that require costly repairs. Debris can get caught in water lines connected to toilets and sinks. In rare cases appliances, boilers and even water heaters.

Every now and then, a piece of debris is the system is large enough to close off a water supply pipe completely.

If you have no water at all, contact the city’s water and sewer services to see whether they’ve turned off the water to your home as part of a repair process. If they verify the water is on, contact a plumber to help you find and free up the clog.

Call Us Today (847) 624-3872

#2 Double check your insurance for water main break coverage

It’s equally important to mention that your city won’t pay to repair damage to a your home’s plumbing system, even if the damage occurred as a direct result of the water main break.

Homeowners must be prepared to repair the damages and replace appliances themselves. Often, most homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover “clean water” damage unless you have it specified in the policy.

Check your policy for this coverage now, and take necessary action if your policy won’t pay for water main break damage.
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Call Us Today (847) 624-3872

#3 Install a water main filtration system

One of the single best ways to keep foreign debris out of your plumbing system is to install a water main filtration system. This addition will help reduce sediment, sand and rust that comes from the municipal water supply.

By keeping these contaminants out of your home’s plumbing, you can improve the water quality in your home and reduce the incidence of damage caused by these free-floating hazards.

If you would like more information about a water main filtration system for your home, please contact Fox Valley Plumbing BackFlow Services we’d be happy to recommend and install a whole-house filtration system that will help keep your home’s water fresh and your plumbing and appliances safe from accidental damage.

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Call Us Today (847) 624-3872
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Barrington, Illinois – How To Avoid Toxic Human Waste in Your Home

Need A Backflow water valve Installed around Barrington Illinois?

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Do You Need A Backflow Water Valve Installed? Call (847) 624-3872
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Barrington IL – Avoid A Winter Plumbing Catastrophe

elgin-illinois-plumber-winterization-tips

Winter Plumbing Problems

Winter plumbing problems are on a steep rise as winter is here. We hope you prepared your plumbing for the freezing weather.

Home & businesses that aren’t properly insulated pose a risk to the plumbing fixtures inside, and if the pipes are exposed to freezing cold temperatures, they freeze up fast. Frozen plumbing is one of the worst plumbing problems that can happen in your home especially in the dead of winter.

Frozen busted pipes will result in costly water damages, which is why it’s critically important to properly winterize your plumbing before the first freeze hits.
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Do You Have Frozen Pipes? Call (847) 624-3872

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Keep An Eye Out For Ice

Avoiding a frozen plumbing catastrophe means not ignoring the warning signs of a frozen pipe and most importantly knowing how to prevent them.

If your pipes are frosty, it may be inviting to try and defrost the plumbing yourself, but correcting the problem should be the job of a licensed plumber. Your plumbing is tricky, and it can be extremely dangerous without the right training, tools and certification.

The quicker you treat frozen plumbing, the better, as the built-up pressure inside can burst your plumbing over an extended amount of time. To dodge a plumbing disaster, here are a few cautioning signs to watch for.

• Ice on Pipes
See if you can locate any of the plumbing inside your home or business. If you see any ice accumulating outside the pipes, that can be a sign that the plumbing is nice and frosty.

• No Flowing Water
Ice pipes freeze all running water from flowing from your faucet. If there is no H2o flowing out of the faucet, it means it’s frozen.

• Stinky Odor
If you smell something funky, perhaps something funky stinky, the issue could be a frozen pipe. Pipes that partially or completely clogged, give any foul odors no place to go but back up.

• Creepy Noises
If your pipes are frozen, that means there is air that can’t escape the sewer line, and the result is a air under water sound when you flush the commode or use the basin. Screeching, banging, and clanking sounds are also noises to listen for, as they can specify a damaged pipeline.
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Do You Have Frozen Pipes? Call (847) 624-3872

Wintertime Plumbing Groundwork

Besides knowing when it’s time to contact a professional plumber, the best way to protect your plumbing is with proper preparation.

Winter, and the frigid temperatures that come with it are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you or your plumbing have to suffer this winter season. To spare yourself the costly repairs of a few busted pipes, here’s what you can do to prevent your plumbing from freezing.
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• Insulate Your Pipelines
Insulation is the best type of protection between your plumbing and the freezing temperatures, which is why it’s important to add a layer of insulation to your plumbing if you haven’t already.

Using some foam pipe insulation, which can be found at any local hardware store, make sure you seal any gaps.

• Insulate Your Home
To protect your plumbing, it’s important that your house is properly insulated as well, which means sealing any air leaks. Check the insulation inside your home, and replace any damaged insulation. Attics and basements should be checked for any air leaks from doors, windows, and vents.

• Let Your Faucets Run a Little
If it’s below freezing outside, let your faucets run a low and steady drip. Letting your faucets drip eliminates pressure that can build up between the faucet and an ice blockage.

A constant small running stream of water inside your pipes can not only prevent some freezing, but a burst pipe in case the water does freeze.
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Do You Have Frozen Pipes? Call (847) 624-3872

• Don’t Forget Your Hose Bibs
It’s easy to do, but don’t forget the plumbing outside your house. Garden hoses should put away, and the hose bibs, drained and properly insulated.

Hose bibs that are left exposed to the frigid temperatures, can cause some serious damage to the valves leading up to them.

• Open Pantry and Cabinet Doors
Keeping your home well-heated helps to prevent frozen plumbing, but proper heating requires proper circulation. Leaving all the pantry, cabinet, and otherwise closed doors open allows the heat to fully circulate throughout
your house.

Don’t Wait Until Your Pipes Burst

Malfunctioning plumbing is a pain, and a busted frozen pipe can lead to costly repairs and devastating flood damage. That’s why it’s important to winterize your plumbing before a plumbing catastrophe can happen.

Your warmth and comfort should never be at stake when it comes to your plumbing. Luckily with some preparation, you can stay warm and enjoy your plumbing without the damages. Call us today, and let them answer any winter plumbing concern for you.

Call Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Today for more details on your winter plumbing…
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Do You Have Frozen Pipes? Call (847) 624-3872
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