What You Need to Do to Prevent Frozen Plumbing Pipes

Posted on January 21, 2021 by admin

Winter is not going anywhere anytime soon, so it is a good idea to get your plumbing systems under control now, before the peak of the season is upon us, and your options are more limited. Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing mishaps among homeowners, and one of the most common repairs done by plumbers in the spring. You do not want to deal with the aftermath of frozen or burst pipes, and you won’t have to as long as you get prepared.

Continue reading to learn how to prevent frozen plumbing pipes this year, and what to do if you suspect you might already have some plumbing issues that need professional attention.

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The Problem With Frozen Plumbing Pipes

Although your plumbing pipes are likely insulated, as most are here in the United States, they can still be prone to freezing in extreme temperatures. This is bad news because water expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws. Ever notice those huge potholes in the spring after all the snow melts away? This is due to water seeping into pavement and expanding and contracting as it freezes and thaws. This causes pavement damages like cracks and holes, and the same can happen to your plumbing pipes.

If the frozen water within plumbing pipes creates too much pressure build up, it can actually cause the pipe to rupture, which leads to unexpected water leaks and flooding after the ice melts. It also causes water and energy bills to skyrocket. Not as costly or invasive, but equally frustrating, frozen pipes can also lead to faucet problems, slow water, poor water pressure, and similar water quality issues.

How to Protect Your Pipes From Freezing Over

Inspect your walls and ceilings for any cracks. Seal them up.

Inspect your basement and crawl space for any gaps or openings, and seal them up.

Apply weatherstripping and caulk around your basement windows, and also around your crawlspace door.

Have your home insulation inspected and repaired as needed.

Locate all unprotected pipes and insulated them with pipe sleeves. Be sure they are tightly secured together. Seal up any openings or joints with duct tape.

Consider thermostat-controlled, UL-listed heat cable technology for your plumbing pipes. This keeps them warm during the colder seasons.

Install storm windows over any basement windows.

Replace your windows with energy-efficient models.

Professional Plumbing Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed general contractors, provide a wide range of plumbing and repiping work for residential and commercial properties, including water heater repair, installation, and replacement. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Indianapolis plumbers, today.

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Where to Get Residential Re-Piping Work in Indianapolis

Posted on October 14, 2020 by admin

When you need whole-house re-piping services in Indianapolis, you will soon discover that there is an abundance of contractors and professionals to choose from. But beware, not all plumbing contractors are alike. Residential re-pipe work is complex, and requires acute knowledge and extensive hands-on training. It also requires professional licensing, permits, and more. If you are curious about a re-pipe estimate for your home, whether for copper piping or PVC, be sure you know where to get trusted work that stands the test of time.

Continue below to learn who to trust for residential repiping work in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties.

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Residential Piping and Water Distribution Systems

Not sure if your home is ready for repipe renovations? Well, just look for the signs. Some of the most common include brownish or discolored water, low water pressure, rusty spots on the ceiling, water marks on the walls, persistent pipe leaks, lingering odors, dark flakes in your tap water, low water pressure, poor tasting water, water discoloration, and calcified fixtures. If your home is showing two or more of these telltale signs, talk to a local plumbing contractor about installing a new pressurized potable water distribution system.

Who to Trust for Piping Replacement and Repair in Indianapolis

Restoration By L&B, LLC provides top-quality residential copper re-piping and plumbing services in Indianapolis. Our qualified and insured general contractors are eager to solve your plumbing problems and emergencies as soon as today! Not only do we offer same-day emergency service, we also provide written estimates, plumbing repairs, plumbing replacements, renovations, leak detection services, and much more. Whether it’s a water leak that needs attention or deteriorated plumbing pipes that need replaced, our highly-trained Indianapolis general contractors have the tools and resources to fix any plumbing repair.

Why Choose Us?

If you find a plumbing or general contracting company that will provide re-piping work at a better price, we won’t just match it, we will BEAT it! You don’t have to sacrifice quality or customer service when you search for a lower rate. Our plumbing contractors offer superior plumbing reconstruction services and more at the highest level of craftsmanship and quality in the industry.

Contact us today at 317-454-3612 to request a bid for residential re-piping and plumbing work in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home renovation services.

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5 Easy Ways to Remodel a Master Bath

Posted on July 9, 2020 by admin

Bathrooms are among the most frequently-visited rooms in a home. Whether to alleviate a full bladder, cleanse soiled hands, or relax in a hot tub, the bathroom is important for a home’s general comfort for many reasons. Aside from operative plumbing, décor and ambience can certainly influence the level of comfort you experience in your master bath.

Although new move-ins and outdated bathrooms might desperately need a makeover, not everyone has the time or the disposal income for a bathroom remodeling project. Fortunately, there are five fantastic methods any homeowner or renter can do to instantly update or upgrade the look of their master bath without all the hassle of construction and renovation costs!

Continue reading to learn five ways you can instantly transform your master bathroom within a minimal budget.

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Paint the Walls and Cabinets

Sometimes a simple change of color can make all the difference in a small room like a master bath. If the cabinets are already painted, not stained, re-applying a fresh coat of paint can instantly make cabinets appear brand new. As for walls, a fresh coat of paint or a color change can dramatically transform a space without a hassle. Semi-gloss paints that include primers are perfect for bathrooms and some brands only require one-coat applications. You can purchase enough paint for your master bath as low as $50, depending on the brand and paint quality. Keep in mind that brighter colors can make bathrooms feel more spacious, while warmer colors will offer cozy ambiences.

Replace the Light Fixtures

Speaking of cozy or bright ambiences, depending on whatever you prefer for your master bath, lightening can play a large role in transforming the look and feel of a bathroom. If you have florescent lighting in your restroom, swap them out for something less dramatic like recess lightening. If you cannot afford to have recess or new lighting installed, simply change your lamp bulbs to a smaller wattage, or even an adjustable wattage. You can also purchase small counter lamps that look fashionable and add a transformation of light. You may also consider installing curtains on bathroom windows to add a cozier or homier feel; or removing them to add more natural light and space.

Upgrade Your Bath Towel Options

Hand towels and bath towels fade over time, and can look dull or boring. One fast and affordable way to change the entire look of your master bath is to replace your towels. Choose a new color or fresh pattern and swap out hand towels, rags, shower curtains, and bath towels for an instantaneous transformation!

Re-Caulk or Clean Waterproof Seals

The waterproof caulking around bathtubs and sinks can get moldy or deteriorate overtime. Re-caulking these areas will provide extra security against leaks, as well as, brighten up the look of your bathroom. Instead of re-caulking, you can apply a good bleach scrub-down to clean the seals and freshen up their look.

Replace Bathroom Fixtures

If you want to update the look of your bathroom to a more modern feel, simply replace the plumbing and decorative fixtures. Things like faucets, shower heads, shower rods, towel racks, sconces, doorknobs, and more can be replaced at a low cost in a short amount of time. You would be amazed to see how a bathroom can look entirely remodeled and updated with a simple fixture upgrade you can do yourself!

Indianapolis Bathroom Remodeling Contractors That Can Help

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis bathroom remodeling services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

FAQS About Buying a Water Heater

Posted on July 19, 2019 by admin

Hot water heaters are common appliances found in modern day homes.Without a hot water heater, a hot steamy shower in the morning is out of the question. They heat the water in the home to any desired temperature, depending on the intended use. Homeowners in the market for a new hot water heater, especially for the first time, have many questions about the how a hot water heater works and what features to look for in a new unit.

If you are also asking similar questions, continue reading to learn some interesting and helpful facts about hot water heaters.

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What Type of Water Heater Do I Need?

The very first consideration for selecting a water heater is the fuel type. The two main fuel categories for home appliances is gas and electricity, but some homes use propane. The size of your water heater is another major factor to consider. You must think about how much water your home uses, and then choose a water heater that has the capacity to heat that much water. To determine your required gallon capacity is to count the number of occupants in the home. This will let you know what size water heater you need. The general rule of thumb is:

1 – 2 Occupants: 23 – 36 gallon
2 – 4 Occupants: 36 – 46 gallon
3 – 5 Occupants: 46 – 56 gallon
5+ Occupants: 56 gallon or Higher

Do Water Heaters Come with Warranties?

Warranties are typically sold with hot water heater units to protect homeowners from costly repairs and fixes shortly after purchase. The problem with hot water heating warranties is that they do not last very long; and in most cases, the homeowner is unaware that their warranty has expired. It is a good idea to ask about water heater warranties before making any purchasing decisions.

How Much Does a Water Heater Cost?

For tank-style water heaters, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand or more, depending on the size and application. Commercial water heaters range in the high thousands, sometimes over $10,000. But residential units are generally a few thousand unless you go tankless. But even then, conversion and installation costs add up to the same as tank-style units.

When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

Signs that suggest a water heater needs replaced include excess water buildup around the unit, drop in water quality, inconsistent water temperatures, and more. Water buildup may be from a leak in the appliance. These kinds of leaks are difficult to repair, and on a financial standpoint, more economical to replace the entire unit. Water quality issues are evident when rust and other sediment buildup is seen throughout the water supply. This suggests that the tank is failing and needs exchanged.

Where Can I Get Water Heater Plumbing Service in Indianapolis?

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional water heater plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed contractors, provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties, including water heater repair, installation, and replacement. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Indianapolis plumbers, today.

Solutions for a Leaky Hot Water Heater

Posted on January 11, 2017 by admin

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It is never a good sign to see standing water around any major appliance in your home. When the standing water is found around your hot water heater, it is just as bad. Standing water suggests a leak, coming from the book of Plumbing 101. But how do you know the extent of damage without any plumbing or HVAC experience? Just follow these simple guidelines on how to repair a standard water heater leak in your home.

Water Heater Leaks

Typically, a puddle of water around your water heater means leakage. Fortunately, there is probably a simple solution for this leak. Before calling your local plumbing company, check out these scenarios to see if you can find the solution on your own, for free.

There is a valve located at the bottom of the water heater, called a T&PR valve. In most minor water heater leaks, this is the culprit. You see, water heaters only have three connecting lines. They are the hot water outlet line, the cold water inlet line, and the third line is attached to a brass valve with a lever on it. When there is an accumulation of water around the water heater, it usually means the T&PR valve is doing its job. It is there to relieve the excess water pressure inside the appliance. It is a safety mechanism that prevents water pressure from overheating and causing an explosion.

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So if you see this standard leak under your hot water heater, it usually suggests that the Temperature and Pressure Relief exceeds the appliance design limitations. Generally, the heat limit is 120 degrees. At this point, the T&PR valve is designed to release this excess water and pressure. It is a sign that your water heater is reaching unsafe temperature levels. If you know how to refute this problem yourself, then do so with this new found information, otherwise, call a professional plumber to take a look and fix the problem.

Water Heater Inspections

Once a year, you should test your T&PR valve by simply lifting the lever attached to the third connecting line, as mentioned earlier. Once you release some water by lifting this lever, let go to see if it closes back up and stops the hot water flow. This simple test that only needs performed once a year can greatly reduce the need for repairs, and reduce the cost of repair altogether by discovering water heater issues early on.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed contractors, provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties, including water heater repair, installation, and replacement. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Indianapolis plumbers, today.

What is the Difference between a Master Plumber and a Plumbing Contractor?

Posted on February 1, 2016 by admin

Minor plumbing repairs, plumbing emergencies, scheduled maintenance, pipeline work, and piep replacement, and more are all handled by professional plumbers; however, who is the person for the job, a master plumber or plumbing contractor? Continue reading to find out!

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Master Plumbers

Master plumbers are not your everyday general contractors; instead, they are highly trained and acute plumbing engineer specialists with years of strict formal training and experience. A master plumber is a person that has completed a stringent and complex line of testing, training, and work to achieve master status and a master plumbing license. These plumbers are not the ones you hire if your faucet is leaking. These specialists are commonly found engineering pipeline and setting up plumbing systems for major towns, factories, commercial buildings, and industrial complexes. They make sure all plumbing is perfect, and up to code.

Master plumbers are the top dogs of the plumbing work force. Their jobs are highly complex and sensitive, requiring an exceptional amount of knowledge and skill. It is very difficult to become a master plumber due to the degree of difficulty, dedication, time, and hard work. Many apprentices go almost as far, but rather than pursuing a Master Plumbers License, they opt for a general plumbing contractor’s license instead.

Licensed Plumbing Contractors

A licensed plumbing contractor is by no means less of a plumber than a master plumber. Their services are high in demand, and their skill requires lengthy training and experience as well. The major difference is the area and level of plumbing they work on. General plumbing contractors typically facilitate residential and commercial plumbing projects. They still repair, maintenance, service, install, and replace plumbing systems; as well as, provide site work and excavation services for new developments and properties.

Plumbing Work

Plumbing work comes in various shapes and sizes; which is why there is a level of plumber for each type of job. Depending on the needs of the community, the plumbing work will decide for itself. If you see an industrial factory, you are looking at the work of a master plumber. If you have a water heater repair, then a licensed professional plumber is the technician for you. This is how real estate owners can decide in the future, what type of plumber they are in the market for. If you are ever in doubt, always start with your local general contractor. They can lead you in the right direction, and even give you the proper referrals you are looking for.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Plumbing Rennovation and Repair 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Licensed general contractor, Lee Elliot, and our team of experienced contractors, provide professional plumbing service at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we will beat any competitors’ price, guaranteed! From minor plumbing repair to major plumbing work, Restoration By L & B, LLC is the company for the job when you want quality at an affordable price. Call 317-454-3612 for information about plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, IN today.