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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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.

Indoor and Outdoor Home Maintenance Advice for Fall

Posted on November 5, 2014 by admin

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Fall is officially here! The colorful leaves spread across our lawns, the bountiful pumpkin harvests, and the stealthy on-set of cooler temperatures are just a few signs that reveal the official start of the season. Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and a productive one as well. The change of scenery and colder weather is a reminder of what’s to come, and seems to jump start our motivation to prepare for the winter climates and precipitation. There are several ways to prepare your property, indoor and outdoor, for winter weather. Continue reading to learn a few tips for interior and exterior home maintenance, and who to call for professional assistance and services.

Seasonal Upkeep for Residential Properties

Fall is the perfect time of year to start making interior and exterior inspections to your home, and implementing effective preventative maintenance to prepare your property for winter. It is strongly recommended to consult or hire a professional Indianapolis handyman or general contractor to provide the more intrusive and tedious projects, or ones that require the use of specialized or dangerous equipment; such as roofing repair, ladders, power tools, and more. Whether you choose to do most of your seasonal home maintenance on your own, or wish to outsource professional services, consider the following areas to start with:

Exterior Home Maintenance

Start outside by removing all furniture and cushions from your exterior patio and deck areas. Be sure to clean them and store them in a cool, dry place for the season. If you do not have room to store outdoor furniture, simply purchase furniture covers to protect them from winter elements. Next, locate all the garden and lawn hoses on your property and be sure to drain them completely. Roll them up and fix any kinks, and then store them inside as well. At this time, you may want to inspect the condition of your spigots, and make any necessary replacements. If your property has automatic sprinklers, be sure they are in good condition and prepped for snow and ice.

Since winter-time brings about large snow storms and harsh climates, it is important to take care of any trees touching or close-by your home. Trim them back, or secure them so they cannot break windows, damage siding, or cause interference with cables and utility lines. If there are large trees next to the area you park your cars, it is wise to have those trees trimmed or secured to protect your vehicles in the case of a fallen tree or branch. Also, inspect and clean out gutters, and check for loose roof shingles and siding. These diminish the quality of your home’s insulation and can lead to increased utility bills and energy costs. Attemept to rake the majority of fallen leaves and tree branches from your yard as well. Also, check the caulk around windows and doors. Have them repaired or replaced for better insulation and energy efficiency. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected as well. You may want to also consider having your concrete pavement sidewalks, or curbs sealed to prevent cracks from freezing water.

The next area to pay attention to is a big one. We’re talking about water leaks and foundation problems beneath the home. It may require professional plumbing service or diagnostics to accurately locate, asses, and diagnose a slab leak or underground water leak. An underground leak can be caused by cracked or corroded pipes, which can leak water beneath a home, and within its foundation. When this water freezes, it can break more plumbing pipes and lead to costly plumbing and structural damage repairs. Have a professional provide an inspection for water leaks, plumbing leaks, or underground slab leaks if you are concerned you may have one present in your home. Fixing any water leaks before freezing temperatures are upon us is highly recommended and vital for all homes and properties.

Interior Home Maintenance

Once you have completed the outdoor portion of seasonal home maintenance, it is time to get started indoors. Begin by inspecting all the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Change their batteries and test them to be sure they are operational. While you have the batteries out, go ahead and replace all flashlight batteries in the case of storm and weather emergencies. Don’t throw away batteries that still have partial use; instead, use them in items that are not as vital for safety and protection; like toys and remote controls. Also be sure to check your fire extinguisher and see that its re-charged and ready to go.

Next, replace all the light bulbs in your lamps and interior lighting. This is actually something that should be done for both indoor and outdoor preventative maintenance. Always recycle old light bulbs that contain mercury! Mercury is toxic to soil and other natural elements in our surrounding Eco-system.

Fall is also a good time for plumbing appliance maintenance. Be sure to service and flush your hot water heater and have it inspected for any needed parts-replacement or cleaning. Also, have your water softener serviced as well. The other appliance that needs to be serviced, cleaned, and inspected for winter preparation is your HVAC system. Remember, prevention is less expensive than repair.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for information about home remodeling, handyman service, and home repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, and his team of highly trained and qualified general contractors, provide a wide range of handyman services for residential and commercial properties. Our services ranges from general handyman services to major restoration and repair services, and everything in between. Our remodeling contractors are happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair or re-piping services, exterior painting services, general home repairs, and more. Call 317-454-3612 today and learn more about seasonal home maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, IN.