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Invisible Causes of Water Damage – Schaumburg, IL

What causes water damage? Learn how to inspect air conditions, plumbing, appliances, and more. Learn how to detect the hazards in your home or business.

If you want to prevent water damage in your home or office, you must first learn where to look for and what are the different causes of this kind of damage. This article covers the invisible causes of water damage, those that are a little harder to detect by simple do-it-yourself inspections.

There is additional material about the visible causes of water damage that you need to read in order to fully understand the subject. A good understanding of the subject will not only provide you with great techniques to prevent water damage but also will help you save money and will keep your house in good shape, preserving its value for many years. While you can control some of the causes for damage, others cannot be predicted and therefore cannot be prevented.

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Plumbing:

Plumbing equipment usually develops leaks due to failures in joints or hose attachment.
Internal wall leaks are even harder to discover and can cause major damage.

Pipes:

The common problems in pipes are blocked toilets and drains (especially kitchen drains), failure of garbage disposals, and roots in sewer lines.

Weather:

Unpredictable summer storms, floods, and other water accompanied disasters such as hurricanes, blizzards, and tornados are some more reasons for water damage.

Heating Systems and Air Conditions:

Neglecting air conditioners leads to poor performance, expensive operating costs, and moisture issues. Moist cooling ducts promote mold and other water-borne bacteria.

Appliances:

Water heaters, washers, and dryers tend to crack over time, allowing water to trickle. Although these appliances will start leaking slowly, this leak can grow and cause a flood when completely failed. Hoses tend to deteriorate inside out, resulting in leaks as well.

Basements:

A wet basement is caused by moisture accumulations that drip through the foundations. When moisture evaporates, it increases humidity even if there are no leaks or standing water. Another common cause is condensation on the cold concrete walls and floors during more humid time periods.

It is recommended to inspect your home periodically to ensure that it stays in good condition and keeps its real market value. A periodic inspection will also help prevent high-costs restoration projects after water-related disasters.

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Whole House Water Filters – Elgin, IL

Home water filters in Elgin, IL and surrounding areas are the perfect option for people that are interested in having clean, drinkable water. Along with providing quality drinking water throughout the house, the water filters also provide benefits such as removing impurities that cause spotting in water that is used to wash dishes.

Unfiltered water can also cause problems such as corroding plumbing and appliances, stain sinks and showers, and ruin clothes that have been washed. Although home water filters are normally used in residential homes, they can also be an effective option for apartments or offices.

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At first, it may seem that the water filters in your home would be extremely expensive when compared to other filter options, but they are actually a very cost-effective option for water filtration. The price range of these water filters can range from two hundred dollars and cost as much as a couple of thousand dollars.

The price of the filters is dependent upon their size, material, and life span. This may seem like an extremely high price, but when compared with other filter options, it’s very cost-effective because of the amount of filtering that it provides.

Water filters for the entire house purify water in the same fashion as other filters, such as a countertop or under sink filters, do. The difference is that it requires only one filter, which is attached to the main water source, instead of needing multiple water filters to be attached to different devices.

As with the other filters, whole house water filters purify tap water by forcing it through several different stages of filtration. One of the stages is carbon filtration. Carbon is an effective method of filtering water because it is porous and has the ability to remove small and large impurities. Carbon is essential in removing volatile organic carbon compounds, which in some cases can cause serious damage to the liver, kidney, or central nervous system. Carbon also removes dangerous substances such as pesticides, industrial solvents, and insecticides. Our plumbing services can provide your home or place of business with a full water filter solution to meet your needs.

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Another essential step of the filtration process involves a process such as ionization or micron filtration. This step removes hundreds of contaminants found in tap water and transforms the water into great tasting, healthy drinking water. As mentioned earlier, the main advantage of whole house water filters is that they provide filtered water throughout the house with the use of only one filter.

Another advantage of whole house water filters is the long life span that they offer. Many of these filters last between fifty and one hundred thousand gallons of water. For many, the main disadvantage of whole house filters is the higher than average price. Although these filters are very cost-effective, they do require a large investment upfront. Whole house water filters can also require a significant amount of work to install. Let Fox Valley Plumbing provide plumbing services of installing a complete water filtration system in your home or place of business.

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Repair and Maintenance of Kitchen Faucets – Schaumburg, IL

The kitchen is the heart of many homes. This is the room where the family prepares and shares meals together. Because so much time is spent here, the fixtures and accessories need to be functional and fit with the style of the room. The kitchen faucets in the sink and kitchen islands are made with style in mind. With so many choices, you are sure to find the right fit for your home. Most people match the fixtures to the style of kitchen cabinets.

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Styles of Kitchen Faucets

The sink faucet use to be merely functional; the purpose was to deliver water to sinks for cooking or cleaning. Nobody really thought about what it looked like or if it matched the dÈcor in the room. Those days are over. Kitchen fixtures are now available in a range of finishes and styles to match every home.

Some of the available finishes include:

+ Brass (natural is more popular than polished)
+ Weathered brass
+ Nickel
+ Bronze
+ Antique copper
+ Brushed nickel
+ Stainless steel
+ Porcelain
+ Chrome
+ Black

The brushed and weathered look is more popular than the shiny, polished finishes. The polished chrome faucet is most often used in contemporary style kitchens now. Elaborate Victorian designs are available for more formal-looking kitchens. Their use as a design feature has resulted in fixtures being one of the most popular upgrades for people purchasing a new home.

If your home has boring fixtures that seem out of date or don’t match your home, replacing them is easy and inexpensive. Just make it part of a small home improvement and decoration project. The price for replacements varies and the finish plays a role in the price. Chrome is the least expensive and most durable material used. Other materials can be quite a bit more expensive and require extra care.

Visit your local plumbing or home improvement store in Schaumburg and surrounding areas to see the various styles available. Fox Valley Plumbing can replace or fix your faucet.

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Installation Procedures

The new faucets are easier to install than older models. Most manufacturers include all connections and fittings needed to install the unit yourself. Complete installation instructions are included with the faucet. Look for complete kits that come with the flexible hoses needed to attach to your water supply.

If these aren’t included, you will need to purchase them separately. Don’t be alarmed if you notice particles in the water when you finish the installation. These are just particles trapped in the fixture from manufacturing and installation. They will rinse clear if you let the water run for a few minutes.

Kitchen Faucets: Repair and Maintenance

Repairing and maintenance are easier than ever before and can be done by a handy homeowner. Rubber rings can be easily replaced at home when needed. Before working on the sink, turn off the water and cover the drains. Properly cleaning and maintaining your faucet will extend the life and keep it in good working order.

Check the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning the finish. Most can be cleaned with mild soap and water or window cleaner. Don’t use harsh cleaning products, which can damage the finish. Polish matte finishes with furniture polish. Check the label to be sure the product you use is safe for the material of your fixtures.

Shower and Bathroom Fixtures

The combination of style and function found in kitchen fixtures has extended into the bathroom as well. There is a wide variety of choices available in shower faucets. You can choose the standard wall mount faucet or go for a removable head. Many can be adjusted to regulate the water flow according to your preference.

There are two basic choices in handles: pull-out and individual knobs. Some people find one handle to be more convenient and easy to use. Two handles are more stylish and a variety of styles are available in the handles. You should choose according to the style of your sink or bathtub. Faucets can be matched for the tub and sink if you choose.

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Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Licensed Plumbers Proudly Serving Palatine, Illinois

Fox Valley Plumbing Palatine IL

Palatine, Illinois: Cook county residents, Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing technicians are plumbing specialists who offer complete plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients.

Toilets, showers, sinks, water heaters, sump & sewage pumps, drains, or sewer pipes–we know how important a quick response can be.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

Exceptional Service Guarantee

If you aren’t happy, neither are we. We strive to make YOU happy. At Fox Valley Plumbing, we make sure you understand everything we are providing, no fancy language with hidden costs.

At Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing Services, your plumbing problem becomes our problem the moment you contact us.

We take pride in reaching your location promptly, diagnosing your plumbing issue quickly, and taking action.

Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow emergency plumbing service professionals bring with them all the specialized equipment typically needed to inspect, detect and repair burst pipes, major clogs, backups, and other plumbing catastrophes.

We’ll explain the problem and solution and fix it right the first time. We’ll even help you prevent future plumbing problems by inspecting your entire system as part of our service to you.

All Services include a full one-year workmanship warranty. Call For Details!

Read More About Our Plumbing Services

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Water Heater Repair Service in Schaumburg, Illinois & Surrounding Areas

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The Importance Of A Sewage Pump

Zoeller Commercial Sewage and Ejector Pumps Elgin, IL. Fox Valley Plumbing Backflow

In above-grade homes, sewage systems operate based on gravity, wherein sewage flows downhill and enters a municipal sewer line or a septic tank.  However, sewage that originates in a basement of a home is typically situated below septic or sewage lines and gravity can’t be applied to move the waste.  In such instances, a sewage pump needs to be installed.

The function of a sewage pump is to move sewage liquids and solids between one location and another.  Typically, in residential applications, sewage (including soft solids up to 2″ in diameter) is pumped from a sewage basin to a sewer system or a septic tank.  A sewage pump is installed at the lowest point of the sewage basin.  The basin itself is placed at or below the floor level of the basement.

Since the pump is submerged most of the time, it is also referred to as a submersible sewage pump. Sewage pump can be automatic, manual, or dual (piggyback) mode.  Manual pumps need to be manually turned on/off as the need arises.  Automatic pumps have a floating switch, which turns the pump on and off whenever sewage in the basin reaches a certain (usually pre-set) level.

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A dual-mode pump contains a piggyback plug, which allows the pump to be used as either manual, wherein the pump bypasses the switch and is plugged in directly into the socket, or an automatic, wherein the pump is plugged in through the floating switch and works only when the switch is activated.

Due to the possibility of sewage overflow, it is generally not advised to use a manual sewage pump inside of a sewage basin. 

Sewage pumps are centrifugal pumps, with special design considerations enabling solids to pass without clogging the pump.  When the pump is turned on, the motor starts to rotate the impeller, creating the pressure that pushes water into the impeller and from there into the discharge pipe. 

The sewage pump is powered through a 10-25 ft electric cord. Depending on the model, the voltage can be 115, 230, 460, or 575 volts.

The pump housing, which contains a motor and an impeller, is made with cast iron and is built for long-term use. Sewage pumps come with legs attached to the housing, which keeps the pump a few inches above the bottom of the barrel.

While the most common use of a sewage pump is to pump residential waste, some models can also be used in industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications. 

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Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Licensed Plumbers Proudly Serving Barrington, Illinois

Barrington, IL Fox Valley Plumbing Services

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

Barrington, Illinois: Cook and Lake County residents, Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing technicians are plumbing specialists who offer complete plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients.

Toilets, showers, sinks, water heaters, sump & sewage pumps, drains, or sewer pipes–we know how important a quick response can be.

Full Product & Service Warranties

All Services include a full one-year workmanship warranty. Call For Details!

Exceptional Service Guarantee

– If you aren’t happy, neither are we. We strive to make YOU happy. At Fox Valley Plumbing, we make sure you understand everything we are providing, no fancy language with hidden costs.

– At Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing Services, your plumbing problem becomes our problem the moment you contact us.

– We take pride in reaching your location promptly, diagnosing your plumbing issue quickly, and taking action.

– Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow emergency plumbing service professionals bring with them all the specialized equipment typically needed to inspect, detect and repair burst pipes, major clogs, backups, and other plumbing catastrophes.

– We’ll explain the problem and solution and fix it right the first time. We’ll even help you prevent future plumbing problems by inspecting your entire system as part of our service to you.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

 

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Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Licensed Plumbers Proudly Serving St. Charles, Illinois

St. Charles, Ill Fox Valley Plumbing

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

St. Charles, Illinois: Kane and Dupage county residents, Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing technicians are plumbing specialists who offer complete plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients.

Toilets, showers, sinks, water heaters, sump & sewage pumps, drains, or sewer pipes–we know how important a quick response can be.

Full Product & Service Warranties

All Services include a full one-year workmanship warranty. Call For Details!

Exceptional Service Guarantee

– If you aren’t happy, neither are we. We strive to make YOU happy. At Fox Valley Plumbing, we make sure you understand everything we are providing, no fancy language with hidden costs.

– At Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow Plumbing Services, your plumbing problem becomes our problem the moment you contact us.

– We take pride in reaching your location promptly, diagnosing your plumbing issue quickly, and taking action.

– Fox Valley Plumbing & Backflow emergency plumbing service professionals bring with them all the specialized equipment typically needed to inspect, detect and repair burst pipes, major clogs, backups, and other plumbing catastrophes.

– We’ll explain the problem and solution and fix it right the first time. We’ll even help you prevent future plumbing problems by inspecting your entire system as part of our service to you.

Call Us At (847) 624-3872

 

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Are You Protected From The Corona Virus?

FoxValleyPlumbing_Corona Virus Advice For The City Of Elgin illinois!

 

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