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Barrington, Illinois – Clogged Drains and Pipes What You Should Know

Plumbing issues are like pest that sometimes will not go away easily.

Barrington, Illinois – A clogged drain can occur anywhere and anytime. Some problems can be solved without calling a professional plumbing service. Most experience plumbing companies can detect the root cause of a clogged drain in a few minutes.

If the clog is not a massive obstruction they can usually unclog the drain within a couple hours. However, this is not always the case.

Either way it is always good to have the experience of a professional. This will help you understand what the main reason is behind the clogged drain so you can prevent it from happening again.

Do You Suffer from Clogged Drains in Barrington, Illinois? Call (847) 624-3872

Grease: Cooking oils and greases generally stick to kitchen drains & pipes. Hair grease starts in the bathroom drains. If grease is not removed quickly then it can attaches itself to any surface and become hard. This would be a good time to call in a professional plumbing service to unclog your drains. Schedule a regular maintenance to eliminate problems in the future.

Hair: One of the most common things found in a drain is hair. It clogs a drain almost instantly. Later on, dirt and debris form a clog. This is when draining anything becomes troublesome. Hair and skin oils and lotions can be problematic for your drains.

If possible, always cover your shower and bath drains with a filter or screen. In addition to using organic products this can help the drain to remain clear.

Do You Suffer from Clogged Drains in Barrington, Illinois? Call (847) 624-3872

Food: It is not surprising to know that food can cause a lot of harm to your pipes and drains. All food pieces can potentially obstruct your drains and pipes. It takes more than water flow to break down food. As we all know this can lead to a bad situation. Making a bad problem worst is not a good idea. Always call professional help to unclog your drains and avoid using drains as garbage disposals.

Paper: Several types of paper are out there. Some claim they dissolve (not), some have plastics and other dangerous materials in them. Always use toilet paper in the bathroom and paper towels in the kitchen. Napkins & diapers do not belong in the bathroom. Keep all facial tissues; wet towels, wet wipes and anything other than toilet paper out of the toilet.

Bath Salts: Pampering your body after a tiring day can be invigorating for your mind and body but not your drains. To eliminate chances of a clogged drain, it is better not to use bath salt. It does not dissolves in water easily and can lead to a clogged drain.

For a homeowner, it can be almost impossible to avoid a clogged drain but preventive measures can stop a bad problem from becoming worst. If you need a drain unclogged in or near Barrington, Illinois Call fox valley plumbing & backflow.

Do You Suffer from Clogged Drains in Barrington, Illinois? Call (847) 624-3872
  • By:Matt Plumber

Things to Consider Before Choosing A Good Backflow Testing Service in Elgin, Illinois

How To Choose A Backflow Testing Service in Elgin, Illinois.

The task of selecting a backflow testing service or tester to verify your backflow prevention device is not an easy task, especially when your water utility controlling body in Elgin, Illinois sends you the alarming ‘Backflow Testing Due’ reminder. Water distribution system is designed in such a way that keeps the water flow in one direction, that is, from the water supply point towards the consumer.

However, due to unavoidable situations sometimes conditions occur either from the supplier’s side or from consumers when this rule deviates and that causes the water flow from opposite direction. This problem is known as backflow. Now, a backflow device helps to prevent the contamination of potable water.

Looking For A Quality Plumber In Elgin, Illinois To Test Your Backflow? Call (847) 624-3872

Sometimes backflow contamination can be extremely risky and even fatal. Therefore, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has entrusted the responsibility to maintain the purity of water to the local agencies. That’s why, the water suppliers in Illinois need to test backflow prevention devices annually.

Importance of Choosing the Professional Backflow Testing Services in Elgin Illinois

Whether you need backflow testing service for your residential place or for the commercial place, it is essential to consider a profession service provider whom you can completely entrust the service. After all, a properly functional backflow device avoids the potential risk of flowing contaminated water, industrial fluids, used water and other substances from different sources like residential, institutional or industrial piping system into a filtered and pure water system. Therefore, it is essential to conduct the backflow testing typically once you are sent the reminder.

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While looking for the professional backflow testing services in Elgin Illinois and decide on the right service provider, you must consider these factors mentioned below to take the right decision.

Looking For A Quality Plumber In Elgin, Illinois To Test Your Backflow? Call (847) 624-3872

Verify Certification
While choosing a backflow testing service providing agency or individual tester, you have to always remember that the test needs to be performed by a person having a valid Certification of Competence issued by the health officer from the county of Elgin, Illinois or county of Chicago, Illinois based on your location. In addition, you need to enquire of the validity of that certification in order to find out whether the certificate is current.

Judge the Expertise
Only the professional backflow testing services in Elgin Illinois can offer backflow testing and repairing service performed by the certified testers. In most of the cases, those testers also have expertise in other plumbing services. It is essential to choose a professional tester. Therefore, choosing a professional company that can service both the purposes can save you time and effort.

Looking for Cost Effective Solution
You should find out technicians who are specially trained to evaluate your plumbing system and offer necessary recommendation to minimize or avoid future test failure. Choose a backflow testing company that can not only conduct the test but also suggests you the necessary solution in case of a water shut down.

Looking For A Quality Plumber In Elgin, Illinois To Test Your Backflow? Call (847) 624-3872
  • By:Matt Plumber

Best Practices in Choosing the Right Sump Pump for Your Home

It’s time you choose a sump pump.

sump-pump and ejector-pump

How do you decide which sump pump is best for you?

There are several cheap units available in hardware stores but should you get them? As with other things, cheap units will cost you several hundred dollars more.

Does every home need a sump pump?

Every area doesn’t need a sum pump as per law. If your house hasn’t seen standing water for considerably long periods, a sump pump isn’t necessary. But if the house feels damp or has seen flooding, a sump pump should be considered. Apart from waterproofing, a sump pump will make the environment healthier and save any appliances or other possessions.

Looking For A New Sump Pump From A Quality Plumber In Elgin, Il? Call (847) 624-3872

But what is a sump pump?

We know not everyone is familiar with what goes in where in the house. This pump remains buried in a tub under the basement floor, collects and discharges water to prevent water from flooding the home. If you need to check before deciding to get a sump pump, plaster a few strips of plastic tape onto the wall and leave it in there for two-three days. Do this in several places and when you peel off the plastic later, a wet wall will tell you what you seek to know.

In modern constructions, the pump is fed by drain lines placed under the house and around the foundation wall. In earlier constructions, retrofit pumps were used that had drain lines feeding the pump.
Irrespective of the type, the sum pump works to keep the water from flooding the house.

There are two types of pumps –

Pedestal and Submersible.

Which type of pump should you buy?

• Manual or automatic – choose which type of pump you would prefer. Manual may save you money, but automatic is better.
• Float type – tether or vertical.
• Housing material – cast iron, stainless steel, thermoplastic, aluminum, etc. Probably the stronger the housing, the better the unit.
• Gallons per hour flow – if you live with a high water table, or where there is a lot of rain, more gallons per hour are important.
• Backup and alarm systems – what you prefer will be based on your lifestyle.
• Motor amps – like the vacuum cleaner, the higher the amperage the stronger the motor. Consider 12amps, but fewer than 10amps would probably not serve you long.
• Horsepower – the most popular units, and those recommended by most professionals, are 1/2 to 1/3HP. For minor problems, there is no need to go overboard.
• Discharge port size. A 2″ pipe is usually the largest you can find.
• Price range. Again, you get what you pay for. Online you can find a good cast-iron submersible, 1/2HP unit, with a vertical float, for $200 – $300. Shop around and purchase when you find the best fit.
These are some of the points to keep in mind when looking for a sump pump.

Looking For A New Sump Pump From A Quality Plumber In Elgin, Il? Call (847) 624-3872
  • By:Matt Plumber

Best practices When Choosing and Installing a Tankless Water Heater in Schaumburg, Il

Choosing and Installing a Tankless Water Heater

Based on the temperature rise at a specific flow rate, rating of the tankless water heater is done. Therefore, it is important to know about both the temperature and flow rate in adequate manner. Savings cannot be made ever by reducing the size of the tankless water heater.

Tips to Select Waterless Water Heater

Understand the Requirement of Hot Water

Through use of a tankless water heater of relatively small size, it is possible to offer enough amount of support to the dishwasher, kitchen and bathroom easily. Selection of the water heater can be made in an effective manner if you know about the flow rates. It is important to know about the usage pattern and cold water temperature at the same time. By consulting with the plumber Schaumburg, Il, decision can be taken on the water heater comfortably.

elgin-il-tankless-water-heater

More than a single water heater can be installed in the area. Due to use of zoning technique, it can be circulated around the house properly. Single water heater can be used for the kitchen and bathroom. If you have another one in the house then it can be used for the additional bathrooms.

Looking For A Tankless Water Heater From A Quality Plumber In Schaumburg, Il? Call (847) 624-3872

Know About Your Cloth Washer and Dish Washer
For the home appliances, requirement of the hot water can be felt from the tankless water heater. Process of internal heating can be utilized. It is always better to select an effective water heater in this situation. Some of the washer and drier require connection from the cold water exclusively. Therefore, water heater must not be connected with the drier or washer on the occasion.

Stay Ready to Deal With the Contractor
Both liability and constraint of time is the reason behind the disapproval of contractor for a new tankless water heater. In case, you are sure about this water heater then it is better to look for another contractor who may able co-operate with you. Instruction from the manufacturer must be read carefully before selecting a water heater for the house. Technical team of the manufacturer can be contacted to get more advice on the subject. Matters related to size can be solved in the process.

Building Codes Must be Met
By missing building code related to tankless water heater, you may fall in to great amount of trouble. Therefore, it is better to stay aware of the situation beforehand.

Compatibility of Venting Material
According to the specification of manufacturers and codes of local building, venting material must be chosen for the tankless water heater. Stainless steel venting material is generally seen with these kinds of water heater. Due to proper nature of the sealing, chances of emitting carbon monoxide can be eliminated. Based on the design, you can also look for a double walled material. Specifics can be missed by the HVAC contractor or plumber. Therefore, you must give enough importance to it.

Be Prepared for a Review from Your Building Department
If you abide all the rules and regulation regarding building codes while choosing the tankless water heater then you must not worry about the building department review. Security of the house must be given highest amount of important at the time.

Looking For A Tankless Water Heater From A Quality Plumber In Schaumburg, Il? Call (847) 624-3872
  • By:Matt Plumber

Looking For A Quality Plumber In Or Around the Algonquin, Illinois Area?

Kane County Residents

Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing Services is a full-service plumbing company in Elgin, Illinois. Our professional plumbers are available 24/7 for emergency service.

We carry a variety of top shelf plumbing brands including: Zoellar, Bradford White, Navien, and many others. We can also assist with plumbing installations, repairs, remodeling/renovation, industrial & commercial plumbing services.

If you need help with plumbing repair in your Algonquin, Illinois business or residence, you will want to make certain you choose a top rated plumber. Bad news, so many people out there call themselves plumbers but couldn’t begin to spell “quality work”. They are messy, uncourteous, or in the worst cases outright felons.

Locating a good plumber in Algonquin, Illinois doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these 4 simple guidelines to ensure that the plumbing repair company you hire for your next repair is professional, does awesome work and gets the task completed in a timely manner.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

Do They Give You A Well Written Estimate?

More bad news, we don’t live in the times where a handshake and a person’s word is something we can depend on.

A professional plumber will arrive at your residence or business first, take a look at the problem and give you a well written, easy to understand estimate. When consumers have a tangible estimate in writing, it’s something they can hold them to.

Well written estimates should be completely transparent. They should include the work needed for the plumbing repair, the estimate for each task, and an approximate timeline, especially if the issue is major.

Take time to interview plumbing contractors as they walk around to review the plumbing job. If they give you a good feeling about them in person, that’s very important.

Do They Have a Lot of Experience Servicing Algonquin, Illinois Or It’s Surrounding Areas?

You want to make sure that the plumbing professional you hire has plenty of experience with residents and businesses alike in and around the Algonquin, Illinois area.

The worst thing that can happen is that a fly-by-night contractor comes in after a major disaster, does a poor job and vanishes.

We cannot stress this enough. When you hire a plumber, be certain they have a substantial amount of experience doing plumbing repair in your local area. They should be well known and have a long-term physical location in or close to the Algonquin, Illinois area.

Different geographical areas have their own specific problem problems do to weather, design and other geographical differences.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

Do They Have a Good Reputation?

In a service business, reputation is critical. As you’re considering quality plumbers in or around the Algonquin, Illinois area be sure to get recommendations from peers and family in your local area. You can get references from specific plumbers regarding whom they’ve worked with. Call their previous clients and make sure they had a terrific experience.

fox-valley-plumbing-2016-award-in-elgin-il

You can also find out about a company’s reputation online. Don’t put too much emphasis on one review, but if they have a lot of negative comments from different people, that’s surely a no no!

Do They Have the Right Qualifications?

Everyone loves their family and friends, but when you need quality plumbing repair in or around Algonquin, Illinois it’s important not to call on your family or friends to do the job. Find individuals who have the appropriate qualifications and don’t be scared to call the agencies to make sure the licenses are still valid.

To verify a plumber in Algonquin, Illinois, you can use the Illinois Contractor License Directory website. A fast and easy search will save you hours in frustration and 1000’s of dollars in plumbing repair costs.

Finding a quality plumber in or around the Algonquin, Illinois area doesn’t have to be a stomachache or take all day. Just use these four simple guidelines: a well written transparent estimate, local experience, a good reputation and updated credentials to find the right plumber. When a plumbing repair company has all four in line, you’re much more likely to have a quality experience.

If you’re looking for a plumber in or around Algonquin, Illinois, you can check us out on HomeAdvisor, Yelp or Google to see what others are saying and then give us a call.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

  • By:Matt Plumber

Fox Valley Plumbing has won the coveted STAR AWARD for 2016

Based on the independent research of The Pulse of the City News, Fox Valley Plumbing has won the coveted STAR AWARD for 2016 by combining superior construction product & excellent customer focus!

fox-valley-plumbing-2016-award-in-elgin-il

  • By:Matt Plumber

Quality Backflow Testing in the Elgin, Illinois Area

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

  • By:Matt Plumber

30 Day Promotion – Free 12′ Woodford Hose Bib – Outdoor Water Faucet Repair in Elgin, Il

If you haven’t already heard for 30 days we are offering a free 12″ hose bib for everyone repairing or upgrading their outdoor faucets. This is the season as everything starts to thaw and we all discover everything the ice has destroyed over the winter. Watch the video below and find out more about our offer and how we can help!

To Learn More About This Offer
Call (847) 624-3872
  • By:Matt Plumber

2015 NAECA Water Heater Regulations – Homeowners Beware

2015 NAECA Water Heater Regulations changes began April 16th 2015. Home owners are xpected to prepare before water heater units and install prices rise. Watch the video below and see how this may affect you or someone you know.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

  • By:Matt Plumber

NAECA Mandated Water Heater Regulation Changes You Should Know

new-naeca-regulations-2015Authorities have been looking to change the requirements regarding some home appliances, which consume primary resources, such as water heaters.

Soon, there will be the need for every homeowner to have a water heater that is more energy efficient. Initial changes are set to take effect April 16th, 2015. It will be introduced through the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act or NAECA.

Because it is indeed somewhat of a forced investment, consumers are already pointing to the greedy powers that be. They’re accused of purposely driving up the cost of living. Although sometimes that may look like the case, this time it seems the consumer was high on the list of priorities.

If you add it all up, energy consumption that is, having energy efficient appliances for your home or business make sense financially.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

Homeowners should not be worried, it gives them a chance to upgrade their appliances. The new water heaters are made with the same sized dimensions as the older units. The new units have thicker walls, to reduce heat loss.

Only in very rare cases, the upgraded water heater will have to be put in a larger enclosure. Always ask for the help of a professional plumbing contractor to help you out with choosing and installing the right energy efficient water heater. Get ready to save cash with your new age water heaters.

The new NAECA regulations are not only applicable to homeowners, but also for business owners. Business owners will also enjoy an upgrade in technology and an increase in sales. They’ll have to stock the upgraded water heaters for sure. Next they will have to discard and/or claim a loss on the units they can no longer sale.

Not to mention they are going to need one for their place of business and their home. All businesses who are interested in upgrading to a larger water heater for their place of business should do so now. Experts are predicting a substantial increase in pricing.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

  • By:Matt Plumber
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Recent Posts
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  • Well Tank – Water Main Repipe in Elgin, Il – Part 2 July 21, 2020
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