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There are a few discrepancies regarding the temperature setting of a water heater.  The Illinois state plumbing code requires that the maximum temperature produced from a tub and shower valve is 115 degrees Fahrenheit.  This law is in place to prevent being scalded by hot … Read More >

The following directions should remove the odor from and clean the piping of a whirlpool tub.

For a 1 person whirlpool tub:

Fill the tub with hot water
Add 2 teaspoons of granular Cascade (no substitutions)
Add 4 to 6 oz bleach
Run the whirlpool for 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain … Read More >

Different Types of Sewer and Drain Lines

There are many different types of storm and wastewater pipes for a home, which are listed below. Each type of piping system can have its own unique drainage problems requiring different methods to maintain the lines and clear stoppages.

Lavatory … Read More >

Positive Points:

Endless supply of hot water if sized properly and used properly.
Takes up less space.
If properly maintained will outlast a conventional unit.
Does not have stand-by losses associated with conventional units with can save approximately $120.00 per year.
10% to 20% increase in overall energy efficiency over … Read More >

Many customers are under the impression that because a home is equipped with a humidifier, the home should always be humid. There are several factors that limit the operation of the humidifier and the amount of moisture that will be placed into the home.

Most humidifiers … Read More >

A backflow device is also known as an RPZ valve. RPZ stands for Reduced Pressure Zone. This device is installed onto your plumbing system to protect your drinking water and the city water supply from contaminants.

RPZ valves are required when a house or building is … Read More >

1.     Standpipes:

a.     Benefits:  Inexpensive, installed into basement floordrain(s).

b.    Drawbacks:  If you do not have a sump pump the drain tile can still flood the house.  Use can put back pressure on the sewer and cause damage.  Home may still get water … Read More >

How can that be… It was just inspected!

We often must inform new homeowners of problems that home inspectors failed to mention in their reports. Many homeowners find it difficult to believe what we are telling them. When we go to houses where the existing heating, … Read More >

I thought I would address the hottest thing in plumbing these days, the tankless water heater.  These devices have received a lot of press lately.  Unfortunately most of the articles that I have read only tell about half of the story.

Now don’t get me wrong, … Read More >

Many household accidents happen in the bathroom; water and slippery surfaces can cause problems when people aren’t careful. But bathroom accidents are easy to prevent by following a few simple steps:

Make sure your bathtub or whirlpool has a slip-resistant bottom; Most new tubs have a … Read More >